Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon (last Thursday). She is pictured visiting Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon Town. Photo: Michael Finan
Tree Felling
I would like to cut down some trees on my lands but I am concerned that I will fall foul of the law if I do so. Please explain my rights in relation to cutting trees on my property.
Under the Forestry Act, 2014, it is illegal to uproot any tree over ten years old or to cut down any tree of any age (including trees which form part of a hedgerow), unless a notice of intention to fell or uproot trees has been lodged at the Garda Station nearest to the trees at least 21 days before felling commences.
This notice of intention must be given in writing on a form known as a Felling Notice which may be obtained from any Garda Station. Upon receipt of a completed Felling Notice, an Order prohibiting the felling of the trees is issued. This protects the trees in question while consideration is given to the issuing of a Felling Licence. The Act provides for two types of Felling Licence namely a General Felling Licence and a Limited Felling Licence. The requirement for a Felling Licence for the uprooting or cutting down of trees does NOT apply in a number of circumstances including:
• A tree in an urban area
• A tree uprooted in a nursery for the purpose of transplantation.
• A tree of the willow or poplar species planted and maintained solely for fuel under a short rotation coppice.
• The tree is standing within 30 metres of any building other than a wall or temporary structure;
• A tree less than five years of age that came about through natural regeneration and removed from a field as part of the normal maintenance of agricultural land (but not where the tree is standing in a hedgerow).
• Trees outside a forest – within 10 metres of a public road and which, in the opinion of the owner (being an opinion formed on reasonable grounds), is dangerous to persons using the public road on account of its age or condition.
• Trees outside a forest – the removal of which is specified in a grant of planning permission.
• Trees outside a forest – of the hawthorn or blackthorn species.
• Trees outside a forest – in a hedgerow and felled for the purposes of its trimming, provided that the tree does not exceed 20 centimetres in diameter when measured 1.3 metres from the ground.
Penalties for illegal felling can be severe, ranging from fines of up to a maximum of €5,000 per tree or up to six months imprisonment or both on conviction in the District Court. Conviction in the Circuit Court will result in heavier penalties. I note that you say that the trees are on your lands. This is obviously important as you may not cut trees on your neighbour’s property!
WATCHING People
With PAUL HEALY
What a night! Boyos in Dublin Castle
Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors
What a night!
Yes… nothing quite like jumping on a bandwagon!
Dublin Castle! Think of the contacts we made! This will work wonders for my, er… OUR political ambitions!
I still can’t believe you got us those VIP passes!
I’ve told you before! I have my contacts in the Capital!
In media circles?
Media! Politics! Sport! The lot! Fair play! I never thought I’d end up in Dublin Castle on the night a new President of Ireland was elected!
(They pause to cheer Ireland’s late goal against Belgium, which earned the team promotion in the UEFA Women’s Nations League)
So…
What was your highlight?
Oh the contacts! The networking! The glad-handing!
Yeah, you really worked the room! I was a bit shy initially… did I see you chatting to Mary Lou?
Yes! AND Ivana! AND Holly! AND Roderic!
That sounds like all the… winners! The left-wingers!
Yes! The winners take it all… especially in politics! And whatever about you, I’m serious about my political ambitions! But I thought you were a centrist?
Not necessarily! Remember what Groucho Marx said! ‘Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them, well, I have others!’
Endangered Species
Thebarstoolboyos
So…
What was the commotion you caused at one stage?
Oh that was nothing!
I saw a few of the RTE crew giving you funny looks…
I just asked them where Miriam was! I wanted to meet Miriam SO badly!
Did you meet Simon?
YES! And Heather! She was very gracious! And you?
Ah yeah, I met several top politicians in the end. It was a great night! I even met our president-elect herself!
Both: CATHERINE THE GREAT!
Well…
Huh?
In other words, if it requires me going a bit socialist to get on a party ticket in this constituency, I’m all for it! Oh dear!
(They pause to consider whether they’ll sign up to a ‘No Booze November’, eventually agreeing to meet for a pint in the local on Saturday night to discuss it further)
But what happened between you and the Taoiseach?
NOTHING! Bit of banter about Cork beating Roscommon in the championship this year…
Okay…
We ended up talking NON-STOP GAA…
Right…
Next thing, I’m praising the new football rules…
Oh no…
… and I just happened to say… ‘Fair play to Jim Gavin for introducing those new rules, he’s a mighty man!’
Oh dear! What did the Taoiseach say? He was fine… he just changed the subject and asked did I know many people from Cork…
Ah, good!
So I said I’d met Billy Kelleher a few times… Oh dear!
It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺
Catherine Connolly, with the Galway woman being elected as Ireland’s 10th president (she will be formally inaugurated on November 11th)
Carrick-on-Shannon, which was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town (overall winners) in the national Tidy Towns competition
Westlife fans, this after the band – celebrating 25 years together – announced eight extra shows for their 2026 3Arena residency, meaning they will play 13 nights there next September
It’s been a BAD week for…
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, with Catherine Connolly – backed by a group of left-wing parties – sweeping to victory in the presidential election, and an unprecedentedly high number of spoilt votes sending a clear message to the Coalition partners reflecting anger and disquiet on the part of a significant section of the electorate
Minister for Education Helen McEntee recently visited St Comán’s Wood Primary School in Roscommon, where she was formally welcomed by pupils of the school. Photos: Michael Finan
Louise’s Beauty Studio to launch the latest lift peptide cryo facial!
Louise Conneally of Louise’s Beauty Studio in Roscommon Town has just returned from a four-day trip to Warsaw in Poland, where she was busy being trained to provide the latest Repêchage facial on the market.
“I wanted to get this facial in on time for my clients to have as their Christmas facial”, Louise explained.
“This is the latest advanced anti-ageing facial using peptides, which will be huge in 2026”, she said, adding that she is “delighted” to confirm that her studio will be “the first to stock this advanced facial in Ireland.”
“While in Warsaw, I also did advanced oncology; training with top doctors and speakers from around the world on safe treatments for cancer clients”, Louise went on to say.
“We also had the launch of some amazing new products and Christmas sets from Repêchage, which has all arrived in the salon this week.”
Louise describes 2025 as having been a “great year for the salon”, having had the honour of speaking in London at Repêchage’s international Day Of Empowerment in March.
Looking forward into 2026, Louise intends to build on the salon’s success: “There are lots of new treatments in line for 2026, but for now, my focus is on the launch of this new facial and products for the salon”, she said, noting she is looking forward to some “busy weeks ahead with Christmas preparations for the most amazing, loyal clients ever!”
For more, visit louisesbeautystudio.com or phone the salon on 090 6637939.
Call on public to support Big Pink Breakfast campaign
Breast cancer survivor
Hazel Brennan from Athlone is supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and lifechanging breast cancer research projects.
Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.
Hazel Brennan (50) was diagnosed with lobular and ductal breast cancer last February after she experienced tiredness and noticed an indentation under her left nipple. She went to her GP who referred her to a Breast Clinic for further tests, which led to her diagnosis.
Mother-of-two Hazel says: “They could’ve knocked me off the chair with a feather when they told me I had cancer. I didn’t think there was anything wrong, even when I went for tests in the Breast Clinic, and they did a biopsy. I just thought they were being cautious.”
Hazel underwent a full
mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, which was successful. She is currently recovering from her treatment but continues to grapple with the effects of having had cancer.
She adds: “People are well meaning when they say things like, ‘You look great’, but it’s hard. Your energy is through the floor and you’re dead on your feet, but you still have to get up every day and do your hair and get dressed.
“You’re trying to keep things as normal as you can. It has been tough, and it’s still tough – some days I’m great, and some days I’m on the floor. But I’ve had wonderful support from my husband John, and our children Sean and Sarah.”
Hazel says: “I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign. A huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Society’s breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause. You can sign up at cancer.ie/pink”.
Mary O’Kelly, Cancer
Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said, “Selfexamination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a date and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.
“It’s really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible.
“Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your
GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.
“If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Society’s Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at cancer.ie”.
This October, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, Night Nursing and much more. To learn more or get involved, please visit cancer.ie/pink.
Pictured is Louise Conneally of Louise’s Beauty Studio.
Breast cancer survivor Hazel Brennan from Athlone pictured with her husband John.
pm on Friday, November 14th. A table of four costs €40, or €10 each. Your support would be greatly appreciated. RosFm is broadcast from 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.
Support your local Hospice
Scór na nÓg 2025 to start
The GAA’s famed cultural U-17 competition, Scór na nÓg, is ready to kick off!
There is a proud Scór tradition in Roscommon GAA, so Coiste Scór agus Cultúir is appealing to local clubs to take up the challenge and have representation in at least one Scór event in the upcoming season.
Each club/parish has at least one person who can represent them in singing, or re-
citing a poem/story, and there are always plenty of quiz enthusiasts more than able to give the Tráth na gCeisteanna a go!
The Roscommon Scór na nÓg 2025 competition dates are as follows: the first semi-final will take place at 7 pm on Saturday, November 1st, in Kilmurry Hall; the second semi-final will take place at 7 pm on Saturday, November 8th, at the Lecarrow Community Centre; and the county
final will take place on Saturday, November 15th, in E Quiz at 5.30 pm, with stage events at 7 pm. This will be followed by the Connacht Scór na nÓg Final on Saturday, November 29th, in Temperance Hall in Loughrea, and finally, the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final is taking place in 2026 on Saturday, January 24th, at INEC in Killarney.
So, if any club would like to see their
area represented in Scór na nOg 2025 in any of the eight events (figure dancing, solo singing, recitation/storytelling, instrumental music, question time, novelty act, ballad group, and set dancing), or if you require further information, please do not hesitate to email the Scór Secretary at irishculturalofficer.rosccomon@gaa.ie, or contact 087 9145557/087 9471081.
Mary Kelly, Pauline Scott and Sean Beirne pictured at the Creggs Harvest Festival last weekend. More photographs next week. Photo: Michael Finan
LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS
5 WEEKS FAT LOSS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
The TRUTH is there are 3 keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan - diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All 3 keys interconnect, one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the 3 keys. It is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.
In most people this ‘switch’ is off.
The TRUTH is there are 3 keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan - diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All 3 keys interconnect, one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the 3 keys. It is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.
In most people this ‘switch’ is off.
Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do .
Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do . Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.
Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.
OUR WEIGHT LOSS PLAN INCLUDES:
THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:
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• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.
• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.
• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.
• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.
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WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
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WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY
WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA:
System 10 – helping local people achieve their health and weight loss goals!
The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals.
The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise.
System 10 runs programmes for both men and women, with weekly clinics taking place every Wednesday at the Hive, Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-
Shannon, and every Thursday at the Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61). Booking is essential and can be done by calling 086 3846302. For more information, visit system10weightloss.com.
Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)
“We joined the System 10 plan over a year ago, and in that time it has completely transformed our lives. We had some health issues, mainly brought about by carrying some excess weight, but inside a few weeks, the change was incredible – and has continued up until the present day. Our lifestyle has be-
come so much different in many ways, as difficult tasks beforehand have now become much easier to undertake. This is due to not just the weight loss, but also the exercises – and even more so the confidence gained by the superb programme we undertook.
“We are now more aware of the food we should be eating for a healthy lifestyle, and have enjoyed shopping for many new products that we never tasted beforehand.
“Our advisor Martina has been the rock that lay the foundations for our excellent returns. With great support from the programmes devised, we always
felt confident that we could achieve our targets.
“We would strongly recommend everyone and indeed anyone who wants to transform their life for the betterment of their health to contact System 10 and get on the programme as fast as possible and see the benefits which can be achieved!”
Testimonial from local woman Ita
“After years of struggling to lose weight, I finally discovered System10; from day one, I knew what I needed to do, and with the help and guidance from Martina, I’ve managed to lose two stone!
“It’s greatly improved my health and energy levels and I can’t recommend it enough!”
Letter to the Editor
Clubs urged to bring about jersey change
Dear Editor,
As the time nears for the AGMs of GAA clubs, I wish to make an appeal to delegates attending those meetings to voice their disapproval at the decision of the County Board to change the jersey to be worn by players representing Roscommon teams in all grades in football and hurling.
The primrose and blue jersey has served Roscommon with distinction for almost 100 years and the change to an unattractive striped outfit has brought dismay and disappointment to loyal Roscommon supporters both at home and abroad.
In a recent survey on county jersey attractiveness the Roscommon stripes were voted least popular. The origin of the Roscommon county jersey can be traced all the way back to 1937 when, through the generosity of Castlerea bakery owner James Callaghan, a set of blue and yellow jerseys were purchased, and were worn by Castlerea and Roscommon teams.
After the momentous All-Ireland minor football win in 1939, the Roscommon junior team wore yellow and blue and won the 1940 All-Ireland. From
1940 to 1943 the Roscommon team wore blue and yellow jerseys but that changed in 1943 when Roscommon reached the All-Ireland senior final where they were opposed by Cavan, who also wore blue jerseys.
The GAA authorities told Central Council delegate, the legendary Dan O’Rourke, that Roscommon would have to make alternative arrangements with regard to playing colours. Wisely, Dan O’Rourke simply changed to a yellow jersey with blue collar and cuffs. The rest is history as Roscommon won that 1943 final and the jersey colours have remained the same ever since.
The unwanted change to a striped (hoop) jersey came about in 2025 and caught all Roscommon supporters by surprise, causing no little annoyance. The power to make changes lies firmly in the hands of club delegates so my wish is that they step up to the plate now and insist on a reversal of this jersey change and bring forward motions and recommendations to that effect. To remain silent is not an option.
Yours sincerely, Gerry Flanagan
President-elect Catherine Connolly meeting Niamh Callaghan and baby Mila at St Anne’s School in Castlerea last Thursday. Photo: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured above greeting members of the public on her trip. Photo: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured above greeting members of the public on her trip. Photo: Michael Finan
THURSDAY
On doorstep of history
As I tweeted this evening, if Catherine Connolly is set to become Ireland’s next president, it will be a fact that she spent the eve of her historic success in County Roscommon.
She began in Castlerea, where an ‘elder statesman’ of the town, Tom Flynn, welcomed Ms Connolly to his quaint store.
Without being outwardly complacent, our president-elect and her entourage were in ebullient form. Victory is within sight.
Later, the independent candidate canvassed in Roscommon Town. While she had spoken briefly to the media in Castlerea, by the time she got to Roscommon she was in ‘photo-op only’ mode.
An (extremely) experienced hack at this stage, I wasn’t at all surprised that Ms Connolly declined the offer of engaging with the media here.
With less than 24 hours to polling, the frontrunner was never likely to take risks – especially with the winning post so close.
As I write, the campaign is winding up, and it’s over to the people. On social media, Simon Harris and Heather Humphreys are dispensing a message of positivity and defiance. I’m not sure many people believe that narrative now. It looks pretty certain that Connolly will win comfortably.
A couple of years ago, I joined a routine media excursion to the Dáil (organised by the PR machine). After a genuinely interesting tour, we found ourselves in the Dáil bar (not unsurprisingly).
In addition to some hospitable local Oireachtas members, we met various other TDs/ministers. Amongst them was Catherine Connolly. When she shook my hand, I was intrigued by her quietness, dignity, and poise. She was pleasant, and – in keeping with her public image (and probably to her credit) – there was no sign of the hailfellow-well-met deportment that’s adopted by so many politicians.
I had been aware of Catherine Connolly before then. She was an excellent Leas-Ceann Comhairle. Now, on meeting Catherine, I must admit that
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
I thought there was something special about her. Looking back, it was probably inevitable that one of us would go on to become president of Ireland.
FRIDAY
Happy Friday?
This morning, I stepped into the Valley of Darkness. Again. There were a couple of strangers there. Naturally, we didn’t speak – we barely made eye contact. Instead, we just sat there, accepting our fate, willing the time to pass. Through a window, I could see the world outside, with people coming and going, apparently without a care, while we – the ‘condemned for now’ – sat in our trepidatious state. But then you have to bring your car to the NCT centre – it’s the law. On the drive home, I sought light relief, but Timmy Dooley was on the radio. Again.
SATURDAY
Graham’s couch
The Graham Norton Show (BBC 1) never fails to entertain. While the
calibre of guests – and the chemistry between them – is key, it’s Norton’s immense skill as a host that has made the show such a phenomenal success. Tonight, something jarred (just a little). Kim Kardashian and Bryan Cranston were amongst the guests (the others were Sarah Paulson and Rachel Zegler). As every viewer knows, there is an unofficial couch hierarchy on this show… the guests take their seats from right to left, with the ‘biggest’ star seated extreme left, next to Graham. Tonight, that arguably should have been Cranston, but it was acting novice Kim who got the honours instead.
Underlining a sense that strict Kardashian terms and conditions had been laid down, the reality TV megastar was given more airtime than the others on the couch. Normally, the four guests get equal time. Not on this occasion. To be fair, she was a relatively entertaining guest.
The big loser (he didn’t appear to mind much) was Kranston. He came to prominence in Malcolm in the Middle, and went on to mesmerise as Walter White in Breaking Bad – an astonishing performance in one of the greatest TV series’ of
all time. Tonight, Bryan was on the edge (of the conversation, and the sofa). He was very sporting as Kim chatted to Graham about her latest underwear range. Mind you, Bryan did quip at one stage that he needs a new agent.
Kim doesn’t.
SUNDAY
County final
The last quarter of today’s County Final was (almost) the stuff of dreams – and nightmares.
The pre-match script had sizzled with promise, and now the heroic footballers of Pádraig Pearses and St Brigid’s were doing it justice.
In those tense closing phases, the pendulum swung tantalisingly, history and heartbreak dangling before both teams.
As a neutral, I was glad that it ended in a draw, as a defeat for either team in that frantic finale would have been cruel. Much better that we can file it in our memory bank as something of a classic, and look forward to the sequel. The warriors on both sides left the cauldron with their dreams still
alive after this gripping, honourable sporting combat.
MONDAY
Presidential election
And so the dust settles. Catherine Connolly strolled (cycled?) to victory in the presidential election. Here in Roscommon-Galway, the independent candidate received almost 64% of the valid votes cast.
It’s a fantastic success for Connolly, who will be inaugurated on November 11th next. Warmest congratulations to our new president.
As our president-elect prepares to ‘move house’ from Galway to Aras an Uachtaráin, President Michael D Higgins prepares to leave Dublin and move back to Galway. We wish the outgoing president every good wish on the health front after his hospitalisation earlier this week. For full coverage of the presidential election, see pages 16, 17 and 19.
TUESDAY
Prunella Scales (RIP)
Sadly, the wonderful Prunella Scales has left us. Whatever else she did in her very impressive career – and she was a very accomplished actress – Prunella will remain ingrained in the public’s memory as the now immortal Sybil Fawlty.
News of her death was announced by her family today. The 93-year-old actress died yesterday… which was John Cleese’s birthday.
With Cleese, Andrew Sachs and Connie Booth, Prunella Scales gave us the perfect sitcom (Fawlty Towers). Her portrayal of Sybil – Basil Fawlty’s sometimes terrifying wife – was comedy perfection.
I might pay further tribute to Prunella Scales next week, as space and time limits apply as I write. She was magnificent, absolutely critical to the success and enduring popularity of this revered sitcom.
Treat yourself this week, and be reminded of the brilliance of Sybil by checking out the Fawlty Towers repeats, currently airing on U&GOLD.
Mullooly says FF & FG acted disgracefully
Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of “unfairly blocking” the participation of other candidates and denying the general public their democratic rights.
Reacting to the presidential election vote, MEP Mullooly said Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had acted in a “truly disgraceful manner” and should be “heavily penalised.” He said the two “main centre parties” had effectively forced about 13% of those who voted to spoil their vote.
“They acted in a truly disgraceful manner, putting their own narrow political agenda before democracy and they should be ashamed for pushing so many people into desecrating the ballot paper because they simply felt they had no choice. Shame on them – this can never be allowed to happen again.”
MEP Mullooly said he sincerely congratulates Catherine Connolly on the huge support she received from the people of Ireland and he wished her well in her presidency.
Abbey Hotel Roscommon … the home of fine dining
Join the Abbey Hotel Roscommon – the home of fine dining in the heart of the Irish midlands!
Experience the delicious seasonal lounge food menu, packed with mouth-watering dishes. Carvery lunch is served daily from 12.30 pm.
“Treat yourself to award-winning cuisine in our Terrace Restaurant, perfect for all your special family occasions, from christenings and engagements to birthday parties and private functions”, commented Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and PR Manager at the Abbey.
The Abbey are now taking bookings for pre-Christmas lunch and dinner, with small and large groups welcome. A reservation is essential.
You can also treat yourself to a festive-themed Abbey Afternoon Tea in our lounge, priced at €30 per person (24-hour notice is required).
The Abbey Hotel is the ideal place to relax, unwind, and enjoy a wonderful atmosphere, accompanied by exceptional service and a warm friendly welcome.
Don’t forget: gift vouchers are available for that perfect all-year-round gift idea, purchasable online or at the hotel reception. There are still some places remaining for the Abbey’s Christmas party night on Friday, December 12th, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable festive night out!
To make a booking, please call 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie. Check out abbeyhotel. ie for special offers, and follow the Abbey on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
Getting into the Halloween spirit on Bank Holiday Monday last during a Halloween-themed Fancy Dress Disco for children in St John’s Hall, Lecarrow. A most enjoyable day was had by all!
Photo: Michael Finan
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS
ONÓIR A BHRONNADH AR DÓIBH SIUD ATÁ OS CIONN 100 BUAiN D'AOIS
TÁ BRÓD AR CHOMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMAIN AITHEANTAS A THABHAIRT DO SHAORANAIGH A BHAINEANN 100 BLIAIN D'AOIS AMACH
IMá tá ball de do neasteaghlach ag ceiliúradh a l00ú breithlá, féadfaidh tú aitheantas oifigiúil a iarraidh ón gcomhairle.
Cuir isteach an méid seo a leanas ar a laghad ceithre seachtaine roimh a lá breithe:
• Cóip dá dteastas breithe
• Nóta beathaisnéise gairid faoin bhfaighteoir
• Deimhniú go bhfuil an t-iarratas á dhéanamh ag neasteaghlach (m.sh. céile, mac, iníon, deartháir nó deirfiúr)
Tar éis fíorú a dhéanamh, seolfaidh an Chomhairle litir fhoirmiúil chomhghairdis agus aitheantais chun an chloch mhíle speisialta seo a mharcáil.
larratai le seoladh chuig: corporateservices@roscommoncoco.ie
Tá an Clár Pobail do Ghníomhú ar son na hAeráide (Céim 2) arna mhaoiniú ag an Roinn Aeráide, Fuinnimh agus Comhshaoil ar oscailt d’iarratais Dé Máirt, an 21Deireadh Fómhair chun tacú le tionscadail incháilithe maidir le gníomhú ar son na haeráide atá faoi stiúir grúpaí pobail i gCo. Ros Comáin.
• Is é 5pm Dé Máirt 16 Nollaig, 2025 an dáta deiridh chun iarratais comhlánaithe ar líne a fháil
• Is féidir aon cheisteanna a bhaineann leis an bpróiseas iarratais nó le hincháilitheacht Is a sheoladh ar ríomhphost chuig an Oifigeach um Ghníomhú ag an bPobal ar son na hAeráide, Mairead McKeon Moore, climatefund@roscommoncoco.ie
• Beidh Seimineár Gréasáin Eolais á reáchtáil ag Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin Dé Céadaoin an 5Samhain ag 7pm. Tá na sonraí go léir le fáil tríd an gcód QR.
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Road to be closed: N5 at its junction with the N61 in Tulsk to its Junction N5 with the R361 in Frenchpark with the R361 in
Period of Closure: Monday 3rd November to Friday 14th November 2025
Alternative Routes: Via N61 to its junction with R361 at Greatmeadow (Boyle) to junction of R361/N5 at Frenchpark and vice versa
Reason for Closures: To facilitate Road Resurfacing Works on the N5 at Moneylea to Bellanagare
Mark
Keaveney
Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Carrick-on-Shannon crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town
Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim has been named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2025, securing the overall SuperValu Tidy Towns title and the Tidiest Small Town award at a ceremony in Croke Park on Friday.
The victory, the town’s first national overall win after over 40 years of taking part, comes with
a €15,000 prize and is due recognition for the efforts of its volunteer committee, led by chairperson John Gaffey, who credited community floral displays and innovative ideas for giving Carrickon-Shannon an edge this year!
Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary
is
hailed the achievement as a testament to “resilience, innovation, sustainability, and volunteerism,” amid a record 929 entries nationwide.
In neighbouring Co Roscommon, local groups also excelled, with Keadue named county winner on 393 points and earning a gold medal in the Category A (villages under 200 population).
Ballintubber followed closely with 390 points for another gold, while Castlecoote took silver (387 points) and Cloontuskert bronze (380 points) in the same category. Roscommon Town claimed gold in Category E (populations 5,001-10,000), and Dysart received a special Endeavour Award for its community efforts.
Tarmonbarry added a national bronze medal in Category C (1,001-2,500 population). The village achieved an impressive increase of 8 points, bringing their total to 375 points – just 25 points behind their Shannon River neighbours, Carrick-onShannon.
Cllr Tom Crosby, who is secretary of Tarmonbarry Tidy Towns, extended his congratulations to Carrick-on-Shannon on their outstanding success, not-
Roscommon Town Tidy Towns focus: Pages 22 & 23
the
Cill Ronàin and all the local committees for their ongoing support. Thanks also to our RSS worker Shane, Roscommon County Council and our local SuperValu.
ing that their achievement is “a wonderful boost to tourism along the River Shannon.”
He noted that the national adjudicators had praised Tarmonbarry’s long-standing dedication to the competition by commenting that “the village’s participation over the past 36 years has clearly contributed to its growth, well-being, and community spirit.”
Cllr Crosby also commended all the County Roscommon entrants for their commitment and hard work, singling out the other prize-winning communities of Keadue, Ballintubber, Castlecoote, Cloontuskert, Dysart, and Roscommon Town.
The awards highlight the work of over 30,000 volunteers across Ireland, contributing an estimated €35m in economic value.
Managing Director of SuperValu Luke Hanlon (back row, 5th from right), Chairperson of Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns John Gaffey (back row, 4th from right), and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary (back row, 3rd from right), pictured along with members of the Carrick-onShannon Tidy Towns Committee at the recent SuperValu Tidy Towns competition awards ceremony at Croke Park. Pic: Naoise Culhane
Pictured
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, congratulating Cllr Tom Crosby, Secretary of Tarmonbarry Tidy Towns, and his wife Pauline at the 2025 National Tidy Towns Awards in Croke Park.
Keadue won
Roscommon County award and 15th Gold Medal (committee members are pictured at last Friday’s presentation ceremony) in the 2025 Tidy Towns Competition. Keadue Tidy Towns would like to thank the entire community, volunteers, Scoil
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Coming together to prioritise mental health this Winter – You’re Not Alone
As the long evenings fade and we step into winter, many of us begin to feel the quiet shift – not just in the weather, but in our overall mood and wellbeing. The drop in temperature and reduced daylight can impact our mental health, making the transition from summer a little harder than expected. As we spend more time indoors and less time outside in nature, it’s natural to feel a little low or out of sync.
World Mental Health Day, October 10th was a timely reminder for us all to pause, reflect, and prioritise our mental health.
In today’s fast-paced world, the demands of daily life – work stress, financial pressures, and even constant news updates – can take a toll on how we think, feel, and act. In Ireland, despite growing awareness, mental health challenges are still of-
newsbriefs
Athleague Christmas Market on November 9th
ten faced alone and in silence, especially in rural areas. The stigma that surrounds mental health challenges can prevent people from asking for help, or even recognising when they’re struggling.
But there is local help available.
Grow Mental Health, a registered
Irish charity, offers free, confidential, community-based support groups to anyone experiencing mental health challenges. With a long-standing presence across Ireland, Grow’s approach is simple but powerful: support in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Group
Hospital Mental
Health
participants can give and receive support, sharing how they have overcome challenges. People share their own stories. The groups are focused on empowering people to take small, manageable steps toward personal growth and improved wellbeing.
Unit extends thanks to Harmac Medical Team
Athleague Christmas Market will take place on Sunday, November 9th in Athleague Community Centre (F42 P440) from 10 am to 3 pm. All are welcome.
Blessing of graves at Ballinderry New Cemetery
Blessing of graves will take place at Ballinderry New Cemetery on Sunday, November 9th at 12 noon.
The voluntary committee continue their upgrading/ maintenance work. Usual collection takes place on the day. Your optional donations are very much appreciated.
Bridge club results
The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows:
Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Chris and John McGrath; 2nd: Mary Farrell and Veronica McManus; Gross: June Halliday and Joan Donnellan. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Mary McDermott and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Tresina Murphy and Larry Shine.
St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: John O’Gara and Bernie Maher; 2nd: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; Gross: Mary Naughton and Ann Shine.
Ballymurray Bridge Club – (Section A) 1st: Maria Delaney and Jane Hunt; 2nd: Patricia Keane and Rosaleen O’Hanrahan; Gross: Michael Dolan and Kevin Coyle. (Section B) 1st: Judy Adamson and Evelyn Curley; 2nd: Ivan Moran and Kevin Moran; Gross: Marie McSharry and Paraic Brennan.
Cemetery Sunday
Cemetery Sunday will take place at Derrane Graveyard on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 3 pm. Collection for upkeep of graveyard will be held on the day.
Roscommon Town ICA Guild meeting
The November meeting of Roscommon Town ICA Guild will be held in Hannon’s Hotel on Tuesday, November 4th at 7.30 pm. Please note change of time from 8 pm to 7.30 pm. Guest speaker on the night. New members are always welcome.
On behalf of the inpatients at Roscommon Mental Health Unit, Roscommon University Hospital would like to extend a huge thank you to Harmac Medical
Team for the more than generous donation they made to the Comfort Care Treats Fund in aid of the unit.
The donation was made
in honour of the recently flagged World Mental Health Day, and Roscommon University Hospital would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support and generosity shown. If your school or organisation wish to emulate this type of kind gesture – on a once-off basis, or indeed on a regular basis –please contact either Helen Raftery Dunne (CCTF Volunteer Fundraiser) at ballyhard@hotmail.com, or Adrian Tully (Clinical Nurse Manager at the unit) at adrian.tully@hse.ie, to be steered in the correct direction.
Support groups
Locally, Grow Mental Health hosts two weekly support groups in Roscommon:
*Every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Ozanam Centre, Ballaghaderreen
*Every Thursday at 6 pm in Regari Recovery College, Roscommon Town
Prefer the comfort of your own home? An online peer support group is also launching soon, meeting Tuesdays at 6.30 pm. These groups are open to anyone feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply looking for a safe space to talk. Whether you’re navigating a tough patch or seeking support to maintain your wellbeing, Grow Mental Health is here to help.
For more information, visit www. grow.ie, or to join a local group, call or text 086 1659277.
Sadness at passing of James Tully
James Tully, who has died unexpectedly, was a very well-known and respected businessman in West Roscommon and further afield over many decades. The late Mr Tully was particularly prominent as a VFI (Vintners’ Federation of Ireland) officer, having represented Roscommon publicans in an official capacity for many years. Proprietor of Tully’s Bar in Frenchpark, The Fiddlers Elbow Bar & Restaurant, and The Castle Nightclub in Ballaghaderreen, he died unexpectedly but peacefully on Sunday, October 19th, at The Galway Clinic, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 16th, 1950, the late James Tully was predeceased by his parents Jack and Patricia, brothers Enda and Mark, and nephew Mark. He is mourned by his wife Noreen, children Enda and Edwina, grandchildren, further relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Mass of the Resurrection took place on Thursday, October 24th, with a private cremation following at Sharkey’s Cremation Chapel, Loughglynn.
Helen Raftery Dunne (CCTF Volunteer Fundraiser) pictured with team member Nathan.
Legend of the winter wonderland that is Ardcarne Garden Centre at Christmas has spread far beyond its branches in Boyle and Roscommon Town. Every year the Christmas Shop becomes a showcase of all the latest décor from the world’s leading brands, all beautifully arranged to provide inspiration for your own home.
STYLISH AND TRENDY
Along with the classic festive reds, rich greens and golds, you’ll find décor that reflects the latest trends such as those inspired by woodlands and nature using natural sustainable materials, or the silvery pinks and blue greys that are so much in vogue in contemporary interior design. All the collections are chosen from top quality brands, that you and your family will treasure for many years. Indeed, much of the stylish décor is selected for its use throughout the year, not
just at Christmas.
NEW THIS YEAR
Everybody loves a cute teddy bear and one of the most adorable trends this year is a range of Christmas bears to bring fun to the festive season, especially for the younger members of the family. These irresistible bears make beautiful presents too and are guaranteed to bring a smile and melt your heart every year. For a real head turner this Christmas make sure you check out the life-sized wicker deer and stags, illuminated reindeer for outdoors and Santa sleighs that are large enough to sit in!
Looking to give your Christmas tree a fresh look this year?
Decorate it with a set of new soft gold lights to bring an extra warm glow to your home. And why not make the Christmas cards you send stand out from the rest by choosing some from the colourful new range of Irish made cards in stock, all with Irish greetings.
Let The Magic Begin
SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS
You’ll find lots of inspiration for a greener Christmas among the selection of fancy decorations cleverly crafted from paper. These range from small tree ornaments to magnificent expandable festive shapes that can be conveniently folded flat for storage. One of the most effective and elegant ways to bring a little of the magic of the winter garden to your home is with white stemmed birch twigs, arranged simply in a vase or decorative pot. Capture the natural forest feel with a few clip on birds and stylish wooden toadstools at the base. And if you are feeling creative, you’ll find a range of luxury ribbons in opulent shades for making your own festive bows.
FIND YOUR PERFECT TREE
The Christmas tree is undoubtedly the star of the show in the home during the festive season and you can find just the perfect one at Ardcarne Garden Centre. A growing trend is to invest in a really fabulous artificial tree that you can enjoy for many years. In addition to being extremely convenient to have to hand each Christmas, their longevity of use makes them a very sustainable choice. There’s a wide range of artificial Christmas trees for you to choose from at Ardcarne Garden Centre, some are complete with lights, there are selections with natural feel-real needles, while others have frosted or snowy branches that
capture the essence of the winter landscape. There’s definitely one to suit your home and all our trees have hinged branches for easy assembly and storage.
If you enjoy a real Christmas tree, then make a date to visit Ardcarne Garden Centre from late November when the fresh trees arrive. All are locally grown, non-shedding varieties with of course that unmistakable Christmas tree scent. As always you will discover the latest energy efficient Christmas lights and candles, with LED bulbs, timer functions and many with USB charging options
GIFTS TO TREASURE
In addition to seasonal décor, you’ll find gifts for all your family, friends and even perhaps yourself at both Ardcarne Garden Centres. As usual there’s an amazing selection of plants, both ornamental and edible, gorgeous ready to go colourful planters, tools, gardening footwear & gloves, bird care and pet accessories.
There is plenty of inspiration for indoors too with elegant houseplants, scented candles, diffusers, windchimes, ceramics, glass ware and framed pictures, to name but a few! Still undecided? Look no further than an Ardcarne Garden Centre Gift Card, available in store (or an online digital voucher), which are always a joy to receive and spend in both Ardcarne Garden Centres and Cafe! Our Café is open every day at Ardcarne Garden Centre Boyle, serving home-made lunches, soup, delicious fresh cakes and hand roasted coffees. Remember, the full range of Christmas décor, gifts and much more is available to purchase online. www.ardcarne.ie
Every year the official opening of the Christmas Shop at Ardcarne Garden Centre is combined with a fundraising event for the local Roscommon Mayo Hospice. This year it takes place on Saturday, 1st November at both the Boyle and Roscommon Town branches. The Hospice fund-raising event is always a lovely community occasion and as part of the celebrations and fund-raising you can enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and tasty nibbles while enjoying the atmosphere and Christmas spirit. Why not bring the children along and get them to post a letter to Santa in the Official Santa Post Box? There’s even
paper for them to write on, supplied by Santa himself!
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
Harvest festival reaps great success!
Our columnist Frank Brandon on the success of this year’s Creggs Harvest Festival, celebrating loved ones who have passed away, and more
It’s a wet and miserable Bank Holiday Monday, and the dust is settling on another extremely successful Harvest Festival out here in Creggs, where the influx of new young blood into the organising committee has helped to revitalise and re-energise the entire production.
It all started on Thursday night with Monster Bingo in the school hall, where a large number of enthusiastic players turned up (including yours truly), all of whom had their eyes on the attractive prizes – especially the €1,000 jackpot! As it happened, a local woman named Mary Fleming won the big one, so heartiest congratulations to her!
As for me, the only thing that went my way was being complained about for talking, and upsetting a couple of the serious players; along with two other extremely well-known gentlemen (whom I won’t name to protect their squeakyclean image), we were publicly admonished for our bad behaviour.
Since it was on the school premises, I half-expected to be made face the wall as a punishment for my bad conduct (I faced it many a time during my actual national school days), but the shame of a public scolding was enough!
I never got within an ass’s roar of a winning line, and my bad luck held firm for the raffle as well. However, I did actually enjoy it; there was any amount of teas and coffees and cakes and buns and apple pies, and a few helpings of them helped me forget my humiliation, so there won’t be a word out of me the next time bingo comes to Creggs!
Friday night had the junior bard competition and the primary school quiz, as well as the Festival Mass, after which the winner of the ‘Personality of the Year’ award was announced.
The very worthy and popular winner was Michael Ward of the Ward & Burke company – a man who is, among others, at the forefront of the huge dairying upsurge in the local area. He is also a very important figure in the development of both the rugby and GAA clubs in our locality, and a large number of our local people, both male and female, are employed by Ward & Burke. There could be no more deserving winner – congrats Mike and well done!
It’s the little things we miss the most…
Fast-forward to Sunday morning, and it’s fair to say that as a family the weekend of the Harvest Festival, has, for us, undergone a dramatic transformation. This is because it was on the Bank Holiday Saturday night last year, October 26th, that my wife Carol passed away in the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice in Castlebar.
And so, on this Sunday morning we all attended her first anniversary Mass in Kilbegnet Church. It’s hard to put into words the
difference Carol being gone makes to our lives, but it has changed a lot of things forever. Without being dramatic, it’s the little things –which might not have seemed so significant before – that we all miss the most.
Anyway, after the Mass a number of family, friends, and extended family members adjourned to Mikeen’s, where we had a very enjoyable hour or so chatting over tea and sandwiches.
Later on, all my immediate family
headed off to Jimmy Screene’s in Guilka for the first time in over a year – and we couldn’t believe the crowd of people that were there. Thank God I had booked a table or we’d never have got fed!
As always, everything was top class, and I have to say the staff were really friendly and helpful. Everyone, my grandchildren included, were delighted with the whole experience.
Then it was time to split up a bit – Lisa, Brian, and their kids headed home to Castlebar, while Ciara, Paul’s girlfriend, left for Charlestown, and I got the brainwave to go the short distance to O’Boyle’s in Laught.
Complete with two non-drinking drivers, five of us landed just as Sean was opening up, and spent a few happy hours in one of my very favourite places. Anyone who ever reads my stuff will know of my affinity for Mikeen’s, Screene’s, and O’Boyle’s, so to do them all in the same day was a bonus!
I didn’t really feel up to the crowds at the Harvest Festival, so the Crow Black Chicken band had to do without us, but I’m told they managed just fine. As for us, we were back home before nine o’clock, and despite the day that was in it we did enjoy it.
Carol always said that when she passed we were to carry on living, and we are doing our best. It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by, but I suppose they go quicker as we get older.
GAA Lip-sync hits
all
the right notes
Saturday night saw the return of the GAA Lip-sync, where an enormous crowd (sadly not including me) was treated to amazing, energetic, and hugely entertaining performances by the ten acts. The overall reaction seems to have been that this was by far one of the best shows that had ever been seen in Creggs.
ABBA, JLS, Kiss, NSYNC, Queen, Tina Turner, the Athleague camogie group, and Oasis all appeared on the stage on Saturday night. However, while they didn’t win, the heroic award for appearing at all had to go to the Backstreet Boys, with one of their youthful members suffering a serious injury in training earlier in the week.
A lesser man would have pulled out, but not this man! After loads of rubs and massages and physio, he took his place in the band on Saturday night and re-emphasised the old showbusiness mantra: the show must go on!
In the end, the three judges – Shirley Whyte, Deirdre Bradley and Bobby Jennings – announced that the winner was Oasis. Darragh Connelly (his second win) and Gerry Keegan were the Gallagher brothers, while their
backing group consisted of Colin Rourke, Paul Hickey, Ronan Dowd, and Padraig Gavin.
Anyway, it was a monumental success, and the organising committee deserves great praise for putting together such a highly acclaimed event. The work in preparing the stage for all the acts is enormous, so well done to everyone involved.
And finally…
As we prepare for Halloween, with all its scary bits, think a bit about all our animals – outdoor and domestic – and be careful where you are letting off your fireworks.
Animals can get very frightened and upset with the noise, and many a dog or cat has disappeared for good from the effects of fireworks!
So be considerate, take care, and enjoy Halloween!
‘Til next week, bye for now
Pictured at the Creggs Harvest Festival last weekend. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured meeting Catherine Connolly on the final day of the presidential election campaign, spent in County Roscommon last Thursday. Photo: Michael Finan
Date announced for the 2025 County Roscommon Volunteer Awards
Roscommon Volunteer Centre is delighted to announce that the 2025 Volunteer Awards Ceremony will take place in the Hodson Bay Hotel on December 3rd, celebrating the exceptional individuals and groups whose dedication, compassion, and leadership continue to make our county a thriving and inclusive place to live and work.
The annual Volunteer Awards shine a light on the remarkable people who give their time, energy, and skills to help others – from local clubs and community initiatives to environmental projects and social inclusion programmes. These awards recognise the incredible diversity of volunteering across the county and the essential role it plays in strengthening dignity, equality, and a shared sense of belonging.
“Volunteering is the heartbeat of our communities,” said Áine Egan, manager of the Volunteer Centre. “Every volunteer, whether working quietly behind the scenes or leading countywide initiatives, contributes to making our home a place where everyone feels valued and supported. These awards are our way of saying thank you and of honouring the spirit of community action that defines who we are.”
Nominations are now open, and Roscommon Volunteer Centre warmly invites submissions from individuals, groups, and organisations across the region. This year’s awards will recognise excellence across five categories:
Board Member of the Year – Acknowledging dedicated governance and leadership within community and voluntary organisations.
Social Inclusion Initiative – Recognising individual and group efforts that promote equality, respect, and inclusion for all members of the community.
Community Cause Champion – Celebrates an individual or community group that goes above and beyond to champion their organisation’s cause.
Environmental Change Maker – Highlighting projects and individuals driving sustainability and positive environmental change.
Volunteer of the Year – Celebrating an individual whose outstanding commitment and service have made a significant impact.
Nominations close on Tuesday, November 11th 2025 at 4 pm. Nomination Forms and Guidelines are available online at www.volunteerroscommon.ie or drop into the RVC office in the Square to pick up a form. Email info@volunteerroscommon.ie or call 089-4316477 or 089-2563548 if you have any queries.
Volunteer Awards
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon last Thursday. Now Ireland’s President-elect, she is pictured visiting Roscommon Volunteer Centre in Roscommon Town. Photo: Michael Finan
‘We were very lucky that Joe passed this way’
The
late Joe Donlon: An obituary
Anyone that was involved or interested in playing or watching darts back in the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s or noughties would have known or heard of the Donlon brothers from Ballyleague.
Pete, Tom and Joe were as well known in darts as Christy Ring was for hurling. The three sharpshooters played intercounty darts for Roscommon and Longford, and won numerous titles across the country. Sadly Joe (Moher, Lanesboro), the last of the brothers, passed away on October 2nd after a short Illness.
Born in 1934, Joe came from a large family and he started working at an early age at different jobs. He was a van driver for years, delivering bread in Co Leitrim.
Meanwhile, the Dee family moved into Ballyleague. Joe met up with Esther Dee and when the family moved on to Littleton in Co Tipperary Esther was not go-
ing to leave her sweetheart Joe, so she stayed and the pair got married. They reared nine sons and two daughters, some of them good dart throwers, all of them good decent people. Esther was also an inter-county darts player with Roscommon and she won lots of titles as well.
When Pete passed away the family donated a memorial cup and every year top players from around Ireland gathered in the famous Sliabh Ban Hotel to play for the Pete Donlon Cup. Eventually the tournament was changed with an annual team challenge held between
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Roscommon and Longford, but the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to the tournament like it did to lots of sporting activities across the country.
In 1996 Ireland hosted the Europe Cup in the Astoria Convention Centre in Bundoran from the 9th to the 12th of October. Joe was invited as stage manager and he marked the games. This was for sure one of his proudest moments in darts, meeting up with all his heroes. He was in good company but every player in Bundoran were equally in as good a company with Joe. When Joe organised a
‘Frenchlawn House’ –
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase
DNG Ivan Connaughton and DNG Country Homes and Estates are now offering Frenchlawn House and outbuildings – altogether standing on circa 85.30 acres, close to Ballintober village – for sale by online auction (LSL Platform) at 3 pm on Friday, November 21st
This sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a country residence with significant historical interest to the late Daniel O’Connell, who regularly stayed at ‘Frenchlawn House’ – previously owned by his daughter Elizabeth (1810-1893), who married Nicholas Joseph Ffrench in 1831. This residence is in the ownership of the same family for over a century and while in need of renovation, ‘Frenchlawn’ holds much of its original features and is an ideal project for those interested in restoring it to its former glory. The approach to this historic residence is by entrance gates and sweeping tree-lined driveway offering maximum privacy without impeding the unrivalled views of the lands/countryside to front. The residence comprises entrance hall, living room, dining room and kitchen on ground floor with first floor comprising landing, three bedrooms (one en-suite) and bathroom. The gross internal area is circa 1,870 square feet. Outbuild-
ings include garage, coach house, and granary with cut limestone and multiple arches.
The property is being offered for sale in five lots as follows: Lot 1 comprises ‘Frenchlawn House’ and outbuildings on circa 2.30 acres, Lot 2 comprises circa 42 acres of prime lands, Lot 3 comprises circa 35 acres (across from residence), Lot 4 comprises circa 6 acres with derelict residence (across from residence), and Lot 5 comprises the entire property: residence on circa 85.30 acres.
The property is located on the Roscommon/Galway border and just 30 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock.
Viewing is strictly by appointment with joint selling agents: DNG Ivan Connaughton on 0906663700, DNG Country Homes and Estates (Gemma Lanigan) on 01 4912600.
Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton from DNG Ivan Connaughton stated, “ We are delighted to offer ‘Frenchlawn House’ and lands for sale by online auction, located in a much sought after area both for residential and farmland. The property is being offered in lots to accommodate all interested parties.
“Viewing comes highly recommended, as rarely does a property of significant historical interest and quality come to market in the area. The residence is not protected and would qualify for the Vacant Grant with up to €70,000 is available. Additional grants such as the SEAI Energy Grant would also be available to prospective purchasers.
“For further details, call our office on 090 6663700”, he concluded. The online auction via the LSL Platform will be held on Friday, November 21st, at 3 pm. All interested parties must register and make payment of deposit. Solicitor for the carriage of sale is Aoife O’Callaghan (solicitor at Staunton Caulfield Solicitors, Castlerea –094 9620008).
competition and he announced a starting time, you were either there on time or you would miss out and you would not be late the next time.
Joe Donlon was a great family man, a hard worker, a great neighbour and a pure darts man. To Patsy, Joe, John, Noel, Stephen, Thomas, Peter, MaryGeraldine, Maurice, David and Goretti, we extend our deepest sympathy. We all have our own memories of Joe but one thing is for sure we were very lucky that Joe Donlon passed this way. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Lisaniskey NS €50k fundraiser for new classroom
Lisaniskey NS in Oran is launching a €50,000 fundraising drive to pay for a newly-installed prefab classroom. Due to the expansion of the school, Lisaniskey needed a new classroom and the school is reaching out to the wider community for financial support.
During the summer, the school purchased a prefab to cater for its growing student population. However, having not received government funding, Lisaniskey has launched a GoFundMe page to raise the necessary funds.
Last week, the school issued a rallying cry to all those connected with the area, including current families, past pupils and local businesses, seeking their help.
The school is located in Clooneycolgan, 13 kilometres from Roscommon Town, just off the RoscommonCastlerea Road. Lisaniskey NS, which is also known as Clooneycolgan NS, has been an integral part of the local community in Oran for over a century. In recent years, its student population has increased, which necessitated a fifth mainstream classroom.
“Every child deserves space to learn, grow and fulfil their potential,” said school principal, Mr Noel Dervan. “To make sure we can continue to provide this at Lisaniskey, we must raise €50,000. This is the first time we have ever had to seek support on this scale.”
To donate to the fund, search Lisaniskey NS on the GoFundMe website.
Last Friday, October 24th, DNG Ivan Connaughton were successful in selling a prime property –comprising a residence on circa ten acres of lands, zoned residential in Monskland, Athlone – by online auction. The lands, located in the centre of Monksland and adjacent to the M6 Motorway and Athlone Town, attracted substantial interest with an opening bid of €1,500,000, selling under the hammer shortly after for €2,700,000.
Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton stated, “We were delighted to offer this property for sale, firstly
by private treaty and with it attracting substantial interest, offering for sale by online auction on the 24th of October last. With local, national and international parties registered to bid, it clearly shows that the big demand for housing in the general Athlone area is resulting in developers acquiring suitable lands to meet the current need.
“We wish the purchasers every success and we have no doubt their professional approach in design and planning will complement the rapidly expanding Monksland/ Bealnamullia area”,
he concluded. As the leading agency dealing with online auctions in the region, DNG Ivan Connaughton are available to meet with any seller/vendor who is interested in selling by private treaty and/or online auction, subject to market interest in their property.
For further details, contact DNG Ivan Connaughton on 090 6663700 or email info@dngivanconnaughton.ie. Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton is also available on mobile at 086 8985013. Call today for a confidential free consultation and valuation!
The late Joe Donlon is second from the left in this old photograph of a darts competition presentation in Sorahan’s pub, Ballyleague.
Lands, located in the centre of Monksland and adjacent to the M6 Motorway and Athlone Town
St Comán’s Wood Primary School, Roscommon
To our amazing parents and the wider school community,
I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who bought and/or sold a ticket in our recent fundraising draw.
I also want to thank all our families for participating in our School Lotto which is ongoing. Your generosity and support have been overwhelming.
We deeply appreciate you investing in our school’s future and making this event such a phenomenal success raising over €50,000 for our allweather pitch.
This fundraising effort would not have been possible
without the tireless work of some incredible people:
• Our Parents Association, led by Chairperson, Emma Johnson
• Our staff, led by Assistant Principal, Aisling Greene
• Our sponsors, in particular Dermot Hughes of Dermot Hughes Cars who worked in association with our Board of Management to secure the car for the raffle
• The Gardaí, who oversaw the draw on Friday, October, 24th
along with Seán Naughton, Commissioner of Oaths
• Donations from Casey’s, Cormican’s, Donnellan & Co., JJ Ward & Sons Ltd., Niamh’s Party Palace, Norio’s, and Roscommon Credit Union.
We were honoured to have Daire Feeley, who is a pastpupil and now an international cyclist draw out the winning tickets. We are incredibly proud of Daire’s accomplishments and
are so grateful that he could join us.
I also want to thank the Roscommon Men’s Choir and our own choir, led by their teacher, Mary Lanigan, ran a concert raising over €3,000 for our pitch. Thank you to parent Lars Humborg for organising this. We are very grateful to Fr Kevin for giving us the magnificent church as a venue for this event.
I also wish to thank Marie
Doorly, chairperson of the BoM and the Board of Management.
Thanks too to Ruth McCourt, Smart Digital Marketing.
Last but certainly not least, a warm thank you to our Student Council, from junior infants to 6th class!
Dr. Úna Feeley, Principal.
And so the winners....
• 1st prize (a brand new Toyota Aygo X) goes to Evan Eldho in Ms Mitchell’s 1st
class. I’m sure his parents Eldho and Animol will enjoy driving Evan around in this car • 2nd prize (€1000) goes to Marcos Da Silva Santos whose son Enzo is in Joanne Kelly’s 3rd class. His sister Sheila is a past pupil of our school having transferred to secondary school this year • 3rd prize (€500) ticket winner lives in Co Laois. Details at later date
Have a wonderful midterm break everyone and a huge thank you again for your support. It means a lot!
Helen McEntee recently visited St Comán’s Wood Primary School in Roscommon, where she was formally welcomed by school principal, Úna Feeley.
Photos: Michael Finan
Presidential election winners & losers
< PAUL HEALY
WINNERS
Catherine Connolly
Catherine Connolly was always likely to be a strong presidential election contender. With a fair wind, an inspired choice, reminiscent of that Mary Robinson ‘moment’ in 1990. So it proved.
Articulate, passionate, fair-minded (as evidenced by her role as Leas-Ceann Comhairle) she has – whether you agree with her or not – stood out as a deeply impressive parliamentarian of conviction and integrity.
It helped that she appealed to young people, comes across as a touch quirky, and is just generally likeable (I am trying hard not to mention keepy-uppies).
Her supporters see her as a radical, fearless campaigning figure with an unwavering social conscience. Others frown at that radical outlook, her suspicion of the EU and other powers, her outspoken nature. But the public have spoken. Above all, Connolly is authentic. I fully believe she believes in everything she says. I do not believe that of many of her peers in the Oireachtas. (With respect).
Mary Lou McDonald
In one bound, the Sinn Féin leader is free. The ‘gamechanger’ soundbite was initially scoffed at. It could have haunted Mary Lou. Now, it seems to fit just grand.
Relatively late in the campaign, Mary Lou and her party assessed the prospective field – including their own would-be runners – and opted to stake everything on Catherine Connolly.
Mary Lou was either clever or rash in teasing that Sinn Féin’s position – when revealed – would be a gamechanger. The media (and government parties) were quick to ridicule the gamechanger boast, criticising Sinn Féin’s decision to snuggle into the Connolly camp rather than run their own candidate. As it turned out, while Connolly already had notable momentum by then, the endorsement by SF was a significant boost to the candidate. Maybe even a gamechanger? Mary Lou can certainly claim a decent share of the bragging rights.
Left-wing ‘alliance’ Roll up, roll up… and watch as representatives
of Connolly’s various left-wing backers play a new game with the media… ‘The modest victory dance.’
This involves representatives of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit and the Green Party (Sinn Féin too) trying to strike a balance – whereby they appear to humbly congratulate Catherine Connolly, while also reminding viewers/listeners of their party’s decisive role in The Making of a President.
Still, credit where it’s due. Labour, PBP, the ‘Soc Dems’ and ‘the Greens’ were all in Camp Catherine relatively early. A couple of the parties encountered internal opposition (Labour’s Alan Kelly being the most high profile dissenter), but they’re all now basking in the afterglow of a significant ‘left-wing’ triumph, with the added bonus of having embarrassed the two-headed enemy, FF/ FG. Now the question is, can they build on this success? A word too for local MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, also in President-elect Connolly’s corner from the beginning.
Maria Steen
Has a non-candidate in an Irish election ever received such media coverage and public attention? Steen came closest of those ultimately unsuccessful aspiring candidates who sought a place on the ballot through the limited ‘four county councils or 20 Oireachtas members’ route. When she came up just short, Steen was quickly cast as the PresidentThat-Might-Have-Been.
Whatever about that, Maria Steen missing out so narrowly became a major talking point, the barrister and campaigner becoming a ‘Champion of the disenfranchised’. Don’t mind the expensive handbag codology, the focus on which was a symbol of the social media age. Steen is a person of substance. If she wants to run in 2032, there will most likely be a lot of support for her.
Billy Kelleher
You’d swear butter wouldn’t melt in Billy’s mouth! Be that as it may, the Cork MEP had a brainwave a number of months ago, and set in train quite the mystery tour. Never previously spoken of as a prospective presidential candidate, Billy ingeniously worked himself into the conversation. In the FF contest, he put up a good showing against the anointed one – Jim Gavin. Better was to follow (for Billy) when Gavin’s by then already weak campaign imploded. Now Billy holds the aces.
If this was an old Western movie, his leader, fellow Corkonian Micheál, is the veteran gunslinger who has suddenly been disarmed by a former pal. Martin is still reeling from the realisation that his pistol has been dislodged. He looks up, and there’s Billy the Kid, twirling a couple of revolvers, pondering his next move. All metaphorically, I hasten to add. What next for Billy? A presidential run in 2032? Or maybe he’ll throw his hat into the ring to be next FF leader? Certainly his status in the party has risen significantly.
LOSERS
Micheál Martin
As has been well documented by now, the election campaign was a humiliation for Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin. On a basic level, it raises questions about his judgement, while also being a great embarrassment to him. Much more serious (for Martin) is the blow it represents to his leadership, the debacle finally empowering disaffected backbenchers to openly criticise their leader’s modus operandi. Events of the past 72 hours or so are very ominous, and may well spell the beginning of the end of Martin’s leadership of his party.
Jim Gavin
Winning numerous All-Irelands was a doddle… well, at least when compared to engaging in landmine-laden debates/interviews.
Of course the big mistake Jim Gavin made was to say ‘yes’ to Micheál Martin. On paper, a Gavin candidacy no doubt looked promising… GAA legend, untainted by political baggage, obvious leadership qualities, etc. But the gamble backfired spectacularly.
The absence of political experience meant he was like a rabbit caught in headlights when facing the media. At the end of the day, this was just a bad call. When the pressure over a failure to repay rent due to a tenant led to Gavin being put out of his misery, it was almost an act of kindness. By the time he confirmed his withdrawal, the Fianna Fáil leadership had already deserted him. As in… Jim who?
Heather Humphreys
There are Fine Gael advisers/handlers/strategists whom Heather Humphreys quite possibly might never speak to again.
Nobody has a chance of convincing me that when Heather went on an onslaught against Catherine
Connolly over her work as a barrister that the Fine Gael candidate’s heart was in it. Absolutely not! This was not the real Heather Humphreys; this was a candidate under strict instructions to play the woman, not the ball. Faced with Connolly’s surefooted progress, a panicked Fine Gael insisted on Humphreys going into attack mode. It didn’t suit her. The public saw through it, and embraced Connolly’s authenticity. (The FG social media campaign also had its share of cringey ‘highlights’).
Jack Chambers
The campaign could not have turned out much worse than it did for Fianna Fáil’s usually supersmooth Director of Elections.
Chambers went into the election with mild James Bond-like vibes, but there were slight elements of Inspector Clouseau about the latter stages of his stewardship of Jim Gavin’s faltering campaign. Chambers, the FF Deputy leader, and often spoken of as a possible successor to Micheál Martin, was on the back foot, performing either poorly or smugly – take your pick – in media interviews during the crisis, particularly when pressed on the party’s rather incomplete vetting of Gavin. Jack will bounce back, but for now at least, he’s more a falling star than a rising one. Only one thing for it… stay in the background for several months, then re-emerge discreetly as if GavinGate never happened.
Simon Harris
Fine Gael has never won a presidential election, and Simon Harris must have thought he was about to put that right. Mairead McGuinness was hot favourite a number of months ago, before withdrawing on health grounds. Even so, when Heather Humphreys stepped up (Sean Kelly supporters, look away now) the Monaghan woman was widely tipped to win. Then the pesky FF-ers went and messed up everything (when Jim Gavin withdrew, the prospect of tens of thousands of preference votes transferring to Humphreys went with him). There was also the not insignificant matter of a consistently strong campaign by Catherine Connolly to contend with.
Simon Harris is in an awkward spot, but he’s not on political death row, which is where Martin appears to be. Still, Sean Kelly has started flashing his (gold) grievance card, and will relish making life difficult for the party leader. Simon Harris needs to find some form.
President-elect (then-presidential candidate) Catherine Connolly has an amusing exchange with Tom Flynn, proprietor of Flynn’s shop in Castlerea during her visit to County Roscommon last Thursday. Also pictured are MEP
Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Deputy Claire Kerrane and Cllr Leah Cull. Photo: Michael Finan
An anticlimax at count, but much for the political establishment to reflect on
< SEAMUS DUKE
While I arrived at the count centre at Dr Hyde Park last Saturday morning at 9.10 am, in truth I was almost late! The boxes were just being opened, but the result of the presidential election in Roscommon-Galway constituency was clear within a few minutes.
The tally people were marking vote after vote for Catherine Connolly. She was polling at least twice the amount that Heather Humphreys was. Before 9.30 am the result was a foregone conclusion. There were no more than 50 people present, most of them being on tally duty. Midlands-North-West MEP and big Catherine Connolly supporter Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan was there. It was clear that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were getting a kicking, and Luke was a happy man.
Sinn Féin councillor, Leah Cull was doing a tally and her delight at Catherine Connolly sweeping the boards was also evident.
Senator Gareth Scahill (Fine Gael) from Castlerea was putting a brave face on the voting pattern, declaring that the Fine Gael vote in the constituency had actually held up well. ‘Clutching at straws’ was a phrase that came to mind, given that Gareth’s party colleague Heather Humphreys was being trounced, the evidence growing with every new tally update. It was notable there was no sign of any Fianna Fáil representatives at the count, although former senator and TD Eugene Murphy was in attendance.
The people working on the tallying of votes did an excellent job once again. Once the final tally was known, the count centre almost emptied. For well over two hours there were no more than ten people present. Talk about an anticlimax!
It was clear too that there were a huge number of spoiled votes. I spent a while looking at them as they were being sorted. Maria Steen’s name appeared on a lot of the spoiled papers. One Manchester United fan had put down ‘Number One Harry Maguire’ while many other voters had scrawled ‘none of the above’.
However, it was not all light-hearted stuff. Indeed there were some very nasty comments on ballot papers, and many anti-establishment and antiimmigration messages too. 3,745 people chose to spoil their votes in Roscommon-Galway, and that figure was over 213,000 nationally. The Government must take this huge figure seriously. It was clear there is a huge cohort of the electorate who are of the opinion that they had very little or no choice of candidate in this election. There is a major disconnect there with many people – coupled with a significant anti-government sentiment too. My view is that the nomination process for the presidential election will have to be reviewed and
then changed, so that people can have a more diverse list of candidates to choose from. A review of this whole process should be carried out without delay. After all, the people who spoilt their votes took the time to go into the polling booth to do so. It’s not that those people are giving up on the political process. It’s that they are sending a message to the powers that be. It’s a message that should be heeded.
Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil made a complete hash of the whole process. Fine Gael panicked when Mairead McGuinness withdrew on health grounds. Heather Humphreys is a nice, decent woman and was a popular politician, but she proved to be a totally unsuitable candidate for this election.
Fianna Fáil made even more mistakes. Party leader Micheál Martin was clearly convinced that Jim Gavin would be elected. It proved to be a disastrous choice. It turned out that Gavin was even more unsuited to the campaign than Heather Humphreys, and the fact that his name remained on the
ballot paper after he dropped out of the race added to the farce.
Catherine Connolly started her campaign early. She stuck to her message all the way through and looked the winner from a long way out. She was
“One Manchester United fan had put down ‘Number One Harry Maguire’ while many other voters had scrawled ‘none of the above’
articulate and clear in the various debates. The Galway woman attracted younger voters in droves. That was a huge factor in the campaign. It remains a fact that huge swathes of the Irish people felt that they had no one to vote for in this election, and the political establishment will have to reflect on that.
At least the left came together and got their candidate elected. However it remains to be seen if the various components of that unofficial alliance would stay together in a general election. It’s unlikely.
At the end of the day Catherine Connolly will be our next president and she will be a fine representative of the people. She won convincingly – and congratulations to her. The Government would do well to pay attention to the many issues that this election has highlighted. From their point of view it’s a good job there is no general election scheduled for another four years.
As for the fallout from this election, it will be felt for some time to come.
Connolly storms home in Roscommon-Galway
< PAUL HEALY
President-elect, Catherine Connolly dominated the election in Roscommon-Galway constituency, attracting a massive 63.57% of the vote here. Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) trailed behind the independent candidate, on 29.94%. Jim Gavin (Fianna Fáil) secured 6.48%.
The electorate was 60,279. Total number of votes cast was 30,892. There were 3,745 spoilt votes, leaving a valid poll of 27,147.
In terms of numbers of first preference votes received in Roscommon-Galway, Catherine Connolly finished on
17,258, Humphreys on 8,129, and Gavin on 1,760. While Gavin withdrew during the campaign, his name had remained on the ballot paper. Turnout in Roscommon-Galway was 51.25%, significantly above the national average, probably in part due to Ms Connolly being from County Galway.
12.1% of votes cast in this constituency were spoilt (3,745), reflecting significant dissatisfaction with the lack of choice on the ballot, anger over the nomination process, and a level of discontent with Government policies.
The 63.57% support for Connolly in this constitu-
ency mirrored the national picture. The independent candidate won 63.4% of the national vote for a landslide victory (Humphreys: 29.5%, Gavin 7.2%).
The Galway-West Independent TD, one of a family of 14, will succeed outgoing president, Michael D Higgins and will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday, November 11th next. For Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, the campaign has been little short of disastrous. Fianna Fáil’s failure to field was a spectacular own goal. Fine Gael were able to field, but ran a largely lacklustre campaign.
Counting underway for Roscommon-Galway constituency at the Dr Hyde Centre in Roscommon last Saturday. Photo: Michael Finan
Urgent action needed on Wastewater Operational Management – IFA
IFA Environment Chair
John Murphy has expressed concern at the findings of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) latest report on urban wastewater treatment, which he said highlights “serious ongoing operational and maintenance issues” at Uisce Éireann wastewater treatment plants.
According to the EPA report, discharges from 59% of Uisce Éireann operated plants failed to consistently prevent pollution, with nearly half of these attributed to poor operational management and maintenance practices.
“This level of discharges reflects the increased number of reporting of potential non-compliance and videos that have been circulating in recent times of discharges into waterbodies,” said John Murphy.
He said it is completely unacceptable that preventable operational failures in the public wastewater system are continuing to undermine efforts to improve water quality, not least the work of farmers in this area.
“It is clear that far too many treatment plants remain poorly managed, posing unacceptable risks to water quality and
Castlerea MART WATCH
There were 700 lots presented for sale on Thursday last, October 23rd, with trade and prices remaining very strong for all categories of stock presented. The heifer ring witnessed stores making up to 6.51 a kilo with heavier lots making up to €3300, with farmers, agents, feedlots, and northern customers very active trying to secure stock.
The dry cows topped out at €3810, while cows with calves at foot made up to €5500 and springers hit €4560. The weanling rings reported a very strong trade also with bulls exceeding €8 a kilo, while heifer weanlings made up to €7.04 a kilo. Runners, with increased numbers on offer, were a flier of a trade with lots making up to €2400 or 8.42 a kilo.
public health,” he said. He acknowledged the significant infrastructural investments made by Uisce Éireann in recent years and the important progress achieved – including the elimination of raw sewage discharges from towns, although this is still an issue in 15 locations, which is “unacceptable”.
He said that while infrastructural improvements will take time, and significant investment, the operational and maintenance issues must be addressed as a matter of urgency to ensure a fair and effective approach to improving water quality.
Dry cows, sample prices: Lim Bull 1040kg €3810, Lim 715kg €3180, Her 805kg €3160, AA 745kg €2930, AA 690kg €2750, Lim 675kg €2700, Fr 580kg €1810, and Ch 675kg €2700.
Cows with calves at foot made from €2810, with two lots making €5500. Springers, with more numbers coming on stream, made from €1240 to €4560. Calf/runner lots made from €760 to €2480 for continental types, with increased farmer buying as a result of recent sales of their forward stock. Weanlings bulls, sample prices: Ch 290kg €2020, Ch 250kg €2010, Lim 295kg €1900, Lim 280kg €1850, Chx 355kg €2320, Lim 320kg €2340, Lim 390kg €2470, AA 375kg €2130, AA 370kg €2120, Lim 320kg €2340, Ch 310kg €2140, Ch 315kg €2120. Weanlings heifers, sample prices: Lim 230kg €1620, Ch 265kg €1740, AA 275kg €1400, Her 195kg €1010, Ch 310kg €2090, Ch 330kg €2110, Lim 335kg €2340, and AA 310kg €1480.
Roscommon MART WATCH
Cattle: There was a large entry of stock on offer at Friday’s general cattle sale and special sale of heifers (October 24th), with trade remaining strong for both heifers and stripper cows. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.
Heifers fetched an average of €5.02 per kilo up to €8.63 per kilo. There was a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.43 per kilo up to €4.33 per kilo.
Dry cows, sample prices: LMX - 810KG€3500 - €4.32 per kg, BBX – 865KG - €3200 - €3.70 per kg, LM – 700KG - €3030- €4.33 per kg, SIX - 835KG - €3010 - €3.60 per kg, SAX - 660KG - €2320 - €3.52 per kg, and FR655KG - €2220 - €3.39 per kg. Weanlings
There was a super entry of good quality weanlings on offer at the weanling sale held on Tuesday evening, October 28th, 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 €5.97 per kilo up to €8.55 per kilo, and heifer weanlings made from an average of
€5.849 per kilo up to €7.26 per kilo
The next weanling sale takes place at 4 pm on Tuesday, November 4th.
Bull weanlings, sample prices: LMX –595KG-€3000-€5.04 per kg, CHX- 425KG -€2880 -€6.78 per kg, LM- 445KG -€2850 -€6.40 per kg, SI - 490KG-€2580-€5.27 per kg, BBX - 435KG-€2500-€5.75 per kg, LMX - 570KG-€2970-€5.21 per kg, and AAX435KG-€2000-€4.60 per kg.
Heifer weanlings, sample prices: CHX -375KG -€2260- €6.03 per kg, CHX -330KG€2240-€6.79 per kg, LMX - 460KG- €2200€3.44 per kg, LM- 300KG- €1940- €6.47 per kg, and AAX - 360KG - €1800-€5.00 per kg.
Sheep
There was a large entry of sheep on offer on Wednesday, October 29th, at the weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes. Prices for lambs made up to €204 while stag ewes topped out at €250. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, November 5th. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am.
What does Connolly’s landslide win tell us about Ireland’s political mood?
Let’s talk about
The presidential election outcome
Alannah Ita Healy
The official announcement came late Saturday evening, when Presidential Returning Officer Barry Ryan stood in front of the crowd at Dublin Castle, and named independent candidate Catherine Connolly as the (incoming) 10th President of Ireland during the Formal Declaration of the Presidential Election Result.
Few were waiting with bated breath. Connolly’s victory had long been seen as a foregone conclusion in the run-up to Friday’s vote – and indeed had already been confirmed hours before final counts had been completed, with sole rival, Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, having conceded earlier that afternoon, once initial tallies began to explicitly hint towards what has now become one of the main headlines following this election’s results: the electorate’s overwhelming support for Connolly.
Securing 914,143 first preference votes (63%), Connolly’s win is a record in Irish presidential election history. Her commanding margin not only cements her personal popularity, but has of course raised the natural ensuing question: what does such a landslide victory signal in terms of Ireland’s wider political mood?
A messy election
It would be remiss to try to discuss Connolly’s win without paying proper mention to the competition that preluded it.
Just a few weeks ago, Connolly was set to share the ballot with a third presidential hopeful: Fianna Fáil’s candidate, Jim Gavin. Hand-picked by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and buoyed by a pre-existing favourable public image and reputation for discipline and achievement owing from his time with the GAA, Gavin’s selection seemed clearly intended to project competence and quiet authority; Fianna Fáil positioning him as a steady, respected figure with cross-party appeal.
As we are all well aware of now, however, things unsteadied quickly – Gavin’s greatest political obstacles shifting from matters like his lacklustre performance in debates, to the reveal that he had failed since 2009 to refund €3,300 owed to a former tenant. The latter proved too much to recover from, prompting Gavin’s early withdrawal from the running despite having secured a nomination. As such, his name remained on the ballot paper as a ghost candidate – and for Martin, a harsh reminder of his political misstep.
Fine Gael, meanwhile, fared little better. After the withdrawal of their first choice, Mairead McGuinness – an early frontrunner in the race – Heather Humphreys’ campaign struggled to gather the same momentum, hampered by tepid support from within the party, a comparatively shallow and platitudinous mandate, and a public increasingly disillusioned with establishment choices. Some of the tactics employed by her party’s campaign in the latter stages of the contest similarly did not go down well
with a public sick of the politicking in their politics, with perhaps no better example than the ‘smear’ video put out against Connolly in the run-up to election day.
The video accused Connolly of hypocrisy for attacking the banks’ role in Ireland’s catastrophic housing crisis, as she had represented said banks in court as a barrister, prior to being elected to the Dáil in 2016. The strategy quickly backfired – though not expressly because of Connolly’s response, explaining the nature of a barrister’s role is to accept the case they’re assigned per “the cab rank rule”. No, while the shaky foundations of the party’s hypocrisy claims indeed played a part, many voters objected to the video itself; the application of ‘smear’ tactics, an Americanised ‘Trumpian’ approach that seemed to value victory above allowing the electorate an honest, fair choice.
“Not my president” and “a president for all”
After all, the fairness – or perceived lack thereof – of the Irish presidential election process is among the other main headlines to come out of these results, arising from another record reached by this year’s competition: the highest rate of spoiled ballots in a modern presidential election. And just like Connolly’s record win, this record amount of spoiled votes was also expected. The post-nominations stretch of the
presidential race saw the proliferation online of a campaign encouraging folks to forgo the opportunity to exercise their democratic right, and spoil their vote.
For some, it was to protest against the likes of Maria Steen or Conor McGregor not being on the ballot. For others, it was protesting the structure of candidate nomination itself. It would be impossible, really, to try list all the reasons people spoiled their votes, given the ballots in question range from innocuous accidental spoils (eg, ticking instead of numbering) to aggressive anti-LGBTQ/anti-POC mini-manifestos. Similarly it would be impossible to generalise what the spoiled voters of this year’s election meant in their record-making statement – as widevarying of a cohort they surely are – besides
“For Ireland’s traditional parties, the message could not be clearer: the electorate is no longer content to be offered variations of the same choice.
a clear disillusionment with the system itself.
But taken together, it is clear that Connolly’s landslide win and the surge in spoiled ballots could easily be read as an upset for Ireland’s political establishment. Securing an unprecedented unified backing from the Irish left and sweeping aside centre-right candidates from incumbent government parties to achieve a record victory could signal a tangible shift away from the FF/FG double act that has monopolised so much of the nation’s politics. And regardless of the varying intentions behind them, the record number of spoiled votes tells its own story: a public growing increasingly frustrated not just with the candidates, but with the system itself.
For Ireland’s traditional parties, the message could not be clearer: the electorate is no longer content to be offered variations of the same choice. And while insights from presidential elections don’t always translate directly into general elections, the political centre that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael once comfortably occupied now feels increasingly hollowed out, and unless they can use their remaining term time to meaningfully reconnect with a public craving authenticity, accountability, and a sense of purpose beyond party preservation, Catherine Connolly’s victory and last week’s spoiled votes might not just mark a presidential upset, but the beginning of a broader realignment in Irish politics.
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon (last Thursday). She is pictured at Willow Outdoor Preschool in Roscommon Town, along with proprietors Katie and Declan. Photo: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured visiting Flynn’s shop, where she met with the proprietor, Tom Flynn. Photo: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured here with members of the public, including MEP Luke Flanagan. Photo: Michael Finan
Photos: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly’s eve-of-victory
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured at St Anne’s School, Castlerea where she was greeted by school principal, Jacinta Ní Chonghaile. On Friday, Catherine Connolly was elected as the new President of Ireland. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured in Castlerea last Thursday with then-presidential election candidate Catherine Connolly (now president-elect) were local politicians. Left to right: Cllr Leah Cull (Sinn Féin), MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Catherine Connolly, and Deputy Claire Kerrane (Sinn Féin).
Jean Sherry and Aisling Owens of CycleUp Textiles in Roscommon Town presented now president-elect Catherine Connolly with a 100% upcycled baker boy hat (made by CycleUp Textiles) on the occasion of her visit last Thursday. Also pictured (second from left) is Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane. Photo: Michael Finan
Catherine Connolly spent the final day of her election campaign in County Roscommon. She is pictured at St Anne’s School, Castlerea. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured meeting Catherine Connolly on the final day of her election campaign, spent in County Roscommon last Thursday. On Friday, she won the presidential election. Photo: Michael Finan
Pictured meeting Catherine Connolly on the final day of her election campaign, spent in County Roscommon last Thursday. Also in photo is Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane. Photo: Michael Finan
Roscommon Tidy Towns celebrates GOLD
Roscommon Tidy Towns:
< EMMA HEALY
Kathleen Shanagher, a cornerstone of Roscommon Tidy Towns Association for over 25 years, embodies the passion and dedication behind Roscommon’s thriving Tidy Towns efforts.
As chairperson, Kathleen leads a core group of around 16-17 volunteers, but stresses the broader network: “We put residents’ associations under our umbrella.” These groups may not join clean-ups or meetings, but receive support for events like Spring Clean.
Ardcarne Garden Centre
“We’re delighted to have them on board,” Kathleen says, noting their inclusion in the annual application form, which earned mentions in this year’s adjudicators’ report.
Retaining gold: Roscommon shines at National Awards
At the Tidy Towns awards in Croke Park last Friday, Roscommon Town proudly retained its gold medal status.
“We’re delighted to have it,” Kathleen said, holding last year’s medal proudly for our photographer. The county excelled overall: Castlecoote kept silver; Ballintubber and Kilteevan advanced to gold; Cloontuskert and Tarmonbarry secured bronze; and Dysart earned an Endeavour award.
“All the groups have moved up in their points,” former independent councillor Kathleen adds, highlighting widespread progress across the county.
Starting from scratch: How to launch a Tidy Towns group
With 929 entries in this year’s competition, Tidy Towns welcomes newcomers.
“The website is very good,” Kathleen advises by way of pointing newcomers towards vital information. Indeed she recently joined colleagues
Rosemary McManus and Mark Kerrigan in Elphin to mentor a budding committee.
“They have a lovely village... lots of work done and a great committee set up.”
Beyond baskets and litter picks, the competition spans categories like sustainable goals, requiring detailed applications with before-and-after photos.
“You’d nearly want a degree now,” she jokes, crediting Mark Kerrigan for handling forms and related bureacracy. Once set up, committees foster social connections: “It’s a great way for people to meet each other.”
Beyond aesthetics: the wider impact on community life Tidy Towns transforms towns visibly and socially. This year, flowers were planted on approach roads
– funded by the Roscommon Town Team – which drew praise in the tourist office.
“Everybody benefits” Kathleen explains. “If you can imagine now, not having a Tidy Towns (association) in a town or a village, and if you were having, for example, a wedding in your town during the summer, and if there wasn’t any Tidy Towns there to make the place look attractive or enhance it, you would be thinking… you have all these visitors coming, and the place isn’t clean. And you can spend a fortune on making your church look nice. But if the town that the people are coming into isn’t clean, you know, people will remember, and people will remember where a place is nice.”
This year, neighbouring Carrick-on-Shannon won the Ireland’s Tidiest Town title. Kathleen extended congratulations.
“It’s well deserved, and I’m thrilled for them. They get great support from business people, residents, the local authority.”
A call to action: residents and businesses step up Volunteers enhance public spaces but expect property owners to maintain their own.
“It would be great if people took responsibility for outside their owns premises,” Kathleen clarifies.
Roscommon won Ireland’s Best Kept Large Town last year. Kathleen urges business owners to take a look at their properties from the opposite side of the street to see what might need improvement; weed removal, updating signage, fresh paint.
“We only have seven months to get Roscommon Town in order for the competition next year”, she said, noting that judges visited as early as June 6th this year. “Book the person to do the painting... have it done before next year,” she urges. Pride of place boosts property sales and tourism – everyone gains from the collective effort made.
Congratulations to Roscommon Tidy Towns from
Pictured are members from the Roscommon Town, Castlecoote, Ballintubber, Tarmonbarry and Cloontuskert Tidy Towns committees at the 2025 National Tidy Towns Awards in Croke Park.
Kathleen Shanagher... delighted with gold medal success
Roscommon Tidy Towns celebrates GOLD
A gold medal community effort
Year-round vigilance and heartfelt thanks
Efforts continue beyond summer via the IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) League – a national cleanliness ranking where independent judges make unannounced visits year-round, scoring towns on litter and checking for cleanliness.
Kathleen says Roscommon benefits from smart investments like the civic square, Bee Lane,
Pottery Lane, and the Mosaic Lane.
“Our town has so much to offer,” she says, thanking daily volunteers, the council, Town Team, and supporters.
“Stop and think... have a look when you’re out walking today and see what the town has to offer and be thankful.”
The earlier people get involved – and the more hands on deck –the better Roscommon will do,
maintaining gold medal status, and aiming higher too.
To get in contact/for updates, follow the Roscommon Tidy Towns Facebook page. Roscommon Tidy Towns are actively seeking more volunteers to get involved.
Roscommon Tidy Towns thanks the team effort that goes into clean up operations; TUS workers, Community Service, and the Council staff.
Pictured are (l-r): John Donoghue (Roscommon Tidy Towns), Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, Kathleen Shanagher and Mark Kerrigan (both Roscommon Tidy Towns).
Sheehy Meares Team Earley close sale on 101-acre farm in Ballinasloe
Meares of
Meares Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of an exceptional 101-acre agricultural holding, located at Creggaun, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. This sale represented a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and well-maintained agricultural holding in a prime location within close proximity to Ballinasloe. Creggaun Farm also enjoys a rich agricultural heritage. It was previously owned by the Western Health Board, where it supported a mixed enterprise, including grain and root crop cultivation as well as pig fattening. Prior to this, the farm formed part of the historic Greene Estate, underlining its long-standing agricultural significance in the region.
This was a turnkey property ideally suited to a variety of uses be it as a working farm, an investment holding, or a rural lifestyle opportunity. With its strong infrastructure, fertile land, and enviable location, Creggaun was an exceptional offering within the County Galway agricultural market. Sheehy Meares Team Earley would like to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the new owners.
Sheehy Meares Team Earley would also like to advise that they are urgently seeking similar farms for disappointed underbidders.
For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579 or phone the auctioneer Cathal directly on 086 1409158.
Stunning Mount Plunkett bungalow new to the market
Cormac Sheehy of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is delighted to bring to market this stunning four-bedroomed bungalow with scenic views of Blackbrink Bay on Lough Ree, at Mountplunkett, Lecarrow.
Nestled in the tranquil countryside, this charming four-bedroomed bungalow offers a rare opportunity to enjoy peaceful rural living with breathtaking views over Blackbrink Bay. Set on a generous 0.61-acre site, the property boasts ample outdoor space – perfect for families, nature lovers, or those seeking a quiet retreat.
The home itself is in good condition throughout, offering spacious and bright accommodation with plenty of potential for personalisation. Accommodation includes four well-proportioned bedrooms, a welcoming living area, kitchen/dining space, and family bathroom all thoughtfully laid out to maximise comfort and functionality. The BER is E2.
Enjoy panoramic lake views from the property and take advantage of the surrounding walking trails, heritage sites, and water-based activities that the Lough Ree region is renowned for.
Despite its peaceful setting, the home remains within easy
reach of Lecarrow village, Roscommon town, and major road networks. It enjoys a convenient location near Lecarrow and Roscommon.
This sale represents a unique opportunity to acquire a home in one of Ireland’s most scenic and historic lake regions. Viewing is highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting Cormac Sheehy. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact auctioneer Cormac directly 086 3519492.
Cathal
Sheehy
Classifieds
FENCING/GATES
&
(LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.)
Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875
Co. Roscommon
Are you affected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com
Are
counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com • Freedom from Alcohol Lifestyle/Saver Coaching Sessions • Movement Forward Life Coaching Sessions
• Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping
PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI
Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.
Dooner
Carpentry & Construction
Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon
l Luxury Bathroom Renovations
l Sliding Wardrobes
l Kitchen/Utility/bedroom units
Any Grant work sought
2017 Kia Optima FOR SALE
Clean car in excellent condition, diesel, fully serviced and NCT June 2027, taxed December 2025. Dark Blue, Alloy wheels, Air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote locking, spare key, reverse camera, sat nav, 6 speed manual, engine power 141hp, multifunctional steering wheel, half leather interior, EX trim, bluetooth audio system, Genuine car and genuine reason for selling. Phone 087 7908753
MOLLOYS PHARMACY
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle
Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP
Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP
Tel: 087 2982214
BSc (HonS.) Podiatry McHSi, rGn
• Dept. of Health Approved • CORU Registered For all aspects of footcare in Roscommon, Castlerea & Boyle For appointment phone: 086 8630008 E.: itabetts@gmail.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
TAKE NOTICE that KILTEEVAN GUN CLUB have preserved parts of the lands and bogs in the townlands of Annaghmore, Aughmagree, Ballinaboy, Beldere, Beechwood, Cloncellan, Derrinterk, Derrycarbery, Emoe, Doogramore, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Cloonlarge, Carramore, Killerney and Carton. The Association has preserved as a game sanctuary parts of townlands of Cloontogher, Clooneigh, Doogramore and Kilteevan occupied by the representatives of George Kilmartin in these townlands. Persons found in pursuit of game in the lands and bogs referred to above will be prosecuted. Signed: The Secretary.
BOOKMAKERS LICENCE
We, Denis and Sarah Deane, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon wish to apply for renewal of their Bookmakers Licence.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any
A wife, a mother, a grandmother too, this is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, you gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, and in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, not just as a wife not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep. Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.
Sadly missed by your loving husband Billy and family.
Noreen’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 2nd November in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan at 10am.
KELLY
Patrick & Paul Carrowdangan, Four-Mile-House,Co. Roscommon
Paul Who
away on the 15th October 2014 (11th Anniversary)
Your lives were a blessing, your memories a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Always remembered and sadly missed Mary, Grace and Sandra, Chris and Aaron, Kara and Elina and extended family.
Month’s Mind Mass for Patrick and Anniversary Mass for Paul in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish on Sunday, 2nd November at 11am.
Submit your Classified online
Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
WARD
Bríd
Friaryland, Creggs, Co. Galway
In loving memory of Bríd, who passed away on 8th November 2015
Beautiful memories are treasured ever, of happy days when we were together.
Will those who think of Bríd today, a little prayer to Jesus say. Rest In Peace, Bríd Missed each day and remembered by her family.
Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 2nd November 2025 at 11.30am.
HOBAN
Lena
Ballyglass, Ballymacurley
In loving memory of Lena, who died 8th November 2002. (23rd Anniversary)
The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two.
I wish you could have stayed with me but Heaven needed you. You left me with the memories and I love you dearly still. No matter how much time goes by you know I always will.
Remembered always by your loving husband Bill, sons Liam, Enda and Marty, daughter Sinéad, daughters-in-law
Ruth, Elaine and Gillian, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Dylan, Nathan, Noah, Cría, Caoimhe, Donnacha, Conor, Lorcán, Daire and Cormac and extended family.
Anniversary Mass on Saturday 8th November at 7.00pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill, Co. Roscommon
There’s a road that each of us travels often times with no chance for “good-bye”. And those who are left sad and lonely grieve in silence and simply ask, “Why?” But the question is one without answers, and the comfort that others provide, still can’t keep your poor heart from wishing that your loved one was there by your side. Yet, life has beginnings and endings and one day your heartache will cease. Though it seems like you’ll never stop hurting; over time you will find inner peace. You’ll be able to think of your loved one without wiping a tear from your eye, and you’ll come to see death as a “doorway”, and not a forever “good-bye”.
Deeply missed by his loving wife, Bridie; daughter Sharon; sons Stephen and Kenneth; son-in-law; daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 9th November at 10 am in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe, Co. Galway.
KILCOMMONS
Brian Enda Derreen, Glinsk. (21st Anniversary)
In loving memory of Brian Enda, whom God called home on 2nd November 2004.
A secret thought, a silent tear, every day wishing you were here.
A rose may fade, a tear will dry, our love for you Enda, will never die.
Sadly missed, Mam and Dad, brother and sisters, family and friends.
Anniversary Mass in St. Michael’s Church, Glinsk on Wednesday, 5th November at 7pm.
Treasured memories of a wonderful fiancée, Enda. My life was much enriched by having known you. Stacey.
DERVIN
Brian (10th Anniversary - 25th October 2015)
His smiling way and pleasant face, are a pleasure to recall. He had a kindly word for each, and died beloved by all. Some day we hope to meet him. Some day, we know not when. To clasp his hand in the better land, never to part again.
Always in our hearts Gerry, Maura and family.
~~~~~~~~~~
No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God can tell us why. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, Loving you always, forgetting you never.
Thinking of you always Elaine, Enda, Noah and Cría.
GREENE
Gerald & Frances
Killerney Roscommon. Gerald who died on 21 October 1988 (37th Anniversary)
Frances who died on 30th September 2013 (12th Anniversary)
No special day is needed to for us to think of you both, You are always in our thoughts no matter what we do. You both are more than a precious memory from whom we had to part.
Forever in our hearts, Anne, Gary, Jacinta, Niall and families.
Anniversary Mass on Saturday 1st November at 7.00 p.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane, Roscommon.
WARD
Edward (Ned) & Annie Scregg, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Edward (Ned) (12th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Ned, who passed away on the 27th October 2013 and Annie, who passed away on the 30th July 2016.
We lost a father and mother with hearts of gold. How much we miss them can never be told. They shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow in their footsteps, we will never go wrong. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.
As we look upon your pictures, sweet memories we recall, of faces full of sunshine and a smile for one and all. You are always close behind us in everything we do you were a special father and mother, God’s gift to us was you.
Sweet Jesus take this message to our dear father and mother up above, tell them how we miss them and give them all our love. We hold them close within our hearts and there they shall remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again
So, rest in peace dear loved ones and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.
Deep are the memories, precious they stay. No passing of time, can take them away
Always loved and sadly missed by their sons Con and Aidan and daughter-in-law Kathleen.
To hear your voices, to see your smiles, to sit and talk with you awhile, to be together in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today.
Lovingly remembered by Ellie and Tommie; Sheila and Sean; nieces, nephews and their families.
Patrick Who passed away on the 26th September 2025 (Month’s Mind)
passed
Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 31st October at 7pm.
Annie (9th Anniversary)
CARROLL
Anthony
Rhue, Kilmore, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)
In loving memory of a dear husband, father, and grandfather who died on the 31st of October, 2024
Gone from our sight, but never our hearts, your wisdom and kindness set you apart. A guiding hand, so strong and true, forever we will remember you. Though life goes on, it’s not the same, we speak of you with love and pain. Your love lives on in all we do — we carry your memory, ever true.
Sadly missed and remembered with love on your First Anniversary by your wife Ethel and family Daniel, Brendan, Mary, Anthony, Brian, your brother Paddy, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends.
CARROLL
Rev. Brian
Mississippi, USA and Rhue, Kilmore, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)
Who died on the 5th of September, 2022
We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our Lady of Knock, pray for him.
Lovingly remembered on your third anniversary by your brother Paddy, sisters-in-law Ethel & Teresa, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends
CARROLL
Donal
The Ford, Feeragh, Hillstreet, Co. Roscommon (15th Anniversary)
Who died on the 10th of October, 2010
Gone is the person we loved so dear. Silent the voice we long to hear. Too far away for sight or touch, but never gone — we miss you much.
Lovingly remembered by your wife Teresa, and your family Rebecca, Rachel, Ruth, Donal, Eleanor, Leah, your brother Paddy, grandchildren,
friends.
PODESTA
(née Beades)
Teresa Somerset, England and formerly Ballinamona, Brideswell, Roscommon. Who passed away on the 2nd July 2025 Rest In Peace
Sadly missed by her family, brother Eamon and sister Gertie (McDermott).
Memorial Mass for Teresa will be celebrated on Saturday, 1st November at 11.30 am in The church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, Kiltoom, Athlone.
HANLEY
Michael (Mickie) Castlestrange, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Michael who passed away on the 5th November 2018 Rest In Peace
Lonely is the home without you, life to us is not the same. All the world would be like Heaven, if we could have you back again.
Sadly missed by your family. Mass has been offered.
LANNON Jim (30th Anniversary)
A greatly missed father, fondly remembered by Anne, Anthony and Marena (Finneran) and by his grandchildren Mark and Kevin (Finneran), Aisling (Lennon) and Enda (Lannon). United now forever with his beloved wife Elizabeth and dear family friend, Mae Dunne.
In loving memory of Michael, who passed away on the 2nd November 2021 R.I.P.
Each of us in our own way have special thoughts of you today. Your memory we treasure with thoughts that are dear, we think of you always not just once a year. You have given us years of happiness, then came sorrow and tears. You left beautiful memories that we will treasure the rest of our lives.
Lovingly remembered by his daughters Mary, Ann, Sheila, Biddy, Claire, Michelle, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Michael’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 2nd November at 11.30am.
CURLEY
Tom
Muff, Castlecoote, Roscommon Who died on 4th November 2012 (13th Anniversary)
No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts is always kept for you.
Loved and remembered by his family.
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper.
Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephews, niece, extended family, and
The Anniversary Mass for Anthony, Fr. Brian and Donal will take place this Sunday, the 2nd of November, at 11:30 a.m. in Aughrim Church.
PLANNING NOTICES
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, Susan Shortall, would like to apply for retention permission for development at: Shannonfield House, Barry More, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. Permission is sought for retention of developments to include: side extension/orangery to the existing dwelling, rear extension/bay window annex to the existing dwelling (alteration to development granted under PD/00/645), single storey with mezzanine recreational building (alteration to development granted under PD/02/85), two roofed garden gazebos, relocation of site entrance and all associated site works.
The retention application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€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: Susan Shortall.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
We, The Board of Management of Cloonfour National School, intend to apply for Permission for the construction of a new astro turf playing pitch with associated fencing, together with all other ancillary site works.
At: Cloonfower Townland, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: (Agent).
I, Darragh Glynn, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at The Bog Road, Crannaghmore, Summerhill, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Mark Miley, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Ballyglass, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of a three bay slatted shed with lieback area and ancillary works for agricultural purposes, in existing farm yard using existing access and entrance.
The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Mark Miley.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, John Quinn, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to retain Dwelling House, Domestic Garage as Constructed and re-location of entrance from that granted under Planning Permission Ref. No. 04/1934, and all associated works, At Grange, Hillstreet, Co. Roscommon.
The Planning Application May Be Inspected Or Purchased At A Fee Not Exceeding The Reasonable Cost Of Making A Copy, At The Offices Of The Planning Authority During Its Public Opening Hours. A Submission Or Observation In Relation To The Application May Be Made In Writing To The Planning Authority On Payment Of The Prescribed Fee Of €20.00. ,Within 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.
Signed: John Quinn.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Darragh Bailey, am applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission for the following
1. To retain as constructed, rear storage garage, 2. To retain existing upgraded treatment system, and carry out all ancillary site development works at Lisnanarriagh, Co. Roscommon, F42 RR02. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission..
I, Shauna Francis, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, new Treatment system and percolation area, and all ancillary site development works at Ardmullen, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a deci sion on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
We, Michael Callaghan and Aisling Coyne intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing semi-derelict dwelling, demolish rear extension, decommission existing septic tank and construct new waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site works and services at Ardeevin, Castleplunket, Co. Roscommon.
BUILDER AVAILABLE
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Declan McGeeney, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for development at Lissaneaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a new dwelling house on former cottage ruins, a domestic garage, a proprietary wastewater treatment system, and all associated site development works.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its publica opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing 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 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, Shane Nolan, 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 and all associated site works at Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon.
The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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.
Laltec
Electrical has immediate vacancies for the following:
– Full and PART-time Basis
• Must have Safe Pass and Manual Handling.
Ballinasloe Training for Employment
wishes to recruit an
This position is mainly based outdoors supervising and helping Community Employment Participants in cleaning buildings and maintaining pitches / grounds of our sponsors. For more information and job particulars please contact Dan Dowling on 087 6482070. Closing date for applications Monday the 3rd of November
Dylan Brown McMonagle is this year’s champion rider
Racing this afternoon (Thursday) is at Thurles, with a national hunt card starting at 1.39 pm. Tomorrow evening there is a flat card on the all-weather in Dundalk at 5.30 pm, and racing over the jumps at Down Royal, first race at 1.02 pm.
Saturday afternoon sees the second day autumn festival at Down Royal with a jumping card featuring the Grade 1 BetVictor Champion Chase, away at 12.25 pm. On Sunday, there is a jumping meeting at Cork featuring the Listed Cork Grand National and the Grade 3 Irish EBF Novice Chase at 1.40 pm. The Irish flat season comes to a close at headquarters, The Curragh, on Saturday, featuring the Group 3 Loughbrown Stakes, starting at 12.25 pm.
There’ll be no coverage on TV until Saturday, and then ITV 4
Horses for Courses by
cover ten races from these islands and follow up with three from the Breeders Cup meeting at Del Mar in California. There is coverage of five races from Wetherby, four from Ascot and one from Down Royal. Coverage from Del Mar includes three Grade 1 races, the Breeders Cup Fillies and Mares, the Breeders Cup and the Breeders Cup Classic.
Racing news
Aidan O’Brien provided three of the five runners in the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday and finished with a 1, 2, 3, the outsider of the three, Hawk Mountain, 18/5, winning from Action, 3/1,
Tom Red
and Benvenuto Cellini, 7/4f, third. The winner was ridden by Ronan Whelan, giving O’Brien his 12th win in the race and guaranteeing him another British leading trainer’s title, decided on prize-money, with two months to go. It also gave hm his 23rd Group 1 winner of the season.
O’Brien added two Group 1s to that total at Saint-Cloud on Sunday when Puerto Rico and Pierre Bonnard won the Criterium International and the Criterium de Saint-Cloud both for 2-Y-Os (under Christophe Soumillon). That leaves him on 25, needing four more wins to beat his existing mark of 28, set in 2017. With entries in
Clann are U-16 football champions
In the recent Connacht Gold U-16 Division One Football Championship final Clann na nGael edged out St Brigid’s at Woodmount in a tense game that wasn’t decided until the last few minutes. Final score: Clann na nGael 1-9 St Brigid’s 0-10. With defences on top in a cagey first half, Clann led at the break by 0-4 to 0-2. St Brigid’s had been denied a couple of goals by superb saves from the Clann goalkeeper, Zac Mullally.
St Brigid’s had a late goal disallowed as the whistle had sounded earlier for a foul but the Kiltoom lads still opened up a three-point lead with scores from Peter Walsh and James O’Brien.
Aaron Martin scored a Clann goal in the final minute of normal time to level the scores and then late points from Luke Glennon and one from a free from Bobby Lenehan in injury-time gave Clann the title.
seven Grade 1 contests, O’Brien could equal or beat the record at the Breeders Cup meeting this weekend. Irish trainer Paddy Twomey was also on the mark when Billy Lee rode La Isla Mujeres to victory in the Group 3 Prix Belle de Nuit.
In Ireland, Dylan Brown McMonagle is confirmed as this year’s champion rider on the flat as neither himself nor his nearest challenger, Colin Keane, are riding in Ireland this weekend due to their participation in the Breeders Cup at Del Mar.
The apprentice title is up for grabs this weekend with Mark Hassett one ahead of Robert Whearty on 24. One further back is Jack Cleary on 22 and Wesley Joyce is on 21. Sam Coen and Nicola Burns have an outside chance on 18. May the best man or woman win.
Short putts
ROSCOMMON
SENIOR MEN: Winner was Willie Doyle (35 pts). Cat. 1: Matt Farrell (34 pts); Cat. 2: Anthony Duignan (33 pts); Cat 3: Pat Finneran (28 pts); Cat. 4: JT Finn (27 pts). Deuces: Sean McGahon, Kevin Glynn, JF Hanley, Gerry Finn, Peter McGarry. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: The Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 12th.
SENIOR WOMEN: 1st was Una Clay with 21 pts. 2nd: Margaret Egan (20 pts); 3rd: Una Gleeson (20 pts); 4th: Phil Murray O’Brien (19 pts); 5th: Pat Lyons (17 pts).
LADIES RESULTS: 9-hole weekly competition. The overall winner was Marina Cribbon with 18 pts. Cat. 1: Annie Timothy (18 pts); Cat. 2: Una Gleeson (18 pts).
MEN’S RESULTS: Weekly competition sponsored by Brennan’s Centra. Overall winner was Sean Ridley with 41 pts. Gross: David Hill (39 pts); Cat. 1: Francie Ferguson (36 pts); Cat. 2: Padraic Conlon (40 pts); Cat. 3: Michael Healy (40 pts).
AGM: The annual general meeting of the men’s and ladies committees will take place on Friday, November 14th. The annual general meeting of the parent club will be held on Sunday, November 16th. More details to follow.
Comans Swim Club shine at Future Challengers Gala in Athlone
Comans Swim Club delivered a series of outstanding performances at the Future Challengers Gala held in Athlone, with swimmers earning multiple A and B wristbands across a wide range of events. The young athletes displayed determination, team spirit and impressive progress throughout the meet.
Girls highlights
Aoibhinn O’Neill (U-10) and Heather O’Loughlin (U-10) both claimed B wristbands in the 100m Individual Medley. Heather also added a B wristband in the 100m Backstroke. Eliza Doorley (U-11) had an excellent day, securing A wristbands in both the 200m Individual Medley and the 100m Backstroke, along with a B wristband in the 50m Butterfly.
Emily Creighton (U-11) achieved an A wristband in the 200m IM and a B wristband in the 50m Butterfly. Aisling McNulty (U-11) and EllieAnn Beades (U-11) each earned B wristbands in the 100m IM and 50m Butterfly.
Laragh O’Rourke (U-11) also picked up a B wristband in the 100m IM. Katie Kelly (U-12) performed brilliantly with B wristbands in the 200m IM, 100m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly. Ali Farrell (U-13) stood out with A wrist-
bands in both the 100m IM and 100m Backstroke, as well as a B wristband in the 50m Butterfly.
Other Comans swimmers, including Madeline Martin, Sally Mae Harlow, KateRose Hoare, and Doireann Lally, swam exceptionally well and recorded strong personal bests, showing clear improvement and great promise for the season ahead.
Boys highlights
Diarmuid Joyce (U-11) earned a B wristband in both the 100m IM and 100m Backstroke. Leon Konieczka (U-11) had a superb meet, claiming A wristbands in the 200m IM and 100m Backstroke, along with a B wristband in the 50m Butterfly.
Scott Carroll, Daniel Grimes, Bobby Flynn, Liam Conneally, Fintan Cuffe, Shay Lally, and Tommie Harlow swam very well across their events, achieving personal best times and representing the club so well.
The gala showcased the depth of talent within Comans Swim Club. With multiple A and B wristbands earned and many swimmers recording personal bests, the future looks bright. Coaches and supporters were full of praise for the effort, sportsmanship and level of improvement displayed by all athletes.
Pictured is the Clann na nGael team (panel) who won the County U-16
Division One title recently. Back row (l-r): Noah Byrne, Paul McEvilly, Ryan Dunning, Conall Lambe, Eoin Lennon, Jack Preston, Rian Mulvihill, Murilo Oliveira, Bobby Lenehan, Luke Dunning, Conor Kelly, Luke Glennon and Zac Mullally. Front row (l-r): Kacper Drwal, Barry Brogan, Anthony Dalton, Sebastian Cullen, Cillian Gavin, Shane Lennon, Conor Naughten, Gavin Costello, Aaron Martin, Thomas Jordan, Jamie Brien, Jacob Zalewski and Anthony Whyte
Comans Swim Club members delivered a series of outstanding performances at the Future Challengers Gala held in Athlone, with swimmers earning multiple A and B wristbands across a wide range of events.
Creggs RFC Report
THE GAIN LINE
Creggs tops against ‘Tipp’ opposition
Energia All-Ireland Junior Cup: Creggs 25 Kilfeakle & District RFC
15. On a bright, cold and windy day last weekend, Creggs played host to the visiting Tipperary side. Having lost to them two years ago the pressure was on Creggs to even up the score. In the opposition half, and following a powerful break by Nato Kiripati, Creggs won a penalty 40 metres out. This was converted by Mark Purcell for a 3-0 lead.
Both teams were in attack mode, making defences work hard. Kilfeakle lost ground when their out-half missed touch and kicked dead from a penalty on the 22. Creggs cleared downfield, winning a penalty on the 22 which Mark Purcell again converted to put the home team 6-0 ahead going into half-time.
From the kick-off in the second half Kilfeakle pushed hard but were penalised at a scrum, allowing Creggs possession. Winning a 22 drop-off, Brian Diffley gathered to break 20 yards, offloading to Shane Dowd whose pace brought Creggs to the 22. Creggs pack members were not leaving without a try and all eight forced forward before eventually releasing to the backline where Mark Purcell was to score seven more points, getting what was the first try of the game after 52 minutes.
Losing by 13, Kilfeakle went on the attack and after 10 minutes ran two separate penalties inside the Creggs 22, eventually scoring a try on the left touchline, bringing the score to 13-5. Kilfeakle’s pack then won a scrum penalty on 70 minutes and ran it inside the 22 to score a try at the posts, making it a one-point game (13-12). From the kick-off they again attacked and Creggs were penalised on their
BUCCANEERS RFC
10. Kilfeakle were successful with the kick, going two points clear with six minutes left.
Creggs were now in trouble. Playing into a huge wind, they had to carry every ball to gain ground. This team’s experience, fitness and skillset were all evident when Mark Purcell gathered, making 15 metres from his own half before laying off to Ronan Dowd at pace, Ronan working his magic to the 22 where he passed to his cousin Mark Dowd, who raced home for Creggs’ 2nd try. Mark Purcell converted.
Creggs were now 20-15 ahead. With only minutes remaining Creggs’ forwards and backs mixed play with quick handling to release Lee Kilcoyne for another Creggs try to finish the scoring at 25-15.
This was a huge team win with all 20 players on the pitch playing their part (backed up by a committed coaching side). The draw for the next round takes place this week and the game will be played on the weekend of November 9th.
Creggs: Tom Farrell, Nato Kiripati, Matty Curley, Luke Divilly, Ciaran Purcell, Lee Kilcoyne, James Brandon (captain), Brian Diffley, Cormac Dolan, Ronan Dowd, Tommy Devine, Dean O’Reilly, David Gacquin, Mark Purcell, Shane Dowd, Ethan Glennon, Tom O’Brien, Eoin Kelly, Mark Dowd, Mikey Dunne.
U-14 GIRLS: Our U-14 girls played away against Ballinasloe RFC last Saturday. Two great first-half tries from Kate Connelly and Ellie Mae Jameson plus the two conversions from Maisie Holmes gave Creggs 14 points to Ballinasloe’s 20 at half-time. The second half was a battle back and forth but Ballinasloe came away worthy winners and it finished 44-14
in their favour. This young Creggs team have improved week on week. Training continues on Mondays at 7 pm. Thank you as always to the parents who show up and support the girls. It’s much appreciated by players and coaches.
RETIREMENT PRESENTATION:
Creggs RFC made a presentation (see photo) to Gerry O’Keefe, physiotherapist, to mark his retirement. Gerry has worked with numerous Creggs RFC teams and players for over 10 years to keep them injury-free and pain-free. This has been critical in getting those players fit for play. Always a gentleman, Gerry has always been available. Thank you Gerry for the work you have done. The club wishes you health and happiness in your retirement.
LOTTO: Creggs RFC lotto jackpot was not won and now stands at €7900. Lucky dip winner was Kelly Henry Medical. Please support our teams by joining our lotto for as little as €2.
Buccs end long losing run with great win
Buccaneers’ first ever fixture against Enniscorthy proved a memorable one as the Pirates finally broke their long losing sequence that stretched (extraordinarily) to almost 700 days with a richly merited 29-21 bonus point victory in this Energia All-Ireland League game played at Alcast Park on Saturday.
This first win for Buccs, after a run of 30 AIL defeats, was fully deserved for their young squad continues to improve and they never wilted even when they went 14-0 down against the run of play. They fought for every ball and were regularly sharper of thought and deed with a busy backrow trio being crucial to this long-sought change of fortune.
The unbridled joyous celebrations at the final whistle were well due for these young players never stopped trying despite many setbacks. Confidence and belief will now surely come flooding back and the players can now flourish having got this monkey off their collective back.
FIXTURES: Buccaneers entertain Navan in the Energia All-Ireland League at Dubarry Park on Saturday
when kick-off for this round five fixture is at 2.30 pm. 20% of gate money goes to local charities with Athlone Family Resource being the beneficiary from this match.
Buccaneers U-20s travel to Dublin on Sunday where they face Seapoint in the JP Fanagan Leinster Premier 2 League at Kilboggett Park, Killiney. Kick-off for this Section A match is 2.30 pm.
Our juniors square up to Creggs in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League under the Dubarry Park floodlights on Saturday.
WOMEN’S TEAM: Buccaneers
women’s team host Sligo in the Connacht Women’s Senior League on Sunday afternoon. This basement battle gets underway at 1 pm.
ON IRELAND DUTY: Half a dozen Buccaneers players have been named in current Ireland rugby squads. Robbie Henshaw leads the way, being on the senior squad that jetted off to the USA last week ahead of their Gallagher Cup game v New Zealand at Soldier Field, Chicago, on this Saturday, November 1st.
Meanwhile, Darragh Murray and Sam Illo have been named in the Ireland squad that will play Spain in Leganes on November 8th.
Finally, a trio of highly promising young Buccaneers players have been named in the Ireland U-18 Clubs squad to play Italy in Cosenza on Saturday. Owen Egan, Darragh Glennon and Oisin O’Donoghue have soldiered together for the club, school and province over the past five years. Together they hold four Connacht League and Cup titles with Buccaneers as well as Junior and Senior Schools honours with Marist College, Athlone. All at the club wish these young Pirates a successful trip. Carpe Diem, guys!
YOUTHS NEWS: Buccaneers
‘Blacks’ entertained Corrib in the Connacht U-15 League on Sunday and it proved to be a well contested game in which the visitors scored first. Although Buccs quickly replied, Corrib were leading 8-5 coming up to the break.
Buccs roused themselves and scored the next four tries before Corrib got a
late consolation try to leave the final score at 27-13 to the home side. Corey Kelly played his best game of the year and he was closely followed by Oisin Daly.
Buccaneers U-13s had a muchimproved performance against Ballinasloe on Sunday. Best for Buccs were Eli Dullea and James Dowling in the backs and Jonna Dineen and Ollie
Weldon in the forwards.
Buccaneers ‘Yellow’ team travelled to Ballinrobe on Saturday and despite showing a lack of discipline at times they put in a good performance. Outstanding for these U-15s were Leroy Boakye and Danny Murphy in the forwards and Donnacha O’Sullivan and Gonzalo Girdon in the backs.
Left to right: Buccaneers trio Oisin O’Donoghue, Owen Egan and Darragh Glennon have been included in the Ireland U-18 Clubs squad to play Italy in Cosenza on Saturday.
Creggs RFC made a presentation to Gerry O’Keefe, physiotherapist, to mark his retirement. Gerry has worked with numerous Creggs RFC teams and players over the years (see notes alongside). Photograph shows Club Chairperson Shane Fleming (left) and Club President Geraldine O’Brien making the presentation to Gerry.
The Creggs 1sts, pictured last weekend. Photo: Steve Fahey @ Foxshots77
Four Roads hoping to end Tooreen dominance
AIB Connacht IHC quarter-final: Four Roads v Tooreen on Sunday at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 1.30 pm
< SEAMUS DUKE
Roscommon senior hurling champions
Four Roads will be attempting to halt a long losing streak to their Mayo counterparts in the Connacht Club Intermediate Championship at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.
The Roscommon title holders have not defeated the Mayo champions since 2015 and Four Roads have lost to Tooreen in the corresponding fixture in each of the last four years.
Four Roads recently completed a senior four-in-a-row in Roscommon, defeating Oran in the final. Under the management
of club legend Micheál Kelly they will be anxious to break their duck against Tooreen.
In this year’s championship in Roscommon, Four Roads have used their full panel with players coming in off the bench making a big impact in many of their games, notably in the county final. They will hope that can be a factor again this Sunday.
Tooreen have only recently completed a five-in-a-row in Mayo. They won the recent final against Ballyhaunis (2-17 to 0-21) in the most dramatic fashion as Sean Boland’s free from all of 65 metres at the end of extra-time went all the way
to the net to give his side the two-point win.
The Mayo side, managed by Ray Larkin, have plenty of experienced players in their ranks. Players like Shane Boland, Stephen Coyne, Fergal Boland, Bobby Douglas, Danny Huane, Liam Lavin and Kenny Feeney have all been around the scene for many years. Most have been part of the five Connacht intermediate titles Tooreen have won since their breakthrough in 2017.
Four Roads will be hoping that the likes of Noel Fallon, Darren Fallon, Jack Donnelly, Conor Kelly, Conor Morris and Conor Mulry can produce their best
Four Roads manager, Micheál Kelly.
form on the day. They will need to if Four Roads are to be in contention.
I’m expecting a big game from Four Roads, but it is impossible to overlook the experience of Tooreen and they get the nod to advance.
Prediction: Tooreen.
Action from last Sunday’s drawn Roscommon County Senior Football final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Shane Cunnane (St Brigid’s) and Conor Ryan (Pádraig Pearses) in an aerial battle for possession. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
LGFA: Local teams progress in Connacht
In ladies football, Roscommon teams have qualified for the Connacht finals in the junior and intermediate grade following wins last weekend.
In the intermediate semi-final, St Barry’s defeated Coolera-Strandhill of Sligo by 1-9 to 0-6 in Tarmonbarry.
In a tense and exciting game, the Roscommon champions led by 1-4 to 0-5 at half-time, with Cara Cox getting in for the vital goal in the 23rd minute. The St Barry’s defence were superb in the second half, conceding only one point.
Best for St Barry’s on the day were Erica Jordan, Eimear Diffley, Rachel Frayne and Georgia Geraghty.
In the junior semi-final in Elphin, Northern Harps defeated SwinfordKillasser of Mayo by 4-14 to 5-10. It took a late free from Lauren Shanagher to separate the teams in what was a high-scoring encounter.
The Harps led by 2-9 to 3-3 at the break, with Ciara Cunningham and Lauren Shanagher scoring their goals. The second half was very closely fought, but further goals from Ciara Cunningham and Grace Curran and five points from play from Shauna McGrath saw the Roscommon champions over the line.
This coming weekend is another big one for Roscommon clubs. Junior champions Northern Harps face Menlough-Skehana of Galway in the Connacht final on Saturday. The game is fixed for Swinford Amenity Park at 1 pm.
In the Connacht LGFA Senior Club Championship, Roscommon champions St Brigid’s will play Glencar-Manorhamilton of Leitrim in the provincial semi-final this weekend. The match is fixed for Saturday but at the time of writing no venue has been fixed.
In the Connacht LGFA Intermediate Club Championship, St Barry’s will face Caltra Cuans or Claremorris in the final on Saturday, November 8th.
St John’s miss chance to close gap
SOCCER: With Premier League leaders Moore United not in action last weekend, second-placed St John’s Athletic missed out on the chance to close the gap to a single point when they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Boyle Celtic.
The visitors had a player sent off after 40 minutes of play but St John’s could not break down a resolute Boyle defence.
Ballymoe FC played Shiven Rovers at Ballymoe and after leading on three separate occasions they conceded three in the last 20 minutes to leave the score 5-4 in favour of the Newbridge-based Shiven team. Stephen Murray scored four for the winners.
The Castlerea Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers game was postponed as a mark of respect to the Costello family who lost their mother Maura (RIP).
Division One
League newcomers Ballinahown are top of the PK Trailers Division One following a thrilling 3-2 win away to
Ballinasloe Town.
The sides were level at half-time but Cameron O’Leary gave the home team a 1-0 lead with 61 minutes played. Ballinahown responded with a great left-footed strike by Mark Egan. Anatolii Vovk restored the Ballinasloe lead with 80 minutes played. Terry Byrne latched onto a rebound to equalise.
A draw seemed the likely outcome, but up stepped Michael Monaghan. The Ballinahown man got the ball on the edge of the box, knocked it past a defender and then rounded the ‘keeper to score.
Cloonfad United had a comfortable 5-1 win over Moylough at Cloonfad.
Darragh Flynn and Kevin Byrne gave the home side a 2-0 half-time lead. Aidan Sloyan added a third after 56 minutes and two minutes later Dermot Hughes converted a penalty for Moylough, but Shane O’Malley and Kevin Byrne added two more for the winners.
St John’s Athletic’s second side beat
CP Ajax 5-2 at Lecarrow. Conor Murphy
opened the scoring for the winners with just four minutes played. Darren Flynn replied for the Castleplunkett side after 20 minutes. Ryan Dowling restored the lead for the Lecarrow side and Jamie Tiernan added two more, one at the end of the first half, the second five minutes after the break. Daniel Connolly pulled a second goal back for the losers before Charlie O’Beirne made sure for the home side.
Division Two
The top of the Killeen’s Sports Groundssponsored Division Two is really tight with Ballyboro and Glen Celtic sharing the lead and Castlerea Celtic’s second side just two points further back.
Ballyboro had a good 6-1 win over Lough Harps at Lanesboro. Glen Celtic travelled to Boyle. Glen had an early breakthrough when Michael Heneghan crossed the ball for PJ Shanks to score.
Glen doubled their lead after Conor Chapman crossed and Heneghan
finished. With half an hour played a Conor Chapman free-kick caught the defence off guard, making it 3-0 for the Glenamaddy side. Michael Giblin’s great solo goal ensured a 4-1 win.
Cam Celtic/Dysart beat Cloonfad United ‘B’ 2-1. Andy Higgins scored both goals for the winners with Jack Sullivan replying for the losers.
Castlerea Celtic’s second side played a good Carrick-on-Shannon side in Carrick and came away with a 3-0 win. Frank Hester scored after 25 minutes. In the second half Carrick put Castlerea under a lot of pressure but in the 65th minute goal machine Gerry Ward got his 11th of the season (having scored in all of their five games). In fairness to Carrick, they kept trying but couldn’t break down a solid opposition back four. In the 89th minute James Egan wrapped up the game.
Ballinagare beat Moore United’s second side 6-2 at Ballinagare. Tom Ward scored three, Aaron Dowd two and Charlie Stokes one for the winners.
Women’s League
In the Women’s division, leaders Ballaghaderreen beat Kilkerrin United 4-1 at Kilkerrin. The home side took the lead after six minutes by way of an own goal, but Grace McDermott scored two for Ballaghaderreen in response. The winners added two more goals through Alannah McGreal and Rebecca Finan. Shiven Rovers were beaten 5-2 at home by Carrick Town. Rebecca Rutland put Shiven one up. Siobhan Conway equalised after 30 minutes and the same player scored four more in the second half. Ciara Crehan scored a second for the Newbridge side. Dunmore Town beat Boyle Celtic 8-1 at Dunmore. The visitors took an early lead through Andrea Hogan but that was as good as it got for them. Aoife Smyth scored four, Erika Diskin two and Lily Concannon and Siobhan O’Grady added one each for the winners
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
Great county final fare continues
The recent GAA county finals have provided some great entertainment, brightening weekends otherwise hijacked by the drifting in of the oft-dreaded ‘long evenings’.
The destination of the senior football title remains unknown following last Sunday’s tremendously exciting final, which was a real cliffhanger in the closing minutes.
A week earlier, Strokestown regained their senior status, defeating Éire Óg in the Intermediate Football final. It was a fine performance by Strokestown, and a welcome return for the club to the senior championship territory they’re so familiar with. There was widespread sympathy for Éire Óg as they experienced another relatively narrow defeat with the Promised Land within sight. I think all neutrals will hope the Loughglynn club succeeds in making the intermediate title breakthrough soon.
The weekend before last also saw St Croan’s move back up the football ladder, regaining intermediate status by winning the junior championship. St Croan’s were fairly strong favourites against Ballinameen, and they duly delivered in the final. Ballinameen had a memorable championship and one hopes that after coming so close in recent seasons, they too can get past the winning post soon.
Back then to last Sunday. The senior final turned into the thriller we had hoped for, particularly during a gripping, nail-biting second half. St Brigid’s and Pádraig Pearses, the two great titans of Roscommon football over recent years, both appeared to have the Fahey Cup in their grasp at different stages.
St Brigid’s led by seven points early on (but there was quite a strong breeze). They were still leading late on, before a Ronan Daly two-
pointer put Pearses in front. As a dramatic finale continued, St Brigid’s levelled, Pearses went in front again, and then Brian Stack sent over a last-gasp equaliser. Pearses missed a late free to win it – mercifully, it ended in a draw! (I say ‘mercifully’ because neither team really deserved to lose on the day). This Saturday’s replay is very eagerly awaited. Also last weekend, there was joy for Castlerea St Kevin’s when their young guns sparkled en route to winning an entertaining Division One County Minor Football final, defeating Pádraig Pearses (see report in this section).
Life lessons from ‘The Longest Feud’
‘The Longest Feud’ (Amazon Prime) needed to have a happy ending… instead, it was a sad insight into how human frailties involving ego and stubbornness can result in petty grievances lasting a lifetime.
In 1977, Ian Chappell was a veteran Australian cricketer. Ian Botham, 13 years Chappell’s junior, was a rising England star – with a big mouth. The two Ians had a nasty confrontation in a Melbourne hotel bar. Abusive words were exchanged, they squared up to one another, and to this day Chappell claims that Botham had to be restrained when holding an empty beer glass to the Australian’s throat. Botham denies this.
Botham was box office in his day, a player who attracted non-cricket fans to the sport through his exciting play and larger-than-life personality. He was one of the biggest sports stars of the 1980s, revered as one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders.
The trailer for ‘The Longest Feud’ looked promising. The documentary (made in 2023) would focus on “the bitter rivalry between legends Ian Chappell and Ian Botham”… “one of the most toxic feuds in the history of cricket.”
The original hotel bar incident began a feud that is now almost half a century old. In 2010, there was a clash in a car park when Botham had to be physically restrained from hitting Chappell; on another occasion, the duo shared commentary duties during an Ashes series without speaking to one another.
After interviewing the two former stars separately, ‘The Longest Feud’ ends with Chappell, then aged 79, and Botham (67), sitting down together (in 2023).
The exchanges between the two men were
compelling, but also sad. Botham at least looked like he wanted to shake hands, have a beer and make up. Chappell was not for turning. Infuriatingly stubborn, the Australian wouldn’t entertain talk of resolution. Asked to describe Botham, he ungraciously replied: “Apart from being the worst long-term commentator of all… (he’s) a coward, gutless, and they’re all the good things I can say.”
A disheartened Botham stood up and walked away.
They left with their grudges intact – with their big pay cheques too – but the air of sadness and bitterness that lingered was unmistakable.
When the goals won’t come…
“I cannot understand the attraction of soccer” a local GAA diehard said to the company in a bar
in Roscommon. It was about 15 years ago. And yes, he said the word ‘soccer’ with a touch of disdain.
As a big soccer fan, the comment struck a chord with me. The man continued: “At least in the GAA, you get lots of scores…. in soccer, you could be waiting 90 minutes… and nothing!”
I thought of him last weekend, when browsing the results across the water.
In League One of the English Football League, there were ten games played. Wycombe Wanderers beat Huddersfield Town 3-0, while Blackpool won 2-1 at Peterborough United.
The other eight games? Five 1-0 wins, and three 1-1 draws. 18 of the 20 teams in action each scored one goal or less. The ten games produced just 17 goals (League Two: 34 goals in 12 games).
I don’t suppose my old soccer-sceptic friend was checking in on the scores anyway.
Stars that touched our hearts: PAT JENNINGS
(An occasional series, in which we remember sports stars who moved us –irrespective of medals, titles or longevity)
Of course time plays tricks with the mind. And it’s difficult to compare stars of the past with their successors. But this ‘occasional series’ is about feelings as much as facts, about how certain sportspeople moved us, thrilled us, making memories that live on through the decades.
Pat Jennings made us gasp – and smile.
As time passes, and especially with the daft obsession with the Premier League era across the water – at the expense of all that went before it –Jennings will occasionally be placed in insultingly low positions on some of the numerous online ‘Best ever’ lists (he obviously doesn’t qualify for ‘Best ever’ Premier League polls).
Happily, some lists – freed of the shadow of the Premier League – still have Jennings amongst the top 25 goalkeepers of all time. Most of my generation would have him in the top half dozen or so. Of the greatest goalkeepers the world has ever seen, that is.
What I loved about Jennings were a few characteristics that made him unique, unorthodox, riveting. Known for his big hands, the Newry native had an extraordinary talent for making one-handed saves. The sight of Jennings plucking the ball from mid-air just as a forward was anticipating a goal was a common, and always thrilling, feature of games. He also excelled at blocking shots with different parts of his body – long before Peter Schmeichel made that technique popular in more modern times.
There was something about Jennings that was utterly captivating… how he seemed to appear from nowhere to defy an attacker with one of those remarkable catches, or his smothering of the opponent, ball invariably drawn to his body, magnet-like. He excelled at tipping shots over the bar too. As a quick YouTube search will confirm, world class saves of this nature were a ‘Big Pat Jennings’ speciality.
After making his name with Spurs, Jennings was surprisingly sold to their London rivals, Arsenal. Thinking he was past his best, Spurs felt they could let him go. They were wrong. Jennings enjoyed eight seasons at Highbury, winning the FA Cup (as he had done with Spurs).
At international level, he played 119 times for Northern Ireland, including in the 1986 World Cup, when aged 41. In a 23-year professional career, he made over 1,000 appearances.
I’m a Leeds fan, but one of my fondest memories of the football scene in the 1970s and ‘80s is of the sight of the remarkably agile Pat Jennings making spectacular leaps into the air to tip goalbound shots over the crossbar.
As an aside, he appears to be a thorough gentleman. Now aged 80, Pat Jennings lives in London, has been a keen golfer all his life, and continues to do promotional work with Tottenham Hotspur. PFA Player of the Year in 1975-76 season, he was a Ballon d’Or nominee on three occasions In an era of great goalkeepers (Shilton, Clemence, Yashin, Zoff, Banks) Pat Jennings was one of the most accomplished. Not every goalkeeper is exciting to watch; the Newry man was captivating. Those of us who saw him in his prime will always think of Pat Jennings as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.
Noel Curran (Castlerea manager) pictured with Ronan, Finn and Cillian (holding the cup) after Castlerea St Kevin’s won last Saturday’s Division One MFC final in Enfield. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Curran stars in dynamic Castlerea attacking masterclass
SEAMUS DUKE IN ENFIELD
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A superb display of attacking football throughout saw Castlerea St Kevin’s power to the Roscommon Division One minor football title in tremendous style in Enfield last Saturday. Pádraig Pearses had no answer on the day to a very well coached Castlerea outfit who took the game to their opponents from the start
and never looked like losing their grip on proceedings.
Castlerea were dominant around the middle of the park, always had a player running off the shoulder to take a pass, won an amount of breaking ball, and attacked in numbers – with some fantastic scores resulting.
While it was a team performance that will have warmed the hearts of Castlerea
supporters, there were some standout individual displays too, not least from Roscommon inter-county minor Dara Curran, who scored 1-7. He won a huge amount of ball in attack, bringing his teammates into the game when required, and was the best player on view on the day. What a prospect he is.
With an icy wind favouring Castlerea in the opening half, they set about their task with relish. They could have had at least one goal in the opening five minutes. When it did come in the 7th minute, it was Jack Dolan who supplied the finish.
Curran was Pearses’ chief tormentor with four first-half points as Castlerea went into the break leading by 1-8 to 0-3, Pearses’ scores coming from Ross Glynn and Keelan Kelly (two frees).
Pearses’ were hoping to retrieve the situation with the wind at their backs on the resumption, but with Liam Finneran, Dylan Keane, Jamie Dowd, Kevin Hester, Sean Vaughan and the aforementioned Dara Curran all playing well, Castlerea just continued where they left off in the opening half. If anything, they were even more impressive after half-time.
A string of impressive points was followed in the 46th minute by their second goal, the result of a super catch and clinical finish by man of the match
Curran. By the 51st minute they led very handsomely, 2-17 to 0-6.
In fairness to Pearses they kept plugging away and outscored their opponents by 1-3 to 0-1 over the remainder of the action. The goal came in the final minute of normal time when substitute Callum Moore was fouled in the large square, Sean Finneran converting the resultant penalty.
For Castlerea, it was a day to remember. They played with a swagger and confidence that was very effective. They will be hoping that many of these players remain involved and play at U-20 and senior level for the club in the years to come.
Pearses had played very well on course to reaching the final, however they just didn’t perform on the day. Euan Kelly tried ever so hard for them throughout, and Keelan Kelly and Dylan Goode had their moments, but as a team they were simply outclassed.
Pearses missed their county star John Price who was unable to start due to injury. He came on in the 34th minute but had to go off again later in the game. It was doubtful even if he was fully fit that the
outcome would have been much different. Castlerea St Kevin’s: Abdul Sattar; Conor Larkin, Shane Larkin, Cian Fitzmaurice; James Hawkshaw, Liam Finneran (0-1), Ryan Dunleavy; Dylan Keane (0-2, 2pf), Jamie Dowd (0-1); Kaylum Curran, Sean Vaughan, Dara Curran (1-7, 3 frees, 1’45); Jack Dolan (1-1), Kevin Hester (0-6, 4 frees), Eddie Finneran. Subs: Alan Joyce for Dunleavy (49), James Bligh for E Finneran (49), Oisin Fleming for K Curran (53), Martin Sharkey for Dolan (56), Tyler Waldron for Dowd (56).
Pádraig Pearses: Niall Doran; Euan Kelly, Kieran Cunningham, Kealan Doran; Dara Glynn-Desmond, Jack Brooks, Keelan Kelly (0-3, 2 frees); Donnacha Monaghan, Emmett Killeen; Enda Browne, Daniel Mooney (0-1), Ross Glynn (0-1); Dylan Goode (0-2), Sean Finneran (1-1), Oisin Kelly. Subs: Michael Brooks (0-1) for Cunningham
John
Ian
for
(20),
Price
Glynn (34), Callum Moore for Killeen (44), Jack Kelly for O Kelly (54), A Hogan for John Price (57).
Referee:
Monaghan. Player of the Match
Dara Curran (Castlerea St Kevin’s)
Castlerea St Kevin’s players and some young supporters combine to celebrate the team’s win over Pádraig Pearses in last Saturday’s Division One Minor Football final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Castlerea St Kevin’s defeated Pádraig Pearses by 2-18 to 1-9 in last Saturday’s Division One MFC final. Jamie Dowd and Jack Dolan are pictured celebrating at the final whistle.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Action from last Saturday’s Roscommon Division One Minor Football final in which Castlerea St Kevin’s defeated Pádraig Pearses. Dara Curran (Castlerea St Kevin’s) goes past Jack Brooks. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Roscommon SFC Final: St Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses
Round 2: Hyde awaits new thriller
Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC final replay: Pádraig Pearses v St Brigid’s on Saturday at King & Moffatt Dr
< SEAMUS DUKE
It didn’t take any kind of miracle punditry to predict that there was a very strong possibility this year’s county senior final would go to a replay – and that’s precisely where we are after one of the
best finals in many decades. So has anything changed from the drawn game? ‘Not really’ is the answer – making it equally hard to predict the likely winner of the replay. There are many neutrals that are of the opinion that Pádraig Pearses left the title behind them
last Sunday, that their chance might be gone. Sure, they missed a few gilt-edged opportunities late on, but the tension was such that those misses could be excused. Either way, Pearses will have to forget about them and reset for this Saturday.
The weather will have its say again,
although the very strong wind and difficult conditions last Sunday didn’t affect the quality of play from both sides. We are dealing with two very good teams here. As we saw last Sunday, they are well able to cope with the weather.
In terms of the battle that unfolded, I thought Pearses edged the midfield exchanges, where Conor Ryan was exceptional. But another outstanding performance from the inspirational Brian Stack ensured that St Brigid’s were never out of contention.
As to the replay, it might be prudent to ask which side has the greater room for improvement? A very hard question to answer it is too! Pearses will claim that their talismen up front, Paul Carey and Eoin Colleran, can perform better.
St Brigid’s can equally say that their key attackers, Ben O’Carroll and Conor Hand can also improve. In all cases tremendous defending on both sides was a major factor.
Conor Carroll’s brilliant kickouts were a major plus with the support of the wind, and Brigid’s will want to capitalise on that once again. They know they have matchwinners in their attack but they will need an improved midfield performance with a view to having a platform for those allimportant scores.
Pearses made a mockery of their odds of 2/1 ahead of the drawn game.
Tension, thrills… and a second chance
platform on which to build their eventual comeback.
< SEAMUS DUKE
Despite the incredible tension, there were smiles all around after Sunday’s drawn senior county football final as both team managers reflected on what was a pulsating match.
Pádraig Pearses manager Frank Canning said that his team’s good play at the end of the first half gave them a
At one stage in that opening period, they had trailed by seven points.
“We had a great last 10 minutes of the first half and that set us up for the second half. We knew that we were well in it at half-time and we were happy at that stage. Look, we left a few chances out there but then again so did they.”
Frank agreed that it had been a superb game of
Best of luck to St Brigid’s from
RANGE OF CARPETS < VINYL < SOFAS < LAMINATED WOOD FLOORS < ELEGANT DINING SETS < BEDS
“There were two good teams out there. It’s all credit to the players, it has nothing to do with management. It was great stuff and we just have to go again.
“We had a few players that we felt didn’t play as well as they could and I am sure Brigid’s feel the same way about their team. But I suppose a draw was a fair result on the day.”
Frank said that the final was a great advertisement for the club game in Roscommon.
“It was a great advertisement for the club scene here. There are plenty of good footballers in Roscommon and I wish the new county manager (Mark Dowd) the best when he gets going” he concluded.
Best wishes to St. Brigid’s from Open 6 Days a Week: Monday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 5 PM for your convenience.
Similar to his Pearses counterpart, St Brigid’s manager Anthony Cunningham seemed happy
to have secured another bite of the cherry.
“It was a super game that went one way and then the other. There are a lot of good players out there on both sides. Look at the likes of the Dalys, Davy Murray, the younger lads on the Pearses team and Brian Stack, Ruaidhrí Fallon, Ben O’Carroll and all the lads you saw out there today playing for Brigid’s. They
are as good as any club players that you would see in any county.
“We thought we were in control at one stage but we did well in the end to get back into it. They came at us very quickly at the start of the second half but look, hats off to both sets of players. We go again on Saturday and we have to prepare for that now” he concluded.
Indeed we highlighted that this would be the case here last week. Their mix of seasoned, experienced players and young talent adds up to an outstanding combination and they will not bow the knee on Saturday.
In terms of impact off the bench, I have to say I was surprised to see Senan Kilbride come on for St Brigid’s late in the game last Sunday. The club legend had been playing with the St Brigid’s junior team this year, so to see him back on the senior team after a number of years’ absence raised more than a few eyebrows. Maybe he will play even more of a part in the replay. We shall see.
Don’t be surprised either if another very experienced performer, Niall Daly – who came on for Pearses late last Sunday – plays a bigger role this weekend. The extra week will have given his injury more time to heal and he is an inspirational leader for Pearses. Niall might be the man to drive them over the line in the final quarter.
Personally, I can’t wait for this replay. If it is half as good as last Sunday’s game then we are all in for a treat. In last week’s preview I wrote about the strong possibility of a draw, before giving a very hesitant vote to St Brigid’s. There is nothing between them. I am sticking with Brigid’s, but without any conviction.
Prediction: St Brigid’s.
St Brigid’s manager Anthony Cunningham pictured during the warm-up prior to last Sunday’s thrilling Roscommon SFC final.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
An expressive Pádraig Pearses manager Frank Canning pictured on the sideline during last Sunday’s drawn County Senior Football final against St Brigid’s.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Roscommon SFC Final: St Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses
Thrilling finale sets
Hodson Bay Hotel
Roscommon SFC final
Pádraig Pearses 1-15 St Brigid’s 1-15
< SEAMUS DUKE AT KING & MOFFAT DR HYDE PARK
It’s not often that a much-hyped big game delivers fully on its promise, but this was certainly one that did as St Brigid’s and Pádraig Pearses produced one of the best county senior finals that we have seen in many years at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.
It may have taken a while to warm up, but the second-half action had the big crowd on the edge of their seats up until referee Jimmy Donoghue blew the final whistle after five minutes of injury-time. It was a thrill-a-minute rollercoaster of a contest in which fortunes swung one way and then the other, both sides looking likely winners at different stages. This was superb entertainment, and in difficult conditions too.
It was a game that had everything: superb defending, some spectacular scores, two brilliant goals, heartbreaking misses, and even a half-time dustup as tempers flared between the two great rivals, that loss of discipline resulting in one black card and three yellows being shown. We even saw the shock return of St Brigid’s legend Senan Kilbride, who was sprung from the bench in the final five minutes.
At the end of it all the narrative among many neutrals was that Pearses had left the title behind them (on the day). They had a couple of gilt-edged chances towards the end, including a 45-metre free from Paul Carey that just drifted wide with the very last kick. Still, the draw was probably a fair result between these two super teams. If the replay this Saturday is even half as exciting as this encounter, we are in for another treat.
Action from last Sunday’s drawn Roscommon County Senior Football final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Jack Tumulty (Pádraig Pearses) puts Bobby Nugent (St Brigid’s) under pressure.
Action from last Sunday’s drawn Roscommon County Senior Football final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Shane Cunnane (St Brigid’s) and Conor Ryan (Pádraig Pearses) in an aerial battle for possession.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Roscommon SFC Final: St Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearses
the day up prospect of mouth-watering replay
On a blustery day, St Brigid’s elected to play with the very strong wind at their backs in the opening half. They controlled the opening quarter. Conor Carroll’s laser-like kickouts were proving so effective, as he repeatedly found his target. As a result, Anthony Cunningham’s side led by 0-8 to 0-1 after just 10 minutes. Brian Stack was commanding in the centre of the St Brigid’s defence, providing a platform for his team throughout. Eddie Nolan and Ruaidhrí Fallon were on target with two-pointers, while Ben O’Carroll pointed two frees early on.
But Pearses were growing into the match, and apart from during that poor start they never looked out of contention. Conor Ryan (who had a great game) kicked a super two-point free into the gale in the 17th minute, a score that started their challenge.
The quality of the football was top class now, with some mighty scores from both sides. Brian Derwin and Shane Cunnane pointed for St Brigid’s while down at the other end Caelim Keogh and Jack Tumulty were on target for Pearses.
Derwin scored another excellent point for St Brigid’s to extend their lead, and then in first-half injury-time the sides swopped points with converted frees from Paul Carey and Ben O’Carroll to leave the score at half-time at St Brigid’s 0-12 Pádraig Pearses 0-6.
After that half-time whistle blew, a row broke out between some of the players. When the teams came back for the second half, referee Jimmy Donoghue dealt out the punishment for that flare-up, brandishing a black card to Paul McGrath of St Brigid’s and also issued three yellow cards, two to Pearses and one to St Brigid’s.
With the aid of the strong wind, the defending champions had reduced the margin to just a point within five minutes of the restart. Two-pointers from Conor Ryan and Declan Kenny had the Pearses crowd on their feet, and when Eoin Colleran pointed in the 35th minute it was St Brigid’s 0-12 Pearses 0-11.
Just a minute later, St Brigid’s broke downfield for one of the goals of the year. Brian Stack and Shane Cunnane were involved before Ben O’Carroll did brilliantly to win possession. He then played a precision pass to the inrushing Robbie Dolan who blasted the ball into the roof of the Pearses net.
An excellent point from Bobby Nugent extended the Brigid’s lead in the 43rd minute. If anything, the game was increasing in intensity, the exchanges fiercely contested.
The impressive Seán Canning was on target in the 45th minute with a point for Pearses. Then, in the 50th minute, Pearses scored a fantastic team goal to put the game firmly back in the melting pot. Hubert Darcy and Jack Tumulty did the spadework before Adam McGreal flicked the ball over the head of Conor Carroll with his fist.
In the 53rd minute Ronan Daly kicked the score of the game, a booming two-pointer from way out in the country, and suddenly Pearses were leading by a point coming up the final straight.
With a minute of normal time remaining, Ben O’Carroll pointed a closerange free for St Brigid’s. Then as the clock moved into injury-time Declan Kenny put Pearses ahead again with a great point from play.
The crowd were on their feet with excitement. Pearses had two wonderful chances to extend their lead but David Murray and Hubert Darcy fluffed their lines as the tension levels grew.
St Brigid’s were desperate to keep their title chances alive. Senan Kilbride was on the field as a sub but it was their talisman and leader Brian Stack who saved the day. Having denied Pearses with a brilliant block at one end of the field he burst forward and pointed from 30 metres out to level the scores again.
Just when you thought that there could be no more drama, in the 6th minute of injury-time Séan Trundle was penalised for over-carrying out at midfield. When the St Brigid’s player did not release the ball immediately, referee Jimmy Donoghue brought the free forward to the 45-metre line. It was an eminently scorable kick for Paul Carey, but his soaring effort just flew outside the posts – and that was it. This epic game was finally over. It was a superb game of football all through, one that neither side deserved to lose. There were brilliant performances aplenty. For St Brigid’s, Conor
Carroll, Rúairí Smith, Ruaidhrí Fallon, Ben O’Carroll and Brian Derwin were all outstanding, while Brian Stack was once again their main man. His brilliant equalising point capped another magnificent display from the St Brigid’s talisman.
Pearses had their stars too. Conor Ryan was superb all through, while Mark Richardson, David Murray, Eoin Colleran, Adam McGreal and Seán Canning were excellent for Frank Canning’s men.
The big winners last Sunday were all of us who get a chance to see these two great teams in action again. The replay is this Saturday at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park at 2.30 pm. Bring it on!
Pádraig Pearses: Paul Whelan; David Murray, Mark Richardson, Conor Lohan; Lorcán Daly, Caelim Keogh (0-1), Adam McGreal (1-0); Conor Ryan (0-4, 1 tp, 1 tpf), Declan Kenny (0-3, 1 tp); Seán Canning (0-1), Ronan Daly (0-2, tp), Jack Tumulty (0-1); Hubert Darcy, Paul Carey (0-1, free), Eoin Colleran (0-2). Subs: Conor Harley for L Daly (28), Niall Daly for McGreal (58), Jack Nevin for Tumulty (60).
St Brigid’s: Conor Carroll; Rúairí Smith, Séan Trundle, Robbie Dolan (1-0); Ruaidhrí Fallon (0-2, tp), Brian Stack (0-1), Eoghan Derwin (0-1); Shane Cunnane (0-1), Eddie Nolan (0-2, tp); Paul McGrath, Ciarán Sugrue, Conor Hand; Ben O’Carroll (0-4 frees), Bobby Nugent (0-2), Brian Derwin (0-2). Subs: Mark Daly for Nolan (52), Niall McInerney for E Derwin (58), Senan Kilbride for Nugent (60), Charlie O’Carroll for Brian Derwin (60). Referee: Jimmy Donoghue.
Stat Attack
Red cards: 0
Black cards: Pádraig Pearses 0; St Brigid’s 1 (Paul McGrath, 30+5) Yellow cards: Pádraig Pearses 4 (Mark Richardson, Paul Carey, Ronan Daly, Sean Canning); St Brigid’s 4 (Brian Stack, Shane Cunnane, Ben O’Carroll, Bobby Nugent)
Attendance: Approx. 3,000
Man of the Match: Brian Stack (St Brigid’s)
Action from last Sunday’s drawn Roscommon County Senior Football final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Ben O’Carroll in full flight. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
