Roscommon People - 2 May 2025 by RossiePeople

ROUND ROBIN REVEAL!



Roscommon senior footballers have been drawn along with the Munster champions (Kerry or Clare), the Leinster runners-up (Meath or Louth) and an improving Cork team in what promises to be a fascinating All-Ireland round robin series.

It means that the opening round robin ﬁxture for Davy Burke’s team (weekend of May 1718) will be away to the Munster champions.

Roscommon will then have a home game against either Meath or Louth and their ﬁnal game will be against Cork at a neutral venue. At stake at the end of this series of games is a place in the All-Ireland quarter-ﬁnals.

Dublin, multiple All-Ireland champions of recent years, ﬁnd themselves in what has

quickly been billed as the ‘Group of Death’ following their shock defeat to Meath in the Leinster SFC semi-ﬁnal last Sunday.

The Dubs are grouped with the winners of this weekend’s Connacht ﬁnal (Galway or Mayo), the Ulster ﬁnal runners-up (Donegal or Armagh), and Derry.

The full draw is as follows – Group 1: Ulster winners, Connacht runners-up, Tyrone, Cavan. Group 2: Munster winners, Leinster runners-up, Roscommon, Cork. Group 3: Leinster winners, Munster runners-up, Monaghan, Down. Group 4: Connacht winners, Ulster runners-up, Dublin, Derry.

Tailteann Cup Group draw – Group 1: Kildare, Sligo, Leitrim, Tipperary. Group 2: Offaly, Laois, Wicklow, Waterford. Group 3: Westmeath, Limerick, Antrim, London. Group 4: Fermanagh, Wexford, Carlow, Longford.

King & Mo att Dr Hyde Park). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

SEAMUS DUKE

ATHLONE MOATE LANESBOROUGH Ι GALWAY

SCAR INJURY

I was injured in a car accident last year. The driver of the car I was travelling in was entirely at fault. I was a back seat passenger. I was not seriously injured, but I have been left with a nasty scar on my leg. It bothers me, especially in summertime. Please advise me of my rights. I have no other injuries.

In Ireland, compensation for a scar injury can be sought if the injury resulted from an accident, medical negligence, or an assault. The amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity, location, psychological impact, and whether the scar is permanent or disﬁguring.

It is not uncommon for a person who suffers an injury in a road trafﬁc accident or otherwise to be left with scar tissue which forms after the injury heals. If the scar is the result of an injury received due to the negligence of another, you should be entitled to compensation.

Such scar injury cases are often complicated. Beyond the physical pain of corrective surgeries, a scar victim can also suffer emotional and mental trauma from the change in their appearance caused by a disﬁguring scar. When considering the implications of a scar injury, the age of the scar victim, the location and severity of the scar, the permanency of the scar and the number of corrective surgeries needed must be kept in mind.

Expert medical advice from plastic surgeons and other medical practitioners is essential. The costs of any specialist medical treatment required, together with other out-of-pocket expenses, will form part of the compensation claim.

If you wish to discuss your query further please feel free to contact the Litigation Department of Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors for further advice speciﬁc to your situation.

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

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice speci c to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

If you were involved in a cycling accident

Wow! I didn’t see THAT coming! The heatwave? No!

JD’s big move?

Huh?

JD’s gone from the limelight!

Wow! Trump’s sacked Vance? He’s ﬁnally started ﬁring people, as per Trump 1.0!

I knew I should have had that bet on JD Vance being the ﬁrst to go! NO!

I mean, some of the stuff… No, the weather lady!

Huh?

JD… Joanna Donnelly! She’s ﬁnished up with RTE! Oh dear! Oh no! I liked her!

Well, she’s gone!

Mind you, the weather’s really picked up!

Hey, be nice!

Only joking! Hope to see Joanna back on our screens soon!

(They pause to check if Joanna Donnelly has lined up a reality TV show)

As I was saying… I didn’t see that coming!

Oh yeah… WHAT?

Meath beating the Dubs!

Oh yeah, amazing!

It’s the ﬁrst time Dublin have been defeated in Leinster since 2010!

Incredible!

Yeah, they’ve won every Leinster title since!

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

You have to hand it to the Dubs!

And you have to hand it to Meath! A fantastic win!

(They pause to enjoy the fabulous sunshine, waving at slightly surprised passing neighbours)

JD’s gone? And the Dubs too?

Any sign of the Editor lately?

Yes! I was walking in the park, saw him immediately… as it happened, he didn’t see me, he seemed to be taking a keen interest in some rare ﬂowers!

Eh, I think he was avoiding you… Absolutely not! He acknowledged me when I began shouting his name!

Oh dear. So?

Oh he was ﬁne. Seemed to still have a ‘Leeds United are promoted’ vibe… Very good. Did you say anything about renewing our contract for this column? I made a subtle reference to it…. I told him we’d be writing about Meath beating Dublin, that our column is very topical, and that we’d appreciate being valued accordingly! What did he say?

He said it was very interesting that we’re writing about Dublin and Meath, as “new beginnings and the transfer of power” is very important… and “everything is cyclical.”

Oh no!

What?

That’s the coded way he talks! New beginnings! Transfer of power! Everything cyclical! Don’t you see? It’s his strongest hint that he’s going to drop us!

Oh I didn’t look at it that way… mind you, he did say something about changing of the guard too…

Huh?

Well, he said it was interesting that Joanna Donnelly had moved on to pastures new!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Liverpool, who won the Premier League title last Sunday after a 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anﬁeld. The achievement puts the Reds on par with Man Utd’s record of 20 league championships

Irish people, with temperatures reaching the early 20s this week and expected to continue into the coming days

Jack P Shepherd, as the Coronation Street star was crowned the winner of this year’s Celebrity Big Brother in the ﬁnal last Friday

Ruth Conboy, who was co-opted as a member of Roscommon County Council, replacing Gareth Scahill following his appointment to Seanad Éireann

It’s been a BAD week for…

Kneecap, with the Belfast rap trio coming under ﬁre for their political stances, following statements made against Israel during their recent Coachella performance

Spain and Portugal, after a widespread electricity blackout cut off power to millions, causing major disruption – with phone services dropped, trafﬁc lights not working, and train and metro passengers left temporarily stranded – while authorities battled to restore power

PIC OF THE WEEK: Young Roscommon supporters Oisín and Ella Flaherty were at last Sunday’s Nicky Rackard Cup game at King & Mo att Dr Hyde Park. Roscommon defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-15. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Wednesday, April 23rd

Tidy Towns

Tidy Towns’

welcome to join. Locals are encouraged to take part in helping keep the village looking its best and making a positive impact on the environment.

Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Kitty Blighe and Mary McDermott; 2nd: Maurice Buckley and Larry Shine; Gross: Mary and Vincent Brennan.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: June Halliday and Tommie Murphy; 2nd: Mary and Pearse Mellett; Gross: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine.

Ballymurray Bridge Club – President’s Prize (President Kevin Coyle) 1st: Patricia Keane and Rosaleen O’Hanrahan; 2nd: Jill Farrell and Pat Lyons; Gross: Rita Roughneen and Maria Hickey; 3rd: Marion and Sean Quinn. 1st Session: Marie McSharry and Paraic Brennan; 2nd Session: Frances Keane and John O’Gara.

Bingo boost for Lourdes

Assisted Pilgrim Fund

The Athleague Bingo Committee have kindly agreed to donate a percentage of the proceeds from their weekly bingo session on Tuesday, May 6th (at 8.30 pm) to the Roscommon Deanery Lourdes Assisted Pilgrim Fund.

A raffle will be held on the night. Please support this very worthy cause.

Athleague Market

The next Athleague Indoor/Outdoor Market will take place on Sunday, May 4th (10 am-3 pm). To book a table contact 087 9136692. All welcome.

Man arrested after seizure of firearms and ammunition

Two firearms and ammunition were seized at a property in Ballinasloe during a Garda operation on Monday.

During the course of a planned search at a residence in Woodlawn, Gardaí recovered two firearms, a quantity of ammunition, and a cocaine press. The operation formed part of an ongoing investigation targeting criminal activity in the Galway Division and surrounding areas.

The firearms have been sent for technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at a Garda station in the North Western Region. He was subsequently charged and was due to appear before Loughrea District Court on Tuesday, April 29th.

The seizure is part of Operation Tara, a national strategy introduced by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in July 2021, which aims to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking networks at all levels across the country. Investigations are ongoing.

‘Abuse of disabled parking bays’

Roscommon town

Dear Editor,

I find myself once again compelled to write regarding the ongoing abuse of disabled parking bays in Roscommon town and throughout the country.

Despite the supposed €150 fine for illegally parking in these reserved spaces, there seems to be little to no enforcement from the Gardaí, and as a result, the problem is only getting worse.

Disabled bays exist for a reason – to give people with genuine mobility issues a fair chance to access facilities and services. Yet, every day, able-bodied individuals think nothing of taking these spaces simply because it is convenient for them. It is not only selfish, it is deeply disrespectful to those who genuinely need them. I have had enough of people taking liberties and ignoring the rules without consequence. When laws are not enforced, they become meaningless. The Gardaí need to be more proactive: issuing fines, running spot-checks, and ensuring that there are real deterrents for those who abuse the system. I would urge Roscommon County Council and the Gardaí to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. Enough is enough. Disabled bays are not optional parking spaces – they are essential lifelines for many.

Yours sincerely, Damien Hogan

Claire Shanagher

Photographed are the two firearms and accompanying ammunition seized by Gardaí as part of Operation Tara on Monday at a residence in Woodlawn in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. The firearms have been forwarded for a technical examination by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau.

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Select dates available for Christmas 2025 weddings at the Abbey!

ROMANCE UNDER THE MISTLETOE! select dates remain for Nov/Dec

The luxurious four-star Abbey Hotel Roscommon is a picturesque 51-bedroom, family-

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nasty since the early 1960’s. If you are recently engaged, it’s certainly worth paying a visit to this award-winning destination wedding venue. The hotel is fully licensed to host civil ceremonies and can cater for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The luxurious ballroom is something truly special indeed, accommodating up to 320 guests, and the Fortfield Suite –an alternative option for indoor civil ceremonies (with its own bar and dancefloor) – is best suited to smaller wedding parties and holds up to 150 guests. A truly romantic and unforgettable location, the Abbey is the perfect destination venue for your big day. The Grealy family and team look forward to helping you make memories to last a lifetime.

To arrange a viewing, call the hotel’s weddings manager on 090 66 66211 or email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie.

Celebrate Africa Day in

SATURDAY

The Black Ball Final

I haven’t seen that much of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, which is ongoing… but now I’m sitting down to watch a 68-minute frame from 40 years ago, the outcome of which I’ve known… for 40 years. Life is strange. Or is it just me?

Well, BBC must have conﬁdence in its viewers’ taste. Tonight, they’re showing the deciding frame of the epic 1985 World Snooker Championship ﬁnal… in full.

It’s kind of fascinating to watch it ball by ball, as defending champion and runaway favourite Steve Davis and outsider Dennis Taylor enter the pressure zone. The score is 17-17 (Taylor having fought back from 7-0 behind). Understandably, the emphasis is on safety, red balls obligingly huddling in a semi-circle near the bottom cushion, like wary sheep under a hedge on a wet day. Later, after much tipping and tapping, there’s the unbelievably tense marathon battle on the colours, the world title at stake, before Taylor ﬁnally wins it on the black ball.

Watching the full frame all these years later brought back to me how special snooker was to us in those days. It was both sport and soap opera, starring a wonderful cast of characters. More updates on the 1980s in future columns!

SUNDAY

A royal coup

Channel-hopping between the hurling and Liverpool’s super Sunday, I check in on Dublin v Meath in the football. I genuinely had to doublecheck the score update: Meath 0-17 Dublin 0-5. I shared the extraordinary news with everyone in our room (the dog, perhaps aware of the wind factor in O’Moore Park, seemed disinterested). Later, Meath’s amazing giantkilling act was conﬁrmed.

The last time Dublin lost in Leinster was in the summer of 2010, the same summer in which David Cameron resigned as UK Prime Minister. They’ve had ﬁve prime ministers

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

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

since (while the Dubs have remained unbeaten). This coup is great for Gaelic football. Congratulations to the Royals!

SUNDAY

Tsars and gripes

A tsar is born… or something like that.

According to today’s Sunday Independent, the latest ‘new idea’ by government is the establishment of a ‘Housing Activation Ofﬁce’, which will be headed by a ‘Housing Tsar’.

The Special One will reportedly be Brendan McDonagh. As Head of NAMA (the National Asset Management Agency) Mr McDonagh received an eye-watering annual salary of €430,000. Now, the Sunday Independent reports, he will retain that super-salary as housing tsar. Plus (unspeciﬁed) beneﬁts. That’ll take the tsar up towards the half million euro a year mark, I’d say (I am making no personal criticism of him).

If indeed Mr McDonagh is to be paid €430,000 (plus perks), he will be receiving about €80k a year more

than President Trump, and almost €200,000 a year more than Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Speaking of the Taoiseach, the good news is that Deputy Martin “understands concern” about Mr McDonagh reportedly retaining his ‘Nama salary’ in the new role.

The Taoiseach – apparently with a straight face – told the media he could not conﬁrm the full arrangements “in the context of the individual concerned”. He expects decisions relating to the new role to be made this week.

On disquiet over the alleged salary, Mr Martin added: “I understand that concern, but the overarching concern is getting houses built much more quickly.”

So, to summarise: the Taoiseach understands the concern, but moved immediately to create a hierarchy of concern, whereby getting houses built more quickly is of much more importance.

Further, the Taoiseach could not conﬁrm the job details “in the context of the individual concerned” – but expects developments. No doubt Mr Martin will get back to us on this one.

MONDAY

On Kneecap

I don’t know enough about rap sensations (and multiple award winners) Kneecap to offer a view on their music, or indeed the nuances of their political/social messaging, and in truth I have little or no interest in them.

But Kneecap are all over the media this past week or so. When there was an outcry over comments they made about Hamas, the spotlight turned to previous statements by the band (perhaps not highlighted at the time).

That’s when the focus switched to a video of a 2023 gig that apparently has a member of the West Belfast group saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”

Amidst calls for the band to be cancelled, their manager has defended Kneecap, saying “We’re in the space now of moral hysteria and moral outrage, and you’ve a band being held to higher moral account than politicians who are ignoring international law.”

A reasonable enough point, I’d have thought. Artists should be

free to express controversial views and so on. Art is art. But there really is no defending the ‘Kill your local MP’ comment, particularly in an era when politicians everywhere are in greater danger of being attacked than ever before. This week, Kneecap issued an apology, perhaps an acknowledgement that, even for rebel rappers, they had overstepped the mark. The band has also insisted they do not support Hamas (while reiterating their support for the people of Palestine).

TUESDAY

You couldn’t make it up

A headline on a ‘mainstream’ Irish news website: ‘Taylor Swift is photographed without make-up’.

How did we get to this point?

I’m not inclined to blame the media organisation in question; besides, most of this ‘ﬂuff as news’ is syndicated media. Maybe I should blame HELLO! Magazine, or the Daily Mail. Anyways, could anybody possibly care if Taylor Swift has been spotted out and about without make-up? Answers by postcard only by 5 pm next Wednesday please (for the attention of our new ‘Celebrity Editor’).

WEDNESDAY

Time out

As the sun shines gloriously, in town, a man rather grufﬂy approaches me as I step out from a shop.

“What time is it?”

I guess (I don’t mean that I think he’s testing me, I just guess).

“11 o’clock”. (I’m trying to be helpful).

He makes no eye contact, just mutters and walks on.

Then I remember my mobile is in my pocket, so I check it. It’s only 10.27 am.

“Actually, half-ten” I kind of shout, in his direction, the man now several paces ahead.

He pauses, but doesn’t formally acknowledge the new information, even though I’ve managed to turn the clock back. Whatever special bond we had –which, looking back, wasn’t a lot – the moment has passed.

Daly calls for emergency mental health supports

Dr Martin Daly TD has welcomed what he says is progress in mental health services but warned that community supports must not come at the expense of emergency care.

“In light of the Mental Health Commission’s recent report, it is clear that we need a system which can respond effectively at every level,” Dr Daly said.

The report Dr Daly is referring to claimed there is a lack of appropriate spaces for assessing people going through a mental health crisis, with weekend and evenings the worst for

assessment times.

The commission undertook a confidential survey from 35 Health Service Executive (HSE) hospitals with an Emergency Department (ED) or a minor injury unit. Annually, circa 51,000 people attend hospitals or medical centres in Ireland presenting with a first-time acute mental health issue, and sadly they are competing for attention in overcrowded ED waiting rooms.

Daly continued: “Community-based supports are a vital part of that, but they cannot replace timely, well-resourced

care in emergency departments, particularly for those in acute distress.”

Daly also highlighted inconsistencies in services for young people. “A 16 or 17-year-old experiencing a mental health crisis should not find themselves caught between child and adult services due to differing age criteria,” he said.

Dr Daly welcomed the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (ISPCC’s) new digital mental health programmes, describing them as “a very positive initiative, particularly at a time of year when exam stress is high.”

newsbriefs

Curraghboy Special Healing Mass

Confessions will be available from 7 pm and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass.

Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome to attend. The eircode is N37W704. For enquiries, contact 086 4054489.

Young Roscommon supporters Bobby Hanmore and Sonny O’Connor had a very enjoyable evening at the recent Connacht U-20 FC semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo, played at Bekan, with Roscommon winners by 4-12 to 1-18. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

A ‘Special Healing Mass’ will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, on Monday, May 5th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr John Walsh.

TIONSCADAL OIRIÚNAITHE AERÁIDE LOCH FUINSEANN IMEACHT COMHAIRLIÚCHÁIN PHOIBLÍ UIMH. 2 – ROGHA BEALAIGH IS FEARR

Is mian le Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin cuireadh a thabhairt don phobal freastal ar Imeacht Comhairliúcháin Phoiblí Thionscadal Oiriúnaithe Aeráide Loch Fuinseann Uimh. 2 (Rogha Bealaigh Roghnaithe) a bheidh ar siúl Dé Luain 28ú Aibreán 2025 in Óstán Hodson Bay, Cuan Hodson, Baile Átha Luain, N37 XR82 ó 15:00-20:00 uaithin. Tá an cruinniú oscailte do gach ball den phobal agus beidh ionadaithe ó fhoireann an tionscadail agus ó Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin i láthair.

Is féidir glacadh le haighneachtaí ag an ócáid nó ón Luan 28ú Aibreán 2025 go dtí Dé Céadaoin 28ú Bealtaine 2025 trí https://consult.roscommoncoco.ie

Mark Keaveney Director of Services

OSCAILTE DO LÉIRITHE SPÉISE

Is comórtas uile-oileáin iad na Gradaim Bród Ceantair a thugann aitheantas agus ceiliúradh ar an obair atá ar siúl ag pobail ar fud oileán na hÉireann.

Más mian le do ghrúpa pobail agus/nó do thionscnamh pobail ar leith cur isteach, seol ainmniúcháin trí ríomhphost mar aon le hachoimre ghearr lena n-áirítear: Cur síos ar an tionscnamh, rannpháirtíocht an phobail, Tionchar ar limistéar pobail agus Inmharthanacht chuig: prideofplace2025@roscommoncoco.ie

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Helping to preserve Roscommon’s history one document at a time

A group of 38 volunteers in Roscommon have joined a unique heritage project transcribing centuries-old leases that trace the town’s historical ties to noble estates.

The initiative, supported by Roscommon County Council and the Roscommon Volunteer Centre, is guided by Vincent Delany on a voluntary basis, in collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council in the UK.

Delany leads the volunteers who meet regularly to transcribe handwritten leases into digital word documents. The material, some of which dates back as far as 1630, links the town of Roscommon to the Earls of Ranelagh, Essex and Leinster.

“This work will be available to be inspected in Roscommon Library and will be a very valuable resource for genealogists, family researchers

Over 3,500 children locally on therapy waiting lists –Kerrane

More than 3,500 children are on waiting lists for essential therapies across Roscommon and Galway, according to Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane. Figures released to Deputy Kerrane by the HSE reveal that, as of February this year, 3,553 children are waiting for psychology, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy appointments in the two counties.

In Galway, 980 children are on the waiting list for psychology services, with 496 waiting for over a year. In Roscommon, 118 children are waiting for psychology appointments, with 49 of those waiting more than a year. Speech and language therapy waiting lists are also signiﬁcant. In Galway, 704 children are awaiting an initial assessment, with a further 344 waiting for therapy and 736 awaiting additional therapy sessions. In Roscommon, 286 children are waiting for an initial speech and language therapy appointment.

Deputy Kerrane criticised the lack of resourcing for primary care, stating: “Government talk about care in the community and the importance of the rollout of Primary Care Centres, however, they are useless if they are not resourced in the ﬁrst place.”

She added that early intervention is crucial: “If young people get the care they need at primary care level, then they are less likely to need the more acute services of CAMHS, and so every effort needs to be made for early intervention.”

Calling for immediate action, Deputy Kerrane said: “Far too many children are waiting too long for essential therapies. This has a hugely negative impact on them and their well-being. It impacts every part of their young lives. This is a crisis situation and it is beyond time the Government started treating it as such.”

and historians for many decades to come,” Mr Delany said. The task, he explained, calls for “patience, persistence and sometimes a little detective work”.

Among the transcribers is Catherine Naughton, who now spends Monday afternoons volunteering in Roscommon Library. “I retired last November and there’s only so much housework you can do,” she quipped.

Catherine continued: “I wanted to get out and meet others and give something back. It’s great to feel you’re part of what is happening in the community.”

The project is one of many supported by the Roscommon Volunteer Centre. Those interested in getting involved can visit the ofﬁce in the Square, Roscommon, call 089 219 9930 or email info@ volunteerroscommon.ie

Volunteers needed for Creggs quilting project

Volunteers are needed for a quilting project which will get underway in Creggs on May Day and which will run for six consecutive Thursdays.

Creggs Rural Development recently received funding from Creative Ireland through Galway County Council to create a quilt to celebrate the heritage of the Creggs area.

Quilter Lynn Naughton from Athleague, who runs the ‘Seams Sew Simple’ quilting and patchwork supply store, will oversee the project.

The quilt will be created over the course of seven Thursday evenings from 7.30 pm to 9 pm in the Heritage Centre in Creggs.

The project will then take a break in mid to late June and depending on the remaining work, will resume for a time in July. Organisers are hoping to have the quilt ready for a Heritage Week event, although this may be an ambitious target.

All are welcome to get involved in the quiltmaking process, from design to layout, cutting

and stitching. Lynn Naughton has a wealth of experience in terms of quilting and has led other such projects.

If you would like to get involved in the creation of the Creggs quilt, come along to the Heritage Centre on Thursday night, May 1st at 7.30 pm or give in your name at O’Roarke’s Spar so that a group can be formed. For further information, contact any member of Creggs Rural Development.

Commenting on the project, Seán Beirne, Chairperson of Creggs Rural Development said, “This is a very exciting project and Creggs Rural Development is very thankful to Galway County Council and Creative Ireland for funding the quilt. The aim of the quilt is to create something tangible that will reﬂect the history and heritage of Creggs and draw together people from all backgrounds so that their interests and ideas are reﬂected in the new quilt.

“It is hoped that the quilt will then go on display in the heritage centre in Creggs or other local public spaces.”

New poetry collection by Roscommon writer published

 EMMETT CORCORAN

A new collection of poetry capturing the raw spirit of rural life, emigration, politics, and community has been published by an 80-yearold Roscommon man.

The collection, titled A Ramble Through Roscommon and Beyond, has been edited by Paddy McNulty’s daughter, and brings together a lifetime of observations penned by the retired construction worker turned writer.

Reﬂecting the rhythms of rural Roscommon and the realities faced by many of his generation, McNulty’s poetry offers an unﬁltered voice. Themes include rural isola-

tion, shifting customs, the memory of emigration to England in the 1960s, and reﬂections on political and social change both at home and abroad.

The collection moves between styles, ranging from simple, rhythmic narratives to sharper political commentary, yet always maintains a direct and unaffected tone. Pieces such as ‘The Bog’, ‘The Cull’, and ‘Remember Those Who Left’ evoke strong images of a changing Ireland, while others like ‘Loughglynn’ and ‘Bonﬁre Night’ capture a community spirit now fading from the countryside.

Initially, Mr McNulty – from Gortaganny – had never planned

to self-publish a booklet. 20 years ago, his daughter Fiona gifted him a journal and encouraged him to write his poetry down. Speaking to the Roscommon People Ms McNulty explained that in recent months, her father’s health declined: “I encouraged him to allow me to type the poems up.

“Initially, I thought it would be lovely to have a physical booklet to give to my mum, sisters, and the grandchildren, but as time went by, I felt it was something that others may like to read.”

Initially there were 80 physical copies of the booklet printed but if there is demand for more to be printed, Ms McNulty says she

would like to be able to do so.

*‘A Ramble Through Roscommon and Beyond’ was self-published by the McNulty family, and anyone who wishes to have a PDF copy of the collection of poetry emailed to them can contact Fiona McNulty at ﬁonamcnulty@mac.com and request one.

Ballaghaderreen protest brought to council chamber

COUNCIL AGREES TO MEDIATION TALKS

EMMETT CORCORAN



It has been eight weeks since a group of concerned citizens in Ballaghaderreen began protesting against Roscommon County Council’s planned ‘Public Realm Enhancement Works’, which resulted in the stoppage of the works. Last Monday, a group of protestors picketed the monthly plenary meeting of the local authority. Those present voiced their concerns to county councillors before and after the meeting. Since a public meeting attended by hundreds of demonstrators in Ballaghaderreen, a number of weeks ago, opponents of the plan have been lobbying the local authority to make changes to it. Last week, Dara Calleary, the

See the Roscommon People social media pages for a video report and interviews from Monday’s protest

Minister with responsibility for rural regeneration, whose department granted Roscommon County Council funding for the works, called for a compromise to be reached on the issue.

However, at Monday’s meeting, Director of Services at Roscommon County Council Mark Keaveney said that while the council executive has always been open to discussions on the project, he was reiterating the local authority’s stated position that once the Part 8 planning for the project in Ballaghaderreen was approved by the elected

members of the Boyle Municipal District, it could not be amended.

The narrative advanced by the local authority was rejected by the demonstrators following Monday’s meeting, with many insisting that amendments to Part 8 planning permissions have been made in the past and could be made again. Mr Keaveney, however, cited four pages of legal advice the council had received on the matter, quoting: “The Part 8 is a serious and binding legal mechanism. Once completed in accordance with Statute, it provides the local

authority with a lawful basis to proceed with the development.” He added that the legal advice noted there was no legal basis for elected members

or others to vary or halt the development, continuing: “Any attempt to do so falls outside the legal powers granted under the planning acts and risks

being declared unlawful by the courts.”

Despite the legal advice, Roscommon County Council has committed to engaging in mediation

talks in a bid to resolve the dispute. Protestors told the Roscommon People that the mediation process should have started much sooner.

Ballaghaderreen residents pictured having a frank exchange with Senator Gareth Scahill (second from right) in the Council HQ (Áras an Chontae) in Roscommon town on Monday as they took their protest over public realm enhancement works to the monthly Council meeting. Photo: Michael Finan

Roscommon ICA AGM

Roscommon ICA Guild will hold their AGM on Tuesday, May 6th at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. Looking forward to seeing as many members as possible in attendance.

New members are always welcome to join and enjoy the many activities on o er throughout the year.

Ballintubber Tidy Towns

Church gate collection

Ballintubber Tidy Towns will be holding a Church gate collection on Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th, in the local church car park. All funds raised will go towards the upkeep of the village and approach roads, ower planting, keeping public spaces tidy, and supporting community enhancement projects.

Ballintubber Tidy Towns would greatly appreciate any donations you can give.

Roscommon Tidy Towns Church gate collection

Roscommon Tidy Towns Association will hold its annual Church gate collection locally this weekend (May 3rd and 4th). All funds collected will go towards future projects to enhance the town. Currently, the town is at Gold Medal Status and has the title of ‘All-Ireland’s Best Kept Town 2024’.

New members are always welcome to join the award-winning group, which meets at 7 pm on Tuesdays at the courthouse on Abbey Street.

Your support at the collection this weekend will be greatly appreciated.

Roscommon SPCA

Church gate collection

The Roscommon society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding a Church gate collection at St Oliver Plunkett Church in Clooncra (half-parish) on Saturday, May 3rd. The Roscommon SPCA is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, with all money donated going directly towards animal welfare in the county.

If you would like to learn more about Roscommon SPCA please visit roscommonspca.ie.

Scahill and Kerrane at odds over emergency health service responsiveness in Roscommon

EMMETT CORCORAN



Two local Oireachtas members have this week articulated divergent views on the current state of emergency health service responsiveness in Roscommon.

Senator Gareth Scahill praised the vital role of Ireland’s Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), which completed 53 missions in County Roscommon during 2024.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane says Roscommon’s Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV), the only one in the West, North West or Mid-West regions, is not staffed solely by Advanced Paramedics, a situation she claims could mean the difference in life and death.

Air ambulance

The EAS, which responds to critical incidents nationwide, frequently deals with serious trauma arising from falls, road trafﬁc collisions, and medical emergencies. Patients are often transported rapidly to major trauma centres or specialist units in Dublin, including Beaumont,

Tallaght, and Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin.

Figures released by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, show that of the 652 missions undertaken last year, 53 involved Roscommon. A further 57 missions each were recorded in Galway.

Senator Scahill said: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the team in our air ambulance service, which makes such a difference to communities across the country, including in my own

county of Roscommon and neighbouring counties.”

Scahill continued: “These ﬁgures demonstrate the crucial role that the air ambulance service plays in providing rapid medical response to critical situations, often in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Roscommon RRV

Deputy Kerrane conﬁrmed the stafﬁng situation with respect to Roscommon’s RRV, based on a response from the National Am-

bulance Service, which she received in reply to Parliamentary Question.

She said: “The RRV in Galway, the RRV in Ennis, the RRV in Nenagh are all crewed by Advanced Paramedics, yet Roscommon’s RRV is being crewed in part by paramedics.”

Deputy Kerrane said that the change followed the “quiet dismantling” of a decade-old commitment: “When the A&E was closed in Roscommon back in 2011, we were promised a 24/7 RRV with 24/7 Advanced Paramedic cover.

“This was in place for a decade in Roscommon until recent years, when quietly, the Advanced Paramedic roster began to use paramedics on it.”

Kerrane claims the difference in skillsets is signiﬁcant: “There is no comparison between what a paramedic can do and what an Advanced Paramedic can do in an emergency life or death situation.”

While acknowledging efforts by the National Ambulance Service to recruit an Advanced Paramedic for the Roscommon unit, she said: “It is taking too long.”

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Hurling needs a level playing field

Our columnist Frank Brandon on the disparity between the resources given to different GAA sports, reflecting on Steve Collins’s legacy off the back of Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr’s recent fight, and much more!

The first thing that I want to make clear is that I was never much of a hurler.

The highlight of my career was a single appearance in a drawn Roscommon Junior County final, way back in the early 1980s. We drew with Ballygar, but as the replay clashed with a rugby match, about six of us were missing for it. Magically, six Beirnes from the Mountain took the field for the replay – as they were all from Ennis, none of them were ever seen again in the Creggs colours. Thankfully Ballygar won the replay so the legality of the six Beirnes was never questioned.

My other personal highlight (maybe lowlight) was a time when, as a fit 26-year-old (well, half-fit), I lined out against Oran in some sort of a game in Athleague, and my immediate opponent was a sprightly man in his mid-60s: Tom Joe Leonard, the local postmaster. I decided I’d be nice and go easy on him. By the time I changed my mind, it was too late; the bould Tom Joe had already scored a couple of goals and a point or two! Anyway, that’s my hurling career in a nutshell, and I normally wouldn’t have much to say about the state of the game in the country except to occasionally marvel at the outrageous bravery, commitment and skill of our top county players.

The state of the game overall in the country wouldn’t bother me a lot, but it bothers one reader of mine –obviously a true grassroots follower of the game – who went to the trouble of sending me two separate articles bemoaning the fact that hurling, despite being probably the best field game in the world, is very much the poor relation in the GAA.

Now the gist of the story is that in football, all the league finals from Division Four to Division One took place in Croke Park, while the equivalent hurling

fixtures were played in Inniskeen, Hawkfield, and Truagh. In Inniskeen, there was no 65m line marked out, while in Truagh there was no fourth official present. The great Wexford legend Tom Dempsey called it a lack of respect for the hurlers of the weaker counties, and he says “we are going to be a 10-county hurling country forever” if those type of disparities aren’t sorted out.

Everyone knows that playing in Croke Park is the ultimate for any GAA player. I once togged out for Roscommon in a National League (football) match there against the Dubs, but because they had no jersey for me and I had to sit outside the dugout, I’m not sure if I can say I actually featured there or not.

Anyway, my grassroots supporter is unhappy with the treatment of the hurlers from the poorer counties by the hierarchy, and there can be no doubt that he is right. As Tom Dempsey says, if those counties don’t get the exposure they deserve, hurling is going nowhere.

We all marvel at the brilliance of the game of hurling as played by the Limericks, Clares and Corks of this world, but it’s the people who keep it going in Down, Kildare, Roscommon and Sligo, among other weaker counties, who are the real heroes of hurling. And those counties find it hard enough to keep it going without being continuously disrespected and undermined by the powers-that-be.

The totally ridiculous situation for the lesser hurling league finals was that the venues weren’t even known less than four days before the games. All the people interviewed on the subject pointed to the same thing: a complete lack of respect for the counties involved and for the massive effort their players put in.

Apparently there is a new National Head of Hurling – Willie Maher – in place as of recently. He has a huge task ahead of him. A good start would be to listen to the voices of the men and women who keep the games (hurling and camogie) going in the weaker counties, and give them the focus and attention they most certainly deserve.

If I haven’t been replaced by the Barstool Boyos or Joe Brolly, I look forward to someday soon getting another observation from my grassroots reader – hopefully telling me that things have improved dramatically. Hope springs eternal!

Checked out and tuned in

It’s Monday afternoon and I’ve taken the train to Dublin for my six-monthly pacemaker check-up. I am sitting in the waiting room for a good while in St James’ Hospital before it dawns that maybe they have forgotten about me.

As luck would have it, I was right. I hadn’t been checked in at all, even though I had presented myself properly at reception. After five or six people who had come in after me all got seen to, I eventually asked about my situation and found out that indeed I was not on their list.

Anyway, they put me through in double-quick time, all was okay with the ticker, and I hardly lost any time at all.

However, while I was waiting, an elderly lady (probably a bit younger than me) came in with her daughter and two young grandchildren, who I took to be about eight or nine, and they all sat down. After

a little while, the elderly lady and her daughter were called in and I was left in the waiting room with the two young children (a boy and a girl). What amazed me at first was the fact that there wasn’t a sound out of either of them – until I realised they were both on their iPhones.

I thought back to the days when any two of mine would be in a similar situation: all hell would break loose. They would be running around after each other, roaring and shouting and fighting, much to the annoyance of myself and Carol and all the other folk.

And yet, as the two kids sat beside me without ever saying a word or taking their heads out of their phones, I nearly wished they would have gone a little bit mad. I suppose it was good for their mother to know she could leave them on their own without killing each other, but in an odd way I wouldn’t have minded a bit of a row. After all, kids should be kids.

Boxing legacies and legacy boxers

Last week over in England, there was huge hype about Saturday night’s fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr – and while the fight itself was a really unrelenting top class battle, the truth is that it was as much about the battles their highly respected fathers had had in their time.

Back in the 1990s, Chris Eubank Snr and Nigel Benn were both middleweight and super-middleweight world champions –Eubank, in particular, is rated as one of the best middleweights of all time.

And so on Saturday night, as the two fathers and former world champions were introduced to nearly 80,000 fight fans in Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium as legends of the fighting game, my mind turned to the Celtic Warrior, Dubliner Steve Collins, a man who beat each of them twice and yet, to my mind, never gets the credit he deserves.

His most famous fight was against Eubank in Millstreet in 1995, when Collins got inside Eubank’s head by enlisting the help of hypnotist Tony Quinn, an approach which definitely unsettled the previously unbeaten Englishman. Collins defeated Eubank comprehensively later on in 1995 and twice successfully defended his world titles against Benn in 1996 before suddenly retiring in 1997.

Collins is the most successful of Ireland’s recent male professional boxers, having simultaneously held the middleweight and super-middleweight titles and never having lost a title fight as champion. And yet everyone talks about wee Barry (McGuigan) and his world title fights in the 1980s. I am not saying wee Barry doesn’t deserve all the plaudits he gets, but it seems to me that Collins is almost the forgotten man of Irish boxing. When you see how Benn and Eubank Snr are still regarded over across the water, it makes me wonder why the man who beat both of them twice doesn’t seem to be as revered over here.

As an aside, last Saturday’s fight between the two sons was a cracker,

and if there was no love lost between the fathers, there is definitely none lost between the sons. There was absolutely no contact between them when the fight was over. Usually the fighters acknowledge each other and maybe have a word or two, but last Saturday there wasn’t a word, or a shaking of hands, or any other interaction. If they fight again, do not miss it – that’s all I’ll say!

And finally…

On Saturday evening, I found myself in Ballyleague, where our Creggs Junior B team were playing St Faithleach’s in a league match – and the truth is, there is no better way of spending a dark, wet, miserable Saturday evening!

The game itself wasn’t particularly memorable and resulted in a relatively straightforward win for the home side, however I thoroughly enjoyed the evening as I met up with two great Faithleach’s stalwarts from back in the day: Eamonn Bolger and Andy Murtagh.

Myself and Mike Conneely had great fun with the lads as we talked about the old days – so much so that my own two lads (who were playing) wondered was I at the game at all. Usually they give out to me for shouting too much –Mark in particular feels I have too much to say at games (I, of course, don’t agree). However it just goes to show how much they missed me when I didn’t shout at all! Anyway, it was great to meet up with Eamonn and Andy. Eamonn reminded me he coached Mark when he was coach to the Roscommon U-16s – for Mark’s sake I won’t tell you what year it was!

Photographed are Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke with the Triple Crown trophy at Creggs Rugby Club gym on Thursday last. The trophy was on site with an IRFU representative as part of celebrations marking the official opening of three disability rugby facilities at the club – few clubs in Ireland offer all three.

Martin and Bernadette Tarmey were cheering on Roscommon at last Sunday’s Connacht SFC semi-final against Galway in Salthill. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon supporters Florence O’Connor and Aoife McGowan pictured at last Sunday’s Nicky Rackard Cup game at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Roscommon defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-15. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Conboy joins Roscommon County Council with ‘pride and purpose’

 EMMETT CORCORAN

Councillor Ruth Conboy was ofﬁcially co-opted to Roscommon County Council at its monthly plenary meeting on Monday, succeeding Senator Gareth Scahill, who was recently appointed to Seanad Éireann. The Castleplunkett native, who now resides in Ballintubber, was formally proposed for co-option by Cllr Liam Callaghan and seconded by Cllr Domnick Connolly. A Fine Gael selection convention was held last month in Castlerea to ratify her nomination. In her maiden address to the chamber, Cllr Conboy said she was joining the council “with pride and purpose”, and paid tribute to the two late councillors whose untimely passing has marked the term since last June’s elections. “I hope to follow their strong example of public service,” she said of the late John Naughten

and Anthony Waldron.

Cllr Conboy also commended the county’s active civic culture, stating that the voluntary spirit was “the backbone of the county”. She said she looked forward to representing her area and working alongside her council colleagues over the coming years.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan extended congratulations on behalf of the executive, noting that Cllr Conboy had been “warmly welcomed to the chamber

by her new colleagues”. Family and friends joined the new councillor in the public gallery to mark the occasion.

A graduate of Dublin City University’s School of Law and Government, Cllr Conboy holds a degree in international relations, law and government. She works as the Chief Strategy Ofﬁcer at Real Nation, a national education and training agency. She lives with her husband Damien, a sheep farmer based at

Carán, Castleplunkett. Cllr Conboy is the second new female Fine Gael councillor to take up ofﬁce in recent months, following the co-option of Cllr Valerie Duffy earlier this year.

Separately, Roscommon County Council has conﬁrmed that expressions of interest are being sought until May 15th to ﬁll the vacancy created by the untimely passing of the late Independent councillor Anthony Waldron.

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Members of Roscommon County Council photographed with council executive personnel at Monday’s council meeting in Áras an Chontae, Roscommon.

Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at Monday’s council meeting at which Ruth Conboy was co-opted as a member of the local authority, from left to right, are: Declan Conboy; Cllr Liam Callaghan; Fiona Conboy; Geraldine Conboy; Martin Conboy; Cllr Ruth Conboy; Damien Conboy; Geraldine Connolly; Martin Connolly, and Laura Connolly.

Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at Monday’s council meeting at which Ruth Conboy was co-opted as a member of the local authority, from left to right, are: Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council; Damien Conboy; Martin Connolly; Cllr Ruth Conboy; Geraldine Connolly; Laura Connolly, and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

Photo: Michael Finan

The female members of Roscommon County Council photographed at Monday’s council meeting following the co-option of Ruth Conboy. From left to right, are: Cllr Leah Cull; Cllr Ruth Conboy; Cllr Valerie Du y, and Cllr Valerie Byrne (not pictured: Cllr Emer Kelly).

Photo: Michael Finan

Strokestown festival

Strokestown is preparing to host the Strokestown International Poetry Festival 2025 from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th, in the historic setting of Strokestown Park House and Gardens and the National Famine Museum.

Festival director Joe Woods, now in his fourth year, has curated a diverse programme for Ireland’s

longest-running poetry festival. Local, national and international poets will appear across a weekend of bilingual readings, book launches, ﬁlm screenings, workshops, and open mic performances.

Among the 20 poets featured are Katie Donovan, Mark Granier, Luke Morgan, Trish Bennett, Patrick Chapman, Noelle Lynskey, Enda Wyley, Sam Furlong, Bernadette Gallagher, and Eilish Martin, along with James Harpur, Lawrence Kessenich, Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin, Noel Monahan, Kate Newmann, Peter Carpenter, Vona Groarke, Paddy Bushe, Nuala O’Connor, and Gerard Smyth.

The festival will include award-winning poets, previous Strokestown competition winners and major new releases. A highlight will be Vona Groarke reading from her works Hereafter and her upcoming Inﬁnity Pool, alongside Peter Carpenter’s Bowie Land, a poetic journey through the life of David Bowie.

Other highlights include the 50th anniversary of Arlen House, celebrated with the launch of Washing Windows V, the largest collection of Irish women’s poetry

compiled to date. The Strokestown International Poetry Competition, judged by Jane Clarke, will see its winners announced on Sunday, while Peter Sirr will de-

liver this year’s Joan McBreen Lecture titled The Life of the Poet. Tickets for individual events and weekend passes are available at strokestownpoetryfest.ie.

Pictured is award-winning Roscommon poet Jane Clarke who will judge the Strokestown International Poetry Competition.

StrokestownInternationalPoetryFestival

Strokestown Poetry Festival schedule to ensure vibrant weekend of events

The festival opens at Strokestown Park House on Friday evening with poetry readings by Trish Bennett, Patrick Chapman, and Noelle Lynskey at 7 pm, followed by an ofﬁcial opening reception. Readings by Katie Donovan, Mark Granier and Luke Morgan will take place at 8.30 pm. An open mic and music night will round off the evening at Compton’s Central Bar on Bridge Street.

Saturday

Saturday begins with a poetry workshop at 11 am led by Enda Wyley, designed to explore poetic forms and creativity. At 12.15 pm, new work from Macha and Revival Press will be presented by Sam Furlong, Bernadette Gallagher, and Eilish Martin. The afternoon continues with the launch of Washing Windows V at 2.15 pm, followed by readings from Noel Monahan and Kate Newmann at 4 pm. At 7 pm, Peter Carpenter and Vona Groarke will pre-

sent their latest works, ahead of a special evening at 8.30 pm remembering the late Merrily Harpur.

Sunday

Sunday opens with a ﬁlm screening at 11 am, showcasing Heart of Scotland and The Big Mill, directed by the late Laurence Henson. The 99th issue of Cyphers poetry magazine will be launched at 12.15 pm.

The winners of the Strokestown International Poetry Competition will be announced at 2 pm, followed by Peter Sirr’s Joan McBreen Lecture at 4 pm. Closing events feature new work from James Harpur, Lawrence Kessenich, and Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin with ﬁnal readings from Paddy Bushe, Nuala O’Connor, and Gerard Smyth.

Admission to many events is free, while some readings require a ticket. Full details are available on strokestownpoetryfest.ie.

FRIDAY, 2 nd – SUNDAY, 4 th MAY 2025 - in Memory of Merrily Harpur

Friday, 2nd May

7:00 PM | Café Poetry Reading & Launch

Trish Bennett, Patrick Chapman & Noelle Lynskey

Admission: €8

8:00 PM | Café Opening Reception

Join us for the official opening of the 2025 Strokestown International Poetry Festival.

8:30 PM | Café

Poetry Reading & Launch

Katie Donovan, Mark Granier & Luke Morgan

Admission: €8

9:30 PM | Compton’s Central Bar, Bridge St. Strokestown Open Mic & Music Night

Admission: Free

Saturday, 3rd May

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Attic

Poetry Workshop: Making a Poem

Join poet Enda Wyley to explore the impressive varieties of forms and creative energies that connect in the making of great poems. Be inspired by the work of established poets and be guided in your own poetry writing. Varied, interactive and fun – you will take away from this workshop an increased enthusiasm for poetry and a deeper understanding of the making of it.

(Limited to 12 participants. Advance booking essential. Please send two poems - 40 lines or less - to sipfestivaldirector@gmail.com by Friday, 25th April to reserve your place.

Admission: €50)

12:15 PM | Stables

New Voices, New Work from Macha & Revival Press. Sam Furlong, Bernadette Gallagher & Eilish Martin present new work.

Admission: €8

2:15 PM | Stables

Arlen House Book Launch

Washing Windows V

The latest in the groundbreaking Arlen House anthologies, featuring the work of 100 new and emerging women poets.

Admission: Free

STROKESTOWN INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL Onsite Festival Bookseller: Alan Hayes – Celebrating 50 years of Arlen House Compton’s

4:00 PM | Stables Poetry Reading

Noel Monahan & Kate Newmann

Admission: €8

7:00 PM | Café

Poetry & Prose Readings Peter Carpenter & Vona Groarke

Admission: €10

8:30 PM | Café

Remembering Merrily Harpur

An evening of poetry, memories, and music, with special guests in tribute to Merrily Harpur.

Admission: €10

Sunday, 4th May

11:00 AM | Stables

Film Screening: Heart of Scotland & The Big Mill directed by the late Scottish filmmaker and writer, Laurence Henson

12:15 PM | Stables

Launch of Cyphers 99 Featuring contributors to this latest edition of Cyphers poetry magazine.

Admission: Free

2:00 PM | Stables

Strokestown International Poetry Competition

Announcement - Jane Clarke announces the winner of the Strokestown International Poetry Competition, with readings from the shortlisted poets and the overall winner.

Admission: Free

4:00 PM | Stables

The Life of the Poet, Peter Sirr’s exploratory and adventurous talk on poetry, is the Joan McBreen Lecture for this year’s Strokestown International Poetry Festival.

Admission: Free

7:00 PM | Café

Presenting New Work

James Harpur, Lawrence Kessenich & Ceaití Ní Bheildiúin

Admission: €10

8:00 PM | Café

Closing Night Reception

8:30 PM | Café

Poetry Reading Paddy Bushe, Nuala O'Connor & Gerard Smyth

Admission: €10

Poet Enda Wyley. Photograph by Matt Kavanagh.

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN – ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

SECTION 38 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1994 (AS AMENDED) PUBLIC NOTICE

The following works will be undertaken under Section 38 of the Road Tra c Act 1994 (as amended). Under Section 38 of the 1994 Road Tra c Act, a Road Authority may in the interest of the safety and convenience of road users provide such tra c calming measures as it considers desirable in respect of a public road in its charge. Works proposals under Section 38 may be carried out by a Roads Authority with the approval of the Chief Executive.

This is a non-statutory consultation to invite submissions from the public to inform the decision making of the Chief Executive. The purpose of this non-statutory consultation is to provide notice of Roscommon County Council’s intention to install a signalised junction at the R362/L-75603 junction, Monksland, County Roscommon.

Monksland Signalised Junction R362/L-75603

The aim of this scheme is to upgrade the existing junction layout at the R362/L-75603 to a signalised junction, which will include the proposed new access road to serve the granted residential development to the south of the junction. The new signalised junction will be designed and constructed to t in with proposed active travel plans on the R362.

The project involves:

• Site clearance works

• Install new shared surface footpath

• Install new signalised tra c lights

• New access road to serve the granted residential development

• Other ancillary works including the provision of tra c signs, road markings, kerbs, street lighting and high friction surfacing

An Appropriate Assessment screening report in respect of the development has been carried out and is available for inspection. The report concluded that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment. In accordance with Article 120 (3), as amended by S.I. No. 296 of 2018, a person may, within four weeks beginning on the date of the publication of this notice apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have signi cant e ects on the environment. Such a submission should be addressed to the Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) for a period of four weeks from the 2nd May 2025 during public opening hours at the o ces of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council’s Public Consultation Portal at Home | Roscommon County Council’s Consultation Portal

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated may be made before 30th May 2025 via the Council’s Public Consultation Portal or alternatively in writing or email marked “Monksland Signalised Junction R362/ L-75603” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or email roads@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: Mark Keaveney Director of Services

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

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

Date of Notice: 2 May 2025

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

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

Road Reference Townland Closure duration Section of Closure

Proposed Diversion will be via the N5 at Tulsk, as far as Frenchpark and onto the R361 Boyle Road. And via R369 in both directions at Shankill cross

Proposed Diversion N61 Tulsk to Boyle Gortnacrannagh 12th May to 18th August 2025 Length of Closure 1600m. Closure starts at 200m south of the N61 Junction with the R369, to 200m north of the N61 Junction with the L-6117

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

Mark Keaveney Director of Services

Vacancy on Roscommon County Council — EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST INVITED

Roscommon County Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from eligible individuals to ll the Council seat left vacant following the passing of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP).

No evidence of an organisational structure or group was submitted by Cllr. Waldron (RIP). Therefore, in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 and the Council’s Standing Orders, this vacancy will be lled by a vote of the elected members of the Council.

Individuals interested in being considered for co-option are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest by 4pm on Thursday 15th May 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

Nominees may propose themselves or can be proposed by a third party.

To be considered, nominees must:

• Meet the same criteria required of candidates in local elections.

• Provide written consent for the nomination.

• Submit a form of photographic identi cation.

Process:

All valid nominations will be put forward for a vote of the elected members. A simple majority vote will decide the appointment, in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders.

How to Apply:

1. Request a Nomination Form by emailing: meetingsadmin@roscommoncoco.ie

2. Submit the completed form, along with written consent and photographic ID: o By post or in person to: Corporate Services, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98 o Or by email to: meetingsadmin@roscommoncoco.ie

Deadline for Submission of Completed Nomination: 4.00pm, Thursday, 15th May 2025

Signed: Caitlín Conneely Director of Services

Folúntas ar Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin CUIREADH DO LÉIRITHE SPÉISE

Tá Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin ag lorg Léirithe Spéise ó dhaoine incháilithe chun suíochán na Comhairle a líonadh a fágadh folamh tar éis bhás an Clr. Anthony Waldron (Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam)

Níor chuir an Clr Waldron (Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam) aon fhianaise ar struchtúr nó grúpa eagraíochtúil isteach . Dá bhrí sin, i gcomhréir le hAlt 19 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil 2001 agus le Buan-Orduithe na Comhairle, líonfar an folúntas sin le vóta ó chomhaltaí tofa na Comhairle.

Iarrtar ar dhaoine ar spéis leo go mbreithneofaí iad le haghaidh comhthoghadh a Léirithe Spéise a chur isteach faoi 4pm Déardaoin an 15ú Bealtaine 2025.

Critéir Incháilitheachta: Féadfaidh na hainmnithigh iad féin a mholadh nó féadfaidh tríú páirtí iad a mholadh. Chun go mbreithneofar iad, ní mór do na hainmnithigh:

• Na critéir chéanna a chomhlíonadh a theastaíonn ó iarrthóirí i dtoghcháin áitiúla.

• Toiliú i scríbhinn a chur ar fáil don ainmniúchán.

• Foirm aitheantais fótagrafach a chur isteach.

Próiseas:

Cuirfear gach ainmniúchán bailí ar aghaidh le haghaidh vóta na gcomhaltaí tofa. Déanfar an ceapachán a chinneadh le vóta tromlaigh shimplí, i gcomhréir le BuanOrduithe na Comhairle.

Iarrtas a Chur Isteach:

1. Faigh Foirm Ainmniúcháin trí ríomhphost a sheoladh chuig: cruinnitheadmin@ roscommoncoco.ie

2. Cuir isteach an fhoirm chomhlánaithe, mar aon le toiliú i scríbhinn agus aitheantas fótagrafach: o Tríd an bpost nó go pearsanta chuig: SeirbhísíCorparáideacha, Áras an Chontae, Ros Comáin, F42 VR98 o Nó trí ríomhphost chuig: cruinnitheadmin@roscommoncoco.ie

Spriocdháta chun Ainmniúchán Críochnaithe a chur isteach: 4.00pm, Déardaoin, an 15ú Bealtaine 2025

Signed: Caitlín Conneely Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí

Community urged to support Darkness Into Light Walks

Roscommon Town will once again host one of County Roscommon’s three official Darkness Into Light walks in aid of Pieta, the national suicide and self-harm prevention charity. The event, supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4.15 am on Saturday, May 10th, with organisers encouraging the local community to sign up and take part in what has been described as “the most important sunrise of the year.” Registration is open online at darknessintolight.

ie (or can be completed on the night).

Speaking at the recent Roscommon launch, held in Hannon’s Hotel, Jacqui McCormack, Chairperson of the Roscommon Town Darkness Into Light Committee, emphasised the importance of local involvement.

“I’ve been involved in organising Darkness Into Light here in Roscommon Town for over 10 years, and every year I see how much it means to our community,” she said. “At any time, any one of us could

need the free services Pieta provides, and the money we raise for Pieta through Darkness Into Light helps make sure that support is always there when it’s needed most.”

Ms McCormack continued: “Whether you’ve been directly impacted by suicide or self-harm, or simply want to show your support, we are asking everyone in Roscommon town and the surrounding areas to register to come out and walk with us this year. Together, we can help bring hope to people who need

it and work to prevent suicide and self-harm in our community.”

Highlighting the broader significance of the event, the Roscommon Town Committee noted that Darkness Into Light is not just a fundraiser but “a powerful statement of hope, solidarity, and community support.” They added that the community’s participation plays a vital role in ensuring that Pieta’s professional services remain available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those in need.

There are three official Darkness Into Light walks in County Roscommon: Roscommon Town, Castlerea, and Strokestown.

Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their place and to show their support for those affected by suicide and self-harm. Further information, including how to get involved, is available at darknessintolight.ie. Social media updates can also be found by following Darkness Into Light Roscommon on Instagram and Facebook.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, Pieta provides a free 24/7 crisis helpline at 1800 247 247 or by texting HELP to 51444.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

St. Ronan’s National School

Taughmaconnell. Ballinasloe. Co. Roscommon

(Catholic School under the Patronage of the Bishop of Clonfert)

Afterschool Childcare Service Expression of Interest

The Board of Management of St. Ronan’s NS, Taughmaconnell is inviting expressions of interest for the establishment and running of an Afterschool Childcare Service on the school premises which will be made available on an annual licenced basis. This planned service is subject to the relevant norms of both the School’s Patron and the Department of Education.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years experience as an Afterschool Childcare provider and a minimum of Fetac, Level 6 in Early Childhood Care and Education. This is a proposal for the purposes of running the Afterschool Service independent of the school.

Please submit your application to the Chairperson of the Board of Management at secretarybom@stronansns.com no later than 5 pm on Friday 16th May, 2025.

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.

Bird Tables, Feeders in stock Special offer: 25kg peanuts only €60

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.

Photographed, from left to right, at the Darkness into Light launch in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon on Wednesday of last week are the Castlerea Darkness into Light committee members with Nessa Naughton, Pieta Regional Manager; Senator Gareth Scahill; Sinead Ronan-Wells, Pieta Events Officer; Irma Joyce, Pieta West; and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed, from left to right, at the Darkness into Light launch in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon on Wednesday of last week are the Roscommon Darkness into Light committee members with Nessa Naughton, Pieta Regional Manager; Sinead Ronan-Wells, Pieta Events Officer; Irma Joyce, Pieta West; Cllr Larry Brennan; and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at the Darkness into Light (DIL) launch in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon on Wednesday of last week are (back row, from left to right): Cllr Sean Moylan; Senator Gareth Scahill; Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Rachel Hastings, 2024 Rose of Roscommon; Cllr Larry Brennan. Front row, left to right: Jacqui McCormack, chairperson of Roscommon Town DIL; Irma Joyce, Pieta West; Nessa Naughton, Pieta Regional Manager; Sinead Ronan-Wells, Pieta Events Officer, and Alison Diffley, Strokestown DIL. Photo: Michael Finan

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

Culture&ARTS

St Dominic’s novelty act savours All-Ireland Scór glory

Pride of place, club, and county, exuded from every inch of the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on Saturday last, as the Mayo venue played host to the GAA’s AllIreland Scór Sinsir Finals 2025.

As Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, commented in his address to the audience on Saturday, “It is Scór that sets the GAA apart as more than just a sporting organisation”. With live-streaming all around the world courtesy of TG4 on YouTube and a packed auditorium, the sense of occasion, was palpable for all in attendance. Roscommon GAA had representation in two of the eight Scór events and so hopes were high.

Elphin were the first Rossie competitors in action in Castlebar as they took part in the Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird. This table quiz event saw twelve teams, three from each province, battle

it out to compete in the stage final later that day. The stage heat takes the more traditional Question Time format of individual and team questions. The Roscommon quiz enthusiasts gave a wonderful display of answering only to finish in sixth position, agonisingly just outside of the top three. The Elphin team of Colm Beirne, Conor Gunn, Micheál Gunn and Mick Rock can hold their heads high as they continue the club’s stellar tradition in this discipline and did Roscommon proud. Next up for the county were St Dominic’s in the novelty act section. Having proved exceptionally popular winners at county and provincial level, the Knockcroghery club went into Saturday’s final as strong contenders. The team of Laura Leonard, Breege Kenny, Tommy Hurley, Stephen Murphy, Anne Gillespie, Noel Der-

van, Kathy Dervan and Sylvia Kilcline battled against the three other provincial champions from Ahane (Limerick), Raheny (Dublin) and Aghagallon (Antrim). From start to finish, St Dominic’s had the audience in rolls of laughter with their sketch, ‘Fit for Purpose’, which portrays the exploits of the fictional O’Connor family as they enter ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’. With energy, precision comic timing, and excellently choreographed fitness challenges, the St Dominic’s actors delivered a tour de force of entertainment. When they were announced as the 2025 All-Ireland Scór Sinsir Nuachleas champions, there were scenes of unbridled joy from the large Roscommon contingent. An amazing achievement for St Dominic’s, their first All-Ireland in Novelty Act at senior level, bringing their club All-Ireland Scór tally to nine.

Coiste Scór CLG. Ros Comáin extend huge congratulations to St Dominic’s on their wonderful achievement for our county. They commend the

excellent efforts of the Elphin quiz team in reaching the final and challenging so well, and acknowledge the efforts of all clubs within the county that

very

Roscommon County Youth Theatre to stage The Wind in the Willows

Roscommon County Youth Theatre (RCYT) will mark its 25th anniversary with a production of the classic drama The Wind in the Willows, set to be performed this week at the Roscommon Arts Centre.

Directed by Boyle native Catherine Sheridan, the play features a cast of 20 young performers. Special morning shows for schools and community groups will take place on Thursday, May 1st, and Friday, May 2nd at 11 am, with evening performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm. Tickets are priced at €14, with concessions available at €12, and can be booked online or via the Roscommon Arts Centre box office.

First published in 1908, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame tells the story of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and Mr Toad and

has been adapted many times for stage and screen. The novel’s themes of friendship and adventure continue to resonate more than a century after its release.

Director Catherine Sheridan said staging such a classic was a deliberate choice: “A play like this has big characters. It’s a big bold theatrical choice we’ve made this year and we’ve deliberately decided to stage a classic.”

She added: “It took us a while to make the decision but once we did, the cast and crew really embraced this production. I really think this play will resonate with audiences – it’s an atmospheric play and appeals to people’s sense of nostalgia.

“Generations of people grew up with The Wind in the Willows, which is why I think

the performance will chime with young and old – it is suitable for all of the family with themes that are universal and as relevant as when the novel was first written.”

Ms Sheridan also paid tribute to the cast and crew, saying: “Everyone has worked their socks off for this production – to be fair, everyone has bought into the play with great enthusiasm and the cast have bonded so well.”

This year’s production features Robert Shannon as Toad, Keira Gardner as Badger, Abbey Arthur as Ratty, and Ivy O’Connor as Mole. Set and costume design is by Cherie White, with sound and lighting design by Michael Foley. RCYT, supported by Roscommon County Council, the Arts Council of Ireland, Youth Theatre Ireland and Roscommon Arts Centre, will also host a Junior Youth Theatre Showcase as part of Cruinniú na nÓg this year. Booking is essential. The group’s annual Summer School, focusing on photography and stop-motion animation, will run from July 14th to 17th.

Celebrations: St Dominic’s won the Novelty Act category in the All-Ireland Scór Sinsir Finals 2025 last weekend.

work to promote Scór activities.

This was a

special end to the 2025 GAA Scór season for Roscommon.

Night falls on the cast of the Roscommon County Youth Theatre’s (RCYT’s) production of the classic drama The Wind in the Willows (recently in Roscommon Castle). RCYT will perform the production this week at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Photo: Brian Farrell

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

The Easter Family Fun Walk held in Ballintubber in memory of the late Imelda Filan was a great success. All funds raised go towards Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. Our photographer, MICHAEL FINAN, captured some images from the day…

Ballintubber residents pictured at the Ballintubber Family Fun Walk on the bank holiday Monday.

Ballintubber residents Aisling, James and Caoimhe Satchwell. John Filan (brother of the late Imelda Filan) and Chris Serridge.

Young residents pictured at the Ballintubber Family Fun Walk on the bank holiday Monday in memory of Imelda Filan.

Ruth Connolly-Conboy, Laura Harkin, Mike Callaghan, Aisling Coyne and Sinead Ryan.

Kevin, Jessica and Leah Farrell pictured at the Family Fun Walk in Ballintubber.

Siobhan Glacey, Aine Ward, Carla Cassidy and baby James.

Pauline Beirne, Teresa Cahill, Patricia and Emer Lyons.

Breeda and Emma Burke and Yvonne and Francis Sarsfield.

2025 Roscommon Ploughing Championships to be held in Ballinaheglish on Sunday

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The Roscommon Ploughing Association officially launched its 2025 County Championships on Wednesday, April 23rd, at Dec’s Bar and Lounge, Castleplunkett. A large crowd attended the event, including Fine Gael councillors Ruth Conboy and Liam Callaghan, and Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Sean Moylan.

Roscommon Ploughing Association Chairperson Ger Crehan addressed the crowd at the launch event.

He welcomed everyone, and in particular welcomed Ann Mulryan, sister of the event’s main sponsor: “Sean Mulryan is our main sponsor this year, second year running, for the ploughing in Roscommon.

“A local man made good from Ballinaheglish there who didn’t forget his roots.”

Mr Crehan also thanked all sponsors, both large and small, for their sponsorship and said that without their support, the ploughing wouldn’t be possible.

Thanking all the competitors, Mr Crehan wished them well for the coming competition. He

Best wishes to Roscommon Ploughing Association from

noted that the organisers have tried to expand the ploughing into an event that doubles as a great family day out with something for everyone, and thanked

the officers and committee members for all their hard work: “It takes enormous effort and work and dedication to pull this off… an awful lot of work goes

into it.”

Dylan Beirne, speaking on behalf of the association as the PRO, thanked the hosts and members of the media: “I wish to provide a sincere thanks to Dec’s bar and lounge for hosting the launch and to the media journalists of the Roscommon People and Roscommon Herald that has taken time out of your schedules to attend here tonight.”

Mr Beirne paid particular tribute to this year’s main event sponsor, well-known property developer and committed Roscommon man, Sean Mulryan.

Reflecting on last year’s event, Dylan said the feedback was “extremely positive” and noted the achievements of Roscommon competitors at national level:

“Roscommon had two prize (placed) winners, Pauline Lavin achieved 2nd place in the ladies loy digging and I achieved 3rd place in junior 2 furrow class.”

Mr Beirne also acknowledged the contributions of volunteers, adding: “Members volunteered and worked as head supervisors, field and road stewards, and office administration, who performed very well.

“We, as a voluntary nonprofit association, play our role at a national level in the NPA’s success, of which the National Ploughing is the biggest outdoor field event in Europe.”

This year’s County Championships will take place on Sunday, May 4th,

in Ballinaheglish – Eircode: F42 Y436. Dylan expressed gratitude on behalf of Roscommon Ploughing Association to the Beirne family, hosts once again for the event: “It is a privilege for the association to again receive the opportunity from the Beirne family to host the County championships on an excellent site and location and to build on last year’s success that was achieved in Ballinaheglish.” He paid tribute to his grandfather Paddy Beirne, a former All-Ireland 3-furrow champion, and noted the family’s longstanding involvement: “Paddy’s daughter Martina is our current Treasurer and NPA director... I am Paddy’s grandson and I will compete in the U-21 class where I hope to qualify... to compete in Tullamore in September at national level again.”

The speech closed with a heartfelt remembrance of the late Edward John Beattie from Rahara: “It is important to honour his valuable contribution and how he helped shape us to be who we are today.” A perpetual trophy donated by the Beattie family in his memory will be presented to the top vintage competitor. The championships will begin with competitor registration from 9 am, with ploughing to start at 12 pm. Entry enquiries for competitors and trade stands can be made to Martina Beirne on 087 614 1503 or by email at roscommonploughing@ gmail.com.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Association’s (RPA’s) County Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week are (from left to right) Ger Grehan, chairperson; Martina Beirne, treasurer, and Ann Mulryan presenting a cheque on behalf of her brother Sean Mulryan of Ballymore Properties, main sponsor of this year’s event. Photo: Michael Finan

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Agricultural talent and rural heritage take centre stage

The Roscommon Ploughing Championships, taking place this Sunday, May 4th, will showcase not only competitive ploughing talent but also the richness of local craft, farming heritage and traditional skills.

Dylan Beirne, addressing attendees at the event launch, outlined the range of competitions: “All classes of ploughing competition will feature both confined for the county and open for visitors. It will contain categories of senior and junior in the usual tractor, horse and vintage ploughing competitions and will feature alongside a loy digging.”

Some of Ireland’s top competitive ploughmen are expected to participate, with county and visiting competitors set to display their skill across multiple classes.

Complementing the action in the fields will be a traditional craft village. Attendees will see live demonstrations from a blacksmith using a working forge, along with traditional knitters and other craft workers. Mr Beirne said the village offers “a rare opportunity to learn these skills and get involved on the day.”

Vintage machinery will be displayed by Roscommon’s vintage clubs, including tractors, threshing machines, and memorabilia reflecting the area’s social and agricultural history.

Sheepdog trials and a Roscommon Hunt demonstration will also form part of the day’s activities. Live music will be performed by local favourites Derek Campbell and Billy Garvan, while a purpose-built outdoor dance floor will host a jiving competition and social dancing throughout the afternoon.

Mr Beirne said the festival reflects the wider role of the organisation: “We as a voluntary non-profit association play our role at national level to the NPA’s success, of which the National Ploughing is the biggest outdoor field event in Europe.”

With a programme balancing competition, celebration, and rural culture, Ballinaheglish is set to once again draw thousands of people for Roscommon’s largest springtime agricultural event.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week, from left to right, are Michael Geraghty, Paddy Beirne, Sean Greene, Tom Tighe, Padraig Nolan, and Paul Greene. Photo: Michael Finan

Flashback to 2024 ploughing: Pictured on the Beirne family farm in Ballinaheglish were Sean and Daiva Hoban with their children Olivia, Aurelia and Monika.

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

< EMMETT CORCORAN

It was the first Sunday of April – 1994 – when Roscommon shed its unusual status as the only county absent from the National Ploughing Championships. Under the leadership of Padraig Nolan, chairman of the then newly-formed Roscommon Ploughing Association, a tight-knit group of organisers set about hosting the county’s inaugural ploughing event. They were ready for action, but perhaps not quite for the scale of action that descended on them that day.

Mr Nolan vividly recalls a man arriving from Nenagh, County Tipperary, trundling in not on a modern Landini or

Massey Ferguson, but on an old Ford tractor – and from memory, Mr Nolan reckoned it was not even one of the more highpowered models of the era.

The event that day drew some notable visitors.

Anna May McHugh – the Queen of Irish ploughing – and her sister travelled down to support the occasion, something Mr Nolan spoke about with deep appreciation.

The President of the Roscommon association at the time was the late Paddy Walsh, a wellknown builder, community figure and GAA activist in Roscommon town, whom Mr Nolan also remembered with affection and reverence.

“It was a very successful day, it was a fine day,

very successful day in the sense that it was a novelty for Roscommon people to have ploughing and the crowds came in huge numbers that day,” Mr Nolan said.

However, not every car that entered Monahan’s field that Sunday was there for the ploughing. In an unexpected twist, the Roscommon team found themselves inadvertently gatekeeping a second pilgrimage altogether. As Mr Nolan explained: “We weren’t fully prepared and hadn’t any experience directing traffic.” As it happened, a major pilgrimage to Knock Shrine was also taking place that day, and Monahan’s field lay along one of the main thoroughfares to the Shrine – routes which were much

busier then than they are today.

“So, we put a man on the road that day and he directed every car into the field, even the cars going to Knock into the field,” Mr Nolan recalled, laughing.

Naturally, the confusion among the Knock pilgrims – who found themselves at a lively field of ploughing rather than at Mass – was considerable. But one cannot help but imagine that a few of the waylaid pilgrims, having already

disembarked among the ploughing community, might well have decided it was no bad thing to stay put, enjoy the spectacle, and leave the longer journey to Knock for another day. It was, by all accounts, a day of history and humorous happenstance – a Roscommon welcome at its most memorable, and a community event that would set the tone for many great championships to come.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week are committee members of the Roscommon Ploughing Association and competitors at the championships. Photo: Michael Finan

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Spirit of community shines through at Roscommon ploughing launch

 EMMETT CORCORAN

When you are given a work assignment for 8 pm on a Wednesday, just as that midweek slump hits hard, you do not exactly jump for joy. But my venture to Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday evening of last week – for the launch of the 2025 Roscommon Ploughing Championships – reignited something in me that I feel I had probably lost, or at least misplaced for a while. It reminded me that while the Germans might have singular words such as schadenfreude to ex-

press complex dark matters, the Irish have their own word to explain the sometimes hard-to-pindown spirit of community: meitheal.

Arriving on a ﬁne spring evening – early for a change – I sat in the car looking out over ﬁelds of green that would put Paradise Valley to shame.

I strolled into Dec’s Bar, such that it is separate from the lounge, greeted by a handful of locals enjoying a pint and a very friendly barman. In my sometimes unintentionally curt and awkward manner, my brain

misﬁred; instead of offering a standard greeting, I uttered just one word, inquisitively: “Ploughing?”

Instantly, I was reminded that in a rural Irish pub, such directness is often appreciated when an essential stranger walks through the door.

I was not a stranger for too long. After a bit of chat, I was directed to the lounge where the, let us say, eager members of the press had begun to gather.

In Roscommon circles, there are few real strangers among the local media. It did not take too long for the

ploughing crowd to start ﬁltering in. Tuesday had been a bad evening for the farmers – the heavens had opened – but Wednesday had come good. Despite the ﬁne weather, the crowd arrived in a timely fashion, to the delight of those working against the clock and impending sunset.

There had been fears that eight o’clock might drift towards ten on a night like that. By nine, the lounge was full, the atmosphere lively, and the craic building nicely.

The Beirne family, as ever, were extremely generous with their time. I met some old acquaintances I had not seen since before Covid, and a few I have seen a bit too much of since. It was an education to speak with Padraig Nolan, the ﬁrst chairman of the Roscommon Ploughing Association and a key organiser of the inaugural championships back in 1994.

Martina Beirne gave me

a ﬁrst-class education in the nuances of ploughing, which armed me well to mingle among the attendees and competitors. Her son Dylan, who has become integral to the organising of the event in recent years, was not media-shy either. Her father, Paddy Beirne, whose family farm will once again host this year’s championships, has been involved in the association for over 30 years. Yet he modestly deferred to those he had trained to take up the mantle. The atmosphere was electric. It did the soul good to get out and see that sense of meitheal in full swing – friends and neighbours, locals and visitors, coming together and displaying that uniquely rural sense of community, not just through words but through the very act of being present: sharing, laughing, and celebrating the coming of another Roscommon Ploughing Championships.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week were (back row from left to right) Edmund Hester and Dylan Beirne; front row from left to right: Cllr Liam Callaghan, Cllr Ruth Conboy, Ger Crehan, Martina Beirne, and Cllr Sean Moylan. Photo: Michael Finan

Flashback to 2024 ploughing: Pictured on the Beirne family farm in Ballinaheglish .

Roscommon prepares to host 31st ploughing as national legacy deepens

< EMMETT CORCORAN

Roscommon will mark another significant milestone in its agricultural and family event calendar this weekend, with the 31st County Ploughing Championships set to take place in Ballinaheglish on Sunday, May 4th.

Returning to the same location as last year, the event is again being hosted by the Beirne family, whose long-standing contribution to the local and national ploughing movement is widely acknowledged. The Roscommon Ploughing Association,

constituted in 1994, was the last county in Ireland to affiliate to the National Ploughing Association (NPA). In the years since, Roscommon’s representation has grown from modest beginnings to a visible and respected presence on the national stage. From the junior

and loy classes to national titles and volunteer leadership within the NPA itself, the county’s footprint within Irish ploughing has broadened.

The wider context for Roscommon’s return to Ballinaheglish lies in the evolution of the National Ploughing Championships

themselves – an event that began in a 26-acre field in Coursetown, County Kildare, in February 1931. What started as a friendly rivalry between Wexford’s Denis Allen and Kildare’s JJ Bergin has since grown into the largest outdoor agricultural event in Europe.

Formally established in 1931, the National Ploughing Association has since guided the championships through nearly a century of development. By the mid-1950s, the event had extended to two days and was incorporated as a company in 1956. The original ethos of technical skill, rural pride and sociability remains intact, even as the scale of the event has changed dramatically.

Nowadays, the National Ploughing Championships occupy over 700 acres of host land annually – 180 acres devoted to ploughing, 100 to trade exhibitions, 400 to parking, and 25 to machinery and farming demonstrations. The event attracts close to 300,000 visitors and features everything from livestock and forestry exhibitions to bioenergy showcases, fashion and craft tents, and national education and enterprise zones.

Flashback to 2024 ploughing: Pictured on the Beirne family farm in Ballinaheglish were Donal Hayden with his sons Darragh and Callum.

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Leadership Its expansion is matched by a colourful leadership history. Co-founder JJ Bergin not only led the NPA but also represented Ireland internationally in ploughing’s earliest world contests. His successor, Seán O’Farrell, introduced new competitive and culinary traditions, including a national bread baking championship run with the ESB. The most transformative figure in the modern era, however, has been Anna May McHugh. Appointed

Managing Director in 1973, she has overseen the championships’ dramatic growth over more than five decades. Her daughter, Anna Marie McHugh, now serves as Assistant MD, continuing the family’s generational legacy in Irish rural affairs.

Roscommon’s own role in that legacy has strengthened. Though a latecomer by affiliation, the county has since produced prize-winners at national level – in tractor and vintage classes, in loy digging, and in stewardship and volunteering capacities. A

feature of recent years has been a growing number of Roscommon competitors qualifying to represent the county at the National Championships, which are held each autumn – most recently in Ratheniska, County Laois. This year, the competition is due to take place from September 16th, 17th and 18th, near Screggan outside Tullamore in County Offaly. The local championships also play host to a wide range of ploughing categories, from senior reversible and three-furrow

classes to junior and novice categories, horse ploughing and traditional loy digging – a reminder of the deep cultural roots of the practice as much as its modern technical precision. Set against this national backdrop, this year’s Roscommon Ploughing Championships will again feature a full competitive programme along with family entertainment, trade stands, and rural displays. The continuing use of the Ballinaheglish site – with its proven accessibility, layout, and community support – is testament to the strong cooperation between host landowners and the association.

That the event now marks its 31st year since forming

officially is not only a credit to the ploughmen and women who compete, but also to the volunteers, committee members, and rural households who continue to sustain it –often behind the scenes. Organisers of this year’s Roscommon championship thanked all stakeholders at the launch of the event last week.

For Roscommon, the annual ploughing brings more than tradition – it provides a bridge between the technical and the communal, the competitive and the cultural, and between field and family. This year, as every year, that spirit will be turned once more in straight furrows through Ballinaheglish soil.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week are Roscommon Ploughing Association officers (from left to right) Edmund Hester, secretary; Martina Beirne, treasurer; Ger Grehan, chairperson, and Dylan Beirne, PRO. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week, from left to right, are Des Hunt, Bernard Kearney and John Hession.

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Also

Bookings

Also

Bookings

Castlerea MART WATCH

Slightly smaller numbers presented for sale last Thursday (April 24th) with prices and trade for quality lots maintained.

Plainer lots tended to be a little easier last week but overall there was very little change in trade.

The heifer ring witnessed lots make as high as €2690. Dry cows peaked at €3970 while the weanling rings reported a good demand, with bulls peaking at €5.76 a kilo. Heifer weanlings hit €5.50 a kilo.

The calf trade remains strong with exporters and farmers driving the trade while breeding stock made up to €4070 for a limousin cow and her bull calf at foot.

Sample prices

HEIFERS: Ch 405kgs €1780 Au 425kgs €1760

Lm 385kgs €1680 Lm 435kgs €2520 Lm

495kgs €2590 Lm 465kgs €2130 Lm 640kgs

€2690 Ch 560kgs €2570 AA 555kgs €2330 AA 640kgs €2670 Lm 445kgs €2410.

DRY COWS: Ch 450kgs €1600 Sh 860kgs €3480 Lm 770kgs €3300 Her 810kgs €3040 Lm 735kgs €3000 AA 745kg €2950 Lm 740kgs €2930 Lm 435kgs €1440.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1180 to €4070. Springers made from €1760 to €1920.

CALVES: Lots made from €20 to €890 with

exporters, farmers and agents driving the trade, resulting in an excellent clearance. Runners made from €460 to €1360 for continental lots.

WEANLING BULLS: Ch 275kgs €1490 AA 280kgs €1410 Ch 260kgs €1320 Lm 420kgs €2270 Lm 365kgs €1960 Lm 370kgs €1800 Ch 300kgs €1580 Ch 310kgs €1540 Ch 335kgs €1710.

WEANLING HEIFERS: Ch 285kgs €1440 AA 275kgs €1390 Lm 240kgs €1320 Lm 295kgs €1320 Lm 390kgs €2000 Ptx 350kgs €1690 BBx 345kgs €1650 Lm 325kgs €1540 Lm 485kgs €2220.

At our sale on Monday, April 21st, there were 140 bullocks on o er, with top quality stores making up to €5.37 a kilo. Heavier lots made up to €3070 with a good clearance taking place.

Sample prices

Lm 480kgs €2240 Lm 465kgs €2160 Lm 515kgs €2770 AA 545kgs €2450 Lm 560kgs €2400 Ch 605kgs €2770 Ch 605kgs €2740 Ch 600kgs €2670.

Sales continue with bullock sales on Mondays and our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on Thursdays.

Roscommon MART WATCH

Cattle: There was a very large entry of stock on o er at Friday’s special sale of heifers and general cattle sale on April 25th. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active. Heifers fetched an average of €4.25 per kilo up to €5.30 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.54 per kilo up to €4.43 per kilo. Dry cows, sample prices: LMX -830KG -€3,680-€4.43 per kg, CH- 1,005KG- €3,990€3.97 per kg, LMX -980KG- €3,860- €3.94 per kg, CHX -855KG -€3,470- €4.06 per kg, LMX - 790KG- €3,260 - €4.13 per kg, and SIX780KG- €2,950 -€3.78 per kg. Weanlings There was a large entry of quality weanlings on o er at the weanling sale held on Tuesday evening, April 29th, with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €4.34 per kilo up to €6.47 per kilo, and heifer weanlings made from an average of €4.45 per kilo up to €6.40 per kilo.

Bull weanlings, sample prices: LMX- 365KG -€2,360 -€6.47 per kg,LMX- 485KG- €2,490€5.13 per kg, CHX - 550KG- €2,460- €4.47 per kg, LM- 420KG- €2,090- €4.98 per kg, BBX- 345KG- €2,000- €5.80 per kg, and SIX545KG- €2,000- €3.67 per kg.

Heifer weanlings, sample prices: LMX -425KG -€2,720- €6.40 per kg, CHX -465KG€2,270-€4.88 per kg, LMX-435KG- €2,000€4.60 per kg, AAX- 345KG- €1,560- €4.52 per kg, SAX-420KG- €1,400- €3.33 per kg, and HEX-375KG- €1,360- €3.63 per kg.

Sheep

There was a good number of sheep on o er at the weekly sale of hoggets and stag ewes on Wednesday, April 29th. Prices for hoggets made up to €255 while stag ewes topped out at €290. There was also a very good entry of ewes with lambs at foot making up to €460.

The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, May 7th. 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.

Flashback to 2024 ploughing: Pictured on the Beirne family farm in Ballinaheglish were members of the Beirne family.

2025 ROSCOMMON PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Children’s attractions and community focus at this year’s ploughing

The upcoming Roscommon County Ploughing Championships, to be held on Sunday, May 4th in Ballinaheglish, will place a strong emphasis on affordable family fun and community engagement, organisers have confirmed.

Dylan Beirne told those gathered at the launch that organisers were making

a conscious effort to keep the event as accessible as possible: “The aim of this entertainment is to keep the event low cost for families where children also have free admission.”

Among the main attractions for younger attendees will be the return of Corbally’s Pet Farm, which will feature miniature horses, alpacas, goats, giant and dwarf rabbits, tortoises, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, snakes, pet rats, and rare

breed poultry. Fierce Fun Face Painting will also be offering free balloon modelling and face painting throughout the day.

A complimentary ride on the vintage Wanderly Wagon will be provided by Paddy Shaughnessy, a popular fixture from previous years. O’Mahony’s Funfair will also be on site, offering a variety of attractions for all ages.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Martina Beirne, treasurer of the Roscommon Ploughing Association and a National Ploughing Association (NPA) director, said: “I’m delighted to see our platform utilised for the benefit of the community. I feel it’s very rewarding and hopefully makes a difference.”

She confirmed that elite Irish boxing sisters from Castlerea – Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke – will officially open this year’s event. “It is great for the community to meet and congratulate the girls and for the ploughing to recognise their exceptional achievements in sport and having such a strong rural farming background themselves,” she said.

In a community safety initiative, the Garda Mounted Support Unit will also attend, along with the Castlerea Community Policing Unit. Garda Tanya Duffy and Garda Sinead Higgins will operate a gazebo offering information leaflets, crime prevention advice, and children’s activity resources such

as An Garda Síochána colouring books. A property-marking machine from Roscommon County Council is expected to be in use on the day.

Martina added that she had invited the Gardaí following recent crime statistics: “I had read recently crime was up 52 per cent, so it was the primary reason to invite the unit to attend our event and relay information that helps the community or an activity for engagement for the public and children.”

The day’s attractions aim to balance fun and safety with a focus on familyfriendly accessibility.

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week are a group of attendees on the night.

Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at the launch of the Roscommon Ploughing Championships at Dec’s of Castleplunkett on Wednesday of last week are three generations of the Beirne family who are hosting the event for the second consecutive year, from left to right, Paddy Beirne, Martina Beirne, and Dylan Beirne. Photo: Michael Finan

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant:

LICENCING OF GRAZING LAND BY SEALED TENDER

St. Brigid’s Campus, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

The HSE are inviting o ers for the grazing of land around St. Brigid’s Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. The proposed Licence period will be 22nd May 2025 – 30th November 2025 and Sealed Tenders are to be submitted by 12 noon, Thursday, 15th May 2025. A break option in favour of the landlord is included on all lots.

THE LOTS ON OFFER ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Lot 1: 7.28 ha (18 Acres)

Lot 2: 3.4 ha ( 8.4 Acres)

Lot 3: 8.09 ha (20 Acres)

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD has published ﬁgures which show that over €112m has been paid out to Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applicants, bringing more than 2,000 homes back into residential use from vacancy nationwide.

Overall, since the launch of the grant in July 2022, in Roscommon there have been 397 applications, 213 approvals and 66 grants issued up to 31 March 2025 – totalling €3.9m in payments.

More than 12,400 applications for the grant have been received across Ireland by the end of March this year.

A new interactive story map developed by Minis-

ter Browne’s Department has also been launched with these statistics. The map shows the farreaching impact of the grant scheme across the country since its launch. Information includes the number of grants issued per local authority since the scheme’s launch.

‘Before and after’ images of some of the refurbishment works already carried out by grant recipients under the scheme are available to view.

The number of grants being paid out continues to rise signiﬁcantly each quarter, as works on properties are completed.

22 grants were issued in Roscommon Q1 2025 on completion of works, according to the new ﬁgures.

Welcoming the numbers of homes returned from

vacancy, Minister for Housing James Browne TD, said, “The momentum of this grant continues to build, with another signiﬁcant increase in grants being paid on completion of works as more vacant and derelict properties are brought back into use as homes for people across County Roscommon.

“The grant is making a signiﬁcant and important contribution to cities, towns, villages and rural areas, supporting people to bring these vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes and in tandem with that – helping to revitalise communities.”

The payment of grants is expected to continue at pace throughout the year as more refurbishment works reach completion.

area of Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Roscommon.

Built in 1976, this charming home boasts a generous ﬂoor area of approximately 1,790 square feet and is set on an impressive site of approximately 1.16 acres. Remax Team Earley would like to wish congratulations and the best of luck to the new owners.

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

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, 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.

BUSINESS NEWS

Ericsson confirms €200m investment in Athlone

Global communications leader Ericsson has announced a major €200m investment at its Athlone base, cementing its long-standing presence in the region and deepening its commitment to advanced research and innovation in Ireland.

The investment, which will be rolled out over the next three years, is backed by the Government through IDA Ireland and will focus on developing next-generation open network management technologies. The project will place particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics – areas seen as crucial to the evolution of 5G and future network systems.

Ericsson’s Athlone site has been a cornerstone of the company’s Irish operations since the 1970s and is now designated as its centre of excellence for intelligent network management. The company currently employs over 1,300 people across Ireland, with the majority based at the Co Westmeath campus.

Speaking during a visit to the Ath-

“By delivering on this cutting-edge project, we’re both investing in Ireland’s future and empowering mobile operators worldwide.”Welcoming the news, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke described the investment as “fantastic” for the region: “Their innovative R&D project, which will span a duration of three years, will improve efficiency in 5G networks globally.”

IDA Ireland also hailed the announcement as a significant step in securing Ireland’s position as a research and development hub. “This RD&I project embodies cutting-edge innovation and exemplifies IDA’s continued commitment to balanced regional development,” said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland.

Local producers encouraged to enter 2025 food awards

Food and drink producers across Roscommon are being urged to submit entries for the 2025 Blas na hÉireann awards, with the Best in County category again supported by Roscommon Local Enterprise Office.

Now in its 18th year, Blas na hÉireann – the Irish Food Awards – is the largest competition celebrating Irish food and drink, and organisers say entries are now open across all categories. The closing date is May 15th.

Further details and full entry criteria are available at www.irishfoodawards.com

Recognition for Naughtons Car Sales

Roscommon’s Naughtons Car Sales has been recognised at CarsIreland’s Dealership Awards for Best Presentation, proudly supported by PTSB Asset Finance.

lone facility this week, Ericsson CEO Börje Ekholm addressed staff and praised the site’s strategic role within the company’s global operations. Denis Dullea, who heads up the Athlone campus and Ericsson’s Net-

Harkin welcomes decision not to repurpose Leitrim Marina Hotel

Minister of State at the Department of Education and TD for Sligo-Leitrim Marian Harkin has welcomed the Department of Integration’s decision not to proceed with plans to accommodate international protection applicants at the Leitrim Marina Hotel in Leitrim Village. The facility, which includes 16 bedrooms and private apartments, is situated on a prime riverside site in Leitrim village.

Minister Harkin said: “The hotel represents a significant investment in the tourism infrastructure of County Leitrim.”The minister said she recognised the relief felt locally and acknowledged the strong sentiment within the community, adding: “Local people believe the Leitrim Marina Hotel is crucial to the social and economic wellbeing of their area.”

Harkin reiterated her commitment to supporting balanced and community-led responses to the accommodation of asylum applicants. The development comes amid wider scrutiny of how properties for asylum accommodation are selected, following a report in a recent edition of the Sunday Independent in which residents of Donnybrook in Dublin 4 were reported to have said things such as “It’s like I’ve won the lottery” and “my house would be of no value (had the proposal gone ahead)” in response to the news that the landmark former Sachs Hotel on Moorehampton Road would not be used to house asylum-seekers. It followed a three-week campaign by residents in opposition to the plans which were under consideration by the Department of Integration.

work Management Engineering Unit, described the development as both a local and international milestone.

“Ericsson has a long history and deep roots in Ireland spanning more than 50 years,” he said, continuing:

The news comes at a time when global tech firms continue to face pressures from fluctuating markets and international competition. Nonetheless, Ericsson’s recommitment to its Athlone operations underlines the company’s long-term confidence in the region and its skilled workforce.

Novo Nordisk shortlisted for Health and Safety Excellence Award

Staff from Novo Nordisk Production Ireland in Monksland, Athlone, attended the recent Health and Safety Excellence Awards, where the

company was shortlisted in the Life Sciences category for its F7 Incident Prevention Programme. According to organisers, the

awards “celebrate the most innovative individuals and companies driving excellence in Ireland’s health and safety sector.”

Connacht drivers ‘most price-conscious’

Recognising marketing excellence in the Irish automotive industry, the CarsIreland Dealership Awards celebrate the promotional efforts of dealerships across Ireland’s provinces. Winners were selected from a highly competitive pool of entries and judged by a panel of automotive and marketing experts. Naughtons Car Sales in County Roscommon received the Connacht award for Best Presentation, reflecting their outstanding use of online platforms and strong visual assets to enhance the customer experience.

Athlone Chamber’s new festival and events coordinator

Athlone Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Sophie Hunt (pictured) as its new Festival and Events Coordinator. The position, funded by Westmeath County Council, is seen as a major step in supporting the town’s festivals and cultural events.

Ms Hunt, who holds a BA in Outdoor Leisure, will work alongside volunteer committees across the region to assist with grant applications, sponsorship, liaising with An Garda Síochána, and advising on logistics, licensing and risk management. Her role aims to empower local organisers and further cement Athlone’s reputation as a premier tourism destination.

Chamber President Regina Bushell welcomed the appointment, stating:

Connacht also recorded the highest proportion of buyers using independent dealers (48%) and the lowest use of franchise dealerships (24%).

In terms of fuel type and future preferences, 52 per cent of Connacht drivers currently own diesel vehicles, but the province also had the highest percent-

Drivers in Connacht are the most price-sensitive in the country when it comes to car purchases, according to Carzone’s 2025 Motoring Report. The research, which draws on a survey of 1,000 motorists and 84 million user searches, found that 46 per cent of Connacht respondents ranked price as the top consideration when buying a car, well above the national average of 33 per cent. Reliability, safety and running costs followed as the next most cited factors.

age of respondents (16%) who said their next car would likely be electric. Plug-in hybrids, by contrast, are attracting minimal interest in the region, registering at just two per cent.

Commenting on the findings, Carzone’s Martin O’Neill said: “This year’s report reflects an evolving Irish automotive market, shifting sentiments towards alternative fuels and emerging innovations.”

“Sophie’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Athlone. Her expertise and commitment to fostering collaboration will not only enhance our existing festivals and events, but also ensure that local organisers receive the support they need to thrive.

“We are deeply grateful to Westmeath County Council for funding this vital role, which will have a lasting, positive impact on our town.”

Photographed recently at Ericsson’s Athlone campus, from left to right, are: Michael Lohan (CEO of IDA Ireland), Börje Ekholm (CEO of Ericsson), Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, Jenny Lindqvist (Business Area Cloud Software and Services Lead, Ericsson), and Denis Dullea (Ericsson, Athlone). Photo: Ericsson

Pictured at the Health and Safety Excellence Award event were Conor O’Riordan, Colm Donnellan, Anders Gooseman Hove (VP Business Support), Michael White, James Cuskelly, Monica Doyle, Stephen Flynn, James Galvin, Tom Quinn (CVP and GM), and Brian Keegan, representing the Novo Nordisk team.

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TRAILER SERVICING & REPAIRS

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

Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

 FOR SALE: Excellent quality of square bales of hay. €4 per bale. Call Tom 086 2628439.

 FOR SALE: Calving Jack, Cattle Ring Feeders, Calf Creep, 2 Calf Taggers, Bale Carrier and Spike. Tel. 087 4219596.

 FOR SALE: 10’ x 6’ Steel Tipping Trailer; Viking Fertiliser Shaker; Driveon Lawnmower. Tel 087 7733181.

 FOR HIRE: Four Wheel Drive Tractor and Driver with or without Dump Trailer. Silage or Grain Trailer, or Low-Loader. Keen rates . Tel 087 2929365.

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

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, Cuan Bhride Childcare, are applying for Planning Permission for the construction of a single storey extension to the existing childcare facility with a corridor link and all associated site development works at Ballinderry Td, FourMile-House, Co Roscommon, F42 W326.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd.

Consulting Engineers

C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon.

Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365

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

Design Consultation Planning Applications

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Castlerea Town Trust, intend to apply for permission for development at this site:

The existing walkway along the River Francis between the centre of Castlerea town and the Demesne.

The development will consist of converting the existing steps between the street and the river path to a 21m long ramp that will be suitable for individuals with limited mobility thereby providing access for all. It is also proposed to construct a 29m long metal cantilever meeting area on the riverbank east of the existing steps and path and three new public benches will be provided.

The planning application includes overlaying 41m of the existing path with a steel boardwalk from the foot of the ramp, enhancing the mobility for individuals with limited mobility. Approximately 148m of the riverside path will be repro led and nished with an anti-skid surface to prevent slip.

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, €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.

TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

SALON TO LET at Main Street, Killimor, Ballinasloe

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Reasonable rent Tel. 083 1138677

CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one o fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mark Gilleran, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to construct a dwelling house and domestic garage and install a waste water treatment system an all associated site works at Clooncra , Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs. Co. Roscommon Mob: 086 8551835

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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, John Beirne, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission: to construct detached garage and single story extension and all ancillary site development works at Srah, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon, F42 K667.

Signed:

Ph: 089 243 6908

Email: evan@henmandesign.com

Web: www.henmandesign.ie

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 20euros 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Grainne Brady, intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to retain conversion of Existing Barn to Living Accommodation and retain Domestic Storage Shed and septic tank and percolation, and all associated works, At Rushport, Kilmore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon

The Planning Application May Be Inspected Or Purchased At A Fee Not Exceeding The Reasonable Cost Of Making A Copy, At The 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 A Period Of 5 Weeks Beginning On The Date Of Receipt By The Authority Of The Application, And Such Submissions Or Observations Will Be Considered By The Planning Authority In Making A Decision On The Application. The Planning Authority Subject To or Without Conditions, or May Refuse To Grant Permission

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Adrian Watson, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission: 1. to retain as constructed agricultural entrance and all ancillary site development works at Crannagh Beg, Drum, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 T384. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

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

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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Thomas Kelly, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission and retention permission:

1. To retain revised elevations that di er to that granted under PD99/854

2. Permission to revise site boundaries which di ers to that granted under PD99/854, 3. Permission to install new treatment system and all ancillary site development works at Clonadra, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon, N39C786. 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.

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 T384. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470. E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

TOP SOIL

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Mary Moran, am applying for Planning Permission for the construction of a single storey detached modular type ‘Granny Flat’ to the rear of the site of an existing dwelling house with connection to existing wastewater treatment system and all associated site development works at Carrowmore Td, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon, F42 FY89. Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365

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

PLANT HIRE

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Kilteevan, Roscommon

• Site work, land reclamation

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Alan and Roisin Cunningham, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct a two storey rear extension, new domestic garage and upgrade existing domestic treatment system and carry out all ancillary site development works at Drishagan Elphin, Co. Roscommon. F45 KF72.

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.

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 T384 O ce Ph: 0851756192 Mob: 0878228529 E: info@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, DARREN O’TOOLE , intend to apply for full permission for development at Corraun, Termonbarry Co. Roscommon. The development consists of a two storey extension to a Domestic dwelling, c/w an upgraded wwts, entrance Driveway & partial hedge removal c/w entrance Piers/wall, and associated site works.

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 the public opening hours Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the Application, and such submissions 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: Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Cathal and Yvonne King, are applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission and Planning Permission for the following: 1. To retain 3no as constructed dwellings which are partially completed and permission to complete outstanding works along with carrying out all ancillary site development works at Main Street, Elphin, 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 submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 T384. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470. E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Padraig Finan, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission:

To refurbish existing derelict property, upgrade treatment system and de ne property boundaries and all ancillary site development works at Castleteheen, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45F218.

Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 T384. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

E: james@jlce.ie & jack@jlce.ie

Web: www.jlce.ie

Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

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.

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

SOMERS

William (Willie)

Moylough, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Willie’s wife Mary, sons Micheal and Sean, daughters Brid and Ann Marie, Sons in-law Damien and Donal, daughters in-law Jackie and Selena, grandchildren and Great grandchildren would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who supported us in our recent sad loss. Your kind expressions of sympathy, mass cards, messages and presence at the funeral have been a great comfort and are deeply appreciated.

A special word of thanks to the Public Health Nurses, Palliative Care Nurses and carers for their exceptional care, compassion and support during Willie’s nal days. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Our sincere thanks to Pinegrove Medical and to Mulrooney’s Pharmacy for their incredible support, guidance and advice in caring for Willie. Your help meant so much to us and made a real di erence.

We would also like to thank the grave diggers for their respectful and digni ed work on Willie’s nal resting place, to Francis and Mary Connolly for providing the catering after the funeral and for John Gilmore Funeral Director for his professionalism, sensitivity and guidance throughout.

A heartfelt thank you as well to our wonderful friends and neighbours for their constant support, help and kindness & providing food at the house during this di cult time.

We are also very grateful to our Sacristan John, for ensuring the church was beautifully prepared and ready for Willie’s Funeral Mass. To Pat Crowe for his beautiful singing which brought great comfort and meaning to the ceremony.

Thank you to Moylough Community Centre for the use of their facilities for refreshments and gathering afterwards.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who formed a guard of honour, especially the children from Moylough Primary School, North Galway Vintage Club, Tremane Hurling Club Roscommon and Mountbellew/Moylough GAA. Your presence was deeply moving and meant a great deal to us.

Our deepest thanks to Fr Karl, Fr Douglas and Fr Louis for their spiritual support and for so beautifully celebrating Willie’s Funeral Mass. Your presence and words brought great comfort.

Finally it is impossible to thank everyone for their kindness to all of us as a family during this sad time, please accept this as an acknowledgement of our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you all. Mass will be o ered in thanks.

Though you are gone from our lives, You remain forever in our hearts

Lovingly remembered and deeply missed every day by your family and friends

will be celebrated on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 7pm in St Patricks Church Moylough.

NOVENA TO ST. ANTHONY

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

AND ANNIVERSARIES

COYNE

John James

Milltown, Dysart, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

In loving memory of John James who died on 24th April 2014

Sadly missed along life’s way

Quietly remembered every day

No longer in our lives to share

But in our hearts you are always there.

Time slips by and life goes on but in our hearts you are never gone

Each of us in our own way

Have special thoughts of you every day

Remembered with love and prayers by his sister Margaret, family and friends

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 3rd May in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart at 7.30pm

MANNION

Carmel

Cartron, Kilteevan, Roscommon (19th Anniversary) 1st May 2025

You can only have one mother, Patient, kind and true, No other friend in all the world, Will be the same to you. Sad are the hearts that loved you, Silent tears that fall, Living our lives without you, Is the hardest part of all. You gave us years of happiness, Then sorrow came with tears, You left us lovely memories, We will treasure through the years.

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

GREENE

Billy Clooneen, Athleague, Co Roscommon Who Passed away on 6th May 2019

We are sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel in its wing, Be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things, Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs, To say how much we miss you and to send you all our love.

Sadly missed by his wife Mary, son Liam, daughters Anne Marie and Angela, son-in-law Adrian and grandchildren Elliot, Carla and Louis

Anniversary Mass in St Patrick’s church, Athleague on Saturday 3rd May at 7pm

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. A.K.

THANKS

Thanks to the Miraculous Prayer, Blessed Virgin, St. Martin, Padre Pio, St. Anthony, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Clonfert for favours received. M.

SMYTH

Gary Vesnoy, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. (4th Anniversary - 3rd May 2021)

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

Loved and sadly missed by your sister Lisa, Sandra and your brother Dougie.

HOARE

B ernie

12 Circular Road, Roscommon Who Passed away on 6th May 2002 (23rd Anniversary)

There are people who have left our world, but they still live within us in every detail,

When we are happy we remember them beside us

And when we are sad we feel their comfort

They may have left us physically, but their souls never departed from us.

Missing you always Forever loved and missed by your family

Anniversary Mass is on Saturday 3rd May at 10.00am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Co. Roscommon

SEND

www.brianmuraystone.com

We, her family, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us during our recent loss, thank you to those who attended the removal, requiem mass and burial. To those who travelled long distances, sent mass cards, letters, oral tributes and thoughtful online condolences, thank you. A special word of thanks to friends, neighbours and relatives who called to our home and provided refreshments.

We will be forever grateful to Martha Joyce and all her wonderful sta at St. Francis Nursing Home for the exceptional care they took of Rita during her stay with them and to Angela Molloy who cared for her at home. We would also like to thank Dr. Christopher Cunningham for his care and support over the years. Thank you to Fr. Liam Kelly for welcoming her home to St. Michael’s Church following her removal. Our thanks also to Fr. Raul Cino for his support, compassion and for a beautiful Funeral Mass, and a special word of thanks to Glinsk Choir for their beautiful singing. Sincere thanks also to the Grave Diggers who prepared Rita’s nal resting place with such care and attention. Thank you to Dolores and Tommy Dowd who helped and handled all the arrangements with sensitivity and kindness, and to Adrian Moloney and his sta for providing a wonderful meal following the burial.

As it is not possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as our sincere appreciation.

Rita’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held on Saturday, 3rd May 2025 at 7.00 pm on the occasion of her 100th Birthday, in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk.

GREHAN

Patrick and Agnes

Pollalaher, Brideswell, Co. Roscommon (29th and 7th Anniversaries)

Patrick who died on 1st January 1996

Agnes who died on 14th May 2018

Though we cannot see you, we know you are here with us

In our every thought, as we think of you each day

Loved and remembered by their family.

Anniversary Mass in Curraghboy Church on Sunday 4th May at 10.00am

Month’s Mind notice in loving memory of William (Willie) Somers, whose Month’s Mind Mass

KEANE Rita

Toberroe, Glinsk, Co. Galway who passed away peacefully on the 14th March 2025

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

MURRAY (nee Brennan) Bridie

In Loving Memory of Bridie Murray Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. (15th Anniversary)

Passed away May 4th 2010

Deep in my heart, there is a special place

Where I keep the image of your smiling face.

All the good times we shared, and the memories we made, will remain with us and never fade.

There is a void in our lives that will never go away

But it will be part of us for every day

Always remembered dearly by your daughter, Geraldine.

Anniversary Mass in St John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday 18th May at 11.30am

KILLILEA

Tess

Lissavruggy, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

In loving memory of Teresa (Tess) Killilea (nee Keane), who died 11th May 2024.

Mam, Your loving smile, your gentle face, no one can ﬁll your vacant place.

No special day is needed for us to think of you. For you were someone special and we thought the world of you.

You always had a smile to share, A laugh, a joke, A time to care, A loving nature, A heart of gold. One of the best this world could hold.

Sadly missed and remembered by your loving family and friends.

First Anniversary Mass, Sunday, May 4th at 11.30am, St. Patrick’s Church, Newbridge.

May her gentle soul Rest in Peace

JOYCE

Tom Late of Ballymoe, Co. Galway

In loving memory of our dear father Tom Joyce who passed away on 1st May 2000 (25th Anniversary)

Dad,

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.

Also remembering our mother, Margaret Joyce, who passed away on 4th December 1986

Mam, You can only have one Mother, patient, kind and true, no other friend in all the world, will be the same to you. When other friends forsake you, to Mother you will return, For all her loving kindness, she asks nothing in return

Remembering our brother Paddy, who passed away on 4th July, 2012

Paddy, You went away so suddenly. no time to say goodbye, But brothers can’t be parted, precious memories never die Until we meet again.

Remembering our brother Tommy, who passed away on 13th July, 2021

Tommy, You always had a smile to share, A laugh, a joke, and time to care. A kindly nature, warm and true, Those are the memories we have of you ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remembering our sister Maureen, who passed away on 25th February 2023

Maureen

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

Loved and missed by their family, Mickie, Sean, Stephen, Cyril, Chrissie, Eileen, Carmel and Sheila and extended family memebers.

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

HEALY

Tommy

Galway Road, Roscommon Town, Roscommon / Athleague, Roscommon.

The family of the late Tommy Healy wish to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and overwhelming kindness and support shown to us on the death of our beloved Tommy, husband, father and adored grandfather.

We deeply appreciate and express our immense gratitude to our extended family, neighbours and friends for your kindness and support in helping with tra c management, food and refreshments brought to our home, and all who helped us in every possible way at this very di cult time, and for their continued support to our family.

We are greatly comforted by the number of messages, phone calls, Mass cards and enrolments and all those who attended his Funeral Mass and burial.

Sincere gratitude to Fr George Agger, Fr Eugene McLoughlin who came to our house every day during Tommy’s illness and while he reposed at our home, to pray with us.

A very special thanks to Fr George Agger, Fr Eugene McLoughlin, Fr Mick Reddin, Fr Douglas Zaggi and Fr Kevin Fallon for celebrating Tommy’s Mass and burial.

A very special thank you to Gerry, Breda, Anne, Tim and Flinn for the beautiful singing and music in the Church. It will never be forgotten.

Our sincere gratitude to the medical and nursing sta at Roscommon Hospice. A special thank you to Dr David Harrison, Gillian, Karl and Mary at the Primary Care Centre for their care and attention to Tommy during his illness.

We would especially like to thank Pat and Gillian Smyth for their professionalism in dealing with our family at such a di cult time.

A special word of thanks to the gravediggers who prepared Tommy’s nal resting place with great care and attention.

Thank you to the Abbey Hotel for the wonderful meal provided after the Mass and burial.

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

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass has been o ered for your intentions.

Tommy’s Month’s Mind Mass on Friday 9th May at 7.00pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

MURRAY

Martin and Rita Castlestrange, Fuerty (18th & 15th Anniversaries)

You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide, And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side.

Loved and remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 4th May at 11.30am in Fuerty Church.

THANKSGIVINGS

O GREAT SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO

O Great Saint Joseph of Cupertino who through your prayers obtained from God to be asked at your examination those questions that you know, pray to God that I may succeed in the examination which is before me. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be more loved.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Teresa

(1st Anniversary)

The family of the late Teresa Kelly, who died on the 1st May 2024, wish to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who sympathised and supported us in any way on the sad death of Teresa.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who sent mass cards, sympathy cards, or owers and who telephoned or sent sympathy messages online. We are very grateful to those who travelled near and far to be with us and who came to the funeral home, to the Funeral Mass and the burial and to those who joined us online.

Thanks to Fr Francis Beirne for attending at the house and for the lovely Funeral Mass. And to the members of the Ballyforan Folk Choir and everyone who enriched the service with the beautiful music in the church. To Michael Dempsey of Dempsey’s Funeral Directors, Ballyforan for his kindness and professionalism throughout the entire Funeral, thank you very much. We would also like to thank Dr Martin Daly and all the sta at the Ballygar Health Centre, for all their support and for taking care of Teresa through the years. A special thank you to the Home Help team, especially Mary and Patricia who were so kind to Teresa and looked after her so well.

Thank you to the grave diggers for digging the grave and helping at the grave side, to Maureen’s Foodstore, Ballyforan for providing a hot meal.

Thanks to everyone at Dysart Community Centre and the caterers, who looked after everyone after the burial. Thank you also to all our neighbours and friends who dropped by the house with baked goods and sandwiches.

It would not be possible to thank everyone individually so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude.

1st Anniversary Mass for Teresa will take place in St Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan on Sunday 4th May at 10am.

I thought of you both with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about both of you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you both in silence, I often speak both of your names. All I have are memories and pictures in a frame. Your memories are a keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you both in his keeping, I have both of you in my heart.

KELLY

Muckloon Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

McDONNELL

Mary & Patrick (Sonny) Coolegarry, Curraghboy, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Sadly missed by their Daughter Marie, her partner Mark, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday 4th May at 10am

(9th Anniversary) (8th Anniversary)

SportsPeople

Michael Silke receives ‘Service to Rugby’ award

Buccaneers RFC and the wider rugby community extend their heartfelt congratulations to Michael Silke on receiving his well deserved ‘Service to Rugby’ award in recognition of his signiﬁcant contribution to the development of the game in Ireland.

Last Sunday Michael attended the AIL ﬁnals pre-match to receive his award from IRFU President Declan Madden, along with 99 other recipients from around the country. We would also like to congratulate Gerry Kelly (Garbally College and Ballinasloe RFC), Noel Mannion (Ballinasloe RFC) and Michael Loftus (Marist College)

on receiving medals on the day.

Michael’s dedication, passion, and tireless efforts over many decades have left an incredible mark on the sport we all love. His commitment to Buccaneers RFC has contributed to the success of the club and game across the region.

Known for his encyclopedic knowledge, Michael has long been the heartbeat of Buccaneers RFC. His detailed match reports, insightful commentary, and genuine love for the club have helped capture the memories and milestones of generations of Buccs players.

Michael embodies eve-

rything that is great about rugby: loyalty, respect, community, and passion. His recognition for his service to promoting the sport is not just a personal milestone but a celebration for all of us who have been lucky enough to volunteer alongside him.

On behalf of everyone at Buccaneers RFC and the wider rugby family, we salute you, Michael. Thank you for your incredible service.

Here’s to you and your remarkable legacy – and we look forward to your match reports and seeing you pitchside for many years to come!

(Submitted by Buccaneers RFC)

Buccs

Women’s Open Club Championship taking place in Athlone. Buccs played four games in all, with Aoife and Niamh Purtill and newcomers Rhema Tselapedi and Marienne Malassou amongst many players who impressed.

Well done to Old Wesley who went on to take the title with a 4-2 win over DSC Wanderers in the ﬁnal. Buccaneers: Mariam Adekunle, Aoife Purtill, Niamh Purtill, Aoibhin Tynan, Mollie Quinn, Molly Copelin, Emily Carter, Chloe O’Connor, Mariam Adekunle, Rhema Tselapedi, Marienne Malassou, Katie Rowan.

Buccs Women’s Touch Rugby team

Punchestown Racing Festival continues

Horses for Courses

The Punchestown Racing Festival continues this evening (Thursday) at 2.30 pm, tomorrow at the later time of 3.40 pm, and ends on Saturday with a 2.30 pm start. Sunday racing is on the flat at The Cleveragh in Sligo, starting at 1.35 pm. Bank Holiday Monday has flat racing at the Curragh featuring the Group 2 City Of Troy Stakes with first race at 1.20 pm and national hunt racing at Down Royal away at 1.35 pm.

Punchestown Races are being shown on RTE 2 today (Thursday) and tomorrow, with RTE 1 covering Saturday. There are seven races on ITV tomorrow – four from Newmarket and three from Goodwood. On Saturday, ITV covers four more races from Newmarket, including the 2000 Guineas, with one from both Goodwood and Thirsk. On Sunday ITV coverage includes the 1000 Guineas in four races from Newmarket with one from Salisbury and one from Hamilton.

Punchestown review Punchestown opened on Tuesday with the Ladies Cup over the banks, with Turnupdevolume looking a winner before being caught on the line by

stablemate Transprint, both trained by Richie O’Keeffe in Wexford. The winner won by ¾l and was ridden by Tony Doyle at 22/1 – it was his ﬁrst winner on the track.

There were ten Britishtrained riders in the Albert Bartlett Final, with the 50/1 winner Buy Some Time beating the favourite Almuhit at 11/2. Mike Smith trained the winner, ridden by his son Ben. The British made it another no 1, 2 in the Listed Handicap Hurdle when Harry Derham’s Ascending Lark was ridden by Corkonian Paul O’Brien to beat Wilful, trained by father and son team Jonjo and AJ O’Neill (by ¾l).

The first Grade 1 race of the meeting went to Closutton trained outsider Irancy at 18/1 ridden by Mark Walsh who beat stablemates Salvator Mundi, 100/30, Karbau, 22/1, and Kopek Des Bordes 30/100f. Mullins made it a Grade 1 double with another outsider Champ Kiely, 22/1, and Danny Mullins in the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase beating Ballyburn 11/8 by 6½l. Three of Mullins’ five runners failed to finish. The Goffs Bumper provided another Mullins shock as Wonderful Eve-

ryday gave Ms R Dudﬁeld the winner at 16/1 by l from Green Hint and Brosna Shine, both12/1.

The Grade 1 Champion Chase was won by the 2nd favourite, Marine National for Barry Connell and Sean Flanagan who beat Captain Guinness and Solness by 7l and 4¼l. The bumper went to the Gavin Cromwell trained, Derek O’Connor ridden Bud Fox at 16/5.

Yesterday the Adare Manor Opportunity Series Handicap Final brought a third English raider success when David Pipe’s Thanksforthehelp, in the hands of Gavin Brouder, beat Gavin Cromwell’s Ballysax Hank by 2½l.

In the EBF Auction Hurdle Series ﬁnal, Wexford’s Yvonne Latta trained Thisistheway to win at 9/1. That man Mullins was on the mark in the next, as JP McManus’s Kaid d’Authie in the hands of Mark Walsh provided the punters with relief winning at 9/4 favourite. Walsh just missed out on a double as Townend gave Jasmin De Vaux, 13/8f, a brilliant ride to beat Honesty Policy, 5/2, by ½l despite a slipped saddle in the ﬁrst Grade 1 on the card, the Novice Hurdle. The Grade 1 Bumper was

McDermott’s on target in darts ﬁnal

The 2024/25 Hannon’s Hotel Roscommon County Darts League concluded in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon town recently.

Competing for the Atty Hynes Cup were McDermott’s of Ballinaheglish and The Holly Tree of Roscommon Town. McDermott’s were winners by 3-2 after a thrilling ﬁnal. The presentation of the Atty Hynes Memorial Cup was made by Matthew Hynes to winning captain Brendan Mullarkey. Thank you to the management and staff at Hannon’s Hotel for their continued sponsorship, support and hospitality. It is much appreciated.

Winners of the Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon County Darts

by Tom Red

won by Bambino Fever, ridden by Jody Townend for Willie Mullins at 11/8f from Ross O’Sullivan’s Switch From Diesel. The ﬁnal Grade 1, the Gold Cup saw only four runners go to post and Mullins made it three out of three as Galopin Des Champs put all fears that the track might not suit him behind and led pillar to post and won easily by 22l and 2¼l from Spillane’s Tower and Monty’s Star.

Punchestown preview Today (Thursday), racing starts with a 25-runner handicap hurdle with The Other Mozzie a clear favourite for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue. Next up is a listed handicap chase with 23 runners and is best left alone. This is followed by the longest race in Ireland, the La Touche Cross Country Chase in which it is difficult to oppose Vanillier on known form and a 25 runner, with three reserves, in the listed handicap hurdle (the betting goes 6/1 the field). Then the listed EBF Mares Novice Hurdle has ten runners. I like Sixandahalf, but he is poor value at odds-on. The first Grade 1 of the meeting, the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase, sees six runners

with Mullins’ Marlborough at 4/9. The Grade 1 Champion Stayers Hurdle has 11 runners and Jessica Harrington’s Jetara is due a turn at nice odds of 10/1 with the meeting ending with a 14-runner bumper. El Carlos trained by the Moores for owner rider David Maxwell won’t be far away.

Tomorrow there are two Grade 1 races – the Champion Novice Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle. There are only six in the Champion Hurdle, but quality makes up for quantity. Constitution Hill faces State Man and they are both being taken on by Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace. If the real Constitution Hill turns up, he should win, but…? In the Novice Hurdle, Elliott’s The Yellow Clay and Mullins’ Final Demand

looks like a two-horse race with the decision going to The Yellow Clay and Sam Ewing.

On Saturday the Mares Champion Hurdle and the 4-Y- Champion Hurdle are both Grade 1 contests.

Seven mares go to post, four trained by Mullins, in the mares race and 13 horses contest the 4-YO race (seven trained by Mullins).

Racing news

In Monday’s national hunt meeting at Ayr Willie Mullins was conspicuous by his lack of any runners after winning the title on Saturday at Sandown, the last day of the season, beating Dan Skelton by £199,507. Mullins was retaining the title he ﬁrst won last season.

Competition corner

This week we offer an-

other chance to win tickets for Roscommon on May 12th. To enter, please tell us what horse won the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in 2025? Also this week we have a second competition for Kilbeggan on May 16th. To enter, let us know in what county Kilbeggan is in?

Answers as usual should be on a postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon, or emailed to tomred17@ gmail.com by 5 pm on Wednesday, May 7th for Roscommon and Wednesday, May 14th, for Kilbeggan. Don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets to be collected in the ofﬁce in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Constitution Hill is in tomorrow’s Champion Hurdle.

League Shield section was The Village Inn, who defeated Dalton’s 5-3 in the ﬁnal.

The McDermott’s team, winners of the Atty Hynes Memorial Cup.

Pictured are members of The Holly Tree team, runners-up in the Roscommon Darts League nal.

Pictured are members of The Village Inn team, winners of the Shield nal. The Dalton’s team, runners-up in the Shield nal.

Creggs RFC

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs U-17s, pictured prior to last weekend’s Connacht

Trophies and memories to cherish

Our 50th anniversary year came to an end last weekend. It was a successful year for the club with an array of trophies won throughout our teams.

U-15 PLATE FINAL:

Creggs RFC 5 Ballinasloe RFC 0. Buccaneers’ Dubarry Park hosted the Connacht Plate ﬁnal, which saw Creggs and Ballinasloe go head to head again in yet another ﬁnal.

Ballinasloe enjoyed a lot of possession in the ﬁrst half with Creggs having to defend furiously to prevent a score. The halftime score of 0-0 did not take from the excitement and commitment of both teams.

Creggs enjoyed a lot more possession in the second half when playing against the wind. Having missed a penalty into the strong breeze Ballinasloe created a few opportunities of their own, winning a penalty inside the Creggs 22 but deciding to run it, turning down the option of a threepoint lead.

With time nearly up, Creggs enjoyed a good spell inside the Ballinasloe 22 where the ﬁnal play of the game resulted in Ryan Halligan getting over the line to score the only try of the game to leave the ﬁnal score at 5-0.

This was an evenly balanced contest but Creggs’ hard work, determination and ‘never give up’ attitude saw them edge the victory.

The management team would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support all season and to say how proud they are of the team. After a lot of lost ﬁnals they never gave

Creggs U-15s… won the Plate nal last weekend.

up and now they’ve been rewarded for their efforts.

BOYS U-17 CONNACHT

FINAL: Creggs 8 Buccaneers 42. Creggs U-17 boys team contested the cup ﬁnal on their home turf on Sunday in what was a repeat of the 2023 cup ﬁnal where Buccaneers were marginal winners.

Creggs played with the wind and got off to a good start when Kaylum Curran converted a penalty from the 22 after three minutes. Creggs were on the scoreboard but it didn’t take long for the very strong Buccaneers team to grow in conﬁdence after some good carries and they scored three unanswered tries by half-time to go 21-8 clear. Buccaneers continued to dominate in the second half and scored another seven within minutes of the kick-off.

Injuries to the Creggs side saw them using some U-16 players to supplement the team. Sam Walsh made his presence felt and scored a ﬁne try in the corner, giving his team a much-

needed boost. As hard as the Creggs team defended they couldn’t sustain the constant pressure and for the fourth year in succession Buccaneers ran out the cup winners. Congrats to the team, management and the huge number of supporters who have been with this team all season.

MINIS: Creggs U-12s travelled away to Athy Rugby Festival for a camping weekend last weekend. Joined by 60 other teams from Leinster and Munster, a super weekend was had by the team. These boys will now move up to 15-a-side ‘full pitch’ rugby next season, playing in both league and cup competitions. Well done to all the coaches involved.

LOTTO: There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. It now lies at €5300. The lucky dip winner was Liam Callaghan. Please support the club by joining our lotto.

JUNIOR INTERPRO: Creggs RFC had a number of members involved with the Connacht side who played Mun-

ster last weekend in Westport.

On the coaching side, we had Kolo Kiripati and David Mannion involved, whilst in terms of the team we had James Brandon, Brian Difﬂey, Mark Dowd, Shane Purcell, Eoghan Coyle, Mark Purcell and Nato Kiripati, with Tom Farrell on the extended squad. Unfortunately Connacht weren’t strong enough to overcome Munster in their ﬁrst round match.

NOMINATIONS: Creggs have numerous nominations in the annual Connacht Rugby end of season ceremony, being held at the Galmont Hotel, Galway on May 24th Nominations include Leo Anic for Male U-18 Player of the year; Siofra Hession for Women’s U-18 Player of the year; Kolo Kiripati for Coach of the year; Jemima Adams Verling for Women’s Player of the year; Brian Difﬂley for Junior Player of the year; Shane Purcell for Junior player of the year, and Creggs RFC for Club of the year.

nal. Photo: Steve Fahey

At the Connacht v Munster Junior Interprovincial game in Westport were team mascots Rory and Daniel Cummins, pictured with Martin Cummins (Dunmore RFC and Connacht). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Moore and St John’s in title showdown

When Boyle Celtic travelled to Moore United last Sunday, they knew that a win would see them crowned Roscommon & District League champions.

In contrast, Moore United needed to win and then take on St John’s Athletic in a ‘winner take all’ game. At the end of the day, it was Moore United who came out on top with Boyle missing out on the chance of being crowned champions.

The teams were well matched, as one would expect. The first real chance came via a Boyle Celtic penalty, awarded after Michael Corrigan was fouled by the Moore ‘keeper Paul Whelan. Whelan redeemed himself when he saved Gerard McDermott-Roe’s shot.

Moore made the breakthrough 26 minutes into the second half. Josh Lennon’s corner took a deflection off a Boyle defender and nestled in the corner of the net. With four minutes remaining Jack Nevin was put through on the right wing and he chipped the advancing ‘keeper to make it 2-0.

Moore’s goalkeeper pulled off three good saves before Josh Lennon was awarded a penalty kick which was converted by Charles Nevin. Moore won 3-0. They now have 32 points from 13 games played. St John’s Athletic have 30 points from the same number of games. This exciting finale means that when the teams play each other at Lecarrow on May 11th Moore United only need a draw to be crowned champions while St John’s will take the title if they can win.

Cup final

Glen Celtic from Division One and Premier Division side St John’s Athletic will contest this season’s cup final on May 25th at the League Grounds, Lecarrow.

Glen Celtic overcame a good Dunmore Town side (also from Division One) by 3-2 at Lecarrow on Saturday evening.

Neither team created a clearcut chance in the first half but with just six minutes played in the second half Ethan Dowd volleyed home a spectacular goal for the Glenamaddy side. Within five minutes Victor Matos headed a corner kick to the Glen Celtic net. Glen took the lead again after 26 minutes when Michael Heneghan headed a Conor Chapman corner to the Dunmore net. Four minutes later they made it 3-1, Gavin Hegarty heading a free-kick to the corner of the Dunmore net. Dunmore never gave up and made it 3-2 with

BUCCANEERS RFC

a couple of minutes left. Padraig Martyn beat the offside trap and also beat the advancing ‘keeper. However, it came too late for Dunmore to get an equaliser, and Glen Celtic will now contest their first final since they won the cup in 1998.

Premier side St John’s Athletic beat Skyvalley Rovers 2-0 at Lecarrow on Friday night and they now play in their first ever Challenge Cup Final in a few weeks’ time. This was a very keenly contested game with Skyvalley Rovers slightly the better side in the first half. With just a minute remaining in that half the ball broke to Simon Leonard following a free-kick and he volleyed a fine goal from all of 30 metres to give St John’s the lead.

While Skyvalley Rovers had the majority of play in the second half, they rarely got past the St John’s defence. 20 minutes from time St John’s winger Cian Kelly turned his marker and scored from close range. After that the game petered out with the Taughmaconnell side missing a couple of chances to score.

Division One

In Division One, Moylough ‘79 and Cloonfad United drew 1-1 at Moylough. The winners of this

division will be decided when Moylough take on leaders Skyvalley Rovers at Moylough on May 11th.

Cloonfad took the lead with 70 minutes played, through Conor Flynn. The home side converted a penalty kick through Dermot Hughes with five minutes left to play. If they win their last game they will be crowned Division One champions.

Women’s update

Dunmore Town are through to the Women’s Cup Final following a 3-1 win over League champions Ballaghaderreen at the League Grounds, Lecarrow on Sunday.

Dunmore took an early lead but Ballaghaderreen were level by the 21st minute. Dunmore added two more before half-time and neither team could score in the second half.

Siobhan O’Grady scored two and Stephanie O’Neill one for the winners, with Alanah McGreal scoring for the losers.

The other semi-final, featuring Kilkerrin United and Castlerea Celtic at the same venue, was an absolute thriller with 24 penalty kicks taken before Kilkerrin came out on top.

Castlerea Celtic took a 2-0 lead, but Caitlin Boyle and Katie Connelly levelled the game in normal time. Extra-time failed to separate the sides, meaning that marathon penalty shootout followed. It was very sad that there had to be a loser after such a thrilling game.

St John’s’ second side finished second in Division Two and will now play Glen Celtic for a place in Division One next season. They beat Moore United’s second side 7-1 at Moore. Conor Murphy scored four and MJ O’Connor, Vando and an own goal made up their total.

Oisín lines out for Ireland…

Ballinlough’s Oisín Kelly recently proudly represented the Ireland U-18 schoolboys team in their match against England at Athlone Town Stadium.

Oisín, who has also featured for Ireland in games against Australia, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, currently plays his club football with Sligo Rovers U-20s. He made his senior debut for the Sligo Rovers first team at just 16 years of age.

Buccaneers retain Connacht U-18.5 Cup

Buccaneers retained the Bank of Ireland Connacht U-18.5 Cup with a convincing 32-13 victory over Corinthians at The Green, Creggs, on Easter Sunday.

After the final, the cup was presented to victorious captain Joshua McCormack by Robert Lahiffe on behalf of Connacht Rugby.

Robert said words of encouragement to both sets of players and, in a nice touch, also fondly remembered the late Noelie Ryan.

CONNACHT BOYS U-16 CUP FINAL: Buccaneers were below par in their Bank of Ireland Connacht U-16 Cup final against Corinthians with the Tribesmen being deserving victors on a 24-0 scoreline.

In front of a big crowd at The Green, Creggs, these young Buccs did not hit the form they are capable of while the city side were more clinical when chances presented themselves on a grey Sunday afternoon.

CONNACHT GIRLS U-16 CUP FINAL: A more experienced and smarter Ballinasloe proved too strong for Buccaneers in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Girls U-16 Cup final, played in front of a big crowd at The Green, Creggs, where the holders prevailed 26-5.

U-17s IN CUP FINAL: Buccaneers square up to Creggs in the Bank of Ireland Connacht U-17 Cup final at The Green, Creggs, on Sunday when the action kicks off at 3 pm.

Both teams topped their respective pools and progressed to the decider when defeating other pool winners Galwegians and Galway Bay in keenly-contested semi-finals. The teams look well matched and a ding-dong tussle is anticipated in

this final game of the season. GIRLS ‘GIVE IT A TRY’: ‘Give it a try’ for girls aged 6 to 13 years old commences at Buccaneers RFC for eight weeks on Monday, May 5th. There is a one-off cost of only €10. Sessions are

from 7 to 8 pm on Mondays where you can learn about our sport, make new friends and receive a free gift! Contact Amy on 087 7510886 or David on 087 4616024 to register or enquire for further information.

Buccaneers players and mentors celebrate their Connacht U-17 Cup final victory.

Boyle Celtic manager Lochlainn Conboy will be greatly disappointed that his team has just been edged out of the title race at the close of the season, but can still be proud of their campaign. File photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Short putts

BOYLE

RESULTS: The winning team in the Bank Holiday Shambles competition was the combination of Lochlainn Conboy, Michael McHale, Niall O’Donohoe and Owen O’Donohoe with 127 points. In second place were Jim Callery, Michael Simon, Tim Hester and Frank Casserly, also on 127 points.

The Men’s 9-hole competition played on 24/4 was won by Keith Dowling with an impressive 24 points. 2nd was Lorcan Egan (20) and 3rd was Jonathan Egan (19).

FIXTURES: The Men’s weekend Thursday competition continues every week from now ‘til late September. It will stay as a 9-hole competition for now but will be a 12-hole when evening daylight allows. We are planning a team event for the Bank Holiday weekend. Details to follow.

INTERCLUB: Good luck to our men’s interclub Seniors Team, captained by Liam Whyte, who take on Ballina this week. This is the club’s first interclub fixture for 2025. The next team out will be the Connacht 9-hole Clubs team, with their 1st round to be played by May the 11th.

MEMBERSHIP FEES:

Roscommon Camogie Golf Classic fundraiser

The Roscommon Camogie Golf Classic fundraiser, held at Roscommon Golf Club last Saturday, was a great success. Roscommon Golf Club was in incredible condition given the rain in previous days. The sun shone all day as Roscommon Camogie welcomed golfers from near and far from early morning until late on Saturday evening.

Roscommon Camogie said: “The support we received was fantastic. Everyone was very willing to support and help. It was a superbly run event with Frank Grehan at the helm. We are extremely grateful to him and the entire Grehan family for all their work on this.

“We are so thankful to all our supporters and sponsors. We couldn’t have done it without them all.”

The winning team was James Kenny, Thomas Finneran, Eoin McCormack and Peter Hoey. Runners-up were Richard Clements, Mick Fitzpatrick, Colm Kelly and Tom O’Farrell (there were nine team prizes in all).

In addition to the team winners, prizes went to the following – Nearest pin: PJ Moran; Longest drive: Liam Casey; Ladies Team: Collette Glynn, Carmel Waldron, Sinéad Healy, Catherine Waldron. The premier junior team were on hand to present the prizes.

All membership fees are now due. A full list of the fees and payment arrangements are available on boylegolfclub.

com

JUNIOR GOLF: The club’s Junior Programme restarts this Saturday and runs for six weeks. It will take place from 10.30 am-12.30 pm on each of those Saturdays. The 8th and 9th holes will be closed during this time, so if teeing off those mornings, please aim not to reach the 8th tee before 12.30. Thank you.

CARRICK-ONSHANNON

LADIES RESULTS: Thank you to everyone who played in our Maria Talbot Scramble and thanks also to the Talbot family for their generous sponsorship. The winners are as follows: 1st: Carmel Stritch, Catherine Moreton & Kathleen O’Dowd (29 nett); 2nd: Noeleen Moffatt, Claire Grant & Teresa Duignan (30 nett); 3rd: Ann Keenan, Ruth Creamer & Terri Gray (31 nett). Well done ladies. Prizes will be presented on Saturday evening at 6 pm. Best of luck to those playing on Saturday.

MARIA TALBOT PERPETUAL TROPHY: The

Ladies committee are very thankful to the Talbot family for their very generous sponsorship of last Saturday’s competition in memory of the late Maria Talbot. Thanks also to Tegi for the excellent food after the golf. The results are as follows: 1st: Mary Molloy (37 pts); 2nd: Gabrielle Madsen (36 pts, last 3 holes); Gross: Siobhan Talbot (20 pts); 3rd: Lady Captain Frances Molloy (35 pts); Back 9:

Marion Dolan; Front 9: Terri Gray. Congrats to all the winners.

50-50 DRAW: 26th draw winner on April 25th was Paul McTeague (€540). Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

GENTS RESULTS: Gents 2-Person Scramble Qualifier. Congrats to the top qualifiers in the 2-person scramble with an excellent score of 45 pts, Keith Tighe and Damien

Quigley. The top 16 teams qualified. Please note all 1st round matches must be played by June 1st.

SENIORS RESULTS:

Overall winner on Week 17 (April 24th) was Michael Keville with 38 pts. Cat. 1 winner was Gerry Emmett (37 pts); Cat. 2 winner was Paddy Duffy (35 pts); Cat. 3 winner was Francie Foley (28 pts); F9 winner was John Moffatt (16 pts); B9 winner

was Albert Hogg (21 pts). DATES FOR DIARY: Away golf. Longford on June 2nd. Tee time: 10 o’clock. €30. Claremorris on July 7th. Tee time: 11 o’clock. €25. Slieve Russell on August 11th. Tee time: 10.10. €45. Mullingar on September 1st. Tee time: 10.10. €50. Overnight to Westport/Castlebar on October 6th & 7th; includes B&B and Evening Dinner at The Helm.

Creggs boys U-14s.

Pictured at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club for the recent presentation of prizes in the Maria Talbot Memorial Cup and Maria Talbot Scramble (with Lady Captain Frances Molloy) are prize-winners and Talbot family members.

Canning’s late raid on ‘Orchard’ bears fruit for Roscommon!

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers are still in the championship, but they are not doing it the easy way after another close shave – this time against Armagh at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

When substitute Sean Canning blasted home the only goal of the game in the 55th minute, it put Roscommon nine points in front (1-14 to 0-8) and a comfortable win looked odds-on. However, Armagh came with a late rally. They scored seven points without reply to reduce the margin to two as the game went into time added on. Then a long-range point from Micheal Hussey in the 73rd minute steadied the home side’s nerves and an upset was avoided.

Roscommon were probably the better team on the balance of play – and a total of 18 wides would indicate that they had most of the possession –however Kevin Sammon’s men can be thankful to their goalkeeper Enda Lawless who pulled off three superb saves which prevented what looked likely to be certain Armagh goals in the 34th, 52nd and 57th minutes respectively.

The first half was a very low-key affair and the small attendance had little to cheer about. Roscommon were the better side and led 0-9 to 0-4 at halftime with Cian Murray, Robbie Fallon and Conor Mulry on target for the home side.

Fallon, team captain Conor Cosgrove, Finn Killion and Jack Dowling were all on target in the third quarter as

Roscommon moved 0-14 to 0-8 in front after 53 minutes. Two minutes later, sub Sean Canning showed a clean pair of heels to the Armagh defence and blasted home a fine goal to extend the home side’s lead to nine.

Armagh were not finished by any means. Inspired by their talisman and top scorer Shea Harvey, they set about reducing Roscommon’s lead and scored seven points without reply in a 12-minute period, with Harvey contributing four from play and frees. As the game moved into time added on, the gap was down to two.

Roscommon survived in the end and it was Oran’s Micheal Hussey who steadied the ship with that long-range point in the third minute of injury-time.

Roscommon now play Fermanagh at home in the next round, with Louth to come in their final game in the group.

Roscommon manager Kevin Sammon was happy with the win afterwards when he spoke to People Sport.

“It was a good comeback by Armagh there. We went nine ahead and we won it by three. We set out to win the game today and that’s it. We played well only in patches and got the goal at just the right time”.

Once again, missed chances were a factor on the day, as Sammon acknowledged.

“The same as last week, we should have got more scores on the board and that is something that we have to work on. We had way too many wides to be honest. But it is good that at least we are

making the chances. We are still there and we have Fermanagh and Louth to come. We have to win those matches, it’s as simple as that.

“It was good to have Sean Canning back in the fold today. He got the goal and we won by a goal and we are happy with that. Any day you win a championship match is a good day and we move on now” he concluded.

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Mark Ward, James Dillon, Darragh Finn;

Adam Donnelly, Conor Cosgrove (0-1, free), Micheal Hussey (0-1); Jack Dowling (0-2), Eoin Fitzgerald; Cian Murray (0-2), Finn Killion (02), Brendan Mulry; Robbie Fallon (0-3, 1 free), Conor Mulry (0-3), Ben McGahon (0-1, free). Subs: Sean Canning (1-0) for McGahon (h/t), Keelan Ryan for Dowling (60).

Armagh: Fintan Woods; Paudie Lappin, Dillon Fox (0-1), Niall Lennon; Barry Shortt, Paul Gaffney, Tiarnan Nevin; Peter McKearney, Odhran Curry; Stephen Keenan, Shea

Gaffney (0-2), Stephen O’Keeffe; Pauric McNaughton (0-1), Shea Harvey (0-8, 5 frees, 1 ‘65), Conor Reneghan. Subs: Daire Harvey for Lappin (10), Charlie McArdle (0-2) for McKearney (41), Joe O’Connor for Reneghan (45), Danny Magee (01) for Gaffney (52), Aaron Cullinane for Lennon (61), Ciaran Duffy for O’Keeffe (74, blood).

Referee: Aidan McAleer (Donegal).

Man of the Match Enda Lawless (Roscommon)

Action from last Sunday’s Nicky Rackard Cup game at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in which Roscommon defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-15. Robbie Fallon (Roscommon) improvises by attempting to kick the sliotar to the net, but this effort went wide. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Nicky Rackard Cup game at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in which Roscommon defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-15. Niall Lennon is just too late in his bid to block the shot of Robbie Fallon (Athleague and Roscommon). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Action from last Sunday’s Nicky Rackard Cup game at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park in which Roscommon defeated Armagh by 1-15 to 0-15. Armagh’s Danny Magee and Roscommon’s James Dillon get up close and personal. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Sports PEOPLE

A classic duel in the sun!

Roscommon

edged out by Mayo

Dalata Hotels

Connacht U-20 FC ﬁnal Mayo 2-17

Roscommon 4-8

Late points from sub Dara Neary, Darragh Beirne and Tom Lydon ensured that Mayo edged past Roscommon in what was a breathtaking provincial U-20 decider played in Tuam Stadium on Wednesday night. Roscommon made a mockery of their prematch odds of 7/1 with a superb display all through and they just ran out of luck in what was a frantic ﬁnish.

If there is a better game in 2025 then it will be worth watching as both teams went at each other hammer and tongs from the ﬁrst whistle and treated the big crowd to a feast of high quality football throughout. Indeed there was controversy right into injury-time as Roscommon sub Ruairi Kilcline ﬁsted to the Mayo net but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for a ‘square ball’.

In glorious sunshine, the ﬁrst half was about as unpredictable as a Donald Trump press conference, but it was tremendous entertainment. Mayo totally dominated the opening 20 minutes by which stage they led by 1-7 to 0-1. Oliver Armstrong and Seamus Howard were on top at midﬁeld while the fullforward line of Darragh Beirne, Niall Hurley and Tom Lydon were causing mayhem for the Roscommon defence.

In the 9th minute Howard broke through the Roscommon cover to ﬁnish well for the ﬁrst goal of the game and a string of unanswered points saw Roscommon nine points down and struggling. But after Rory Carthy kicked a two-point free in the 21st minute, Cian Smith’s men suddenly came alive.

A minute later John Curran’s brilliant pass was

ﬁnished to the net by Rory Carthy and Roscommon were back in it. In the 27th minute John McGuinness beat three Mayo defenders to slot home another super goal and the margin was down to two.

Mayo replied with a point from Colm McHale and another well-taken goal from Darragh Beirne as the goal-fest continued. But Roscommon were to go in just two points down as McGuinness once again found the Mayo net in tremendous style to send the teams in with Mayo leading 2-9 to 3-4 after a breathtaking half of attacking football.

The third quarter saw a drop in the scoring rate but it was still enthralling stuff. Mayo edged ahead by 2-13 to 3-7 when Roscommon struck for goal number

four. Rob Heneghan ﬁsted home a high ball into the danger area from Rory Carthy and suddenly the scores were level.

But it was Mayo who kicked on again as they got the scores that won them the title. Roscommon can be immensely proud of a fantastic display that came up just short and who knows what might have happened if Kilcline’s late goal had stood.

Mayo: Conor Meaney; Rio Mortimer, Paul Gilmore, Eoin McGreal; Hugh O’Loughlin (0-2), John McMonagle, Colm McHale (0-3); Oliver Armstrong, Seamus Howard (1-0); Oisin Cronin (0-1), Cathal Keaveney, Colm Lynch; Darragh Beirne (13, 2 frees), Niall Hurley (0-2), Tom Lydon (0-5, 2 frees). Subs: Yousif Coghill

for McGreal (16), Dara Neary (0-1) for Cronin (35), Diarmuid Duffy for Lynch (45), Luke Feeney for Armstrong (52), Daithi Butler for Gilmore (62).

Roscommon: Patrick Gaynor; Keelan Kelly, Tommy Morris, Cillian Campbell; Conor Grogan (0-1), Eoghan Carthy, Conor Kelly; Niall Heneghan, David Higgins; Eoin Collins, Robert Heneghan (1-0), Ryan Dowling; John Curran (01), Rory Carthy (1-4, tpf, 2 frees), John McGuinness (2-0). Subs: Brian Greene (0-2) for K Kelly (21), Cathal McKeon for Dowling (45), Ciaran O’Reilly for Higgins (52), Ruairi Kilcline for R Heneghan (56).

Referee: Thomas Murphy (Galway).

CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH

 SEAMUS DUKE

Munster SFC ﬁnal: Clare v Kerry on Sunday in Killarney at 1.45 pm

After all the excitement last weekend in Leinster, including the end of the Dubs’ provincial reign, we are back to a very predictable Munster ﬁnal this Sunday. Clare will give it everything but Kerry will be too strong for them. Much bigger tests lie ahead for Jack O’Connor’s men. Kerry to win with a bit to spare.

Connacht SFC ﬁnal: Mayo v Galway on Sunday in Castlebar at 4 pm

Hopefully this will be a close-run affair. Galway swept Roscommon aside and looked a very good side that day, while Mayo laboured against Leitrim. Galway are the deserved favourites but it might be closer than a lot of people think. Galway to win by two or three points.

Note: Mayo face Galway in the Connacht MFC semi-ﬁnal in Castlebar on Friday evening at 6.30 pm. The winners will play Roscommon in the decider on Friday, May 9th.

Munster SHC: Waterford v Limerick on Saturday in Waterford at 6 pm

What a spectacle this championship has been so far. Limerick will have it all to do at Walsh Park, but they should be good enough to win.

 SEAMUS DUKE IN TUAM

Action from Wednesday night’s Connacht U-20 FC nal between Roscommon and Mayo in Tuam Stadium. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell