Issuu

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ATHLONE

– SOLICITOR

Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie

Birth Injury

www.bccsolicitors.ie 090 647 8433

There is a lot of talk in the news about birth injuries. What is involved in taking a legal case and what will a successful case mean to my child?

A birth injury claim is a legal action taken when a baby suffers harm due to medical negligence before, during, or immediately after childbirth. These claims seek compensation for medical expenses, future care costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Common causes of birth injuries can include:

• Failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of forceps/vacuum extractors, delayed C-section, or medication errors.

• Oxygen Deprivation: Leading to conditions like cerebral palsy.

• Physical Trauma: Excessive force during delivery causing fractures or nerve damage (e.g., Erb’s palsy).

• Infections or Undiagnosed Conditions: Failure to detect infections or maternal conditions affecting the baby.

Parents or legal guardians can ﬁle a birth injury claim on behalf of their child. Byrne Carolan Cunningham Medical Negligence Solicitors are very experienced in this area of law, and we will guide you through the process. We will review all medical records and engage all necessary specialist professional opinion speciﬁc to your child’s case, as required.

A child with a birth injury may have long-term medical, emotional, and financial needs. Typically, we would engage specialists to comment on all needs to include medical care and treatments; therapy and rehabilitation; educational and developmental support; home and lifestyle modifications; emotional and psychological support as well as financial assistance. Any such legal case would seek to meet the cost of any such requirements for your child for their lifetime.

I understand that any parent faced with a scenario of a potential birth injury for their child is going through an incredibly emotional and challenging time. If you, as a parent, are dealing with such a situation I am happy to talk to you about your legal rights without any obligation.

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

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

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Reeling, the boyos met twice on Thursday, and then again after the Roscommon-Meath game.

By Monday, they had prepared a document to submit to the Editor.

Initially, they titled the 26-page missive – citing all the Editor’s offences against their column over the years – ‘The ﬁnal humiliation; Either you go or we do’

(They changed that to ‘Column concerns’).

The ﬁnal straw, as they saw it, was the Editor leaving their column out last week… preferring instead to use the top of page 2 to promote the Roscommon People as an advertising medium.

The drama had begun when Boyo 1 was woken abruptly early on the Thursday morning. That has nothing to do with their column being left out, it was just the dog barking madly at the postman.

Still, Boyo 1 couldn’t go back to sleep (the dog did). After an hour, he rose and cooked breakfast (Boyo 1, not the dog).

Checking the Roscommon People’s online edition, he was aghast (Boyo 1, not the dog).

No column! Frantically, Boyo 1 turned the digital pages, almost doubting his own eyesight. But there was no sign of ‘The Barstool Boyos’ anywhere. The ﬁnal humiliation! Of course Frank Brandon’s column – a full page – was there on page 12, as always. What hold has the Creggs man on the Editor, Boyo 1 wondered.

Thebarstoolboyos

(He also noted the irony of Mr Brandon – however much tongue in cheek – pitching to do a ‘Pub Spy’ column recently, given the Boyos’ experience of pubs).

Either he goes or we go… Endangered Species

Later on Thursday…

It was noon by the time Boyo 1 rang Boyo 2.

From the tone of Boyo 1’s voice, Boyo 2 knew straight away that this was serious. They met at a secret location (their local). The mood was sombre, but then a lot of that can be down to the barman’s idiosyncrasies.

Neither boyo spoke for at least 45 seconds. Then Boyo 1 erupted.

“It’s a step too far! That must be the fourth time he’s left our column off page 2 in the past six months! And to think he did it just so he could pursue the People’s commercial interests, putting a promotion for a summer supplement there instead!”

Boyo 2 nodded sadly, even more sadly when he realised it was his round.

Later in the week

They hand-delivered their letter of protest to the People ofﬁce on Tuesday.

‘Guarantee you’ll publish us every week, offer us a new contract, or we walk… to the opposition’ the 26-page document boldly stated.

They weren’t conﬁdent. It felt like the end of an era, like when Muhammad Ali hung up his gloves, or when Dallas ended – or even when Martin King stopped doing the weather.

(To be continued)

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Roscommon senior hurlers, who won the Nicky Rackard Cup last Saturday, defeating Mayo in the ﬁnal at Croke Park in dramatic fashion

CMAT, with the Irish singer-songwriter announced to play the famous Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, amid rising international hype following the release of her latest single

It’s been a BAD week for…

Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe, who apologised this week after prompting backlash by suggesting during a Dáil debate on the war in Gaza that the British Army “never retaliated by bombing or shooting the civilian population of Ireland”

PIC OF THE WEEK: Shane Cunnane of Roscommon tussles with Ciarán Caul eld of Meath during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2 match between Roscommon and Meath at King & Mo att Dr Hyde Park last weekend. Photo by Tom Beary/Sports le

Plan Your Future 2025

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (CIS) provides an independent, non-judgemental, and conﬁdential information, advice/assistance and advocacy service to the public. In 2024, the service responded to over 57,200 queries regionally via phone, email and face-to-face consultations.

The service also delivers, in response to public needs, a community education programme. The programme is delivered both face to face in a community setting and also online.

This year South Connacht CIS in conjunction with Roscommon County Council, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the Age Friendly Alliance will be delivering a series of free in person and on line information events in June, with a focus on State Pensions and other Entitlements in Retirement and Wills and Inheritance.

Citizens Information Services deal with numerous queries in relation to Wills, Inheritance and State Pensions daily. These community education sessions are being arranged to address your information and advice needs in your local area.

The information events will take place in Kilbride Community Centre, Four Mile House, Roscommon, F42 N277.

State Pensions and other Entitlements in Retirement –Wednesday 18th June at 11am to 1.00pm Wills and Inheritance – Wednesday 25th June at 11am to 1.00pm

To attend these free information events in person, you can register and reserve a place by ringing Roscommon Citizens Information Centre on 0818 07 6360 or email ﬁona.kilmartin@ citinfo.ie

Please reserve your place early to ensure a place and to avoid disappointment.

Richard Regan Development Manager of Roscommon CIS stated:‘This series of events is a great opportunity to demystify the often-complex area of Wills and Inheritance and to give greater clarity to the public on their entitlements to State Pensions. The events will provide an opportunity for people to engage with experts on these topics, and ample time will be allocated for questions at each session.’

Anne O’Carroll, from Cascade Training Consultancy will be delivering the information event on Wills and Inheritance.

Anne O’Carroll BCL MA of Cascade Training Consultancy is a highly experienced educator with a background in law and communication. As a journalist, writing on legal matters, she received several Justice Media Awards from the Law Society of Ireland for articles making complex legal matters clear and accessible to the lay person. She has over 30 years of experience delivering training and public information presentations for Citizens Information Services around the

country. With an in-depth understanding of how inheritance issues affect the ordinary person, she is passionate about inspiring good inheritance planning. Her jargonfree and hands-on approach ensures that everyone goes home with information useful to their circumstances, and a clear understanding of what practical steps they need to take next.

Commenting on the Wills and Inheritance information event, Anne O’Carroll said: “During my presentation I’ll be discussing what you need to consider when making a will and the laws on

inheritance. Making a will saves time, money and hassle after your death and of course it won’t kill you!’

Sheila Coyle, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Ro-

scommon County Council, noted: “As part of our Age Friendly Strategy, Roscommon County Council are delighted to be part of this group, reaching out into the community to support people living in the county, to access valuable information, on a range of topics of concern, to the senior members of our society. Our Age Friendly Alliance

has been instrumental in bringing the various agencies together to deliver these information events in a friendly community setting.

Linda Devine, SICAP and Social Inclusion Lead Co-ordinator, Roscommon LEADER Partnership said: “The best way to deliver change in our communities is for agencies collaborating to deliver bespoke projects to meet the needs of all in our community. This information series targets the information needs of older people, it will also greatly help people who are still working to help plan their futures. This is even more important as this cohort need to consider how best to protect their pensions rights now and into the future.”

At both events there will be information stands from agencies who provide services throughout the county and who are there to support you in your community. Everyone is encouraged to come along and meet the experts who will be there to answer your questions on Making a Will and Inheritance Rights, and how best to be tax efﬁcient with your estate and reduce your tax burden after death.

Anyone over the age of 50 should attend these events to ensure they are maximising their pension rights now and into the future. You will also hear about your rights to maintain or increase your pension rates in the future and continued work after the age of 66, what are the beneﬁts to you?

Those who have provided care or support to family members over the years are urged to attend so they can see how this time spent caring can be translated into pension rights.

There will also be information on other beneﬁts such as the National Fuel Allowance, Household Beneﬁts package, Free Travel, Medical cards, Living Alone Allowance and much more.

The Plan Your Future 2025 information series is free, and anyone interested in attending in person can register, by telephoning Roscommon Citizens Information Centre on 0818 07 6360 or email ﬁona.kilmartin@citinfo. ie

If you want to attend the event on-line, then go to Eventbrite https://sccis.eventbrite.ie/ and register to save a place. When you register for the on-line event, you will get an email conﬁrmation of your reservation.

South Connacht Citizens Information Service, Roscommon County Council, the Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the Age Friendly Alliance look forward to meeting you at the events on the 18th and 25th June in Kilbride Community Centre, Four Mile House, Roscommon F42 N277

Get informed, Think Ahead, Plan Your Future and Get Peace of Mind!

Shannon Lodge Nursing Home

A major expansion of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey, Co Roscommon, is progressing steadily, with the facility set to add 14 new beds to its existing 36-bed capacity. Planning permission for the development was granted in May 2022, and construction began in March of this year.

The extension – described by Roscommon County Council sources as “a major” commercial development for the county –will feature new resident and visitor amenities, including a coffee shop, reception area, day and multipurpose rooms, as well as landscaped gardens and additional parking. Two selfcontained staff apartments will also be located on the ﬁrst ﬂoor.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Shannon Lodge Managing Director Adrian Cox said: “We’re delighted to have received the planning and to have been able to commence the construction phase of the project. It’s great to see the excitement among our

existing residents at the prospect of having a new state-of-the-art wing to their home.” The construction phase is expected to conclude by the middle of next year, with recruitment for new staff set to commence by the end of this year. While the opening of the new wing remains subject to regulatory approval, Mr Cox indicated he is hopeful that the facility will begin welcoming new residents by mid-2026.

The development marks a rare expansion in a sector that has otherwise experienced sustained contraction. Roscommon has seen the closure of a number of long-established nursing homes in recent years, including Costello’s in Ballyleague and The Stella Maris in Monksland. Rising costs – driven by regulatory expansion and inﬂation in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – have been widely cited as key factors in the

closures.

Data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reveals the extent of the national decline: 21 nursing homes closed in 2020, followed by nine in 2021, 14 in 2022, and a further nine in 2023 – the most recent year for which ﬁgures are available. The closures have disproportionately impacted rural counties in the west of Ireland, including Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway.

In November 2024, Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, noted that although the North-West reported the highest average occupancy levels, the sector remained “under immense strain due to rising costs, inadequate funding, and reduced construction activity”.

Mr Cox said that for Shannon Lodge, the warning signs were clear as early as 2021: “The writing was on the wall... either we expanded, or closure was a real possibility.”

He described the decision to proceed with the development as a signiﬁcant but necessary

risk: “It’s a big risk to invest in expansion. We want to stay in business in the community, and we want to be able to accommodate people to stay as close to their loved ones as possible when they need nursing home care.”

Mr Cox expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the process: “Thankfully, we are looking forward to a brighter future and I would like to thank all the stakeholders, including our own team here, our planners, the construction crew and of course Roscommon County Council for approving this development.”

Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey village.

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT

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In most people this ‘switch’ is off.

Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do .

Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• An analysis of your metabolism

• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.

• Nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair your system.

• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.

• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).

You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.

WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY

At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302

Bernie wins Community Person of Year Award

A former development officer for over 30 years with the community development organisation Muintir na Tíre, Bernard Kearney from Fourmilehouse, Co Roscommon, has been chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Muintir na Tíre Community Person of the Year Award.

The announcement was made at an event at the Muintir na Tíre HQ in Tipperary Town, on Saturday, May 31st.

It was very appropriate for Bernard to receive the award, as throughout his life he has been a firm believer in the mission statement and ethos of the organisation’s founder, Canon John Hayes. As a former Development Officer with Muintir na Tíre, Bernard has been very well known for all his voluntary leadership, along with his outstanding promotional work with Community Text Alert groups throughout the region. His commitment and energy to his local community for nearly 50 years can be seen through the many projects and initiatives that he has been

involved in.

At the award ceremony in Tipperary, Bernie was described as one of the exceptional community leaders in County Roscommon, and

a tireless voluntary worker on behalf of countless local groups over many decades. The award was presented by the National President of Muintir na Tíre, Mr Jackie Meally.

Introducing the ultimate Charcuterie Cup with Prosecco at the Abbey Hotel

From June 9th* the Abbey Hotel Roscommon will be launching their delightful Charcuterie Cup offer, perfectly paired with a Prosecco snipe priced at €23 per person.

Whether you’re celebrating a christening, an engagement, marking a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to an afternoon of relaxation with friends, the Pretty Charcuterie Cup with Prosecco Snipe experience is the perfect all year round gift idea.

Indulge in a curated selection of local artisanal meats, gourmet cheeses, and fresh accompaniments, all served in a charming China cup.

Don’t miss out on this exquisite experience, come toast to all life’s special moments at the Abbey Hotel.

T&C: One hour prior notice is required for preparation by our chefs.

Telephone 090 6626240 or email info@abbeyhotel.ie

Gift vouchers are available from hotel reception.

Pictured at Croke Park on Saturday, where they were supporting Roscommon hurlers in the Rackard Cup final, were Brendan, Joseph, Sean and Jackie Hanley (Knockcroghery). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Jackie Meally (President of Muintir na Tíre) pictured presenting the 2025 Community Person of the Year Award to Bernard Kearney from Fourmilehouse, Co Roscommon.

THURSDAY

Music to my ears

Previously on… EastEnders: No, believe me I’m not going to attempt to review plot twists, instead, just a passing, observant comment on the background music you sometimes hear on the BBC soap. For example, in the café or the pub, or the local garage, there’s a scene playing out, and you’ll hear a song on the radio in the background. I’m wondering if there’s an inﬂuential Irish person on the production team, because in the past I’ve heard U2, Sinead O’Connor, The Corrs, and I think The Cranberries and The Boomtown Rats as well!

Of course such choices of music being added to the mayhem on Albert Square wouldn’t have to be made by an Irish person; the examples I’ve given more likely being a fair reﬂection of the popularity of those artists (and their biggest hits).

Anyways, EastEnders was ‘on in the background’ this evening, and I picked up on two more interesting song choices by bands from Ireland being used as the backdrop to scenes: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, and the brilliant Teenage Kicks, a 1978 hit for The Undertones.

FRIDAY

Sporting facilities

Attending an underage GAA ﬁnal in Kiltoom this evening (in an excellent contest, Roscommon Gaels defeated Clann na nGael after extra-time), I was struck again by the magniﬁcent sporting facilities we have locally.

As I’ve written here before, the St Brigid’s club grounds are particularly impressive. Attending GAA and soccer venues most weeks, I’m so impressed by the infrastructure that has been developed by dedicated volunteers (with support from the sporting bodies in question, and from government too).

Our young people are very fortunate to have such outstanding facilities available to them in every corner of County Roscommon (and adjoining counties). I might add that the phenomenal facilities at Creggs Rugby

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

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

Club are rightly the envy of most rugby clubs in Ireland.

FRIDAY

A star remembered M*A*S*H, the American war comedy drama which ran from 1972 to 1983, was a favourite of my mother’s. I came to love it too. The show, which managed to draw humour against the backdrop of the Korean War, launched the career of Alan Alda, who played the wise-cracking Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce, one of several main characters working in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (hence ‘M*A*S*H’).

Thanks to superb writers and a wonderful cast, the show was funny, but also emotional and deeply moving. After all, the futility of war was what this outstanding sitcom so successfully highlighted.

Today brought the sad news of the death of actress Loretta Swit (87), who played Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan. In the show, her relationship with Major Frank Burns is one of the

central storylines. Swit was nominated for eleven Emmys (winning two) over the course of the eleven seasons of M*A*S*H.

Loretta Swit became globally recognisable, and will be remembered as a star of one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

SATURDAY

Castlerea walkabout!

This morning, in sunny Castlerea, I was given a tour of the Demesne and Somers Park, my guide being Senator Gareth Scahill.

The Demesne is a fantastic amenity, a beautiful, tranquil area of parkland that offers nourishment for mind and body.

I was very impressed too with the family-friendly Somers Park, where the swimming pool is ﬂanked by a state-of-the-art playground, an outdoor gym, an outdoor performance area, and a riverside walkway.

I spoke to Senator Scahill about his upbringing in Castlerea, key local projects, and his ambition to regain

Dáil representation in this constituency for Fine Gael. Gareth Scahill is a welcome new political voice in the county. See interview in this issue.

SATURDAY EVENING

Roscommon v Meath

What a performance by Enda Smith in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park today.

When Enda’s relatively tame penalty kick was saved during a crucial period in a close game, the Boyle man showed heroic leadership by taking on a two-pointer within a minute or two of that setback. The sight of that shot sailing over the bar lifted his teammates, and the crowd.

Two more two-pointers followed from Smith – one of them appeared to be heading well wide before spectacularly curling towards its target, just a touch reminiscent of Rory Mcllroy’s epic shot on the 15th hole on day four of the Masters.

In the end, Smith’s barnstorming display didn’t get the reward it deserved. Still, Meath were full value

for the draw, in a thrilling game that could have gone either way. It was a tense but enjoyable evening at the Hyde. See more in our sports section.

SUNDAY

More GAA action

By all accounts, Derry v Galway in the All-Ireland SFC series was a fantastic game today (I didn’t subscribe; still annoyed with these games only being available on GAA+).

Not suggesting I’m getting grumpier or anything, but even the fact that I have to locate the ‘+’ key when typing this is a nuisance. The GAA has a lot – well, a little bit – to answer for. I did watch Dublin v Armagh, which predictably was am engrossing game. Armagh are playing with a hunger and determination that would suggest they’ve been starved of the Sam Maguire, but they’re the defending champions. It’s ominous for everyone else. Even Jim McGuinness must be Desperately Seeking A Plan.

As an side, I knew that Dublin’s legendary goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton is 43, but wasn’t aware that he made his inter-county debut as far back as 2001! That was the year when foot-and-mouth disease brought the country to a standstill. It feels like a lifetime ago, but Cluxton is still starring at the highest level.

MONDAY

Latest podcast

Late last year we launched a podcast, beginning with interviews with General Election candidates. The feedback was extremely positive! After taking a breather from podcasting – probably for as long as it took the new Government to sort out the speaking rights row – we resumed with one featuring Castlerea’s world class boxing sisters, Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke.

This evening, we dropped our latest podcast on the usual platforms. It’s an interview with irreverent comedian David McSavage. If you have a look/ listen, please note that a number of ‘F-bombs’ are dropped throughout the conversation.

Healy-Rae to visit West Roscommon amid calls for Castlerea Fire Station reopening

Forestry Minister Michael Healy-Rae has agreed to meet a delegation from West Roscommon following wildﬁres that destroyed hundreds of acres of land and reignited long-standing calls to reopen Castlerea Fire Station.

A well-attended public meeting in Gorthaganny on Tuesday night heard that more than 1,300 acres of bog and forestry were damaged in last month’s ﬁres.

Local community leader Seamus Crawley said the ﬁres had left a deep mark on the area, with some residents experiencing respiratory issues due to thick smoke and others struggling with the emotional and psychological toll.

Senator Gareth Scahill told attendees both Minister HealyRae and Minister of State for Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, had committed to engagement and that Healy-Rae has agreed to meeting a delegation either locally or in Dublin, and O’Sullivan to further involvement once damage assessments are ﬁnalised.

Senator Scahill told the Ro-

scommon People he had spoken to both ministers and was assured “initial assessments have been done and NPWS are working through it. He (O’Sullivan) assures me he is committed to reinstating the SAC.” He added he had echoed the concerns of the locals regarding roadside safety concerns to the department following the meeting.

Calls for the reopening of Castlerea Fire Station dominated much of the meeting, with fire officer Enda Caulfield of Ballyhaunis Fire Service, which attended the wildfire, saying: “It’s a major loss to the area.”

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, who also attended

the meeting, told the Roscommon People on Wednesday: “The meeting was well attended, about 100 people. My main concern here is prevention of future incidents and the safety of everyone affected.

“I am calling on central government to fund the capital and operating costs of the reopening of Castlerea Fire

Station. I have personally spoken to the Taoiseach on two occasions.

“And I want to be clear, I’m not looking for resources to be taken from any other town – Castlerea should have its own additional ﬁre station.”

Cllr Fitzmaurice continued:

“With respect to those affected I am calling on Government to

put in place a compensation scheme for those affected including those who lost forestry.”

The Roscommon People understands that all four local Oireachtas members wrote to the CEO of Roscommon County Council ahead of its last plenary meeting, backing the call to reopen the station.

Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice told the meeting he raised the issue in the Dáil during Leaders’ Questions, asking for a reconstitution grant for forestry owners affected. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane told the meeting she would continue to press ministers for clarity on available supports: “The only question that remains is what supports will be available.”

Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly said better forestry management is essential to avoid future “disasters.”

The meeting, chaired by Seamus Crawley, was also attended by local councillors, including Seán Moylan and Ruth Conboy. Mr Crawley concluded by stating that another public meeting would be held once politicians report back with further updates.

Castlerea Fire Station.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75

ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

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

Road to be closed: L7055 Ardsallagh Woods Road from Hannons Hotel to Golf Club

Period of Closure: 9am to 2pm on Saturday 28th June 2025

Alternative Routes: via N61, N63 & L1812

Road to be closed: L7081 Turville from Galway Road Junction to Rahara Road Junction

Period of Closure: 11am to 12pm on Saturday 28th June 2025

Alternative Routes: via L1812, L7126 & N63

Reason for Closure: To facilitate Roscommon Harriers Club Road Race

Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on Wednesday 11th June 2025.

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

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

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

Road to be closed: R371 Ballyleague to Scramoge Period of Closure: 10am to 3pm on 12th July 2025

Alternative Routes: N63 Ballyleague to Roscommon N61 Roscommon to Four Mile House R368 Four Mile House to Farnbeg And vice versa

Reason for Closure: To facilitate Cycle Event associated with The Two Provinces Triathlon.

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

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

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

Road to be closed: L-6656 at its junction with N60 (Cloneenbaun) to its Junction with the L-1627 Killtultoge, Roscommon Period of Closure: 23rd June to 25th July 2025

Alternative Routes: Diversion via N60 - L1801 - L1627- L6656

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Cloneenbaun Bridge Rehabilitation works

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

The

Recently a special presentation ceremony was held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon as retired members of Roscommon Post Office were honoured in recognition of their service.

Photo (top) shows current and retired staff of Roscommon Post Office pictured at the function, held to honour members who retired last March.

Photo (right) shows retired members (front row, left to right) Jackie Doyle, Bernie Miley, Mary Keane, Adrian Coyle, Mary Rodgers and Catherina Collins. Back row, left to right: John Tansey, Gerry Kehoe, Paddy Glennon, Angela Keegan, Mike Lyons and Joe Murphy. Photos: Gerard O’Loughlin

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

N5 ACTIVE TRAVEL – TULSK TO RATHCROGHAN PROJECT

Public Consultation No. 01 –Emerging

Preferred Option June 2025

Wednesday 11th June 2025

Background

Roscommon County Council is progressing Active Travel improvements along the N5 from Frenchpark to Tulsk. The construction of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project will result in a considerable reduction in traffic on the existing N5 between Tulsk and Rathcroghan, thereby providing an opportunity to consider implementing active travel facilities. The Tulsk to Rathcroghan section is currently at the Option Selection Stage and is being progressed by Roscommon County Council and design consultants Roughan & O’Donovan.

The project will provide a cycling / walking link from Tulsk village to the internationally important Rathcroghan Archaeological Complex (Candidate UNESCO World Heritage Site). The project will also provide connection between many residential dwellings along the route into Tulsk village.

Background

Public Consultation Event

Portlaoise for Rossies, Mayo v Donegal at Hyde

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon senior footballers will face Cork in the crucial third round match in Group 2 of the All-Ireland series in Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday week, June 14th at 4.15 pm.

If Roscommon win or draw, they will progress to the preliminary quarterfinals. However a loss would see Davy Burke’s men eliminated from the championship.

Roscommon fans will have painful memories of the last time the teams met in the championship when the Rebel County pipped the Rossies by 1-14 to 0-16 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 2023. Cork have been defeated by both Kerry and Meath in the group so far this summer.

The other game in the group – Kerry versus Meath – is in Tullamore at the same

time on Saturday week. That fixture will decide who comes first and second in the group. Of major interest locally – and a huge benefit to local businesses – will be the

BULKY GOODS COLLECTIONS

Roscommon County Council is hosting a Public Consultation event to gather feedback and opinions in relation to the emerging preferred option. We invite all residents, businesses, stakeholders and interested parties to attend and have your say to inform the identification and selection of the emerging preferred option to be taken forward to planning.

Public Consultation Event

We value all feedback and appreciate any time spent communicating your views. A questionnaire will be available for you to express your views. Members of the project team will be present to provide information and to answer your questions.

The Public Consultation Day

clash of Mayo and Donegal at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park on Sunday week (June 15th) at 4 pm. Both sides need a win, so a bumper crowd of over 20,000 is expected to attend.

We value all feedback and appreciate any Qme spent communicaQng your views. A quesQonnaire will be available for you to express your views. Members of the project team will be present to provide information and to answer your questions.

The Public Consultation Day will be held in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon F45 HH51 on Wednesday 11th June 2025 between 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

will be held in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon F45 HH51 on Wednesday 11th June 2025 between 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

If you are unable to join us on the day, a copy of the questionnaire and supporting documentation will be available online on the Roscommon County Council Consultation Portal

If you are unable to join us on the day, a copy of the questionnaire and supporting documentation will be available online on the Roscommon County Council ConsultaQon Portal

Home | Roscommon County Council's ConsultaLon Portal

Home | Roscommon County Council's Consultation Portal

Completed questionnaires and feedback can be sent to us via email to activetravel@roscommonnrdo.ie or by post marked as ‘N5 Active Travel Tulsk to Rathcroghan Project’ addressed to Roscommon County Council, National Roads Regional Office, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, F42 WY23. We ask that completed questionnaires and feedback is submitted to us during the consultation period, between Wednesday 11th June 2025 and Wednesday 9th July 2025.

Completed questionnaires and feedback can be sent to us via email to acQvetravel@roscommonnrdo.ie or by post marked as ‘N5 Active Travel Tulsk to Rathcroghan Project’ addressed to Roscommon County Council, NaLonal Roads Regional Oﬃce, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, F42 WY23 We ask that completed questionnaires and feedback is submitted to us during the consultation period, between Wednesday 11th June 2025 and Wednesday 9th July 2025

and Hardwood.

Over €110k for successful anti-dumping initiatives

Roscommon County Council has been successful in securing funding of €111,975 to support the 2025 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI).

This funding, provided by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs), aims to combat illegal dumping across the county.

The ADI will fund 17 diverse projects designed to address illegal dumping through a collaborative approach involving local authorities, communities and other State agencies. These projects will include bulky goods collections, illegal dumping clean-ups and awareness-raising campaigns.

The Environment Department of Roscommon County Council has

scheduled two dates for householders to recycle bulky goods at collection events. These events will only be taking place at Castlerea Civic Amenity Site on Friday, June 13th, from 2 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday, June 14th, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Roscommon County Council wish to remind the public that the only items which will be accepted at these collection events are upholstered furniture (such as couches and armchairs), outdoor dining sets, carpets, bathroom suites, mattresses, divan beds and hard plastics. No other items will be accepted.

The service is provided for domestic households only, with an entry fee of €20 per car or van with a trailer. Payments can be made by cash on the day of the event. Com-

mercial waste will not be accepted, and service users may experience queues during busy times.

Roscommon County Council also reminds householders that the county has a network of recycling facilities, including four Civic Amenity Sites and 38 Bring Bank Sites. Many items can be recycled for free, including Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), textiles, mixed glass and cans.

Environmental Education and Awareness Ofﬁcer Jonathan Jones encourages householders to familiarise themselves with the various recycling options available in the county, many of which are free of charge.

“Each year Roscommon County Council receives and investigates complaints regarding illegal dump-

ing in our towns and countryside”, he said. “There is no excuse, as there are many free recycling options available.

“Illegal dumping, as well as being unsightly, causes signiﬁcant harm to the environment and to wildlife. The dumping of waste, particularly food waste, can attract vermin which has signiﬁcant health and safety risks.

“These collection events give people an opportunity to dispose of large household items for free and to support anti-dumping projects and the recycling of bulky goods.

“Last year, our bulky goods collections took in around 1100 couches, bed bases, armchairs, mattresses and miscellaneous furniture, and diverted a further 18.1 tonnes of waste from landﬁll,” he concluded.

Pictured are some of the attendees at the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s staging of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, May 23rd last. Photos: Michael Finan

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

‘Attending’ to the truancy problem

Our columnist Frank Brandon on the growing problem of truancy among young students, the importance of welcoming and celebrating all cultures in our schools now more than ever, bygone bonfire traditions, and more!

It’s an undeniable fact that education plays an important part in children’s development. That said, one could argue that at times there has been too much emphasis on academic results; take children who would’ve been far

more suited to apprenticeships for different trades, who are sent off to university to study for degrees that they may never actually complete. Or even if they do, they could end up in jobs for which they’re completely unsuited and in which they’re blatantly unhappy.

However, before anyone ever gets near a third-level institution, they do have to go through primary and secondary schools. And according to a recent report, there is an alarming increase in the number of students who are actually skipping school days.

In 2022/23, 110,000 primary school children missed more than 20 school days, while 65,000 secondary school students did the same.

In Ireland, schools are required to contact Tusla (the child and family agency) if a child

Ceád Míle Fáilte relearned

For some reason it seems primary/ national schools are stuck on my brain this Bank Holiday Monday morning… I am thinking about a couple of weeks ago, when I visited my daughter and her family in Castlebar, and I heard on the local radio about an event that was taking place in Castlebar Primary School that particular evening.

It was an evening for parents and community groups and everyone to come together in the school to integrate with each other – for parents and children to build up links and find out all the various ways they could involve themselves in the clubs and organisations around Castlebar.

The teachers spoke about their welcoming ethos and their motto of ‘respect and care’, but it was when I heard one of them say that there were children from more than 50 different countries in the school that I realised how important an evening like that must be, and how hard it must be to accommodate so many different cultures and diverse backgrounds.

Of course in this ultra-modern new

Ireland, it’s fair to say that every school has a number of children from all over the world, and while they may not have more than 50 countries represented, every one of them will have some foreign kids and every one of them will face the same problem of integrating and including all of these new nationalities into their local communities.

In Castlebar, the school encouraged children and parents to come along in their national dress, and organised music and dance entertainment from several countries, including Irish traditional music. It all seemed to be a wonderful way of welcoming the new and diverse cultures that we should now embrace.

Sadly, there seems to be an orchestrated anti-immigration vibe out there, but in my opinion, while there has to be safeguards put in place, our population will always have a large immigrant number and we should learn to live with it, and let inclusivity be our motto. We used to be known as the land of a thousand welcomes – wouldn’t it be nice to get that title back again?

misses 20 or more schooldays, unless for bona fide legitimate reasons such as illness, and Tusla carries out an investigation which could eventually result in the parents being fined or even imprisoned. It would be rare for such severe action to be taken.

Back in my own national school days – which are the guts of 70 years ago now – there was no such thing as Tusla, and the responsibility for dealing with long absences from school fell to the local Gardaí. I still have visions of errant schoolchildren being frogmarched into the school by one of our three guards; the guard would check the role book every so often, visit any house that had an errant child, and if necessary the child would be led to school.

Now, in fairness, such an occurrence was very rare. The guards were hardly ever required,

Ashes to asses

I am writing this on the 2nd of June, and am definitely in reminiscent mood because I am still back in my childhood schooldays! This time, with Bonfire Night coming up in three weeks’ time, I am thinking back to the days when we used to have our own fire in the heart of the village on the 23rd of June every year. It’s appropriate that I should be writing about it today, because we would start our work for the bonfire just about three weeks before the big day (night). All the young kids from the village would head out into the fields cutting furze bushes, and we had the worst collection of tools – think blunt, rusty saws. We’d be cut and bleeding from the thorns on the furze, but somehow we always managed to cut enough for the massive fire.

Then we had the problem of actually getting the bushes to the scene of the fire. To this end, we used to borrow an ass (usually from Gerry Kiernan) and we (ourselves and the ass) would drag them through the fields and on up through the village. We would be at all that for the three weeks, but the crowds that would turn out for the fire – beside Ditto Hurley’s at first, and later down from Lizzie Connaughton’s –made it all worthwhile. It’s sad now to think that June 23rd will come and go and there won’t be a bonfire in Creggs… unless?

And finally…

but every so often they would be called upon, and once they were the children would nearly always return to school voluntarily after the intervention.

Obviously such an approach to absenteeism wouldn’t work now, but truancy (that’s the official word for missing school without good reason) is causing huge concern, with Minister for Education Helen McEntee announcing new measures to deal with the problem, as figures relating to truants are rising and need to be addressed.

Funnily enough, friends of mine have a horse called The Truant and he’s well named; although quite successful, he too has been known to go missing occasionally in his races, so maybe in his case it’s time to call in Tusla, or its equine equivalent!

You may remember a couple of years ago I had two wasp nests out in my front hedge, and had to call on the extremely efficient and professional services of Alan O’Keeffe (AOK Pest Control) to get rid of them.

I don’t know how many wasps there were between the two nests, but I would imagine a few hundred or so… but that was nothing compared to what happened in the state of Washington last week, when a truck overturned and 250 million bees (yes,

Over in Norway recently, Johan Helberg settled down for a good night’s sleep in his lovely seaside house near Trondheim.

He fell into a deep sleep, and never heard any sound as a huge 135-metre-long cargo ship ran aground, entered his front garden, and came to rest a couple of metres away from his house. His neighbour rushed to tell him of the impending crash but Mr Helberg was flat out and he couldn’t wake him. When he eventually got through to him on the phone, Mr Helberg woke

you read that right!) escaped into the surrounding countryside.

I don’t know whether these bees are going to sting anyone or not, and already several beekeepers are on the job of capturing the freed insects. Police warned people to avoid swarms of bees, but I wouldn’t think anyone would be inclined to get too close.

It’s one of those stories you would think is made up, but in this case, you better BEElieve it! (Sorry about that).

up to see the ship; a few metres to the south and it would have come straight into the bedroom!

A few days later, the ship was refloated and Mr Helberg said he wouldn’t have missed the whole experience for the world.

In these days of all kinds of technology and navigational aids, it was heartening to hear that the accident was simply down to the second officer falling asleep. In terms of consequences, he has been charged with negligent navigation, while I imagine Mr Helberg might just move to a bedroom at the back of the house!

Aoibheann and Conor Flynn were pictured at Croke Park last Saturday, supporting Roscommon hurlers in the Rackard Cup final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Pictured at the Family Fun Day held as part of the 5th anniversary celebrations of South Roscommon Family Resource Centre at Lisnamult Community Sports Park, Roscommon on Monday last (June 2nd). Photo: Michael Finan

The Loughglynn Playground and Recreational Fundraising Raffle attracted a great crowd to Creaton’s Bar in Loughglynn recently. Photographer Michael Finan was present to take some social photos for the Roscommon People

Spectacular home new to market with Remax Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is delighted to present to the market this spectacular four-bedroomed home, situated on a spacious and mature site at 17, The Rookery, Scramogue, Co Roscommon. Located in a small, exclusive residential development, this impressive property offers a peaceful lifestyle while being just a short drive from the nearby towns of Strokestown and Lanesborough, and within easy reach of the scenic lakes of Kilglass. The home is set on well maintained grounds with established lawns, flower beds, and a private driveway, creating an inviting first impression. Built in 2006 to a very high standard, the property has been carefully maintained and is presented in excellent turn-key condition. Extending to approximately 194.67 square metres, the layout is both spacious and practical. On entering the home, you are greeted by a bright and airy hallway with quality tiled flooring. To either side are two generous reception rooms, each with a feature fireplace and finished to a high decorative standard.

The kitchen and dining area is a standout space, featuring a vaulted timber ceiling, a large island, ample fitted units, and a continuous tiled floor that adds cohesion and practicality. A utility room adjacent to the kitchen provides additional storage and convenience, and a downstairs WC completes the ground floor accommodation.

Upstairs, the bright landing is enhanced by a large arched window that fills the space with natural light. There are four spacious bedrooms, three of which benefit from ensuite bathrooms. Each bedroom is

well proportioned, offering comfort and flexibility for family living or guest accommodation.

The grounds of the property are landscaped and well presented, with a mature lawn, flowering plants, and a sense of privacy that makes the outdoor space ideal for relaxation. The Rookery offers a quiet, countryside setting while still being close to excellent amenities and major routes. Just off the N5 Dublin to Westport road, it allows for convenient travel while remaining tucked away from traffic and noise. The nearby villages of Tarmon-

barry and Lanesborough are popular for their riverside settings and water-based activities, and Strokestown offers local charm along with the renowned Strokestown Park House and Museum. This property must be viewed to be appreciated – please note viewings are strictly by appointment only.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@ remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact Keith on 086 0848590.

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

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

Pictured are some of the attendees at the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s staging of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, May 23rd last. Photos: Michael Finan

The Majella Flanagan Theatre Company recently staged a production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at Roscommon Arts Centre, featuring a cast of about 100 young Roscommon people (aged 4 to 18 years of age). Our photographs are from the evening of their performance on Friday, May 23rd.

Photos: Michael Finan

PEOPLE IN BUSINESS

SHAPING YOUR SUMMER STORY

Shaping your summer story

In focus: Roscommon’s (not-so-secret) pubs

< EMMETT CORCORAN

It was before my time, but I am told that once upon a time in Ireland, virtually every pub was a shop, and every shop was a hardware store, and every hardware store was, in turn, a pub. Now, some of the characters who try to convince me of magical time in Irish history would be prone to an odd bit of exaggeration.

I do have vague memories of chip shops adjoining pubs, and wellies sitting in windows next to rotisserie chickens. And this memory may be one of those ‘manufactured memories’ that head doctors say our brain artificially creates of events that never occurred, often induced through ‘suggestion, manipulation, or external influences’ – I’m pretty sure the same shop that sold wellies and chickens also sold guns and ammo.

But for the disbelievers among us, Roscommon

is home to a number of such shops today. Some passing on to a third or fourth generation of the same family.

We visited two such premises as part of this series, Beirne’s in Strokestown and Mulligan’s in Ballaghaderreen.

With a traditional grocery shop to the front, some homewares to the side and agricultural supplies in the yard, Beirne’s pub is neatly nestled out the back of the shop, serving a loyal clientele both day and night.

Mulligan’s, in contrast, appears to be, to all intents and purposes, a traditional hardware store. But as you wander through the store, bustling with activity, at the rear of the store is an inconspicuous door leading into a fully functioning bar. It’s the kind of place you’d have one in and wander home as early as 6 pm – because when the hardware store closes its doors, so does the pub.

Photographed are Sean and Willie enjoying a pint in Beirne’s Pub, Strokestown, last Friday. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed is Tony Beirne behind the counter of Beirne’s bar last Friday. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed behind Beirne’s shop counter last Friday is Tony Beirne. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed outside Beirne’s shop and pub last Friday is Tony Beirne. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed outside Mulligan’s hardware store and pub in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week are (left to right) Padraig Mulligan and Paul Henry. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed is Padraig Mulligan behind the counter of Mulligan’s bar on Tuesday of this week. Photo: Michael Finan

The exterior of Mulligan’s hardware store in Ballaghaderreen. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed behind the counter of Mulligan’s hardware store earlier this week were (left to right) Paul Henry and Padraig Mulligan.

Photo: Michael Finan

‘Just

look at the sunset – and stop photographing the damn thing’

There was a time when holidays were made of memories, not media. You packed a bag, got sunburnt, spent too much on mediocre food, and came home with half your luggage missing and a vague sense of having been somewhere else. Maybe you had a roll of ﬁlm. Maybe you didn’t. Either way, you were there. You saw it. You remembered it, or at least enough of it to tell the story.

Now, no sunset is complete until it’s been ﬁltered, captioned, uploaded, and endorsed by people you barely know. The sun could

be setting in a blaze of light so delicate and improbable it would make a romantic painter weep –but you’re not watching it. You’re staging it. You’re checking angles. You’re swiping for ‘vivid warm’ and muttering about cloud density. This is not a high-horse moment.

We’ve all done it. I once stood in front of a mountain range formed by glaciers in Canada, and instead of standing still and letting it scare me into silence, I was squinting into my phone, trying to look casually amazed. I can’t remember the sounds and smells that surrounded

THE PERCY FRENCH HOTEL

• Accommodation

me. I can’t even really remember the colour. But I do remember posting it with a caption that now makes me wince.

That’s the problem. A moment interrupted is a memory diluted. You can’t fully absorb something and stage-manage it at the same time. The magic doesn’t just pause politely while you take 20 shots of your shoes in the grass. It drifts off. And when you go back to ﬁnd it later, it’s not there – only a photograph of a moment you weren’t really in.

We’ve come to believe that

• Bar Food served from 9-8pm each day

• Sunday Carvery and Function spaces available

experiences need evidence. That without the post, the proof, the external nod, it didn’t count. But the truth is that the best bits of life rarely make for good content.

The quiet awe. The unexpected laugh. The odd-shaped cloud that reminded you of a dog you once had. These are not easily captured. And when you try too hard to frame them, they slip through. Sunsets don’t care whether you approve. They don’t need your comments, your stories, or your likes. They happen because the Earth is turning and light bends

through dust and air in a way that makes the sky briefly catch fire. That’s it. That’s the whole show. You’re lucky to see it. You don’t need to record it. And you certainly don’t need to perform it. So maybe next time, just watch it. Don’t touch your phone. Don’t fix your hair. Don’t worry about whether anyone else will see it. Let it be yours – unposted, unfiltered, unperformed. Let it be exactly what it is. Because not everything needs to be remembered by the internet. Some things are better remembered by you.

Your guide to local festivals

< ALANNAH HEALY

Summer has arrived, and with it a packed calendar of events across Roscommon. From music and the arts to heritage and family fun, this year’s festivals promise something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor eager to soak up the atmosphere, there’s no better time to enjoy the best of what the county has to offer.

Art and performance

Among the biggest draws is the Boyle Arts Festival, running from July 17th to 26th, offering ten days of music, theatre, comedy, visual art, spoken word and workshops. Headliners this year include The Fureys, Jarlath Regan, The Seeger Sessions Revival, and Bad Manners, with literature and family events also on the bill. The long-running festival has previously been opened by Brendan Gleeson and Chris O’Dowd.

In Ballaghaderreen, the third BallaghDREAM Arts Festival takes place in August. A young but ambitious event, it has already made a name for itself with an eclectic line-up of local and international acts across music, art, theatre, and comedy.

Music highlights

Back at Lough Key Forest Park from June 27th to 29th, the Night and Day Festival features a wide-ranging line-up including KT Tunstall, José González and The Stunning. Despite recent storm damage, organisers say a full experience is planned. The event also includes debate, exhibitions and family activities, all set in one of Ireland’s most scenic locations.

Heritage and culture

From July 23rd to 25th, the Percy French Festival returns to Castlecoote, with morning lectures on topics from ancient Ireland to

Running from August 1st to 4th, the O’Carolan Harp Festival in Keadue honours Ireland’s most famous harper. Highlights include concerts, parades, historical talks and a harp summer school for budding musicians.

modern social issues and afternoon recitals honouring the satirist and songwriter.

The Brideswell Pattern Festival, held the last weekend in July, continues to grow, with family fun, food stalls, sport, music, a farmers’ market and even a movie night now part of its weekend offering.

Also in late July, the Castlerea Rose Festival

(July 26th to August 3rd) returns on the back of winning Best Irish Festival at the 2024 LAMA Awards. With events from pig racing to fitness classes, it all builds to the ever-popular Rose Selection Evening.

Wherever you go this summer, Roscommon’s festival calendar is bursting with colour, creativity and community spirit.

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available OLD HOUSE RENOVATIONS C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

Shaping your summer story Investment boom for Boyle

As part of our ‘People in Business’ series, the Roscommon People spoke with Boyle native Brian Nerney about business and the exciting developments around Boyle. In addition to being the founder and CEO of The Spool Factory, Brian is also the editor and proprietor of Boyletoday.com

Summertime and the living is easy. Well, it most certainly is if you are based in the Spool Factory Co-Working Hub in Boyle. Set up in 2017 by local man Brian Nerney, the Hub is now home to 15 businesses and a number of remote workers who are enjoying the benefits of working from home but in the casual yet productive atmosphere that pertains to the Spool Factory.

With the help of the summer sunshine, the Spool Factory is making life so much easier for those who live locally but work remotely and feel the isolation of being at home. It is also a base for a variety of businesses, including solicitors, muscular therapists, forestry management, speech therapists and a foot care clinic.

Apart from the established businesses and local remote workers, the Spool Factory is a much-used facility for those who visit Boyle on boats or are holidaying in Lough Key Forest Park.

“Every summer we have people who are in Boyle on holiday but get called back to work, and in a few clicks they can book a desk online and be in the Spool Factory in a couple of minutes,” Brian explained. He added: “They get their work done and are back out on their boat or in their caravan again with no traffic or any of the pressure they face in say Dublin, Galway or Cork.

“In fact, last year we had a lady who

got an urgent call from her office in Cork when she was holidaying in Boyle. She booked the Spool Factory at short notice and enjoyed her time here so much that she stayed for most of the summer, working from here and heading out to Lough Key to her boat each evening.

“To add to the convenience, she used the Local Link bus to come into Boyle each morning and home to The Park each evening. She has promised to come back again this year!” said Brian.

With the sun beaming through the modern building and the sound of laughter from the co-workers ringing out behind him, Brian told the Roscommon People how the Spool Factory came about: “I exited the newspaper industry back in 2013 and to tell you the truth – I do not miss the industry or corporate life one single bit.”

Always looking ahead, the former Roscommon Herald CEO set about launching a news and information website called Boyletoday.com, which is now the ‘go-to’ online outlet for everything that happens in the North Roscommon town. No stranger to start-ups – Brian was one of the original founders of Shannonside Radio – the proud Boyle native then saw an opening for those who were working from home and came up with the idea of the Spool Factory.

“The original building where the Spool Factory now stands was once an actual

spool factory and the biggest employer in Boyle, making spools of thread for export via Sligo Port,” Brian told the People

According to Brian, the building has gone full circle and on occasion can have upwards of 30 people using the facility at any one time. Apart from the co-working and office suites section, other parts of the facility are leased to the award-winning animation company, Studio Meala, and the highly acclaimed Fitness Centre, The Fitt Factory.

Clearly proud of his home town, Brian told us how in recent years Boyle has seen so much positive change, with over €15m of funding being provided to improve the public realm, build cycle paths, remove derelict buildings and generally make the town so much better. From his involvement in Boyle Town Team since its inception, Brian has been at the forefront of the town’s development and is excited about what the future holds.

“Work will start very soon on our new multi-million euro library, and we await planning for the new Aldi store in the town centre.

“Many other major projects are being worked on behind the scenes that are taking time, but when announced, those who have chosen Boyle and the Spool Factory as their home and work base will be delighted they did,” concluded Brian.

Former CEO of the Roscommon Herald and current founder and CEO of The Spool Factory Co-Working hub in Boyle, Brian Nerney, photographed in the lobby of his stateof-the-art premises. Photo courtesy of Brian Nerney

Shaping your summer story

2025 show line-up promises something for everyone

The local show season kicks off this month, with the Athlone Agricultural Show taking place on June 15th at Garnafeilagh. A full day of competition and entertainment is in store, including various livestock classes, cookery and craft contests, dog shows, and more. This year, there are also new cattle and donkey classes and a vibrant food village.

On the August Bank Holiday Monday, August 4th, Castlerea Agricultural Show is the next in the local calendar. Building off the success of last year’s event, which saw the show offer one of its biggest ever prize funds across its various showing classes, this annual ﬁxture of the Castlerea community calendar will also feature multiple sections dedicated to crafts, art, home produce, and more.

The excitement will continue the following weekend with the Boyle Summer Show on August 10th, with horticulture, homecraft, home baking, and home produce classes in store, along with master craftwork, photography and a junior section – not to mention the ever-popular dog show and fancy dress competitions.

And then the shows don’t stop coming, with the Roscommon Industrial & Agricultural Show taking place on the Hannon’s Hotel grounds on August 16th. Another staple of the local calendar, the event boasts a wide range of classes for cattle, horses, fowl, and sheep, as well as arts, crafts, photography, and home industries, ensuring there is something for everyone on the day.

Saturday, August 23rd, will see the Mountbellew Agricultural Show take place on the grounds of Mountbellew Agricultural College. This year’s event will no doubt be building off the major success following last year’s 120th anniversary, with over 300 classes on display from livestock to home baking and arts and crafts, as well as a free children’s area including pony rides, face painting and a magician.

The ﬁnal regional show being held in August is the Elphin Agricultural Show, which is set to take place on August 30th. This show too will be packed with classes for cattle, sheep, dogs, cookery, farm and garden produce, horses, ponies, pets and poultry, handcrafts and photography, plus trade stands and novelty events.

On September 13th, the Strokestown

Agricultural & Industrial Show is set to return. The annual event has been running for over 150 years, and features many highlights in addition to its varied selection of livestock classes, shows, and competitions, with the highly successful Flavours from the Heart Ireland food and drinks fair being a particular favourite.

Taking place nearer the end of September, the next event is the Ballinasloe Horse & Agricultural Show, which will be held on the Ballinasloe Showgrounds. With a rich variety of competitions and events to look forward to, the show promises a great time for all attendees. The event also enjoys an impressive legacy, being one of the oldest shows in Ireland.

The local show calendar closes out on September 28th, with the Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show. Last year, the event celebrated its 10th anniversary, and this year is aiming to continue building on past successes with its exciting line-up of ploughing and livestock competitions, cookery demonstrations, an extensive display of vintage tractors, machinery, and cars, music and dance, and more, with the local show sure to close off the 2025 agricultural show season on a high. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the very best of rural life, community spirit, and local talent at this year’s agricultural shows –there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

*Show dates taken from the Irish Show Association’s show directory. Some dates may be subject to change or are to be conﬁrmed.

THURSDAY JULY 3RD

This year’s festival starts with our annual car treasure hunt at 7pm from Glenamaddy Community Centre

FRIDAY JULY 4TH

• Tumbling Paddies under 18s one hour concert at 6pm

• Jack Rielly @ 9pm

• Tumbling Paddies over 18s at 10.30pm

SUNDAY JULY 6TH

• Keith Davis and Gary Keaveney Memorial Cup 4 roads mixed soccer game on July 6th @ 1pm in Glen Celtic soccer pitch

• Live music by Smash Hits 10.30pm

Festival 2025

SATURDAY JULY 5TH

• Glenamaddy Community Garden holds their Annual Festival Open Day from 10am - 2pm.

Located at the Ballyhard Heritage Centre F45FK57.

Wellness and Relaxation in our Sensory Garden, holistic treatments available on the day: Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Bio-Energy music throughout the day and singing groups, Seanos dancing, and food available. Rafﬂe

• Kiddies disco Glenamaddy community centre at 3pm in aid of Ardeevin N.S

• Rough N Ready @9pm

• Mike Denver @10.30pm

Triplets Sam, Evie and Harry Walsh pictured at Elphin Show in 2022.

Agricultural shows to be a major boost to businesses this summer

 ALANNAH ITA HEALY

2025 promises to be another busy and vibrant year for the agricultural show season in County Roscommon and environs. With a packed calendar of shows taking place this summer, there’s something to suit everyone – whether it’s livestock competitions, local food, local crafts, or family entertainment.

This year, ﬁve local shows are set to beneﬁt from grant funding from central government with a total of €30,900 having been awarded to Castlerea Agricultural Show, Boyle Summer Show, Roscommon & Industrial Agricultural Show, Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show, and Elphin Agricultural Show. Funding has also been allocated to the Athlone Agricultural Show, Ballinasloe Horse and Agricultural Show, and Glenamaddy District Ploughing & Agricultural Show.

The funding came as part of a larger €1m national investment to support agricultural shows across the country. Announcing the funding, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys highlighted the importance of these events, noting: “These shows are the threads that build bridges between our towns and villages, and the hinterlands that support them.”

The scale of this funding points

towards the crucial role agricultural shows play in raising awareness about the importance of agriculture and supporting local businesses and food producers. They provide a platform for farmers to demonstrate their skills and exhibit livestock and crops, as well as supporting the farming community through prizes for livestock competitions.

They also offer a host of opportunities for those outside of the farming community, such as hosting arts, crafts, and photography competitions, and giving local artisan food producers opportunities to showcase their creations.

Agricultural shows can also provide communities with the opportunity to connect with their local heritage, often featuring vintage displays, traditional crafts, and demonstrations of historical farming techniques.

And for attendees just looking for a good day out, shows are fantastic for fostering community engagement, featuring a range of entertainment and community events – from live music to dance performances, children’s entertainment to sporting events – and offering a chance for people to meet.

With their wide appeal and community spirit, these shows continue to thrive each year, and the upcoming season promises to be no exception!

A young rider participating in the pony competition during the 2023 Roscommon Agricultural Show in Roscommon.

Willowbrook Whispers Series returns in Ballaghaderreen

For those in the know, Ballaghaderreen is now on the arts, music, and creativity radar thanks to a little camping and glamping site a few miles outside the town. Willowbrook Glamping & Hideaways is in its second generation of family ownership with Tuesday Whitﬁeld, daughter of site inceptors David and Linda (RIP), at the helm along with her husband Wes. When they took over the running of the site in 2019, they had all things creative in mind. They began running weekly art classes for children and an annual creative writing retreat for adults.

These ventures laid the foundation for their latest, running live music events on site. Early last year, they formed a team with close friends Carol and Marek and decided to begin a new series of intimate concerts. They call this series ‘Willowbrook Whispers’. In May 2024, and ﬁve times since, the events hall at Willowbrook has been transformed into an intimate, seated, cosy, indoor music venue. The care that is put into the design of the lighting, décor, and stage backdrop

sets the mood for each evening. With a maximum capacity of 100 seated guests, a unique special connection forms between performers and the audience. The performers love it. Some of the headline acts would be used to playing to much larger audiences. That intimate connection, the ability to share their music with people face to face, sitting only a few feet away from the stage, that’s the draw.

Audiences used to attending music events in much larger venues, or indeed not at all, owing to the scarcity of such events in rural north Roscommon, become enthralled. Tuesday Whitﬁeld points to this as one of the motivations for running the events: “Having moved back to Ballaghaderreen after a long time away, we found that we were having to travel long distances to attend the type of concerts we were interested in, so we wanted to offer this option to the local community, the chance to see some outstanding performers, in a gorgeous intimate setting, without too much travel involved.”

Over the last 12 months, the concert series has built up a reputation as one

of the best little intimate venues in the country, and people have come from as far aﬁeld as Cork, Dublin, and Donegal, bringing campervans or availing of the glamping accommodation on site, to see the likes of Liam Ó Maonlaí, Charlie McGettigan, and Sive perform.

The Willowbrook Whispers Team have been recording these shows along with interviews with each of the

headline artists and releasing these as a little series of videos on YouTube, which anyone can access to get a taste of what the shows are all about. The next Episode featuring the April show headlined by Liam O Maonlai, will be released over the next couple of weeks.

Next show is on June 20

The next show in the series is on Friday, June 20th, at 8 pm, and features

celebrated Irish folk artist Emma Langford. Fellow Limerick artist Triona Horan opens with a short set of her music on the night. Tickets for this show, priced at €20, are available from https:// www.tickettailor.com/events/ willowbrookwhispers/ and from Towey’s Newsagents in Ballaghaderreen, or by calling Willowbrook direct at 094 98 61307.

& H IDEAWAYS

Family-run Camping & Glamping Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Call (094) 98 61307 for enquiries, or visit www.willowbrookglamping.ie or email hello@willowbrookglamping.ie

• New Glamping Pods open June 2025

• Yurts – Tents – Caravans – Campervans

• Hot Tubs

• Fishing

• Alpaca walks

• On-site pizza oven

• On-site Wellness centre

• Venue Hire

• Team-building Days

• Kids Art Classes & Camps

• School Tours – Birthday parties

• Creative Writing Retreats

• ‘Willowbrook Whispers’ Intimate Indoor Concerts

Liam Ó Maonlaí on stage at Willowbrook Whispers in April 2025. Photo: Marek Petrovic

Shaping

Something for all the family this summer at the 4* Abbey Hotel

This summer, escape to the Abbey Hotel, the ideal destination for family breaks and memorable celebrations.

Nestled in a picturesque setting on private grounds in the heart of the Irish Midlands, our family-friendly hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that caters for families seeking relaxation and adventure.

Family-friendly breaks

At the Abbey Hotel, we understand the importance of quality family time. Our spacious 51 bedrooms and award-winning pool and leisure facilities ensure that every member of the family has a delightful stay.

“Whether you’re exploring nearby visitor attractions in

comfortable rooms, your summer break with us will be filled with fun, laughter and lasting memories,” said Geraldine Grealy, Marketing & PR Manager at the hotel.

Award-winning dining

Indulge in the culinary delights of our award-winning Terrace Restaurant, where exceptional dining experiences meet a welcoming ambience. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the historical 12th century Abbey, providing a picturesque backdrop during their stay. Treat yourself to our renowned Abbey afternoon tea. Our talented chefs create dishes that reflect seasonal ingredients and local flavours, making every meal a celebration. We also have an exciting new Charcuterie Cup and Snipe of Prosecco offering from June 9th.

Outdoor dining

Don’t miss the chance to dine al fresco in our stunning courtyard. Surrounded by lush greenery and col-

ourful summer shrubs, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Our outdoor dining experience is designed to enhance your visit, allowing you to relish the beauty of summer in Roscommon.

Summer dining offers at

The Abbey Hotel Indulge in our mouthwatering burgers and artisan pizzas, perfectly paired with refreshing pints of beer, delightful Pinot, and bubbly Prosecco. Celebrate the sunny season with great food, fantastic drinks, and even better company. Tel 090 6626240 email info@ abbeyhotel.ie

Celebrate special occasions

The Abbey Hotel is also equipped to host a variety of special occasions, from engagements and christenings to birthday parties and private functions.

“Our dedicated team is here to help you plan and execute the perfect event, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. We strive to make your celebrations truly unforgettable,” explained Geraldine Grealy, Marketing & PR Manager at the Abbey.

Join us at Abbey Hotel this summer for a memorable family getaway, exquisite dining, and the perfect venue for your special occasions.

For reservations, please contact us at 090 6626240 or events@abbeyhotel.ie

Visit our website www. abbeyhotel.ie for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Marguerite and Sean Mockler celebrate 55th wedding anniversary

Marguerite and Sean Mockler from Knocklaghta, Ballintubber, Co Roscommon celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on May 25th last. The couple celebrated their wedding reception at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on May 25th, 1970. Congratulations to Marguerite and Sean on your 55th wedding anniversary!

County Roscommon, enjoying recreational activities, or simply unwinding in our

Shaping your summer story

Athlone Show

to take place on Sunday, June 15

Excitement is building ahead of the 2025 Athlone Agricultural Show, which takes place on Sunday, June 15th (Father’s Day), on the farm of Michael O’Donohoe, Garnafailagh, Athlone, Co Westmeath (N37 V252).

Friends and visitors living in and around the Athlone area are invited to celebrate Father’s Day by visiting the show, and getting a taste of country life in motion within beautiful and tranquil surroundings. With classes for cattle, horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, poultry, super dog show, cookery, arts and crafts, photography, food village, trade stands, children’s amusements, and live musical entertainment all day, there is something for everyone of all ages and interests.

Rohan Transport has very kindly offered to run a free shuttle bus service to make the event as accessible as possible. The bus service will be running hourly from 11 am, departing from Golden Island Shopping Centre to the showgrounds with pick-up at the fairgreen bus stop on the way. The last bus from the showgrounds back into town leaves at 6 pm. For further information, be sure and visit the Athlone Agricultural Show website, athloneshow.ie.

Some Roscommon clubs and societies you could join this summer

Summer in Roscommon is a vibrant season to connect with the community and explore new passions in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Roscommon’s clubs and societies offer diverse ways to engage, develop skills and meet others through a shared hobby.

Boyle Camera Club

Boyle Camera Club unites photography enthusiasts to explore Roscommon’s landscape and surroundings and capture beautiful photographs of our county. Members meet monthly at Boyle Library to share tips and plan outings. Join via their Facebook page or visit https://boylecameraclub123.blogspot. com/ for more information. Summer’s lush scenery inspires stunning shots for all skill levels.

Roscommon Community Games

Roscommon Community Games organises county-wide sporting and cultural events for children aged 6-16, with the aim of providing opportunities for children to develop active,

healthy lives in a safe environment through experiencing a wide range of sporting activities. Contact roscommon@communitygames. eu for further information.

Roscommon Harriers’ Athletic Club Roscommon Harriers’ Athletic Club welcomes joggers and runners of all abilities. Based in Roscommon Town, the club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm and on Sunday mornings at 9.30 am. Apart from the fun and enjoyment gained from regular running, being a member of the Harriers is an enjoyable social experience too. If interested in becoming a member, contact Frank on 086 1605075.

Roscommon Drama Group Roscommon Drama Group brings theatre lovers together for performances and workshops at Roscommon Arts Centre. All skill levels are welcome. Contact via their Facebook page.

GAA clubs

County Roscommon likely up to 40 GAA

clubs catering for Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie. The beneﬁts of joining your local GAA club, LGFA or camogie team include gaining community connection, attending social events and improving your physical ﬁtness and mental wellbeing.

Tidy Towns Committees

Tidy Towns volunteers greatly enhance and improve the county through clean-ups and gardening. For more information visit tidytowns.ie.

Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society

Based at the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown, this society explores Roscommon’s past through talks and journals. The society holds lectures on the second Tuesday of most months. Follow Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society on facebook for updates.

Macra na Feirme

Roscommon Macra na Feirme engages young adults (17-35) with sports and social

Sunday June 15th 2025

SHOWGROUNDS, Garnafailagh, Athlone N37V252

Rohan Transport free shuttle bus service, on the hour, from Golden Island Shopping Centre. Chairman & Committee Members extend a Cead Mile Failte to members of the public residing around the Athlone area to visit the Show and witness the best of Country life in motion.

With 107 Classes for Horses, Ponies & Donkeys, 48 Cattle Classes, 104 Classes for Sheep, 39 Classes for Poultry & Eggs. Super Dog Show, Cookery, Arts & Crafts, Photography, Food Village, Trade Stands, Children’s Amusements & live musical entertainment all day. Bar facilities & Big Screen. What a fantastic family day out, for young and not so young.

It’s FATHERS DAY! Side Shows It’s FATHERS DAY!

The Athlone Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann are staging a special display, including an International Multi Cultural Festival of Music & Song. You must see this.

Visit the Alpacas, Pigmy Goats, Birds of Prey, Donkey Derby for Lady’s & Gents, Egg & Spoon race, Free Duck & Hen Egg in Poultry Tent, Line Dancing & Jiving all afternoon.

ROBERT MIZZELL & COUNTRY KINGS from 2pm – Mapel Floor for Dancing. Rumbles Catering, available throughout the show-grounds – Free Car Parking Admission: Adults €15.00, Family €25.00, Children under 12 with Adult free.

Shaping your summer story

Summer Soapbox

Q: What are your favourite things about summer in Roscommon?

“Seeing everything in bloom and the smell of fresh-cut elds (but de nitely not the smell of slurry) and the 99 in Walsh’s is always a hit on a summer’s day.”

Paula is a proud resident of Strokestown, having relocated from Dublin in recent years

PEOPLEINBUSINESS

Summer Soapbox

DECLAN GERAGHTY

Q: What has stood out most to you over 40 years doing business in Roscommon and the wider area?

“Most de nitely customer loyalty, and in return, trying to o er them a good, reliable service and value for money. Nowadays, a lot of businesses have lost the personal touch, I nd that you can’t beat the personal touch when doing business in Rural Ireland.”

Declan Geraghty is co-owner and operator of DG Roo ng in Williamstown, employing over 20 people, serving customers nationwide. He was previously a co-owner of DG Oil and C&G Quarries and divested his shareholding in those businesses in 2018. They continue to operate successfully under new management. Declan is also a county councillor, having been elected to Galway County Council for Independent Ireland

PAULA FITZPATRICK

Slimming World

BOYLE

St Josephs Resource Centre, Abbeytown, Boyle, County Roscommon

Tuesday

5:30pm and 7:00pm Breanne – 086 0867377

CASTLEREA

O’Rourke GAA Centre, The Demesne, Castlerea, County Roscommon

Saturday

9:30am Trish – 087 8581325

ROSCOMMON

Gleesons Townhouse & Restaurant, The Square, Roscommon, County Roscommon Wednesday

7.30am and 9.30am 5:30pm and 7:00pm Pauline – 087 1878701

STROKESTOWN

Sports & Community Centre, Lisroyne, Strokestown, County Roscommon

Saturday 8:00am and 9:30am Breanne – 086 0867377

Weight loss injections are booming – but lasting success needs more than a needle

There’s no denying it: weight loss medications like Ozempic are rapidly gaining popularity. With the promise of quick results, it’s easy to see why so many people are turning to injections as a solution to longstanding struggles with weight. And yes, it’s true – you can lose weight on Ozempic alone. The appetite suppression and blood sugar control it offers can lead to significant short-term results.

But here’s the question too few people are asking: What happens when the injections stop?

For many, the answer is disappointing. Without changes to eating habits, activity levels, and – most importantly – mindset, weight regain is often swift and frustrating. That’s because medications like Ozempic don’t teach you how to eat well, why your behaviours matter, or what triggers unhelpful habits. They support weight loss, but they don’t build the foundation for long-term success.

That’s where Slimming World offers something fundamentally different. The support, accountability, and education members receive week after week helps to change the way people think and feel about food. Members learn practical tools, celebrate nonscale victories, and feel the power of shared encouragement. It’s this emotional and behavioural shift that

makes weight loss sustainable, for life.

Some may wonder, why not just take Ozempic forever? But it’s not so simple. Side-effects like nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues can be severe for some. Then there’s the financial cost – over €200 per month in many cases. Compare that to Slimming World, where three months of group support, guidance, and motivation costs just €100. That’s not only more affordable, but offers real value far beyond the number on the scales.

Our Slimming World groups are open and we welcome new members

SLIMMING GROUPS ARE HERE TO STAY!

Weight loss drugs can’t replace the power of group support for lasting weight loss

each week. With over 55 years’ expertise in helping people lose weight and transform their lives, we believe Slimming World offers the very best package there is when it comes to helping people to adopt healthy habits for life. That’s why we’re committed to offering support to everyone, including providing wraparound care for members who are taking weight loss drugs alongside attending Slimming World. Come along to our groups in Boyle, Roscommon, Strokestown or Castlerea – and start your journey to a healthier, happier you!

Shaping

Politics is no walk in the park, but Scahill aims to make his mark

 PAUL HEALY

“Every man dies, not every man really lives” – Braveheart (1995)

“We even switched on the heat for you” Gareth Scahill quipped as the Castlerea-based politician cheerily greeted the Roscommon People on our arrival at Somers Park last Saturday morning.

Somewhat unexpectedly, bright sunshine had indeed coincided with our visit to Castlerea.

While I’ve often been to the sprawling, magniﬁcent Demesne, it was my ﬁrst proper introduction to Somers Park.

There was lots of activity in the playground, parents and children enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning on this last day of May.

Less than four months on from his elevation to Seanad Éireann, Gareth Scahill (44) is still ﬁnding his feet as a national politician, while also embracing his new career path with some relish.

During a 90-minute walkabout in the Demesne last Saturday, we would reﬂect on the political rollercoaster he’s been on – and also touch on now-Senator Scahill’s ambitions to take the next step on the political ladder, the one that leads to the Dáil itself.

But ﬁrst, this visibly proud Castlerea native was anxious to showcase the fantastic developments in the Demesne/Somers Park area.

Stressing that the range of amenities we were viewing had been brought about because of a collaborative approach involving several voluntary groups and other stakeholders – including State agencies – Scahill spoke with enthusiasm about how strategically linked the various developments are.

Pointing to the playground, the swimming pool, the outdoor events area, and the outdoor gym, Gareth also highlighted the fact that we were standing at a ‘trail head’ – whereby one can access the Suck Valley Way by turning left, and join the Lung/Lough Gara Way by turning right.

It was impossible not to be impressed. Somers Park, named after the Somers family who set up the Harmac factory that stands opposite the amenity, is a beautiful facility. Senator Scahill was keen to acknowledge the generosity and ongoing support of Harmac, and to stress that it was this company’s vision, with the support of Roscommon County Council and Castlerea Town Team, that has made Somers Park what it is today.

As we passed Castlerea Swimming Pool on our way into the heart of the Demesne, Gareth recalled how he had worked there as a lifeguard during his teenage years.

The Roscommon People had

suggested meeting at this location, as part of our ‘People in Business’ summer series. As we admired the expansive parkland, the community-activist-turned-politician was at pains to credit those who are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of The Demesne, paying tribute to the members of Castlerea Town Trust, who have responsibility for the majestic amenity.

As morning walkers strolled by, we sat on a bench in the Demesne to conduct the interview.

Castlerea upbringing

Gareth Scahill is a member of a well-known Castlerea family. Son of Liam and Madeline, and brother of David, Clodagh and Catriona, he is married to Nicola, a native of Donegal. The couple have two young daughters, Kate and Abbie.

I asked Gareth about growing up in Castlerea.

“My parents run Scahill Stores in the town. I had a very happy childhood here. As kids in Castlerea, we were blessed to have an outdoor swimming pool. I’d say 70% of us were raised there! You got dropped off at the pool and had a game of soccer afterwards, and then went back to the pool!

“The annual Rose Festival was always a big event in my childhood.

I remember doing pavement art competitions, and there used to be car treasure hunts too. And open-air music, with 2FM and Shannonside.

I can remember Hugo Duncan playing at the River Island, and the Don Arms. The diaspora always congregated in Castlerea (in summertime) and there’s always been a great community spirit in the town.”

He spoke fondly of his grandparents, William and Kathleen on his father’s

side, and Mattie and Annie Towey on his mother’s side. Grandad William (Willie) was a character and an entrepreneur, originally running the business in Castlerea, also operating a dancehall in Ballinlough, and having a stall at Knock.

Mattie and Annie Towey were also steeped in the retail industry, running a shop in Ballaghaderreen, while Annie also ran a restaurant at one point. Mattie was a prominent farmer and pig dealer.

When he was older, Gareth’s choice of career took him away for a few years, working in different locations.

“My background is in the IT sector… I was working in Manchester for a couple of years, but I found I was working 50-55 hours a week, and thought ‘I could just as easily be doing that at home, and I’d have a better quality of life there’ (in Castlerea).”

When he moved home in 2011, it was to work in the family business. He soon became very involved in the community, essentially following the example of his parents (his father is a former chairperson of Castlerea Town Trust). Gareth joined the newly-formed Castlerea Town Team in 2014, going on to serve as chairperson for a number of years.

He was also involved in the GAA, though he stresses that his strengths in that area are on off-ﬁeld projects, as opposed to playing. He did play, but insists that it wasn’t to a high standard, and that the footballer in the family is his brother David (Gareth’s nephew, Daniel, is on the Westmeath senior panel).

In 2019, with outgoing councillor Michael Creaton calling it a day, he was approached about running for Fine Gael in the local elections.

“I had never had any inkling to

pursue politics” Gareth reﬂects. He declined, not least because the approach had been made just ﬁve or six weeks out from the election.

There was also the fact that his children were very young at the time. But “it had planted a seed” he admitted last Saturday.

Five years on (in 2024) he was ready, willing and able when asked again. By then, Gareth had gained some experience of how the Council operates, having served on an SPC on Climate Action and Local Government, and also at LCD level (Local Community Development). He put in “13 hard weeks” during a campaign which saw him successfully elected as a county councillor.

Eight months in, he was still learning the ropes when he received a phone call “at 5.31 pm” on Friday, February 7th this year. The caller was Fine Gael leader Simon Harris. The call was short – and sweet for Scahill. The Tánaiste was phoning to offer the ﬁrst-time councillor a seat in Seanad Éireann, as one of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s nominees. A surprised Gareth Scahill mumbled a yes, then phoned his wife with the news.

“It’s been a shock to the system” he says now. “I could have a full working week done over the three days the Seanad sits (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). I was told I could ease myself in, but it hasn’t worked out that way!”

He isn’t complaining about the very busy world he has landed in, merely explaining that it’s been quite an eye-opener, each day now peppered with meetings, calls, ofﬁce work, etc. He has received “great support from family, and from Fine Gael.” In truth, he’s relishing it all, and has no hesitation in saying he has his sights set on the Dáil.

“I’ve seen previous senators being asked that question (about ambitions to become a TD)… there’s no point saying you’d be happy to sit still. Yes, I want to get a Fine Gael nomination to run in the next General Election. I definitely think there’s a seat there for Fine Gael, provided I get the nomination”. He outlines several issues that he’s actively working on. Welcoming plans to refurbish Roscommon Courthouse, he says he was one of the first politicians locally to raise that topic. Addressing parking deficits at Roscommon Hospital is a priority for him, as is the development of services at the facility. Other issues he is particularly focussed on are the campaign to establish an Apprenticeship Centre in Roscommon, and ongoing plans to enhance towns and villages constituencywide, through various schemes and initiatives.

Braveheart

What does he do in his spare time? Well, there isn’t a lot of spare time just now for a man who was a keen runner, having competed in a number of marathons over the years. But both Gareth and Nicola love spending time at Slieve League in Donegal (“It’s the highest cliff face in Europe”) and they also enjoy exploring walking trails. While I’m talking hobbies with him, I venture one or two more queries.

Favourite movie? “Oh, my wife and kids would be shocked if I didn’t say Braveheart. That’s a ﬁlm I keep going back to! Maybe it’s got something to do with the rebellious streak in me!”

Favourite song or performer? “My wife says I’ve a shocking taste in music. I know we’re going to a couple of concerts this year…” His voice trails off as he struggles to remember who the artists are. He gives up. “My wife looks after that! I suppose in terms of a favourite song, given the ages of our children, it would be a Disney song at the moment.”

Fine Gael appears ﬁrmly set on their ‘Man in Castlerea’ as the party’s local standard-bearer going forward. For now, Gareth Scahill is rolling his sleeves up, coming to terms with the career change that came about almost overnight, while extolling the great virtues of the quality of life in County Roscommon, of the potential there is within our communities.

As for Fine Gael and that political battle ahead, it remains to be seen if Gareth Scahill is the ‘Braveheart’ the party’s been waiting to unearth in Roscommon.

One thing seems certain: The IT man is glad he came home. Gareth Scahill is a formidable new force in Roscommon politics.

Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy pictured with Castlerea-based politician Gareth Scahill at The Demesne, Castlerea last weekend. Picture: Michael Finan.

Picture:

Gearing up for a summer of arts and culture – and 30 years of King House

< RHONA MCGRATH

With the busy summer season ahead, Roscommon County Council is once again putting arts and culture front and centre – offering experiences that stretch from town streets to historic halls, and across the broad reaches of the county’s creative spirit.

At the heart of the youth arts calendar, Cruinniú na nÓg returns on Saturday, June 7th – a national day of free creativity for children and young people. The Roscommon programme is brimming with outdoor performances, hands-on workshops and local talent showcases. While all events are free, many require advance booking via the Council website.

Our venues are the backbone of cultural life here. Roscommon Arts Centre, King House and the Douglas Hyde Centre/An Ríoga Gallery in Boyle – all managed by the local authority – provide year-round programmes, exhibitions, residencies and supports for artists. Many other sites also play key roles in the county’s cultural network: from Strokestown Park House and Arigna Mining Experience to libraries and community halls, our cultural map is far-reaching.

King House celebrates 30 years

Ireland and Creative Ireland. Programmes such as World Circus Day, Bealtaine, Culture Night and the Roscommon New Writing Awards help create shared cultural moments for people of all ages.

For younger generations, we prioritise sustained engagement through Cruinniú na nÓg, Artists in Schools, Roscommon Youth Theatre and Music Generation Roscommon. Participation helps ensure that young voices remain central to the county’s cultural future.

Supporting artists

We are also proud to support artists directly through bursaries, mentoring, commissioning and training. The public art programme continues to thrive, with recent commissions in Athleague, Ballyleague, Boyle and Roscommon town. The ‘Living Laneways’ project, part of the Roscommon Town Public Realm initiative, brings colour and creativity into the fabric of our urban space – with recent installations including Poetry Lane, Bee Lane and the soon-to-belaunched Mosaic Lane.

Less than four months on from his elevation to Seanad Éireann, Gareth Scahill (44) is still finding his feet as a national politician, while also embracing his new career path with some relish.

King House is celebrating a milestone this year – 30 years since its restoration and reopening as a heritage and cultural centre. This landmark project, led by Roscommon County Council and Shaffrey Architects, transformed the thenderelict building into a community and visitor space of national significance. A weekend of celebratory events from July 4th to 6th will include performances, talks, immersive theatre, and the launch of a new short documentary.

Roscommon Arts Centre, meanwhile, continues to support artists and engage audiences in meaningful ways. Although summer is quieter for live performances, work behind the scenes continues apace, with residencies, workshops and preparations for the next season well underway. A new exhibition by Tom Meskell, Basking, opens on Friday, June 13th.

The work of the Arts Office extends well beyond venue programming. Public participation is at the core of our ethos, supported by national and local partnerships including the Arts Council of

The Creative Ireland Programme continues to play a vital role, and Roscommon County Council is fully committed to delivering on our Culture and Creativity Strategy 20232027. Through this framework, we support collaboration across arts, heritage, tourism, climate and community development.

Lastly, summer in Roscommon wouldn’t be complete without our vibrant festivals – from the Strokestown Poetry Festival and Boyle Arts Festival to Roscommon Pride and the Night and Day. These events are not just entertainment; they’re key to sustaining community life, attracting visitors, and reinforcing our identity as a place where culture is alive and well. Arts and culture aren’t seasonal affairs here –they are central to who we are.

And this summer, we invite everyone to take part.

About Rhona Rhona McGrath is the Arts Officer with Roscommon County Council. Since taking up the role in 2020, she has led the delivery of a wide-ranging arts programme across the county in partnership with artists, communities and national agencies

Pictured are Roscommon County Youth Theatre members’ and cast of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ at Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon Town. Photo: Brian Farrell (May 2025).

Michael Finan.

How is EU funding helping to build the future of Rural Ireland?

MEP CIARAN MULLOOLY says rural Ireland is not a museum, nor a charity case, but a place of innovation, resilience and pride

Rural Ireland knows what it is to be left behind. But it also knows how to organise, adapt, and push forward. As someone who’s worked both inside community groups and now, on your behalf, in Brussels, I believe firmly that the next seven years will define what future rural Ireland gets to have, and whether counties like Roscommon, Longford, Galway, Westmeath and Leitrim receive the support they’ve long deserved.

The truth is, regional balance doesn’t happen by accident. It has to be fought for. That’s why I’ve made it a central pillar of my work as an MEP with Independent Ireland to argue for a sharper EU focus on rural economies,

small towns and crosscounty collaboration. These are the parts of the country that kept going long before there were grants or funding calls. But now, with the right investment and policies, we have a chance to do more than just survive; we can build resilient, fair, and inclusive communities that work for everyone.

One of the key ways that’s already happening is through the LEADER programme. Before I ever stood for election, I worked directly with a LEADER company and saw, time and again, how European money, when properly directed, could support exactly the kinds of projects that make rural life more liveable. Whether

it’s upgrading community halls, supporting food enterprises, restoring market houses or backing rural transport schemes, LEADER has consistently delivered for the West and Midlands.

That’s why, earlier this year, I helped bring a delegation of LEADER company CEOs from across the region to Brussels to meet directly with Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. We were joined by Martina Earley, CEO of Roscommon LEADER Partnership, who brought a wealth of practical knowledge to the table. The message was clear: these programmes work, but they need longterm commitment, flexible design, and simpler access for communities.

Investment

We also raised the need for more investment in sustainable housing and community energy. Too many rural homes remain poorly insulated and costly to heat. EU support could allow communities to retrofit at scale, generate their own power and reduce emissions, all while cutting bills. That sort of joined-up thinking is possible, but only if the funding streams line up with local capacity.

A powerful example of this kind of joinedup success is Lough Ree Access for All, based in Lanesborough. While I won’t rehearse every detail here – others have written about it in depth – I want to say this much: without the drive of local development company coordinators like Denise McDonnell, and without LEADER’s financial support, it wouldn’t exist. This is a model of inclusive tourism that not only opens the water to people of all abilities but also creates real jobs and anchors the local economy.

can’t disembark, enabling passengers with mobility challenges to experience Inchcleraun Island and its extraordinary mythology, including tales of Queen Medb. It’s a clever, futurefocused idea that shows how heritage, technology and accessibility can work hand in hand.

And it’s not a oneoff. We’re seeing more projects trying to follow this model. In Roscommon alone, we’ve seen growth in regenerative tourism, disability-inclusive planning, and communityled biodiversity schemes. What they all have in common is that they aren’t about top-down policy. They’re about letting the people who live in and understand a place take the lead.

income areas aren’t left behind as the rest of Europe moves ahead.

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is another key instrument. It’s helping thousands of people gain skills and training that match the changing labour market; whether that’s upskilling in digital technologies, retraining in healthcare, or supporting return-towork schemes for carers and parents. In short, it’s funding human potential.

new sectors, in green energy, eco-tourism, and circular economy enterprises, but only if the funds are accessible.

And this brings me to one of the biggest challenges facing all EU programmes: complexity. Too many groups, often the ones most in need, are excluded not because their idea is lacking, but because the process is simply unmanageable.

The project now runs five licensed boats, employs more than ten people, and continues to evolve. Its latest development, backed by EU funding, is the introduction of a virtual and augmented reality component for those who

To support that, we need the wider infrastructure to match. That’s where the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) comes in, helping to finance upgrades to everything from roads and wastewater systems to broadband and flood relief. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the foundation of a fair society. The Cohesion Fund also plays a major role here, ensuring that peripheral and lower-

Then there’s Horizon Europe, which funds research and innovation. While it might sound like something reserved for major cities and universities, there are rural projects across Ireland that are tapping into this programme, particularly those working on sustainable farming, bioeconomy solutions, and environmental monitoring. Of particular importance for our region is the Just Transition Fund. With up to €160m earmarked for the Midlands, it’s meant to help communities affected by the decarbonisation of industry, particularly the closure of peat works by Bord na Móna and ESB. This is a critical opportunity to invest in

I’ve heard from volunteerled organisations who’ve spent a year preparing applications, only to be knocked back because of technicalities. That’s not acceptable.

In response, I’ve authored a legislative file in the European Parliament proposing 29 specific simplification measures to reduce the administrative burden. One of the most important is pre-funding –allowing groups to access up to 40 per cent of their approved grant before the project begins. Right now, many are forced to borrow upfront, paying interest at 5-9 per cent while waiting to be reimbursed. That’s not sustainable, and it penalises the very communities we’re meant to support.

I’ve raised this issue

directly with the European Commission, and I’m encouraged that it is now being taken seriously. Commissioner Rafael Veto has acknowledged the need for reform, and we’ll continue pushing to see it implemented. Because here’s the bottom line: rural Ireland is not a museum, nor a charity case. It’s a place of innovation, resilience and pride. But it needs partners, in policy and funding, who see its potential and trust its people.

EU funds, when used well, are one of the most powerful tools we have for making sure that potential is realised. But the job isn’t done just by allocating the money. We have to make sure it gets to the right place, in the right way, with the least friction.

That’s what I’ll continue to fight for in Brussels: a Europe that doesn’t just talk about cohesion, but actually delivers it. And a future for the Midlands and the West that’s not just equal, but better.

*Lanesborough native Ciaran Mullooly is an Midlands-North-West MEP for Independent Ireland

Photographed on Bawn Street in Strokestown, in front of the iconic ‘bawn gates’ of Strokestown Park House last Friday is Independent Ireland MEP for Midlands-North-West, Ciaran Mullooly.

Photo: Michael Finan

Mobility: your body’s pension for a stronger, independent future

OLIVIA PRENDERGAST



Close your eyes for a moment and picture yourself 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. What do you see?

Are you walking down a beach with ease, playing with your grandkids, lifting them without hesitation? Are you getting your own groceries, hopping in and out of the car, moving freely and independently? No walking aids, no help needed, just you – strong, steady, and full of life.

If that’s the version of yourself you want in the future, then you need to start putting in the work now. Mobility and strength training are key to ensuring your body can do the things you want it to do, not just today, but for years to come.

I spent over two decades working as a ﬁnancial advisor, so I know how important pensions are to people. We’re told from a young age: pay in now, and you’ll get the beneﬁts back later. That same logic applies to your body.

Your ﬁtness is your physical pension – every time you stretch, strength-train, walk, or move with intention, you’re investing in your future self. You’re helping to prevent stiffness, reduce injury, keep joints healthy, and improve balance and ﬂexibility. These aren’t just ‘gym terms’, they’re the difference

between needing help out of a chair or hopping up and getting on with your day.

And here’s something backed by real science: your grip strength, yes, something as simple as how well you can squeeze a dumbbell or open a jar, is actually a strong indicator of how well you’ll age.

A global study published in ‘The Lancet’ in 2015, followed over 140,000 people and found that those with weaker grip strength were more likely to suffer from heart disease and die earlier. In fact, grip strength turned out to be a better predictor of future health than even blood pressure. Why? Because when grip strength starts to decline, it often means overall muscle strength is also fading. And when that happens, balance, energy, and independence tend to go downhill too. Now, picture this: You’re older. You take a fall at home, maybe a slip getting up from the couch or tripping on a rug. But this time, you don’t have the strength to pull yourself back up. You’re stuck there, waiting for someone to help. It’s not just physically difﬁcult, it’s emotionally upsetting.

Moments like that can chip away at your conﬁdence. And for many people, it’s not the fall that’s the hardest part, it’s the feeling of helplessness afterwards.

But here’s the thing: You have the chance now to reduce the risk of that

happening. You have the chance now to build the strength that will support you later.

It’s not about fear. It’s about preparation. Mobility and strength training aren’t just for athletes – they’re for anyone who wants to move through life with independence, conﬁdence, and dignity.

The truth is, many people place more value on a piece of paper, a pension fund, than they do on their body. But your body is your lifelong investment. You can’t trade it in. You don’t get a replacement. If you want it to support you later in life, you need to start paying into it now, with movement, strength, and care.

Mobility isn’t about being able to do the splits or touch your toes. It’s about function. It’s about being able to bend, lift, reach, walk, and move with ease. And it can be improved at any age.

So, if you want to feel strong, conﬁdent, and independent in the years ahead, if you want to live, not just exist, then now is the time to move.

Make time for mobility and strength training. Your future self will thank you.

About Olivia Olivia Prendergast is the proprietor of Empower Fit, based in Ballinlough. The stated mission of Empower Fit is to “empower women with strength training, wellness, and nutrition support”

Breathe in Roscommon… adventures await

< EMMA HEALY

In April 2025, Roscommon County Council launched its ‘Breathe in Roscommon’ campaign, inviting locals and visitors to dive into the county’s stunning landscapes and vibrant summer activities across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Now in June, as summer unfolds, Roscommon shines as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, offering over 25 waymarked trails, water-based adventures, and a packed calendar of events. From cycling to wild swimming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this scenic inland county.

Roscommon’s trails wind through bogs, forests, and lakeshores, showcasing routes like the Miners’ Way and Historical Trail, the Beara-Breifne Way, and the National Famine Way. These paths offer breathtaking views and a chance to connect with Roscommon’s rich heritage, perfect for hikers and cyclists of all levels.

Looking ahead, the Night and Day Festival will bring music, arts, and entertainment to Lough Key Forest & Activity Park from the 27th to 29th of June, offering a vibrant weekend for all ages. In September, the 53rd Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships will light up the Lough Key skies from the 20th to 26th of September, a must-see spectacle. Roscommon Tourism Officer Lisa Joy said the campaign aims to “inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and experience the very best of Roscommon.”

For more information on outdoor attractions and upcoming events, visit www.visitroscommon.ie.

Elegant song and spoken word at The Dock this June

The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon is presenting two events this June: the Korros Ensemble and The Twisted Dance of Sunflower Sam, celebrating both classical music and poetry respectively. Introducing something new and original to the chamber music world, the Korros Ensemble will perform in The Dock on Thursday, June 19th. Comprising the beautiful and unusual combination of flute, clarinet and harp, the Korros Ensemble has been performing together since its formation in 2001, during the musicians’ studies at the Royal Academy of Music.

Featuring the talents of Eliza Marshall, Nick Ellis and Camilla Pay, all three artists are highly experienced and in demand, having individually performed with all major UK orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra, and London Sinfonietta. They have also toured with the likes of Elton John, Peter Gabriel and Andrea Bocelli, recorded with Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Katherine Jenkins, and worked numerous Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks for composers such as Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, and Ennio Morricone.

Korros continues to rework its favourite repertoire, creating an exciting and fresh way of listening to beloved orchestral, chamber, and solo works. Tickets for their performance are €20/€16 concession.

The Twisted Dance of Sunflower Sam celebrates the launch of WS Frankham’s latest 80-piece poetry collection on Thursday, June 12th, at 6 pm. Hosted by the Word Corner community group, the special event will consist of spoken word, songs, and tales by the likes of Gerry Bohan, Keith Brennan, Louise G Cole, Annabelle Frankham, Malcolm Kindness and folk trio GreenBirdFlying. WS Frankham will be joined by sonic collaborator Paddy Shine to perform a live sound arrangement alongside a selection of poetry from his new collection.

More of Frankham’s work can be found at wsfrankhampoems. com. Tickets for this event are €5.

Additional details and bookings can be found on The Dock’s website, dock.ie, or by calling the box office via 071 965 0828.

The Korros Ensemble will perform in The Dock this June.

Shaping your summer story

Eugene Murphy Summer Cabaret Show starts next week

The Eugene Murphy Summer Cabaret Show commences next Tuesday night, June 10th, with doors opening at 8 pm.

The event will take place fortnightly at the Percy French Hotel, with many stars from all genres of music set to perform as part of the show over the summer months.

Eugene stated this week that many people were looking for midweek entertainment, and that he hopes this line-up of performances will ﬁll the gap.

Speaking about what attendees can look forward to, he stated, “I am delighted to have the great Johnny Brady opening the show. He is an outstanding artist and he will tell his story of the music business for him in song and conversation.

“I am also delighted to have funny man and great singer and guitarist Gerry Keenan as support act on the night.

“We will also have some lovely local talent. I think it will be a great night!”

Eugene also explained that local artists are invited to put their name forward to take part in the show:

“I am encouraging all local talent – singers, dancers, comedians, etc – to contact me, and we will have you on stage within weeks!”

Eugene thanked the owners, management, and staff of Percy French Hotel for their support and enthusiasm, noting, “This is a lovely venue – beautiful rooms if any people want to stay overnight, and of course an excellent food menu as well.

“We are working on a specially priced menu with the hotel, if people would like to come a bit earlier and dine out. We hopefully will have something organised shortly.

“Stay in touch with Roscommon People for details of upcoming shows”, he concluded.

EUGENE MURPHY Summer Cabaret Show

at the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown NIGHT 10th June 8.30 - 10.30 pm (Doors open 8pm) (Cabaret Shows every forthnight thereafter) S TUESDAY

Johnny Brady will be playing at the Eugene Murphy Cabaret Show next

in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown.

Turning a passion project into a profitable business

< EMMA HEALY

Martyna Gut is a young entrepreneur who helps busy, driven women balance their hormones so they can double their energy, reduce bloating, and regulate their periods.

How did your business idea

come about – was it something you always wanted to do?

Honestly, no. I never planned to start a business like this. It really came from my own journey. I was climbing the corporate ladder, working as an accountant at a wellknown firm, thinking I was

doing everything ‘right’ –clean eating, training hard, pushing through – but still feeling exhausted, disconnected from my body, and constantly chasing the ‘perfect’ body.

I was ticking all the boxes and still not feeling good. That’s when I started digging deeper into hormones, stress, and the connection between how we treat our bodies and how we feel in them.

I realised there was a massive gap in the wellness space for high-achieving women who were being told to ‘just push harder’ or ‘eat clean’, when what they really needed was a more supportive, personalised, and sustainable approach.

That’s when the idea was born – to help women like me feel confident and in control without sacrificing their health, happiness, or pursuing their goals.

At what point did you realise, ‘this could actually work as a full-time job’?

I don’t think I can pinpoint it to one specific moment. It was more like a series of small, meaningful ones. Getting messages from women saying, ‘I finally feel like myself again’ or ‘I can look in the mirror without tearing myself apart’, this is when I knew I wasn’t just giving advice but empowering and guiding women to transform their lives.

When I saw clients getting better results from my coaching than they ever did with traditional dieting or cookiecutter fitness plans, I realised this wasn’t just a passion project. It was a purpose-driven business with the potential to truly thrive, and it gave me the confidence to go all in.

Did local support – family, community, or friends –play a role in your journey?

Absolutely! Having people around me who believed in me made a huge difference, especially in the early days when I was navigating selfdoubt and figuring it all out. My friends and family were always cheering me on in

their own way, and I’m grateful for that. But at the same time, the vision and the passion I had for this work were so strong that I knew I would have kept going regardless. What also made a massive difference was connecting with other people in the industry, people who really get what this lifestyle is like. Being a business owner is a completely different world from working a 9-5. The pressure, the freedom, the responsibility – it’s all on you. And not everyone in your personal life will fully understand that. So finding a community of women who were building something similar, who could relate to the highs and the lows, was a game-changer for me.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned since going into business?

The fact that I’d have to do just as much inner work on myself as I ask my clients to do. Mindset matters just as much as strategy. You can have the best tools, the perfect program, and incredible content, but if you don’t work through the fear of judgment, the fear of failure, or the trap of comparison, it will hold you back.

Your business is a reflection of you, and it’s the most confronting thing you experience – it pushes you to grow constantly. And while that’s not always easy, it’s also what makes it so incredibly rewarding.

Where do you see your business by next summer?

I see my business impacting even more women on a deeper level. Expanding my signature programs but also creating a space where women truly feel seen, heard and empowered – whether that’s through coaching, education, or just being in the room with other women who get it. I see more in-person events, workshops, collaborations and creating a sense of sisterhood in this community.

Follow Martyna on Instagram for updates: @its_martynagut

Photographed is Martyna Gut, a young entrepreneur who helps busy, driven women balance their hormones so they can double their energy.

As the summer stretches out across Roscommon and the evenings grow longer, many couples ﬁnd themselves moving from casual conversation to more serious considerations. For some, that means planning a wedding. For others, it begins with a single question.

While attitudes to marriage are changing – particularly among younger couples – the ritual of

5 questions we asked the experts at Shefﬁeld Jewellers Romance, Roscommon-style: how to plan perfect summer proposal

Do you really have to spend the equivalent of two months’ salary on a ring

– or is that just the legacy of a clever marketing campaign by De Beers in 1981? How much do people actually spend?

You don’t need to spend two months’ salary – that’s a legacy of a De Beers marketing campaign, not a rule. What people spend is entirely personal and depends on their own budget and preferences. We work with all kinds of budgets to help ﬁnd the perfect ring. So much so, we take deposits so customers can pay off in their own time.

Is price the most important factor, or do things like cut, clarity, and style carry more weight? How popular are

traditional Irish styles like the Claddagh in engagement rings?

Price is important, but when it comes to choosing a diamond or gemstone, factors like cut, colour, clarity, and style often carry more weight in creating real beauty and value. Colour is usually a top priority, as it can dramatically affect a stone’s appearance and brilliance. We guide each customer through these elements to help them make a choice that suits both their budget and their vision. The Claddagh ring does not seem to be popular as an engagement ring, but more for birthdays or anniversaries.

Are ‘placeholder rings’ actually a thing? Is it common now for people to propose with a temporary ring before

the proposal retains its cultural weight, particularly in counties like Roscommon where tradition still runs deep. Whether whispered on a woodland walk or shared with a spectacle over dinner, the moment remains a landmark in any relationship.

But for those uncertain about diamonds, styles, or expectations – especially those less naturally inclined toward romantic gestures – the idea of the perfect proposal can seem more daunting than delightful.

choosing the ﬁnal one together?

Yes, placeholder rings have become a huge trend and are a great way to take the pressure off the person proposing. They allow the moment to stay a surprise while giving the couple the chance to choose the ﬁnal ring together afterwards. It’s a thoughtful option that ensures the design is perfect and something they’ll both love forever.

How important is the element of surprise? Or are couples now more likely to approach the process jointly from the outset?

The element of surprise is still really important to many couples, especially when it comes to the actual proposal moment. What we’re seeing more often now is that

To help demystify the matter, the Roscommon People turned to the team at Shefﬁeld Jewellers in Athlone, inviting their advice on how to make a proposal memorable for all the right reasons.

while the proposal itself is a surprise, the ﬁnal ring is chosen together afterwards. It’s the perfect balance of romance and making sure the design is just right.

If you could offer one single piece of advice to someone planning to propose this summer, what would it be?

Make the moment personal and meaningful, but don’t feel pressured to get every detail perfect, especially the ring.

A surprise proposal with a placeholder ring, paired with choosing the ﬁnal ring together, is a beautiful way to create a shared memory and take the stress out of guessing. It’s a time to have fun and enjoy the ring-picking process. Focus on what feels right for you both, and the rest will fall into place.

Sheffield Jewellers, Athlone is a family-owned business proudly passed down through generations of the Sheffield family since 1850. For over 170 years, we’ve built a reputation for quality, trust, and friendly service that stands the test of time. We’re home to a stunning collection of diamond rings, engagement rings, and fine diamond and gold jewellery. Our highly trained and experienced team is always here to guide you through your special purchase with care and expertise.

Visit the historic Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum

Tucked into the beautiful countryside of north Roscommon is the Strokestown Park Estate. An estate that delves into the historic grandeur of an Irish country house while exploring its connection to one of the darkest times in Irish history, the Great Irish Famine. Enter a time capsule on a guided tour of Strokestown Park House and experience what life was like in the Irish country house for gentry and servants alike. Discover its original collections of art, curios, and everyday objects. Uncover the connection to the Irish Famine, which inspired the National Famine Museum, also located within the Strokestown Park Estate.

At your own pace, unearth the compelling stories of the Irish famine through our interactive museum, which will take you on an emotional journey through a dark time in Irish history, but one where the hope and courage of the Irish people shine through. A stroll in the Victorian Walled Gardens or on the woodland walks allows visitors to explore even more of the magnificent Strokestown Park Estate.

The visitor centre is home to the Woodland Café, which serves delicious homemade sweet treats and light lunches. The café is dogfriendly, and all four-legged friends can be treated to one of the homemade

dog biscuits. The gift shop supports local crafters, makers, and authors with a wide selection of locally made products available. Throughout the year, Strokestown Park hosts a wide

variety of events and workshops.

*Strokestown Park | The National Famine Museum is cared for by the Irish Heritage Trust, a non-profit organisation caring for historic

properties across Ireland.

*Strokestown Park is open all year round. Visit our website at strokestownpark.ie for more information.

Greenway funding boost for county

< EMMA HEALY

In June 2025, Roscommon County Council is advancing its greenway and active travel initiatives with over €2m in funding, announced by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien earlier in the year. The allocation supports projects to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable travel across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Roscommon received €2,295,000 under the national scheme. Key projects include €500,000 for the Athlone to Lanesborough Greenway, €400,000 for the Lough Key to Carrick-on-Shannon Greenway, and €300,000 for the Lough Ree Greenway.

Nearly €1.5m will improve active travel infrastructure in villages bypassed by the N5, benefiting local pedestrians and cyclists. These initiatives aim to link major tourist destinations, boosting Roscommon’s appeal as a cycling and walking hub.

The Lough Ree Greenway’s second public consultation, held on March 11th at Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone, presented route options and gathered feedback, with forms accepted until April 2nd. Niall Morrissey, Senior Executive Engineer, urged ongoing engagement via www. loughreegreenway.ie.

For updates on greenway projects, visit visitroscommon.ie

Taken from the air, this photograph of Strokestown Park House shows the Victorian mansion in all its glory among the picturesque grounds of Strokestown Park Estate.

Summer Soapbox

Profile: Peter Kilmartin

Roscommon native Peter Kilmartin is a multi-award-winning producer and documentary filmmaker. Peter’s work spans across commercial, documentary and large-scale TV commercials. Peter has more than 10 years of experience in the Film and TV industry, and was shortlisted in 2019 for the Young Emerging Director Awards by Oscar-winning director Lenny Abrahamson. Since founding Spicy Dog Media in 2017, Peter has successfully produced 100s of video campaigns for advertising agencies, brands, local authorities, government agencies, and State bodies.

1. How old were you when you first had the idea to work for yourself?

I would have been 14 or 15 when I first started properly getting into cameras and film-making. I always thought, ‘wouldn’t it be a dream to get paid to do what I love?’

2. Were there mentors or role models in your life that encouraged you to go this route?

When I first started the business, I got involved with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and their IBYE Programme, and it was a massive boost for the business and its development. It was the first time I really spoke out loud about Spicy Dog Media. The encouragement there was huge, and as the business has grown, the LEO has been there every step of the way.

3. What do your friends think of your decision to run your own business – supportive, sceptical, or a bit of both?

CUAN BHRIDE CHILDCARE

In the early days, I would have roped a lot of friends and family into shoots! Being involved in helping out, they all might have thought I was mad, but as the business grew I think everyone could see the vision and the passion!

4. Have you faced any challenges being taken seriously as a young person in business?

At the very start, it was difficult to prove credibility being so young, but as we grew and got to work with big clients, we gained credibility, and the age thing wasn’t really a factor anymore.

5. What legacy or example do you hope to set for other young people in Roscommon?

I would just say that following your passion in life will always pay dividends. With AI coming so fast I think the possibilities are endless for a young person and I would encourage them to just go for what truly interests them.

Roscommon Racecourse breaks

New ground will be broken at Roscommon Racecourse’s next fixture, with an all-chase card to be staged on Monday, the 9th of June, with a 5.08 pm start time. Due to the recent weather, rather than try and prepare two separate tracks, Roscommon Racecourse have decided to concentrate their efforts and focus on getting the chase track in good shape. From the racegoers point of view, the chase course is right next to the grandstand and those who want to can view the horses jumping the last fence right beside the running rail.

Getting up that close to the action is some thrill and Roscommon Racecourse hope that a few patrons will get up close to the action!

Lots of very good horses start their careers over fences at Roscommon, and hopefully there will be more top tier horses performing at the course next week. It promises to be a great evening of top class racing.

Roscommon Racecourse would like to once again say a huge thanks to their loyal sponsors, which include Dermot Hughes Car Sales, George McCourt Jnr., and Tote Ireland. The best turned out prizes are sponsored by Dalton’s Bar, Fuerty, Co Roscommon.

A list of remaining fixtures and all other information, which includes ticket information, can be found on our website roscommonracecourse.ie. For enquiries, email contact@roscommonracecourse.ie or phone 087 2203288. Roscommon Racecourse: come for the racing, stay for the craic!

A community-based, not-for-profit organisation providing quality childcare services to the local community.

Established in 1998 Pre-School opened in the Community, and a purpose built service was opened in 2006 following this in 2016 extention of new creche was opened to cater for up to 65 children per day.

Our Aims is to provide a high quality childcare experience, where children are at the heart of everything that happens. SERVICE INFORMATION

• Open for Full/Part and Sessional daycare Monday to Friday for children from 1 year to 13 years of age.

• The Service is notified to TUSLA,HSE and DCEDIY

• Offering Creche, Toddler Room,Junior ECCE Preschool,Senior ECCE Preschools and Afterschool Services daily.

• Highly trained staff.

• CCTV in all rooms.

• All-weather playground.

• Play Based Curriculum Siolta and Aistear

• Fully Equipped Kitchen offering home cooked meals.

• Collection and drop off service for local school.

Cuan Bhride childcare would like to thank the parents, community and local businesses for their continued support of the Childcare Service.

Roscommon Agricultural Show

Saturday 16th August

Access for All

Yearling Filly

Championship

A decade ago, the idea that people with complex physical or sensory needs might one day glide across the waters of Lough Ree in a fully accessible passenger boat might have been dismissed as too ambitious, too costly, or too specialised. But a local group thought otherwise – and now, from a repurposed depot on the Roscommon side of Lanesborough, Lough Ree Access for All has become one of the most quietly revolutionary social enterprises in domestic Irish tourism.

The initiative, which began life as a conversation between friends, now operates a ﬂeet of licensed boats, serves thousands of passengers annually, and is set to launch two major accessibility innovations by the end of the summer: a purpose-designed sensory room and a virtual reality heritage experience.

Manager Liam Grimes, a former Garda sergeant, welcomed me at the base on a sunny weekday morning in late May. He had just seen off a group from Strabane out on the lake – they had travelled the day before and stayed overnight in Roscommon town. “We get people from every county,” he said. “After one survey, the only one we hadn’t had was Antrim – so we went and got them.”

But while Liam now runs the operation day to day, the original vision came from others. Fishing guide Alan Broderick, along with former journalist Ciaran Mullooly MEP and a group of local activists, began shaping the project in 2015 after Alan found he couldn’t get his friend, a wheelchair user, safely onto a boat. That question – wouldn’t it be a great thing if I could get my friend out? – sparked a feasibility study, market research with care homes, and, ultimately, a nationwide fundraising campaign.

The breakthrough came when Waterways Ireland handed over a disused storage facility.

“This building... you’d imagine it was purposebuilt,” I said to Liam, shocked by the revelation that we were sitting in an old disused store. Now it houses one of the most advanced accessfocused facilities in the country, including a Changing Places-standard bathroom and shoreside hydraulic ramp to accommodate waterlevel shifts.

“This is not a charity model,” Liam said. “We’re a social enterprise – we run at a loss some days, but we don’t cancel trips for that.” While it may sound like a niche operation, the project serves a wide spectrum: school groups, tourists, carers, people with disabilities, corporate teams and nature lovers alike.

At the heart of the offering is the ﬂagship 90-minute boat tour, a professionally guided

trip led by local skippers, many of whom bring generations of knowledge to the job.

The tour weaves together ecological insights, folklore and history, taking in Inchcleraun (Inis Cloithrinn), an island on Lough Ree and home to an ancient monastery founded by St Diarmuid, and the lake is strewn with stories of Queen Medb and her meeting her end. There are nods to island schoolhouses and colonial history, balanced with biodiversity highlights such as tern and black-headed gull colonies.

“We’re ticking every box – wildlife, biodiversity, cultural and ancient history,” Liam said.

In addition to the core tour, the organisation also operates an Irish Sailing-accredited powerboat course, training more than 100 students since November 2023. It serves a broad cohort – from school leavers to

hobbyists and seasoned mariners – and work is underway to introduce a certiﬁed powerboat course speciﬁcally for people with disabilities.

“Even people who’ve driven boats 50 years come to us,” Liam added.

The team structure is compact and cooperative. Ten staff cover operations, reception and training, and multitasking is the norm. Shane and Mark, both wheelchair users, lead front-of-house roles. Bridget, the ﬁnance manager, is also a qualiﬁed skipper. Liam himself teaches courses and handles logistics. I got the feeling it wouldn’t be rare to see him swapping a lifejacket for a laptop and back again within a few hours.

Their success is underpinned by broad public and private support, including funding from the HSE, Roscommon and Longford County Councils, LEADER, EU Just Transition Funding, and corporate partners such as DPD and, in the past, the National Lottery. The forthcoming sensory room, set to open in July, has been funded by DPD and designed in-house to accommodate visitors with sensory processing differences. “A sensory-friendly space, for those with sensory processing impairments,” is how Liam described it.

Later this summer, the team will also launch a 10-minute virtual reality (VR) module, developed with Emagine, a specialist Waterfordbased high-end immersive experience company – the creative company behind the Titanic Belfast VR experience. It will be integrated into the lake tour, allowing guests, who for logistical reasons cannot disembark, to explore the Inchcleraun ruins via headset. “We’re bringing the island to them,” Liam said. For some, the impact is more therapeutic than touristic. The term ‘blue therapy’ has been adopted casually, but there’s academic

Located on the Roscommon side of the banks of the River Shannon, Lough Ree Access For All’s state-ofthe-art café and visitor centre was once a disused Waterways Ireland depot. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed at the harbour outside Lough Ree Access for All are Syd and Roberta Brown from Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, who stopped o for a co ee on their way from Carrick-on-Shannon to Hodson Bay last Friday. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed last Friday is Mark McClean at work in Lough Ree Access For All in Ballyleague. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed outside Lough Ree Access For All last Friday are (left to right) Dylan Costello and Liam Grimes. Photo: Michael Finan

Shaping your summer story

weight behind it too. Studies from Oxford University suggest that water-based activity can have a calming, regulating effect on people with anxiety, autism or mobility challenges. Liam cited one of his own staff, Mark, who uses a wheelchair and has reported a marked reduction in muscle spasms while on the water. “There’s a serenity… carers tell us they’ve never seen (users) so calm,” Liam said.

It is, of course, also economic. The spinoff effect beneﬁts the broader region – cafés, accommodation providers, distilleries, and other tourism businesses. On the morning I visited, Syd and Roberta from Antrim had stopped by the centre for a coffee en route from Carrick-onShannon to Hodson Bay. They hadn’t booked a

tour but left with brochures – the kind of incidental engagement that builds word of mouth.

Bespoke packages and private hires are available, including transfers to local hotels, wildlife photography outings, and collaborative events with heritage and food producers. The team works closely with nearby attractions and has ﬂagged potential for deeper ties with cultural institutions like Strokestown Park House, the Táin Trail, and the broader Tarmonbarry-Tulsk corridor.

Sustainability is also a live concern. A NorthSouth joint initiative with Belfast Sailability is in train to install solar energy systems on the premises – a move that will reduce costs and help the group weather future energy volatility.

Despite operating outside traditional tourism seasons, the boats run year-round. “We might be seen as seasonal, but we’re not. We reduce our trips in winter – but we’re still out there,” Liam said. For many users, timing ﬂexibility is essential – a spontaneous, calm day on the water is often worth more than a month of rigid scheduling.

So what’s next? “We have to prove ourselves –but we are a viable project,” Liam said. “We’re not a standalone. It’s all about collaboration.”

From the banks of the Shannon, Lough Ree Access for All is charting a path that’s not only inclusive but imaginative, and rooted in the belief that nobody, regardless of ability, should be left watching from the shore.

Skippers coming ashore! Lough Ree Access For All skippers and manager Liam Grimes photographed following a boat tour last Friday. Photo: Michael Finan

• Open 7 days per week Please call 090-6626152 for enquires & bookings Monday 4th August 2025

Al fresco dining…

Can we ﬁnd a name that sounds less like a fella from a place called Fresco?

 EMMETT CORCORAN

It begins with the name. Al fresco. A phrase so marinated in continental seasoning you can almost hear a Vespa puttering by and someone shouting about bruschetta in the background. But let’s be honest – in Roscommon, al fresco sounds less like a lifestyle and more like a French lad who has been living locally for a few years and might ﬁx your gutters and play full-back for Tulsk on the weekend.

And yet, somehow, we’ve embraced it. We, the same people who go to bed with an electric blanket in June and would instinctively put a coat on a statue if left unattended. We’ve taken to eating and drinking outside – voluntarily – and not just when there’s no room inside. It’s a cultural shift, powered by a strange cocktail of post-lockdown yearning, semi-sunny optimism, and perhaps, a little leftover Celtic Tiger nonsense.

That tiger, long since tamed, did teach us a few things. Chief among them: that even the most ordinary 5/8th in the country needed a powerboat, a pair of Gucci sunglasses, and a taste for continental café culture. And so, while the tiger is now more of a timid kitten, the urge to sip a ﬂat white on a windswept footpath lingers on.

It didn’t start with Covid-19, but it certainly accelerated it. The pandemic gave rise to a whole new class of outdoor infrastructure. Beer gardens became ‘outdoor dining experiences’, picnic benches became ‘curated seating zones’, and a strip of gravel behind the chipper was rebranded as a ‘casual bis-

tro nook’. A necessity at the time, it quickly found a loyal following. Fáilte Ireland, which has invested heavily in outdoor dining infrastructure since 2021, reports that over 4,000 permanent outdoor dining seats have been delivered nationwide through its ‘Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme’, with hundreds more added in 2023 alone. It’s no longer just a sunny-day exception; it’s a summer strategy.

Quick to adapt

Pubs and restaurants have been quick to adapt. They’ve upgraded and extended awnings, added heaters, and rolled out enough astroturf to make Croke Park jealous. Notably, these changes are happening largely on private property – the yards, beer gardens, and back patios of businesses. Because when it comes to public realm enhancements, well, let’s just say the mood is less than Mediterranean. Even though there are some fantastic set-ups around Roscommon in every town and village, and I’m not trying to knock the newly-built infrastructure, I love it, in fact. But referring to the experiences as ‘al fresco’, regardless of how premium they may be, seems just a bit pretentious, or maybe it’s just me?

If recent pushback to streetscape redesigns in the west of Ireland towns is anything to go by, people want to eat outside, but not if it means turning the place into a knockoff Girona. It seems there’s an appetite for innovation, but not imitation. And really, that’s the crux of it. The Irish

version of outdoor dining is not the same as the continental one. We’re not perched gracefully in cobbled squares; we’re huddled in jackets under gas heaters, swatting midges and pretending the rain is ‘only a spit’. We bring our own energy to the thing: humour, resilience, and a deep mistrust of salads that don’t come with chips.

So perhaps it’s time we called it something else. Something that reﬂects our own particular ﬂair for dining in the elements. Because ‘al fresco’ doesn’t quite capture the experience of eating a toastie while your napkin cartwheels across the N5. How does ‘anáil an tae’ – the breath of tea – sound? It probably lacks universal appeal.

‘On the lash out the back’ has a certain poetic rhythm, but might not pass muster with the tourism board. Personally, I’d favour something simple and direct: ‘grand if you’ve a jacket’. Or maybe ‘brunch with bravado’. If nothing else, it tells the truth.

Here’s a thought: let’s put it to the people. Head to our website and take part in our poll: what should we call Irish-style outdoor dining? Should we reclaim it in the name of ‘turf and tea’? Or just accept that ‘al fresco’ is here to stay, like latte art and electric scooters?

Whatever we decide, one thing is certain. Outdoor dining isn’t going anywhere. Rain be damned, we’ve come to love our freshly poured pint under a sky that can’t make up its mind. We may not be the Riviera, but we’ve got character, persistence, and a healthy disregard for weather warnings. Sure, isn’t that what summer’s all about?

Photographed in an open-air dining pod in the walled gardens of Strokestown Park House last Friday were a mother and daughter who were visiting the Roscommon tourist attraction. Photo: Michael Finan

Barbecue is sacred where I come from – not just something you burn on a rare sunny day!

 LARISSA SANTOS PINHEIRO CORCORAN

When I ﬁrst moved from Manaus to Ireland in 2015, I expected many things to be different: the language, the weather, the food. But nothing quite prepared me for the Irish approach to barbecuing. Or, to give it a more accurate name: meat arson. I apologise in advance for the many ﬁne Irish barbecue masters, but my experience has generally been, well, you’ll see. In Brazil, barbecue, or churrasco, is a way of life. You don’t just throw a few sausages on a grill and call it a day. No, no. You prepare. You marinate. You respect the meat. Telling a Brazilian man how to barbecue is like telling an Eskimo what snow is. It’s sacred. It’s generational. It’s personal.

Where I’m from, in Manaus, barbecue is a full-day ritual. We gather with family and friends, and someone, usually a self-appointed grill master and a man, takes command of the ﬁre. You’ll ﬁnd juicy picanha (rump cap), linguiça (a type of spicy sausage), costela (beef ribs), and even chicken hearts skewers sizzling over charcoal. And I mean charcoal, not gas. There’s always lots of beer, music, and conversation. But that part is kind of where the similarities between and Irish Brazilian barbecue end.

When I attended my ﬁrst Irish barbecue, I nearly cried, well not

really, but you get the point. It was a rare sunny day, the kind that sends everyone scrambling to the shops for burgers and disposable grills. I watched in horror as plain chicken breasts and burgers were flung onto a flaming grid, flipped once, and declared “done” once they resembled

charcoal. No seasoning, just a healthy fear of undercooking.

I tried to explain that meat should be pink inside. That there’s ﬂavour beyond salt and pepper. But I quickly learned that suggesting new barbecue techniques here is not a good plan to ingratiate yourself. So now, I just smile

and eat what’s on my plate, politely and indirectly, as a good-mannered Irish person does.

The cultural difference is gas altogether. In Brazil, if someone says “we’re having a barbecue,” it’s a fullon celebration. In Ireland, it often means “we have some sausages and

a hope the rain holds off.” Still, I’ve come to love the Irish way too. The spontaneity, the laughter, and the way people don’t take it too seriously. But deep down, I’ll always believe barbecue should be a labour of love, not a panic-cooked meal before the clouds roll back in!

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Roscommon Ploughing awards to be presented on Saturday night

Roscommon Ploughing Association wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all that supported the county ploughing championship event on May 4th in Farragher, Ballinaheglish, contributing to its success, with exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves.

The association noted that the event would not have been possible without the wonderful support of the local community with provision of stewards and volunteers. They express their sincere thanks for all their hard work in the preparations, the day of the event, and the cleanup of the site. These efforts are recognised and are greatly appreciated.

The association also extended their sincere thanks to all individuals and business who supported with products, services and financial aid to run the event; the feedback has been amazingly positive from everyone.

The Roscommon Ploughing Association Awards and presentation night will take place at 9 pm on Saturday night, June 7th, in Daltons Bar, Fuerty. Presentations will be made to the County Roscommon winners and those that are eligible to go forward to the All-Ireland Championships to compete in September 2024 in Tullamore. There will also be live music and refreshments on the night.

The Roscommon Ploughing Association would like to wish all All-Ireland finalists the very best of luck in their respective classes. All are welcome to attend to join in the celebrations at the upcoming awards presentation night.

St

Coman’s Church to celebrate 250th anniversary with Cór Comáin concert

This year, St Coman’s Church in Roscommon town is proud to celebrate the 250th anniversary of their present church building.

As part of a calendar of commemorative events, the church is delighted to welcome Roscommon choir Cór Comáin, under the musical direction of Derek Mahady, to give a special performance at 6 pm this Sunday, June 7th. Joining them will be organist Daren Lane and Paul Kiernan on trumpet, as they present a special concert titled, ‘Our Roots’.

This inspiring evening of music will not only celebrate the rich history of the church building, but will also honour the generations of clergy, individuals, and families who have served and supported the parish over the centuries. The programme will feature a selection of beloved hymns, inviting all to reflect on the enduring faith and community spirit of St Coman’s.

All are welcome to attend: come, sing, remember, and rejoice!

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (AS AMENDED)

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (AS AMENDED) - PART 8

NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT

Notice is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council proposes to carry out the following development:

Ballyleague Road Safety Improvement Scheme

The proposed works will introduce various engineering measures enabling the N63 from the Community Centre to Ballyleague National School to operate more efficiently and safely. Safe connectivity will be facilitated by providing a designated parking / set-down area at the community Centre and facilitating a safe walking route from here to the Ballyleague National School. The proposed measures will also require vehicles to slow down when passing through Ballyleague village, making it safer for all road users and school users as a result. This is to be achieved providing continuity of pedestrian footpath outside the Church to include installation of a raised zebra crossing. Introduction of road markings and signage in accordance with the Safe Routes to School programme will increase driver awareness and reduce vehicle speeds.

The project involves:

• Site clearance works

• Footpath and pavement improvement works

• Pedestrian Zebra Crossing

• Safe Routes to School Measures

• Landscaping

• Other ancillary works including the provision of traffic signs, road markings, kerbs, street lighting and utility diversions

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

Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) for a period of four weeks from the 6 June 2025 during public opening hours at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98. Plans and particulars may also be viewed online via the link on Roscommon County Council’s Public Consultation Portal Home | Roscommon County Council’s Consultation Portal

A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated may be made before 18 July 2025, via the link on the Council’s Public Consultation Portal or alternatively in writing or email marked “Ballyleague Road Safety Improvement Scheme” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Roads and Transportation Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or email roads@ roscommoncoco.ie

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development

Date of Notice: 6 June 2025

Pictured at the Majella Flanagan Theatre Company’s staging of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at Roscommon Arts Centre.

Photo: Michael Finan

Flashback to 2025 Roscommon Ploughing Championships on the Beirne family farm, Ballinaheglish. Photo: Michael Finan

Ladies Meeting Friday 8pm to 9pm.

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• Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Telephone: 087 2798704

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

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

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

Are 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:

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

< LARGE TREES in Roscommon town garden. FREE to cut and take away. Tel. 086 0815802.

< FOR SALE: Turf and firewood. Tonne bags. Excellent quality turf and firewood. €50 per bag. Also excellent quality square bales of hay. €4 per bale. Call Tom 086 2628439.

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< SEASONAL PEAT WORKERS REQUIRED. No experience necessary. Transport provided. Ballaghaderreen area. Tel. 087 2576618.

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< PROFESSIONAL LAWN MOWING SERVICE: Mowing, Strimming, Leaf Blowing, Hedge Trimming, General tidy-ups, etc. Tel. 086 0815802.

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

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

All types of old Trucks, Buses, Cars, Vans, Jeeps wanted. Collection arranged. Michael 085 167 0166. Submit your Classified online

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL Further Information

Cornabanny, Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon

Applicant: Michael Gormley & Megan Connolly

Location: Cornabanny, Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon.

Date Of Application:

10/07/2024

Planning Reference Number: PD/24/60321

Development: Planning Permission to construct dwelling house & garage as shown on plans and all ancillary site developments at the above address.

Following the requirement of the planning Authority, an NIS will be submitted to the Roscommon County Council in connection with the above planning application.

The NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the Planning Authority during its opening hours. Subject to payment of any relevant fee, a submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the planning Authority within 5 weeks of the date of receipt by the authority of the NIS. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant the application

Signed: Michael Gormley & Megan Connolly.

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate

Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

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ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Catriona & Vincent Harrington, intend to apply for Planning & Retention Planning Permission to Roscommon County Council for development at this site at Cloonmacmullan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 K308. The development will consist of planning and retention planning permission for the following:

1. to refurbish house to include alterations to elevations, 2. to construct new side/ rear extension to same, 3. to retain and complete upgraded treatment system and percolation area, and carry out all ancillary site development works at Cloonmacmullan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 K308. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Jean Gunning, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic store unit, with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and ancillary site development works at Cloonmullenan, Donamon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Jean Gunning.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, Donal Connaughton, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Ballymore East or Corbally, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

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

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Thomas Treacy, intend to apply to Roscommon Co. Co. for planning permission for (A) erection of Storage Unit to rear of existing retail premises; (B) retention of Small O ce Unit to rear of existing retail premises at Treacy Décor, Athlone Road , Roscommon.

Signed: Thomas Treacy.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Roslyn Fuller & Ake Braedt, are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for a change of house design that was previously granted under PD/23/133, along with all ancillary site development works at Aghacarra, Corrigeenroe, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of 20euros within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grand permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Cuiltygower, Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

We, Sinead O’Connor and Keilan Lindsay ,intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for development consisting of the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system and polishing lter together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.

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

Signed: Sinead O’Connor and Keilan Lindsay.

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

O’BRIEN

Nuala

Carnagh East, Kiltoom

In loving memory of Nuala O’Brien who passed away on 7th June 2024

The family of the late Nuala wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation on their recent bereavement.

We are very grateful to everyone who expressed their condolences, sent Mass cards or messages of sympathy. Thank you to Fr Ray Milton who concelebrated the Funeral Mass

A special word of thanks to Pat Smyth for his professionalism in organising the funeral. Also to the gravedigger and Aileen O’Connor for the beautiful music.

A special word of thanks to Roscommon Hospice for the care shown to Nuala in her final few weeks. A big thank you to her wonderful neighbours who visited Nuala in her home and hospice. Thank you also to Gleeson’s Restaurant, Roscommon for the lovely meal.

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

Nuala’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday 8th June in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow at 11.30am

GILLOOLY

Peter

Derrycunny, Derrane, Co. Roscommon

Who died on the 1st June, 2020 (5th Anniversary)

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Fondly remembered by Brid, Mark, Enda, Monica, Lewina, Iarlaith, Naoise, Feidhlim, Éanna, Jack, Anne, Martin, relatives and friends.

Also remembering his parents Martin and Mary.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 7th June in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane at 7pm.

DOWD Tommie

Ballybane, Galway Fomerly Aughagad, Castlecoote, Co Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Tommie who died on the 8th June 2017

We think about you always and talk about you too.

We have such precious memories but we wish we still had you. Those special years will not return, when we were all together. But the memories that are in our hearts will stay with us forever.

Forever loved and deeply missed by your sisters Mary and Margaret, brother Michael, brothers in-law, sister in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnephews & grandniece.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday 7th June at 7.30pm

KELLY

Larry

Grange Lake, Curraghboy, Athlone and Great Barr Birmingham (36th Anniversary)

The beauty of a memory is that it’s always there, Like a penny in your pocket, you can take it anywhere. And when your heart is heavy, and your eyes are filled with tears, You can focus on a memory and travel through the years.

Always remembered by The Kelly Family

O’REILLY

Batty

St Helena, Tremane, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Batty who passed away on 11th June 2022

We miss you more than ever, Your guidance and your love But we know you are still watching Silently from above

The love you gave still warms us The way it always will But leaving an empty space That time can never fill

From heaven you’re still giving The love you always had. We know you hear us talk to you, We will always love you Dad.

Sadly missed and never forgotten by his wife Maura, sons Brian and Patrick, daughter Mary, daughter-inlaw Edel, grandson Cian and extended family and friends.

DONNELLY

Gerry and Liam

In loving memory of Gerry Donnelly who died on 5th June, 2004 and his brother Liam Donnelly who died on 15th September 2019

extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for

Sunday

and

COYLE

Noel

Stonepark, Roscommon Town. (1st Anniversary) 19th May 2024

On Noel’s First Anniversary, Bernardine, Miriam, Fintan, Shane and Emer, together with the extended Coyle family, wish to express sincere gratitude for all the sympathy, support and kindness shown to us following our sad and sudden loss.

Thank you to all those who sympathised with us. To relatives, neighbours, friends, and well-wishers who attended the funeral home and funeral mass, our heartfelt thanks. We are deeply grateful to all who travelled long distances to be with us, to those who sent mass cards, sympathy cards, letters and left online condolences or who paid respects in other ways.

A special word of thanks to the kind staff at Mullingar Regional Hospital, Beaumont Hospital Dublin and the palliative care nurses at The Ciuin Suite, Mullingar. Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Kevin Fallon for his guidance in preparing and concelebrating Daddy’s Funeral Mass and for prayers at the funeral home.

A special thanks to Pat, Gillian and John at Smyth’s Funeral Directors on their professionalism and care. It will never be forgotten. Our sincere gratitude to Hazel Murray for her lovely singing. Thank you to all those who brought food and refreshments to the house.

Thank you to those who made donations to Roscommon Hospice.

To everyone who helped us in any way, thank you sincerely. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

He was greatly loved and is sadly missed. His spirit lives on in each of us.

Noel’s First Anniversary Mass and his wife Mary’s Months Mind will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 7th June 2025, at 7.00pm.

COYNE

Harry

Sandfield, Knockcroghery (21st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Harry who passed away on 7th July 2004

No farewell words were spoken

No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.

Always remembered by his loving wife Phil, sons Michael and Ciaran and their families.

Anniversary Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 7th June at 7.00pm

DOORLEY

Michael

Kildallogue Heights, Strokestown (2nd Anniversary)

Sadly missed along life’s way, Quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Dearly remembered by Una, Ann, Helen, Dusko, Gerard, Cathal, Emma, Ciara, Daragh, Cormac, brothers, relatives and friends

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 8th June in Strokestown Church at 11.30am

QUIGLEY

Tommie and Annie Rathconnor, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (33rd and 6th Anniversaries)

Treasured memories of our loving parents, Tommie who passed away on 12th March 1992 and his wife Annie who passed away on 8th June 2019. R.I.P.

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered everyday, no longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts ye are always there. Fondly remembered and sadly missed by all their family.

THANKSGIVINGS

NOVENA TO ST. ANTHONY

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

Sadly missed by his Gerry’s wife Teresa, family,

Gerry

Liam will be celebrated in Rahara Church on

29th June at 10am.

(6th Anniversary)

(21st Anniversary)

COLLINS

John and Mary Thornfield, Ballygar, Co. Galway (25th and 11th Anniversaries)

Cherished memories of our loving parents, John and Mary Collins, who passed away on 10th January, 2000 and 7th June, 2014 respectively

Our thoughts are ever with you though you have passed away and those who loved you dearly are thinking of you today. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all the family. Masses will be offered.

CORCORAN

John Paul and Alan Cargins Park, Donamon, Co. Roscommon (21st and 12th Anniversaries)

Years have

THANKSGIVINGS

THREE DAY MIRACLE PRAYER

I’m so grateful to take this time to thank my heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit for always being there for me through my life. I would especially like to thank you Jesus my Lord Saviour for as you died on the cross you gave me your Mother. My Mother I know in my heart you are my guide to Heaven. I would like to thank you with all my heart for mothering me through my life. I have full faith once I publish these prayers my favour will be granted. Thanks be to the Lord! Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. this time I ask for this special one (mention it). Take it dear Heart of Jesus ans place it within Your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. P.C.

THREE DAY MIRACLE PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask You this special one (mention favour). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where our Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days and promise publication and the favour will be granted no matter how impossible. Never known to fail. A.M.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. K.H.

of Castlemine, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon Who died on June 8th 2004 (21st Anniversary)

Treasured memories of a dear husband, father and grandfather.

Always much loved and remembered by his wife Patsy, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Join our dynamic Offsite Manufacturing Team in Roscommon! We're seeking a skilled Laser Machine Operator to run our advanced Morgan Rushworth 6kW laser and plasma cutting systems. The ideal candidate will have experience in laser/plasma cutting, strong computer literacy, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and maintain laser and plasma machinery

• Read digital nesting plans and production sheets

• Ensure job accuracy and production efficiency

• Collaborate with managers and technicians

• Perform troubleshooting and maintenance

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience with laser cutting equipment essential

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Willingness to learn and upskill

• Forklift licence is a plus

Wages start from €18/hour

Location: Roscommon

For further details, please email: marcelle.tagne@ross-es.com or telephone: 01 6202738

Roscommon TD slams Government delays in ACRES payments

Almost 1,900 farmers across Roscommon and Galway are still awaiting payments under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), with some unpaid since 2023, according to Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane.

Deputy Kerrane said the figures, received from the Minister for Agriculture, highlight significant mismanagement of what the Government calls its “flagship” agrienvironmental scheme. ACRES, which replaced GLAS in 2023, is intended to support farmers undertaking climate and biodiversity-friendly actions. However, widespread delays have been reported since its roll-out.

“Farmers signed up in good faith… they have complied with the rules of the scheme and they have, in some cases at cost to themselves, carried out the actions required,” she said.

“The fact that there are farmers waiting for payments for 2023 and 2024 is

unacceptable and frankly outrageous.”

Kerrane said participants had sidelined otherwise productive land in accordance with scheme guidelines, but that delayed payments were undermining confidence in the system. “Farmers will be forced out of it if there is no guarantee of a payment on time,” she warned.

She called on the minister to resolve the backlog, adding: “ACRES has been hugely disappointing in terms of how it has been managed by the Department. It also reminds us that farmers are willing to do more in terms of the environment, but others let them down.”

Her comments follow similar concerns voiced in recent months by the IFA and ICMSA, both of whom have demanded urgent improvements to payment timelines. The Department of Agriculture has yet to provide a clear explanation for the ongoing delays but has referenced issues with the IT system implementation in the past.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Over 450 lots presented for sale on Thursday last (May 29th) and after the recent spell of rain and increased growing conditions trade and prices reached new levels.

In the bullock ring quality stores made up to €5.72 a kilo with heavier lots exceeding €3020. The heifer ring recorded a similar story with stores exceeding €5 a kilo while the dry cows made up to €3440.

The weanling rings with increased numbers on offer witnessed bulls making up to €3760 or €7.75 a kilo while heifer weanlings hit €6.8 a kilo.

The calf ring with increased numbers on offer reported an excellent clearance with a high percentage being exported, while the cows with calves at foot made up to €3900.

Sample prices

BULLOCKS: Lm 440kgs €2200 Ch 360kgs €2060 AA 360kgs €1860 Ch 545kgs €2610 Ch 505kgs €2520 Lm 605kgs €2760 Sim 670kgs €3020 AA 705kgs €2750 AA 670kgs €2630 Her 540kgs €2370.

HEIFERS: AA 415kgs €1710 AA 375kgs €1570 Ch 345kgs €1300 Lm 475kgs €2400 Lm 440kgs €2010 Lm 445kgs €1970 Ch 700kgs €3000 Lm 540kgs €2800 Lm 515kgs €2530 AA 565kgs €2380 Hex 553kgs €2290 Hex

665kgs €2750.

DRY COWS: Sim 465kgs €1780 AA 455kgs €1540 Lm 790kgs €3440 Ch 720kgs €2860 Lm 610kgs €2740 Lm 705kgs €2800 Lm 360kgs €1490.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1650 to €3900.

Springers made from €1070 to €2720. CALVES: A large entry of calves presented for sale with lots making from €150 to €700. Runners made from €630 to €1150.

WEANLING BULLS: Lm 290kgs €1590 Sim 270kgs €1420 AA 290kgs €1450 Ch 235kgs €1290 Lm 220kgs €1250 BBx 485kgs €3760 BB 436kgs €3260 Ch 395kgs €2260 Ch 365kgs €1940 Ch 340kgs €1690 AA 403kgs €1660.

WEANLING HEIFERS: Lm 285kgs €1950 Lm 260kgs €1430 AA 240kgs €1180 AA 200kgs €1130 Ch 385kgs €1750 Lm 315kgs €1580 Lm 320kgs €1540 BB 425kgs €2150 Ch 410kgs €1940.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday. All sales commence at 11 am. Farm Plastics collection dates Farm Plastics collections will be held at Castlerea Mart on

Fears of looming timber supply crisis as forestry targets falter

Roscommon landowners, particularly those farming marginal holdings, could play a key role in addressing what Forest Industries Ireland (FII) describes as a growing national and global timber shortfall. The group, which represents timber processors and is part of Ibec, has warned that timber demand will outstrip supply by 2050 unless planting rates improve dramatically.

According to FII director Mark McAuley, global reserves are depleting due to poor reforestation and the exhaustion of legacy forests. While Ireland accounts for a tiny fraction of global supply, future shortages could offer opportunities for Irish producers – but only if action is taken now. Government planting targets currently stand at 8,000ha annually. However, data from FII shows that only 20 to 25 per cent of that is being achieved. New rules requiring space for biodiversity and setbacks from natural features reduce usable planting ground by around 30 per cent. This means more land is needed to reach existing targets – land that is not being planted. McAuley notes that Ireland’s hesitation is partly cultural. Forestry lacks deep roots in Irish farming and is often seen as a permanent departure from food production. Many farmers, especially those who view themselves as stewards for future generations, are reluctant to commit land to a crop they cannot easily reverse. While Minister of State for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae recently floated the idea of planting blanket bogs, FII prefers to see small, low-value fields, such as those under rough grazing, converted instead. McAuley estimates that hundreds of thousands of hectares of such land exist, though plots under 5ha are generally considered unviable.

Both FII and the minister agree that monoculture spruce plantations are no longer fit for purpose. Mixed, more sustainable planting schemes now dominate, though these can be more complex and may further deter uptake. Incentives remain generous. According to FII, the State covers planting costs and offers income support for 20 years, with a potential tax-free lump sum at harvest. But without a shift in public perception and practical engagement, Ireland risks falling short on both climate targets and timber supply.

they made an average of €3.53 per kilo up to €4.68 per kilo. Dry cows, sample prices: LMX-770kg -€3,600-€4.68 per kg, CHX- 1,200kg- €4,900€4.08 per kg, AAX-610kg-€2,280- €3.74 per kg, SAX -660kg- €1,890- €2.86 per kg, CH -635kg -€1,880- €2.96 per kg, and BBX540kg- €1,830 - €3.39 per kg.

Bullocks, sample prices: LMX -365kg -€2,000 -€5.48 per kg, two CHX- 397kg€2,000- €5.03 per kg, LMX - 620kg - €3,200€5.16 per kg, AAX -935kg- €3,600- €3.85 per kg, CH -835kg -€3,540- €4.24 per kg, and SIX - 625kg- €2,520 - €4.03 per kg. Sheep

There was a good entry of sheep on offer at

the weekly sale of hoggets, spring lambs, and stag ewes on Wednesday, June 4th

Prices for hoggets made up to €203, and spring lambs made up to €211, while stag ewes topped out at €264. There was also a very good entry of ewes, with lambs at foot making up to €444.

The next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, June 11th. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on marteye.ie.

Hoggets/springs, sample prices: 62kgs€203 - €3.27 per kg, 42kgs - €118 - €4.25 per kg, 35kgs - €100 - €4.22 per kg, 57kgs - €160 - €2.79 per kg, 45.kg - €185- €4.04 per kg, and 41 kg- €165- €4.00 per kg. Cast ewes, sample prices: 117kg - €264€2.26 per kg, 105kgs - €240 - €2.29 per kg, 100kgs - €234 - €2.34 per kg, 96.5gs - €220 - €2.28 per kg, and 96.3kgs - €215 - €2.23 per kg.

Sports PEOPLE

Unbeaten Roscommon minors must now step up to higher level

Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC

quarter-final: Roscommon v Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park on Saturday at 7 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Previewing games at minor level is certainly not an exact science. Locally, people have seen Roscommon in action several times, but my only exposure to the Louth team was on TV in the Leinster final (against Offaly) in what was a cracking match, and one that the Wee County were unlucky to lose. They look a quality side.

Roscommon have been superb so far this year. They came through Connacht unbeaten, which was a massive achievement. They have been asked many questions too, especially in the final against Mayo, when they showed resilience and courage to snatch victory in those final few minutes. It shows that this team has character and is certainly not dependent on one or two individuals to turn it on.

This is a very well coached and managed Roscommon team. When team manager Shane Moran says that his side did not play particularly well in the Connacht final, he is right. There is more in the team than we saw in Castlebar. Many players have come to the fore at different stages of this championship for Roscommon. Conor Tighe, Diarmuid O’Higgins and Colm Fitzgerald have been impressive in the full-back line.

Seamus Hussey, Tadhg Rogers and James Cassidy have been doing well in the half-back line with Adam Killion also in contention in that sector.

Alex Oates and Sam Hannon will probably man the midfield berths, while up front captain Dara Curran will lead the line. Chris Feerick, Seamie Carthy, Dean Casey, John Price, Shay McGuinness and Luke and Mark Shally are all in contention for starting berths.

In the Connacht decider, Sam Hannon and Dara Curran, who had been very prominent all year, were quieter than usual, but the likes of Diarmuid O’Higgins, Dean Casey, John Price and Shay McGuinness came to the fore. It was a great sign of a strong team ethic. But this All-Ireland series is a higher level than the provincial championship. Louth football is on a huge high at present. They breezed through to the Leinster final, people really having started to take notice of their momentum when they handed Dublin a 2-17 to 1-8 beating in the semi-final.

The Leinster final was a pulsating affair which Offaly won in the end by 2-20 to 3-14. Louth have a number of excellent players. Connell Kelly is a superstar in the making and Roscommon will have to watch him closely on Saturday. He looks a superb attacking talent. Kelly scored

0-9 in the Leinster final and has amassed a whopping 2-40 so far this year.

Andrew O’Reilly, Tadhg Devaney, Cillian McQuillan and Connell Kennelly have also been very prominent for Johnny Clerkin’s side.

In common with all other championships this summer, some of the football we have seen in the minor grade has been superb and so easy on the eye. We can expect another free-flowing and high-scoring match on Saturday evening.

I have been very impressed with Roscommon’s demeanour in the championship so far. They have been good in defence and clinical in attack. We have seen that they know how to win a championship match when in a tight corner. They might need that quality on Saturday. It promises to be a cracker. I think the young Rossies can go at least one step further. Prediction: Roscommon.

Moran sees room for improvement

Having overseen an excellent Connacht campaign during which his side remained unbeaten, Roscommon team manager Shane Moran is determined that his side progress further in this year’s competition.

Now that the provincial championship is behind them, Shane wants the team to build on the momentum which they built up during that impressive winning run.

“Training has gone well since the Connacht final. We gave the players a few days off but they have all been back and have been putting in a huge effort. We know that we can improve our performance and we will need to, because it’s knockout football now and there is no safety net anymore.”

Louth were pipped by Offaly in a pulsating Leinster final and Shane Moran is under no illusions about the challenge that Roscommon will face on Saturday.

“Louth are a super side. They have a serious management team behind them under Johnny Clerkin and included in that management team are former inter-county stars Gavin Devlin (Tyrone) and Paul Hearty (Armagh), so they will be very well coached. They were unlucky to have lost that Leinster final against Offaly, and remember too that they beat Dublin by 12 points in the Leinster semi-final.

“They have some outstanding players. They are very strong up the middle at number six and number 11 and they have a very capable midfield partnership too so we know what we are coming up against.”

Moran says that there is far more in this Roscommon team.

“We showed great resilience to come back against Mayo in the Connacht final but we feel that we didn’t play that well in Castlebar and can improve a lot from that.

“We want to progress further in this championship. Only three Roscommon teams have won games in the All-Ireland series (2006, 2011 and 2013) and we want to emulate that. If we can produce a good performance on Saturday we are well capable of progressing.”

The Roscommon manager is stressing the importance of the support on the night.

“The support we had in Castlebar was fantastic and it really made a difference to us in the last 10 minutes in particular. I hope that we have a big crowd there in Breffni Park, it’s a huge boost to the players to have that behind them. It’s a big stadium so we are hoping for a big Roscommon crowd to cheer us on.

“We have a clean bill of health and a full panel. We know that if we can play to our capability that we are good enough to win. It’s a big challenge sure enough, but one we are looking forward to” he concluded.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon minor football team manager Shane Moran pictured at the Connacht final.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Dean Casey (Ballinameen) in action for Roscommon minors in the Connacht final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Roscommon races next Monday

Horses for Courses

There is a flat card at Leopardstown this evening (Thursday), featuring two listed races, the King George V Cup and the EBF Glencairn Stakes, starting at 4.20 pm.

Tomorrow evening there is national hunt fare – all hurdle races with a bumper – in Clonmel, with tapes away for the first at 5 pm, and a flat meeting at Fairyhouse, away at 4.45 pm.

On Saturday, there is racing on the level at Navan starting at 2 pm, and the first day of a two-day national hunt card at Punchestown, starting at 1.45 pm, with Sunday off at 1.30 pm.

Monday evening sees an all-chase card at Lenebane at 1.55 pm.

Epsom Derby Meeting

Friday sees the first day of the Derby Meeting at Epsom with two Group 1 races, the Oaks and the Coronation Cup. A total of nine horses run in the Betfred Oaks with Charlie Appleby’s 1000 Guineas winner Desert Flower, the favourite, on track for a Classic double hoping to bring her unbeaten run to five. The Newmarket 4th, Elwateen, has been supplemented at a cost of £30,000 (€35,600). Aidan O’Brien sends over three, Gisselle, Whirl, and Minnie Hawk with son

BOYLE

Joseph one, Wemighttakedlangway. There are three Irish-trained in the earlier Coronation Cup where Aidan O’Brien has Jan Brueghel and Continuous and Joseph runs Al Riffa. Saturday is Derby Day with nineteen declared to run, including the ante post favourite Aidan O’Brien’s Delacroix, with Ryan Moore aboard, who will be joined by stablemates The Lion In Winter, and Lambourn. The race is In Honour of his Highness Aga Khan who passed away in February, and his daughter Princess Zahra has supplemented the Francis-Henri Graffard trained Midak, who is unbeaten from three runs in France to carry the famous green and red epaulette silks, and Henri Francois Devin has also supplemented New Ground at a cost of £75,000 (€89,000) each. Joseph O’Brien’s Tennessee Stud is the only other Irish runner. There are also two Group 3 races, the Princess Elizabeth and the Diomed Stakes, on the card. Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court is hoping to keep triple crown hopes alive having won the 2000 Guineas.

Saturday sees the third leg of the American triple crown, the Belmont Stakes, being run at Saratoga over 1m

Noel McKenna was the winner of the 18-hole stroke competition played on the weekend of the 25th of May with a 63 nett. Frank Casserly and Vincent Egan had 68 apiece for 2nd and 3rd respectively. Lee McKillen claimed the prize for best Gross score.

On Thursday the 15th, Kevin O’Connor won the 12-hole competition with a remarkable 32 points, six clear of 2nd placed Vincent Egan. Mark Whelan took 3rd place with 25 points.

The following Thursday’s competition (May 22nd) saw Vincent Egan continue his good form, winning with 28 points. Brian Furey was hot on his heels for 2nd place with 27 points. Pat Conroy came 3rd with 26 points.

In the Men’s 12-hole midweek competition played on the 29th, Jonathan Egan’s 27 points edged out Mark Feehan’s 27 on countback, with Pat Conroy coming 3rd.

FIXTURES: This Sunday, June 8th is the date for the President’s Prize to the Ladies with the men playing their first VPAR competition of the year.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

LADIES’ WEDNESDAY SCRAMBLE: Thank you to all who played last Wednesday week. Thankfully the rain held off! Well done to our winners. 1st were Gabrielle Madsen and Dympna Butler with 28 nett. 2nd were Noeleen Moffatt, Rachel Doyle and Marese Monaghan with 29 nett.

MIXED FOURBALL RESULTS: Our mixed team played Tubbercurry in the first round of the mixed fourball last Wednesday evening week. Tubbercurry proved too strong for the Carrick team on this occasion and we now wish them the best of luck in the next round. The club would like to thank our captains and team for their effort. The team was – Team Captains: Monica Shannon & Frank Duffy; Away: Jim King & Kathleen Loftus, Paddy Murray & Dolores

by Tom Red

2f. There will be no triple crown winner this year as Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, missed the Preakness, which Journalism, Derby runner-up, won. It will be another cracking race.

Monday’s Lenebane meeting Monday sees an all-chase card in Lenebane because of the long spell of dry weather. Racing at Clonmel today is an all-hurdle card, so that both racecourses will only have to water one racing track. Racing opens with the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Novice Chase with nine horses entered followed by the George and Joan McCourt Memorial Beginners Chase with 22 potential runners. Both these races are over 2m 5f. The roscommonracesourse.ie Beginners Chase, with fourteen entries, is the third race on the card and is run over 3m 1f. Next up is the Castlerea Novice Chase with eight entries, and it is over 2m 1f. The jewel in the crown of Roscommon national hunt racing, the Tote Connacht National Handicap, over 3m 1f with 22 entries, is fifth on the card. The penultimate race is the 18-entry Strokestown Handicap Chase over two miles, and racing closes with an amateur and claiming riders

Handicap Chase with the largest entry of the day, 25 horses over 3m 1f. The best-turned horse prize in each race is sponsored by D’Alton’s Bar and after race music is by Henry and The Usual Suspects.

Congratulations to all working in Roscommon Racecourse on winning Racecourse Award 2025 at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association.

Competition Corner

Winners of the tickets for Roscommon’s national hunt meeting on Monday are Aoife Freyne (Ballaghaderreen), Mary Gordon (Southpark, Castlerea), and Chris Hannon (Oldwood,

Short putts

Mulvey; Home: Anthony Noone & Siobhan Talbot, Philip Martin & Mary King.

SENIORS: The following are the results of Wk 22 (Thursday, May 29th). Overall winner was Donal Collins with 42 pts. Category winners were as follows – Cat. 1: PJ Sharkey (39 pts); Cat. 2: Leo Kavanagh (38 pts); Cat. 3: Sean Gilmartin (38 pts). The ‘Nine’ winners were as follows – F9: Chris Lowe (23 pts); B9: Tommy Mulvey (21 pts).

Results of matches played on Thursday, May 29th: Seamus Mulhern beat Mick Blake. Sean Martin beat Ken Moran. Joe Keville lost to Michael Duignan. Tommy Mulvey lost on the 21st to Leo Kavanagh.

Our first outing of the year is on Monday, June 9th in Longford Golf Club. First tee at 10 am.

ROSCOMMON

SENIORS: There was no competition last week due to the inclement weather.

MEN’S RESULTS: Weekend competition sponsored by The Hollywood Bar – 1st: Mick Fitzpatrick (40 pts); Gross: Francie Grehan (34 pts); Cat. 1: Donnacha Gately (39 pts); Cat. 2: Padraic Beatty (35 pts); Cat. 3: Kevin Kenny (40 pts). This weekend’s competitions for men and ladies are sponsored by Dermot Hughes Cars.

CLUB NEWS: Good luck to our Junior Cup team under captain Francie Grehan, who play Co Sligo this coming Sunday. The Pierce Purcell team play Tuam next week. The latest phase of the development of the short game area has been completed and it has been fully seeded and fertilised. Preparations are continuing ahead of the

annual fundraising Club Classic which will be held on June 21st and 22nd. The timesheet is now in the clubhouse bar and filling up quickly. Tee box sponsorship welcome at €50.

The Senior and Junior Scratch Cups are on Sunday, June 15th. Timesheet details from the club.

JUNIORS: Our junior convenors are holding a rules/etiquette evening for all juniors on Sunday, June 8th at 6 pm at the clubhouse. Similar to last year, we’ll have four or five stations and the juniors can move between each one. All juniors welcome.

Roscommon), who all knew that the King and Queen of England owned Reaching High.

This week we have tickets for Kilbeggan’s national hunt fixture on June 16th: to be in with a chance of winning, please tell us which Aidan O’Brien trained horse won the French Derby last weekend?

Answers as usual should be made via postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon, or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm on next Wednesday, June 11th. Don’t forget to include your name, address, and a contact phone number with all competition entries. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Buccaneers switch focus to golf ball!

One of our new president Eoin Reid’s first events will be Buccaneers’ RFC Annual Golf Classic which takes place next month at Glasson Golf Club, on Wednesday, July 16th. Entry per team of four is €300 (discount rate of €260 for tee times before 11 am). To book or obtain further details, contact Geraldine at 086 1732711 or rugby@dubarrypark.com. Remember the earlier you book, the more favourable tee time is available!

AWARDS:Buccaneers Rugby Football Club’s season concluded with a well attended awards evening in The Bounty when the youths and girls players were honoured.

Presentations were made to the Player of the Year and the Most Improved Player in each age group. The presentations were made by outgoing club president Lorna Stuart Trainor. The club congratulates all the winners and wishes them all the very best in their future rugby careers.

SUMMER TAG LEAGUE: Buccaneers Tag Rugby Summer League continues at Dubarry Park on Thursday evenings. Entry fee is €480 for mixed teams of males and females, which works out at just €5 per player per night over eight weeks. Still not too late for teams and/or individuals to register at www.connachtrugby.ie.

SUMMER CAMPS: Buccaneers Summer Camp takes place from Monday, August 11th to Friday, August 15th and will run from 9 am to 1.30 pm on each of the five days. Learn to play rugby in a fun, safe environment with qualified coaches. Girls and boys aged 6 to 12 years old welcome. Cost is €70 for first child and €50 for additional children. To book, contact Geraldine at 086 1732711.

Connacht Rugby Summer Camp will take place at Buccaneers daily from 9.30 am to 1 pm on Monday, June 30th to Wednesday, July 2nd. Log on to www.connachtrugby.ie to book.

Roscommon Racecourse… hosts another meeting next Monday.

(News from local golf clubs)

The Noel Mannion Memorial Competition winners pictured at Castlerea Golf Club’s monthly presentation night on Sunday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Focus now on Cork as Smith inspires Roscommon revival

< KEVIN EGAN AT KING & MOFFATT DR HYDE PARK

For the first time since February, the graph is going the right way again.

Gone are the heady days at the start of the year when Roscommon were being spoken about as the type of team that might thrive in the new rules and potentially compete for the Sam Maguire, but against Meath on Saturday evening there were signs that the group is rediscovering their identity and their confidence, even if a surfeit of limitations remain.

In the context of an All-Ireland race where Armagh are quietly putting together another excellent campaign, Kerry have an embarrassment of attacking riches, Dublin will be hard to beat when they get their heads around the three-men-up rule and both Donegal and Galway can be very hard to stop on their day, no rational supporter would expect that sort of ground to be made up.

Like a guest visiting the new house of a close friend or family member, we’ll start by knocking before praising the renovations.

Not unlike the league game between these two counties, Meath were much stronger across the middle and they enjoyed a lot more primary possession.

Ruairí Kinsella was the game’s quarterback and Roscommon had to spend a lot of time chasing shadows, particularly in the second quarter when they were outscored by 0-12 to 0-4 and couldn’t get hands on ball other than from all-too-rare turnovers. Moreover, while Pearse Frost deputised well after Niall Higgins was forced off with an injury, Davy Burke didn’t get much impact from his bench after that, particularly up

front where only two players raised flags after half-time.

However, the return of Brian Stack to the full-back position, albeit enforced by James Conlon’s tour de force until the St Brigid’s man switched back to that role for the start of the second half, gave the defence a better balance. Colm Neary was one of those defenders who struggled to contain Conlon but his impact when he chose to attack was undeniable, creating two valuable scores.

In attack, Roscommon’s creation of space inside the small arc was exceptional in the first half, leading to the creation of four clear goal chances from passes into that space. Donal Keogan’s tackle denied Diarmuid Murtagh one green flag and Stack pulled another effort wide of the target, but Murtagh and Ben O’Carroll both delivered immaculate finishes with the other opportunities and Roscommon had a cushion that they badly needed going into that second-quarter onslaught.

Then, when Meath shut up shop in the second half by pulling in tighter and closing that gap, Roscommon sent five kicks from distance over the bar, exploiting the extra room out on the periphery.

And then there was Enda Smith. His meek effort at a penalty suggested that he skipped breakfast and was lacking energy, but the rest of his performance was pure filet mignon; full of protein and still delightful on the palate. Three of the doubles came from his boot, but for real leadership, his 70-metre run out from his own corner off a sideline ball in the 66th minute was a sight to behold. The rest of the team drew strength from marching behind his banner, though if victory

was to be secured, it probably needed a Gimli or Legolas to accompany Smith’s Aragorn, and it’s not unfair to say that picking a Roscommon runner-up to Smith in the Man of the Match stakes would be a difficult decision.

After the game, there were some Roscommon supporters remarking that it was one they left behind them. After taking a one-point lead with ten minutes to play and with a very strong breeze at

their backs, the slightest trace of recency bias would make that conclusion inevitable.

The quality of Ruairí Kinsella’s equaliser for Meath can’t be denied, but Roscommon certainly had their chances.

Ben O’Carroll missed a couple of shots under pressure, Ruaidhrí Fallon pushed one wide from the left wing, Cian McKeon had a handpass intercepted when it looked like a fisted point was on, and Diarmuid Murtagh’s left-footed strike from 40 metres would be one that the St Faithleach’s man would expect to score 80% of the time.

But none of those hit, and so the game finished level.

However to focus too much on that last ten minutes would mean glossing over what happened for the first hour.

The first quarter went well from Roscommon’s perspective, with O’Carroll and Murtagh’s goals pushing them three up after 15 minutes. Then Conlon hit two gorgeous points in a row, and Meath caught fire. Conlon, Conor Duke and Bryan Menton all scored from range, with Meath moving the ball well and exploiting every yard of space available to them.

The first 15 minutes of the second half weren’t much better. Enda Smith sent over two skyscrapers either side of his penalty that was saved by Billy Hogan, but Meath continued to control the ball and patiently wind down the clock, adding scores of their own through Hogan, Seán Coffey and Eoghan Frayne to maintain the lead.

Then midway through the half Pearse Frost was hit late and Murtagh scored the free for a double, Smith followed up with another, and Roscommon suddenly

had the platform they needed. Just one score at either end in the fourth quarter (Murtagh’s two-pointer and Kinsella’s reply) meant that they didn’t quite get there. So a long way short of perfection, but progress all the same. Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Niall Higgins, Colm Neary, David Murray; Ronan Daly, Brian Stack, Senan Lambe (0-1); Shane Cunnane, Eddie Nolan; Dylan Ruane (0-1), Ciaráin Murtagh (01f), Enda Smith (0-6, 3tp); Daire Cregg (0-2), Diarmuid Murtagh (1-4, 1tpf, 1tp), Ben O’Carroll (1-0). Subs: Pearse Frost for Higgins (15), Donie Smith for C Murtagh (48), Cian McKeon for Ruane (48), Keith Doyle for Nolan (56), Ruaidhrí Fallon for Lambe (61).

Meath: Billy Hogan (0-2, 1tpf); Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield; Bryan Menton (0-2, 1tp), Adam O’Neill; Conor Duke (0-2, 1tp), Rúairí Kinsella (0-3, 1tp), Mathew Costello (0-1f); Jordan Morris (0-2), James Conlon (0-6, 1tp), Eoghan Frayne (0-2). Subs: Cathal Hickey for Duke (53), Keith Curtis for Frayne (58), Conor Gray for Menton (61), James McEntee for Lavin (63), Eoin Harkin for O’Neill (65).

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (Higgins 13); Meath 2 (Morris 13, Frayne 58)

Wides: Roscommon 8; Meath 6 Man of the Match: Enda Smith

Daire Cregg of Roscommon is tackled by Donal Keogan of Meath during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2 match between Roscommon and Meath at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Saturday. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Enda Smith of Roscommon is tackled by Ciarán Caulfield of Meath during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2 match between Roscommon and Meath at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Saturday. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

‘Players have learned a lot’ – Doran

< KEVIN EGAN

It wasn’t the result they would have wanted, but after watching Roscommon struggle through several games since their dip in form midway through the league, selector Mark Doran was encouraged by the performance that the Rossies produced against Meath on Saturday evening, a showing that has raised the mood in the camp in advance of what will effectively be a knockout clash with Cork in a little over a week’s time.

“Frustration that we didn’t get the win, but in terms of performance, you couldn’t fault any Roscommon player,” was how Doran described his emotions after the 2-15 to 0-21 draw.

“We felt we didn’t give the best version of ourselves in the Galway game. Since then, we’ve put the heads down and every one of those players put their shoulder to the wheel this evening. We asked them to go and play for your jersey, your family, your clubs.

“I don’t think the scoreboard reflected how we actually played in Kerry for 50 minutes, so we went after this game

today and I couldn’t praise the players (enough) for the effort they’ve put in and the work they’ve done”.

Some of the lessons from Killarney were clearly taken on board, and Doran cited the example of Roscommon’s point just before half-time, where Colm Neary’s run earned a free that Ciaráin Murtagh converted.

“(We were) three points down in Killarney just before half-time, we didn’t hold the ball and Kerry were able to work a two-point score. Today, we learned. We held the ball for over two minutes and worked a free for a score.

From a management point of view, that was massive,” he said.

“The players have learned an awful lot these past two weeks. Every player gave everything and maybe a wee bit of decision-making cost us in the end. But you could never fault a player for taking a shot on. At the end of the day, we back them and trust them – if there’s a shot on, take it”.

The issue of shot selection was a central part of the post-match discussion.

Meath manager Robbie Brennan spoke of his team’s research saying that Dr

Hyde Park had more two-pointers than any other ground during the league, and Roscommon certainly leaned into that, kicking five after half-time. Doran said that Meath’s defensive shape opened that door.

“If a team sit in low, there’s the opportunity of a two-pointer,” said the former Down player.

“The breeze was an obvious factor. A couple of two-pointers in a row represents a big momentum swing in the game now, you have to make hay with them”.

After the hooter sounded, both sides could have won the game. Mathew Costello dropped his shot short, and after Roscommon worked the ball clear and created a chance at the other end, Meath captain Seán Rafferty came up with a huge block to prevent Ben O’Carroll snatching a winner. A point gained, or a point lost, in Doran’s opinion?

“You hear the hooter, and you hope that they don’t take a shot. They had a chance, we got it back and you’re nearly blowing them up the field. Boys are down with cramp, and you’re asking them for one last effort.

“But, to Meath’s credit, they defended for their lives, and you’d expect that. We ran out of ground, and that’s just the way it goes. You couldn’t say a draw was unfair”.

So with the dust settled, Roscommon know that a win or a draw against Cork will put them into a preliminary quarterfinal, but to snatch second place and have that game at home in Dr Hyde Park, they’ll have to beat Cork and

Mo’s double downs Rossies

< MARK COMERFORD AT O’MOORE PARK

Roscommon travelled to O’Moore Park on Sunday afternoon as they and Laois kick-started their campaign in Group 1 of the All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship.

Finbar Egan’s side kept pace with the hosts in the first half, but a penalty ten minutes into the second half sent Laois on their way to victory, two-goal Mo Nerney taking the scoring plaudits.

Scores from Ciara Burke and Emma Lawlor got Laois up and running but they were hit on the break immediately with Shannon McGuinness releasing Caoimhe Lennon who drilled the ball home in the third minute. The hosts added a score from Fiona Dooley and two from Emily Lacey while two frees from Roscommon’s Aisling Hanly left the sides level after a quarter of an hour.

Shifra Havill and Hanly traded scores before another two points from Lacey pushed Laois in front. Scores from McGuinness and Roise Lennon looked set to leave the sides level at the break, but Laois ended the half with a goal when Mo Nerney gathered a rebound and fired her shot into the bottom corner as Laois led 1-8 to 1-5 at half-time.

Emma Lawlor pointed Laois’s first free of the afternoon shortly after the restart followed by goal number two for Laois and Mo

Nerney. A wonderful save from the Roscommon ‘keeper denied Dooley but Ria Lennon was adjudged to have fouled the Laois midfielder when trying to gather the rebound. Up stepped Nerney to convert the penalty with a splendid finish in the 40th minute.

Nerney added a free midway through the second half with Hanly pointing a free at the other end as well as a lovely score from Caoimhe Lennon. Roscommon were in the ascendancy, but Laois broke on the counter-attack with Lauren Kearney storming through on goal and lobbing O’Reilly to put the result beyond doubt.

Caoimhe Lennon and McGuinness combined again as Lennon scored her second goal, but a final score from Laois meant they finished seven-point winners. Laois are away to Fermanagh next Sunday while Roscommon will round out Group 1 at home to the Ulster side the following weekend.

Roscommon: C O’Reilly; M Kelly, S Wynne, R Brady; M McKeon, N Feeney, R Lennon; E Irwin, N Watson; S McGuinness (0-1), A Curran, L Mannion; A Hanly (0-4, 4f), R Lennon (0-1), C Lennon (2-1). Subs: S Timon for R Lennon (45), L O’Rourke for Watson (53), L Shanagher for Curran (57).

Laois: E Barry; S Farrelly, F McEvoy, C Dunne; A Gorman, A Moore, A Moran; F Dooley (0-1), J Moore; S Havill (0-1), C Burke (0-1), C Crowley; E Lawlor (0-2, 1f), E Lacey (0-4), M Nerney (21, 1-0p, 0-1f). Subs: L Kearney (1-0) for Lacey (54), G Moran for Nerney (56), D Phelan and K Donoghue (0-1) for Farrelly and Lawlor (both 59), A Fitzpatrick for Moore (62). Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).

Player of the Match Fiona Dooley (Laois) Dooley put in a serious performance, running the show from midfield. Roscommon had no answer to Dooley’s power and physicality, which she used to great aplomb, pulling the strings for Laois in an impressive win.

Kerry will have to beat Meath, but also the combined winning margins of those two games will have to be at least 15 points.

“It’s cut and thrust now,” Doran said.

“I know that this group of Roscommon players will go after that game with everything they have. I have no doubt that Cork will do the same. We’ll review, knuckle down, and prepare for Cork. But there are no more safety nets”.

Camogie team play Laois on Saturday

The Roscommon junior camogie team will face Laois in the second round of the round robin section of the All-Ireland Championship this coming Saturday at 2 pm. It’s a home match for Mary Grehan’s side but no venue has been fixed at the time of going to press. Roscommon were defeated by Armagh in round one and will have away games against Wicklow and Louth before completing their campaign with a home game against Tyrone.

CHAMPIONSHIP WATCH

< SEAMUS DUKE

Munster SHC final: Limerick v Cork on Saturday in Limerick at 6 pm

Another epic encounter is in prospect between these two magnificent teams. Cork had the edge last year but Limerick are back to their very best this summer and they gave a lesson to the Rebels a few weeks ago.

It should be closer this time but Limerick look the better bet. With the Gaelic Grounds sold out for weeks, it should be another blockbuster.

Leinster SHC final: Kilkenny v Galway on Sunday in Croke Park at 4 pm

There won’t be the same edge to this decider as in Munster, but Galway will be determined to put it up to the Cats who look a class apart in the province this year.

Galway will have to come with all guns blazing if they are to have any chance but Kilkenny should win with a bit to spare.

Note: The Tailteann Cup preliminary quarterfinals are on this weekend. There should be wins for Offaly (v New York), Westmeath (v Laois), Wexford (v Antrim) and Sligo (v Carlow).

Cian McKeon of Roscommon is tackled by Ruairi Kinsella of Meath during the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 2 match between Roscommon and Meath at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Saturday. Photo by Tom Beary/ Sportsfile

Lisa O’Rourke (pictured in action against Cork earlier this season)… came on as a substitute for Roscommon against Laois last Sunday. File pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/ Sportsfile

Rackard glory for resilient Roscommon

Nicky Rackard Cup SH final Roscommon 3-16 Mayo 1-21

< SEAMUS DUKE IN CROKE PARK

Four Roads man Brendan Mulry wrote his name into the history books when his point in the second minute of injury-time gave Roscommon hurlers a sensational win in what was a pulsating Nicky Rackard Cup final played in Croke Park last Saturday.

With two minutes of normal time to play Roscommon were three points down and Mayo were odds-on to lift the trophy, but Roscommon came with a dramatic late surge to deny their neighbours in a welter of excitement.

Hot favourites Mayo looked to have won this decider a couple of times but Roscommon simply would not accept defeat and they stuck to their guns and repeatedly showed their resilience.

To win an All-Ireland title you need many qualities. A ‘never say die’ attitude is certainly one, and this Roscommon team had that in spades. It was very much evident in a rollercoaster first half. After 16 minutes Mayo led by 0-9 to 0-3 and were totally dominant. But Roscommon refused to bend the knee. Inspired by the likes of Darragh Finn, Mark Ward and Conor Cosgrove, they began to put in the tackles and blocks in the second quarter, and the Mayo attack, which had been rampant up to that point, started to struggle.

Eoin Fitzgerald came storming into the game at midfield for the Rossies, while up front Sean Canning and Brendan Mulry began to work the scoreboard. It

must be said that Roscommon’s cause was greatly helped by a Mayo team who squandered many chances over the course of the game. They shot 20 wides, a statistic that was to come back to haunt them.

Liam Lavin and Shane Boland were superb for a Mayo team that took the game to Roscommon in the opening quarter. They were in almost total control during this period, leading by six points after 16 minutes. But Roscommon exploded into the game after that and a scoring run of 1-4 without reply saw them ahead within 10 minutes.

Points from Sean Canning, Fionn Killion, Brendan Mulry and Eoin Fitzgerald were followed by a superb goal in the 26th minute when Canning showed a clean pair of heels to his marker along the end line and then fired an unstoppable shot past Bobby Douglas.

The sides exchanged points after that but Roscommon went in leading by three at the break when Conor Cosgrove’s long delivery in the 35th minute landed in the danger area and the ball deflected off Brendan Mulry and into the net. Half-time score: Roscommon 2-8 Mayo 0-11.

The third quarter was very intensely fought. Mayo were probably just about the better side on the balance of play but Roscommon were always able to keep the scoreboard ticking over. In the 53rd minute Roscommon

scored what was a really crucial goal when Robbie Fallon finished to the net after great work from Cian Murray. Roscommon now led by five (3-12 to 0-16).

In fact, Mayo came roaring back after that goal and looked to have made a

match-winning drive with 1-5 without reply. Points from Bobby Douglas, Liam Lavin and Shane Boland, and 1-1 from Eoin Delaney –the goal superbly well taken in the 58th minute – saw the Mayo men three ahead with just three minutes of normal time to play.

But this final had more drama in store.

Roscommon sub Ben McGahon pointed a free from 40 metres, and on the restart joint captain Conor Mulry narrowed the gap to one when he pointed from close range as the clock ticked into the two minutes of added time that had been allotted.

Another sub, Eoin Kiernan, then powered over a super point from 50 metres and now the sides were level. Surely it was odds-on extra-time now.

But no, the momentum was with the Rossies. On the puckout the ball was won in the middle of the field and it broke to Brendan Mulry who pointed on the run from 35 metres out to put Kevin Sammon’s men ahead. Mayo had one chance to equalise after that but a combination of Conor Cosgrove, Darragh Finn and Adam Donnelly scrambled the ball away and the final whistle sounded.

The scenes at the final whistle were incredible as Roscommon players slumped to the turf in triumph – scarcely believing what had just happened –before celebrating wildly. The Mayo players stood in silence trying to work out how the title had slipped from their grasp. The ultimate smash and grab raid had taken place before their eyes.

But all credit to Roscommon. They refused to lie down and deserved their

victory in the end. They had many heroes on the day. Goalkeeper Enda Lawless made a number of important saves throughout and his puckouts were top class. Mark Ward and Darragh Finn were superb in defence, harrying the Mayo attackers throughout with some great blocking and tackling. Eoin Fitzgerald had a super first half, scoring three fine points from midfield. Up front, Conor Mulry, Sean Canning and Brendan Mulry were outstanding, contributing timely scores. Subs Ben McGahon and Eoin Kiernan also made vital contributions. However, the ‘man of the match’ was Roscommon joint captain Conor Cosgrove who was an inspirational performer on the day. He is a real leader. Although wearing the number two jersey, he played at centre half-back and dominated his area, making several telling contributions. All credit to Kevin Sammon and his management team for their hard work throughout the year. When we were leaving Markievicz Park after that extremely lucky draw against Sligo a few months ago, and having been beaten by Mayo the previous week, a Nicky Rackard Cup title looked a million miles away. But you have to have belief, and in fairness, the manager and the players had that.

The next challenge now is for Roscommon to become competitive at Christy Ring Cup level. There is not much point achieving this wonderful success if it is not built upon. But that’s for another day. This was one of the really great days for the game in the county. Well done to all concerned.

Sean Canning celebrates scoring a goal for Roscommon in last Saturday’s Rackard Cup final at Croke Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

This superb action shot from last Saturday’s Nicky Rackard Cup final features Mark Ward (Roscommon) and Cormac Phillips (Mayo). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: Eoin Lawless; Darragh Finn, James Dillon, Mark Ward; Adam Donnelly, Conor Cosgrove (0-1, free), Micheal Hussey; Eoin Fitzgerald (0-3), Jack Donnelly; Finn Killion (01), Conor Mulry (0-2), Cian Murray; Sean Canning (1-2), Robbie Fallon (1-2, 2 frees), Brendan Mulry (1-2). Subs: Liam Og Coyle for Killion (46), Ben McGahon (0-2, 1 free) for Murray (49), Jack Dowling for Hussey (53), Ryan Conlon for Fitzgerald (58), Eoin Kiernan (0-1) for Fallon (62).

Mayo: Bobby Douglas (0-1); Conal Hession, Oisin Greally, Conor Murray; Eoghan Collins (0-1), Kieran McDermott (0-1), David Kenny; Danny

Huane (0-2), Simon Thomas; Liam Lavin (0-4), Cormac Phillips, Ryan Duffy (0-1); Shane Boland (06, 3 frees), Eoin Delaney (1-3), Joe Burke. Subs: Sean Kenny (0-1) for Burke (40), Jason Coyne (0-1) for Hession (46), John Heraty for Duffy (62). Referee: Conor Doyle (Tipperary).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0 Black cards: 0 Yellow cards: Roscommon 2 (Mark Ward, Brendan Mulry); Mayo 0 Wides: Roscommon 9 (5, first half); Mayo 20 (11, first half) Man of the Match: Conor Cosgrove (Roscommon)

Cosgrove emotional after win that ‘means everything’

SEAMUS DUKE

Conor Cosgrove has arguably been Roscommon’s best hurler in 2025. The Ardrahan club man with family ties in Roscommon was superb once again in the win against Mayo. He was emotional when he spoke to the Roscommon People after the final whistle.

“To be honest, I thought our chance of winning was gone there at the end. But it has been the same all year. We have had bad performances and bad spells in games but we always seemed to be able to rise again, and today we just didn’t give up. I thought the lads that came in off the bench did well and that was a huge help to us.”

Conor says that he felt the team were nervous in that opening quarter.

“We had a very slow start. We were nervous I suppose. There were a lot of lads playing here for the first time. But as the game went on we responded well and settled down. The two goals before half-time meant that we were in a good position. But we knew that we would have to dig deep in the second half again and we did that.”

The Roscommon joint captain says that the defence worked ever so hard. “We knew we would be under pressure at the back. The Mayo forwards are class and always a danger but Darragh Finn and Mark Ward are two excellent man-markers and they were outstanding. They put them under pressure. But we were excellent across the board in that category today.”

Conor is a veteran Roscommon player by now who has vivid memories of losing the Nicky Rackard Cup final in 2022.

“This means everything to me today.

When I came into Roscommon I didn’t know what to

but

every

“We were so disappointed when we lost the final to Tyrone a few years ago. We felt that we let the day and the occasion pass us by and we were determined not to let that happen this time around. Thankfully it could not have gone better” he concluded.

expect

I have loved

minute of it and am so proud to wear this jersey. It means a lot to my family too. My dad is a proud Roscommon man and it means an awful lot to him too.

Roscommon manager Kevin Sammon celebrates with Conor Cosgrove (joint captain of the team).

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Management joy: Kieran Farrell, Damien Lohan and Basil Jones celebrate with the Nicky Rackard Cup. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon players, management and supporters celebrate the team’s dramatic Nicky Rackard Cup final win at Croke Park last Saturday. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

The Fairytale of Croke Park

< SEAMUS DUKE

A breathless Roscommon team manager Kevin Sammon leant against the wall outside the Croke Park dressing room and tried to express how he felt after the dramatic ending to last Saturday’s Nicky Rackard Cup final at GAA HQ. Roscommon sparked great celebrations when their rapid-fire finish saw them score the last four points to seal a sensational win over Mayo, 3-16 to 1-21.

Later on Saturday, Roscommon’s hurling heroes received a great ovation when they paraded the cup during half-time in the Roscommon-Meath SFC match at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Reflecting on the last-gasp nature of the win, Sammon said: “Sure this is fairytale stuff altogether… we got the last four scores to win it. I have been saying it about these lads all year. They will dig deep and give you everything. That team was never beaten today. You could see it.

“We were 0-9 to 0-3 down after 16 minutes and you know, I expected that. Mayo were always going to come as us like a steam train. But we spoke about it in the dressing room beforehand, not to panic. We could always get a score or two. At half-time we were in the game and in fact we were up three points and our tails were up.”

Sammon hails hurling heroes ‘Subs made a great contribution’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Four Roads man Conor Mulry played a key role in Roscommon’s win and was understandably ecstatic afterwards.

“I said it during the week in an interview that Roscommon were a very unpredictable team, and you know,

Sammon said that Roscommon’s great defensive work was a key aspect of this final.

“We never let up, we hooked and blocked all day. It may not have been the prettiest hurling to watch but we worked and worked. Those lads deserve savage credit.”

Once again it was goals (Roscommon netted three) that proved decisive.

“The goals were crucial. In the last three games we got 11 goals and it goes to show that if you can get a few goals you always have a chance. Look, we were massive underdogs today. No one gave us a chance except here in our own group. We remained positive all year and we can head out of here today with our heads held high.”

When the game was in the melting pot towards the end, with Mayo having scored 1-5 without reply, did he think Roscommon’s chance was gone?

“We did what we have done all year and we didn’t panic and we kept cool and kept working hard. The players dug deep and they deserve their reward.

“This success today was a huge effort from everyone, players, clubs, county board, their families and everyone involved, this is massive.

I am delighted for all the hurling people in Roscommon today” he concluded.

there were people saying to me that we could get hammered here today. But you never know what’s going to happen when you go out on the field for a final.”

Conor, who is joint captain of the team, said that the rain showers which fell at the start of the game were a worry.

“The rain early on was a worry but it

cleared up and the dry conditions suited us. Sean (Canning) got a great goal and once we got the bit of momentum we were in business.”

He reflected on that incredible last few minutes. “Eoin Kiernan got a point, I got one, Ben (McGahon) got another, and then Brendan’s last effort was the

winner. We said all along this week that there were a few lads that were unlucky not to start. In fairness all our subs that came on in the second half made a huge contribution. We were getting tired to be honest, and the subs were great. That pitch is hard to play on. It tires you out.

“This is a great day for Roscommon

hurling. We are a small community, only seven clubs. We know each other so well. Hopefully this will spur us on. When I started hurling with Roscommon it was in the Christy Ring Cup. If I ever leave the team it would be a nice place to end it too” he concluded with a smile.

Roscommon hurling manager Kevin Sammon celebrates at the final whistle with his granddaughter, Fallon.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

The Roscommon hurling team and subs lined up at Croke Park last Saturday just before the start of the Nicky Rackard Cup final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell