Roscommon People - 8 August 2025

SUMMER SATIRE

With EMMETT CORCORAN (sort of)

Don’t panic… The Barstool Boyos will be back – the well-known ‘ENDANGERED SPECIES’ haven’t become the latest casualty of the demise of the rural pub. But for the next few weeks, you’re going to have to settle for the pontificating prose of Emmett Corcoran as he tries to temper his dark sense of humour and come to terms with some of what is going on in the world today.

The slow creep of casual chemical escapism

Something is rotten in the state of Ireland – and for once, it’s not broadband coverage or the state of the roads between Tulsk and Ballyleague.

It’s quieter than that. Less scandalous, more insidious. The slow, steady seep of drugs into every corner of social life. And not in the cartoonish, film-noir way people might imagine. Just… there. Present. A little something for the weekend or the mid-week pick-me-up.

Cocaine, in particular, has crept from the nightclubs of the cities to the function rooms of the Midlands, and it seems to have settled in without much resistance. Roscommon isn’t immune – nor is anywhere else, really. Whatever bubble people once thought rural Ireland lived in, it burst somewhere between the second lockdown and the price hike of beer at the bar.

Of course, people take drugs for all sorts of reasons – some complex, others just uninterestingly predictable. To take the edge off. To feel something. Or maybe nothing. To add a bit of colour to the weekend, or to blur it altogether. I’ve lost count of how many people claim it’s just

a bit of fun – ‘recreational’, like tag rugby or Instagram. But if everyone’s having such a good time, why does it all look so… depressing?

Underneath the buzz, there’s often something else. Restlessness, mostly, I think. Or maybe just the murmur of unease. Whatever it is, there’s a kind of shared understanding now – that sober reality isn’t quite cutting it these days.

Prescription pills, party drugs, pints – they all get folded into the same social routine. I’ve found that there is great justification in a doctor’s note to give the dependency an air of decency. But the line between using and needing seems to blur more quickly than anyone likes to admit. These aren’t hard cases. These are ordinary people with full-time jobs, mortgages or rent, and often, most tragically – kids. You’d pass them at the till in the supermarket and never guess they spent last Saturday locked in a toilet cubicle trying to claw back the magic.

This isn’t a lecture. There are enough of those already, usually from people pretending they’ve never touched a thing stronger than Sudafed. But

it’s worth asking – why are we all so eager to be somewhere else, even when things are going well? Maybe especially then?

Yoga won’t save us. Or mindfulness. Or drinking more water. Not alone anyway. Life is complicated, and modern Ireland has its fair share of hard edges. It’s just – there’s a conversation we’re not really having. One that goes beyond scare tactics or campaign posters, or late-night panel shows on RTÉ.

Because it’s not just the so-called ‘scourge’. It’s the normalisation of it all. The way it slips into the rhythm of everyday life, unremarked. Like the weather, or GAA fixtures, or talking about house prices.

And once something becomes normal, it becomes invisible. That’s when it gets hard to fix.

I don’t have an answer. I barely have a question. But I do know this much – if more and more people are choosing altered states just to get through an ordinary day, then something somewhere is off-kilter. And it won’t be sorted by more Garda checkpoints or another awareness campaign with dramatic music and greyscale imagery. Nor will an unhelpful extension to the ‘war of drugs’ help.

It might take something more difficult – like honesty, uncomfortable conversations. And a smidge of patience and willingness to comprehend complex mazes of reasoning. Or figuring out how to live in our own skin without needing to press fast-forward, or worse – pause –on the bits we don’t quite want to face in the sober light of day.

Until then, I suppose, the party goes on. Quietly. Predictably. Unabated. Devolving. Unravelling. All across the country, and all too often with tragic and devastating ends.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Photographed last Saturday is Sabina Higgins (First Lady of Ireland) walking with the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group on the grounds of Strokestown Park House. The group are leading a 165-km-long walk along the National Famine Way in solidarity with ‘Palestinians enduring horrific conditions in Gaza and beyond’. The walkers set out on Saturday from the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House and will follow the National Famine Way along the Royal Canal to Dublin Docklands. Photo: Brian Farrell

Friday August 22nd

The theme this year is ‘Food for Thought’, looking at all aspects of food in Ireland from a historical, archaeological, folklore, heritage, feast and famine perspective.

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Regina Sexton

Alan Healy

Clodagh Doyle

Richie Farrell

Sean Butler

Ror y Connolly

Matt McIntosh

€700,000 boost for local tourism projects

Five tourism projects in Roscommon have secured nearly €700,000 in funding as part of a €3.6m allocation for 24 Midlands projects under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant-Aid Scheme.

The funding, part of the EU Just Transition Fund, is co-financed by the Irish Government and the European Union. Tourism Minister Peter Burke revealed the grants, targeting rural tourism in counties including Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, and parts of Galway, Kildare, and Tipperary. This third round of funding brings the total investment in Midlands tourism to €13.4m.

Fine Gael Senator Gareth Scahill said: “This €700,000 for Roscommon will support local tourism businesses, driving more visitors and boosting our economy. I’m in talks with Minister Burke for another funding round in September to further support rural tourism.”

The projects in line for funding in Roscommon include:

Feasibility study confirmed for dangerous N61 junction

A feasibility study is set to be carried out at the N61 junction near Four-Mile-House following long-standing safety concerns raised by locals and public representatives.

Cllr Marty McDermott confirmed the development this week, saying that after “six years of highlighting this very dangerous junction” and “countless letters sent to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)... we are making some progress”. He noted the study will examine the potential for a right-hand turn lane and continuous double white lines at the Strokestown turn-off.

Cllr Marty McDermott

Clonalis House: €10,000 for interpretative signage.

Gleesons Townhouse and Restaurant: €189,750 for accessible bedrooms, bathrooms, pathways,

Abbey Hotel: €53,480 to convert a bedroom into an accessible room and upgrade wheelchair-accessible toilets.

automatic doors, and dining areas.

Grange Lodge: €146,573 for kayaks, bikes, fishing boats, and an ATV to enhance visitor experiences.

Kingston Hall: €300,000 for restoration and adaptive reuse planning.

Minister Burke stated: “This investment will foster sustainable economic growth and jobs in the Midlands. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life and announcing more soon.”

The junction has drawn repeated complaints from road users, including concerns about inadequate signage and difficulty judging whether the turn comes before or after the sign – particularly at night. Several members of the public had recently contacted the Roscommon People to express fears about its safety.

Cllr McDermott thanked Roscommon County Council for its support on the issue,

which he described as “very important”.

The confirmation of the study marks the first formal step toward addressing what many locals consider one of the more dangerous stretches of the N61.

Shanagher

Claire Shanagher

Clonalis House, Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Photo: clonalishouse.com

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Protest planned in Ballinasloe over maternity services downgrade

Over 200 people attend public meeting

More than 200 people gathered in Ballinasloe on Tuesday evening to express concern at the downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital.

The public meeting, held at Gullane’s Hotel, was chaired by retired Portiuncula paediatrician Dr Kevin Connolly and included a detailed contribution from Independent councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons. It follows confirmation from the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill that high-risk pregnancies will no longer be managed at Portiuncula. Mothers with complex cases will instead be referred to other maternity units.

Among those in attendance were TDs, councillors and MEPs, including MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Independent Ireland councillor Declan Geraghty.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Geraghty outlined his concerns and warned of the knock-on effects for neighbouring hospitals already under strain.

The meeting also heard personal testimonies from local mothers who previously gave birth at Portiuncula.

As part of the next phase of the campaign, it was agreed that a public protest will take place in Ballinasloe on Saturday, August 16th. Organisers are calling for a strong local turnout in opposition to what they view as the erosion of essential services.

Further meetings are expected in the coming weeks.

Independent TD for Galway West Catherine Connolly speaking in Ballinasloe on Tuesday evening at a public meeting held over the downgrading of maternity services locally.

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A column by Seamus Duke

Roscommon People contributor Seamus Duke explores the upcoming budget as reality hits the Government and the people ... from a different perspective

Despite the summer lull budget debate continues to heat up

Despite the fact that most of the politicians, and those who usually inform our opinions and dominate the headlines for the rest of the year, are probably on holiday during these few weeks, we have a very interesting debate ongoing about what the Government should do about the budget this year.

There are several realities about our current financial state that are very hard to reconcile in 2025. We are told that we have one of the strongest economies in the world, yet the vast majority of ordinary people are caught in a cost-of-living crisis that is spiralling out of control.

All you have to do is ask whoever does the weekly food shopping in your house about what has happened with prices over the past 12 months or so. In fact, the cost of everything – from eating out, to renting, student fees, energy, transport, and almost everything else you can think of – has gone through the roof. The reality is that incomes have simply not kept pace. The facts are that people are cutting back on essentials and increasing their own personal debt levels to make ends meet.

The housing situation is worsening, despite all the efforts that have been made to address it. We have a generation of 25 to 40-year-olds who, despite being well educated and working in good jobs, can never aspire to own their own home or apartment. The average price of a house in Ireland in 2025 is now €345,000. It’s an eye-watering figure.

Hundreds of thousands of our finest young people have chosen to go to Australia, Canada, and elsewhere to live, and

there is hardly ever a word about it on our national or local media.

I have seen it first-hand myself, as our young people are treated well and enjoy a much better lifestyle in these countries. We have educated these talented people only to export them. Now they are assets to the economies of other countries. It makes no sense at all.

At the bottom of the scale, the homeless problem is getting worse all the time, and the incidence of child poverty is rising. The politicians say that there will be no cost-of-living one-off payments in this budget. That decision may come back to haunt the Government before its term is up, because many people in our society are really struggling. Tax revenues and corporate tax revenues may be up, but the reality for most ordinary people is much different.

I agree that there is not much the Government can do about the threat of tariffs, which are a definite threat to the economy. But the bottom line is that if the housing situation is not sorted out – and there isn’t much sign of that happening – Ireland is facing an even more difficult decade ahead economically.

The housing crisis, rising energy costs, the cost of doing business for a small employer, the cost of food, and the challenge of keeping social welfare rates in line with real inflation are just some of the major challenges facing the Government over the next couple of months. We may be one of the wealthiest countries in the world. But where is that wealth? Most ordinary people haven’t seen it.

NOTICE IN RELATION TO SPECIFIED DEVELOPMENT BALLAGHADERREEN CAR PARKING SCHEME

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

The construction of a new carpark in “The Plots” area in the back lands to the north of Barrack St, together with additional parking in The Square, Ballaghaderreen.

The proposed works will include the following:

• New Carpark in “The Plots” area

• New access road and footway linking the existing Plots carpark with the new carpark.

• Upgrade of pedestrian access way between the new carpark and the Square

• Construction of additional parking spaces in the Square

• Public lighting, drainage and associated services

• All other associated site and ancillary works.

An Appropriate Assessment screening report and Environmental Impact Assessment screening report in respect of the development have been carried out and are available for inspection. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment.

Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town. Plans and particulars will be available for purchase (at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy) from 8th August 2025 until 5th September 2025 inclusive, during office hours at the offices of Community and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town – telephone 09066 37100. Plans and particulars of the proposed development are also be available for inspection online using the following link: https://planning.localgov.ie/

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 19th September 2025, via https://planning.localgov.ie/ or alternatively in writing or email marked “Ballaghaderreen Square & The Plots – New Car Park” and submitted to: Roscommon County Council, Regeneration, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town F42 VR98 or email regeneration@roscommoncoco.ie

Signed: -Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Áras an Chontae

Roscommon Town

Email: regeneration@roscommoncoco.ie

Date of Notice: 8th August 2025

National Heritage Week

National Heritage Week celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage takes place this year from August 16th to 24th. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Exploring Our Foun-

dations’ which invites the public to delve into the building blocks of our heritage; not just the structures, but the landscapes and cultural activities that have shaped us.

Volunteers needed for local Nursing Homes

Volunteers are needed to befriend older women in three nursing homes in Roscommon, with a minimum commitment of just two hours per week. This initiative is being led by Age Friendly Roscommon.

The three nursing homes are The Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Roscommon Town; Plunkett Nursing Home, Boyle and Shannon Lodge Nursing Home, Rooskey.

The role involves a minimum of two hours a week and includes activities such as befriending a resident and engaging in shared interests like reading, listening to music or simply having a chat.

Quilt project to symbolise Irish climate solidarity

A new cross-border initiative spearheaded in Ballina has been launched to showcase the island’s climate and nature action on a global stage. Interwoven

/ Fite Fuaite – a quilt project led by Project Dandelion in collaboration with The Mary Robinson Centre – will see organisations across Ireland and Northern Ireland contribute to a large collective artwork representing community climate action.

Each group is invited to submit a 10 x 10 inch cotton square illustrating their environmental work. These will be stitched into a single quilt, forming a symbolic tapestry of collective resilience, which will travel to Belém, Brazil this November for COP30, where it will be exhibited as part of the global Ethical Stocktake.

The project is rooted in solidarity, according to Mary Robinson, who co-

founded Project Dandelion and remains closely associated with the Ballina-based Centre that bears her name.

“More than ever, we need solidarity, and that’s why I’m inviting you to take part in Interwoven. By creating a quilt square representing your organisation’s climate action, you’ll be part of a larger tapestry of hope, resilience and action,” said former President Robinson.

The completed quilt, she said, would travel to COP30 to “symbolise our collective strength: raising visibility for the incredible work and momentum already being built up. We need your voice, it matters, and your story matters.”

The initiative is a continuation of the Mary Robinson Centre’s mission to connect local action to global dialogue through

education, engagement, and activism. The Centre houses parts of Mrs Robinson’s personal archive

and works to promote justice, equality and climate awareness. Further details and

submission guidelines are available via: www. maryrobinsoncentre.ie/interwoven.

Knock Shrine hosts

‘Mass of Thanksgiving’

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, led a Mass of Thanksgiving for priests at Knock Shrine on Monday, August 4th, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Intercession for Priests. The Mass, which was open to the public, took place at 3 pm during the National Day of Intercession for Priests.

The event coincided with the feast day of Saint John Vianney, patron saint of priests.

Archbishop Martin said he was “really looking forward to cel-

ebrating Mass for the golden anniversary of the Intercession for Priests,” and paid tribute to Sister Briege McKenna OSC for her longstanding support of the priesthood. “I commend Sister Briege’s invitation to the laity to attend… and to continue to pray for, intercede and support our priests,” he said.

Archbishop Martin also remembered the late Father Kevin Scallon CM, co-founder of the initiative, saying he was “remembered for his deep faith,

humility, and dedication to the priesthood.”

Sister Briege added: “I am inviting the laity to this special anniversary event, as lay people have been core to this Intercession over the past fifty years.”

Following Monday’s gathering, a retreat for priests took place in Maynooth from August 5th to 8th. Archbishop Martin concluded, “I ask everyone to pray the Rosary for the intention of priests. Saint John Vianney, pray for priests!”

Roscommon teens explore leadership potential at Foróige youth conference

Two Roscommon teenagers, Aaron Henderson and Aiden Casey Hayes, were among more than 300 young people from Ireland and the United States who took part in Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University last week.

Now in its fifteenth year, the week-long conference aims to equip young people with the skills and confidence to lead in their schools, communities and wider society. Participants engaged in workshops on critical thinking, communication, problemsolving and team building; while also hear-

ing from guest speakers in politics, business, sport and the not-for-profit sector.

“For me, the biggest takeaway is that leadership is about action. I now know I can be a positive influence in my school and community,” said Aiden Casey Hayes. The event provided opportunities not just for learning but also for connection, with friendships formed between participants from across the island and the US. The programme continues to be a key part of Foróige’s work to support young people in becoming strong, effective and compassionate leaders.

Lisnamult market returns this Sunday

The Lisnamult Indoor Market takes place this Sunday, August 10th, from 11.30 am to 3 pm in the Lisnamult Community Centre (F42 NN72).

Stalls will offer a wide variety of bric-a-brac, clothes, handmade and hand-knitted items, jewellery, cakes, jams, and more. One stall will include items sold in aid of cat welfare. All are welcome.

Roscommon teens Aaron Henderson (left) and Aiden Casey Hayes (right), who were among over 300 young people from Ireland and the US attending Foróige’s Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University.

Photographed is Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland.

Photographed is former President of Ireland Mary Robinson with supporters of the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina.

Flooding fears prompt site visit to Mountdillon bogs

Concerns over potential flooding of farmland nearMountdillon prompted a site visit by Independent Ireland representatives – Ciaran Mullooly MEP and Michael Fitzmaurice TD in recent weeks. The visit followed Bord na Móna’s announcement that bog rewetting works in the area were set to commence.

The outing was organised by MEP Mullooly following a public meeting in Ballyleague. The meeting was held to address the growing unease among farmers whose land borders bogland in the Bord na Móna catchment area. The meeting drew a strong turnout and highlighted fears that farmland could suffer significant winter flooding without proper drainage measures.

“This is now a matter of urgency, especially as rewetting is commencing,” MEP Mullooly said at the site. “It is clear that there may be serious flooding of farmland during the winter months unless full and adequate drainage measures are put in place.”

He added: “Local farmers are acutely aware of the imminent threat to their property. Bord na Móna would also be fully aware of these risks had the necessary assessment been undertaken before now. This is precisely why we are here today... to see the issues first hand.”

Farmers in the area have criticised the state agency for what they describe as inadequate communication and years of neglect in maintaining perimeter

drains. Many of these boundary drains, they argue, remain blocked or overgrown.

“There is clear evidence on the ground that these drains require urgent attention to prevent avoidable damage to farmland this winter,” said Deputy Fitzmaurice.

The public representatives say that they have since arranged for a senior Bord na Móna Assets Manager to visit Mountdillon and assess the concerns directly.

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Drain blocked with silt near Mount Dillon recently.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Creggs front and centre

Our columnist Frank Brandon writes about a moment on the telly, a superstar in Ballygar, and a red Lexus with an attitude

It’s Tuesday evening (of last week), and finally the first of Martin Logan’s two programmes on Sky TV (Faith World TV, Channel 588) about our little village, Creggs, hits the screens – and like many others, I couldn’t wait to sit down to watch it.

And like many others, I was thoroughly delighted with the fantastic show that Martin and Annette put together. I have to say they showed Creggs in all its glory – so much so that I’ve been getting messages from friends all over, complimenting us on the wonderful community spirit that’s clearly alive and well in the area. One person told me they were so impressed they’d consider coming to Creggs for a short break. Overall, the reaction has been nothing

short of brilliant.

Of course, the show is also about the people who make things happen in the area, and all of the interviewees spoke passionately about their involvement in the community. They came across as if born for television – Ger Dowd, Kathleen McDonagh, Larry Kilcommons, Fiona Brandon, Mike Ward, John Hanley, and Mary Keane were all thoroughly professional and genuinely interesting in their chats with Martin. But we all agree that Theresa McKeague stole the show. She’s definitely a natural for the small screen.

Today I see that Cat Deeley, having just split from Patrick Kielty, might be heading back to the States. If ITV are looking for someone to take over the This Morning job, they should give Theresa a shout. Anyway, the show was everything – and more –that we’d hoped it would be. The second instalment goes out this Tuesday at 8 pm on Sky Channel 588. Hopefully it’ll be even half as good as the first –there’s a lot to live up to!

Warning: red Lexus ahead

So that was Friday. Then on Saturday – after watching the most unusual rugby match of all time between the Lions and the Aussies – myself and my new best friend (my ’06 Lexus) headed down to Ennis, where my brother, the Rasher (Declan), was hosting a family get-together to celebrate his son Alan’s engagement to his American girlfriend, Catherine.

As I drove south, I found myself pondering a question one of my own family had asked me the day before. He wanted to know what kind of driver I was – and added that, in his opinion, I’d never pass the driving test.

After thinking it over, I said I reckon I’m a considerate driver – or at least I try to be. Back in my truck-driving days, if there was a tailback behind me, I’d pull in to let others pass, and even now I do the same. All I ask is a little acknowledgement – a flash of the lights, a wave,

something.

Yesterday, for example, I pulled in to let a 251 Audi A6 pass on a narrow, windy road. There was no way he was getting by without my help – and yet the driver didn’t so much as give a nod. That really got under my skin.

So as of now, I’ve had enough. I’m no longer a considerate driver. From now on, I’ll be like everyone else – uncaring, selfish, and arrogant. Watch out for the red ’06 Lexus!

(And to answer the original question: no, I probably wouldn’t pass the test.)

Anyway, the drive to Ennis was lovely and trouble-free, we had a great family gathering, and now it’s full steam ahead for the wedding in Maine in July 2026. And if it’s you trying to pass me out right now, you’ll have to wait. If I do let you out, just turn on the flashers – that’ll make me happy!

A Ballygar voice bound for the big time

For the last good while, my brother Kieran has been telling me about a young singer-songwriter from Ballygar called Aimee Carty. He’s been at me and at me to look her up and see why she’s making such waves on the international music scene.

Well, I have to admit that until last Friday I hadn’t bothered. But when I saw a flier saying she’d be performing live on the street in Ballygar that evening, I finally looked her up online. And all I can say is – I got the shock of my life.

If there’s a better songwriter – not just in Ireland but anywhere – I’d be surprised. I spent ages listening to her music, including Two Days Into College (which

has racked up more than 42 million views), One Day You Will Fly Too, Never Met At All, and Sister, among others. I was bowled over. The wonder of her lyrics and the beauty of her singing had me hooked.

Of course, I had to go hear her in Ballygar that evening – and she didn’t disappoint. She entertained the big crowd for over an hour, and all I can say is: she’s destined to be a superstar. As someone said to me that night, “In years to come we’ll say we saw her in person – singing on a lorry trailer on a Friday night in Ballygar.” Where we see her next is anyone’s guess – but it’s clear Aimee Carty is going places. Watch this space!

And finally…

In last week’s piece, I wrote about how the area we call “the Mountain” had sadly lost six of its residents in a short space of time. But at the end of the piece, three names were left out.

It should have read: “May Tommy, Paddy, Mick, Sheila, Frances, and Theresa rest in peace.”

‘Til next week, bye for now

My sincere apologies to the families of those dearly departed whose names were omitted last week, and indeed to Frank. He had sent the correct details, but in the editing process, I accidentally omitted three of six names in the second paragraph. Thank you to all for their understanding. Regards, Emmett Corcoran

Pictured enjoying the recent Family Fun Day at Kilbride Community Centre (in aid of Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre). Photo: Michael Finan

Ballaghaderreen Library reopens following major refurbishment

Ballaghaderreen Library

reopened this week at Dillon House, following major renovation works that have restored and modernised the historic premises for public use.

The enhanced facility includes a purpose-built children’s section with seating areas, a dedicated space for teenagers with a substantial manga and graphic novel collection, free high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, accessible entrances and bathrooms, baby changing facilities, wireless printing, lendable tablets, study zones, leisure reading space, and a community meeting room.

The project was funded through a combination of supports, including the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Small Scale Capital Works scheme, the ‘My Open Library’ scheme, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Pathfinder Programme via the Midlands Energy Agency.

Opening hours have increased to 35 hours per week and now include

lunchtime access. The library is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with extended evening hours on Thursdays, and will be closed on Saturdays of bank holiday weekends. A further expansion of access is expected later this year with the rollout of the ‘My Open Library’ service, allowing registered members access to the library daily from 8 am to 10 pm, outside of normal staffed

hours.

County Librarian Sandra Turner said the reopening marks an important moment for the town:

“The reopening of this library is very important to the people of Ballaghaderreen, who have always supported the library service in the town.”

She expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and to the elected members and library staff

for their support and dedication: “They have shown great commitment to delivering and providing top quality, state-of-the-art library in Dillon House.”

Ms Turner also paid tribute to the late Deirdre Creighton, a long-serving and much-respected librarian in the town. “I’m sure the people of Ballaghaderreen will join the library team today in taking a moment to remember Deir-

dre,” she said. “She was a dedicated librarian who worked to deliver wonderful service over many years in Dillon House and who advocated so well for the development of library services for the town.”

Visitors to the library can also enjoy new artwork by Roscommon artist Annmarie Murray, who created bespoke pieces for the children’s and young adult areas.

Photographed is part of the interior of the newly refurbished Ballaghaderreen Library at Dillon House.

Photographed is the new children’s area of the newly refurbished Ballaghaderreen Library at Dillon House.

Photographed is the new teenager’s area of the newly refurbished Ballaghaderreen Library at Dillon House.

Roscommon groups represent county with distinction in Pride of Place Awards

Five Roscommon-based community and voluntary groups have been nominated for the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards, representing a wide range of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable projects that span the county. The awards, run in association with Co-operation Ireland and Irish Public Bodies, recognise the work of communities across the island of Ireland who show civic pride, collaboration and impact. Each of the nominated projects was visited by judges from the all-island competition, accompanied by staff from Roscommon County Council’s Community Development Department.

Among the nominees is the Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club (RUSRC), a voluntary organisation established in 1985 and based at Racecourse Road, Roscommon town. Initially formed as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club, the group has evolved into a vital public service that assists An Garda Síochána, the Irish Coast Guard, Civil

Defence and RNLI. In their presentation to judges, members outlined the club’s operational growth, training, and dedication to recovery work – often during times of trauma and tragedy. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan, who attended the adjudication, paid tribute to the club for providing a “vital service” to communities in crisis. Judge at the awards John Fitzgerald described their presentation as “top class”, with strong support expressed for the club’s vision of developing new public facilities in the town.

In Athleague, Roscommon Women’s Network’s social enterprise CycleUp was nominated for its pioneering work in climate action, skills training and inclusive employment. What began as a smallscale upcycling initiative has grown into a national model for circular economy-based community enterprise. CycleUp produces textile goods from waste fabric, supports environmental awareness,

and runs public workshops and accredited training. In a deeply personal presentation, one early participant described the project as “a safe space” that helped people feel “valued, included, and able to contribute”. The team also shared its ambitions to extend partnerships across the country and scale its impact even further.

Curraghboy National School and the local Tidy Towns committee were nominated in recognition of their collaborative approach to education and environmental responsibility. The school’s Global Goals and climate action programme integrates biodiversity, waste reduction and digital innovation. Pupils and community members developed an initiative using QR codes to raise awareness of local wildlife and littering.

Supported by Principal Rory Leonard, students and volunteers welcomed judges with a guided biodiversity trail and music performance. The project recently received a Global Goals Award and has been

shared internationally with a partner school in Greece. The community of Cloontuskert is also flying the flag for Roscommon. Their nomination recognises the remarkable efforts by residents to restore, revitalise and protect the 70-yearold Bord na Móna estate in Mid-Roscommon. A proud, close-knit community, Cloontuskert has developed a wide-ranging sustainability plan encompassing biodiversity, retrofitting, renewable energy and social engagement. Through extensive consultation and collaboration, the group has redefined the concept of communityled planning, producing a living model of heritage preservation and green regeneration.

Rounding out the Roscommon nominations is the Roscommon Men’s Choir, a vibrant and dynamic group that promotes inclusion, mental health, and connection through music. With members from diverse backgrounds and age groups, the choir provides a space for social interaction, creativity and wellbeing. In their presentation, members spoke of the choir’s transformative role in their lives and the bonds forged through shared performance. The judges were treated to a rehearsal and described the visit as “truly uplifting”.

All five nominations reflect the strength of Roscommon’s community spirit and the diverse ways in which local people are shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable society. Winners of the 2025 Pride of Place Awards will be announced later this year.

Photographed recently are Curraghboy National School students with Principal Rory Leonard, IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh, and Roscommon County Council Community Development staff Cathriona MacCarthy and Bridie McHugh.

Photographed recently are members of CycleUp Textiles with IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan, and Roscommon County Council Community Development staff Cathriona MacCarthy and Bridie McHugh.

Photographed recently are residents of The Abbey housing estate in Cloontuskert with IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, and Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan.

Photographed recently are members of the Roscommon Men’s Choir with IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, and Roscommon County Council Community Development staff Cathriona MacCarthy and Bridie McHugh.

Photographed recently are members of the Roscommon Underwater Search & Recovery Club with IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan, and Roscommon County Council Community Development staff Cathriona MacCarthy and Bridie McHugh.

Friday 8th August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks 25 Pens on Offer

Also, Dry Cows and Heifers

Friday 15th August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday 11th August @ 5 p.m.

Friday 22nd August @ 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also, Dry Cows and Heifers Bookings accepted until Monday 18th August @ 5 p.m.

Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

Tuesday 12th August @ 4 p.m. Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted until Thursday 7th August @ 5 p.m.

Friday 8th August

The West of Ireland Registered Suffolk Sheep Breeders Club Premier Pedigree Ram Sale Show 4pm | Sale 7pm

Saturday 9th August @ 11 a.m.

Opening Sale of Breeding Ewes and Hoggets

West of Ireland Suffolks Pedigree Males and Females Sale Show 11.30am | Sale 1.30pm

Roscommon farmers call for Budget action

Roscommon farmers have joined national calls for targeted supports in Budget 2026, as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) ramps up its pre-Budget campaign.

IFA President Francie Gorman led a delegation to meet Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to present a submission he described as “comprehensive” and rooted in the realities facing farm families.

“The Budget in October will be against the backdrop of growing uncertainty for farm families,” Mr Gorman said, citing international trade tensions and ongoing CAP negotiations. He warned that “investment decisions at farm level can only proceed if there’s a degree of certainty and security.”

Among the key demands are permanent

Thursday, 31st July 2025

Over 300 lots were presented for sale this week and, aided by strengthened beef prices and a large attendance of buyers both ringside and online, trade continues to improve. Lighter stock in particular were a buoyant trade, with many buyers looking to replace recently sold animals.

Bullocks sold to a top of €3,060, while heifers made up to €3,150. Dry cows topped out at €3,570. In the weanling rings, bulls peaked at €7.26 per kilo, while heifer weanlings reached as high as €6.53 per kilo.

Cows with calves at foot made up to €2,120, while the calf and runner rings, with increased lots on offer, topped out at €1,480.

Sample prices

Bullocks: SIM, 475kgs – €2,350; SIM, 395kgs –€2,010; AA, 345kgs – €1,960; LM, 530kgs – €2,580; LM, 510kgs – €2,380; LM, 585kgs – €2,980; AA, 760kgs – €3,060; HEX, 515kgs – €2,160

Heifers: CH, 390kgs – €2,070; LM, 355kgs – €1,940; LM, 385kgs – €1,930; LM, 440kgs – €2,540; LM, 440kgs – €2,330; AU, 445kgs – €2,290; AA, 650kgs –€3,150; LM, 555kgs – €2,790; LM, 600kgs – €2,960 Dry cows: CH, 875kgs – €3,570; CH, 840kgs – €3,490; SH, 790kgs – €3,160; LM, 585kgs – €2,560; FR, 485kgs – €1,240; SIM, 650kgs – €2,570; LM, 625kgs

Friday, 1st August 2025

A good entry of stock was presented at Friday’s special sale of heifers, with a strong trade reported across all classes.

Heifers averaged €4.78 per kilo and made up to €6.23 per kilo.

There was a small entry of dry cows, which averaged €3.83 per kilo and sold to a high of €4.37 per kilo. There was a large attendance of customers ringside, with online bidders also active.

Sample prices –

Dry cows: CH, 780kgs – €3,410 – €4.37/ kg; SIX, 700kgs – €3,060 –€4.37/kg; SI, 700kgs – €2,930 – €4.19/kg; CH, 840kgs –€3,510 – €4.18/kg Heifers:

435kgs – €2,710 – €6.23/ kg; CHX, 475kgs – €2,760 – €5.81/kg; LMX, 510kgs – €2,820 – €5.53/kg; LMX, 450kgs – €2,600 – €5.78/kg SAX, 495kgs – €2,580 – €5.21/ kg; CHX, 450kgs – €2,600 – €5.78/kg; LMX, 590kgs

exemptions from the Residential Zoned Land Tax for active farmers, increased TAMS funding to avoid selection procedures, and fair access to the €3.1bn Climate & Nature fund.

“Our message to Minister Heydon was clear: additional costs and regulation put margins under threat,” Mr Gorman said, adding that “commentary about improved product prices fails to reference the significant burden that the highest standards impose”.

He said the tillage sector is in “crisis”, warning that without immediate direct support, many growers could be forced out.

The IFA will meet Oireachtas members in September as part of continued lobbying efforts.

– €2,540

Cows with calves at foot: Made from €1,980 to €2,120

Calves/Runners: Lots made from €390 to €1,480

Weanling bulls: LM, 365kgs – €2,650; CH, 435kgs –€2,580; LM, 395kgs – €1,975; LM, 295kgs – €1,500; CH, 420kgs – €1,500; CH, 420kgs – €1,950; CH, 375kgs – €1,820

Weanling heifers: LMX, 335kgs – €2,080; LM, 315kgs – €2,060; LM, 325kgs – €1,940; LM, 290kgs –€1,900; LM, 340kgs – €1,810; BBX, 425kgs – €1,940; AA, 415kgs – €1,900; LM, 280kgs – €1,590

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday next, 7th August, with the weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on offer.

All sales commence at 11.00 am.

Upcoming Autumn shows and sales Bookings open from Tuesday, 5th August.

Thursday, 18th September: Show and sale of continental weanlings Monday, 22nd September: Continental bullock sale Thursday, 25th September: Continental heifer show and sale and Belgian Blue weanling show and sale Monday, 29th September: AA bullock show and sale Thursday, 2nd October: AA heifer show and sale

Farmer’s walk to raise mental health awareness passes through Roscommon

A Tipperary farmer undertaking a solo 550km walk in memory of his late father passed through County Roscommon recently as part of an awareness-raising campaign around mental health and suicide prevention.

John Wallace, a dairy farmer from Templederry, is walking the length of the Beara-Breifne Way – Ireland’s longest inland trail – covering eight counties in just over a fortnight. His route includes sections through Galway and Roscommon before concluding in Cavan.

John is embarking on the journey without a support team, carrying his own supplies and relying on offers of food and shelter from local communities. He will cover more than 30km a day, with some days exceeding 50km, sleeping in a tent when necessary.

The fundraiser, titled Miles for Minds, is being undertaken ahead of the tenth anniversary of the death of his father, William Wallace, who died by suicide in 2015. Speaking ahead of the walk, John Wallace said: “The main goal is to raise money for mental health services, but it’s also about raising awareness. I think a lot of men in Ireland, farmers included – myself as well – don’t like the idea of creating a fuss or putting the spotlight on themselves. But help is out there, and people would rather you ask before it’s too late.”

Donations are being distributed between three mental health charities: Aware, Jigsaw, and Pieta House. Supporters can also help by offering accommodation, food, or by walking part of the route alongside John. Further details are available on the official fundraiser page: idonate.ie/ fundraiser/milesforminds2025.

ICMSA calls for retention of key farm tax supports

Roscommon farm families and others across the country face increased uncertainty as critical tax supports are due to expire at the end of 2025, the ICMSA has warned.

Pat O’Brien, chair of the association’s Farm Business Committee, said the Government must retain three core reliefs in Budget 2026: the Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief, Farm Consolidation Relief, and the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for slurry storage.

“These supports are not optional extras – they are essential tools for keeping family farms viable and encouraging future generations to stay in farming,” said Mr O’Brien.

ICMSA argued that these measures are

key to addressing land fragmentation and enabling generational renewal. “Removing them would send completely the wrong message,” he said. “We are also calling for the Stamp Duty and Consolidation Reliefs to be placed on a permanent footing.”

On the ACA for slurry storage, Mr O’Brien said farmers are facing “significant capital expenditure” due to planning exemptions, regulatory changes and nitrate limits. “Farmers are being asked to invest tens of thousands of euros just to stand still,” he said.

The association has called on the Minister for Finance to renew all three measures, saying their continuation is vital for both farm viability and wider rural sustainability.

INHFA warns of ‘Lada budget’ risk for ambitious nature law

The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has raised serious concerns over the future funding of Ireland’s National Restoration Plan under the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL), warning that the plan risks becoming “a Rolls-Royce plan with a Lada budget.”

The concern has been amplified by the recent announcement that funding earmarked under the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund is to be diverted towards the proposed MetroLink to Dublin Airport.

INHFA national presi-

dent Vincent Roddy said that the Government must now outline exactly how restoration targets will be funded without undermining farmers.

“Through the development of the NRL we saw massive support in Dáil Éireann and from many of our MEPs,” he said.

“However, when questioned about the funding of the law… many were adamant that funding would be there, often pointing to the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund as a possible source.”

He warned that without clear budget commitments,

the plan imposes “massive demands on farmers, but no guarantee on funding.” Roddy said that if Government is “going to rob a fund that everyone assumed was to support farmers,” they must now clarify what financial support will be available. Otherwise, “the national restoration plan needs to be put on hold.”

He drew comparisons with the land designations of the late 1990s, which he said “crucified landowners and farmers through unreasonable restrictions” without providing proper compensation. “This must not happen again.”

ICSA says sheep price cuts ‘defy logic’

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has warned that fresh lamb price cuts would be “deeply unjustified” in light of a collapse in supply, with Roscommon and other western counties among those hardest hit by sectoral decline.

ICSA sheep chair Willie Shaw said farmers would be “rightly infuriated” if processors move ahead with further cuts this week, despite throughput falling sharply.

“It is one thing getting a bad price when there is an oversupply – but getting a bad price when there’s an undersupply is something else entirely,” he said.

According to Department of Agricul-

ture figures, just 36,643 sheep were slaughtered last week – nearly 11,000 fewer than the same week last year. Total throughput so far this year is down by over 232,000 head, following a 370,000 drop in 2024.

“In just 18 months, over 600,000 fewer sheep have been processed,” said Mr Shaw. “Meanwhile, the processors just carry on regardless, conjuring up excuses to slash prices further.”

He also noted that French and Spanish farmers are receiving up to €1.40/ kg more than their Irish counterparts and warned that cattle prices are now outstripping lamb: “Sheep farming is being slowly eroded into oblivion.”

Photographed is Tipperary dairy farmer John Wallace, who is taking time away from the farm to walk 550km for mental health – honouring his late father and raising funds for three Irish mental health support charities.

Strokestown: A reflection

Recently, I was approached by the newly formed Strokestown Community Heritage Group for my thoughts on the proposed development of both Church Street and Bawn Street and which they passionately believe requires a moratorium until there is an acceptable consensus on the matter.

Some time back, Roscommon County Council held a meeting in the local Percy French Hotel under the guise of being a consultation with the townspeople in relation to the proposed plan. I was present at that particular meeting, and I got the distinct impression that the whole affair was merely rubber-stamping what was already a fait accompli. This railroading through of allocated funding within an allotted time frame is typical of the lack of cohesive planning that characterises county councils all over this country, where we see, for example, newly laid streets to be left with an unsightly scar a mere few months later, as something like sewage has to be addressed.

The kernel of this problem is that the plan, as it stands, lacks vision, inclusivity of all the concerned parties’ apprehensions and due diligence in the way the terms of reference were drawn up for the proposal. In my opinion, Roscommon County Council, by which I mean management and councillors, have approved this plan in a very perfunctory fashion and examples of their insensitive and destructive engagement with Strokestown litter the place.

Foremost amongst these is Gannon’s Corner. Strokestown is rare in being a planned town but I would opine it is possibly unique in being an axial plan with the streets corresponding to the four cardinal points of North, South, East and West.

At the heart of this unique feature lies the junction of these four streets, and what was once Gannon’s Pub was reconstructed as a three-storey building, which is an utter abomination and carbuncle on the proportion of the centrepiece of the town. The truly unbelievable aspect of this, however, is that it went up, as far as I know, without planning permission directly across the street from the town’s council office window, all the while blocking out the light as it rose incrementally, yet unbelievably, was never questioned and, more importantly, in my opinion, halted.

When replacing the paths, a number of years ago, the limestone kerbing, which in many instances incorporated metal fixtures for temporary barriers on a fair day, was torn up and has since disappeared.

In what can only be described as cynical lip service to our town’s heritage designation, the Council replaced the previous paths with a Mickey Mouse, cheap, faux stone block effect, that is in fact simply a moulded cement veneer that has in places where there is a heavy footfall, such as at our late lamented bank, disintegrated into an unsightly pockmarked heap of sandy rubble.

The footpaths on Elphin Street at that time were widened to the point that it is now hazardous for vehicles to negotiate. Too many people have lost their wing mirrors when parked along here, and it is so intimidating to navigate for some that the Boreen, which is totally unsuited to a heavy volume of traffic, is their preferred route, creating, as it now does, not one but two dangerous roads. It seems a mute admission of their mistake that there has never been a white line inserted on Elphin Street, but rather to leave drivers to their own devices to weave in and out of wider spaces as they occur.

The one remaining town footpath of any historical significance, which is on the Northern side of Bawn Street, has also been tampered with. To make way for what is an unsightly ramp, the Council tore up the Old Red Sandstone paving and would have disposed of it had not Donal O’Neill intervened to have the slabs preserved, which they now are, though in a most unsatisfactory manner. Indeed, rather than tear up this beautiful Devonian stone, the other paths should be likewise paved with it and especially as it likely came from Slieve Bawn.

As with the limestone kerbing with their metal features, other footpath furniture, such as the water pump up at Minogue’s Corner and the vent poles, have also disappeared, and all of these objects should be located and reinstalled.

Whilst undertaking remedial work on the northern side of Church Street, an old and forgotten well was unearthed. As this structure does not show on 19th-century maps, it is obviously from a very early period in Strokestown’s development, and it is imperative that it is preserved and highlighted in the same way as the well in front of the Harrison Hall in Roscommon’s Town Square has been successfully done. Indeed, I believe Roscommon County Council have done great work in that whole area of our county town, my only caveat being that the structure in front of the Old Gaol, while aesthetically pleasing, is in truth about as useful as a lighthouse in the Bog in Allen giving neither protection from rain nor sun and as ever at such cost.

Regarding Strokestown’s well, the pathetic, unimaginative, lazy response of the Council (in the 1990s) was to obliterate it. Had it not been for the intervention of Rachel O’Neill (RIP) and Maureen Hanley, the structure would have been permanently destroyed. The compromise reached was to put a metal cover over it

LettertotheEditor

and which was subsequently tarred over, with the result that its exact location is no longer certain.

That there is no record extant of this well means the Council never recorded it and certainly did not have due diligence in drawing up the terms of reference for commissioning the development plan as they obviously never consulted old town records about Strokestown nor highlighted features that warranted consideration as is apparent in the fact that the oldest buildings in the town behind some of the houses in Bawn Street are not considered. Unquestionably, the well should feature in any development of Church Street.

Further evidence of ill-considered work is the new junction of the R368 to Roscommon, which now necessitates lorries to cross the white line of the N5 with all the obvious implications of that. The shrubbery planted there is not suitably chosen to withstand the vicissitudes of salt sprayers and is an unsightly mess, but then again, “can a man (from the Council) grow from the dead clod of failure, some consoling flower?” to paraphrase Kavanagh. The condition of Ryan’s River, too, is a disgrace.

Not only is the town being sadly neglected at present, but there is little evidence of concern for its future either. The lack of foresight by any of our state bodies in keeping the town’s importance in the public domain is reflected in allowing the new road to be called the Scramogue-Frenchpark or latterly Ballaghaderreen bypass. It’s ironic that the commencement of the bypass is much further from both the towns mentioned than Strokestown is from Scramogue, and in fact, Béal na mBuillí, from which our town derives its name is literally at the start of this new road since the town as it now stands is in Lisroyne.

I asked the Tourist Board to liaise on this matter with the NRA while it was still at a preliminary stage of the roadworks, but to no avail. That it is now changed from initially being Frenchpark to Ballaghaderreen would indicate other interest groups at work. I would favour the Strokestown-Hyde designation, though I leave that in many better minds than mine.

A worrying aspect of all this proposed development to me is that it possibly has really little to do with the town being developed properly as a heritage town but rather that it is a convenient location for

implementing what seems a very deliberate policy of introducing street furniture which will discourage the use of cars and that such schemes are being systematically carried out initially in what are perceived as small towns of least resistance or even possibly cynically on ‘Heritage Towns’ so that when enough villages have been subjected to this template of restricting traffic the government will then implement it in bigger towns having established the norm.

Least this come across as a ranting diatribe and I would caution that the width of Strokestown’s thoroughfares should not be too readily squandered, I am not unsympathetic to the policy of making town centres more pedestrian friendly as evident by the wonderful space created in Roscommon’s Square, the proviso though being that it is served by excellent parking behind the streets which is not the case in our town’s situation.

It is disingenuous of the County Council to treat Strokestown in such an ad hoc fashion by imposing this present plan when it is not part of a comprehensive vision, and indeed, this disregard for the inclusivity of communities is beginning to cause costly dissent elsewhere in the country.

Doubtless, my scathing criticism will not be favourably received, and the Sword of Damocles hangs over those of us who endanger the tie to million-euro funding. It would be remiss of me, however, not to register my opinion at this nascent stage of the process while there is still time to reflect on what is the very best way to proceed.

The town plan, as proposed by the County Council, was poorly presented and at an outrageous cost of circa €500,000. It should not be compounded by being implemented as it stands, for if it is, the wind shall say, “Here were decent Godless people: Their only monument the asphalt road. And a thousand lost golf balls.”

Yours,

Gerry Tiernan Elphin Street, Strokestown

Strokestown’s well-known streetscape is the subject of a ‘Public realm Enhancement Project’ due to begin later this year. The photograph is from December 2023.

Athlone Chamber to host corporate forum

Roscommon-based businesses have been invited to take part in a new corporate forum in Athlone, billed as a platform for regional growth and international engagement.

Athlone Chamber of Commerce has announced that its inaugural Corporate Lunch

will take place on October 3rd at the Sheraton Hotel under the theme ‘The Midlands: A Centre for Global Trade’. The event will gather senior business figures, government officials and policymakers from across the region.

Speakers confirmed include Enterprise Minister Peter Burke TD, IDA Ireland chair Feargal O’Rourke, and former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness. Proceedings will be moderated by Lorcan Allen, the former Business Post editor.

“This is a significant moment for the Midlands,” said Regina Bushell, President of Athlone Chamber. “We are proud to create a space where local and international business leaders can engage directly with decisionmakers.”

Tommy Hogan, CEO of the Chamber, said the Midlands “has all the ingredients for success –talent, innovation and a strong business base”. He added: “This event is about amplifying that message, strengthening connections and positioning the Midlands as a vital contributor to global trade and investment.”

The half-day forum will feature keynote addresses, strategic discussion, and networking opportunities for stakeholders across the Midlands economy. Tickets are available via the Chamber’s website.

EasyGo to deliver EV chargers to 229 sports clubs

EasyGo, the country’s largest private EV charging network, has been selected to help deliver a €15m, all-island charger rollout targeting 229 sports clubs across Ireland. The scheme, funded through the Shared Island Initiative and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), aims to bring fast-charging infrastructure to GAA, rugby, football, golf and cricket facilities – many in rural areas.

The Maynooth-based firm is one of three operators chosen and is offering clubs a zero-cost, profit-sharing model. Under the partnership, EasyGo will cover installation, insurance and ongoing maintenance, while helping clubs reinvest proceeds into grassroots sport.

“This is a major milestone in our mission to make EV charging available everywhere – not just in cities, but in the rural towns and local clubs that are the backbone of Irish communities,” said EasyGo CEO Ollie Chatten. “By bringing charging infrastructure to these spaces, we’re making it easier for families, supporters and volunteers to choose electric, every day.”

The initiative follows EasyGo’s recent growth, including the launch of Ireland’s first Shared Charging Initiative with the Department of Transport, and a £300m deal to deliver EV infrastructure across four Scottish councils.

Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher, EasyGo key account manager and former Tipperary hurler, said: “This initiative is about more than just EV chargers, it’s about supporting clubs like mine and making sustainable transport accessible to everyone who relies on them.”

Clarification: On the business page of last week’s Roscommon People, a named individual was referred to as the “former owner” of Durkin’s of Ballaghaderreen. We would like to clarify that the named individual was, in fact, the former occupier of the building and operator of the business, but was renting the property. Best of luck to the former operator in their future endeavours, and best wishes to the owner and operator.

Greyhound industry booming

Over 7,000 races were held across 15 tracks in Ireland in the first half of 2025, generating €4.3m in prize money, according to a new Industry Activity Report published by Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ).

The six-month report, launched by RCÉ CEO Tim Lucey at Shelbourne Park, shows 692 race meetings took place between January and June, with a total of 7,201 races and 42,628 greyhound entries recorded. Attendance reached 156,923 despite 52 cancellations due to adverse weather. Tote turnover was €5.65m, with over €1.9m bet through international and offsite channels.

“Despite the cancellation of some meetings due to adverse weather, the midyear figure highlights the continued public appetite for greyhound racing,” said Mr Lucey.

On welfare, RCÉ reported a 95.2 per cent compliance rate from over 1,000 inspections and a 99.33 per cent pass rate

Treacy Decor celebrates 30 years

from 3,827 samples. Raceday injury incidence stood at 0.45 per cent.

“There is often a misunderstanding of RCÉ’s role... but the facts speak for

themselves,” said Mr Lucey. Over 500 greyhounds were rehomed during the period. The Irish

and

Derby, Laurels, Sprint Cup

St Leger headline the months ahead.

Photographed is Tim Lucey (RCÉ’s CEO), along with Charlie the ex-racing greyhound, launching the six-month review of the Irish Greyhound Industry.

Photographed is the former Editor of the Business Post Lorcan Allen, who will be moderating the inaugural Athlone Chamber of Commerce Corporate Lunch.

Photographed (left to right) are Shay Galvin, Customer Relationship Manager, Colourtrend Paints; Dee Noone, Yellowgate Designer, Colourtrend Paints; and Thomas Treacy, Treacy Décor Proprietor. Photo: Michael Finan

Photographed (left to right) are Thomas Treacy, Treacy Decor Proprietor, with team members at the business, Karol Tomas, Peter Sommers, and Thomas Hurley. Photo: Michael Finan

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

Roscommon artist’s tapestry honours Irish Columban martyrs of Korean War

A handwoven tapestry by Roscommon-based artist Frances Crowe, commissioned by Jacqueline Nee Creaven d’Towey, is set to journey across Ireland before being gifted to South Korea in honour of seven Irish Columban priests killed during the Korean War. Titled ‘Woven into Memory’, the piece features rich visual symbolism, with Ireland depicted as a green woven blanket stretching across the sea to Korea, where the priests are commemorated. The design incorporates national and religious motifs including bamboo, hibiscus, snowdrops, temple silhouettes and a High Cross, reflecting both cultural and spiritual threads. “It signifies the distance Irish monasticism spread its word across the globe,” said Crowe.

Those remembered in the tapestry include Fr Jack O’Brien from Roscommon, alongside Monsignor Patrick Brennan (Chicago), Fr Francis Canavan (Galway), Fr Anthony Collier (Louth), Fr Tommy Cusack (Clare), Fr James Maginn (Down), and Fr Patrick Reilly (Westmeath).

The tapestry will appear at various Masses in Ireland before being transferred to Seoul through the Irish Embassy and Columban Missionaries. Events include a blessing in Headford Church (August 4th), commemorations in Clogherhead (August 10th), Drumraney (August 24th), and Farmleigh House for Korea Day (August 31st), before a final event in Liscannor on October 19th.

Further details and imagery are available via www. koreanmartyrs.com and francescrowe.com.

Recently photographed is Frances Crowe at her studio in County Roscommon, presenting her tapestry titled Woven into Memory. Photo: Brian Farrell

Photographed recently is Frances Crowe at her Grange Studio in County Roscommon, showcasing her hand‑woven tapestry Woven into Memory (size 115 × 170 cm). Photo: Brian Farrell

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Lisbrock to host 2025 Irish National Sheepdog Trials

Roscommon’s pastoral heartlands will take centre stage this week as the 2025 Irish National Sheepdog Trials get underway at Lisbrock, Brideswell, near Athlone (Eircode N37 P962).

The three-day event, running from Thursday, August 7th to Saturday, August 9th, will see roughly 150 dogs compete for places on Ireland’s elite international teams.

The trials, hosted on the O’Brien family farm, are expected to draw spectators from across Ireland and beyond. The event’s return to Roscommon marks a proud moment for the county’s farming community and is being organised locally by wellknown sheepdog trainer and farmer Barra O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien, who has represented both Connacht and Ireland at the international level, is serving as Chair of the event committee. His daughter, Sinéad O’Brien, is acting as Treasurer, with Jennifer Fitzpatrick as Secretary. Their official launch took place at Hannon’s Hotel on July 31st, with members of the public invited to learn more about the trials.

“This land has always been part of our family story,” Barra told the Roscommon People. He spoke about a lineage stretching back to millers in South Roscommon, with his own return to full-time sheep farming dating from 1989. The O’Briens also operate 32 kennels at Lisbrock,

making their farm a natural fit for this high-profile event. Barra also expressed his delight that his daughter and wife Mary, are now heavily involved in the farm’s operation – and in the monumental task of hosting the national trials.

The top 15 dogs at Lisbrock will go on to represent Ireland at the International Sheepdog Trials in Wales from September 11th to 13th, with a further 22 shortlisted for the 2026 World Sheepdog Trials in Scotland.

Only competitors who have already qualified through the Irish Sheepdog Society’s (ISDS) regional system may take part. Each day will feature both individual and doubles competitions – the latter involving one handler working two dogs simultaneously. Three doubles are planned for Thursday (today), with two scheduled each for Friday and Saturday.

More than a competition

While the calibre of competition is expected to be world-class, organisers are keen to emphasise that the event is about more than rivalry. Saturday has been designated a family day, with face painting, balloon art, and a novel demonstration of a dog herding geese.

“If you see a goose coming for you, don’t worry – there’ll be a dog shortly after it!” joked one organiser during the launch.

A marquee will host food, drink, and trade stalls, while an ISDS information tent will provide insights into the breed and art form of working dogs. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Admission is €10 per adult, with children admitted free. Donations will be accepted to help offset the significant running costs, which include insurance, infrastructure, and entertainment. The event has been made possible through the goodwill of an estimated 30 volunteers.

Honouring the breed

The Border Collie is the only breed eligible to compete, and organisers stress the importance of preserving not just the breed’s legacy, but the skills and instincts passed down through generations of handlers. Dogs are judged primarily on their ability to maintain a steady, straight line while guiding sheep – a deceptively simple-looking task that combines discipline, instinct, and split-second responsiveness.

For Roscommon and the surrounding region, the event is a celebration of agricultural heritage and the enduring partnership between human and dog. With breathtaking scenery, a warm welcome, and some of the most talented working dogs on the island, Lisbrock is poised to host a national spectacle rooted in rural pride.

Walk for Palestine begins at Strokestown Park

A moving send-off took place at Strokestown Park on Saturday as members of Boyle Palestine Solidarity began a 165km walk to Dublin along the National Famine Way in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

The symbolic journey follows the path of 1,490 Strokestown tenants forced to walk to Dublin during the Famine in 1847. The walk was formally launched by Jim Callery, Founder of the National Famine Museum, with powerful contributions also made by Mary Gallagher of Boyle Palestine Solidarity and Sherin Alsabbagh from Palestine.

Singer Cathy Jordan and local musicians performed as the walkers set off, watched by supporters including Sabina Higgins – the First Lady of Ireland – who attended in a personal capacity.

According to organisers, the walk aims to highlight the legacy of forced displacement and to express solidarity through shared history and compassion.

Photographed is a flock of sheep being worked by a Border Collie under the instruction of a handler.

Sabina Higgins photographed last Saturday with Denise Conlon O’Dowd and Caroline Morgan, as walkers set out from Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum along the National Famine Way to Dublin in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and beyond.

Photo: Brian Farrell

Sabina Higgins photographed with Jim Callery, Founder of the National Famine Museum, last Saturday, as walkers set out from Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum along the National Famine Way to Dublin in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and beyond. Photo: Brian Farrell

Roscommon base central to Sheehy Meares Real Estate rebrand

Expanding presence and service

offering nationwide under a new independent Irish-owned brand

One of Ireland’s most dynamic and fast-growing estate agency teams has officially rebranded to Sheehy Meares Real Estate, marking a major milestone in its evolution as a fully independent, Irish-owned firm.

Founded in 2019, the company has grown from a single office into a fivelocation operation, with offices in Roscommon, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Galway, and most recently, Dublin. The rebrand reflects the company’s ambition to expand its reach, innovate faster, and serve clients across Ireland with increased flexibility and focus.

“This is an exciting new chapter,” said co-founder Cormac Sheehy, who will lead the company’s commercial division. “We’ve built our business on trust, local knowledge, and results. Now, as Sheehy Meares, we have the independence to grow in a way that puts our

clients first and positions us as a truly national property brand.”

Co-founder Cathal Meares, who heads up the agricultural property division, added: “We’re proud of our roots and even prouder of where we’re going. Our team continues to grow, and we’re focused on delivering market-leading service across sales, lettings, valuations, commercial, agriculture and more.”

Sheehy Meares Real Estate is backed by a highly experienced and expanding residential sales team, operating across all regions. The firm continues to build on its reputation for strong results, excellent client service, and deep understanding of local property markets.

The company also retains its strong regional identity with trusted local teams including:

• Team Earley and Team Mc Cullagh in Roscommon and Ballinasloe

• Martin Healy as consultant across Galway and Mayo

• A growing base of TRVqualified valuers providing nationwide valuation services

• A large and expanding rental book, managed across all offices

The business is supported by longstanding industry consultants John Earley, Michael McCullagh, and Martin Healy, bringing decades of experience and strategic insight.

“Clients want expertise, transparency, and results,” said Sheehy. “This rebrand is about owning who we are, staying agile, and delivering just that – under a name that represents our leadership, our values, and our vision for the future.”

For more information, visit www. sheehymeares.ie or follow @sheehymeares on Instagram.

Founders of the newly rebranded Sheehy Meares Real Estate Cathal Meares (left) and Cormac Sheehy (right)

Athleague to host inaugural

End of Summer Festival

Music, markets and family fun planned

Athleague will take centre stage later this month as it plays host to the first ever Athleague End of Summer Festival, with organisers promising a weekend of celebration, live music and community spirit in the heart of County Roscommon.

The festival, which takes place from Friday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 24th, is the brainchild of a voluntary local committee and has already generated considerable buzz across the region. Speaking ahead of the event, committee member Ivan Connaughton said: “The End of Summer Festival is all about bringing people together – locals, neighbours, families, and friends. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes Athleague so special: music, hospitality, heritage, and a great community spirit.”

The three-day event begins with a strong nod to country music on Friday night. Galway-born singer Mike Denver, one of Ireland’s most popular performers in the genre, will headline the opening night, taking to the stage at 11 pm. Supporting Denver is

Sabrina Fallon, whose lively vocals will set the tone for the night from 9.45 pm. Entry is €20 and strictly over-18s, with doors open from 9.30 pm.

Saturday’s offering leans into nostalgia, with a tribute night promising to draw fans of two global music icons. Bruce Springsteen tribute act Glory Days will open the show, followed by The Bjorn Identity, Ireland’s leading ABBA tribute act. Both acts will bring high energy and crowd favourites from two distinct musical eras. Tickets for Saturday are also priced at €20, with the same admission policies in place.

In addition to the music, Saturday will feature a vibrant festival market from 10 am to 3 pm, showcasing the best of local crafts and produce – from woodwork and woollens to baked goods and handmade jewellery. The market is open to all ages and is seen as an opportunity to support local traders and artisans.

The weekend will conclude with a more relaxed, family-

Fitzmaurice slams repeated outages as Ballinlough left powerless once more

Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has criticised the Government and utility providers after yet another power outage in Ballinlough, calling “once and for all” to get clarity and action to prevent further disruption.

Following what he described as a “light storm”, the Independent Ireland deputy said residents were again left without power despite recent infrastructure upgrades. “This is not acceptable,” he said. “People who were left without power for 15 or 16 days during the last storm are now suffering again after a mere blow of wind. It is disgusting.”

In a strongly worded appeal, Fitzmaurice said the failure to adequately clear trees near power lines was putting households at repeated risk of outages. He has called on Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien to issue definitive direction on tree clearance policies, claiming that machinery had

already been deployed in the area, but the job had been “evidently” left unfinished

“They should have cut back enough,” he said. “The ESB now needs to take this by the scruff of the neck and once and for all decide what they’re doing and what they’re not doing.”

He urged the Government to act decisively, irrespective of objections to tree-cutting: “Whatever the distance is required, get it done to put an end to this once and for all.”

Referring to damage sustained by new power lines installed just six months ago, he said: “It is sickening to see new power lines...flattened again today. When are we going to cop on as a country and put people before everything else?”

Fitzmaurice warned that unless immediate action is taken, people in the West will continue to “bear the brunt of failed policies”.

friendly Sunday, built around community events and a celebration of country music heritage. The Legends of American Country Show will headline the evening, delivering what organisers describe as “an authentic Tennessee sound” from 5 pm to 7 pm. A community BBQ runs from 4 pm to 6 pm, with amusements, face painting, a treasure hunt and a tractor run also scheduled.

Admission on Sunday is €10, with children admitted free of charge. Gates open from 4 pm.

Festival-goers can also take part in a local heritage walk offering insight into the village’s rich history.

The Athleague End of Summer Festival is a non-profit, volunteer-led event, aimed at promoting local culture and tourism. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and organisers are encouraging early booking due to high demand. Further updates and schedule information can be found on the festival’s official Facebook page.

Funding secured for roads projects in Roscommon town

Two long-awaited infrastructure projects in Roscommon town have secured funding following representations by Fianna Fáil councillor Marty McDermott.

Cllr McDermott confirmed that works to complete a new footpath linking Hannon’s Hotel to the Golf Links Road will proceed this year. Describing the development as “very close to my heart,” he told the Roscommon People that the improved link will create “a fantastic amenity for locals and improve safety for walkers.”

In addition, Cllr McDermott announced that new kerbing will be installed at Ardsallagh Woods estate. He said this marks the final phase of a three-part project he has advocated for since 2019.

“These are very important works for the area, and I’m delighted they will be carried out this year,” he said. “I want to thank Roscommon County Council for their continued support on this.”

Cllr McDermott noted that the completion of both projects will deliver tangible improvements in accessibility and safety, particularly in a part of town that has seen increased residential and recreational use in recent years.

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 79.1

Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833

Section 6

Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960

Section 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE

District Court Area of Roscommon District No. 4

Darren Brennan as Nominee Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Darren Brennan as nominee of D & J Brennan Limited of Naneen House, School Road, Rathcoffey, Kildare, Ireland intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at Roscommon District Court on the 16-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for a certificate for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Beer Retailer’s Off Licence licence attached to the premises situate at Abbeytown, Roscommon, Roscommon in court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 31 Jul 2025

Signed Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant

The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To the Garda Superintendent, at MR.Roscommon.CE@Garda.ie, Roscommon Garda Station, Abbey Street, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 HN32

To the Health Service Executive Official, at roscommon.peho@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 79.1

Licensing (Ireland) Act 1833

Section 6

Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960

Section 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE

District Court Area of Roscommon District No. 4

Darren Brennan as Nominee Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Darren Brennan as nominee of D & J Brennan Limited of Naneen House, School Road, Rathcoffey, Kildare, Ireland intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at Roscommon District Court on the 16-Sep-2025 at 10:30 for a certificate for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Spirit Retailer’s Off Licence licence attached to the premises situate at Abbeytown, Roscommon, Roscommon in court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 31 Jul 2025

Signed Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant

The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To the Garda Superintendent, at MR.Roscommon.CE@Garda.ie, Roscommon Garda Station, Abbey Street, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 HN32

To the Health Service Executive Official, at roscommon.peho@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court

Roscommon native, former Minister of State, and current Honorary Consul to Azerbaijan Terry Leyden and his wife Mary photographed recently with United States Ambassador to Ireland Mr Edward S Walsh.

Cllr McDermott

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PODIATRIST

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

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

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Electrician Available

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(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

M cDERMOTT

Nancy Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear mother who died on 7th August 2021

Our hearts are filled with love whenever we think of you

Sadly missed by your loving family

Anniversary Mass for Nancy and her late husband, Walter will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday, 9th August at 7pm.

HESTER

Brigid (Bea)

Aughaderry, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Brigid who died on 7th August 2024

Will those who think of her today

A little prayer to Jesus say

Always remembered by her loving family

Anniversary Mass on 10th August in Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Loughglynn at 11.30am

KEEGAN

John and Mary Rathmore, Four Mile House, Roscommon

Anniversary)

In loving memory of our parents John who passed away on 20th of June 1993 (32nd Anniversary) and Mary who passed away on 17th of August 2016 (9th Anniversary).

A tribute of love to parents so dear, so close to our hearts each day of the year, we will always have memories to cherish and hold, of wonderful parents more precious than gold.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their daughters Marian, Evelyn and Caroline, sons John, Michael, Peter, Padraic and David and extended family.

Anniversary Mass for Mary and John will take place on Sunday, 10th August at 11am in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House.

HARTE

Patrick (fondly known as Pake) (1st Anniversary)

Clooncran, Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommom

Patrick’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to all who supported and sympathised with them following his passing on the 8th of August 2024 in the Central Park Nursing Home, Clonberne. We offer our heartfelt thanks to our relatives, neighbours, and friends from near and far who came to our house, funeral home, funeral mass, and burial. We are also grateful to those who provided food, sent messages, left tributes online, called by phone and sent cards of sympathy. Your kindness and support brought us great comfort at this difficult time.

Sincere thanks to staff at Roscommon Hospital, Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, and Galway Regional Hospital, we are forever grateful.

A special word of thanks to the management, nurses, and staff at Central Park Nursing Home for their professional care, kindness, and friendship formed during his prolonged illness. To Castlerea Medical Centre, the home helps and community nurses for your care, support, and friendship to Patrick.

DEMPSEY

(née Cahill)

Bridie (1st Anniversary)

Treasured memories of Bridie, Late of Edenaun, Elphin who passed away on 8th August 2024

A smile for all, a heart of gold The very best, this world could hold Never selfish, always kind, those are the memories you left behind. Your memories are so precious, Your presence missed so much, You will always be remembered and missed by all of us

Lovingly remembered by Finbarr, Noreen and Mary

Nana

One year has passed, yet still you stay In every thought, in every day. Your voice, your laugh, your gentle care, Still linger softly in the air. Though time moves on, you’re never far, You’re in our hearts, our guiding star. We miss you more than words can show, But feel your love wherever we go.

Love and miss you every day, Rhys, Laoise, Cliodhna, Josephine, Aoife, Jade, Aisling and Martin

Bridie’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday 10th August at St Patrick’s Church, Elphin at 11.30am

BURKE

Margaret

Goff Street, Roscommon (22nd Anniversary)

CUNNINGHAM

Bridie and Michael Meelick, Boyounagh, Glenamaddy

Bridie’s First Anniversary on 7 August

Michael’s Second Anniversary on 3 August

They say there is a reason,

They say that time will heal, But neither time nor reason, Will change the way we feel.

For no-one knows the heartache,

That lies behind our smiles,

No-one knows how many times,

We have broken down and cried.

Gone from our home those smiling faces, Those cheerful, happy ways, The hearts that won so many friends, In bygone, happy days.

We want to tell you both something, So there won’t be any doubt, You are so wonderful to think of, But so hard to be without.

We cannot bring the old days back, When we were all together, The family chain is broken now, But memories live forever.

Loved and remembered by your son Alan, daughters Christina and Breeda, grandchildren, extended family, friends and neighbours.

Anniversary Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Sunday, 10 August at 10.30 am.

OWENS

(nee Cooke)

Winnie

London & Lisnamult, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Winnie who passed away 7th August 2024

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.

Our sincere thanks to Fr. Thomas Commins, Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe who anointed Patrick and to Fr Chris Garrett and Fr John Joe Gannon for celebrating such a meaningful Funeral Mass and to Carmel McLoughlin for the beautiful singing. Sincere thanks to the sacristan, Michael Hawthorne, Altar servers and everyone who helped make Patrick’s Funeral Mass so uplifting and special. To the gravediggers who did a wonderful job in preparing Patrick’s final resting place – many thanks. To the Hester family of The Golden Eagle for the beautiful meal served to us all following the burial. Finally, thanks to Pat and Nicola, of McDonagh Funeral Home for their compassion, sensitivity, and professionalism in carrying out the funeral arrangements, the family very much appreciated it.

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.

Anniversary Mass for Patrick will take place in St Caolin’s Church, Trien, on Sunday 10th August at 10.00 am.

In loving memory of Margaret who passed away on 10th August 2003. R.I.P.

Just as you were, you will always be, someone special in our memory.

Lovingly remembered by your sister Eileen and family, Rahara.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on 11th August at 11am.

Mam, you are too precious to be forgotten And too priceless to ever replace, We wish we could share

Another moment with you

And see your smiling face.

A Mam as special as you Is truly rare to find, Someone with a heart so pure

So caring and so kind.

We’ll cherish the memories we made

All the times we spent together, And we hold them in our hearts

From now until forever.

Sadly missed by all her Family x

A Mass will be offered in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 9th August at 7pm

FITZPATRICK

Joe - Joseph Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

who died 15th August

2019. R.I.P.

We think of you always and talk about you still

You haven’t been forgotten and you never will

Sadly missed by your wife, sons, daughters, daughter-in-law and your grandchildren

Anniversary Mass in St Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Saturday 9th August at 7.30pm

FITZPATRICK

Joe Cloonagera, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

FLYNN

Brian and Ann Donamon (22nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Brian and Ann who passed away on 17th August 2003

Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die. In our hearts ye will always stay, loved and remembered everyday.

Sadly missed by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 9th August at 9.30am in Donamon Castle.

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

In loving memory of our dear brother Joe, who died on 15th August 2019

As you rest in peaceful sleep

Your memory we will always keep Remembered with love by Kay, Maura, Nuala and our families.

Tom 5 Circular Road, Roscommon 12th August 1998 (27th Anniversary)

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

Remembered with love by Anne, Hugh, Edward, Thomas, Geoff and family.

(32nd

(9th Anniversary)

KILDUFF

FAMILYNOTICES

GRADY

Rita Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our mother Rita who died on 7th August 2019.

I miss you now, my heart is sore. As time goes by I miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face. No one can ever take your place. Always remembered and sadly missed by your son, Andy

How we miss the welcome footsteps. Of the one we loved so dear. Oft we listen for her coming

Fully sure that she is near. Thou art gone but not forgotten Fresh our love will ever be

For as long as there is memory. We will always think of thee.

Loved & sadly missed by Marion & Michael, Niamh & Alan, Paul, Brenda, Caoimhe & Ruairí.

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BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added CONTACT HAZEL 087 6758874 www.brianmuraystone.com E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

HYNES Eugene (16th Anniversary)

Birchgrove, Creagh, Ballinasloe. Died on the 4th of August 2009.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your wife Bridie and family.

Thou are gone but not forgotten Fresh our love will ever be

For as long as there is memory

We will always think of thee

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday the 9th of August in St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe at 7.00pm

LEGAL NOTICES

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 83.1

Registration of Clubs Acts, 1904 to 1988

Application For Renewal Of Certificate Of Registration District Court Area of Roscommon District No. 4

Rosemary O’Brien Applicant

I, Rosemary O’Brien, of Araghty, Athleague, Roscommon

Secretary of The Roscommon Golf Club a Club whose premises are situated at Mote Park, Roscommon, Roscommon, intends to apply to the Court at Roscommon District Court on the 16 Sep 2025 at 10:30 for a Renewal of the Certificate of Registration of the above mentioned Club.

The object of the said Club is Golf CLub

I enclose the following documents -

(a) A certificate signed by two Peace Commissioners and by the owner of the premises.

(b)Two copies of the Club Rules.

(c) A list of the NAMES IN FULL (not initials) and addresses of the officials and Committee of Management or governing body of the Club.

(d) A list of the names of the members of the Club.

(e) The prescribed Court fee.

Dated this 31st day of July 2025

Signed: Mahon Sweeney Solicitors LLP, Solicitor for Applicant

The Square, Roscommon, Roscommon

To the Garda Superintendent, at MR.Roscommon.CE@Garda.ie, Roscommon Garda Station, Abbey Street, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 HN32

To the Fire Officer, at fire@roscommoncoco.ie, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon, Roscommon, F42 VR98

To the Health Service Executive Official, at roscommon.peho@hse.ie

To the Registrar of Clubs, Roscommon District Court

APPOINTMENTS

CHILDMINDER WANTED Roscommon town

Kind, reliable and trustworthy person required to mind 2-year-old. Can be minded in their own home or in minder’s home. 3 to 4 days per week. Experience preferred and references essential. Contact: 086 3778695.

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Gerard Sheerin intends to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Deerpark TD, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of decommission existing septic tank and percolation area serving existing dwelling house and replace with a new wastewater treatment system and tertiary polishing filter and all ancillary site works.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (E20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

Signed: Coyle Environmental Limited, Agents for Gerard Sheerin, 1st and 2nd Floor Kilmurry House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 DK58.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Lisnagavragh, Rahara, Co. Roscommon.

I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Darren & Klaudia Fallon for planning permission to construct a fully serviced private dwelling house with waste water treatment system and garage / fuel shed to include all associated site works at the above location.

The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a 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: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Fohenagh, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, Phone: (090) 9688516. Mobile: (087) 8188596.

Design Consultation Planning Applications

New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural 086 3482387

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, Aidan McDonnell, intend to apply for permission for development at Gortmore, Fuerty, Roscommon

The development consists of the Construction of a Slatted Calving shed to house cattle, with handling facilities and ancillary works (ie concrete yards, all for agricultural purposes only), also the demolition of an existing hayshed, in existing farmyard.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application.

Signed (Agent): Christopher Kinghan Chartered Surveyor 085 164 6179

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, James Craughwell, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect a dwelling house, upgrade the existing access road and carry out all necessary site works to facilitate same at Old Tuam Road, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a 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: James Craughwell.

LEGAL NOTICES

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of Emma Casey, intend to apply for permission for development for the site located at Carrownageeloge, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of:

The construction of a new, detached, single-storey dwelling house, domestic wastewater treatment system and all ancillary site works.

The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

CHAZEY

PROPERTIES:

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

COUNTY: Roscommon

LANDS: at Feevagh More FOLIO: RN20025

In the matter of The Registration of Title Act 1964

In the matter of An Application of Billy Donoghue For Registration as Owner with an Absolute Title. Application No. D2024LR089512G

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, (and in particular the next of kin of registered owner of folio RN20025 – Patrick Kelly – registered in 1933)

Take Notice that the above named applicant Billy Donoghue has lodged an application under Section 49 of the above Act to be registered as full owner with an absolute title of part of the lands in folio RN20025 – plans 5 and 5A. The original of this map may be inspected at the address below.

All persons objecting to such registration are hereby required to file their objections in writing within one calendar month from the date of publication of this notice.

In the absence of objection or in the event of any objection not being sustained registration will be effected.

Dated this the 1st day of August 2025

NIAMH MOLONEY

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

TAILTE ÉIREANN

CHANCERY STREET

DUBLIN 7

Super Smith goal ends Gaels’ resistance

Boyle off to winning start

Hodson

Bay Hotel Roscommon

SFC

Boyle 2-13 Roscommon Gaels 0-15 (Group C)

< SEAMUS DUKE

Boyle got their 2025 championship campaign off to a winning start at Abbey Park last Friday night. They deserved their win against an injury-ravaged Roscommon Gaels side, who played well at times, but ultimately had no answer to the superior scoring power of the home side, with the game’s two goals proving decisive on the night.

On a perfect evening for football, Boyle were dominant in the first ten minutes, by which time they had four points on the board without reply. Tadhg McKenna was getting on a lot of ball for Boyle and Niall O’Donnell, Donie Smith, Cathal Feeley and Enda Smith were also prominent for Eamon O’Hara’s side.

Roscommon Gaels picked up considerably after that and the town team kicked six points without reply to take the lead. Richard Walsh with three (including a two-pointer), Cian Connolly (2) and Ryan Conlon were on target in that purple patch.

Boyle seized the initiative back before the break and in the 24th minute, after the Gaels lost possession in the middle of the field, a lightningfast home attack ended with Cian McKeon fisting to the net to put his side three ahead.

In the nature of the topsy-turvy pattern of the first half the Gaels were level again by the halftime whistle. Richard Walsh was again their scorer-in-chief with a two-pointer and a point from play to send the sides in level at the break, Boyle 1-6 Roscommon Gaels 0-9.

The third quarter was hard-fought, Boyle

beginning it best with a super two-pointer from Donie Smith. Senan Lambe, Tim Lambe and Scottie Oates were doing well for the Gaels and points from Senan Lambe and Ryan Dowling ensured the margin was only two by the 35th minute.

The score that settled the game as a contest came in the 40th minute. Niall O’Donnell found Enda Smith who made his way in along the endline before making an angle and shooting low past James Fetherstone for a superb goal.

That score gave Boyle breathing space, with a lead of six points. The Gaels did reduce the margin to two with six minutes left, via points from Mark Purcell (a two-point free) and Richard Walsh, but Boyle had enough in the tank and scores from Cathal Feely and sub Luke McGrath ensured the victory.

Boyle were winners on the night, however the jury is out on their chances of going all the way in 2025. They will surely welcome Daire Cregg back from his travels later in the championship. Tadhg McKenna, Oisin Cregg, Cathal Feely, Enda Smith, Niall O’Donnell and Donie Smith were most prominent for the winners.

The Gaels were without the O’Reilly brothers, the Carthy brothers, and Peter Gillooly and Mark Healy too. They will need some or all of those players back if they are to make a challenge this year. For them, Timmy and Senan Lambe, Conor Grogan, Cian Connolly and Richard Walsh were best.

Boyle: Rob Kearney; Conor Kelly, Luke Glennon, Conor Flanagan; Daniel Casey, Tadhg McKenna, David Flanagan; Daire McDonald, Oisin Cregg (0-1); Cian McKeon (1-2, 2 frees), Cathal Feely (0-1), David Duggan; Enda Smith (1-1), Niall O’Donnell (0-2), Donie Smith (0-5, one 2pf, one free). Sub used: Luke McGrath (0-1) for Duggan (26).

Roscommon Gaels: James Fetherstone; Conor Grogan, Joey O’Malley, Jack Donnelly; Tim Lambe, John McManus, Senan Lambe (0-1); Mark Purcell (0-2, 2pf), DJ Hession; Ryan Dowling (0-1), Scott Oates, Ryan Conlon (0-1); Cian Connolly (0-3, one free), Richard Walsh (0-7, 1 tp, 1tpf), John McGuinness. Sub: Cathal Dineen for Oates (59).

Referee: Ian Monaghan (St Brigid’s). Man of the Match Tadhg McKenna (Boyle)

Donie Smith announces retirement from inter-county football

< SEAMUS DUKE

Boyle’s Donie Smith has brought the curtain down on a distinguished inter-county career, officially announcing his retirement from the Roscommon senior football panel.

Smith made his Championship debut in 2012 against Tyrone and went on to line out 133 times in the primrose and blue, becoming a central figure in the county’s recent footballing history.

Across more than a decade at senior level, he amassed an impressive personal tally of 8 goals and 273 points, and was noted for his accuracy,

consistency and intelligence on the ball. In 2022, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the senior team, a reflection of his leadership both on and off the pitch.

His list of honours includes two Connacht Senior Football Championship medals (2017 and 2019), four National Football League Division 2 titles (2015, 2018, 2020, 2022), and a Division 3 title from 2014.

Smith’s retirement marks the end of an era for Roscommon football. His commitment to the county jersey and contribution over 13 seasons leave a legacy that will long be remembered by supporters and teammates alike.

Pearses determined to survive in Kepak SHC

Seamus Duke looks ahead to another weekend of senior hurling action

There is another full round of matches in the Kepak Roscommon SHC this Sunday at Páirc an Phiarsaigh. The standout fixture in the tripleheader is at 4 pm, when Tremane and Padraig Pearses meet in what could be a championship decider of sorts – the losers are almost certain to exit the 2025 title race.

Pearses exited the championship early in 2024, and playing at home, they will be determined to avoid a repeat this weekend. Tremane, meanwhile, have been struggling for form all season and will be viewing this as a last-chance saloon. Home advantage could prove crucial. Earlier in the day, Athleague face Four Roads at 1 pm in what is expected to be a closely fought contest, followed by St Dominic’s taking on Oran at 2.30 pm. Four Roads and St Dominic’s will be fancied to come through.

Photographed last Friday at Abbey Park as Boyle won out over Roscommon Gaels in Round 1 of the Hodson Bay Hotel Group Senior Football Championship – John McManus and Tadgh McKenna in an aerial battle. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell.

Glowing tributes paid to ‘one of the finest’

< SEAMUS DUKE

There is shock across the county and beyond at the sudden and untimely passing of former Roscommon and Kilmore footballer Don Connellan, who died at his home in Moycullen, County Galway, on Monday.

Aged just 51, Don will be remembered as one of Roscommon’s finest footballers, having made his senior inter-county debut in 1993. He won a Connacht senior football title with Roscommon in 2001.

A loyal servant to Kilmore, he lined out in two senior county finals in 1998 and 2001. He also represented Roscommon at all underage levels, and while studying at NUIG, won a Sigerson Cup medal in 1992.

A member of An Garda Síochána, Don remained involved in football after his playing career ended. He found huge success as a coach and manager, most notably with his adopted club Moycullen, whom he led to their firstever Galway senior football championship title in 2020. He guided the club to further glory in 2022 when they won both the Galway and Connacht senior club titles.

Paying tribute this week, Moycullen GAA said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our great friend Don Connellan. Don was involved with our senior team as a selector and then manager over the course of seven years.

“While the achievements and titles are widely recognised and remarkable for our club, it is the unseen and unselfish work that we will also remember. The nights at training, the countless phone calls and messages, organising players,

pitches, matches, physios etc – but Don went beyond that.

“He had a remarkable ability to manage a group while also looking after the individual. He took great satisfaction in seeing a youngster breaking through and was always on hand to support and guide.

“A native of Kilmore in County Roscommon, Don excelled at football for both club and county. Maigh Cuilinn was home for many years with Linda and the boys, Eoin and Conor.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the wider Clancy and Connellan families. He loved his football, but his family was his world. Rest easy Don, you will be missed.”

Kilmore GAA also paid tribute: “Our club and our community are shocked and heartbroken at the devastating news of the sudden passing of our great friend and true Kilmore legend, Don Connellan.

“No words can truly do justice to what Don meant to Kilmore GAA. He represented our club with distinction over many years as a player, coach and manager, showing immense pride, honesty, integrity and leadership both on and off the pitch.

“Away from the GAA, Don was an exceptional person, a loyal friend to so many, and someone who lived his life with the utmost integrity. His passing leaves a void that we, as friends and a community, will struggle to come to terms with in the days, months and years ahead.”

Don Connellan is survived by his wife Linda, sons Eoin and Conor, mother Nellie, brothers Adrian and David, extended family, and a wide circle of friends.

May he rest in peace.

County Board pay tribute to Roscommon football legend

The following tribute was issued by the Roscommon GAA County Board on Tuesday.

Everyone associated with Roscommon GAA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Roscommon and Kilmore footballer, Don Connellan.

Don proudly represented Roscommon at minor, U21, and senior levels, and was a key member of the team that won the Connacht senior football championship in 2001.

Roscommon GAA chairperson, Brian Carroll,

expressed his sympathy: “An overwhelming sense of sorrow and sadness has fallen upon our county and on my own club, Kilmore, since the news of Don’s passing on Monday.

“There are no words that can truly capture what Don meant to Kilmore GAA Club. Don loved Kilmore, and Kilmore loved Don. He was a mighty footballer, a joy to watch on the pitch, and his leadership and class were evident throughout his many years playing for Kilmore.

“Don also showed his immense talent, ability

and leadership while representing Roscommon at all levels, making 73 appearances for the Roscommon senior team and scoring 3-38. He also had the honour of representing Roscommon on the Connacht Railway Cup team.

“Off the pitch, Don was equally exceptional – a top-class gentleman and a true friend to so many. I had the pleasure of visiting Don at his home in Moycullen last Wednesday, just days before his sudden passing. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had that time with him. It’s a

memory I will always hold close.

“On behalf of Roscommon GAA, I extend my deepest sympathy to Don’s wife, Linda; his sons, Eoin and Conor; his mother, Nellie; his brothers, Adrian and David; the extended Clancy and Connellan families; and all of Don’s many friends. No words can truly console you at this terrible time. Don’s absence will be felt deeply in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known him.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Cox, Doory and Garvey light up IFC race

St Michael’s in what was a competitive match in Cootehall.

1-21 to 0-6.

Group C

< SEAMUS DUKE

Group A

Stunning individual performances by county player

Conor Cox, his Éire Óg colleague Jason Doory, and Kilmore stalwart Paul Garvey were highlights of last weekend’s entertaining Ward Brothers Roscommon IFC action.

A sharp Éire Óg side put on an attacking masterclass as they brushed Fuerty aside by 1-23 to 1-14 in Loughglynn.

It was a superb day for the home team and especially for ace attackers Conor Cox and Jason

Doory, who scored 0-16 and 1-6 respectively.

Doory’s 16th minute goal helped his side into a 1-15 to 0-8 half-time lead. Cathal Crehan scored a consolation goal for a Fuerty team that missed two penalties in the second half.

Kilmore began their campaign with a victory against Padraig Pearses’ second side. A superb display from veteran Paul Garvey, who scored nine points, was key to Kilmore’s success as they won by 0-15 to 0-13.

Group B Liam McNeill’s Tulsk eventually prevailed against

First-half goals from Brian Reynolds and Fiachra Henry gave the home side a deserved 2-6 to 0-11 half-time lead.

Tulsk played much better in the second half.

Daniel Connolly scored five points for them while Tadhg O’Rourke got the all-important goal late on as they triumphed 1-21 to 2-10.

Creggs began their championship campaign with a big win against St Barry’s in Tarmonbarry. Creggs were in control all the way through, a Shane Dowd goal helping them to a 1-10 to 0-2 half-time lead, after which it was plain sailing for the visitors by the River Shannon, Creggs winning

Title favourites Strokestown laid down a marker with a 5-20 to 1-5 win against Kilbride on Friday night last.

The Strokestown goals came from Cathal Lavin, Colin Compton, Diarmuid McGann (2) and Colm Neary, while Kevin Battles scored a consolation goal for a well beaten home side.

St Brigid’s’ second side proved too strong for Shannon Gaels in Croghan, winning by 2-17 to 1-13. An entertaining match was level at the break (St Brigid’s 2-4 Shannon Gaels 1-7). St Brigid’s dominated the second-half exchanges to emerge the seven-point winners.

Don Connellan in action against Sligo’s Paul Durcan in the Connacht Championship in 1998. Photo: © INPHO/Billy Stickland

Rooney rocks champs, Oran off to a flyer

Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC round-up

< SEAMUS DUKE

Group A

One of the biggest shocks in the senior football championship in some time happened at Ballyleague on Friday night when the defending champions Padraig Pearses were defeated by St Faithleach’s by five points, 1-14 to 0-12.

The sides were level at half-time at five points each with Pearses off target with a number of chances. In the second half, with the aid of the wind, St Faithleach’s seized the initiative and two-pointers from Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh put them ahead. Then in the 56th minute Dave Rooney sealed a famous win for the club with a well-taken goal.

In the other game in the group Clann na nGael came good in the second half to overcome the

challenge of St Dominic’s at Johnstown. The sides were level at 0-6 apiece after a low-key opening half. Goals in the second half from Josh Lennon and Ciaran Lennon (penalty) saw Emmet Durney’s men over the line. Final score: Clann na nGael 2-12 St Dominic’s 1-8 (the St Dominic’s goal coming late in the game from Daire Keenan).

Group B

Title favourites St Brigid’s showed a clean pair of heels to intermediate champions Elphin at Orchard Park, winning by 2-20 to 1-6. The men from Kiltoom were in control from the first whistle and a goal midway through the first half from Eddie Nolan helped them to a 1-9 to 1-1 lead at half-time, the Elphin goal coming from the boot of Evan Gunn.

St Brigid’s’ dominance continued on the restart and Ciaran Sugrue scored their second goal to seal a very impressive win.

In Frenchpark, Michael Glavey’s staged a stunning comeback to overcome Western Gaels in a high-scoring encounter which the visitors won by 1-20 to 2-15.

Glavey’s led by 0-11 to 1-3 at one stage in the opening half but by the interval the home side were ahead by 2-13 to 0-13.

The introduction of Darragh Heneghan from the bench was the key as Glavey’s stormed into the game in the second half. Heneghan scored a fine goal in the 35th minute and a string of welltaken points saw Iain Daly’s side hold out for a dramatic two-point win.

Group C

Oran produced a top class attacking display as they put Castlerea St Kevin’s to the sword at Rockfield in the Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon

Connacht Rugby unveil anniversary jersey ahead of historic season

Connacht Rugby has unveiled its new home jersey for the 2025/26 season, marking the branch’s 140th anniversary. The commemorative kit was launched in partnership with Macron Sports and Intersport Elverys.

The provincial team, which formally came into being on December 8th, 1885, traces its foundation to a meeting of six clubs following the first interprovincial match between Connacht and Leinster. That date marked the establishment of the Connacht Branch of the IRFU.

As Connacht Rugby prepare to complete the new North Stand later this season – just weeks after opening their HighPerformance Centre – the anniversary jersey reflects the club’s historic identity. For the first time, the jersey features an all-gold Connacht Rugby crest, with additional gold trim set against a traditional forest green background.

The kit will debut on Sunday, August 10th, when the Connacht Women’s team face Munster in the opening round of the Vodafone IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship.

The jersey and full 2025/26 training and leisure ranges will be available from Friday, August 8th, at elverys.ie and in selected Intersport Elverys stores across the west, including Galway, Ballina, Westport, Sligo, and Athlone.

Roscommon Cricket welcome clubs from across

The first-ever cricket tournament to be held in Roscommon Town took place on Saturday, August 2nd, at the new headquarters of Roscommon Cricket Club, located at the old ‘Lough’ GAA pitch, now part of Loughnaneane Park. More than 100 players took part, representing 11 clubs from across Connacht and the midlands. The clubs included Roscommon Cricket Club, Galway Kings, Galway Shamrock Spartans, Mayo Rangers, Tullamore Turbos, Knock United, Lorrha Rangers, The Tuskers, Sligo Titans, Tuam Knights and The Coimms Club.

The tournament began at 7.30 am and continued until 8 pm. Matches were played with limited overs on a concrete wicket. After a full day’s action, Galway Kings emerged as the eventual winners.

Prizes were sponsored by Molloy’s Pharmacy and the Harrison Centre, Roscommon.

SFC on Sunday last – scoring 3-23 in the process. Pat Regan’s men laid the foundations for their success with a stunning first-half display as they scored 1-16, 1-15 coming from play. The goal came in the 16th minute from ‘man of the match’ James Fitzpatrick. Castlerea netted a goal in the final minute of the first half when Adam McDermott scored a brilliant individual effort. The sides exchanged goals in the opening five minutes of the second half with Jonathan Hester and Eoghan Grady on target, before Oran closed out a very impressive victory with James Fitzpatrick’s second goal, coming in the 48th minute. Final score: Oran 3-23 Castlerea St Kevin’s 3-10.

Oran now face Roscommon Gaels in round two at Lisnamult, while Castlerea will take on Boyle. This was the first major football championship game played on the new pitch at Rockfield. This is a magnificent facility. Well done to everyone concerned.

Photographed recently is Sean Jansen at the unveiling of Connacht Rugby’s new home jersey for the 2025/26 season, marking the branch’s 140th anniversary.

Photographed recently is Stacey Hanley at the unveiling of Connacht Rugby’s new home jersey for the 2025/26 season, celebrating the branch’s 140th anniversary.

Connacht Rugby players (left to right) Cathal Forde, Orla Fenton and Sean Jansen were photographed recently at the unveiling of Connacht Rugby’s new home jersey for the 2025/26 season, marking the branch’s 140th anniversary.

Ndaawi wins the Hurdle in stewards’ room

Horses for Courses

< BY TOM RED

There is a flat card at Leopardstown this evening, featuring two Group 3 races, the Desmond Stakes and the Ballyroan Stakes, starting at 5.20 pm. There is a national hunt card also at Sligo at 5.05 pm. Tomorrow evening there is a national hunt fare, all hurdle races, at Wexford, with tapes away for the first at 5.28 pm, and a flat meeting at Tipperary away at 4.40 pm. On Saturday, there is racing on the level at the Curragh, featuring the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes, and a national hunt card at Kilbeggan starting at 1.55 pm. Sunday sees a national hunt card at Downpatrick off at 2.17 pm. Monday evening sees jump racing in Ballinrobe at 5.15 pm.

At Goodwood, this day week, Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore combined with Whirl, the 6/5 fav., to win the Group 1 Nassau Stakes from Cercene, 11/1, and they also won the EBF Maiden Stakes on Saturday with Isaac Newton at 8/13f.

Saturday sees ITV covering nine races – six from Ascot on Shergar Cup day, two from Haydock and one from Newmarket. ITV4 covers all seven races from Haydock on Sunday.

The Galway Racing Festival review

This day week’s card was sponsored by Guinness and 11 went to post for the opening Grade 3 Guinness Novice Chase. It was won by a Willie Mullins outsider, Gold Dancer at 7/1, who beat his stablemate Westport Cove, 85/40f, and Intellotto by 2½l and 9½l. In the Rockshore Handicap over a mile, joint second fav. Genuine Article proved just that, winning for trainer Ger Keane in the hands of Seamie Heffernan from Imposing Supreme and Titanium. The Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes provided the best finish of the day, with English raider Tropical Island, 40/1, hanging on by a short head from the fast-finishing Princess Child. The winner is trained in Malton by Richard Fahey and was ridden by Luke McAteer. The first favourite of the day obliged in the 2-y-o’s Guinness Irish EBF Nursery – Joseph O’Brien’s Which Wolf Wins, 5/4, beat Invincible Will and Nakamura. The feature race, the Grade A Guinness

Galway Handicap Hurdle, went to Noel Meade’s Helvic Dream with Donagh Meyler aboard, who held the late surge of Gordon Elliott’s Ndaawi under Jack Kennedy by a head. There was a long steward’s inquiry, and the places were reversed. It was a first Galway Hurdle success for both Elliott and Kennedy. Ndaawi’s stablemate Casheldale Lad was third, another 5½l away.

The Guinness Novice Hurdle provided a blistering finish, as Ross O’Sullivan’s Strong Link, 5/2, and Donagh Meyler chinned Cameletta Vega, 15/8f, and Paul Townend on the line, with Kamakazi Du Plessis in third. In the penultimate race, the Guinness 0.0 Handicap, punters got it right, as 2/1f Glenroyal came with a run from the final bend and drove clear under Dylan Browne McMonagle to beat Narlita and Garrick Patrick. In the closing bumper, Frankie John, trained by Denis Hogan with Harry Swan in the saddle, beat Hawk’s Rock and Wartime Leader by 2½l and the same.

Guinness again sponsored Friday’s card, with the James’s Gate Irish EBF Auction Maiden opening with a winner for Gavin Cromwell’s Mighty Danu at 11/1, ridden by Gary Carroll to beat Bellamano and Nazario. John McConnell’s Intense Approach, 13/2, won the Guinness Beginners Chase under Alex Harvey from Talk In The Park and Donnie Devito – both trained by Ross O’Sullivan. The Galway Blazers Handicap Chase was won by Charles Byrnes’ Turnpike Lane and ridden by his son Philip, at 20/1, with Antrim Coast and Shemustbeobeyed filling the minor places.

The feature race of the day, the Guinness Handicap, went to Jarlath Fahey’s Nan’s View, 12/1, who just held off Cheekey Wink and Acapulco Bay by a head and ½l. The winner was ridden by Galwegian Leigh Roche from Abbeyknockmoy. In the Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden, Aidan O’Brien’s Eternal Spirit, 7/1, was friendless in the market but battled on under Wayne Lordan to beat Generous Support by 1¼l, with the 15/8 fav. Jannah Star ¾l back in third. The Arthur Guinness Handicap provided one of our up-and-coming lady riders, Nicola Burns, with a winner for trainer Ger O’Leary in Mother Mara at 15/2, who beat William F Browne and

IVANA KIRIPATI WINS FIRST IRELAND

SENIOR CAP: Congratulations to Ivana Kiripati, who won her first Ireland senior cap in the Women’s Rugby World Cup warm-up against Scotland at Virgin Media Park, Cork, on the bank holiday Saturday. Ivana started at openside flanker and impressed in her 69-minute contribution as Ireland came from behind to defeat the visitors.

Daughter of Mele and Kolo, Ivana began her rugby journey at Buccaneers, where her family has long played an influential role. She now plays her club rugby with Creggs and is a regular in the Connacht side.

Anna McGann and Faith Oviawe, who also started out at Buccs, are part of the Ireland squad preparing for this weekend’s clash with Canada in Belfast.

WORLD CUP FLAG AT CLUB ON SUNDAY:

A giant replica of Ireland’s new World Cup jersey will visit Buccaneers RFC this Sunday, August 10th. Supporters are invited to sign the flag and send good

by Tom Red

Rizal. The Rockshore Irish Lager Race gave punters their first relief of the day when Jessica Harrington provided claimer Keithen Kennedy with a winner on Taipan, 5/2, who beat Sky Captain and Charlus. The relief was short-lived, as 22/1 shot Steps In The Sand won the Hop House 13 Handicap for Mullingartrained Ciaran Murphy with 7lb claimer P McGettigan aboard. The 6-y-o beat Coulsty’s Way and Lagoon Nebula by 2l and 1¼l.

The first three on Saturday were the sponsored Boyle Sports Maiden Hurdle, which went to the Andy Slattery-trained Ebony King, ridden by Cian Quirke, to beat Tatateo and Pistocchi at 9/1. The ups and downs of national hunt racing popped its head up when Gavin Cromwell’s Come On The Lads won the handicap hurdle, having lost Figaruso to a fatal injury in the first. The 5-yo 22/1 shot beat Toll Stone, 7/2f, and Messerschmitt. The Listed Handicap Hurdle was won by Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy with a weak fav. in Winning Smut, a 13/2 joint favourite. National hunt racing ended with the Salthill Hotel Irish EBF Mares Flat Race, and the punters got it right as the Willie Mullins-trained Some Pretender was carried to victory by son Patrick at evens, beating Midnight Musical and Brave Lady by ¾l and 2¼l.

The code changed to the flat and the Whiriskey Refrigeration EBF Handicap easily went to the odds-on fav. Action, 4/9, from Ballydoyle with Wayne Lordan doing the steering. He won by 1¼l and 4l from Perisher and Christmas Day. The Bathshack Maiden was won by 22/1 shot Blue Moon Boy from Andrew Kinirons’ stable with Luke McAteer in the saddle. Storm Averted won the Ardilaun Hotel Handicap at 7/1 with Wesley Joyce in the plate for Michael Mulvany. A 10/1 shot, Thatwilldo, won the closing McDonagh Capital Investments Handicap for Kevin Coleman, with Athlone native Rory Cleary in the saddle.

On the last day, Sunday, Tony Martin’s Aurea Fortuna won the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, ridden by Jake Coen. The Kenny Galway Handicap Hurdle went to another outsider, Ballystone at 14/1, trained by John McConnell with Alex

luck wishes to the Ireland squad.

The jersey will be located in the Canopy area at The Bounty between 12 noon and 3 pm. This is the only signing venue in the Midlands, and with Buccs trio Ivana Kiripati, Anna McGann and Faith Oviawe in the extended Ireland panel, local support is especially welcome.

BEST OF LUCK: Best of luck to Buccaneers U-18 players Andrew Henson (fullback) and Leo Anic (lock), who travel to South Africa this week with the Ireland U-18 Schools squad.

The team’s international series begins with a challenging opener against the host nation’s ‘A’ side on Friday, August 8th, followed by further matches against South Africa, England, France and Georgia. A fantastic experience lies ahead for these two promising young players.

SUMMER CAMP NEXT WEEK: The Buccaneers Summer Camp runs from Monday, August 11th to Friday, August 15th, from 9 am to 1.30 pm daily.

Harvey. There were four runners in the Kinlay Hostel Chase, with Elliott’s Zanahiyr, 9/4, beating WP Mullins’ Blood Density, 8/11, by 4l – only two finished. Cromwell and Sexton won the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase with Aspurofthemoment, 7/1, beating the fav. Arctic Fly, 16/5f. Turning out for the second time, Princess Child, second on Thursday, won the feature Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Ahonoora’ Handicap by 1¼l from Gleneagle Bay, with Dunum, 7/2f, 2¼l further back. In the Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden, the last juvenile race of the festival, Colin Keane, back after suspension, rode the Noel Meade-trained fav. Joltin to win at 7/4 from Lucia Molly and Duke of Cumberland. Another favourite obliged in the penultimate race of the festival, the Village Salthill Handicap, when Dermot Weld and Chris Hayes combined to win with Tilani from Flying Fortress for 3-y-o’s over a mile. The festival ended with the Fr Breen Memorial Flat Race going to Peter Lawlor’s Mutat and Finney Maguire at 9/2. Bookies had the better of the exchanges, with only 11 of the 54 races won by the favourite. Willie Mullins was the leading trainer again – his tenth time to claim the prize – with four winners, seven seconds and four thirds based on a points system, even though Elliott won five races and the most money. Dylan Browne McMonagle took the leading flat jockey award, on countback from Wayne Lordan, with three winners, while Jack Kennedy was top national hunt rider with four winners.

Roscommon review

Racing opened on Tuesday at Lenabane with the Curragh-To-Curragh Cycle Maiden Hurdle, won by Power Of Words, 7/2, for Elliott and Kennedy. The second race, the Railway Bar Maiden Hurdle, was divided. In Div I, Laurie Blue, 4/1, beat the fav. Firebrand, 5/4. Div II went to Eoin Doyle’s Yosemite Gold, 13/2, with Philip Enright doing the steering. The DNG Ivan Connaughton Handicap Hurdle brought hurdle racing to a close and was won by Mags Nelson at 11/2, ridden by Danny Gilligan for Ross O’Sullivan.

The first over the major obstacles, the John F Hanley Groundscare Beginners Chase, was won by father-and-son team Conor and Charlie O’Dwyer with Solsbury Hill at 14/1. Old Bill Barley and Maidenstreetprince filled the minor places. The Kepak Handicap Chase winner was 16/1 outsider It’s Never

Open to boys and girls aged 6 to 12, the camp is led by IRFU-qualified coaches and provides a fun, safe and inclusive environment for all levels.

Each participant receives a free camp T-shirt. Cost is €70 for the first child and €50 for siblings. To book, contact Geraldine on 086 1732711.

TOUCH RUGBY SUCCESS: Well done to Aoife Purtill, John Finnan and Philip Finnan, who helped Ireland’s U-18 Touch Rugby squad win gold at the Atlantic Touch Rugby Cup at UL over the bank holiday weekend, defeating Wales in the final.

There was a strong Buccs presence across Irish squads, with Jack Gordon winning silver with the Mixed 20s, and Ryan and Finn Copelin, Jayden Quinn and Jack Delaney taking bronze with the Boys 15s.

Also representing Ireland were Aoibhinn Tynan, Niamh Purtill, Cooper So, Mollie Quinn and Alex Connor. Congratulations to all involved.

TRAINING: Training for Men’s Firsts, Seconds

Simple, trained by Martin Brassil, with Ricky Doyle aboard. They got up on the line to win by a short head from the 10/3 fav. Gaelic Des Chastys. The pair doubled up in the penultimate race, the Paul Byron Shoes Handicap Chase, with Il Silenzio beating Hit The Frame and Woodie Wango. The Brian Keenan OnCourse Bookmaker Flat Race was won by the second fav., Andrew Slattery’s well-backed Ripsnorter at 7/4. He made every post a winning one from Cloughjordan and Mr Master Mac to bring the action to a close.

Racing news

The IHRB has accepted error in the late calling of a Rule 4 deduction from retrospectively withdrawn Dream On Baby in the 3.12 pm race at Galway on Saturday, which has proven costly for betting purposes due to Rule 4 deductions and discarded betting slips by punters. The ‘winner alright’ call was made at 3.40 pm, but an announcement of the ‘retrospective withdrawal’ of Dream On Baby was not made until 3.46 pm. A major error affecting both layers and punters – so do we see major fines or suspension for those involved? I think not.

The Molony family dropped a bombshell last Friday morning with the news that Thurles Racecourse was to close with immediate effect. The owners of the only privately owned racecourse in Ireland are retiring after 50 years, since her father-in-law Paddy Molony took over the track in 1974. Can the HRI reach a deal to keep this most important winter track racing?

Competition corner

Winners of the tickets for Kilbeggan on Saturday are John Egan, Ballinlough, Kay Condon, Fuerty, and Joe Miley, Knockcroghery – who all knew that Western Fold won the Galway Plate last week.

Here is your chance to win tickets for Roscommon’s flat fixture on Tuesday, 19th August. What was the name of the horse trained by Gordon Elliott that won the 2025 Galway Hurdle in the stewards’ room last week?

Answers as usual please, on a postcard, to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon, or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 5.00 pm on August 13th, not forgetting to include your name, address, and a contact phone number. Tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street, Roscommon.

and U-20s continues on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm and Fridays at 8.30 pm. Women’s training takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm and Fridays at 6.30 pm.

am for the coming

MINIS COACHING RETURNS: Minis rugby coaching returns on Sunday, September 7th. Parents and players, please note the new, earlier start time of 10

season.

Ivana Kiripati takes on the Scotland defence on her debut for Ireland. Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady

Athlone Town continue European adventure after impressive wins

UEFA Women’s Champions League First qualifying round

< KEVIN EGAN AT ATHLONE TOWN STADIUM

Athlone Town, host of so many famous European football occasions two generations ago, is once again flying the flag of the League of Ireland in style after they picked up wins over Cardiff City and ŽNK Agram last week to secure their passage through the first qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League.

With just 18 teams qualifying for the full group stages of the competition, the road to that level is arduous and long, but the reigning league champions will take the next step at the end of this month when they travel to the city of Enschede in Holland for two more games on August 27th and 30th. Their challenge will begin with a very tough test against Breiðablik UBK (Iceland), a side with eight Champions League match wins across four campaigns since 2020. However, the quality that Colin Fortune’s side showed in their two games last week would indicate that they continue to raise the ceiling. This week they announced the signing of two more key players, Katharina “Kat” Oelschlaeger from Germany and American midfielder/striker Alexis Strickland.

Two goals from former Sligo footballer Róisín Molloy were central to Athlone Town overcoming Cardiff 4-0 last Wednesday, with Hannah Waesch scoring the fourth goal just three minutes into the second half.

The scale of the challenge grew steeper against their Croatian opponents on Saturday afternoon, when fatigue was a concern for Fortune. Once again, a three-goal lead was built by half-time— Waesch scoring one after good work down the left from Madison Gibson, and Gibson scoring the other two direct from corner kicks.

“The first half was really good,” said a beaming Colin Fortune afterwards.

“I knew we’d tire because it was a really tough game on Wednesday night – the whole buildup and all that takes the energy out of the girls – so we knew that’s how it would go. But to be fair, in the second half it wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t stylish, but we dug in and we got our clean sheet. We did what we needed to do, having had the work done in the first half.”

“It’s our first time in the Champions League but we’ve said that we’re not here to make up numbers,” said the man who previously played for and managed the men’s first team.

“We’re not going to be here and try and keep it tight, not give anything away and stay in the competition. We’re here to have a go and you’ve seen that.

“We’ve to start getting ready for a big game against Bohs first, that’ll be our focus now, but when it comes time to play in Europe again, we’ll be ready!”

Athlone Town: Megan Plaschko; Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh

Roscommon Races August meeting a fine affair

Shine, Natalie McNally, Shauna Brennan; Hannah Waesch; Róisín Molloy (Lucy Fitzgerald 78), Sarah Rice, Israela Groves (captain) (Kate Slevin 70), Madison Gibson (Hazel Donegan 70); Kelly Brady.

Photographed last Saturday in the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League at Athlone Town Stadium – Kristina Nevrkla muscled out Hazel Donegan to clear the way for keeper Nika Radolovic to clear the ball.

Photo: Bernie Farrell

Pictured is Aisling Naughton of P&G Cards and Robbie McConn of Roscommon Racecourse at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening. P&G Cards were the sponsors of the Best Turned Horse competition. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Pictured is Aaron Lally, Tom Harney, Vincent Pierse and Sarah Murphy at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Pictured is Gretta and Edward Donnellan, sponsors of the Best Dressed Man competition; Jack Moran, winner of Best Dressed Man; runners-up Tom Cleary and Brian Hade; and Ailbhe Donnellan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Pictured is Brian Keenan of Brian Keenan Bookmakers presenting the Punchestown Friends Syndicate after their horse, Ripsnorter, ridden by Adam Ryan, won the final race of the evening at the Roscommon Races in the Brian Keenan On-Course Bookmaker Flat Race for trainer Andrew Slattery. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

Pictured is Brian Keenan Snr, jockey Paddy Mullins, Siobhan, and Brian Keenan at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening. Paddy was on board Keenan’s horse, Boo Radley, in the Brian Keenan On-Course Bookmaker Flat Race. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.

St Brigid’s set sights on reclaiming title

Dermot Hughes Cars Roscommon LGFA SFC

SPECIAL PREVIEW: KEVIN EGAN

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The brand new Marie McAleer (née Holland) Cup sparkles at the centre of the showroom at Dermot Hughes Cars in Roscommon town, the primary sponsor of the Roscommon LGFA Senior Football Championship (SFC), which gets underway this weekend.

The trophy, donated by Councillor Michael Holland in memory of his sister to recognise her extraordinary contribution to Gaelic games in the county, could be seen as the start of a new chapter on the pitch.

That will certainly be the hope in St Brigid’s, who were the dominant side for over 90 per cent of last year’s championship, only to be reeled in by a sensational second-half surge from Clann na nGael in the county final.

“We’re definitely determined to get back there, but it won’t be easy,” said Abby Curran, the St Brigid’s player who made a midfield spot her own with the county team this spring.

“You go through our team, there were 10 girls that day on our team who were aged 20 and under. When Clann got on top, we just didn’t really know how to deal with it.

“All the girls are kind of back training, we’ve new management in this year with Niall Mackey from Moate in charge, and the feedback has been really good from all the girls. The four of us who were in with Roscommon for the last couple of months haven’t been around as much, but everyone is really enjoying the whole setup.”

One win in five league games might suggest that Clann are not at the level they would like, but Orla McManus, Player of the Match in the 2024 county final and one of several players who missed that spring campaign due to county commitments, says it will be a different Clann team that takes to the field over the coming weeks,

starting with their trip to Loughglynn this Sunday.

“We had an in-house game recently and it’s a huge difference to see the county players come back,” she told the Roscommon People

“Some of the girls were playing brilliant stuff for Roscommon this year – Megan (Kelly), Róise, and Caoimhe Lennon. But we also have players who weren’t playing at the start of the year. A lot of us have been around for a long time, and I think people need a break as well. We have Ruth Finlass coming back, too – she just had a baby recently.

“It’s the same in football every year. You have people coming, you have people going, and it’s just the nature of the beast, but I think we’re definitely hitting our stride now.”

St Ciarán’s know what it’s like to travel a journey of redemption. The manner of their heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 intermediate final was a weight on their shoulders, but they shook that off in 2024 and have earned their place in the top tier this summer.

“The defeat to Éire Óg (in 2023) was very tough, but we took it on our stride,” said Rachel Murray, who could only look on in horror that fateful afternoon in Ballintubber when Rebecca Madden’s last-kick goal flipped the result.

“It was such a relief when the final whistle blew in Castlerea after we beat Barry’s – just a weight off everyone’s shoulders. We knew we deserved to play senior, but that didn’t mean anything if we couldn’t get over the line and win the intermediate final.”

The action gets underway this Sunday at 11 am across three venues, with Clann away to Éire Óg, St Ciarán’s hosting league champions Boyle, while Kiltoom will be the venue for a local derby between St Brigid’s and St Dominic’s.

Short putts

ROSCOMMON

SENIOR MEN: Senior men’s winner was Terry Benson (39 pts). Cat. 1: Willie Doyle, 35 pts; Cat. 2: Tony Costello, 35 pts; Cat. 3: Pat Finneran, 32 pts; Cat 4: Tommy Farrell, 37 pts. Deuces: Tony Costello, Tommy Gilleran, Fr Joe Fitzgerald, Gerry Keegan, Tommy Farrell, John Cooney, Terry Benson. This Thursday is an open day ‘Play in Pink’ in aid of breast cancer research. Enter on the computer. It is an 18-hole competition. €10 entry fee. Please support.

SENIOR LADIES: Winner was Nuala Costello with 20 pts. 2nd was Marguerite Farrell, 20 pts; 3rd: Anne Gately, 20 pts; 4th: Patricia Keane, 18 pts; 5th: Kay Ruane, 15 pts.

LADIES: Ladies competition (sponsored by Curl up & Dye) overall winner was Kay Ruane, 34 pts. Cat. 1: Laura Griffith, 34 pts; Cat. 2: Bernadette Maher, 33 pts. Cat. 3: Marguerite Farrell, 33 pts. 9-hole Eden Skin & Laser Clinic overall winner was Patricia Donnelly with 22 pts. Cat 1: Sue Keane, 18 pts; Cat. 2: Michaela Noone, 16 pts; Cat 3: Detta Cox, 15 pts. 18-hole competition sponsored by Eden Skin & Laser Clinic. Overall winner was Bernie Browne

Exciting IFC and JFC title races in prospect

< KEVIN EGAN

If a racing trainer succeeded in getting a horse with a form line as good as that of St Barry’s into an intermediate-level race at Galway last week, they would be seen as a master tactician.

The Tarmonbarry club have a huge spread of some of the best young talent in the county. They smashed senior champions Clann na nGael in a Division One league final recently, and they have county final experience after losing out to St Ciarán’s last year.

Thankfully for the club and for manager Gerry Evans, there are cooler, experienced heads on hand that know they have to keep sharp through what should be an incredibly competitive group stage.

“It’s exciting, but we know that things can change very quickly,” said Niamh Toolan at the launch of the Coachman’s Inn/Harry’s Restaurant Intermediate Football Championship (IFC).

“We have players in the dressing room that have played and won at Division One underage, but there are a lot of good teams out there. We start off this Saturday evening against a Pádraig Pearses team that won a championship last year, and they have a lot of young talent of their own, and all it needs is one bad day, and suddenly you’re under pressure.”

That fixture in Woodmount (7 pm) is one of the ties of the round in the IFC, with Áine Galvin of the home side looking forward to testing out how they fare against the championship front-runners. “The sky is the limit,” Galvin declared.

“Every match we go out, we believe we can win it, and

with 39 pts. Cat. 1: Ann Keogh, 38 pts; Cat. 2: Yvonne Waldron, 35 pts; Cat. 3: Laarni Beattie, 38 pts.

18-hole Stableford Open Competition held on Friday, August 1st. 18-hole winner was Annie Timothy with 38 pts. 2nd: Helen Costello (Mountbellew), 37 pts; 3rd: Julie O’Gara (Grange), 32 pts.

2025 MEN’S CAPTAIN’S PRIZE: This year’s Captain’s (Robbie McConn) prize was contested over last weekend and a huge field of 134 competed. Over the two days the overall winner was Tommy Grehan with magnificent rounds of 67 and 71. The full result was: 1st: Tommy Grehan (138); 2nd: Willie Doyle (140); Gross 1st went to Simon Walker (135); 3rd: David Farrell (140): 4th: Frank Grehan (140); 5th: Denis O’Brien (141): 6th: Brian Cleary (141); 2nd Gross: Richie Evans; 1st 18: Peter McGarry (65); 2nd 18: Paul Allen (68); Ladies 9-hole winner: Sheila Fallon, 21 pts; Junior winner: Tommy Cuddy; Senior men’s winner: Jackie Kilroy.

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: We wish the best of luck to Olivia Costello and Thomas Higgins who play for Ireland in the home internationals in the UK this week.

that all comes down to our management team. John (Whyte) and the coaches – they really have fantastic belief in us, and I believe there’s a great mix of youth and experience in the team.”

The other games at this grade are on Sunday at 11 am, with Kilbride making the short trip to St Croan’s, while Western Gaels will host Michael Glaveys in a west Roscommon derby.

Among the array of clubs looking to follow in Pearses’ footsteps are St Mary’s, one of several clubs in a tightly-knit field in the Leydon Brothers JFC.

Gráinne Cribbin has been part of St Mary’s teams that have competed at higher levels in the past, and she is determined to bring those better days back to the Tulsk-based club.

“In the past couple of years, we were very competitive –winning junior and going on to the Connacht finals, winning intermediate, we were competitive at senior for a year or two,” she said.

“If you’re missing a couple of players, things can change very quickly. So, you know, the last couple of years have been very tough on us, but in the last, let’s say maybe two or three years, we’ve definitely become more competitive at junior.

“We have Louise (Brady) and Niamh (Feeney) to come back in now, so we’re eager to get out of the junior championship. We’ve been knocking on the door the last maybe three years – things are going good this year.

“We play St Faithleach’s first. We drew with them last year, so this will be a really good game to give us an idea if we’re making the progress that we’re all working towards,” she concluded.

Roscommon Golf Club Captain Robert McConn photographed presenting the overall winner’s prize to Tommy Grehan at the club last weekend.

(News from local golf clubs)

Roscommon Golf Club Captain Robert McConn photographed presenting the overall second prize to Willie Doyle at the club last weekend.

Roscommon Golf Club Captain Robert McConn photographed presenting the overall gross winner’s prize to Simon Walker at the club last weekend.

Roscommon Golf Club Captain Robert McConn photographed presenting the ladies’ nine-hole prize to winner Sheila Fallon at the club last weekend.

Photographed are (left to right); Grainne Cribbin, Rachel Gormley, Natalie McHugh, Ciarrai Harkin, Aine Earley, Katie Doyle and Marie Kelly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh.