* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
090 647 8433
Rent a Room Relief
Please explain the tax relief available to private homeowners who rent out a room in their home to students. I am considering renting a room in my home to college students this year. Does the tax relief on rental income only apply to a 12 month lease or does it apply if I take in a student for their academic year also?
If a private homeowner decides to rent a room (or rooms) in their home to private tenants, the rental income earned may be exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC provided this income from rent and related services does not exceed €14,000 in a tax year.
The relief applies only to residential tenancies, not to short-term guest arrangements. The occupants must be using the room on a longterm basis. For example, renting a room to a student for the academic year is covered, but taking in guests for short breaks is not.
Homeowners will NOT qualify for this tax relief if any of the following apply:
1. Income from rent and related services exceeds €14,000 in a tax year.
2. Renting a room to a son or daughter.
3. Renting a room to short-term guests.
Any such rental accommodation provided is essentially a room in a private home and is therefore not covered by landlord and tenant legislation. Tenants will therefore be staying under a Licensee Agreement, not a Tenancy Agreement.
Any such Licensee Agreement should set out terms in writing to include such details as the rent payable and the manner in which it is payable i.e. by cash, cheque etc; the term of the tenancy; notice periods required should either party wish to end the arrangement; arrangements for payment of utility bills; rules regarding guests etc. This Agreement should be signed by both parties and a copy retained by each.
This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS
Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie
WATCHING People
CYCLING ACCIDENT
If you were involved in a cycling accident contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors
I know you said previously that it’s all a performance… but I still don’t like it! Huh?
They’re LYING! They’ll say anything to satisfy their egos, their prospects of progression!
WHAT?
With PAUL HEALY
‘They’ll say anything to win!’ Endangered Species
It’s genuinely getting interesting! You know Jim Gavin is seeking a nomination?
Yeah, yeah…
They come on TV… night after night… and they brazenly LIE!
Oh that’s a bit strong…
No it’s not! They’re lying! They’re smug! They’re nakedly ambitious, they’ll say anything to beat their opponents, they’re selfish, they’re ruthless, and I just don’t like it!
Oh please!
THEY’RE LYING!
PLEASE! We’ve just about patched up relations with the Editor! He won’t want us defaming anyone!
Coming on TV night after night, posing… strutting… and lying to our faces!
Look, I know you’re frustrated with some of our politicians, but you simply cannot question their integrity in this…
Politicians? Oh no, I was on about the contestants on The Traitors Ireland. It started on Sunday night, and I really don’t like the concept!
But that’s how the show works! The contestants on The Traitors have to engage in deception… that’s the game!
Funny old game!
(They pause to check if there are any more declared runners for the upcoming presidential election)
Thebarstoolboyos
Well…
It’s getting exciting now!
I don’t like it! I get that it’s a TV show, but I don’t like the premise! All that deceit!
I’m not talking about The Traitors Ireland, I’m talking about the presidential election! Oh don’t start me on that! Is Marty Morrissey in the field yet?
He’d be an interesting resident of ‘The Park’ for the next seven years… Well, he was permanently in Croke Park when he was Dublin football manager! All those home games for the Dubs… a disgrace!
Of course he has to beat Billy Kelleher from Cork first…
Oh yeah, the Rebel Billy is challenging Jim for the FF nomination… he came out of the blue!
Yeah, and Micheál Martin – a lifelong Cork fan – has turned his back on his fellow Cork man and thrown his lot in behind an out-and-out Dublin blue, Jim!
IT’S a funny old game too!
(They pause to discuss last weekend’s exciting GAA club action in Roscommon)
And what about Bertie?
Well, he’s not ruling himself out! I’ll give you a dark horse now… Go on!
ME!
Ha! Good one!
Why not? You know I’ve had political ambitions for a long time! And I am a man of the people! And… You’re obviously not serious…
I AM serious! I am considering running for the Áras!
You’re talking through your ar… arra come on, we’ll go for a pint and talk about something else!
It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺
The Irish team, who have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Irish Traitors fans, with the Irish spin-off of the hit show hitting the screens this week to rave reviews
Roscommon Pride, which has been shortlisted for a GALAS Award 2025 under the category of Event of the Year
It’s been a BAD week for… ☹
Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly (in terms of his presidential ambitions that is), this after he withdrew from the race, conceding that he could not secure his party’s nomination ahead of front-runner Heather Humphreys
PIC OF THE WEEK: Noah Carty pictured doing a bit of construction work during half-time at Saturday’s senior football championship match between Oran and Boyle in Ballinameen. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and Wardrobes
At Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and Wardrobes, we design, manufacture and install kitchens, Sliderobes, standard and walk-in wardrobes with a wide range of designs, colours and finishes to choose from. The new sliding door wardrobe range offers a blend of modern, traditional and contemporary styles enabling Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and Wardrobes to offer a wide spectrum of design and finishing. We have many different beautiful kitchen collections available in a diverse range of materials, finishes, colours and styles. We expertly create kitchens which give you individuality. From start to finish, your kitchen is your story. Solid in-frame kitchen furniture, comprising of the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Every material has been specially selected, and each component carefully crafted to provide expertly designed fitted furniture built to stand the test of time which is why Ronan Hegarty Kitchens and
Wardrobes is the provider of choice for quality and value.
KITCHENS
A beautiful kitchen collection available in a diverse range of materials, finishes, colours and styles. We expertly create kitchens which give you individuality. From start to finish, your kitchen is your story.
BESPOKE WARDROBES
Wardrobes created to order by the Ronan Hegarty Kitchen and Wardrobes are available in an unlimited variety of sizes. Each one is constructed to order in to meet the exact dimensions of your living area. We can make the most of every millimetre to create a piece of
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Photos: Michael Finan
Ballinaheglish Bingo
Bingo resumes in Ballinaheglish this Friday night, September 5th at 8.30 pm. Your support would be appreciated.
Kileenan and Ardcarne Graveyard Masses
Mass will be celebrated in Kileenan Graveyard at 3 pm on Saturday, September 13th. Mass will be celebrated in Ardcarne Graveyard at 12 noon on Sunday, September 14th. A collection will be taken up at Ardcarne Graveyard on the day, with proceeds going towards the cost of lighting the church and graveyard. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Meeting on Rahara Graveyard upkeep
A meeting will be held in Rahara School at 8 pm on Monday, September 15th, to discuss future maintenance/development works in Rahara graveyard. All are welcome.
Roscommon SPCA collections
The Roscommon society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (Roscommon SPCA) will be holding Church gate collections at the following locations this weekend. A collection will be held in Knockcroghery on Saturday, September 6th. Collections will be held on both Saturday, September 6th, and Sunday, September 7th, in both Kiltoom and Curraghboy. Collections will also be held in Lecarrow and Rahara on Sunday, September 7th. The Roscommon SPCA will also be holding its annual Boyle town street collection next week on the 12th and 13th of September.
Roscommon SPCA is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, and every euro donated goes directly towards animal welfare in County Roscommon. To learn more, please visit roscommonspca.ie.
Martin Shanagher Audiologist
Claire Shanagher Audiologist
Alice and Paraic Stephens (The Walk, Roscommon) pictured with their grandchildren, Saoirse and Ruairi McGreevy, as they hold a portion of The Granny Square Blanket during the recent Family Day for Palestine event held at Strokestown Park House, organised by the Roscommon Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Each square represents ten children killed by the Israeli forces in Palestine. There are already 2300 squares and it grows each day. Pic: Brian Farrell
Saorlaith King from Four Mile House pictured with her mother Louise – one of the musicians performing at the Family Day for Palestine event held at Strokestown Park House last Sunday –organised by the Roscommon Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Pic: Brian Farrell
Jihan Abukamel (from Bethlehem and living in Castlerea) pictured reading children’s stories at the recent Family Day for Palestine event at Strokestown Park House, organised by the Roscommon Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Pic: Brian Farrell
Shelter from the rain: Musician Linda McGarry from Roscommon and her son Jack move the music indoors during a shower of rain at the recent Family Day for Palestine event at Strokestown Park House, organised by the Roscommon Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Pic: Brian Farrell
NewsPeople
THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT
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UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS
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In most people this ‘switch’ is off.
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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 .
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WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.
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WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61
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WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302
Concerns mount over planned traffic changes in Frenchpark
< EMMETT CORCORAN
A meeting is to take place today (Thursday) between elected public representatives and residents in Frenchpark to address growing concerns over proposed roadworks in the village.
Meet-up for those affected by MS
Local TD Claire Kerrane said one of the major concerns raised by residents is the one-way system, which has caused considerable unease among both business owners
The planned Active Travel scheme, part of Roscommon County Council’s works ahead of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue bypass, includes a proposed one-way traffic system, dedicated cycle lanes, and the removal of some existing parking spaces.
and locals. She said the Council must avoid repeating past mistakes, referencing public opposition to similar works in Ballaghaderreen.
While acknowledging community concerns, she added that the bypass could bring some long-term benefits, and the village could gain from a reduction in traffic passing through. Meanwhile, local councillor Sean Moylan has said that he
would expect to see some changes made to the existing plans following engagement. Frenchpark is one of several west Roscommon villages – along with Tulsk and Ballinagare – where changes are being introduced ahead of the N5 bypass completion. Council officials met with local stakeholders last week, with further engagement.
Council shortlisted for two climate change awards
Roscommon County Council has been shortlisted for two Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards (ICCLA), recognising its innovative efforts in sustainability and climate resilience. The awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, on October 3rd, 2025.
The council’s Community Development Department, a 15-person team, is a finalist for the Small Sustainability Team of the Year award. The team was commended for its response to Storm Éowyn, supporting over 5,000 residents through a dedicated helpline that handled 900 calls with a 95% satisfaction rate. They mobilised 41 Community Hubs – repurposed sports clubs, community centres,
and libraries – offering food, water, warmth, charging facilities, and psychosocial support. The department also developed a Community Resilience Toolkit, attracting national interest from agencies like Healthy Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Cathriona MacCarthy of the Community Development Department expressed pride in the nomination, stating, “This is wonderful news for our hard-working and dedicated staff who worked extremely hard during extreme and unprecedented conditions to support our local communities. I’d like to pay tribute to my colleagues, the representative groups on our PPN, as well as agencies such as Civil De-
fence, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and many others.” Separately, Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Team, in partnership with the Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB), is shortlisted for Public Sector Organisation of the Year for its Wind Turbine initiative. Funded by the Just Transition Fund, the program trained 10 participants over four weekends in December and January at GRETB’s Lisnamult Centre in Roscommon. Participants learned to build domestic wind turbines using the Hugh Piggott design, gaining skills in woodwork, electrical, and metalwork to foster resilience and career opportunities in renewables.
The Roscommon branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland would like to invite anyone in the Tarmonbarry and surrounding area of County Roscommon, who is living with or caring for someone with MS, to join them for coffee and a chat in Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry on Thursday, September 11th, from 10 am to 12 noon. All welcome.
CCÉ Ros Comáin to host set dancing classes
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Baile Ros Comáin is hosting set dancing classes with Karen Feerick, starting Wednesday, September 17th
The lessons will be held at the junior site of St Coman’s Wood, with children classes (age 7+) from 7 pm to 8 pm, and adult classes from 8 pm to 9 pm. The first class is free of charge, with the remaining term (six weeks) costing €30 for children or €40 for adults, with a family rate of €70 per term. To book your place, contact Patricia on 087 9316673.
Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Team, in partnership with the Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB), has been shortlisted for Public Sector Organisation of the Year for its Wind Turbine initiative.
THURSDAY
Rain doesn’t stop play
The rain has been a regular presence over the past week – but people are philosophical about it.
“Ah sure we had a mighty summer” one grateful person said in the office the other day – and that sense of appreciation seems to sum up the prevailing mood.
Still, a few people have noted that the evenings are getting shorter, not that this should ever come as a surprise at this time of year – just as our dog should stop barking like mad every morning when the postman’s van arrives. After all, shouldn’t she (our dog) be used to that routine by now?
With another Roscommon People published, it’s a day of relative leisure… an hour or two in the office, followed by relaxation. That dreary rainfall is ruling out cutting the grass for now.
Instead, I marvel at our youngest daughter’s enthusiasm as she prepares to head off with friends to Electric Picnic in County Laois… for what promises to be a very soggy experience. The weekend extravaganza will (according to the weather forecast) take place in ‘wet and breezy’ conditions.
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
unfolds in persistent rain under the impressive floodlights.
The wet weather may have ruled out cutting the grass – but in Stradbally and Ballymoe, rain hasn’t stopped play!
Me (thinking): ‘You’re going to spend the weekend in a tent in wind and rain amongst thousands of festival-goers –with unimaginable queues for toilets and showers?’
Our daughter and her peers (thinking): ‘Bring it on! Can’t wait!’
The car boot bulging, they head off, excited and giddy, ready for what no doubt will be a memorable weekend of ‘Muck and Roll’ – sorry, Rock and Roll. I make a cup of tea, grateful for the numerous ways a house trumps a rain-battered tent.
Later, heavy torrents of rain in Ballymoe make conditions difficult for visitors Roscommon Town FC, the home team, their coaches and indeed the referee as a youth soccer league game kicks off.
We parents stay in our strategically parked cars, supporting our dogged U-16s – admittedly scrolling occasionally, but generally keeping an eye through swishing wipers as a goal-fest
Radio daze
FRIDAY
The nation is reeling – that’s judging by the coverage on RTE and Newstalk – at the news of today’s ‘musical chairs’ featuring radio presenters Pat Kenny, Claire Byrne and David McCullagh.
Such has been the solemn reporting and analysis, one can only conclude that this massive story – which has stopped the public in its tracks – will take several days, or even weeks, for people to digest.
There are unconfirmed reports that ashen-faced, open-mouthed members of the public have been spotted wandering the streets, staring into space.
Kenny switching to weekends only, next year? Byrne high-tailing it from RTE back to Newstalk? McCullagh… er, moving sideways/to another studio?
At Castlerea Mart today, several farmers reportedly had to take ‘time out’ to cope with the emotional impact of these bombshell developments.
One farmer, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a lot to deal with, and I get why it’s dominating the news agenda. I just want to know… will Marty Morrissey still get to stand in for Derek Mooney from time to time?”
More updates to follow (on RTE and Newstalk).
SATURDAY
On and on it goes…
Shock news this week… with a senior politician in the Dáil admitting that he has not been approached to run for President.
The revelation that there’s a senior political figure in our midst who has not been linked with the role has stunned political luvvies, with distressing reports that some political correspondents were so shocked they cancelled cocktail orders in Doheny and Nesbitts on Tuesday night (we couldn’t confirm the veracity of that claim, which seems far-fetched).
The politician, who does not wish to
be named (due to being mortified and embarrassed), told the Roscommon People: “I have not been approached by any political party or indeed by friends imploring me to put my name forward in the upcoming presidential election.
“I wish to confirm that I haven’t been inundated with calls from members of the public urging me to ‘do the right thing for my country’ and furthermore I can confirm that people have not been stopping me in the street to say that I’d be a perfect ambassador for Ireland. Accordingly, I am not humbled and honoured and am not giving the matter serious consideration.”
The politician added that he is not ruling anything in or out before cutting the interview short to double-check if his phone was on silent.
The Roscommon People sought an assessment from political commentator Fionnan Sheahan but he was in the middle of a (very) long sentence.
SUNDAY
Celebrity birthdays
According to the internet, famous
people who celebrate their birthday today include Irish duo Padraig Harrington and Van Morrison. Amongst the celebrities they share their birthday with are actor Richard Gere and former superstar athlete Edwin Moses.
Morrison, who is 80 today, was in superb voice when we saw him at Malahide Castle earlier this year. Harrington (celebrating his 54th birthday), is a world class golfer whom I still contend is Ireland’s greatest ever sportsperson.
Richard Gere (76 today) is an American actor, a ‘heartthrob’ of the 1980s and ‘90s, probably best known for his performances in An Officer and a Gentleman and Pretty Woman
Edwin Moses, rated one of the greatest track athletes of all time, was a sporting hero of my youth. The American (70 today) had 122 consecutive wins in 400m hurdles races over a nine-year period (he won gold medals in the Olympics of 1976 and 1984).
That foursome wouldn’t be a bad line-up for one of those ‘Fantasy Dinner Party guests’ people sometimes get asked about. But would Van turn up?
MONDAY
Electrifying
“So, how was it?” I asked our youngest daughter when she returned from Electric Picnic today.
By now, I wasn’t expecting (or seeking) a weather report. I’d got over that, no longer being obsessed with the biblical rain aspect, having read uplifting online reviews of how the quality and variety of acts trumped all the presumed discomfort that parents/people of a certain age might have been preoccupied with. “Amazing” she replied – and I well believed it.
“And how were Kneecap?” I queried, brimming with prejudice. “Absolutely amazing.”
I chose not to argue about that which I know little of.
So there you go. Next year I might do my own on-the-spot Electric Picnic report.
Step into September: A fresh start with Slimming World
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and free membership until September 20th – all for just €100, saving you €29! With a variety of morning, evening, and weekend groups in your local community, there’s a time and day to suit you. Come along, take that first step, and discover just how amazing you can feel by the end of 2025! The team at Slimming World can’t wait to welcome you to group this week!
Signed: Your Slimming World Consultants – Pauline, Breanne, and Trish
Slimming World
BOYLE
St Josephs Resource Centre, Abbeytown, Boyle
5:30pm and 7:00pm Breanne – 086 0867377 ROSCOMMON
Townhouse & Restaurant, The Square, Roscommon Wednesday morning 7.30am and 9.30am
Wednesday evening 5:30pm and 7:00pm Pauline – 087 1878701
Community mourns passing of Seán Leydon
Roscommon Town is mourning the death of Seán Leydon, Goff Street, and formerly of Keadue, Boyle, who passed away peacefully at the Galway Clinic on Friday, August 29th. The late Mr Leydon had been ill for a short period and was surrounded by his wife and family at the time of his death.
A very popular figure in the community, Mr Leydon is remembered as a man of
quiet faith and enduring values. Fr John Cullen, former parish priest of Roscommon Town, said that family, faith, friends and farming formed Seán’s entire life.
Mr Leydon is mourned by his beloved wife Ríona and by his eight children –Aisling, Aonghus, Máire, Toirealach, Nollaig, Seán Óg, Tomás and Ailbhe. He was a proud grandfather to Zara, Thomas, James, Ethan, Adam, Conor, Rónán, Jayne
Catherine, William, Samuel, Aoife, Ciarán, Caoimhe, Oisín, Saoirse and Éabha He is also mourned by his sons-in-law Tom, Paul, Eric and Owen, his daughter-in-law Iwona, Toirealach’s partner Jim, and also by his nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law Mary, Anne and Gretta, cousins, neighbours and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Mary Kate and
John, and by his sisters Alice and Tessie. Over recent days the people of the community gathered to pay their respects and to fondly remember a much-respected figure whose life was quietly rooted in community and compassion.
Mr Leydon’s funeral Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon. Burial followed in St Coman’s Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Junior infants pictured on their first day at school at Cloontuskert NS (with teacher, Ms Feely) last week Photograph: Michael Finan
Did You Know?
Legislation, which came into effect in January 2024, means all householders in Ireland are entitled to a brown bin recycling collection service If you are not currently receiving this service, please contact your waste collection provider.
KNOW YOUR BROWN BIN KNOW YOUR BROWN BIN
Ireland generates over 500,000 tonnes of food waste every year Use your brown bin to segregate food waste and turn it into compost, reduce landfill and protect our environment
In order to comply with Roscommon County Council Waste Presentation Byelaws: You need to demonstrate you are disposing of waste in a responsible and legal manner You must segregate your waste correctly
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Road Reference Townland Closure duration Section of Closure Proposed Diversion N61 Tulsk to Boyle Gortnacrannagh 9th to 11th September 2025 Length of Closure 1600m. Closure starts at 200m south of the N61 Junction with the R369, to 200m north of the N61 Junction with the L-6117 Proposed Diversion will be via the N5 at Tulsk, as far as Frenchpark and onto the R361 Boyle Road. And via R369 in both directions at Shankill cross
Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project
Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project
Mark Keaveney
Mark Keaveney Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ROADS ACT 1993
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ROADS ACT 1993
SECTION 12 AND SECTION 73
SECTION 12 AND SECTION 73
ABANDONMENT OF A PUBLIC ROAD
ABANDONMENT OF A PUBLIC ROAD EXTINGUISHMENT OF A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
EXTINGUISHMENT OF A PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
NOTICE
NOTICE
Roscommon County Council has abandoned the public road and extinguished the public right of way described in the schedule hereunder:
Roscommon County Council has abandoned the public road and extinguished the public right of way described in the schedule hereunder.
SCHEDULE
Townland Description Length Kilrooskey and Cloonerk, Roscommon Local Road No. 18315 From chainage 100m to 408.39m
Mark Keaveney
Mark Keaveney
Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development
Director of Services, Economic, Planning and Physical Development
HIRE • SALES • REPAIRS
County Board outlines chain of events
In a statement issued to the Roscommon People, Thomas Murray, the vice-chairperson of Roscommon County Board, confirmed that the IFC play-off in question had been switched following consideration of a communication from Padraig Pearses GAA Club in relation to its commitments as a dual club (i.e. fielding in both football and hurling).
Mr Murray said: “The Competitions Control Committee (CCC) held its draws on Sunday evening at 5 pm following the conclusion of Round 3 of the club football championship. As Padraig Pearses are a dual club, the CCC fixed the senior championship third place play-off (preliminary quarter-final) for Wednesday, September 10th to accommodate the avoidance of a clash with their senior hurling championship fixture of Sunday, September 7th.
“Padraig Pearses’ secretary informed the CCC via email on Monday that the avoidance of the above clash between senior football and senior hurling championship teams was replaced with another clash between their intermediate football championship and senior football championship teams. Therefore, Padraig Pearses respectfully requested that the fixture be revisited by the CCC.”
Mr Murray said that the CCC discussed the issue. It was felt that the “crossover” between Padraig Pearses’ prospective intermediate football and senior hurling fixtures (scheduled for September 6th and 7th respectively) was more significant that the senior football-senior hurling crossover, given that there were six panel members involved. Accordingly, the IFC play-off game was rescheduled for September 20th.
The County Board statement continued: “Roscommon GAA’s CCC remains committed to transparency, fairness, and the best interests of all players, clubs, and supporters.
“We believe open communication is essential, and we welcome the opportunity to engage constructively with Kilbride GAA officers to ensure that CCC decisions are fully explained and clearly understood by all stakeholders.”
Kilbride GAA manager expresses frustration over fixture change
Money spent on flights ‘gone down drain’
< SEAMUS DUKE
Kilbride GAA Club says it will seek financial redress from Roscommon County Board due to its extreme frustration over a late fixture change.
The manager of the Kilbride intermediate football team says the club had paid for flights for players who are in college in the UK and France in anticipation of their IFC relegation play-off taking place this Saturday.
Kilbride were scheduled to play Padraig Pearses in Fuerty at 4.30 pm on Saturday and plans had been made to fly key players in. However the game has now been switched.
Conor Devaney, player-manager of Kilbride, expressed his extreme disappointment and frustration with Roscommon County Board fixture-makers after news of the change was communicated late on Monday night.
It emerged that the game originally fixed for Fuerty this Saturday (6th) had been switched to Saturday, September 20th.
Conor Devaney told the Roscommon People: “We have players in college in the UK and France and others around the country so we spent all day last Sunday arranging and paying for flights, taxis, trains and other forms of transport so that we would have a full team to play the fixture.
“Then on Monday night at 11.30 pm we were informed by email from the County Board
that the game was being rescheduled for September 20th. We have already spent in the region of €1,300 to facilitate this weekend’s fixture and now that’s gone down the drain.
“Roscommon County Board have always spoken about facilitating players and the importance of player welfare and have several mental health and player welfare initiatives in place. This certainly is not in any of those categories. We will be seeking redress from Roscommon County Board on the basis of this.”
Roscommon Active Retirement meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 9th at 2.30 pm in the Hyde Centre, Roscommon. All welcome. Samaritans host information meeting
Could you be a Samaritans volunteer? No experience or qualifications are required as training, mentorship and support will be provided. If you’re interested, please come to an information meeting at the Samaritan Centre (3, Court Devenish, Athlone) at 11 am on Sunday, September 14th, call John on 087 7176189, or email athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans. org. Samaritans provide 24-hour emotional support on Freecall 116 123.
This year’s Terry Fox Run in Boyle
The annual Terry Fox Run in aid of cancer research will take place in Boyle again this year, with the 2025 event being held on Sunday, October 5th. To celebrate 30 years raising funds for cancer research in Ireland, the event reverts to its original name (from Run Walk n Roll). Local organisers would love to see all our supporters from over the years join us on October 5th. If you have any novel ideas to help make it a particularly special year, we would love to hear from you! We will be making a big announcement in the coming weeks so keep watching our Facebook and Instagram pages (Terry Fox Run Boyle) for updates and links to the Terry Fox story.
On Wednesday, September 10th at 6.30 pm Teagasc are holding a Suckler Farm Walk on the farm of Gerard and Shane O’Connor, Willsbrook, Castlerea, Co Roscommon (F45C623).
Shane works full-time off farm and breeds top quality cattle using 100% AI. Their cow type is mainly Limousin cross, and these are sired to Charolais and Limousin bulls. In previous years progeny was sold as weanlings but more recently the O’Connors have decided to keep these cattle and sell them as forward stores.
They farm 41 hectares, split into five blocks. Around eight of these are rented. Soil type is a mixture of clay and peat.
On the evening, we will discuss weanling management and how Shane car-
ries this out on his farm to minimise stress on the cow and calf.
Local advisors will give an update on Beef Schemes such as SCEP and the Beef Welfare Scheme. Weanling Health coming into the autumn/ winter will be covered and the Beef Market Outlook will be discussed by Brendan Egan, Castlerea Livestock Mart Manager and Anthony Dowd from Dawn Meats. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served.
Nick’s nomination quest…
Would-be presidential election candidate Nick Delehanty was in Roscommon Town last Thursday to meet a number of local county councillors as he continues his nationwide campaign to secure a nomination for the upcoming election. Mr Delehanty is pictured above on a courtesy call to John Corcoran Menswear, Church Street, Roscommon town where he chatted to proprietor John Corcoran and Cllr Marty McDermott. Mr Delehanty is pictured on right at Roscommon County Council HQ. Photographs: Michael Finan
Shane O’Connor (pictured with his family) and Advisor Colm Murray (extreme right), will be hosting a Teagasc Suckler farm walk on their farm in Castlerea (Eircode: F45 C623).
Fit-Up Theatre Festival in its fifth year for County Galway
The North East Galway Fit-Up Theatre Festival returns to County Galway for its fifth year at the end of September 2025. Rural villages in North East Galway will enjoy three weeks of fantastic theatre from Tuesday 23rd September until Saturday 11th October. The five venues will host each of the three plays on the same night each week at 8 p.m. The Three Rings in association with Galway County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council will present high quality productions in five venues over a three-week period. This combined commitment and investment in high-end professional Irish theatre continues to be the benchmark characteristic of the Fit-up ethos from the 1940s. The Three Rings team have put together their fifth Fit-Up programme which continues to showcase some of Ireland’s most veritable who’s who of Irish theatre under the canopy of Fit-Up style theatre for One Night Only in each of the five North East Galway communities.
Opening this year’s three-week festival, the Three Rings welcome the return of Hubcap Theatre’s duo Michael Ryan and Sean Kelleher with their brand new comedy - Mary’s Hopes and Dreams. After performing The Parish in over 70 venues nationwide, the boys return with a delightful new comedy about life in a rural community. A cast of colourful characters including Cattle Dealers, Tennis players, Greyhound trainers, 80’s Pop Stars and the much loved Two Mary’s! With Hubcap’s unique brand of visual com-
Kerrane raises rural policing with new Garda Commissioner
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has written to the new Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who took up his new role on Monday, urging him to devise a new plan for rural policing.
Speaking this week, Deputy Kerrane said: “I wrote to him (Commissioner Kelly) to raise two issues I had raised with his predecessor and repeatedly with the Government – to no avail.
“Firstly, we need a rural Garda plan to police rural communities, with a focus on areas where Garda stations were closed and where Garda numbers are down. This is something I have advocated for, for at least two years now.
“I would see this plan as focusing mainly on community Gardaí… I would like the Commissioner to consider this.
“Secondly, for a long time I have also advocated for the need for changes to the internal transfer process within An Garda Siochána. There are Gardaí stationed away from home wanting to get back closer to home (who are) unable to. In some instances, they have left the force.”
Deputy Kerrane says that the current internal transfer process leaves Gardaí in a “terrible position” and must be changed as the increased resignations from the force that it is causing are unsustainable.
edy and characterisation, the audience will delight in madcap moments of slapstick, rap, mime, song, dance, martial arts and swimming.
For the second week of the festival, the Three Rings present the sharp, witty, and full of heart play Footnote. Footnote is Written and Performed by Irene Kelleher, directed by Laura O’ Mahony, and designed by Cormac O’ Connor. Footnote is a heartwarming comedy that will have you laughing, cringing and rushing to your local bookshop. Meet Noreen Gilhooly, a long struggling writer working in a local bookshop, living in the shadow of her world-renowned famous poet mother. Complete with crazy customers, an eccentric agent and failed suitors.
For this year’s festival finale week, the Three Rings welcome Colin Hamell with his play Bumbled. This will tour from Tuesday 8th Oct until Sunday 13th October. Life is short. Especially if you’re a bee. Not long to make honey, prop up the human food chain, and to fall in love. Bumbled follows Pascal, an Irish honey bee, as he embarks on a hilarious and poignant journey to tell the world about the importance of bees, save the planet, and to find true happiness with his French girlfriend, the epic Marion ….all while trying to avoid his balls exploding, his manhood falling off and certain death. Bumbled brings you on a one person, bee-twerking, Irish slow-dancing, sex dodging, odyssey – where ‘too late, of-
ten comes sooner than you think’.
This year’s North East Galway Fit Up Festival tour will include performances in venues at Skehana Community Hall (Tuesdays: 23rd Sept, 30th Sept & 7th Oct); Newbridge Community Centre (Wednesdays: 24th Sept, 1st & 8th Oct); Kilbegnet Hall, Creggs (Thursdays: 25th Sept, 2nd h & 9th Oct); Fohenagh Hall (Fridays: 26th Sept, 3rd h & 10th October); and Abbeyknockmoy Community Centre (Saturdays 27th Sept, 4th & 11th October) with performances taking place at 8pm each night.
Capacity is limited in each of the venues; it is advisable to book tickets in advance. For bookings and further information call 0879677732 / 0872372820. Tickets €15/€12.50 and season tickets (all 3 plays) are €40.
More info on Galway’s Fit-Up Theatre: Instagram https://www. instagram.com/galwayfituptheatre/ / Facebook https://www.facebook. com/p/Galway-Fit-Up-Theatre-Festival-61556472696336/ Mary’s Hopes and Dreams will tour from Tues 23rd Sept until Sat 27th Sept. Running time 85 mins; No Interval. Age Suitability 12 + Footnote will tour from Tues 30th Sept until Saturday 4th Oct. Running time 60 mins; No Interval. Age Suitability 16 + Bumbled will tour from Tues 7th Oct until Saturday 11th Oct. Running time 60 mins; No Interval. Age Suitability 12 +
Celebrate Brazilian culture at Brazilian Day Festival
The vibrant colours, sounds, and flavours of Brazil are coming to Roscommon on Saturday, September 13th, with the Brazilian Day Festival set to take place at Kilbride Community Centre. This exciting event, open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, promises a day full of cultural immersion, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchange.
The public are invited to join in for a day of celebration, learning, and community building. Experience the warmth and hospitality of Brazilian culture, and contribute to fostering a more inclusive and integrated community in Roscommon.
The Brazilian Day Festival is a community-driven event aimed at celebrating Brazilian culture, music, gastronomy, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. It will provide a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The festival is dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the vibrant heritage of the North East Region of Brazil – ‘Nordeste’ –through a diverse array of cultural activities. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Brazilian music, sports, and culinary delights, enjoy-
ing live performances, traditional dances, and vibrant music that capture the essence of Brazilian culture. Additionally, the festival aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and integration within the local community, promoting mutual respect and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Local businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those of Brazilian origin, will be supported through a platform to showcase their unique products and services, offering visitors a variety of stalls to explore. Panels, arts and crafts, cusine, dance and music will provide insights into Brazilian
culture, history, and contemporary issues, making the festival not only entertaining, but also informative. The event will serve as a bridge for community integration, encouraging local businesses to engage with the Brazilian and wider Roscommon community, thereby promoting economic and social cohesion.
Keep up to date on social media for updates and sneak peeks of what to expect at the Brazilian Day Festival, by following @braziliandayroscommon on Instagram. For more information, please contact braziliandayroscommon@gmail. com.
Flashback to last year’s Brazilian Day Festival in Roscommon.
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
In the hot seat – but it’s not child’s play!
Our columnist Frank Brandon discusses the unexpected hurdles when babysitting young grandchildren, celebrating his godson’s graduation, some upcoming social events taking place in the area, and more!
It’s Wednesday morning of last week, and as the elderly grandad, I have been entrusted with the simple enough task of getting my grandchildren, Poppy and Daithi, safely to and from their crèche – the Bees Kneez in Glenamaddy. I deliver them on time to the crèche, thanks to
the fact that their babysitter installed them properly into their respective baby seats, and it wasn’t until I went back for them later on that I encountered any problem. I don’t know if our car had any baby seats when our kids were young, but if they had, they were very simple devices whereby you just stuck something into something else and off you went. The modern baby seats are a different animal; you would need a degree in engineering or science or maybe both to get them working properly. It didn’t take me long to realise that they were way too complicated for me. Typically, it was lashing rain at the time, but I had no choice except to look for help. Two of the girls who were working there came to my assistance, and despite both of them getting drowned wet, they got the kids installed and I am eternally grateful to them both. I wish I had found out their
names, but if ye read this, ye know who ye are and thanks a million!
Anyway, all was going well until after a couple of miles out the road, Poppy told me that I had put (or told the girls to put) them in the wrong seats – she was in Daithi’s, and he was in hers. From there to home it took my very best negotiation skills (I reminded myself of Donald Trump, the way I handled a potential war!) to keep the peace between the kids.
In the end I got them home in one piece, even if they were in the wrong seats – they were definitely unhappy about that!
As for me, I am going to enrol in a ‘baby-seat putting together’ class so the next time I am called upon to help I will be a proper expert!
Anyway, to the girls in Bees Kneez, thanks again – I will be forever in your debt!
Agricultural Show last Saturday.
Caps off to Colm!
Fast-forward to Wednesday evening of last week, and I am headed off to Limerick where my godson Colm (son of my brother Declan, aka The Rasher, and his wife Helen) was graduating with a PHD in AI (Artificial Intelligence).
Having driven to Ennis, I got the train to Limerick, from where I made the short walk from the train station to a lovely restaurant called Spitjack. As I made the relatively short walk to the restaurant, I couldn’t help but notice all the graduates and their groups that were all over the city, all dressed up to the nines and all making their way to the many eating and drinking houses around the city centre.
I don’t know when I was last in Limerick city, but anywhere I went seemed to be well preserved, bustling areas and there was no shortage of every kind of seemingly busy businesses.
As I walked along, I heard a shout from the other side of the street at me! It was a woman who wondered was I from Kildare, as she was
looking for someone to do Santa at a Christmas Grotto later this year. I told her I would not be available (to her great disappointment).
Anyway, a party of fifteen of us sat down to a delicious meal, and despite the fact that the place was pretty near full capacity, everything went off smoothly. I have to say that while the starter and main course were excellent, my dessert of apple crumble and ice cream and cream was just divine, the icing on the cake to a lovely evening.
No more than the baby seats in the cars, my understanding of exactly what Colm’s doctorate is in is blissfully nil, and despite his valiant attempts to explain it all to me I am none the wiser – maybe time is passing me by!
However, it appears that AI is the way forward in everything, and there is no doubt that he will be at the forefront of a lot of the big developments in the world in the future, so heartiest congratulations to Doctor Colm!
After we had eaten our fill, some of us made it back to Kelly’s bar in Ennis, where we had a few superb pints of Guinness and where I met up with a man called Peadar Cosgrave, with whom I played rugby for Ennis way back in 1974. His nickname was Dingus McGee back then, and Wednesday night was the first time I ever found out it wasn’t his real name – no matter how old you are, there is always something new for you to learn!
I have to say that there was something special about Kelly’s, so when the Friday Night Club goes international after its upcoming visit to O’Boyle’s in Laught, we could maybe bring it to Kelly’s before too long!
Anyway, that more or less brought an end to a really enjoyable occasion, and I am now back at my own kitchen table writing this. There is no apple crumble, ice cream, and cream on today’s menu, but I suppose I can’t be eating out all the time!
Save the date, ladies
Out here in Creggs, I got an intriguing message from Sheila Beirne, telling our local (and farther afield) ladies to keep Friday night, October 17th free for what she promises to be a fantastic night out. What is coming your way is still a mystery, but all will be revealed very shortly!
Tickets will be on sale very soon and we will all know what the big secret is. In the meantime, get the date Friday, October 17th stuck in your brain and don’t forget it! I obviously won’t see you there as it’s a ladies-only night! But I am intrigued.
Donamon link to Women’s Rugby World Cup!
One of the great sporting stories of the past year has been the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Despite occasional one-sided games, attendances have been very encouraging, and the standard of play has been much improved on other years.
In fact, a game I saw over the weekend – when the US and Australia drew 31 points apiece – was as good a game as one could ever hope to see. Of course from our point of view, the presence of a quality Irish team on the world stage is a huge bonus, and as we acknowledge the great steps forward that have been taken over the last few years, we must also recognise the fact that Emlaghroyan, Donamon, has been central to the story. For that is where Larissa Muldoon (a former international scrum-half, who is now a highly thought of coach with the Irish women’s team) has her roots, as she is the granddaughter of the late Vincent Muldoon. By all accounts she is hugely influential in the Irish camp.
The team have already qualified for the quarter-finals, and while it would be beyond expectations for them to win the tournament, they have already shown themselves to be a very talented exciting young outfit, and Larissa Muldoon has played a big part in their development.
Scott Beamen (head coach) and Denis Fogarty get most of the plaudits for the transformation in the team’s fortunes, but the woman whose roots are from Donamon is just as responsible for the team’s success and she surely has a huge future in the game.
And finally…
Closer to home, my son Mark and his wife Aoife are launching Sporting Club Ireland on Wednesday, September 10th by holding a ‘Dinner with Johnny Sexton’ in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin.
It all kicks off with a drinks reception from 6 pm to 7 pm, with opportunities to have pictures taken with Johnny and various other high profile guests. There will then be a three-course dinner with wine, after which there will be a long chat with Johnny and interviews with some of the other guests. It is also a fundraising event for the Dillon Quirke Foundation, and if you want an early night, it will be all over by 10 pm. If, however, you are a night owl, there will be an after-party where you can chat with some more legends of the sporting world. So for a unique insight into one of Ireland’s greatest-ever rugby players, and a real evening’s entertainment, don’t forget Wednesday, September 10th in the Radisson Blu Hotel D8 from 6 pm. I can’t wait – and I hope to see you there!
A performer entertains spectators with a hula hoop at the Roscommon Pride Parade on Saturday. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at Elphin
Photo: Michael Finan
Electric Picnic: Is TG4 more in tune than RTÉ?
The some 80,000 attendees of this year’s Electric Picnic festival made their way back to their respective corners of the country this week, after enjoying a weekend of music, mud, and merriment at the Stradbally Hall site.
And for those who didn’t make it to the actual event, there were still a feel of the entertainment to enjoy from home, with last weekend’s Electric Picnic (EP) turning out to be both a triumph and a litmus test for cultural broadcasting in Ireland. A senior editor at TG4 described their EP broadcast as a “milestone for Irish music and the Irish language” – with the success of their hourand-a-half special ‘Beo ón Electric Picnic’ seemingly signalling a lost opportunity for RTÉ, who, despite airing the festival in the past, provided no dedicated coverage for this year’s event.
This would at least appear to be the opinion of the Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland, who branded RTÉ’s lack of coverage as an “opportunity missed” when the news was first confirmed, citing how much Irish acts could benefit from such exposure.
An RTÉ spokesperson called the choice to not broadcast this year’s festival “an editorial decision”. And while it’s far from the first time the broadcaster has made that same editorial decision (last airing the event back in 2017), its absence this year has drawn sharper scrutiny – not only in contrast to TG4’s success, but also against the backdrop of wider debates on festival broadcasting, stirred most recently by the BBC’s controversial handling of Glastonbury.
Who gets to hold the mic?
The BBC, Glastonbury’s exclusive broadcast partner, came under fire earlier this summer following their decisions about the airing of performances from Irish rap trio Kneecap and English punk rap duo Bob Vylan. After Bob Vlyan’s set was live-streamed, during which the band led
Let’s talk about
the crowd in chants of “Death to the IDF”, the BBC declined to broadcast Kneecap’s performance live, presumably due to their own political messaging.
The debate this controversy sparked around freedom of speech, activism, complicity, and censorship, gained a further resurgence just a couple of weeks ago, after The Mary Wallopers had their sound cut off when they displayed a Palestinian flag on stage while performing at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth.
But heading into last weekend’s entertainment, the organiser of Electric Picnic endeavoured to communicate their own stance clearly – with Festival Republic director Melvin Benn directly criticising the actions taken against Kneecap and The Mary Wallopers at UK festivals this summer, emphatically promising “mics won’t be switched off” at EP 2025.
It meant that the political moments that did, of course, end up featuring at various points in this year’s festival, were heard loud and clear across the crowded fields at Stradbally, and through the screen around the rest of the country; from moments such as rapper Kojaque addressing housing protests in Dublin or Lankum’s rendition of Go Dig My Grave in solidarity with Gaza, to activism-infused sets from Hozier and Kneecap, both of whom explicitly called out the Central Bank of Ireland’s role in approving Israeli government bonds for sale in the EU, among repeated invocations for Palestinian support. Such political moments were not censored in TG4’s special.
Who’s in tune and who’s tuning in?
That TG4, a broadcaster with a fraction of RTÉ’s resources, should step up to capture and share the atmosphere of the country’s biggest festival, political flashpoints and all, suggests a sharper cultural instinct – one that recognises the significance of an event like EP, and respects its potential to act as a reflection of wider national conversations on social, artistic, and political issues.
For TG4, airing EP was not only a chance to showcase Irish music and youth culture, but also to demonstrate the relevance of the Irish language itself in contemporary life. The ‘Beo ón Electric Picnic’ special spotlighted performances from the Irish-language-oriented Collchoill and Puball Gaeilge stages, and prominently featured artists such as Bláithín Mhic Cana and Piaras Ó Lorcáin, IMLÉ, John Spillane, Eve Belle, Amano, and others. Beyond music, the programme also embraced broader cultural expressions, from podcasts to céilí mór to comedy. TG4’s programme gave a platform to the Irish language and served a younger generation who are embracing it – just as it served that same generation by not shying away from showcasing the solidarities shown by Irish artists and audiences on global and domestic issues.
For RTÉ, by contrast, absence risks reinforcing perceptions of a national broadcaster out of step with both audiences and artists. And when set against controversies at Glastonbury and other UK events, in an era where music festivals double simultaneously as platforms for political expression and hotbeds for coverage controversy, it becomes easy for scrutiny to arise over a lack of coverage itself. At a time when Ireland is undergoing a renewed embrace of its linguistic and cultural heritage, and when Irish artists are increasingly part of global conversations on justice and identity, some ‘editorial decisions’ risk ceding cultural ground and credibility – in the case of EP at least, TG4’s coverage this year suggests the pulse of Ireland’s cultural life won’t wait for those who hesitate in keeping ‘tuned in’.
Alannah Ita Healy
TG4 were broadcasting from this year’s sold-out Electric Picnic Music & Arts festival in Stradbally Co. Laois.
at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural
Tom Tighe, stockist
157th Strokestown Show set to attract thousands of visitors
< EMMETT CORCORAN
Established in 1867, the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show is one of the county’s and indeed the country’s premier agricultural events.
This year, the 157th show is set to take place on Saturday, September 13th, on the grounds of Strokestown Park House. The show is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors. Across various show classes and All-Ireland Championships, there is a total prize fund exceeding €80,000.
During the official launch of the show, Chairperson John O’Beirne addressed a large gathering of sponsors, supporters, stewards, committee members, and exhibitors. Among the attendees were representatives from several pedigree cattle societies. As has been the case in recent years, Strokestown Show will host All-Ireland Championship finals in the various cattle and equine classes, including the Irish Angus All-Ireland Finals, with a prize fund of
€15,000, which includes €2,000 for the Youth Development Programme Showmanship Awards, in addition to a number of other AllIreland cattle classes.
Mr O’Beirne expressed his gratitude to all sponsors and exhibitors, extending special thanks to the Callery family, the custodians of Strokestown Park House, for once again providing a fine setting for one of “Ireland’s best agricultural events.” He also noted that Strokestown Show has continuously been able to offer significant prize monies for classes due to the generosity of local sponsors.
In addition to the traditional cattle and equine competitions, the show offers an array of attractions designed to entertain the entire family. The popular dog show, featuring 23 classes, returns this year. As does the sheep section, another key element of the show.
This year, the show will again feature a wide range of artisan displays under marquees, showcasing farm and garden produce, flowers,
turf, cookery, honey, eggs, jam, handicrafts, amateur photography, and art.
A highlight of recent years is also making a comeback, the food fair – ‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’. This year’s fair is promising to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can look forward to cookery demonstrations from an impressive line-up of chefs, including celebrity TV chef Shane Smith.
The show will also feature commercial stands with machinery and local business exhibits. Amusements for children will be available too, including free face-painting and hair braiding, although a small charge will apply to some activities, helping to cover some of the costs involved.
The 2025 Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show promises to be a day filled with fun and entertainment for all ages. With an entry fee of just €15 per adult and free admission for those under 15 years of age, it is an event not to be missed.
Pictured
Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were John O’Beirne, show chairperson; sponsor
of Greenvale; Cormac Dolan, Greenvale representative for Connacht; and Allen Dolan, joint show secretary.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Martin Shiel, show treasurer; John O’Beirne, show chairperson; sponsors Bláithin and Tony Stevenson, Sweeney family/Chasetown Civil Engineering; Padraic Holmes, show vicechairperson; and Allen and Cormac Dolan, joint show secretaries. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
What’s on at the Show?
• The €6,000 All-Ireland Beef Bullock Championship Sponsored by The Sweeney Family, Corrigeen
• The €3,000 Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Championship
• The €13,000 Irish Angus All-Ireland Finals
• The €2,000 All-Ireland Breeding Heifer Sponsored by Chasetown Engineering Ltd (Sweeney Family, Corrigeen)
• Irish Shorthorn All-Ireland Finals
• Strokestown Hardware & Eurospar €2000
All Ireland Bull Calf Championships Sponsored by Frank and Barry Hanley
• The €17,000 Irish Draught Classes Sponsored by the Callery Family
• Hanly Quarries Grolime €3000 All Ireland Heifer Calf Championships
Admission to Show: €15
• €12,000 Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmare and Foal - Judged 60/40 All Ireland Championship
• €5,000 Registered Irish Draught classes
• Horse Showing and Pony Showing 11:30 a.m.
• Spectacular Dog Show (2 Rings) at 1.00 p.m.
• Showing Classes for horses, cattle, sheep dogs, crafts, cookery, farm & garden produce
Celebrity Chef
The financial survival of the Show depends on our gate receipts from your gate receipts. Please help us by contributing your share. All except children must pay on the gate.
Shane Smith
Ireland AM, the afternoon show and brand ambassador for Gem Foods and Kenwood Ireland. Beatrix Killeen, National Dairy Council Ambassador Ian Harford, Aniar Galway and winner of young chef of the year. Kieran Moran, Morans Mega Jam. Lorraine Aspil aka the Baking Goddess
The Kiwi Culchie Timea Kovacs
- The Best Free From
STROKESTOWN AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Equine excellence a feature of Strokestown Show
The equine section at this year’s Strokestown Show is set to command national attention, with an extraordinary €17,000 in prize money on offer for the Irish Draught classes, generously sponsored by the Callery family.
At the heart of this section is the Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmare and Foal AllIreland Championship, judged on a 60/40 mareto-foal basis. This prestigious class is expected to draw leading breeders from across the country and will be judged at 4 pm in what promises to be a centrepiece of the day’s equestrian programme.
Across the broader horse and pony classes, competitors will vie for a range of titles including the Tom Rogers Cup for registered Irish Draught mares and the Avril Cox Perpetual Cup for the best mare and foal pair. Registered Connemara and show pony classes will also feature prominently, with strong local sponsorship and enthusiastic participation expected. Young riders will have plenty of opportunity to shine too, particularly in the riding and lead-rein classes that consistently draw support from families and pony clubs across the region.
Beyond the rings, the sheep section continues to thrive, with classes for Suffolk, Texel, Charollais and Roscommon breeds, as well as a broad slate of commercial competitions. The inclusion of a Young Handler class reflects the show’s commitment to encouraging the next generation of stockkeepers, while the separate monitored and non-monitored flock arrangements ensure best practice in animal health.
From pedigree champions to local favourites, Strokestown’s sheep pens will offer a true crosssection of Irish sheep farming today.
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Cormac Dolan, joint show secretary; John O’Beirne, show chairperson; Joe Rafferty, Shorthorn Society; and Allen Dolan, joint show secretary. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Conor, Mary and Tom Beirne and John O’Beirne (show chairperson). Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
STROKESTOWN AGRICULTURAL SHOW
IRISH ANGUS CATTLE SOCIETY
IRISH
ANGUS
All Ireland and YDP Showmanship Awards
Venue: Strokestown Show
Saturday 8th September
Saturday 13th of September
Entries Close 1st September
Entries close 5th September
FUND €11,000
FUND: €15,000
Minister pays tribute to community spirit at heart of Strokestown Show
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD has paid warm tribute to the organisers and volunteers behind this year’s Strokestown Agricultural Show, describing it as “a celebration of all that is good about rural Ireland.”
In a message of support featured in the official show schedule, Minister Calleary acknowledged the long-standing importance of agricultural shows in the Irish rural calendar, noting that his Department has again allocated €1m in support of over 120 such events this year. This year Strokestown Show was awarded €9,205 in funding from the allocation.
“The local show is one of the best days of the year for meeting neighbours and friends,” Minister Calleary wrote. “It provides a vital platform for farmers, exhibitors, local producers and businesses to come together and showcase their work.”
He praised Strokestown’s efforts in maintaining both tradition and innovation, highlighting the importance of ‘meitheal’ – the spirit of community collaboration – on display throughout events like the show.
“Each show has something that makes it special,” he said. “Whether it’s pedigree livestock, local crafts, artisan food or the chance to step back from the daily routine and reconnect with community, these shows remain a central part of rural life.”
The Minister concluded by thanking the committee and volunteers for their months of preparation, saying their dedication was a reflection of the show’s value to the local area and the wider farming community.
at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were
The 2025 Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show takes place at the grounds of Strokestown Park House on Saturday, September 13th. Showground opens at 8 am. Exhibitors must be in the showgrounds by 10 am. According to organisers, judging commences at “10.30 am sharp” across the various classes in “cattle, sheep, crafts, cookery, farm & garden produce.”
FRENCH HOTEL
Accommodation
Bar Food served from 9-8pm each day
Sunday Carvery and Function
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were committee members and volunteers who are busy preparing for this year’s show.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured
Andrew O’Beirne and Amy Dolan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Mizzell returns to Strokestown Show
Country music legend Robert Mizzell is set to return to Strokestown Show this year. In addition to a number of popular acts, Mizzell will entertain the crowds from 2.30 pm on Saturday, September 13th.
There is an increased prize fund on offer this year, according to Strokestown Show committee: “The jiving competition returns with two classes of under25s and over-25s and a whopping €700 in prizes up for grabs.”
Last year, the jiving competition offered a prize fund of €500 and, according to organisers, the dancefloor was “hopping”.
Organisers are inviting all dancers, and in particular jiving enthusiasts, to come out and enjoy a great day of music and entertainment at the 2025 Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show.
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were John O’Beirne (show chairperson), Cllr Tom Crosby, Cllr Valerie Byrne, Cllr Sean Moylan and Cllr Liam Callaghan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Patricia Halley and John and Joan Flanagan.
Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Patsy Keenan, Oliver Flanagan and Grainne Mullooly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
STROKESTOWN AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Prestigious cattle sections to feature
< EMMETT CORCORAN
The cattle section at this year’s Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show is shaping up to be one of the most prestigious in the country, boasting an exceptional line-up of All-Ireland finals, pedigree classes, and commercial competitions – many with prize funds that rank among the highest on the national show circuit.
Cattle showing has long been at the heart of the Strokestown Show, and 2025 is no exception. With over a dozen All-Ireland titles up for grabs, as well as hotly contested young handler and breeder classes, the cattle rings are set to draw the country’s top livestock and exhibitors to the County Roscommon venue on Saturday, September 13th.
Among the standout events is the Sweeney Family All-Ireland Beef Bullock Final, carrying a prize fund of €6,000 and once again sponsored by the Sweeney family of Corrigeen.
Speaking ahead of the event, Show Chairperson John O’Beirne extended his deep appreciation to the Sweeney, Callery and Hanly families for their steadfast support over the years, which is one of the finest examples of local sponsorship backing national-level excellence. Mr O’Beirne also extended his thanks to all sponsors across cattle and other classes.
Also returning with a strong prize fund is the Greenvale Animal Feeds AllIreland Beef Heifer Championship, with a €3,000 prize fund. Entries for both this class and the Bullock Final are by direct entry only, with strict rules regarding teeth count and certification to ensure fairness and quality. Both championships continue to attract serious competitors and strong entries from across Ireland.
The All-Ireland Bull Calf Championships is introduced with the support of local sponsors Francis and Barry Hanly of Strokestown Hardware and Hanly’s Eurospar. Additionally, the
All-Ireland Heifer Calf Championships have been kindly sponsored by Hanly Quarries Gro-Lime. Together, these calf classes carry a combined prize fund of over €5,000. Champions in both sections will receive an additional €200, with reserves awarded €100.
One of the most anticipated highlights is the All-Ireland Breeding Heifer Class, backed by Chasetown Civil Engineering Ltd, also connected to the Sweeney family. Open to commercial breeds and by direct entry, this class offers a top prize of €700.
Strokestown Show will once again host some of the most competitive pedigree cattle classes in the country, with major All-Ireland championships across Hereford, Charolais, Limousin, Simmental, Shorthorn, and Angus breeds. These prestigious classes regularly attract top-quality livestock and exhibitors from across Ireland, with significant prize funds up for grabs. This year, the winner of the All-Ireland Irish Angus Bull Calf (from May 1st, 2025) will receive the ‘Mullooly Trophy’ presented by the Mullooly family.
Organisers said: “Strokestown Show is proud to also host major All-Ireland pedigree championships... These sections are among the most competitive in the country, attracting some of the very best pedigree stock to Roscommon year after year.”
The commercial section remains a key highlight too, with sought-after prizes such as the John Devine (Jackie) Memorial Cup, alongside popular young handler competitions that showcase the talent of the next generation. With significant prize funds and top-class cattle on show, the rings at Strokestown promise to be a standout attraction once again this year.
With its combination of elite breeding, youth engagement, and community spirit, the cattle section at this year’s Strokestown Show is once again set to take centre stage.
THURSDAY WEEKLY: SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS FOR SALE ON THURSDAY 4TH OF SEPTEMBER 6 SHORTHORN CROSS BREEDING HEIFERS, GENUINE ANIMALS FORTHCOMING AUTUMN SHOWS AND SALES
MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER: BULLOCK SALE WILL RESUME
THURSDAY 18TH OF SEPTEMBER: SHOW AND SALE CONTINENTAL WEANLINGS
Please feel free to contact me on any individual, community or national issue. Looking forward to being in touch 01 6184507 gareth.scahill@oireachtas.ie @garethscahillfg
MONDAY 22ND OF SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL BULLOCK SALE
THURSDAY 25TH OF SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE AND BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE
MONDAY 29TH OF SEPTEMBER: AA BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE
THURSDAY 2ND OF OCTOBER: AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, were Gerry Kilgallon, Irish Angus President; John O’Beirne, show chairperson; Cormac Dolan, joint show secretary; Oliver Flanagan; Patsy Keenan, Irish Angus secretary; Sean Kilkenny; Kevin Diffley; Dermot Kilcrann; Yvonne Brady; Allen Dolan, joint show secretary; Martin Shiel, show treasurer, and John Farrell. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were John O’Beirne, show chairperson, and Jack Beirne of Beirne & Sons, sponsor of the Cattle Section. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
(Proudly serving farmers for over 66 years)
Friday 5th September @ 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Bullocks 90 Pens on Offer
Also, Dry Cows and Heifers
Friday 12th September @ 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Heifers
Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday 8th September @ 5 p.m.
Friday 19th September @ 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Bullocks
Also, Dry Cows and Heifers Bookings accepted until Monday 15th September @ 5 p.m.
Sale
of Lambs and Cast Ewes
Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. –Gates close at 10 a.m.
Tuesday 9th September @ 4 p.m.
Show and Sale of Weanlings
Also Springers Bookings accepted until Thursday 4th September @ 5 p.m.
Saturday 13th September @ 11 a.m. Sale of Breeding Ewes and Hoggets
Multi-Breed Ram Sale - Time TBC
Saturday 6th September @ 11 a.m.
Organic Cattle Sale
Bookings now being accepted
Flagship food and drink fair set to return for 8th year
< EMMETT CORCORAN
The 8th annual ‘Flavours From the Heart of Ireland’ – one of the region’s finest food and drink fairs – will take place at the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show on Saturday, September 13th.
The fair started in 2016 with 19 exhibitors; it has grown to almost 50 exhibitors in recent years. The popularity and success of the event, which is entering its 8th year, has been a fantastic attraction at the Strokestown Show since its inception and draws a wide array of exhibitors in the artisan food and drink sector from across the region.
The fair will include cookery demonstrations from a variety of chefs,
including celebrity chef Shane Smith, who regularly features on TV shows such as Ireland AM and The Afternoon Show; he is also a brand ambassador for Gem foods and Kenwood Ireland.
National Dairy Council Ambassador Beatrix Killeen will also feature in the demonstration marquee, as well as Ian Hardford of Aniar, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Galway’s West End and winner of the Young Chef of the Year Award. Kieron Moran of Moran’s Mega Jam will give a jam-making demonstration, while Lorraine Aspil, also known as ‘The Baking Goddess’, will give a bakery demonstration. Timea Kovac of The Best Free From will also return to the demonstration stage this year.
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were Martin Shiel, show treasurer; John O’Beirne, show chairperson; sponsor Dylan Cronin of Corby Rock Mill; and Allen Dolan, joint show secretary. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the recent launch of Strokestown Agricultural Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown were sponsor Julie Dolan of Julie’s Flowers with Allen and Thomas Dolan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion, held recently at the school, were Padraig Regan, Peter O’Connor, Dominic Cox and Michael Connaughton. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion, held recently at the school, were Micheál Gleeson, Noel Hanlon and Pat Granahan. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion were Michael Connaughton (centre) with current Deputy Principal Francis Ferguson and current Principal Kevin Scollan. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion, held recently at the school, were Seamus Hayden, Gerry Devaney, Kieran Farrell and Peter Dolan. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion were Joe Kearney, John Morgan, Jimmy Kelly and Joe Snype. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
Pictured at the ‘Class of 1975’ Roscommon CBS Reunion were Gerry Devaney, Pat McCrann, Eamon McNamara and Anthony Pettit. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Playing a new tune for Castlerea
Think of Castlerea and you think of an enterprising town – there’s An Chistin, the Castlerea Rose Festival, the local musical society, the Enterprise Hub, the unique outdoor swimming pool, Somers Park, and lots more besides.
Yet, as the old adage goes, ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same’ – which is something that can be justifiably said of the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band (CBARB), who have been part of Castlerea life since 1892, some 133 years.
The band is something that not just the people of Castlerea are proud of, but the wider community as well. For years, the band have been a central part of people’s lives through festivals, sporting occasions, parades, and celebrations; the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band have been a part of them all.
This September, the band enter a new phase of existence as they establish their first-ever school of music. As the title implies, the school will teach the next generation of band members, cementing the band’s existence even further in the community.
What’s particularly interesting about the classes is that instruction is suitable for all ages and for a wide variety of instruments, namely trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone and euphonium, with instruction by expert tutors, all under the watchful eye of the band’s musical director, Niamh O’Flanagan.
Classes are suitable for all ages but the emphasis will very much be on learning in a fun, relaxed and convivial setting, just the way it has been when band members both rehearse and perform during their busy schedule every year.
The Castlerea Brass & Reed Band was revived in its modern guise just over thirty years ago (in 1993), by the late Pat O’Flanagan and Tom Flynn. Throughout its existence, the band has nurtured generations of musicians, not least the likes of Johnny Carroll, one of the country’s most popular and enduring trumpet players.
Uniquely, Roscommon is only one of three Connacht counties to have a brass & reed band, with Castlerea being the county’s only such band. Furthermore, CBARB are the only such band to have played at St Patrick’s Day Parades in New York, Philadelphia, Birmingham, London, and Manchester.
In turn, these performances have resulted
in strong and enduring relationships with the Irish diaspora abroad, mutually benefitting each organisation.
“We’re often the link between those Irish emigrants living overseas and family members back home. Playing at St Patrick’s Day parades is giving people a sense of home and a celebration of Roscommon life overseas,” says band member Sean Mannion.
“But the band have also been at the heart of local milestones and events down through the years. People value our presence at these events and we in turn are grateful for that support” says Sean, citing the recent Pride Parade as one such event, where the band, literally and metaphorically, led ‘from the front.’
Such is the esteem that the band are held in, long-serving member Sean was honoured by the Roscommon Association in New York last year, following in the footsteps of fellow band member Danny Burke, who was honoured by the Association in 2018.
For Sean, the band is an integral part of the community: “Generations of local people have grown up with the band and their music. People in the wider Castlerea area feel a deep sense of ownership of the band.
“This is incredibly positive and has allowed the band to grow and develop over the years,
staying loyal to its roots. But like all voluntary organisations, it’s important we grow our appeal, look to the future, and reach out to new and also young musicians. For us, it’s about ensuring the future of the band” stresses Sean.
Though the band has a strong core of loyal and dedicated members, attracting new members with innovative ideas and new abilities is the hallmark of a band thinking about its future.
Key details
The new Castlerea Brass & Reed Band School of Music or ‘C-BARB’ will host an open evening on Monday, September 15th in the Hub in Castlerea from 6 pm. The evening will give those interested in learning a new musical instrument ‘a taster’, as it were, of what to expect.
Following this open evening, classes will then commence over an eight-week term, beginning on Monday, September 22nd, from 6 pm, also in the Hub. It’s hoped those participating in the classes will in turn become the next generation of acclaimed musicians and band members.
For further information or to book one’s place, contact Sean Mannion on 086 8388756, Dixie on 085 1742730, or email Niamh on niamhofk@gmail.com.
New exhibition at Solas Gallery
Solas Art Gallery anticipates their latest exhibition will be an extraordinary experience as they celebrate the unique art and creativity of artists Senga Sharkey and Sylvia Thirlway at the Island Theatre, Ballinamore.
Senga Sharkey of Co Fermanagh explores a delicate artistic balance between abstract and the familiar. Her exhibition aptly titled ‘Somewhere Between Two Extremes’ emphasises the power of storytelling. In both semi-abstract and fully abstract style, memories, feelings and imagination are transformed with a fusion of colourful textured mediums, collage, acrylic and mixed media.
Co-joining artist and poet Sylvia Thirlway indicates her passion for all things natural after laying down her brushes for a long time. On return from her previous acrylic painting, Sylvia discovered her adoration of oils, as it blends and flows over many differing surfaces, including her chosen wood panels and canvas boards.
Her exhibition, titled ‘Elemental Spaces’ is inspired by the state of the planet and the way many societies have forgotten how to value the natural world and all its wonders.
This thought-provoking exhibition will be officially opened by award-winning poet, short story writer, filmmaker and contemporary artist Teresa Godfrey. It promises to be an invigorating evening of storytelling and poetry. It takes place on Friday, September 5th at 7.30 pm. Refreshments will be served. This exhibition will run until October 3rd.
‘Song to the Siren’ – by Sylvia Thirlway. ‘Blue Light’ – by Sylvia Thirlway.
‘Harry’ – by Senga Sharkey. ‘Misty Night’ – by Sylvia Thirlway.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan, author Trudy Callaghan, Ciara Hassett (King House), and Mary Finn (Roscommon Arts Office) pictured at King House for the launch of Roscommon’s biggest ever Culture Night, taking place on Friday, September 19th Pic: Brian Farrell
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan pictured at King House with Bernie Walsh, her sister Theresa Moore, and Theresa’s husband Maurice Moore for the launch of Roscommon’s biggest ever Culture Night, taking place on Friday, September 19th. Pic: Brian Farrell
TFI Local Link to enhance Route 570 from Boyle to Roscommon
It has been confirmed that from September 8th next, TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon Route 570 will be enhanced from Boyle to Roscommon.
This enhanced route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National
‘Pier’ review… €35.75m project
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD (left), and Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, pictured at Inis Oírr pier last Thursday where they announced that funding of €35.75m has been approved for Galway County Council to proceed with the Inis Oírr pier extension project, a flagship infrastructure project under the Government’s National Development Plan.
Photograph by Eamon Ward
Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network. Route 570 and Route 570a will be combined and enhanced to form one route between Roscommon and Lough Key Forest all year round. The enhanced route will operate three daily return services Monday to Sunday with an additional
service on Friday and Saturday evening.
The route will continue to offer peak-time services and connectivity to Roscommon Hospital, Roscommon Station and to regional bus services as well as to the towns and villages of Abbeytown, Ballinameen, Croghan, Elphin, Tulsk, Strokestown, and Kilbride.
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon General Manager, Damien O’Neill said: “We’re proud to support the enhancement of Route 570 from Boyle to Roscommon as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. The improved service now includes a new stop in Ballinameen and offers year-
round access between Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, and Roscommon.
“With the addition of a late evening service on Fridays and Saturdays and improved connectivity to Roscommon Train Station, this route will better serve the needs of our communities and make public transport a more practical and attractive option for all.”
Bord Bia, appointment
Bord Bia has appointed Conor O’Sullivan to the role of UK Market Manager. Bringing over a decade of international experience to the role, having most recently served as Bord Bia’s China Market Manager, Conor will be responsible for leading global business initiatives in the UK.
The UK remains Ireland’s largest export destination for food and drink, accounting for over 30% of total exports and worth €5.6bn in 2024.
A LEADER Masterclass!
Roscommon LEADER Partnership will host a Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) Masterclass on Friday, September 12th 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm at The Cube FlexiSpace, Roscommon Town (F42 DX61).
The masterclass is open to Tidy Towns groups, Residents Associations, and members of the public with an interest in sustainable development.
The event will explore how local communities can engage with and implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at a practical level, with a particular focus on themes such as climate action, clean energy, and sustainable communities.
Admission is free. To book a place, please contact Claire on 086 6094262 or email claire@ridc.ie.
ILCU President visits Roscommon Credit Union
On Thursday, August 21st, Roscommon Credit Union hosted Brendan Jenkins, the President of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU), at their Roscommon town branch.
With nearly four decades of dedicated service to the credit union movement, Brendan Jenkins brings a wealth of experience and community spirit to his presidency. His tenure at Clones Credit Union, where he served as Director and later as CEO, is marked by his personal commitment to community development.
Credit unions like Roscommon CU play a pivotal role in supporting local communities
by offering a range of financial services tailored to meet diverse needs. Members benefit from a variety of loan options, including those for cars, home improvements, education, and weddings, all provided at competitive interest rates with flexible repayment plans. These services not only make life’s significant milestones more accessible but also ensure that financial growth is inclusive and community focused.
Roscommon CU is also deeply committed to community sponsorship and development. Through various initiatives, the credit union supports local projects, schools, and charities. This
community-centric approach ensures that as members prosper, so too does the wider community.
The visit by Brendan Jenkins underscores the importance of credit unions in fostering financial wellness and community solidarity across Ireland.
“We are thrilled and honoured to have welcomed ILCU President, Brendan Jenkins to Roscommon Credit Union,” said Bernie Moran, CEO of Roscommon CU. “His visit highlights the significant role Roscommon Credit Union and all Irish credit unions play in empowering their communities. We are grateful for his
leadership and vision at this time.”
Members and potential members interested in learning more about Roscommon CU’s offer-
ings are encouraged to visit any of their four branches or explore their services online by visiting roscommoncu.ie. With
Bord Bia has appointed Conor O’Sullivan to the role of UK Market Manager.
Roscommon CU staff pictured with ILCU President Brendan Jenkins. Pic: Liam Reynolds
ADVERTORIAL
Highly attractive bungalow new to market at Sheehy Meares Team Earley
Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is delighted to present to the market this beautiful fourbedroomed, detached bungalow at Ardsallagh More, Roscommon – ideally positioned just across the road from Roscommon University Hospital.
Built in 1991 and extending to approximately 115 square metres, this home offers bright and spacious living throughout. On entering, the large front hallway sets the tone, enhanced by elegant coving and natural light. The sitting room is warm and inviting, complete with a built-in gas fire. To the rear, the open-plan kitchen and dining room is both practical and stylish, with ample storage, a breakfast bar and French doors leading to the patio, perfect for entertaining.
A well-equipped utility room provides further storage and laundry facilities. The property includes four generously-sized bedrooms, one of which is ensuite, along with a large family bathroom featuring both bath and separate shower. The BER rating is D1.
Set on a mature site of 0.27 acres, the gardens are beautifully landscaped with an array of plants, shrubbery, hedging, and trees. The rear patio, accessed through French doors, offers a private space to relax or host gatherings. The property is further complemented by a gated entrance, walled and hedged boundaries, a tarmacadam driveway, and a large garage.
This attractive residence is within walking distance of Roscommon Town and all its amenities, making it a superb opportunity for those seeking a quality home in a highly convenient location.
Viewings are strictly by appointment only. 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 the auctioneer Keith McLoughlin on 086 0848590.
Your chance to help preserve Roscommon’s field names
Roscommon County Council’s Heritage Office is inviting the public to take part in a new and exciting community heritage project – the Roscommon Field Names’ Project.
The concept is a unique community initiative designed to capture and preserve the traditional names of local fields – along with the stories, meanings, and memories behind each of these fields.
Throughout September and early October, local libraries across the county will host two-hour workshops, where participants can share their knowledge and learn how to record field names for inclusion on the national placenames database, meitheal. logainm.ie.
Workshops begin in Ballaghaderreen Library on next Monday, September 9th, at 10 am, followed by a further workshop in Strokestown Library on the following Monday, September 16th, also at 10 am. Further workshops will take place in
Castlerea Library on Tuesday, September 17th, from 3 pm, and in Boyle Library on Tuesday, September 24th, at 10 am. The final workshop in the programme will take place on Wednesday, October 1st, at 10 am in Roscommon Library.
Workshops are open to everyone and refreshments will be provided. For more information about the project, please contact project coordinator Rita Kearney by email at rita.kearney@kearneyconsultants.ie.
Speaking ahead of the start of the initiative, project coordinator Rita Kearney said the workshops were an ideal opportunity for participants to engage with their own local history and heritage.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for local communities to safeguard an important part of Roscommon’s cultural heritage”, she said. “By taking part, people will be helping to preserve not just names, but the living history of our landscape for future generations.”
Castlerea MART WATCH
There were over 560 lots presented for sale on Thursday last, August 28th, with trade and prices remaining very firm heading into September.
The bullock ring witnessed the forward lots make up to €3860, while the quality stores made up to €6.32 a kilo, with excellent demand for all lots on offer. The heifer ring hit €3430 for forward lots, with stores peaking at €6.12 a kilo. The dry cow ring peaked at €3300, with good demand also for the store cows on offer.
The weanling rings continue to provide an excellent trade, with bulls making up to €7.24 a kilo while the heifer weanlings hit €5.92 a kilo. Cows with calves at foot made up to €4280, and the runner ring, with increased numbers on offer, witnessed lots make up to 6.50 a kilo, with an excellent clearance.
Weanling heifers, sample prices: Ch 215kg €1240, AA 275kg €1180, Ch 325kg €1820, Lim 350kg €1810, AA 345kg €1540, AA 305kg €1310, Shx 315kg €1300, and Sh 305kg €1830.
Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday with the weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.
Roscommon MART WATCH
Cattle: There was a good entry of stock on offer at Friday’s special sale of heifers and general cattle sale (August 29th). There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.
There was a very good trade for all heifers, who fetched an average of €4.81 per kilo up to €6.71 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.94 per kilo up to €4.60per kilo.
Dry cows, sample prices: CH - 920KG
Heifers,
and
Sheep
There was a very large entry of sheep on offer at the weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, September 3rd. Prices for lambs made up to €207 while stag ewes topped out at €268. The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, September 10th.
Pictured on the occasion of his 70th birthday party is Seamus Burke (seated, front) along with family members.
Senator Gareth Scahill supporting Fórsa (Union) school secretaries and caretakers – who have begun an “indefinite strike” – on the picket line earlier this week.
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Ladies Meeting Friday 8pm to 9pm.
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COUNSELLING
on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496
Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you? Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com
• Freedom from Alcohol Lifestyle/Saver Coaching Sessions
• Movement Forward Life Coaching Sessions
DRIVEWAYS
All types of tar and chipping and tarmac Specialising in driveways and sealing driveways 10% discount with this advertisement. Contact Mike 089 9661849.
WANTED TO LEASE:
< WANTED TO LEASE: Accommodation for 20 cattle for winter. Loose shed might suit. Tel. 086 8695688.
Also barley straw and feeding oats for horses. Knockcroghery/Lecarrow area. Tel. 086 1945562
< FOR SALE: 20 Ewe Hoggetts. Good quality. Kilrooskey area. Tel. 086 2334101.
CAR FOR SALE Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie
< 2018 FORD FIESTA Dsl. for sale: NCT’d until March 2026. Taxed until January 2026. 153,000 km. Silver in colour. Car in excellent condition. Very economical TEL. 085 7763993.
PODIATRIST
Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.
l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only –
CHFP (Monday - Saturday) 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
CAREERS
CAREER GUIDANCE
Eithne Jarrett M. Ed
Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors IGC.ie
Professional Guidance and Counselling for adults (16+) Career, Educational, Personal Leaving Cert: Subject choices, Course choices, CAO applications
Career change: Job Applications, Adult Education, Study skills
Professional CVs, Interview skills APPOINTMENTS – 085 7322261
ROSCOMMON
COUNTY COUNCIL
Retention Permission is sought from Roscommon County Council for the following:
1. Retention of 2 No. Bedrooms to the North Eastern gable of the existing dwelling and a rear hallway linking the Bedrooms to the existing dwelling.
2. Retention of a Domestic Storage area to the North Eastern gable of the existing dwelling.
3. Retention of wastewater treatment system comprising replacement of septic tank and percolation area with an approved proprietary wastewater treatment system and upgraded percolation area.
Development at Cornacarta Td., Corrigeenroe, Boyle, Co. Roscommon for Craig Robinson.
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. A submission or observation in
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Padraig and Francis Greene, Greene’s Forge, intend to apply to the above Authority for planning permission for development at Earlspark, Rathpeak, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon. The development will consist of: Construction of a rear workshop extension consisting of 280m2 floor area x 5.5m high at the eaves and extension to existing storage yard of 729m2 on the western side of the site and 269m2 to the rear of the site, together with landscaping and all associated site works.
The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority (Roscommon County Council) during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority at the above office 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.
I Gordon Murray intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to retain 2 No 3 Bedroom Apartments one at Ground Floor Level and one at First Floor Level constructed on site, connections to existing public sewerage, and all associated works, At Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the 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: Gordon Murray.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY
COUNCIL
I, David Gunn, am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention permission for as constructed farm tracks on farm lands, widening of existing agricultural entrance and all ancillary site development works at Cloonmurray, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Shane Moore for planning retention of existing general purpose shed (139.54m2) and associated concrete/paved aprons for planning retention of as constructed location of septic tank and percolation area to that granted in planning permission PD 04/110 and for planning permission for an extension (93.03m2) to existing general purpose shed and all necessary site services/ancillary siteworks at Garrynagran, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.
Signed: Seamus Dowed & Associates Ltd., Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants. Tel. 090 6623417. Mobile: 086 8546035. 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
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, Martina Conway, intend to apply for full planning permission for the construction of 3 no. one-bedroom selfcatering glamping units for tourism accommodation, together with the connection to and enlargement of the previously permitted onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area granted under planning reference number 24/60066, the change of use of the existing stone buildings to the front and rear of the derelict cottage (to be renovated and extended) to provide storage for 8 bicycle spaces and an electric passenger golf cart and a service building to the front building providing laundry facilities and storage for supplies, along with all associated site works, at Carrowphadeen, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon.
This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during it’s Public Opening Hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
I, Alexandra Christy, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to decommission existing
and percolation area at No. 2, Cloghnashade , Four Roads , Co. Roscommon.
reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions , or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
Danny O’Connell intends to apply for planning permission for construction of a three-bay calf shed, roofed manure pit and seepage tank on his lands at Kilcashel Newtown, Ballydangan, 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Signed: Danny O’Connell.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
I, James Lohan, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house, new site entrance, connection to public services, and all ancillary site development works at The Walk, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of 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, Aaron Gill, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house, new site entrance, connection to public services, and all ancillary site development works at The Walk, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of 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.
John Knockhall, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)
We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and joking ways. Your vacant space no one can fill.
We miss you and always will
Sadly missed and remembered by all the family.
Anniversary Mass was celebrated recently in St. Anne’s Church, Slatta.
FLEMING
Patrick (Pat) Derrinacartha, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
Birthday Remembrance – 5th September (10th Anniversary – 7th September)
Remembering a devoted and loving husband.
Our very hard-working, caring father and addoring grandfather.
A much-loved brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, godfather and cousin. You were also a great neighbour and friend to so many.
Loved, missed and always remembered by all your family.
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
In loving memory of Willie Carroll late of Clare, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon who died on September 7th, 2016 R.I.P.
Your memories are so precious your presence missed so much you will always be remembered and missed by all of us. Our thoughts are always with you, in a very special way not just on your anniversary, but every single day. You always had a smile to share a laugh, a joke and time to care a kindly nature, warm and true many lovely memories we have of you.
Lovingly remembered by your sons Pat, Donal, Sean, daughters Anne, Mary, Kate, Lorna, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law.
GRANDAD
Pat’s Anniversary Mass takes place in Derrinacartha Church on Sunday 7th September at 11.30 am.
THANKSGIVINGS
What we’d give if we could say “Hello Grandad” in the same old way. To hear your voice and see your smile, to sit with you and chat a while. So if you have a Grandad cherish him with care for you’ll never know the heartache until you see his empty chair.
Lovingly remembered by all your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon on Sunday, 7th September at 11am.
Austin (Jnr.) 16 Oaklawn Drive, Roscommon (28th Anniversary) September 5th
Time may close the book of grief, like the smile that hides the tears. But memories turn back every leaf despite the passing years. His life is a beautiful memory. His absence a silent grief.
Treasured memories always, Mam, Assumpta, Liz, Siobhan, David, Elma, Megan, Mikayla, Zoe, Harry and Katie x Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church Roscommon Saturday, September 6th at 10am
KILLIAN
Eilish
Hollywell, Roscommon (29th Anniversary)
In loving memory of our dear Eilish, who God called home on 1st September 1996
Her life a beautiful memory, her absence a silent grief.
Forever missed by her sister Aine, brother John , Auntie May extended family and many friends.
Anniversary Mass for Eilish and her uncle Paddy, (9th Anniversary), on Saturday, 6th September at 7pm in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane.
HEALY
SHANNON
Jessica Holly
Carrowmore, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. (3rd Anniversary)
In loving memory of our beautiful daughter and sister who joined the angels on 3rd September, 2022
Not a day goes by That we don’t think of you, and smile, or cry, or both
Sometimes in the quiet moments, we can almost feel your presence beside us. Offering comfort and warmth.
Though the world has changed without you here. The love you left behind continues to light up our path, guiding us through the darkness with your love.
We find comfort in knowing that you live on in our hearts, forever cherished and never forgotten.
Though the ache of your absence remains, we are grateful for the time we had and the love we shared, which will forever be a part of us.
Most of the time we smile, sometimes with a tear, but all the time with love and sweet memories.
Until we meet again ...
Loved and missed by Mammy, Daddy, Laura and Daisy, your dog xxxx.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sadly missed along life’s way. Quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share. But in our hearts she’s always there.
Loved and missed by your Nanny Gately and uncles Sean and Ger Gately.
JESSICA, OUR NIECE
Missing you, Jessica. I think about you always, I think about you still. You will never be forgotten and you never will. I hold you close within my heart and there you will remain to walk with me throughout my life. Until we meet again.
Love and miss you every day, Auntie Maura and Uncle Des xxxx.
In memory of our beautiful Granddaughter, who got her angel wings on the 3rd September, 2022
Of all the special gifts in life however great or small, To have you as our Granddaughter was the greatest gift of all.
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear “We love and miss you and wish that you were here”
Deep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there.
A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near In our hearts forever.
Lovingly remembered by Granny and Granddad Kathleen and Seamus Shannon.
JESSICA, OUR NIECE
They say there is a reason, They say that time will heal, But neither time or reason, Will change the way we feel.
For no one knows the heartache, That lies behind our smiles, No one knows how many times, We have broken down and cried.
We want to tell you something, So there won’t be any doubt, You’re so wonderful to think of, But so hard to be without.
We cannot bring the good days back, When we were all together, The family chain is broken now, But memories live forever.
Loved and sadly missed by her aunties Michelle, Deirdre and uncles Mark, Shamey, Rory and John.
JESSICA, OUR COUSIN
We miss your face
We miss your smile
We wish we could see you once in a while
We miss your laugh
We miss your love
We hope you are watching us from above
We miss so much not having you here, Enjoying life and having you near.
Lots of love your cousins, Aaron, Noah, Kara, Amber & Senan
Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday September 6th at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon
M cDERMOTT
Niall
Ard Coman, Roscommon (8th Anniversary) Who died on 8th September 2017.
We think of you in silence we often speak your name but all we have are memories and your photo in a frame. Your resting place we visit and place flowers there with care but no-one knows the heartache as we turn and leave your there.
Loved always by his mother Mary and sisters Clodagh and Sile, brother-in-law Niall and family.
Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Monday, 8th September at 11am.
I hide my tears when I say your name, but the pain in my heart is still the same.
Although I smile and seem carefree there’s no one who misses you more than me.
Lovingly remembered by her husband Tony.
Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurray Church on Saturday, 6th September at 11am.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DELANEY
Liam
Creemully, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on the 11th September 2010 (15th Anniversary)
Today, like many other days brings special thoughts of you, of happy times we shared and caring things you used to do. And once more it’s a reminder, that life’s road is sometimes rough, because the time we shared just wasn’t long enough. For you were someone special, who was thought so highly of, who’ll always be remembered with affection, warmth and love. So sending thoughts to Heaven on the day you went away, and hope you know your missed more than words could ever say.
Always remembered by your loving family.
Anniversary Mass in Fuerty Church on Sunday, 7th September at 11.30am.
CUMMINS
Peggy Pound Road, Ballygar, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary) 11th September
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die.
Mam, our love is with you too. Anne, Mike, Eugene and Joe.
LYNCH
Frank and Mary Kileglan, Taughmaconnell, Co. Roscommon
Frank (2nd Anniversary) Mary (20th Anniversary)
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Still loved still missed still very dear.
Loved and remembered always.
Anniversary Mass St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Sunday 7th September at 11 am.
MACKLIN
Joseph and Mary Mote Park,
Never more than a thought away. Loved and remembered every day.
Always remembered by your loving family.
Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 7th September at 10 am in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.
Roscommon
Joseph Macklin, who died on the 7th of September 2003 (22nd Anniversary)
Mary Macklin, who died on the 30th July 2019 (6th Anniversary)
FAMILY NOTICES
CARROLL
Thomas
Kiltoom and Monksland Athlone (6th Anniversary)
We sat beside your bedside, our hearts were crushed and sore, we did our duty to the end till we could do no more. In tears we watched you sinking, we watched you fade away and though our hearts were breaking, we knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts, that loved you most sincere, we never shall and never will, forget you, Father dear. Sadly missed by your loving daughter Sharon and Brendan.
Dad silent thoughts of time together leave memories that will last forever. Your loving son Rory.
Dad still loved, still missed, gone yet not forgotten. From your loving son Declan, Carole, Ray and Shannon.
The rolling stream of life rolls on, but still the vacant chair recalls the love, the voice, the smile of the one who once sat there. In loving memory of our dearest Grandtom.
Love from your grandchildren Jillian, Brendan, Paul, Nicola, Kevin, Thomas and Conor and all your great grandchildren. Thomas’ Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Castlerahan, Co. Cavan on Saturday, September 6th at 8.00pm.
THANKSGIVINGS
MORAN
Thomas (Tom)
Grange, Four Mile House, Roscommon.
Together with the wider Moran family, Bridie, Michael, Ann-Marie and Ciaran would like to express sincere thanks to all who supported them on the heartbreaking loss of Tom, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, relative, neighbour and friend, who died on July 31st 2025, after a sudden illness.
Heartfelt thanks to all who contacted us, visited our home, sympathised with us at Cuan Mhuire, attended Tom’s Funeral, posted tributes online, sent messages, cards or refreshments, and to everyone who has offered to help us during this time of unexpected grief.
We wish to thank our neighbours in Grange, the parish community in Kilbride, and the many organisations that Tom was part of (including, Community Games, Hall Committee, GAA, Pioneers, and Bridge Club) for turning out in such numbers to bid farewell to Tom, for shouldering his coffin, and for honouring him with Guards of Honour. You played such a meaningful role in Tom’s life and we will be forever grateful for your outpouring of respect and kindness on his death.
Very special thanks to Fr. Ciaran Whitney, Fr. Paul Finnerty, Fr. Victor Samugana, Fr. Eamon Conaty and Fr. Seamie Whitney who concelebrated Tom’s Funeral Mass, to the Four Mile House Folk Group for their beautiful music, to the Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Sacristan, and to the Stewards who helped at Cuan Mhuire and St. Brigid’s Church.
Special thanks to Pat and Gillian Smyth for their kindness and professionalism, to the gravediggers who prepared Tom’s final resting place and to the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.
We express our deepest gratitude to the Paramedics and the staff of Portiuncula University Hospital, for their care for Tom. We will never forget you.
May his gentle soul rest in peace
Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House, on Friday, September 12th at 7:00 p.m.
In loving memory of Padraig, who died on 6th September 2024
Along the road of suffering, you found a little lane, That took you up to heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, we may be worlds apart, but you are always in our prayers, and forever in our hearts.
We have loved him in life, let us not forget him in death.
Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Ann, son James, daughter Jacqueline, grandchildren Emma, Sally, Jennifer, and Michéal, son-in-law Francis, sisters, brother, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, the extended family, and many friends.
Padraig’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 6th September, in St. Mary’s Church, Carniska at 12 noon.
CONNOR
Jerry
Tuam, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary occurs on 5th September)
A year has passed, your voice now still, yet in our hearts, you’re with us still. Through days of tears and nights so long, your memory keeps our spirits strong.
We light a candle, whisper your name, life moves forward, but not the same. Each step we take, you’re by our side –in unseen ways, you’re still our guide.
Rest peacefully Dad, love Sacha, Ann-Marie, Vanessa, Caryl, Steve, Gerard and their extended families.
Dad’s 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 6th September at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Ballagh.
GIBBONS (née Saul)
In loving memory of Pauline Gibbons (née Saul), Ballincurry, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon who died on 30th July 2025. Forever in our hearts.
Pauline’s family wish to express sincere thanks to everyone for their support during our recent bereavement.
Thank you to all the Nurses, Doctors, and staff in Orchard Ward in Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe for the loving, care and attention given to Pauline. The family will be forever grateful to the Palliative Care Nurses; they are truly wonderful people.
We are grateful to Dr Robinson for the many years of medical guidance and support.
We wish to thank everyone who came to the house, attended the Funeral, sent Mass and sSympathy Cards, text messages, emails and condolences online. We thank our extended families, kind neighbours and friends who brought food, and helped out.
Thank you to Fr. Dan for Pauline’s Ceremony and the personal touch given before and during Pauline’s funeral mass.
Thank you to Teresa Donlon for the beautiful singing and music in the Church, and of course, Pauline’s daughter Mary and son-in-law Frank for the beautiful singing.
Thank you to Frank Nelson who accompanied Pauline’s son-in-law Frank singing at Pauline’s Graveside. Thank you to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, care and comfort shown to all of us.
Thank you to the grave diggers who prepared Pauline’s final resting place.
Thank you to the many ladies of the Caring Teams –there are so many who cared for Pauline over the years. It is impossible to thank everyone individually but please accept this as our huge expression of gratitude. Each and every one of you helped to make our last few days with Pauline a memorable time. There are no words to describe how thankful we are.
Pauline’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday evening 6th September 2025 in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh at 7.30pm Mass.
DANIELS
James
Swinefield, Cloonfad, County Roscommon.
Sunrise 13th December 2010
Sunset 27th September 2024
On the First Anniversary of the passing of our son James, we – Karen, Chris, and Zachary – would like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to each and every person who supported us in our most difficult and darkest times.
The overwhelming love and support we received from our family, friends, James’s friends and families, our neighbours, the good people of Cloonfad, and beyond, was assuring and heartwarming, and felt like a protective blanket around us. We are truly blessed to live among such a great and inspiring community. In the aftermath of James’s passing, many of his friends from Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis and further afield, came to our home and shared stories and happy memories of their time together. Thank you so much for your kindness, love and support. And thank you also for making the laying down of his ashes, alongside his grandad Paddy, on his fourteenth birthday, so special. We would also like to acknowledge the clubs which James was an active member of, namely, Cloonfad United and Cloonfad Foroíge. They went above and beyond in supporting our family, and the young people of Cloonfad. Thank you.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the paramedics, fire brigade, and the Gardai, for your commitment, care, and professionalism. To our friends and others in the community who rallied around us that night, we are eternally grateful.
For organizing James’s Funeral in a professional, sensitive, and compassionate manner, we would like to thank Dolores and PJ Keane, at PJ Keane Funeral Directors, and Paul Gaynor Funeral Directors.
A special thank you to Father Joe, Father Mark, and Father Stephen for the beautiful Funeral Mass (and visits to our home); and also to Georgina, and the choir for the lovely music. We would also like to thank the pupils, teachers and staff of Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, and Dunmore schools who lined the roads for James’s Guard of Honour.
We sincerely thank all who attended our home, and Funeral Services for James. To those who sent cards, and messages of sympathy and support, and especially those whom have suffered similar tragic circumstances, that took the time and courage to write letters of sympathy and solidarity... thank you.
To our wonderful neighbours, friends, and local businesses that provided food and refreshments, to BPH for providing external lighting, to Kat’s Flowers, Tommy at Kearney Gardens, Carmel Fahy, and to everyone who sent us floral arrangements, or helped us in any other way. Thank you all.
And finally, to our beloved son James, though physically you are no longer here, mommy, daddy, and your brother Zachary know you are still with us in spirit, but also that you are back home, and that we will all be together again in the “blink of an eye”.
We love you so much James XXX.
James’s First Anniversary mass will be held in Cloonfad Church at 7pm on Saturday 13th September 2025.
Pauline Ballincurry, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon.
APPOINTMENTS
Experienced candidates invited to apply
We require the following:
Job Description: Office Administrator
Position: Permanent Role (part time considered)
Location: Roscommon
Responsible for:
• Co-ordinating day-to-day appointments and inspections;
• Proof reading and quality control of reports;
• General office administration.
Key skills required:
• Good people skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues;
• Ability to prioritise duties and liaise with appointment administrators in other offices;
• Familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access;
• Strong English language skills;
• Strong eye for and attention to detail.
Applicants for the role should send their CV and cover letter to: Careers@BrandonOBrien.ie
Showroom Person Required
• Part-time role, 1–2 days per week, assisting customers in a busy showroom environment.
• Friendly manner and good communication skills essential.
• Premium for Sundays & Bank Holidays.
• Free meals, tea and coffee.
• Paid lunchbreaks.
• Pension Scheme facilitated.
• Cycle to work scheme available.
Apply with cv & cover letter to be emailed to: office@shannonlodgenursinghome.ie or contact: 071 965 8667 Garda vetting and references will be required.
Rooskey, Co. Roscommon. Tel. (071) 965 8667
STORE-PERSON REQUIRED in our busy facility IN LONGFORD
• Ideal candidates will be well organised, computer literate and have experience with stock control.
• Experience in hydraulics preferable.
• Tasks include goods inwards & out, counter sales and general warehouse duties.
• Training provided Unit 2003 Orchard Avenue, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, D24 WKP2 Ph : 01-4639100 | Email: Jobs@Micro.ie
To arrange your interview please contact PO Box 3125, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon
Are you an experienced Restaurant Manager seeking a new career challenge? Gleeson’s Townhouse and Restaurant would love to meet you. We are looking for a motivated, customer-focused leader to join our friendly team. It’s a great opportunity for the right person. Contact us today.
Full-time position with competitive package.
Apply with CV to cait@ gleesonsroscommon.ie
SportsPeople
Only one favourite wins in Roscommon!
Horses for Courses by Tom Red
Racing this evening
(Thursday) is on the unusual setting of the beach for the annual event in Laytown in Co Meath, with six flat races starting at 4.30 pm, which may change due to the tides.
Tomorrow evening there is flat card at Down Royal, away at 4.15 pm, and a national hunt meeting at Kilbeggan, starting at 3.57 pm. Saturday sees a flat meeting at Navan, away at 2.15 pm. There is no racing on Sunday, and Monday sees the first day of a two-day evening meeting at Ballybrit with a jumping card on Monday at 4.20 pm and a flat card on Tuesday evening.
Television coverage this evening is from Southwell with ITV 4 covering all seven races in the Racing League on the all-weather.
On Saturday, both channels – ITV and Virgin Media – are covering four races from Sandown, including two Group 3 races
(the Atalanta and Solario Stakes), and two from both Beverley and Chester.
Roscommon review
Flat racing at a Lenebane on Monday started with a win for the favourite, with Joseph O’Brien’s Summer Is Tomorrow, the 7/4f, with Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race. That was it for punters as the winner was the only favourite to oblige in the soft going. The Elphin Handicap provided a 1, 2 for Batterstown trainer Thomas Coyle with Selective Power, 11/2, ridden by James Ryan beating his stable mate Manhattan Dandy, 17/2, by 7½l.
The Lidan Handicap went to 9/1 shot Earls trained by Gavin Cromwell and jockey Gary Carroll who all showed their liking for the course with their third win here.
Joseph O’Brien completed a double with Vi-
Concannon
Congratulations to in-form David Concannon who won the Hollywood Bar Darts Summer League Cup final recently. David defeated Paul Carton 6-3 in the final in a tournament that featured an outstanding standard of darts. Many thanks to all the players who competed across the nine nights (cup and shield) to create such a high standard of darts on what were very enjoyable evenings. Many thanks also to all those who marked games and helped out in whatever way they could. This is greatly appreciated. Finally, special thanks to The Hollywood Bar management and staff for their continued support and assistance in running darts in their venue. It is greatly appreciated.
king Invasion at 7/1 for Declan McDonagh in the Lecarrow Race. James Ryan completed a riding double when steering Sea Lantern, 12/1, to victory in the Racing Here Again on September 29th Maiden. The Oran Handicap provided another 12/1 winner when Clear Quartz ridden by Joseph Hartnett and trained by Mark Fahey proved the best of the sixteen runners. The closing Roscommon Racecourse on Facebook Handicap gave the Slattery father and son team, both Andrew, victory with What’s New over Nancee Spain, providing some relief for punters at 11/4, the second favourite.
Racing news
There was unwelcome news for Aidan O’Brien when his main jockey Ryan Moore discovered that he had fractured his right hip bone and is probably out for the season.
Creggs RFC Report
Moore thinks he had been riding with the fracture for a couple of months.
O’Brien has revealed that French jockey Christophe Soumillon, who is a free agent, will be part of the Ballydoyle team. Soumillon has ridden for O’Brien in France this season winning the Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois for O’Brien on Diego Velazquez.
Last weekend, Wayne Lordan quickly made hay, completing a double on Saturday at the Curragh with Hawk Mountain and Mission Central, and repeating the feat on Sunday in Tipperary with Endorsement and Mississippi River. His appeal against the ten-day ban suffered in York will be held later this week.
Illinois and Jan Brueghel are likely to meet in the Comer Group Irish St Leger at the Curragh on Sunday week according to O’Brien. With one win
each, Ballydoyle’s Delacroix and Godolphin’s Ombudsman, trained by the Gosdens, will not meet for a third time in the Irish Champion. The Gosdens will aim Ombudsman at the Champion Stakes in Ascot instead and then probably America. Tuam native Rossa Ryan secured a major milestone when riding the 1,000th winner of his career on David Menuisier’s Lopeo at Goodwood last Tuesday and started on his next
thousands 1½ hours later on Master Vintner.
Very hard to pick a winner in Kilbeggan until jockeys are declared as all races are confined to Professional and Claiming Professional Riders who have not ridden more than fifteen winners under any NH Rules this season. In the bumper, Ciaran Murphy’s Red Oak was second here last month with Alan O’Sullivan in the saddle and should go one better here if he runs.
Competition corner
Going to Kilbeggan on Friday evening are Daryl Miley (Knockcroghery), Mick McGarry (Roscommon), and John Conway (Moate), who all knew Kilbeggan is in Co Westmeath. Don’t forget to collect your tickets in the office. There is no competition this week, but we will have one for the Roscommon September 29th meeting again next week.
THE GAIN LINE
Season starts with cup derby
The rugby season commences this Saturday evening, September 6th at 7.30 pm in Creggs where our first team take on Ballinasloe RFC in the Cawley Cup. Entry is free and a big crowd is expected to attend to watch the start of the 25/26 season.
GOLF CLASSIC: Creggs RFC held their annual Golf Classic on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at Roscommon Golf Club. There was an excellent entry of 39 teams and while the early part of the day had showers the afternoon turned out to be warm and sunny. The main sponsor this year was George Bannon Sports. Other
sponsors included Casey’s Circle K, the Abbey Hotel, the Hodson Bay Hotel, Rogue Restaurant, The Peppermill, and Waldron Meats. The presentation took place in the Golf Club at 9 pm. The winners, with a great score of 113 points, were Eddie Keane’s team comprising of Eddie Keane, Andrew Prior, Seamus Fallon and Jackie Dempsey. Second place, with a score of 104 points, went to Tom Costello, John McGrath, Benny Mulhern and Sham Mulhern. Third, with a score of 103 points, were Willie Weldon, Jim Finn, Charlie Brennan and Tom
Boland. In fourth place with a score of 100 points were Jackie Kilroy, Tom Gilleran, Michael Frawley and John Carr.
The winners were presented with the Luke Daly Perpetual Trophy by his brother and local TD, Dr Martin Daly. This trophy was presented to the rugby club some years ago by Luke’s father Joe, in memory of his son Luke, a former Creggs RFC player.
Creggs RFC would like to thank all who supported the club by taking part and all who sponsored prizes or who made donations to the club on the day. A special thank you goes to the organ-
ising committee, Roscommon Golf Club for the use of the facilities and to Mick Cleary and his staff for their excellent service on the day.
FUNDRAISER: On Sunday, September 7th, Creggs U-17s and U18s are running a fundraiser for their upcoming tour. Part of this fundraiser includes climbing the reek (Croagh Patrick), where 50% of the money raised goes to the Irish Cancer Society. Members and friends are invited to the climb. Please contact the club if interested in being involved and you are invited to wear your club colours on the day.
Opening day loss for Buccs
Galway Corinthians proved the stronger of two youthful squads in the opening fixture of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior League when they defeated Buccaneers 38-11 at Dubarry Park on Thursday night.
FIXTURES: Buccaneers Firsts and Seconds travel to Hamilton Park where they face Sligo in a pair of Bank of Ireland Connacht fixtures on Saturday.
The Juniors will get the proceedings underway at 12 noon against the north-westerners in the new Senior Seconds Cup.
Sligo and Buccs both came away empty-handed from their opening encounters in the Connacht Senior League, both going down to Galway opposition.
Both teams will be bidding for a first win of the season when the game kicks off at 2.30 pm.
On Sunday, Buccaneers Women’s team have their first taste of competitive fare when they take on Westport in the Bank of Ireland Women’s Invitational Cup at Dubarry Park. This game has a 1 pm start.
ANNA ON THE DOUBLE: Well done Anna McGann on scoring a brace of tries in Ireland’s 43-27 victory over Spain in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. They now face a mouth-watering joust against New Zealand in their final pool game, already assured of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Congratulations also to the Athlone Town Women’s
team on qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup in which they will square up to Glasgow City later this month.
MINIS RETURN: Coaching for Buccaneers Minis commences for the coming season on Sunday. Players and their parents are reminded that the starting time is now a little earlier than last season with the sessions beginning at 10 am. New players including beginners are welcome. This year the club is running a competition for our Minis players whereby you could win a free membership for the 2025-26 season. Details to ‘like and share’ this post are available on the club’s social media.
Earls wins his third race at Roscommon, from only four runs, under Gary Carroll.
Winner David Concannon (right) pictured with runner-up, Paul Carton.
New soccer season starts
This weekend sees the start of the 55th season of competitive action for the Roscommon & District Football League. This season will see no less than four divisions and one division of women’s teams. In all, 31 senior men’s teams will be involved, with eight teams competing in the Women’s league.
The League welcome newcomers Carrick Town, the BallyleagueLanesboro side Ballyboro, Ballinahown, the Ballinlough side Lough Harps, and also Ballinagare FC. We wish all the new clubs the very best.
In the Premier Division, last season’s champions, St John’s Athletic begin the defence of their title at home to Dunmore Town with a 2 pm kick-off on Sunday. The home side will start as favourites, but it may not be an easy game for them.
Moore United were runners-up last season. They will start as favourites to beat Shiven Rovers when they play at Lecarrow this Sunday (also at 2 pm).
Boyle Celtic finished third last season. They have a home game against last season’s Division 1 champions, Skyvalley Rovers. Boyle will start favourites.
Castlerea Celtic take on neighbours Ballymoe FC at Castlerea on Friday evening with an 8 pm kick-off. This is a real local derby that could go either way.
Division 1 is by tradition always a hard-fought division. Newcomers Ballinahown make the long journey to Ballaghaderreen. The home side were league champions the season before last but were relegated last season. An interesting game in prospect.
CP Ajax should beat a newly-promoted Kilkerrin United side when they meet at Tarmon. Ballinasloe Town find themselves in Division 1 for a second season and will have to be at their best if they are to beat Cloonfad (in Ballinasloe).
Moylough narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier Division last season and they should overcome St John’s’ second side when they play at Moylough.
All games in Division 1 kick off at 2 pm this Sunday.
Two semi-final places up for grabs in senior hurling championship
< SEAMUS DUKE
Earlier in this year’s championship Roscommon Gaels defeated Pearses by 0-20 to 1-11, and they also got the better of the south Roscommon club in last year’s championship.
However, Pearses have improved steadily in recent games and they will be confident they can make it to the last four. Talisman Sean Canning has been outstanding this year. Other key players include Darragh Finn, Eoghan Costello, Karl Feehily and Daniel Staunton.
Pearses have won their last two matches, scoring 1-17 against Tremane and 2-19 against Athleague, form which has certainly given them momentum.
The Gaels have blown hot and cold. They lost narrowly to Four Roads and St Dominic’s, before beating Pearses. Against Tremane, Ronan O’Meara’s men came through in the end, holding off a late rally after being dominant earlier.
Brendan Quinn has been outstanding in goal for the town side, while other key players include Finn Killion, Eoin Kiernan, Diarmuid Mulry, Richard Walsh, DJ Hession, Ciaran Mulry and Conor Grogan. Ace free-taker Ryan Conlon has been out injured in recent weeks but hopes are high that he can return this Sunday.
The Gaels should edge it by a point or two.
Prediction: Roscommon Gaels.
Kepak SHC quarter-final in Ballyforan on Sunday: St Dominic’s v Athleague at 3.30 pm
St Dominic’s have not reached the levels of performance this year that they enjoyed in 2024 when they swept into the county senior final, and will be anxious to lift their game this Sunday.
The Knockcroghery men have beaten Pearses and Roscommon Gaels, while losing narrowly to Four Roads and Oran. St Dominic’s
No joy for Roscommon Golf Club teams in All-Ireland finals
< SEAMUS DUKE
It was a momentous but disappointing week for Roscommon Golf Club teams in action in the AIG AllIreland finals in Douglas, Co Cork. Roscommon played against Co Louth in both the Barton Shield and the Senior Cup competitions.
First up was the Barton Shield team who were in action on Thursday morning last. In good conditions, the pairing of Richie Evans and Alan Hill were defeated by Evan Farrell and Harley Phipps, while Simon Walker and Fionn Hoare lost to Gerard Dunne and Daniel O’Brien. Warrenpoint were the eventual winners of the title.
On Saturday morning
Roscommon Golf Club faced Co Louth again, this time in the Senior Cup. The conditions could hardly have been worse as the match started with torrential rain and wind that was almost hurricanelike. Thankfully the weather improved as the day went on. The teams were well matched all the way. Simon Walker defeated Harley Phipps while Alan Hill defeated Evan Farrell on the 20th hole. Richie Evans lost to Gerard Dunne on the 16th while Alan Connaughton was defeated by Louis Goodman.
In the final match
Fionn Killion (Roscommon Gaels) in action earlier in this year’s championship.
Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
have scored freely but they’ve been a little suspect at the back. Naos Connaughton is still their main man and St Dominic’s will drive a lot of ball into the big full-forward again. They will also need the likes of Micheal Byrne, Jason Martin, Jack Lohan, Connell Kennelly and Mark Miley in top form if they are to advance. Athleague have not been overly impressive so far in this championship but they have moved quietly into the play-off stages. They’ve beaten Tremane and drawn with Oran while losing against Four Roads and Padraig Pearses.
With talented players like Ben McGahon, Darragh Heavey, Robbie Fallon, Naoise Coyle and Cian Murray in their ranks, they won’t fear St Dominic’s – and will take advantage should Thady Beirne’s team underperform.
Still, St Dominic’s appear to have superior firepower and they are the choice to win.
Prediction: St Dominic’s.
Short putts
BOYLE
CAPTAIN’S PRIZE: Congratulations to Killian Cox, winner of this year’s Captain’s Prize to the Men at Boyle Golf Club. Killian had a great score of 66 nett on his first 18 and kept his nerve in the 9-hole play-off when faced with a strong challenge from Keith Dowling.
Captain Shane O’Dowd congratulated all the prize winners and thanked those who had contributed to the success of the day and to the running of the club throughout the year.
Congratulations also to Caroline Morgan, winner of the Captain’s Prize to the Ladies (Joey Mullaney was runner-up).
ROSCOMMON
LADIES RESULTS: Weekly competition held on August 24th-26th was sponsored by Rosoran. 18-hole Stableford overall winner was Rosaleen Kennedy with 41 pts. Cat. 1: Joan Hannon (40 pts); Cat. 2: Sinead Healy (36 pts).
9-hole Stableford overall winner was Catherine Waldron with 21 pts. Cat. 1: Annie Timothy (20 pts); Cat. 2: Una Gleeson (18 pts); Cat. 3: Orla Healy (20 pts).
18-hole Stableford open competition held Friday, August 29th. Overall winner was Joan O’Gara with 33 pts. 2nd: Rhona Fitzgerald, Athlone (32 pts).
ON IRISH TEAM: Sinead Benedetti will be playing at the European Senior Ladies Team Championship in Pula Golf Resort, Mallorca this week (September 2nd to September 6th).
We wish Sinead the best of luck.
MEN’S RESULTS: Open Friday competition winner was Michael O’Brien with 40 pts. 2nd: Harry Gordon (39 pts). The weekly men’s competition was abandoned on Sunday because of bad weather. This
weekend there is the usual open competition on Friday and a golfer of the year (stroke) competition on Sunday, sponsored by UNIO. TEAMS: No luck for our Barton Shield and Senior Cup teams in the All-Ireland finals in Douglas last week (see separate report). The Jack O’Sullivan team play Enniscrone in the Connacht semi-final this week, while the Connacht Shield team will be in action next week against Portumna.
Roscommon’s David Hill produced a magnificent performance, coming back from 5 down at one stage only to lose on the 17th. The home club (Douglas)
emerged winners of the title on Sunday afternoon. It was a battling performance from the Roscommon players, led by team captain Enda Daly and his assistant, Tom Grealy.
Roscommon Golf Club’s Alan Hill and Richie Evans pictured at last week’s AIG All-Ireland finals in Douglas, Co Cork.
Roscommon Golf Club’s Alan Hill and Richie Evans pictured at last week’s AIG All-Ireland finals in Douglas, Co Cork.
Kepak SHC quarter-final in Ballyforan on Sunday: Padraig Pearses v Roscommon Gaels at 2 pm
The voices of our sporting lives
Who are your favourite ever sports commentators?
(Feel free to email your choices to paul@roscommonpeople.ie)
I’ll get the ball rolling! You’ll notice my choices come with a definite touch of nostalgia! So here’s six of the best from the past…
John Motson & Barry Davies
Honourable mention for Clive Tyldesley and Brian Moore, but for me the two outstanding football commentators across the water over the decades were John Motson and Barry Davies.
Football fans respected Davies, but they loved ‘Motty’. I was firmly in the Motson camp for decades, but came to respect and admire Davies, who was an excellent commentator in his own right, just not as much fun as Motson.
Both were incredibly thorough in their preparation. While they had a very strong rivalry – which of the two got to cover the FA Cup final in a given year seemed to command as much media interest as the scramble to have the Christmas No 1 hit song – Mot-
son and Davies were on friendly terms, both respectful of the other’s talent and dedication. They were the voices of an era.
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh
The great Michael O’Hehir painted such vivid images in the minds of listeners on radio – later he excelled on television – it didn’t seem possible that an even more iconic GAA voice would emerge. O’Hehir will always be revered, but Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh brought the business of commentating on our national games to a new level, and an almost spiritual one at that. Ó Muircheartaigh was a poet of the airwaves, his GAA commentaries an artistic tour de force.
Bill McLaren
A fond memory of the 1980s and ‘90s is of listening to the wonderful warm tones of Scottish rugby commentator Bill McLaren. The BBC’s ‘voice of rugby’ had the total trust of his TV audience, McLaren not just knowledgeable and passionate, but also unfailingly impartial, generous in his praise of players, simply impossible not to like as a commentator and fellow fan of the sport. While his sense of fairness stood out, at the end of the day it was McLaren’s wonderful voice (and turn of phrase) that made him the most popular rugby commentator of his era.
Peter Alliss
Peter Alliss was unconventional, certainly not politically correct, arguably overly jingoistic – he was accused of sexism too – but in fairness, the veteran BBC golf commentator was of a ‘certain era.’ The reality is that millions of golf fans adored his witty, quirky commentary. A master of the English language, he became known as ‘The voice of golf’. A true one-off.
Sid Waddell
Some people might raise their eyebrows at the inclusion of a darts commentator, but why not? Waddell’s colourful use of language – his unique phrases delivered with passion and excitement –was a key driver in the growth of darts as a TV phenomenon.
How could you not love a commentator who produced (amongst many more) such classics as: ‘There hasn’t been this much excitement since the Romans fed the Christians to the lions’; ‘This lad has more checkouts than Tesco’; ‘It’s like trying to pin down a kangaroo on a trampoline’ – and ‘When Alexander of Macedon was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer. Eric Bristow is 27’.
Ah, listening to Waddell in full flow… happy days!
Some of the best of the rest…
There were many more great commentators over the years who are worthy of mention. At the tennis at Wimbledon, Dan Maskell was an iconic voice of our youth, famous for expressions such as ‘Oh my word!’ and ‘Oh I say!’, which he’d utter after a particularly thrilling rally or return.
Peter Jones and Bryon Butler are evocative names from a golden age (1970s and ‘80s) of BBC Radio football commentary (Jones also fronted Wimbledon tennis coverage).
Michael O’Hehir famously covered 99 All-Ireland finals (football and hurling) before illness cruelly robbed him of the milestone 100th. The voice of the GAA for decades, he was also an accomplished horse racing commentator. His friend Peter O’Sullevan was a superb horse racing commentator with a wonderful voice.
Murray Walker (motor racing) and Eddie
Butler (rugby) provided consistently memorable commentaries based on their passion and almost child-like enthusiasm.
The late Jimmy Magee and veteran RTE broadcaster George Hamilton have served us well here in Ireland over the years, across a host of sports, both of them very versatile and both synonymous with great sporting moments (Magee’s flourish when John Treacy won Olympic silver and Hamilton’s commentary on Ireland’s penalty shootout win over Romania at the 1990 World Cup spring to mind).
‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe was a favourite of snooker fans, while David Coleman was a gifted all-rounder who covered many sports (best known for athletics) and was also an excellent anchor back in studio.
Harry Carpenter was a popular BBC presenter who excelled as a boxing commentator and had a rapport with English heavyweight Frank Bruno which, while
not as world renowned, wasn’t dissimilar to the relationship between the great Muhammad Ali and his ringside post-fight ‘sparring partner’, sports journalist and broadcaster, Howard Cosell.
I haven’t included any female commentators because sports commentary – athletics and tennis aside perhaps – was for a long time a male-dominated world. Accomplished female sports broadcasters who are at the top of their game in the current era include Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan (soccer), and the outstanding Hazel Irvine, BBC’s face (and voice) of snooker coverage.
Sue Barker (now retired), a genial and popular host of BBC’s Wimbledon coverage for many years, achieved the notable feat of surpassing David Vine and David Coleman to become the undisputed face and voice of the BBC’s famous sports quiz, A Question of Sport
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
Ireland into World Cup last eight
Congratulations to Ireland, who have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Rugby World Cup with a game to spare (following two wins from two). That final group game is a glamour tie against New Zealand in Brighton this Sunday (quarter-final to follow, regardless of the result of this game).
Whatever happens, Ireland have already done well in a tournament that promises to feature an enthralling finale – with all observers wondering if any nation can stop hot favourites, England.
James Milner:
Where is he now?
I remember the fuss about a new teenage sensation at Leeds United way back in… 2002. His name was James Milner. A Leeds supporter (like myself), he made his league debut for the club at just 16 years of age.
We lost him after two years, Newcastle United swooping. In the years since, marvellous Milner went on to play for Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester City, while winning 61 caps for England. Tony Blair was PM when Milner first came to prominence.
23 years later, where is Milner now?
Running a pub? Coaching down the football chain? No, at 39 years of age, he’s still playing Premier League football. Last Saturday, he became the second oldest scorer in Premier League history, netting a penalty in Brighton’s 2-1 win over Manchester City (Teddy Sheringham scored for West Ham in 2006, aged 40 years and 268 days). James Milner deserves the admiration and respect of everyone who loves football.
Ciarán Lennon (Clann na nGael), who scored 1-11 against St Faithleach’s in the Roscommon SFC last weekend, engaged in just a little jersey pulling during this exchange with Connell Kennelly! The St Faithleach’s man clearly thought ‘enough is enough’ – and referee Shane Curley agreed, issuing a yellow card to Lennon! Photos: Bernie O’Farrell
Strokestown and Tulsk tested!
Close call! All eyes were on this David Flanagan effort for Boyle – which just snuck over the bar – during this phase of play in last weekend’s Roscommon SFC game between Oran and Boyle in Ballinameen. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Junior teams lay down markers
LGFA update
< KEVIN EGAN
With players from the Roscommon LGFA senior, intermediate and junior championships all granted a week to recharge their batteries, many choosing to do so at a certain Picnic that is known for high voltage, the stage was wide open for the leading contenders to lay down markers in the Castlerea Vehicle Recycling Junior B and C Championships.
Three ‘first’ teams compete at this grade and all three are shaping up nicely, with Roscommon Gaels already assured of top spot in Group A while Strokestown have a quarterfinal berth secured just behind them.
Meanwhile St Michael’s/St Ronan’s made it three wins from three starts and their trip to Kilbride next Saturday will determine the automatic semifinalists from Group B.
The ‘Saints’ had an even longer road trip last Thursday evening away to St Dominic’s, but they shrugged off that challenge and didn’t waste time exploiting the gale at their backs in the opening half.
Danielle Gannon pointed from the first attack, Hannah Keaveny found the net on the next play and while St Dominic’s steadied the ship from there, former Galway United defender Keara Cormican anchored the visitors brilliantly at centre-back, repelling all St Dominic’s attacks during a relatively strong spell for the home side.
The contest turned decisively in the visitors’ favour in the second quarter as they ruthlessly struck for three goals in as many minutes from Sarah Lee, Keaveny and Lee again.
Lee’s hat-trick goal helped to make it
5-10 to no score at half-time, with all scores coming from play. Her fourth goal after half-time was the final green flag as St Dominic’s outscored their opponents by five points to four for the remainder, four from Emma Connaughton frees, making it 6-14 to 0-5 at the finish.
On a weekend when there were a lot of impressive scoring displays, the most enjoyable contest, despite the inclement weather, was Kilbride’s home tie against Pádraig Pearses.
The visitors started brilliantly in the hunt for their first win of the campaign, goals from Katelyn Keogh and Laoise Costello helping them to lead by 3-3 to 0-2 approaching half-time. Jennifer Garvey pointed and Sinéad Clabby found the net for ‘Rocky’s Rebels’ before the interval however and Kilbride built on that to lead by six points going into the last ten minutes, further goals coming from Clabby, Garvey and Bernie Donnelly. Pearses didn’t go away however and halved the gap before rattling the crossbar when a goal would have levelled the tie. Kilbride’s 4-7 to 4-4 win is enough to ensure that they and Shannon Gaels will fill quarterfinal berths at worst, but Kilbride can still top the group with a win next Saturday.
It was even busier in Group A where Strokestown won their first games on the field, adding to an earlier walkover.
The return of Colleen Cauneen was a huge boost to an extremely young panel with only three players out of their teens togging out in black and amber this year.
Jessica Lee racked up 5-9 for Strokestown in their 6-21 to 7-7 win over St Ciarán’s in what was a thrilling contest last midweek, with Emily and Sarah Dixon also catching the eye for
IFC round-up
< SEAMUS DUKE
In Group A, Éire Óg continued their good form with a 1-16 to 2-7 win against Kilmore. The Loughglynn men led by 1-9 to 1-1 at half-time. Kilmore staged a mini- recovery in the second half, however Éire Óg had done more than enough to seal top spot in the group.
In the other match in this group, Fuerty battled to a three-point win (1-11 to 1-8) against Padraig Pearses. Pearses led by 0-8 to 1-3 at the break but Fuerty were the better side after the interval. Tadhg Lyons was on target for Fuerty with another goal.
The results mean that Éire Óg top the group, while Fuerty finish second. Kilmore will face a preliminary quarter-final while Padraig Pearses are into the relegation playoffs.
Group B
St Michael’s continued their good run in the championship with a comfortable win (1-14 to 0-6) against a St Barry’s side who ended the campaign without a point. Meanwhile Tulsk had to pull out all the stops to overcome Creggs by 1-18 to 1-14 in
an entertaining match in Knockcroghery. The sides were level at the break, Tulsk 1-7 Creggs 0-10. Creggs led at one stage by 1-12 to 1-8, but nine points without reply sealed the win for Liam McNeill’s men. Tulsk finished top of the group with St Michael’s behind them in second. Creggs will face the preliminary quarter-finals, while St Barry’s are into the relegation play-offs.
Group C
Title favourites Strokestown made heavy weather of defeating the St Brigid’s second team in Ballyleague. In fact the Kiltoom men led by 2-3 to 2-2 at half-time, but Strokestown outscored their opposition by seven points to two in the second half, winning 2-9 to 2-5. In the other game in the group Kilbride were somewhat unlucky not to have got something out of their clash with Shannon Gaels, going down by two points in the end, 0-16 to 1-11.
Kilbride led 1-8 to 0-4 at half-time but the Gaels were much improved on the resumption and a couple of two-pointers saw them over the line.
Strokestown top Group C with St Brigid’s in second place. Shannon Gaels will go into the preliminary quarter-finals and Kilbride are facing a relegation play-off.
the town.
Lee picked up where she left off on Sunday evening in Ballinlough, scoring 3-8 in a 3-16 to 3-4 win over Michael Glaveys. Abby Regan, Shauna Casey and the Dixon sisters again took full advantage of the space afforded by a 13-a-side fixture at the West Roscommon venue.
Glaveys will now have to beat Roscommon Gaels in the final round to extend their season at this level and that looks unlikely as the Gaels continued to look impressive in what was a high-quality 1-14 to 1-10 win over Clann na nGael.
In another windswept encounter in Lisnamult, Clann started incredibly well into the wind, kicking the first
three points before Roscommon Gaels found their feet.
Aoife Connolly kicked the lead score after 13 minutes but it was Emily O’Reilly, scorer of 1-8 by the end, who led the charge as the Gaels took a 0-10 to 0-4 interval lead.
Eva Biesty and Amy Gavin added points before O’Reilly’s goal concluded the Gaels’ scoring early in the second half. Zara Fallon and Eve McNeill were very much to the fore as Roscommon Gaels defended well before Clann tacked on 1-3 in the last five minutes to narrow the margin.
This coming week will see further group games in the Coachman’s Inn/ Harry’s Restaurant IFC and the final series of round robin fixtures in the
Castlerea Vehicle Recycling Junior B/C, while on Thursday evening across the county the Family Care Practice U-19 finals will take place. Boyle will take on St Croan’s in the Division Three final, the Division Two decider will be a local derby between Pádraig Pearses and St Brigid’s, and the Division One final will be between St Dominic’s and St Barry’s. Please see http://roscommonlgfa.ie/ fixtures-2025 for all updated fixtures and results. Roscommon LGFA would like to thank Dermot Hughes Cars, Coachman’s Inn/Harry’s Restaurant, Leydon Brothers and Castlerea Vehicle Recycling for their generous sponsorship of the adult club championships in the county.
Pictured are Strokestown players lining up before last weekend’s game against Michael Glaveys in Ballinlough.
SportsPeople
Glaveys stun title favourites
SFC round-up
< SEAMUS DUKE
On a busy weekend at the business end of the Roscommon SFC, defending champions Padraig Pearses scored 4-14 in their impressive win against St Dominic’s (1-12) at Ballyforan, yet they still only finished third in their Group A (see report in this section).
In the second match in the group, played in Strokestown, Clann na nGael were in control for most of the way against St Faithleach’s, winning in the end by 3-22 to 2-18.
Clann were totally on top in the opening half, with Ciarán Lennon rampant in attack (he scored 1-11). Goals from Lennon and Alan McManus helped the Johnstown men into a 2-16 to 0-7 lead by half-time. St Faithleach’s were down to 13 men at that stage after black cards for Brian Murtagh and Conall Kennelly.
St Faithleach’s were much better after the break. Two-pointers from Dave Rooney and Diarmuid Murtagh brought them back into the match and then a goal from Brian Murtagh in the 48th minute reduced the margin, 2-20 to 1-12. With six minutes to go St Faithleach’s were awarded a penalty which was duly dispatched by Diarmuid Murtagh. St Faithleach’s reduced the margin to six deep in injury-time but a late Clann goal from Dylan Sumner clinched the victory for them. It means they topped the group table on scoring difference and will have a home quarter-final. St Faithleach’s finish second. St Dominic’s now face a relegation play-off against the losers of the Western Gaels v Castlerea St Kevin’s clash.
Group B
One of the biggest shocks in the Roscommon Senior Football Championship for many years happened last Friday night in Lisnamult when Michael Glaveys defeated St Brigid’s, the odds-on favourites to win the Fahey Cup.
In fact after two recent big wins, the Kiltoom club’s odds were in the order of 1/20 before the game, but Glaveys didn’t pay much attention to those odds and took the game to their opponents from the first whistle, denying them time and space on the ball. It was nip and tuck all the way through the opening half and at the break Glaveys had their noses in front 0-8 to 0-7.
The exchanges were hard-fought and intense as Glaveys counter-attacked with devastating effect throughout the second half. Glaveys led by 0-13 to 0-11 deep into injury-time when Rob Heneghan sealed a famous win for Iain Daly’s men with a welltaken goal. The result will give all the other clubs still in the championship hope as the play-off stages loom.
In the other game in the group, Elphin pulled a vital win out of the bag against Western Gaels (213 to 1-13) in Kilbride to avoid a relegation play-off battle and thus plunge the Frenchpark side into the contest to avoid the trapdoor leading down to the intermediate ranks.
Western Gaels were marginally the better side in the opening half and with Cathal Cregg firing over a brace of two-pointers, they were ahead by 0-9 to 0-6 at half-time.
John Finnerty’s goal for Elphin in the 33rd minute put Nigel Dineen’s men in the ascendancy after the break. There were goals for both sides within a minute from Evan Gunn (Elphin) and Kevin Higgins
Action from last weekend’s Roscommon SFC game between Elphin and Western Gaels, which Elphin won by 2-13 to 1-13. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
(Western Gaels) which saw the sides level at 2-7 to 1-10 after 38 minutes.
Elphin finished the stronger team and they had the final five points of the match courtesy of Evan Gunn (who scored three), John Finnerty and Fintan Cregg, closing out a very important win for them.
On the group table Michael Glaveys finish first and will therefore have a home quarter-final draw.
St Brigid’s finish second. Elphin will play North Roscommon in a preliminary quarter-final this weekend. Western Gaels will face Castlerea St Kevin’s in a relegation play-off, also this weekend.
Group C
Wins here for Roscommon Gaels against Castlerea St Kevin’s and Boyle against Oran (see match reports). The results mean that Boyle finish top of the group and will have a home quarter-final. Roscommon Gaels finished second but were seeded in last weekend’s draw and will also be at home in the last eight.
Oran will now face Padraig Pearses in a preliminary quarter-final next week (September 10th) while Castlerea will be in relegation play-off action against Western Gaels this weekend.
Gaels drive on as bench impresses
< KEVIN EGAN AT O’ROURKE PARK
Boyle and Oran both flexed their attacking muscles against Castlerea St Kevin’s in this championship and while the scoreboard would suggest that Dara Bruen’s side were a much better match for Roscommon Gaels last Saturday evening in Enfield, the West Roscommon men never looked like taking anything from this game either.
Mark Dowd might not have deep reserves of attacking flair to compare with the mercurial talent in the Boyle and Oran ranks, but he has got a panel full of athletic, physical and committed players that have the ability to control a game, turning the screw slowly but constantly over the course of a full hour.
All five substitutes deployed by the new Roscommon manager in this game are powerful, young talents that have played underage football for the county and it was their ability to come into the fray and strengthen the county town club that was every bit as important as the strong wind that saw the Gaels drive on to win the final quarter by four points.
That said, the platform had been laid down by how the Gaels controlled possession, wound down the clock and suffocated Castlerea during the opening half hour. With a gale-force wind blowing at their backs, St Kevin’s needed to send two-point attempts raining over James Featherstone’s crossbar, but instead they took two shots from distance, missing both.
Once Peter Gillooly forced the ball across to Richard Hughes for the full-forward to sidefoot in the game’s opening goal in the ninth minute,
Castlerea knew that they would need those orange flags.
With Michael Conroy and Jonathan Hester faring well under the kickout, they earned plenty of primary possession but they didn’t have the support structure and energy to work the ball into attacking positions, and instead seemed to force too many passes into tightly-marked attackers, allowing Roscommon Gaels to win turnovers.
For their part, the Gaels would strike at speed when they could, but were just as happy to methodically work the ball up to around 50 metres from the Castlerea goal and then patiently knock it around until the right opening would appear.
With anything more than 25 metres out from the Castlerea goal out of scoring range, 1-4 to 0-4 after 24 minutes was a dream scenario for the Gaels. Then a long ball broke to Aaron McDermott, and after being dragged to the ground by Cathal Dineen, he got up and placed his penalty past Featherstone.
Darren McDermott’s two-point free on the next attack might have given Castlerea some hope but he fired narrowly wide, Senan Lambe fisted over the last point of the half, and Roscommon Gaels prepared to turn around with a lead.
DJ Hession’s booming kick from distance was their only score in the third quarter, but Castlerea’s attack was honest and still dull, so it was never going to need much for Roscommon Gaels to build a winning tally, and two more orange flags from Richard Walsh and Ryan Dowling were enough to leave them comfortable.
John McManus’ late goal was a final flourish, a sign to their fellow Fahey Cup contenders
that while they might not be the most potent of attacks, they still have a cutting edge. And with this level of game management, conditioning and cohesion, they don’t need to cut as deeply as some others to win championship football matches.
Roscommon Gaels: James Featherstone; Jack Donnelly, John McManus (1-0), Joseph O’Malley; Conor Grogan, Tim Lambe, Cathal Dineen; Senan Lambe (0-2), DJ Hession (0-2, one tp); Scott Oates (0-1), Peter Gillooly (0-1), Orin Walsh; Cian Connolly (0-2, 0-1f), Richard Walsh (1-2, one tp), John McGuinness. Subs used: Ethan O’Reilly for Grogan (half-time), Ryan Dowling (0-2, one tp) for O Walsh (halftime), Eoghan Carthy for Dineen (45), Rory Carthy for McGuinness (52), Mark Purcell for Gillooly (60).
Castlerea St Kevin’s: David Farrell (02, one tpf); David Finneran, David Quinn, Liam Finneran; Pádraig Joyce, Seán Joyce, Shane Keenan (0-1); Michael Conroy, James Larkin; Thomas Callaghan, Jonathan Hester, Kevin Hester (0-1); Darren McDermott (0-1f), Adam McDermott (0-5, 0-1 45, 0-1f), Aaron McDermott (1-0, pen). Subs used: Peter Farrell for Larkin (half-time), Seamus Stenson for Aaron McDermott (44), John Curran for K Hester (53), Jack McDermott for Conroy (53).
Referee: Brendan Beirne (Ballinameen).
Stat Attack
Red cards: 0
Black cards: 0
Yellow cards: Castlerea 2 (Quinn, D Farrell); Roscommon Gaels 0 Wides: Roscommon Gaels 6; Castlerea St Kevin’s 4 Man of the Match: Senan Lambe (Roscommon Gaels)
Young cousins Farrah Fallon, Niamh Kenny, and Ava Crehan pictured in Lisnamult for the recent SFC match between Oran and Roscommon Gaels. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Scramble for possession: Action from last Friday’s Roscommon SFC game between St Faithleach’s and Clann na nGael in Strokestown, which Clann won by 3-22 to 2-18. Darren Nerney of St Faithleach’s looks confident of collecting the loose ball. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Four-star Pearses march on
Hodson Bay Group Roscommon SFC Pádraig Pearses 4-14 St Dominic’s 1-12
< KEVIN EGAN AT BALLYFORAN
The same formidable red machine rumbles on, remade and remodelled for a new footballing landscape.
In a world where the rules were rewritten for forwards and where Gaelic football and North Korea take a similarly dim view of any form of dissent, some element of evolution was always going to have to happen over the winter in the home of the county champions, a side that earned domestic and provincial success on the back of playing football on the edge of the rules, often at their best in games where ten scores might be enough to prevail.
The journey that Pádraig Pearses have travelled as a collective entity was on full display in Ballyforan last Friday night, where St Dominic’s arguably tried to meet a 2024-style Pádraig Pearses team head on, only to be steamrollered by a group that has completely revamped their approach.
St Dominic’s brought fire and physicality, and against Pearses teams from the recent past, also imbued with a ‘no backwards step’ mindset, that might have led to sparks flying. Case in point, Jack Tumulty attempting to carry the ball through a narrowing gap between two defenders late in the first half, only for the two Dominic’s men to converge with force, Paddy Fallon in particular ensuring that Tumulty suffered for his temerity.
But there was no retribution, only trust in Tumulty to handle himself, and a complete focus on direct, effective response on the scoreboard. Dominic’s brought fire, Pearses brought enough ice to take all the heat away. This was seen in the exquisite composure that Eoin Colleran showed when he slotted home the game’s first goal in the 11th minute, a score that wiped out a fine St Dominic’s start that featured points from Ruairí Kilcline, Cian Duggan and Cian Kelly. It was seen in how Jack Lohan attempted to neutralise Conor Ryan at midfield but Ryan was unperturbed, continuing to act as the primary target for Paul Whelan’s restarts and the engine around which the machine was built. Kelly was clearly central to the Dominic’s
approach as he looked to take on David Murray early and often. Once this pattern was established, Pearses didn’t try to meet Kelly head on, but instead forced him into increasingly tight channels that eventually led to him turning back.
There were moments that the champions showed they were still able to assert their athletic prowess where necessary. Paul Carey’s soaring catch in traffic to pull down Declan Kenny’s high ball was met with an equally simple but authoritative low finish for a second goal, Mark Richardson gave a masterclass in man-on-man defending against Daire Keenan, while Seán Canning was also deceptively effective at both ends, not just because of his speed, but also as a result of the defensive knack that he has now added to his repertoire.
Then there was the last two minutes of the first half, a demonstration of true control and composure. Hubert Darcy was off the pitch after receiving a black card for a hold, but once they received possession with 29 minutes on the clock, Pearses voices from the press box confirmed to the team that there was 120 seconds left, and to make sure they got the final shot.
Possession was held, the seconds ebbed away, and then when there would have been no time for a counter-attack, Eoin Colleran turned, powered past Michael Moran and with advantage on his side, he used his less-favoured right foot to split the posts, making it 2-5 to 0-6 at half-time.
In the time that Darcy was off the field, Pearses monopolised possession and used it effectively, outscoring St Dominic’s by 0-4 to 0-1 and effectively killing off the tie long before Seán Canning added goal number three.
The faintest scent of hope lingered in the Ballyforan air for St Dominic’s when Jack Lohan got a touch on Daire Keenan’s high ball to cancel out that Canning score, since by now the underdogs would have known that because of Clann na nGael’s big lead over St Faithleach’s, a win by any margin whatsoever would be enough to pull them out of the relegation play-off and instead eliminate the champions.
Declan Kenny pointed, Adam McGreal raised the last green flag of the night, and the county champions cruised into the knockout stages where they will now take on Oran next Wednesday in Kiltoom. Still possessed of a champion’s mindset, not necessarily leaner and certainly not meaner, but not greener either, and perhaps keener too.
Pádraig Pearses: Paul Whelan; Gavin Downey, Caelim Keogh, Mark Richardson; Conor Lohan (02), David Murray (0-2), Declan Kenny (0-1); Ronan Daly, Conor Ryan; Lorcán Daly, Seán Canning (1-0), Jack Tumulty; Eoin Colleran (1-5), Hubert Darcy, Paul Carey (1-2, 0-2f). Subs used: Adam McGreal (1-0) for L Daly (45), Jack Nevin (0-1) for Tumulty (51), Eoin McManus for Downey (57), Charles Nevin (0-1) for Carey (58).
St Dominic’s: Conor Fallon; Michael Moran, Eoin McCormack, Kyran Dockery; Karol Feerick, Jack Miley, Dylan Bruton; Jack Lohan (1-0), Paddy
Fallon; Ruairí Kilcline (0-2), Cian Kelly (0-2), Cathal Feerick; Daire Keenan (0-1), Cian Duggan (0-7, 0-4f, one tpf), David Gately. Subs used: Ethan Connaughton for C Feerick (49), Jamie Tiernan for Kilcline (49), Michael Feeley for P Fallon (60). Referee: Dermot Lyons (Castlerea St Kevin’s).
Stat Attack
Red cards: 0 Black cards: Pearses 1 (Darcy); St Dominic’s 0 Yellow cards: Pearses 2 (Carey, Lohan); St Dominic’s 2 (Keenan, Connaughton) Wides: Pearses 7; St Dominic’s 7 Man of the Match: Eoin Colleran (Pádraig Pearses)
A crisp day! Raymond and Michael McLoughlin pictured with Oran supporter Allan Moran in Ballinameen on Saturday for the Roscommon SFC match between Oran and Boyle. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Super Smith powers Boyle to victory Sports PEOPLE
Hodson Bay Group
Roscommon SFC
Boyle 2-23 Oran 2-16
< SEAMUS DUKE IN BALLINAMEEN
Boyle confirmed their status as number one seeds in Group C with an impressive win in what was an entertaining tussle in Ballinameen on Saturday evening last.
Oran played their best football before and after half-time and at one stage they led by five points (2-10 to 1-8), but Boyle powered home in the end, inspired by the outstanding Donie Smith. The recently retired Roscommon star kicked 1-13 in what was an exhibition of score-taking, particularly in the second half.
Oran began brightly and led by 0-4 to 0-1 after six minutes, but once Enda Smith sent in Daire Cregg to score a well-worked goal in the 8th minute Boyle were on top and they led by 1-7 to 0-4 by the 21st minute.
As the intensity levels increased, Daire Cregg and Colin Walsh were black-carded for an incident between them in the 14th minute.
This was a well contested affair with some excellent play on both sides. Oran were the better side before the break. Their best player on the day, Charlie Carthy, kicked a two-pointer from play and then in the 25th minute the same player converted a penalty after a foul by Boyle defender Luke Glennon, who received a black card. Oran were ahead at the break courtesy of a well-taken goal from James Fitzpatrick. At the interval they were three points to the good, 2-8 to 1-8.
Indeed after the break points from Shane Walsh and a Darragh Walsh free saw Pat Regan’s men move five ahead. However, in the final 20 minutes Boyle were the better team, inspired by the outstanding Donie Smith.
Two long-range two-point frees from Donie saw the scores level by the 48th minute and a minute later he kicked an outrageous two-pointer from play to put his side ahead.
Charlie Carthy did kick a two-point free for Oran with six minutes to go – while a James Fitzpatrick effort came back off the Boyle crossbar – but Boyle continued their attacking onslaught. Deep into injury-time Donie Smith struck again. It was most fitting that the game’s best player fired home his side’s second goal to see
them top the table in the group and earn a home quarter-final.
Oran have finished third in the group table and will now face a tough preliminary quarter-final against Padraig Pearses.
Best for Boyle on the day were Enda Smith, Tadhg McKenna, Cian McKeon, Oisin Cregg and the rampant Donie Smith. Charlie Carthy was outstanding for Oran and Micheal Hussey, Colin Walsh and James Fitzpatrick were also very prominent.
Boyle: Robert Kearney; Conor Kelly, Luke Glennon, Killian Cox; Daniel Casey, Sean Purcell, David Flanagan (0-2); Tadhg McKenna, Oisin Cregg (0-1); Cian McKeon (0-3, 2 frees), Daire Cregg (1-2), Enda Smith; David Duggan (0-2), Niall O’Donnell,
Donie Smith (1-13, one tp, three 2pf, 4 frees). Sub used: Luke McGrath for Duggan (46).
Oran: Shane Regan; Jack Casey, Thomas Featherston, Cathal Kenny; Cormac Regan, Colin Walsh (0-1), Connie Regan; Ciaran Lawless (0-2, 1 tp), Michael Staunton; Paddy Fallon, Charlie Carthy (1-5, 1-0 pen, 1 tp, 1 tpf), Micheal Hussey; James Fitzpatrick (1-1), Shane Walsh (0-3, 1 mark), D Walsh (0-4 1 tpf, 2 frees). Sub: Paul Kenny for Fallon (43).
Referee: Brendan Healy.
Man of the Match
Donie Smith (Boyle)
Elphin should advance to last eight
< SEAMUS DUKE
Hodson Bay SFC preliminary quarter-final: Elphin v North Roscommon on Sunday in Boyle at 1 pm
It’s not clear how strong the amalgamated side will be. Shannon Gaels are involved in a championship game on Saturday evening so there may be a doubt about their players’ participation.
Not having had any games in preparation will also hamper North Roscommon, but Elphin will be wary of this fixture and will want to give it their full attention.
Nigel Dineen’s men will go into the game in
buoyant mood after that excellent win against Western Gaels last weekend, a result which secures senior championship football for them in 2026. They will be looking to Nessan Lenehan, Shane Killoran, Evan Gunn, John Finnerty, Shane Beirne and Cathal Enright to lead the charge. They should be good enough to win by four or five points.
Prediction: Elphin.
Hodson Bay SFC relegation play-off: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Western Gaels on Sunday in Ballinlough at 2.30 pm
The winners here will play in the senior championship again in 2026 while the losers
will have one more chance as they will face St Dominic’s.
Western Gaels were devastated after losing to Elphin last weekend and they will be determined to keep their senior status for another year. They are still reliant on many of the players who have kept them going over the years, such as Cathal Cregg, Kevin Higgins, Seanie McDermott, Rory Hester, Barry Creighton and Finbar Cregg.
Castlerea have found the going tough in this year’s championship, although they gave Roscommon Gaels a good game last weekend. Adam McDermott and Darren McDermott have been carrying the flag well for Dara Bruen’s men but as previously
suggested they need more support. Western Gaels look the stronger team and should have enough to secure their senior status for another year. It looks like Castlerea will have to go to the last chance saloon against St Dominic’s.
Prediction: Western Gaels.
*Next Wednesday (September 10th), Padraig Pearses will play Oran in the second of the SFC preliminary quarter-finals in Kiltoom at 8 pm. This promises to be a cracking game with several top class players on view on both sides. Pearses will be the slight favourites to make it into the quarterfinals.
Action from last weekend’s Boyle v Oran Roscommon SFC game in Ballinameen: Jack Casey and Donie Smith track the ball as it sails between the uprights for a Boyle point – Smith ending the game with a remarkable 1-13. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
