Roscommon People 23 October 2020

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23 October 2020

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The new normal: Level 5 Lockdown begins

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ROSCOMMON PLAYERS SELF-ISOLATING AFTER CONFIRMED CASE

they secured a win that almost certainly ensures promotion to the top flight.

A number of members of the We can confirm that a member Roscommon senior football panel of the Roscommon senior football have been forced to self-isolate panel has tested positive for Constituency after a player tested positiveRoscommon-Galway for Covid-19 and that a number Covid-19. of other players, who were The development will hamper considered close contacts, have Roscommon manager Anthony been forced to self-isolate.

Cunningham’s preparations for The Roscommon People this weekend’s National attempted to contact a number of Vótáil Football League Division 2 clash Roscommon GAA County Board with Cavan and comes after the personnel on Wednesday night team’s trip to Armagh, where but no official comment was < DAN DOONER

Eugene

Murphy

available as we went to press.

Meanwhile, Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions are now officially in place across the country as businesses and households in County Roscommon brace themselves for six weeks of lockdown.

The new lockdown comes as sixteen new cases were confirmed in the county as of midnight on Tuesday (20th), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Roscommon to 647 since the pandemic began. See pages 8 & 9.

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Senator

Eugene Murphy

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02

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

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‘He lifts the entire nation with his antics!’

Sunday night

AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie Grandparent Access to Grandchildren

My son’s relationship with his girlfriend recently broke down. They have two children who used to spend a lot of time with me but all contact has now been cut. My son is not pushing for access but I would love to see my grandchildren frequently. Is a grandparent entitled to access to their grandchildren?

Unfortunately, grandparents do not have an automatic right to access to their grandchildren. However, grandparents may apply to their local District Court for such access.

The grandparent must first get permission from the Court to bring their application for access.

The Court takes a number of factors into consideration before deciding whether to grant permission to bring the application. The Court will have regard to: 1. The Applicants connection with the child 2. The risk, if any, that the application will disrupt the child’s life 3. The wishes of the child’s guardian are taken into account If grandparents are successful at this first stage, they may then bring a second application to the Court for the access itself. The Court will hear evidence from both sides before making a decision.

Applications take place behind closed doors and are completely private.

A grandparent may make the application themselves, employ a Solicitor to make the application on their behalf or they may apply to the Legal Aid Board for representation.

Given that legal action may cause further strain to an already difficult relationship it may be best if the grandparent sought to communicate with the grandchildren’s parents with a view to negotiating access arrangements prior to embarking upon litigation. A mediation service may also be employed which may assist parents and grandparents sort out a mutually acceptable arrangement regarding access.

Chin up!

But…I’m crestfallen!

Well, we’re ALL feeling a bit low, but we need to rally together.

You don’t understand…I just…MISS HIM! I know, I know, what you need is someone to listen to you…and I’m a good listener.

Thank you, like I say, I MISS HIM! Wha’? Miss who? Sorry, I wasn’t listening!

MISS WHO???!!! Haven’t you heard? It’s CYCLING ACCIDENT been three or four days, maybe a week since he’s been seen…

AH, HIM! That’s a belated silly If you were involved in ajust cycling season media story. You can’t be up to the accident contact media!

Byrne Carolan You don’t understand, he hasn’t been seen Cunningham Solicitors for days…

Media hype!

No, there’s been NO confirmed sightings!

You really like him, don’t you?

Yes! Do you remember that day we saw him in the flesh?

Yes, I do! In fairness, he is very entertaining.

He’s hilarious! He lifts the entire nation with his antics!

I know…but it’s a distraction, it’s silly stuff, we need to knuckle down and deal with Level 5…

I can’t help it! I MISS HIM! You do realise he’s been in deep water lately…he’s been floundering…metaphorically drowning…little wonder he’s gone to ground….

He HASN’T been metaphorically drowning!

He has great resilience, he has energy, he’s invincible!

Boy, you really are a fan…

Yes, I am! And it’s really worrying that he’s

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

A dolphin?

You are talking about Fungie…Dingle’s famous dolphin?

NO! I’m talking about the Big D…Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health! He hasn’t been seen for days!

Oh, sorry…

Tuesday He’s safe and well…he’s been spotted… as entertaining as ever!

Who? Fungie?

No, Stephen Donnelly! He was on with Claire Byrne last night…

Oh, never mind that. What did you think of the Rossies?

Brilliant! The team played great!

We’re heading back into Division One… Yeah, hopefully the fans too!

(They pause to reflect on these strangest of times)

missing. He hasn’t been seen in public for several days now. Life’s not the same without his playful performances…his trampoline-like leaps, his flights of fancy!

I know, I know…love that trampoline reference, by the way!

I MISS HIM! Where is he?

Maybe he’s just lying low…keeping his head down, waiting for the choppy waters to settle…for the er…waves of frustration to crash against the…er… beach of tranquillity.

Maybe…but I… MISS HIM? Yes! You really do love the Big D! Well, he just makes me happy…

Amazing…how much joy a dolphin can bring into one’s life…

What do you miss most?

Normality. Social interaction. I was thinking how nice it would be to be able to go to Mass and sit near the back of the Church and see my neighbours and friends, a communal gathering…normal life.

I know what you mean. We want Mass back, sport back with spectators…hotels, bars and restaurants to bubble with atmosphere again.

Agreed! And I’m heartbroken for local businesses that have to shut again.

We need to be positive. We need to be strong. We will definitely come through this.

Let’s take on Level 5 with a united Rossie spirit!

Yes, we can do this! We will rise again!

Both: Like Fungie!

What we liked…

Roscommon senior footballers had a fine win over Armagh at the weekend, a result which should ensure their promotion back to Division One of the National Football League.

What we didn’t like…

We probably knew it was coming, and it is necessary, but today’s move to Level 5 restrictions – a slightly softer ‘Lockdown 2’ – is still a body blow for national morale, a wake-up call for those who are not complying with Covid-19 guidelines, and a dreadful setback for many businesses.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

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

What PEOPLE are talking about

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

PIC OF THE WEEK: Spot the Rossie! A Roscommon player is surrounded by three Armagh players during last Saturday’s National Football League Division 2 game in the Athletic Grounds. Picture: Mick McCormack

The country going to Level 5 with effect from today; Whether or not the GAA Championships should be played; flooding in Cork… and the whereabouts of Fungie.

03

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

‘Gyms should be considered essential!’

Local gym owner says clients experiencing anxiety…

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A gym owner in Roscommon town has said fitness facilities should be considered essential services and expressed his disappointment at the decision to close them as part of Level 5 restrictions.

Cathal Dineen, who owns Fullbody Workhouse, is adamant that his facility could continue to operate safely.

“Early on in the pandemic, the North of Ireland was doing things differently to the rest of Ireland but now they have gyms open within those six counties and we can’t?

“Many gym owners are using mental health benefits as a reason to stay open but I’m looking at it as a gym owner.

I am one million percent sure that I am safe to open. We provide clients with their own gym equipment and we can run our one-to-one and semi-private classes safely.

“It beggars belief that a classroom with 25 people in it is considered safe, while our facility, which will have fewer people but is around six times larger, is not,” he said.

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Mr. Dineen added that what we have so far learned about Covid-19 would suggest that fitness plays a vital role when it comes to fighting the virus.

“There are mental and physical health benefits to exercise so I can’t believe gyms aren’t considered an essential service.

Clients have contacted me since the announcement (of restrictions) and said they were experiencing anxiety (with gyms closing)”.

Mr. Dineen said that he had been positive when reopening in July, and had hired extra staff

< DAN DOONER

Roscommon County Council could be facing a bill of €40,000 due to an increase in tins of paint being disposed of at the Roscommon Civic Amenity Site.

Lockdown DIY projects have led to a huge rise in paint being brought to the facility and Director of Services, Liam Bergin, told Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council that paint disposal costs have trebled in recent months.

Mr. Bergin said the local authority could be facing a bill of between €40,000 and €60,000 a year if the current trend continued. In a bid to address “spiralling costs”, he proposed a limit of three paint cans per recycling ticket (€3.50) with excess cans costing another €3.50.

Fianna Fáil Cllr. Orla Leyden said the move would be counter-productive at a time when the local authority faced a rise in illegal dumping due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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in order to meet an increased demand. He has however been Offers available Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th October 2020. forced to move classes online once again as a new lockdown begins.

67085 Londis Timothy’s Abbeytown Press AD 127mm x 155mm.indd 1 21/10/2020 16:43 “Over 35,000 people across Ireland have signed a petition to Mackney, Ballinasloe, Email: keep gyms open so it just goes Co. Galway, H53 CP40 office@ardscoilmhuire.ie Email: Mackney, Ballinasloe, to show you how much of a Telephone: Website: office@ardscoilmhuire.ie Co. Galway, H53 CP40 drive there is (within the indus-090 9642206 / 090 9643307 www.ardscoilmhuire.com Website: Telephone: try). People want it and people www.ardscoilmhuire.com 090 9642206 / 090 9643307 need it. I have been working on ensuring that everything transitions to online classes. I said I was going to be proactive but I’m still very disappointed,” he said.

Paint disposal could cost Council €40k!

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“Having this landed on us with ten minutes left (in the meeting) is a bit much. You can’t bring in extra charges at a time when we are trying to reduce dumping,” she said.

Cllr. Leyden joined Cllr. Nigel Dineen in calling for further clarification on new charges and was told by Mr. Bergin that they would only apply to excess paint cans.

“We don’t have any money in the budget to continue this service so this is the lesser of two evils,” he said.

Cllr. Donal Kilduff said the €3.50 charge was “not an unrealistic price” while Cllr. Tony Ward added: “There’s no way I’d like to see us lose €40,000 or (see) amenity sites not taking paint.

“As chairperson of Curraghboy Tidy Towns, the amenity centre service is important to prevent illegal dumping. While I wouldn’t want to see money taken from other services, this shouldn’t be turned into a money-making exercise. It should be fair on people”.

It was decided to discuss the issue further at next month’s meeting.

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04

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday 25 October 2020 Jesus came not to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfil it (see Matthew 5:17), and in today’s Gospel, He reveals that love – of God and of neighbour – is the fulfilment of the whole of the law (see Romans 13:8–10).

Devout Israelites were to keep all 613 commands found in the Bible’s first five books. Jesus says today that all these, and all the teachings of the prophets, can be summarised by two verses of this law (see Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).

He seems to summarise the two stone tablets on which God was said to have engraved the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 32:15–16). The first tablet set out three laws concerning the love of God, such as the command not to take His name in vain; the second contained seven commands regarding love of neighbour, such as those against stealing and adultery.

Love is the hinge that binds the two tablets of the law. For we can’t love God, whom we can’t see, if we don’t love our neighbour, whom we can (see 1 John 4:20–22).

But this love we are called to is far more than simple affection or warm sentiment. We must give ourselves totally to God – loving with our whole beings, with all our heart, soul, and mind. Our love for our neighbour must express itself in concrete actions, such as those set out in today’s First Reading.

We love because He first loved us (see 1 John 4:19). As we sing in today’s Psalm, He has been our deliverer, our strength when we could not possibly defend ourselves against the enemies of sin and death.

We love in thanksgiving for our salvation. And in this become imitators of Jesus, as Paul tells us in today’s Epistle – laying down our lives daily in ways large and small, seen and unseen; our lives offered as a continual sacrifice of praise (see John 15:12–13; Hebrews 13:15).

– Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

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South Roscommon FRC wants you to reach out < DAN DOONER

The South Roscommon Family Resource Centre is encouraging people to reach out for support as Level 5 restrictions take hold across the county today.

Coordinator Sarah Brennan says service will be impacted by the latest lockdown but supports are still available.

“We, like the other Family Resource Centres across the county, have had to walk the line between our responsibility to the community and offering support and a safe place for those who need it.

first period of lockdown in March of this year.

“It was easier the last time because we didn’t really know what was ahead of us and because the weather was good. The long, dark evenings are much more problematic in terms of isolation.

But it’s important to remember that there are a number of supports available either online or by phone,” she said.

Fundraising has been difficult if not impossible for local services this year but the county’s Family Resource Centres are running a ‘Freaky Family’ virtual fundraiser to raise vital funds.

Sarah explained: “The county’s four Family Resource Centres (South Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea) are asking participants to complete a 5K or 10K walk, run or cycle over the Halloween weekend (October 30th to November 1st). There are prizes on offer, including one for the best Halloween costume and registration forms are available from your local FRC or online.

“We would kindly ask people to support our vital services and more information is available on our Facebook page and at gofundme.com”.

Feighan: ‘I raised funeral limits with Tánaiste’ The Cabinet has confirmed that the number of mourners permitted to attend funerals has increased from ten to 25 as part of Level 5 restrictions, in a move which has been welcomed by Minister of State Frank Feighan.

He said: “A number of people contacted me after Monday’s announcement by Taoiseach, Mícheal Martin, in which it was advised that only ten mourners could attend a funeral.

“It was also advised at the same time that up to 25 people could gather to celebrate a wedding.

“I made contact with the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar before cabinet urging him and government ministers to reconsider the restriction on funerals. I am delighted to learn that the government reviewed and changed the restrictions around funerals.

“I think common sense prevailed here with this decision. It is a difficult enough time for mourners losing a loved one, so I do hope the increase in permitted numbers at a funeral during Level 5 restrictions will provide some small comfort”.

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: L6160-16 Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted to N61 from its junction with L6160-16 to its junction with L6015-0, L6015-0 to its junction with L1412-38, L1412-38 to its junction with L6160-16 and vica versa Period of Closure: The 16th November 2020 until the 28th November 2020.

Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road as part of the Corracreigh Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract.

All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan.

Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Map showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than Friday 30th October 2020.

Water Services, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98

“We have a number of social groups that we now cannot run.

We have however contacted participants in those groups and offered weekly support phone calls to let them know they’re not on their own.

“I am very surprised with the level of uptake considering we have only just gone into lockdown. We encourage those who feel isolated, including those who have not engaged with us before, to reach out to us on 090-6628621 for support,” she said.

Sarah added that Level 5 poses a much different challenge to the

Support local businesses online – Murphy

Members of the Cunniffe family from Roscommon on the drums in the outdoor musical section in The Demesne, Castlerea.

Picture: Michael McCormack.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has appealed to people to support Irish businesses when purchasing goods online in the coming weeks, as the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions will have “crippling economic and societal impacts”.

“As the country prepares to enter Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, I would urge people to batten down the hatches and try their best to get through the next six weeks with the chance of some reprieve for the Christmas and New Year period.

“I understand how difficult it will be for people and particularly businesses who will have to shut their doors yet again. So I would urge people who are shopping online to buy Irish and support local businesses online,” said Senator Murphy.

Council pays tribute to Josephine Connaughton < DAN DOONER

Members of Roscommon County Council offered heartfelt condolences to Cllr. Ivan Connaughton and his family before standing for a minute’s silence at Monday’s meeting in memory of Ivan’s mother, Josephine Connaughton, who passed away recently following an illness.

Cllr. Tom Crosby led the tributes, offering his sympathies to Ivan, his father and former Roscommon Mayor, Martin, and the Connaughton family.

Speaking on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, Cllr. Orla Leyden said Mrs. Connaughton had “served Athleague with great grace” as the village’s postmistress for many years.

Cllr. Valerie Byrne said a “huge

The late Josephine Connaughton

vacancy” was left in the village following her passing and Fine Gael councillor John Naughten sympathised with the Connaughton family, added that it was “even more difficult for (grieving) families at this time”.

Independent councillor Tony Ward offered “deepest sympathies

on behalf of our group of Independents”, adding “I have known Martin and Josie for years, she was always a lady and always kind… you wouldn’t be too many minutes in the door before an apple tart was introduced”.

Sinn Féin’s Cllr. Michael Mulligan described Mrs. Connaughton as “a lovely lady” before CEO Eugene Cummins offered the Connaughton family “deepest sympathies” on behalf of Roscommon County Council management.

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton thanked councillors and management on behalf of his father Martin and family: “We have very much appreciated the kind words over the last few weeks. Our house was always an open house. She was a very humble woman”.

05

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

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06

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Friday Pity poor Arsene Wenger, the legendary former Arsenal manager. When he finally got around to writing his autobiography (in shops now), his sad fate was to have his key TV promotional interviews in the UK and Ireland scheduled with Graham Norton and Ryan Tubridy respectively.

Norton offers no pretence of having much knowledge of or interest in sport, which is fair enough. Norton to Wenger: “I always thought that if the players are good enough, they will do their thing…that they don’t need a manager”.

Meanwhile, someone in Late Late Show land obviously decided to tick a few boxes when preparing questions for shameless Ryan!

In their virtual chat, a very patient Wenger was asked by Tubridy about the Thierry Henry handball incident (presumably because, like Henry, Wenger is French); pressed to praise Irish fans; queried about Roy Keane (no mention of Patrick Vieira, whom Wenger managed and who had many classic clashes with Keane)…and so on and so on.

The most cringeworthy part of the interview was when Tubridy – presumably thinking he was asking Wenger what every viewer wanted – pressed his guest on the handball controversy of…2009.

Embarrassingly, Tubridy informed his presumably startled guest that the Irish have a compromised relationship with Paris ever since Thierry’s naughty act. When Wenger very patiently and courteously commented on a matter that really had nothing to do with his life journey, Tubridy added a new layer of embarrassment, ungraciously stating: “We’re not over it yet”.

We are over it. Whether Arsene is over his Late Late outing or not is another matter.

Saturday All week, the public mood was turning against the GAA. Yet, earlier in the summer, the absence of the games was being sorely felt. Of course what angered the public was the irresponsible behaviour of some fans when celebrating county final wins. This understandable anger shouldn’t really have been conflated with the GAA’s plans on the inter-county front. That’s not to say that the GAA (and other sport) continuing isn’t a legitimate subject for discussion and ongoing review.

Roscommon footballers travelled to Armagh with that uneasy atmosphere prevailing. The match itself was entertaining, and Roscommon’s excellent win surely lifted the spirits of fans watching on TV. By all accounts, the organisation by the Armagh hosts was excellent, and all Covid-related

Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham issues instructions during a water break during last Saturday’s National Football League Division 2 game in the Athletic Grounds. Picture: Mick McCormack

guidelines were adhered to. It was a superb performance by Roscommon. We have full coverage in our sports section.

All week This is really testing us now. Wearing people down. It’s hurting people, this wretched crisis.

The new normal is unpleasant. Sure, there may be positive lessons we can learn from the whole experience, aspects of lockdown (remote working, work/life balance, appreciation of family time, etc.) that we will use for our benefit in the future. But just now, this is a saga that is attacking the spirit of the people.

People remain courteous and decent, and, for the most part, very responsible with regard to the guidelines. But the joy that life can give has itself been infected. We are all used to life’s ups and downs, but we did not expect such a tsunami of despair to visit us.

It’s not normal to see mask-wearing old people shuffling warily on the pavements, to see apprehension and strain on faces in shops. School children congregate in bubbles or pods in schoolyards, some of them wearing face coverings, all of them aware of the heartlessness of 2020.

It’s Level 5 from today. For six weeks. Then what? Who knows? Around us, heroes. We must never forget the great work and courage of frontline workers. It must be particularly

challenging and stressful for the heroic staff in local nursing homes, in our hospitals, in all our health facilities. They are at the front of the frontline. This applies to medical and care personnel, but also to caterers, cleaners, to all who are involved in looking after people in these centres. Those working in shops are also on the frontline. They are engaging with hundreds of people every week, all against a background of Covid-19 guidelines…and a sometimes tense public.

I thought Micheál Martin spoke well and was quite reassuring when he addressed the nation on Monday night. Simon Harris is (again) playing a blinder. And, for all the slightly mischevious solo runs he’s prone to, straight-talking Leo Varadkar continues to be a calming, measured voice in all of this.

I’m not sure what Level 5 will look like. We’ll have a sense of that in the next few days. It isn’t lockdown as we knew it earlier this year. It’s a balancing act. This time the schools will be open – so too construction – plus so-called elite sport is being permitted. But thousands of businesses will close from today – and that’s heartbreaking for those involved. This stop-start trading year (mostly stop) has been disastrous for SMEs. Apart from the devastating financial implications, these forced closures must be impacting on the mental health of many business owners.

Experiencing anguish, uncertainty and fear too

are the hundreds of thousands of people who are losing their jobs.

And still, on this gloomiest of journeys, we must think in particular of those we have lost, of those who are bereaved. Covid has even managed to mercilessly tamper with death itself, robbing families of private time with the dying…coldly stripping traditional Irish funerals of much of their intimacy, warmth, compassion.

When we are told to ‘socially distance’, it is not normal. When kids can’t play together, when teenagers can’t socialise, it is not normal. And so, yes, this is really testing us now.

There is growing division in our society, less of the solidarity of March and April. Some of that is healthy enough, I suppose; it’s good that different views are aired on how we should tackle this pandemic.

But now, with Level 5 muscling in, it is important that we act together with that sense of cohesion that was so evident during the earlier lockdown. Level 5 will be less restrictive than lockdown, but still restrictive enough. People should not take a casual approach or look for loopholes – just because we are not closing down in full. We need to pull together, to defeat the virus, to restore the real normal, to welcome the joy back in the future.

It’s important to look out for others too.

Many people are in despair. Loneliness and fear are having a good 2020. But we will of course overcome this. Hopefully in six weeks’ time, even as the winter darkness nears, light and brightness will reign in our country. Stay safe.

Tuesday The ‘Excuse my sarcasm’ corner: More on what is and isn’t permitted under Level 5…four bankers, one agriculture minister, one EU Commissioner and strictly just one arrogant Supreme Court judge will still be allowed to play golf together. As ever, distancing from rest of society and washing hands of responsibility applies.

“

It’s important to look out for others too. Many people are in despair. Loneliness and fear are having a good 2020.

07

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

Wag ‘n’ Tails Your local PET SHOP opens in * Roscommon! 10% onyfthfing a ore!

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The family-run pet shop, Wag ‘n’ Tails, opened its doors at Circular Road, Roscommon town for the very first time last Sunday (October 18th).

With over 30 years’ experience in the world of pets and stores in Ballinasloe and Loughrea, Dubliner Paul McDermott and his wife Carol are looking forward to welcoming customers to their new business.

Wag ‘n’ Tails stocks all leading brands of dog and cat food as well as live animals including: cold water and tropical fish, birds, small animals and even reptiles.

The pet shop offers a local and nationwide home delivery service and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Check out Wag ‘n’ Tails on Facebook or at www.wagntails.ie, or call 091-887103.

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€30 million invested in county in three years < DAN DOONER

It was revealed at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council that by year end, over €30 million will have been invested in the county’s towns and villages within the last three years.

Director of Services Majella Hunt told members that €23 million had been procured from schemes such as the Town & Villages Renewal Scheme, Clár, Rural Regeneration and Development and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds since 2017.

She said that currently there were 100 live projects and as of the end of 2019, €23 million in funding and €5 million in matching funding from the local authority had been made available for various projects across the county.

If ongoing funding applications were successful this year, that figure would

rise to over €30 million with €7 million in matching funding from the local authority.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, said the funding had brought “substantial changes to the county” and should be appreciated.

Cllr. John Cummins said: “This is a huge amount of money and an endorsement of Roscommon. (It’s important to remember) without (council) members a lot of these projects wouldn’t go ahead”.

Cllr. Cummins highlighted the “new-found confidence” such funding had afforded the town of Boyle following renewal projects such as the Royal Hotel.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice said that while raising the Local Property Tax was “a very tough thing to do at the time”, it had raised vital matching funding.

Cllr. John Naughten said the ongoing investment was very welcome for the

long-term development of the county, while Cllr.

Nigel Dineen remarked that it was very positive for the county, but some communities were still struggling.

Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher highlighted the ongoing work on Abbey Street and Church Street in Roscom-

mon town, which was made possible by Historic Town Initiative funding.

Other members welcomed the news and paid tribute to hard-working communities as well as Roscommon County Council staff for their work throughout the funding application process.

Boil Water notice D’Alton’s & lifted in Lanesboro

Dolan’s Bar

Thank you to all our customers for their continued support during these restrictive times. We look forward to welcoming you all back on December 1st.

– Joe & Staff.

Irish Water confirmed that the Boil Water notice which had impacted residents in Lanesboro and surrounding areas, was lifted following consultation with the Health Service Executive last Friday.

The notice had been in place since the beginning of this month following a mechanical failure at the water treatment plant which compromised the disinfection process.

A statement from Irish Water read: ‘Following a number of satisfactory water samples and an audit of the treatment plant, the Boil Water notice was lifted.

Irish Water and Longford County Council would like to thank the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the HSE

for their input and support throughout the process’.

Michael Cunniffe, Irish Water engineer, said: “Irish Water acknowledges and understands the impact of this boil water notice on the 4,800 people affected in the town of Lanesborough and its environs and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.

“We endeavoured to keep the public up to date at every stage and we are grateful to the media, elected representatives and members of the public who shared the information. Irish Water’s priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water and safeguarding that water supply for the future is a vital focus”.

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

COVID-19…the move to LEVEL 5

Severe blow for businesses as Level 5 begins today 16 new cases in Roscommon < DAN DOONER

Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions are now officially in place across the country as businesses and households in County Roscommon brace themselves for six weeks of lockdown.

The implementation of the highest possible restrictions under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid means that residents must exercise within 5km over their home and visits from other households are banned.

Level 5 also means the closure of non-essential businesses and the postponement of all sport apart from elite level GAA, soccer, rugby and horse and greyhound racing.

The new lockdown comes as sixteen new cases were confirmed in the county as of midnight on Tuesday (20th), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Roscommon to 647 since the pandemic began. The county’s 14-day incidence rate is now at 232.4, which is below the national rate of 291.0.

There were 1,167 new cases nationwide and three new deaths. There were also 324 people in hospital and 34 in ICU.

Camogie team may not travel over Covid fears < DAN DOONER

The Roscommon junior camogie team may not be able to field a team for their All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Championship match away to Armagh this Saturday due to Covid-19 fears.

Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, manager Karol Collins said a number of players had opted against travelling to Northern Ireland for the fixture.

“Some of the girls feel unsafe about travelling across the border because it is a hotbed for the virus. We were already struggling for numbers because we lost ten players before the season started due to the current situation.

“If the game was played anywhere else south of the border then I think we would be able to get the numbers and I think we’ll be okay for our two home games. It’s understandable that the girls don’t want to take the risk (travelling to Armagh),” he said.

Collins said that according to Camogie Association guidelines, failure to field this Saturday could also put Roscommon club teams’ progression from provincial competitions at risk.

The Roscommon manager added that a number of his players are essential workers while some have vulnerable relatives. He called on the Camogie Association to review the current restrictions in relation to junior games.

“Health and safety is more important than a game of camogie of course. We have seen it in men’s senior football with Leitrim (refusing to field) last week and Longford unable to travel this week.

“Maybe the Camogie Association can look at the guidelines (in relation to elite sports and senior inter-county) and something can be done,” he said.

Minor and U-20 championships off!

Following clarification from the Department of Sport around the staging of inter-county fixtures, the GAA has confirmed that as of midnight last night (Wednesday), all minor and U-20 inter-county competitions will be paused until further notice.

This means that Saturday’s scheduled EirGrid GAA U-20 football final between Dublin and Galway will now not take place. It also means that the Electric Ireland Connacht Minor Football Championship, which was due to start this weekend, has been postponed.

Disappointment as golf clubs forced to close < DAN DOONER

There was disappointment locally following confirmation yesterday that golf clubs nationwide would be forced to close under Level 5 Covid restrictions, which came into effect at midnight last night (Wednesday).

Roscommon Golf Club Secre-

tary, Paula Connaughton, said members would one again play their part in flattening the curve.

“We are very disappointed to have to close given the nature of our sport and the physical distancing but when you weigh it up we are in a serious situation with regards to the pandemic.

“Our members will play their

part and stay home. It’s completely out of our control but we are doing our bit and showing solidarity with the community,” she said.

The golf club enjoyed a successful reopening following the first Covid-19 lockdown earlier this year and Paula was hopeful that members would be ready to return to the course in the near future.

“We had a great run over the summer and we had a large number of members out last Sunday and some out yesterday to play one last game. While there is disappointment, we have no choice but to stay home and be ready to get back out and play once we are given the go ahead,” she said.

Murphy: The GAA needs to do the right thing! < DAN DOONER

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has doubled down on his call for all GAA matches to be postponed for a number of weeks while the nation comes to terms with Level 5 restrictions.

He said time was running out to “do the right thing” as Covid-19 continues to run rampant across Ireland, and called on the association as well as other elite sports bodies to postpone fixtures.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Senator Murphy said: “I think it was a grave mistake allowing games to go ahead last weekend. I am one of the most avid sports fans in County Roscommon – including GAA, soccer and rugby – but I fear that we may look back with regret in a few weeks’ time when

we see the results of allowing these games to go ahead.

“I do not want to take from Roscommon’s great win at the weekend and I realise the great joy and well-being these games brought to so many people, but Covid-19 is out of control. Numbers are increasing every day. I think it is outrageous and unacceptable that we could not ask the GAA to postpone these matches for a few weeks”.

The Fianna Fáil Senator also claimed a number of counties were reluctant in fulfilling fixtures in Northern Ireland last weekend.

“I did some calculations and I reckon we are talking in excess of 3,000 people involved in sport last weekend with everything that was on.

“Squads all over the country have doctors, frontline workers, teachers, etc. and

you have to take into account referees, umpires, and those in the media too.

“We had Roscommon travelling up and down to Armagh, Longford reluctantly travelling to Derry, and Leitrim, who didn’t want to travel to Down. We are talking about matches in Northern Ireland, which has been badly affected by this virus.

“I understand that the games were very well run but I’m talking about those involved in games catching the virus and then going back into the community or into homes with vulnerable loved ones,” he added.

Senator Murphy also raised concerns over elite soccer, as well Saturday’s Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy, stating that postponements need to happen “across the board”.

“I’d be more than happy to come back in a few weeks if things go to plan and my fears prove to be unfounded. My fears are due to what we know about this virus and that there could be severe consequences.

“There is that well-being factor, particularly as we face six weeks of lockdown, but right now let’s do the right thing for a couple of weeks”.

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

COVID-19…the move to LEVEL 5

What does Level 5 mean for you? < DAN DOONER

The Government moved to impose Level 5 restrictions across the country from midnight last night (Wednesday). But what do the new restrictions mean for businesses and households?

Travel restrictions Under Level 5 you will be asked to stay home but can exercise within 5km of your home. There will be penalties, including on-the-spot fines of €500, for travel outside of the 5km limit, except for essential work and essential purposes such as food shopping, healthcare, etc.

Visitors and gatherings There are to be no visitors to your home or garden under Level 5. However, you can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household in order to support those at risk of isolation and/or suffering from mental health issues.

Socialising You are still allowed to meet with one other household in an outdoor setting such as a

park, and this includes exercise.

Large social events and family gatherings, apart from weddings and funerals, should not take place.

Over-70s and ‘at risk’ Those aged over 70 and those who are considered ‘medically vulnerable’ are asked to exercise caution, even when exercising outside. Stay home as much as possible and maintain physical distancing, wear a face covering and avoid public transport.

Weddings and funerals Up to 25 guests are allowed to attend a wedding ceremony and reception and up to 25 mourners are permitted to attend a funeral. Religious services will take place online.

Bars, pubs and restaurants Nightclubs, discos, and casinos will remain closed and so too will ‘wet’ pubs in Dublin.

Nationwide, bars, cafés, restaurants, and wet pubs can only offer takeaway or delivery services.

Retail and hairdressing Only essential retail (businesses selling food and beverages to take away, newsagents, supermarkets, pharmacies and chemists) is permitted to stay open and face coverings must continue to be worn.

Business which sell items considered essential to places of residence and other businesses are also allowed to remain open (health products, medical, orthopaedic products, etc.)

Fuel service stations, heating fuel suppliers, animal welfare goods, laundries and drycleaners, banks, post offices and credit unions, businesses selling safety supplies, mechanics, and bike repair shops will remain open.

Meanwhile, opticians, hearing services, businesses selling office equipment, and those selling communications technology can remain open on an emergency basis.

Hotels and accommodation Open only for essential nonsocial and non-tourist business.

Transport Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25% in order to allow essential workers commute to and from work. Face coverings must continue to be worn.

People are advised to walk or cycle where possible.

Nursing and care homes Visits remain suspended except for in critical or compassionate circumstances.

Sport and gyms All sport, apart from elite level sports such as senior inter-county GAA, professional rugby, and professional soccer is postponed during Level 5. Greyhound and horse racing can continue behind closed doors.

Outdoors underage non-contact training is allowed to take place in pods of 15. Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools are closed.

Cinemas and the arts Museums, galleries, cinemas and other cultural attractions will remain closed under Level 5.

Schools and colleges Schools, crèches, higher and adult education remain open but will be monitored and instructed on the ‘situation and evidence at the time’.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4pm

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

CLAIRE

Please phone my office for an appointment

KERRANE TD

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen.

Tel. 094 9861688  : 087 194 5254 Bridge St, Ballinasloe. Tel. 090 9644901  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie Email:

KEEP UP TO DATE ON

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

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G

EmCall app aims to increase cardiac survival < DAN DOONER

A new app for County Roscommon is aimed at drastically improving the survival rate for those who suffer cardiac incidents in the county.

EmCall, which has been developed in association with Roscommon LEADER and Roscommon County Council, alerts emergency services and people trained in CPR in the local area as well as showing the location of the nearest defibrillator.

Developer John McDermott said the app is now live and is available as a free download for smartphones.

“EmCall has now gone online but the success of the app will depend on how many people download it and utilise it. It has been medically proven that shorter response times save the John McDermott lives of those in cardiac arrest.

“There are around 5,000 cardiac arrests every year in Ireland and only 250 people survive out of hospital. Ireland is currently at a 5% survival rate, whereas other jurisdictions are around 10% or 12%,” he said.

The EmCall app aims to reduce response time to cardiac events to between four and six minutes, therefore giving patients a much better chance of survival. It is available now to download free from the App Store.

D News page

More Lotto luck in north Roscommon!

County Roscommon has got its second major National Lottery win in as many weeks after a lucky ticket holder in Boyle won €339,205 on Saturday night’s National Lottery draw.

The lucky winner, who was just one number short of winning the entire €4,453,585 jackpot, bought their ticket at Kelly’s Londis store on Bridge Street in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Speaking on selling the winning ticket, a delighted Neil Kennedy, owner of Kelly’s Londis, said: “Word came through from the National Lottery and we shared the good news on the store’s Facebook page. Just a few hours later and it was the talk of the town.

“We are in the middle of Boyle so the vast

An Post offers free postage for nursing homes An Post has announced that ‘Community Focus’, an expanded range of post office and postal delivery supports for customers and communities to help everyone stay connected now and into the future, will be extended into the New Year.

This initiative includes free postage to and from nursing and care homes. An Post will ensure free delivery of all card and letter mail posted to and from residents of Nursing and Care homes in the State. By writing FREEPOST where the stamp

JUMPING THE FENCE – International collaboration in Ballygar: A Swiss Saanan goat and an Argentine Falabella horse got together for what looked like a Level 5 escape attempt in Ballygar recently! Thanks to Michael Nolan for sharing this picture.

John’s latest book celebrates magic of the GAA! Roscommon native John Scally’s new book The People’s Games: A GAA Compendium is a celebration of the magic of the GAA through the stories of some of the people who are involved.

Amongst those featured is former Roscommon manager Kevin McStay who tells the author about his experience as an inter-county manager.

John Scally’s latest book – The People’s Games: A GAA Compendium – is available in all good bookshops now.

majority of our trade comes from our regular customers so hopefully it is one of them. It sure isn’t me anyway, unfortunately!

“However, it is great to sell our first ever major Lottery prize-winning ticket. We are in business here at Boyle since 1939 and I’m the third generation of our family running the store. We’ll be spreading the word to all of our customers to check their tickets”.

The Lotto numbers from Saturday night’s

draw (17th October) were: 03, 05, 12, 21, 22, 39 and the bonus number was: 30.

This is the second recent stroke of Lottery luck for Roscommon as on 7th October another winning EuroMillions ticket, worth €500,000, was sold in Healy’s Xpress Stop service station in Ballyfarnon village, Co. Roscommon.

A spokesperson for the National Lottery said: “It’s been a lucky couple of weeks in Co. Roscommon with the two Lottery wins totalling €839,205”.

While there was no winner of Saturday night’s €4,453,585 Lotto jackpot, there were more than 105,000 players in Ireland who won prizes.

normally goes, An Post will carry cards and letters without a postage stamp.

An Post delivery staff will also continue to check in regularly with ‘seniors’ along their routes.

Family members of older or vulnerable customers can register for the free check-in service by completing the postal address and eircode of the customer at anpost.com/CommunityFocus.

These details will be relayed directly through An Post’s digital network to the customer’s local postperson who will call

to the address at the earliest opportunity.

Should any customer have a specific need for groceries, prescription, etc., the postperson will link them up with ALONE, the national charity ensuring personal support to older and vulnerable people, linked to the wider Local Authority Community Response Forum.

Postage Pick-Up will be available for older or vulnerable customers, who are unable to get out to buy stamps for cards or letters – their postman or

postwoman will pick up their mail from their home and An Post will cover the postage for them.

An Post will also provide same-day delivery of newspapers for older and vulnerable customers from Monday to Friday. Customers can find out more at anpost.com/CommunityFocus or newsdelivery.ie Customers who are unable to collect social welfare payments (eg. pension) during the current crisis may nominate a person as their temporary collection agent.

Local sculptor makes his Mark!

A new sculpture has been constructed in Newtowncashel village, near Lanesboro. The sculpture was carved

by Roscommon native Mark Feeley, who has many wonderful sculptures throughout the country, including one very popular one in Roscommon Square of a ewe and lamb.

The sculpture, fountain and seating area were designed by well-known sculptor, Michael Casey.

The limestone used came from the nearby quarry in Lecarrow, Roscommon.

Pictured are Mark Feeley (who carved the sculpture) and Michael Casey (who designed the sculpture, fountain and seating area).

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ...

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Lucinda Creighton @LCreighton My husband got Covid@ end April after 6 wks of lockdown.

Neither of us interacted w. anyone – just supermkt & petrol pumps. Zero Covid is unattainable & economic devastation is now certain. There is no strategy to live with the virus. We will be back here in February.

Infuriating – The former Government Minister vents her frustration over Level 5 Gwen Burke @Gwenridgway 2020 just needs to feck off! #Cork #CorkFloods – First Covid, then flooding…and understandable anger/frustration on behalf of the people of Cork Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump Dr. Tony Fauci says we don’t allow him to do

newsbriefs ‘Cancel Halloween activities’ – Reynolds Local community activist Andrew Reynolds has urged children and young adults to “do the responsible thing and skip Halloween this year” in order to help slow the growth rate of Covid-19 in the Roscommon area.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, the Rooskey native said: “As we approach Halloween, I would urge people to abstain from the usual behaviour that takes place around this time as we are not dealing with a normal year. We are living in an unprecedented time which is having dire consequences for everyone – young and old.

“Whilst this time of year generally involves house to house calls and trick-or-treating, I think we all have to accept that we cannot take part in such activities this year.

“However, we must unfortunately acknowledge that there is a certain sector of our society who do not – and probably never will – care about masks or hand hygiene, or take personal responsibility for their part in fighting this virus, despite repeated health guidelines fed to them on a daily basis”.

Mr. Reynolds said that he does not believe that Covid-19 is being transmitted through local businesses – which are “regulated environments”.

He said: “The problem lies outside of these environments, where people are gathering in groups and attending house parties without adhering to the guidelines”.

Dental clinic to relocate to primary care centre The dental clinic that operates from Roscommon Hospital is to move to a permanent new location in Roscommon Primary Care Centre, local TD Denis Naughten has confirmed.

“I had been contacted by parents concerned that the service had been transferred temporarily out of the hospital as a result of Covid-19, which had meant some patients being treated in Galway,” stated Denis Naughten.

“I have now been informed that it is expected that dental services will commence in the primary care centre in midNovember, which is welcome news, particularly for parents travelling to appointments with children.

“It has also been confirmed that in the interim, patients are being offered services in Strokestown, Monksland, Boyle and Castlerea.

“Services are also due to recommence in Ballaghaderreen in the coming weeks, where a new dentist has joined the team,” added Denis Naughten.

television, and yet I saw him last night on @60Minutes, and he seems to get more airtime than anybody since the late, great, Bob Hope. All I ask of Tony is that he makes better decisions. He said “no masks & let China in”.

– I’ve actually edited/tidied up the US President’s tweet, not that he ever tidies/edits mine…

Anne-Marie @am_flynn Great to hear the virus takes a break for Christmas!

– Sarcasm in a pandemic!

Amy @Amz10000 So from Monday to Friday I can go into work in a crèche with 50+ children and seven other staff members, but can’t visit any of my family members #level5 – The public were quick to resume pointing out anomalies/contradictions…

Dr. Tony Fauci and President Donald Trump.

Ross4life @Rossie4life Major shock? Since May 2019 Galway in Salthill, Mayo in MacHale Park, Cork in Páirc Uí Rinn, Kildare in Newbridge and tonight Armagh in the Athletic Grounds beaten by this Roscommon team. #rosgaa – A sensible response to a silly lapse by someone in the national media!

John Cleese @JohnCleese Trump uses the word ‘unfair’ to describe any situation where it’s hard for him to break the rules – A good point from the star of the greatest sit-come of all time (Cleese/Fawlty Towers, not Trump/White House)

Ruth Scott @ruthscott The covid dreams are something else this week!

Just last night I had a dream that @SileSeoige was mentioned in an episode of the Simpsons.

– The producers of The Simpsons may be getting a call from Miriam O’Callaghan’s PA…

Ruth Scott

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Autumn Blues: A lament for our annual harvest festival Our columnist is redfaced over a maroon mauling…and lamenting the absence of a great annual festival…

It’s Monday morning as I write, and the week before the October Bank Holiday. Out here in Creggs we would normally (whatever that is now) be looking forward to the annual Harvest Festival, which was due to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

By now, people would be monitoring the weather, hoping for a fine weekend…wondering if there was enough in the programme to attract the crowds, checking to see that everything was properly organised and just generally putting the finishing touches to everything. However, as the countdown to this year’s October Bank Holiday continues, the news of course is that Covid-19 has put paid to our 40th celebrations – whatever next year brings there will be no festival this year.

It’s crazy to think back to 1980 when a number of us first got

together and decided to have a festival. The first year, we held a mummers’ competition with an enormous first prize of 1000 pounds.

They came from all over the country to take part in the competition in St. Mary’s Hall. They then played in every pub in the village for the entire weekend, playing and dancing on the street, providing wonderful entertainment until the winners were announced on the Bank Holiday Monday. It all attracted enormous crowds into our village.

Even without Covid-19, things were very different back then. We had six pubs open and busy in the village. Public liability insurance hadn’t really raised its ugly head, so there was hardly any limit to the activities that we could have. In those first few years stock car racing was a huge crowd-puller, and great fun. Down through the 40 years, we have seen Clay pigeon shoots, sheep dog trials, tractor pulls, tug o’war, parades, craft fairs, dog shows, glamorous granny and bonny baby competitions, table quizzes, poetry reading, football and rugby games,

Nothing to re-Joyce about…

Our columnist says he was impressed with Roscommon’s win over Armagh – and that Mayo and the Rossies are the teams to watch in Connacht – but his comments come with a ‘Galway spin’ warning! Picture: Mick McCormack

Last weekend (rightly or wrongly), the National Football Leagues resumed. For all of us who had been getting excited at the performances of the new-look Galway team under Padraic Joyce, there was a huge sense of coming crashing back down to earth on Sunday afternoon when our old and fiercest rivals Mayo absolutely hammered the Tribesmen in Tuam Stadium.

It was just after half-time when I got the first report on the happenings in Tuam. I am not lying when I say that when I heard the 2-17 to 0-7 scoreline I thought I had got it wrong – not even in hurling do teams score that much in a half. I assumed there had to have been a mistake, but sadly there was nothing wrong with the information, and while the second half was a bit more even I imagine that the final score of 3-23 to 0-17 is nothing short of embarrassing to all self-respecting Galway supporters.

As I said earlier, it is a Monday morning as I write, and I have just seen and read the Irish Independent. I really must give credit to Padraic Joyce

for making no attempt to sugar-coat the disaster.

Joyce called it “probably the most embarrassing day” of his career, adding that at 43 years of age he had never seen a performance as bad.

Nobody really knows if the inter-county games will continue, or if the championship will actually take place, but for Galway’s sake I hope this weekend’s game against the all-conquering Dubs goes ahead, because if they have any pride in the maroon and white jersey it will give them a quick chance to, as they say, get back on the horse.

Certainly if the Connacht Championship does go ahead (as currently planned), the performances of Mayo, and of the Rossies in Armagh, have changed the entire perception of how it might work out. On last weekend’s evidence, the winners of the likely semi-final between those two counties would appear to be the best bet to be crowned Connacht champions. As for me, I will cocoon for a week or two – not from Covid, but from my Rossie-supporting neighbours – until Galway’s 15-point defeat is forgotten.

Kathleen was one of a kind As the October sun shone brightly on Friday last, a dark cloud descended on Creggs and the surrounding areas as word began to filter through that Kathleen McKeague had passed away. Her death came only a few short weeks after the community marked her 65th birthday with a drive-by celebration.

It’s hard to find the words to do justice to Kathleen, because it’s only very occasionally that a community finds someone in their midst who immerses themselves so much into everything that goes on, who gives so willingly of themselves and their time for the good of everyone else.

There can be no doubt that Kathleen was such a person.

She was treasurer of the local GAA club, was involved in the Tidy Towns, the Defibrillator group, St. Ciaran’s underage club, the Senior Citizens’ annual dinner, the local Lotto fundraiser, and probably loads more that I don’t even know about.

While our little group didn’t actually have a committee, she would go out door to door each year to sell tickets for the annual Cancer Care West and Lourdes Invalid Fund fundraising dance. It never ceased to amaze me how she found time for everything, but I suppose the old adage ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’ applies.

On a personal level, she was a quiet, gentle, lovely woman, and a great

neighbour and friend to us all. To say that she will be sorely missed by the entire community is a massive understatement.

The extraordinary turnout at her funeral, both on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon (all with Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing) was testimony to her standing in the Kilbegnet parish and much further afield. She certainly got the send-off she deserved.

To her husband James, their six children, her mother Nora, sister Mary, and all the extended family, relatives and friends, I offer my heartfelt sympathies. All I can say is may her gentle soul rest in peace. She truly was one of a kind.

The late Kathleen McKeague, RIP.

cally making, fair days featuring everything and anything, horses and asses, amusements, dancing, music, even an odd fight, and many other different events.

One of the amazing aspects of this is that even with all the changes that have taken place, the crowds still continue to flock to Creggs. I have to admit that I am a little bit sad that this year’s festival will not take place, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we will get the better of this horrible virus and that this time next year we will finally have the 40th Creggs Harvest Festival.

And finally…

One of the things I have managed to avoid so far is social media.

I am not on Facebook or Instagram or any of the other different platforms. This morning however, a gentleman called Edmund O’Leary showed me that social media can sometimes be a big help.

On Friday, the Ennis-born, Surrey-based O’Leary – who suffers from depression – tweeted that he was not okay. He was feeling rock bottom and asked anyone who might see the tweet to take a few seconds to say hello. By this Monday morning, thousands of people had taken the time to reply to his request.

Edmund has just been live on Eamonn and Ruth’s morning show.

He spoke about how he has received an enormous boost by the support he received from all over the world.

I suppose it made me realise that for a lot of us, it’s easy to ignore the huge amount of mental health problems that are all around.

Things were bad enough up to now, but this pandemic – with its isolation and consequent loneliness – may have pushed many people near, or over, the edge.

However, Edmund’s story goes to show that reaching out – even when you’re at your lowest – can serve to show you that there is always help out there. People do actually care; so if you are feeling down, don’t be afraid to look for it.

Despite this positivity, I still don’t think I will be going on Facebook or Twitter any time soon, but I will admit that maybe they have their uses after all.

‘Till next week, bye for now

13

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

Work on N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue route progressing Roscommon County Council members welcomed the news that work to complete the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Road Project was progressing despite Covid-19 restrictions. Director of Services, Shane Tiernan, told members that the tendering process was ongoing and that preferred bidders had been identified for the project.

Cllr. Tom Crosby welcomed the news but said that bypassed towns would need support and proper signage should be used to promote them to potential visitors. He added that local workers should be employed on the project where possible.

Cllr. John Naughten described the road as a “vital piece of infrastructure” for the county

and the region. Cllr. Liam Callaghan paid tribute to the landowners who had cooperated, adding that it was important that the work is carried out quickly.

Cllr. Joe Murphy said it had been a slow process which now seemed to be “within touching distance” of completion.

Armagh security firm fined over Falsk incident < DAN DOONER

A security firm involved in the attempted repossession of a property at Falsk, Strokestown in December 2018 was found guilty of operating without a licence during the incident and fined at Castlerea District Court last Friday (16th).

GS Agencies Limited of Portadown, Craigavon, Co. Armagh was found guilty of six breaches of the Private Security Services Act. The prosecution by the Private Security Authority, an agency of the Department of Justice and Equality, followed the provision of an unlicensed security guard service at the property in Falsk in December 2018.

Judge Deirdre Gearty fined GS Agencies €500 on each of the six counts with costs of €7,500 awarded against the company.

The PSA’s Chief Executive, Paul Scal-

lan, speaking after the court case, said: “This prosecution stems from investigations conducted around security services which were provided subsequent to a repossession of a property in Strokestown in 2018.

“While the PSA does not have any statutory role in regulating repossessions, we do regulate any security services which occur post a repossession. In this instance, a security guarding service was provided at a location in Falsk in the days following the repossession. Such services require a PSA licence and in this instance, the security provider, GS Agencies Limited was unlicensed.

“I would like to acknowledge the commitment of our inspection team in investigating this matter. We are committed to eradicating unlicensed security services and our inspectors continue to conduct compliance activities across the country”.

Budget 2021 delivers targeted supports – Feighan Budget 2021 will deliver targeted supports for those who need it most in Roscommon, the Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan has said.

The Fine Gael Junior Minister highlighted financial supports for those receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, Jobseekers’ Benefits, Carer’s Support or the State Pension.

He said: “Some €10 million is being provided towards activation supports for people who are unemployed. This is in addition to the €100 million provided in the July Stimulus package”. He

also welcomed the news that the State Pension Age would remain at 66 and that pensioners would benefit from the Christmas Bonus as well as a support grant of €500 for hearing aid users.

The Minister of State was also pleased with measures to aid the tourism sector, including the reduction of the VAT rate to 9% as well as €31.3 million for regional airports and €15 million for customers affected by the closure of travel agents.

Meanwhile, Minister Feighan has urged businesses to avail of the new Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme, which has been extended until the

middle of next year.

“The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has confirmed that 637 businesses have applied for the scheme to date with five in Leitrim, six in Sligo and nine in Roscommon so far.

“The scheme ensures businesses who take on an apprentice are hired at €2,000 per apprentice and another €1,000 if the apprentice is still on the books for a year.

“This is a good model.

It allows a person to earn and learn and allows businesses to train recruits and get some payment for it,” he added.

Councillor John Naughten

Councillor Laurence Fallon

Calls for N61 to be given national primary status < DAN DOONER

A number of local councillors have called for the N61 road from Athlone the Roscommon to be given national primary status due to the high traffic volume using the route on a daily basis.

Fine Gael councillor John Naughten said a new road was needed between Athlone and the county town, describing the current route as “totally inadequate”.

Independent councillor Tony Ward echoed his support, and called for substantial safety works as well as a cycle lane from Athlone and Roscommon.

Fellow Independent, Cllr.

Donal Kilduff said turning lanes were needed in the “very near future” before adding to calls for a new road to be constructed.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Lau-

rence Fallon added that the junction for Ballymurray National School had been made much safer by the installation of a turning lane on the N61.

He also called for a roundabout to be put in place near Cloonakilla National School in Bealnamulla.

Director of Services, Shane Tiernan, said that having the N61 classified as a national primary route was a priority and that management would be making representations to the highest levels of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. He added that there was an ongoing traffic study along the route.

Cllr. John Naughten proposed that a letter be sent to the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, before accepting CEO Eugene Cummins’ suggestion that the letter be sent after the ongoing traffic survey was completed.

Call for walkway from Mote Park to Roscommon Cllr. Marty McDermott, left, has suggested that a major walkway should be developed from Mote Park to Roscommon town.

In a press statement, the Fianna Fáil councillor said that he hoped that his proposal would be given serious consideration. While he accepted that any such development would require significant expenditure, Cllr.

McDermott said that it would be a fantastic development which would enhance the area and – more importantly – the physical and mental well-being of thousands of people.

Cllr. McDermott: “This is something I’ve given a lot of thought to. I think during the initial lockdown it really came home to me how important physical exercise is to our physical, emotional and mental health.

“Huge numbers of people in Roscommon town, its environs and countywide are now exercising regularly, whether through walking, running, cycling or through other sporting and recreational activities.

“I think it would be marvellous to develop a walkway from Mote Park to Roscommon town. More Park is an amazing amenity and an increasing number of people walk there on a daily basis. It would be great if we could link that wonderful facility and the town.

Mote Park is a wonderful asset. Let’s realise its full potential and by doing so encourage more and more people to exercise”.

Cllr. McDermott said that planning ahead on such projects was now more necessary than ever, given the mental health challenges likely to be faced by society in the coming years, due to the Covid-19 crisis.

He has now pledged to raise the proposal with the relevant authorities.

Ballymoe Bingo cancelled The committee of Ballymoe Bingo has decided to cancel the upcoming bingo on Sunday, October 25th, as it is in the interests of all its bingo players and volunteers.

“We hope everyone stays safe and well.

We will see you all soon!”

Celebrating female entrepreneurs ‘Stronger Together’ was the theme for National Women’s Enterprise Day 2020, which took place online on October 14th.

An initiative driven by Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, along with thirty other Local Enterprise Offices around the country, National Women’s Enterprise Day showcased stories, experiences and insights from Ireland’s women-led companies and drew attention to the enterprise supports that are available locally.

Guest contributors included Pestle & Mortar’s Sonia Deasy, Olympian entrepreneur Derval O’Rourke, Kinzen Co-founder, Áine Kerr and Sarah Colgan of the 20X20 movement. Events included interviews, panel discus-

sions, specialist sessions, virtual networking, an online marketplace for promoting goods and services, and access to experts from state support agencies.

An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, delivered the opening address, which was supported by Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities.

Louise Ward of Local Enterprise Office, Roscommon County Council, said: “Every year, National Women’s Enterprise Day is about harnessing ideas, innovation, creativity and about learning from eachother and this year we successfully moved events online for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen all over the country.

“National Women’s Enterprise Day is also about flying the flag for all the enterprise supports that are available to businesses locally. For example, the Local Enterprise Office team here in Roscommon have been helping hundreds of local businesses respond to the pandemic and prepare for the changes that Brexit will bring too”.

At this year’s events, there were teams on hand from Enterprise Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, Credit Review Office, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, InterTrade Ireland, Enterprise Europe Network, the Health and Safety Authority and Skillnet Ireland to offer information and advice alongside the Local Enterprise Offices.

Louise Ward of Local Enterprise Office, Roscommon County Council

14

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Level 5: Stay strong Roscommon…we’ve got this!

He was direct, and, I suppose, given it was Michéal Martin, (a man whose presence on my screen makes me want to fling a shoe at the telly), he delivered the devastating news as compassionately as could be expected.

Even though I watched with tears streaming down my face – because due to Level 3 I haven’t seen my family since September, and now with Level 5, it’ll be another six weeks before I can hug them – this new development, although a bitter pill to swallow, is necessary.

However, is it going to be enough? Is it going to make those egocentric, sophomaniac conspiracy theorists that insist Covid

isn’t real refrain from polluting our environment with their misinformation and unsubstantiated beliefs? Will it make them (how do I put this so our editor doesn’t have a heart attack), ahem, fizz off?

Level 5 will be tough, but we’ll get through it together. However, it’ll be extra challenging for readers living in singleperson households (and there are quite a few in Roscommon). To that end, can I ask you all to check in on each other, and if necessary, reach out to agencies like ALONE, who operate a befriending service, on 081 8222024.

To everyone else (especially Roscommon retailers who normally do up to 70% of

their business in the run-up to Christmas) please, if possible, try to stay strong. I know as much as anyone that life’s challenges can fill us with anxiety and selfdoubt. As we face into this health, financial, and emotional crisis, we must try to not allow those negative feelings to engulf us.

Please hold onto the thought that we will have a happy Christmas. Santa will visit us. We will be able to see, hold and hug our parents, our children and our grandchildren again, and if we stick to the restrictions, we will emerge from this critical situation stronger and more resilient than ever. We’ve got this!

Cracks are appearing in Trump’s self-esteem Donald Trump presents as a controlling individual. However, given his desperate ‘please like me’ request to suburban women, I believe Putin’s pet is really someone who (while desperately wanting the world to believe he’s the epitome of masculinity) is, in reality, a character he’d never ever dare admit to being: a weakling who suffers from crippling low self-esteem.

But that’s just my opinion, and I could be wrong. Indeed, for all I know, Agent Orange is really a gentleman who takes the initiative and leads the US with passion and charisma. A self-assured man who doesn’t take advantage of those less fortunate, but rather someone who takes responsibility for his actions, as opposed to someone who makes passive-aggressive comments. Er, nope…I think I hit the nail on the head with my opening paragraph and I suggest Trump goes back to hospital to have his bruised ego looked at!

For me the cracks began to show when, realising his suburban deficit has emerged as a major obstacle in his bid for re-election, this braggart had to resort to begging for votes at a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, whining, “Suburban women, will you please like me? Please. Please”. How pathetic!

However, if I were one of Trump’s spin doctors, I’d be advising that no amount of pleading with women will undo the damage he has caused, and the derogatory comments he has made over the past four years. In fact, in advance of November 3rd, I’d be sitting at my laptop, armed with a stiff whiskey, and emailing out my CV, because despite Trump claiming to have “saved” the “damn neighbourhoods” of the very people who powered his 2016 win, his popularity among them has never been so low.

I mean, what self-respecting woman in her right mind is going to vote for this self-professed ‘p***y grabbing’ misogynist who, among other foul-ups, has employed bombastic rhetoric when promoting his reversal of Obama’s fair housing policies? We all remember Trump’s reported claims that this strategy had destroyed suburbia because it openly created a situation for a flood of ‘poorer residents’, allegedly resulting in ‘higher crime and lower property values’.

Does Captain Chaos really believe that any right-thinking American woman would return what has to be the least qualified individual on this planet to power for another four years? I mean,

surely everyone realises his, “I ended the regulation that brought crime to the suburbs”, comment reinforces the fact he’s blatantly stoking the fear of violence by making what are shameful, hateful racial and socio-economic connotations a major part of his presidential bid.

As far as I’m concerned, this latest last-gasp dash to win votes tells me that Trump is not only devoid of a moral compass, he’s also spreading a virus that’s possibly as deadly as the very one he told people not to fear – hate!

So be afraid folks, be very afraid, because the world not only needs a vaccine to combat Covid – we also need one to reverse the harm and odium that Trump seems so keen to spread.

Christmas Lights Committee: our bright star during dismal time Covid-19 has already written off Paddy’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and the bland-ballad singing/dodgy dancing/ daft costume-wearing cheese-fest that is the Eurovision Song Contest (and douze points to the Dutch for that decision, I’m really not a fan of the annual tone-deaf wannabe warbler event, but I digress). Now, given the latest Level 5 lockdown, Christmas will be significantly pared back.

In view of this, I’ll bet pandemic-weary Rossies, who are desperately in need of a little Christmas joy and cheer, were, like me, delighted to see a piece in last week’s Roscommon People declaring that ‘Roscommon won’t be in the dark this Christmas’.

I’m not sure if it’s just me, but has anyone else noticed a distinct veil of darkness and, let’s be honest, a level of scariness regarding this pandemic looming large over the county? You have? Okay, so this week, in order to curtail this vicious virus, I’m appealing to those anti-mask eejits to stop acting like intellectually impoverished thickos and cover up and keep your distance!

If you can’t do that, stay home and give the rest of us a fighting chance at saving Christmas, making it one that’s both Covid-free and moron-free!

Thank you Christmas Lights Committees countywide, you’re doing a great job. I for one cannot wait to hang up the holly, put up the tree and deck the halls. Why? Well, because this year more than ever, we need a little Christmas!

Just a thought…

With the Level 5 lockdown in mind, can I ask, do we have to quarantine with the same family/husband?

Or did Michéal’s cunning plan for living with Covid-19 mention anything about a relocation scheme? Asking for a friend… oh, okay, asking for myself!

15

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

NewsPeople

Inter-county football’s back…(but no fans!)

Photos from the Athletic Grounds, Armagh

Roscommon 3-10 Armagh 0-15 See pages 30-33

A GAA steward – and his intriguing banner – pictured in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh last Saturday. Picture: Mick McCormack

16

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY, 22ND OCTOBER:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS SATURDAY, 24TH OCTOBER:

SATURDAY WEANLING SALE MONDAY, 26TH OCTOBER (Bank Holiday):

WEEKLY BULLOCK SALE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS. For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

Number 002414

Elphin Mart Friday evening, 23rd October

115 Breeding Heifers For Pat Dillon and Tom Corbett All top quality stock. Sale at 7pm.

Viewing from 2.30 to 6.30pm on Friday All cattle will be sold online Monday 26th - Bank Holiday

Concerns as restrictions move marts online < DAN DOONER

Local public representatives have approached the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue seeking leeway for livestock marts now expected to go online due to Level 5 restrictions.

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said she has written to the Minister raising concerns over marts with poor broadband.

“There has to be due consideration for farmers who are in rural areas where the broadband infrastructure is simply not there. There have also been issues for marts themselves due to poor broadband.

“We must ensure that farmers are able to trade to ensure they can financially support themselves and their families at this already difficult time.

“I have asked the Minister to allow some leeway for farmers at reduced numbers where they cannot access online sales,” she said.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said he has also made representations to the Minister “seeking to allow twenty buyers into the mart in a socially distanced setting to ensure a fair approach for all farmers”.

He cited poor broadband in parts of Roscommon and Galway adding that there may be farmers unfamiliar with the online system.

Independent TD Marian Harkin also confirmed that she had written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

She said: “Many rural towns partly rely on the mart as a source of revenue for local businesses, and if marts are unable to operate sustainably, it will be the death knell for some of those towns, as well as a severe blow to cattle and sheep production locally.

“The Minister for Agriculture needs to pay special attention to marts with poor broadband coverage, and

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue ... local politicians are seeking leeway for livestock marts now expected to go online due to Level 5 restrictions.

propose immediate solutions”.

Meanwhile, local councillor Liam Callaghan has raised concerns over marts in Roscommon and said the restrictions would se-

riously impact the sale of cattle and sheep.

“I fear that with large cattle and sheep sales over the next number of weeks, farmers may struggle to get the best price possible.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Annual Show and Sale of Weanling Bulls 550 on offer. Sale at 11am Judging at 9.30am Viewing from 10am - 11am All cattle bought online

Contact

TOM ROGERS

Dry Cows at 6pm

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

Special entry of 20 incalf Heifers for Frank Mulligan in-calf to AI Limousin Bulls EBY and ZAG Calving November onwards Sale at 7.30pm online Wednesday 28th October

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Special Bullock Sale at 11am Viewing from 10am to 11am 300 on offer Buying online only

Please contact: 071 9635061

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

“Indeed, many buyers may not be even registered with the system, and with poor broadband in many areas, the online network may also be at full capacity,” he said.

Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart Annual Continental Weanling Show and Sale: Tom Fitzmaurice (Ballyhaunis) received the cup for the overall Champion Weanling bull sponsored by Anthony Cahill, SuperValu, Castlerea. Also in photo is Michael Fox, judge on the day. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea

Farm payments welcomed by Murphy Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the commencement of advance payments under the 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) worth over €83 million to some 16,714 farmers in coun-

ties Roscommon and Galway.

The announcement was made by Senator Murphy’s party colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606

(090) 96 88830

(090) 96 87651 Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

17

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

FarmingPeople

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart Annual Continental Weanling Show and Sale: Gerard Lavin, Ballyfarnon, Boyle receives 1st prize for the best weanling Limousin Bull sponsored by Progressive Genetics. Also in photo is Martin Regan, Progressive Genetics and Michael Fox, judge on the day. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea

Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart Annual Continental Weanling Show and Sale: Declan Davis, Williamstown received 2nd prize for the best Limousin Weanling bull sponsored by Martin Regan, Progressive Genetics.

Also in photo is Michael Fox, judge on the day. Picture: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea

IFA launches Brexit Emergency Policy IFA has launched a Brexit Emergency Policy (see ifa.ie/BrexitPlan), which sets out a three-step plan to mitigate the damage to Irish farming from Brexit.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said that first and foremost “we need a deal to try and keep our exports flowing into the UK without tariffs or quotas”.

He added: “However, the EU Commission has to start preparing the EU market for a bad outcome.

We need a clear plan from the EU on how they intend to support farmers in a nodeal scenario.

“With a limited deal or a no-deal, 38% or €5.5bn worth of Irish agri-food ex-

ports to the UK are at risk.

If the UK fails to agree on a trade deal, the Brexit Readiness Action Plan estimates the cost of import tariffs will be between €1.3bn and €1.5bn. This would effectively start a trade war between the EU and the UK”.

He added: “The recent decision by the House of Commons to reject amendments to set minimum food standards shows that Boris Johnson’s Government is planning to use access to their food market as their trump card in trade negotiations with third countries.

This will undermine the value of the British market for Irish produce”.

October 23rd will take place online only; via on our LSL app. Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale, and sellers must drop and leave. Animals will be sold subject and sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

Instructions for setting up the LSL app is up on our Facebook/ website pages.

Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.46 per kilo up to €3.72 per kilo.

Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.42 per kilo up to €3.96 per kilo.

Sample prices: Char X 375kgs €1230 - €3.28 per kilo, Lim X 525kg €1220 - €2.32 per kilo, 2 Lim 497.50kgs €1210 - €2.343 per kilo, Char X 450kgs €1190 - €2.64 per kilo, Char X 250kgs €990 - €3.96 per kilo, AAX 480kgs €1060 - €2.20 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1020 - €2.91 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €1030 - €3.26 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €1000 - €3.50 per kilo, Lim X 360kgs €950 €2.83 per kilo, Lim X 360kgs €920 - €3.55 per kilo, Lim X 315kgs €870 – €2.76 per kilo, Lim X 285kgs €800- €2.80 per kilo, and BBX 295kgs €790 – €2.67 per kilo.

Dry cows, heifers and bullocks:

Extra Special Sale of Heifers Friday, October 23rd at 12 Noon 100 pens of Heifers on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m.

All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m.

Viewing from 10 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.

----------------------

Extra Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, October 30th at 12 Noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 22nd Also Heifers & Dry Cows ----------------------

Winter Special Sale of Heifers Friday, November 6th at 12 Noon Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 29th ---------------------Tuesday, 27th October at 6 p.m.

48 Excellent Quality Springing Heifers in calf to Lim Stock Bull Calving 1st November onwards – some of the Heifers are 4 & 5 Stars ---------------------Tuesday, 27th October at 4 p.m.

Roscommon MART WATCH Weanlings: We had another big sale of top quality weanlings on offer at our sale on Tuesday, October 20th 2020. Farmers were more active this week, both at the ringside and online. Trade was brisk, with the majority of lots sold.

Weanling heifers averaged from €2.46 per kilo up to €3.72 per kilo, while bulls ranged from an average of €2.42 per kilo up to €3.96 per kilo for a Char X bull weighing 250kgs and fetching €990.

There will be a special sale of weanlings on Tuesday, October 27th at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, October 22nd.

Date for your diary: On Tuesday, October 27th at 6 pm there will be a special entry of forty-eight excellent quality in-calf heifers – Lim X and Simm X. All heifers calving down 30 to 36 months old in-calf to Pedigree Limousin Bull, calving from November 1st onwards.

All heifers have been vaccinated for Lepto and IBR, and there are some heifers with 4 and 5 stars.

Scanning dates will be available at the sale. Contact Michael Cuddy at 083 8420400 or Roscommon Mart at 090 6626352.

Covid-19 Level 5 mart restrictions: All cattle sales from Friday,

All Cattle sales from Friday, October 23rd shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone.

----------------------

There was a very large entry of excellent quality stock on offer at last Friday’s sale (October 16th, 2020). Trade was brisk for both bullocks and heifers, with plenty of buyers active both online and at the ringside. Prices for bullocks ranged from €2.30 per kilo up to €2.98, while heifers fetched from an average of €2.21 per kilo up to €3.55 per kilo, and dry cows made from an average of €1.62 per kilo up to €1.93 per kilo.

There will be a special sale of heifers, as well as bullocks and dry cows, on Friday, October 23rd, at 11 am, with 96 pens on offer. Sales commence at 11 am, with intake from7.30-9.30 am. Viewing is by appointment, from 10-10.45 am.

There is limited access to the ring for buyers only, and buyers can also avail of our online bidding facility with LSL. Gates close at 9.45 am.

There will be a special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows on Friday, October 30th at 11 am. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, October 22nd.

Please note all customers must wear a facemask or a face covering.

Dry cows ranged from €1.62 up

to €1.93 per kilo. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.30 up to €2.98 per kilo.

Sheep Sale, Wednesday October 21st: There were larger numbers on offer at our weekly sheep sale with firm trade for both lambs and ewes. Ewe lambs fetched up to €134 for 49.3 kilos. Finished lambs made up to €116 for 53.6 kgs. Stag ewes made up to €116.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Sheep Assembly for lambs and cast ewes at 11 am. Commencing on Wednesday, October 28th.

Sheep must be pre-booked. Yard open at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am.

Sample prices – finished lambs: 53.6 kgs €116, 50 kgs €115, 51.4 kgs €115, 49.3 kgs €113, 53.3 kgs €112, 49.5kgs €110, 46kgs €109, 44.1 kgs €105.

Ewe lambs 49.3 kgs €134, 52.5 kgs €130, 45.5 kgs €105, 43.6kgs €104 43.8 kgs €100, 42.5 kgs €97.

Store lambs

34.8 kgs €87, 38.5 kgs €85, 37kgs €85, 41.3 kgs €84, 39kgs €80, 35kgs €75. Cast ewes made from €67 to €116 per lot.

End of Month Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 22nd ----------------------

Winter Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, November 3rd at 4 p.m.

Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 29th Also Special Entry of 7 Cows (1st Calvers with Strong Calves at foot) ----------------------

Premier Sale of Pedigree Simmental Cattle (On Line with LSL) - 38 Bulls & 59 Heifers Saturday, October 24th at 12 Noon Viewing by appointment from 9 a.m. and 12 Noon ----------------------

Sheep Assembly for Lambs & Cast Ewes at 11 a.m.

Commencing Wednesday, October 28th Sheep must be pre-booked Yard open at 8 a.m.

All stock must be penned by 10 a.m.

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Find us on facebook

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Business

Naughten welcomes 700 DPD jobs

Local TD Denis Naughten has welcomed the further expansion of the DPD parcel centre with the creation of 700 additional jobs.

“This major expansion highlights the huge potential there is for local business to start trading online, with a 90% grant currently available to set up a website or to be able to make online sales,” stated Denis Naughten.

“This Christmas season, more goods than ever before will be sold online because of Covid-19 restrictions, and that is why we are witnessing a further major expansion of the DPD operation in Athlone”.

He added: “This should not be viewed as a threat to local businesses, as this presents an ideal opportunity not only to sell to their traditional customer base but also to customers throughout the country and even globally.

“Local business can have a competitive advantage by providing a click and collect service via their website, which again can be 90% grant-aided through the Trading Online Voucher available from their Local Enterprise Office”.

Business to Arts Awards calls for Roscommon entries Business to Arts has launched the call for Roscommon nominations for the annual Business to Arts Awards.

The Awards champion businesses, artists and arts organisations across the country that work together in areas such as sponsorship, commissioning and CSR programmes – which involve creativity in the community and the workplace.

At the awards launch, Business to Arts encouraged businesses across Ireland

to support the arts, strengthen their existing relationships with the cultural community, and create meaningful partnerships at a time of critical need for the arts sector.

Research conducted by Business to Arts in 2019 among corporate sponsors and arts organisations in Ireland revealed that over €8.5 million was spent on arts, festival and music sponsorships between May 2018/2019, and of the arts sponsors surveyed in 2019, 41%

reported that they would increase their spend in 2020.

Winners of the Business to Arts Awards provide leading examples that help inform others about the ways to support the arts sector in local communities during the pandemic.

2021 will mark the 29th edition of the Business to Arts Awards, and will include a Covid-19-adapted Ceremony, which will take place in April 2021, and broadcast online from the GPO.

There are nine categories in total that focus on sponsorship, commissioning and CSR initiatives, including creativity in the community and in the workplace.

Also, a new award recognising philanthropic giving has been announced in partnership with the Arts Council.

The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Wednesday, December 16th. Go to businesstoarts.ie/awards for information on the application process and to complete the online application form.

Timely advice: Commercial leases, rent and Covid-19 < SEAN MAHON, MAHON SWEENEY SOLICITORS, ROSCOMMON & ELPHIN

The Government recently published a Code of Conduct to promote and try and maintain good relations between landlords and tenants as they seek to survive the economic consequences of the pandemic.

From the tenant’s perspective, the Code envisages that those tenants who are in a position to pay their rent in full should do so. Tenants who are experi-

encing financial difficulties and are unable to pay their rent are encouraged, under the Code, to engage with the landlord and to seek assistance from them. To this end, the tenants will be expected to show why the landlord should lend such assistance or forbearance and it probably isn’t unreasonable for the landlord to request financial information to support this request.

The Code recognises that landlords have their own financial obligations and commitments, and encourages landlords to assist tenants where reasonably possible. However, the Code recognises that the landlords’ ability to offer assistance to tenants may be constrained by their own financial obligations. While the Code suggests that landlords should provide concessions where they can, it notes that where this is not possible, landlords should explain their decision.

The Code envisages that both landlord and tenant should act in good faith and in a reasonable and transparent manner in their dealings with each other.

They should assist each other in their dealings with banks, state agencies and utility companies. Where either

the landlord or the tenant has received Covid-19 payments, it should be recognised that these payments have been provided by the Government to help businesses meet their commitments.

The hope is that the Code will facilitate landlords and tenants to come to a reasonable agreement. Where they haven’t been able to come to an agreement, the Code suggests that the parties could consider mediation.

The Code provides a sample of issues which the landlord may take into

account when considering a tenant’s request to a rental holiday/suspension/ reduction, including: A) Any closure period impacting the tenant’s business and its ability to trade via other means; B) The duration and extent of restricted trading due to social distancing requirements; C) Added costs incurred through measures to protect employees and customers and adhere to social distancing requirements;

D) Government assistance received and how this is being used.

From a tenant’s perspective what they are hoping to achieve is either full or partial rent-free periods, or alternatively, but less beneficially, a deferral of the whole or part of the rent for a period.

Ultimately the Code is voluntary and the landlord cannot be coerced into offering assistance to the tenant. Their respective legal rights are reserved.

If no agreement is entered into, then the terms of the existing lease continue to have full force and effect. However, in many instances, it is in the landlord’s interest to ensure the continued viability of the tenant’s business. This is particularly important with the uncertain economic times that lie ahead.

The future of many of the high-street businesses and the hospitality sector is very uncertain. It is preferable to afford assistance to the current tenant rather than adopting a rigid approach to the tenant’s obligations and end up causing the business to close or the tenant to shut up shop.

Reasonableness in your dealings as between the landlord and tenant is the essence of the Code.

19

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

NEW TO THE MARKET A PRIME RESIDENTIAL FARM OF LANDS CONTAINING APPROX.

127 ACRE ACRES S

EARLEY located at

DRISHAUNE EAST, LISHEEN & CARROWKEEL, CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 X977 (together with a comprehensive farmyard standing thereon and with the benefit of farm entitlements passing)

A prime opportunity to acquire a substantial residential holding of lands located in a renowned farming district close to Castleplunkett village.

The said lands are set out in one manageable holding on which stands a substantial farmyard, a 2 storey detached residence of approx. 1,090 sq.ft with a range of sheds servicing and a derelict bungalow residence.

Note: The said lands, residences and farmyard can be sold independently should market interest dictate.

The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and offers to sell.

Joint Selling Agents: John Callaghan, Callaghan Auctioneering, Castlerea. 094 96 20102.

Legal: Brian O’Brien, Messers Byrne Carolan & Cunningham Solicitors, Athlone. 090 66 78433.

NEW TO THE MARKET PRIME WATERSIDE LANDS CONTAINING APPROX. 14 ACRES located at

NEW TO THE MARKET

A LUXURY 4 B/R DETACHED TWO STOREY RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,550 SQ.FT located at

DROMMOD, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON.

68 ABBEYVILLE, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 HA21.

All offers after €50,000 to sell.

Price Guide: €180,000.

A most attractive holding of roadside lands and natural woodlands with valuable water frontage onto Grange Lough in a renowned district of Strokestown. The said lands benefit from a water channel which runs from the public roadway onto Grange Lough and an extensive private inlet for boat mooring purposes.

Primely located lands set convenient to “The Silver Eel” public house and restaurant.

The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers after €50,000 to sell Legal: Peter Collins, Mssrs. Collins Solicitors, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. Tel. 071 9620882.

A quality 4 B/R detached residence finished to a high standard throughout located on a mature corner site in the established Abbeyville development on the Galway route.

The said residence offers spacious living accommodation throughout and has the benefit of front and rear gardens.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: C3

NEW TO THE MARKET

A MOST ATTRACTIVE 3 B/R MID-TERRACE TOWNHOUSE PROPERTY OF APPROX. 1,500 SQ.FT located at

5 ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 EY94 (holding development potential) Price Guide: €125,000 ono to sell.

A most attractive 1.5 storey townhouse property standing on a large site area. This character property is centrally located in a renowned residential district and offers spacious living accommodation throughout together with a range of useful out buildings and rear access. Altogether this is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the joint agents now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

(Holding potential for further development subject to the relevant planning permission) BER: F

Joint Selling Agents: Pat Hughes & Co, Auctioneers. 090 66 27003.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PropertyPeople

A stunning view to wake up to each morning!

Excellently presented and pivotally located, this threebedroomed bungalow in the Cloonalough area, a short distance from Ballinlough village, is now on the market with Sherry FitzGerald P Burke – with an asking price of €190,000.

Beautifully presented throughout, the said property is ideally located off the N60, 1.6km from Ballinlough village, 10km from Castlebar, 10km from Ballyhaunis, 21km from Knock International Airport, and 29km from Boyle.

Sitting on a large site, this beautiful, three-bedroomed detached residence boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and magnificent views over Lough CO. ROSCOMMON

O’Flynn to the front of the property; a stunning view to wake up to in the morning.

Lough O’Flynn, which lies north of Ballinlough and just in front of Cloonalough, is a 300-acre, limestone-rich lake. The area is famous for fishing, and stocks of roach, perch, brown trout, pike, etc. The critically endangered European eel are plentiful. It is renowned for its prolific hatches of mayfly. Within walking distance of this property is a looped walk that takes you on a minor bog road close to the Lake Shore as it traverses the attractive and diverse landscape of a typical bog.

One of the many features of this property is the spacious living accommodation throughout the entire property, not to mention

superior standard of décor. The bright, inviting entrance hall leads to the spacious, family-friendly kitchen/dining area, with built-in units, tiled floors and integrated appliances. Just off the kitchen is the utility room. To the left of the hall, the tastefully decorated, cosy living area features an open fireplace, with a sunroom just off featuring four large windows and double glass door. On the right are three large bedrooms (one ensuite) and a family bathroom.

The property is surrounded by manicured gardens to the front and rear.

For more information, contact the selling agent David at Sherry FitzGerald P Burke, Goff St., Roscommon on 090 6627200 or email pburke@sfpburke.ie.

€190,000

MONEEN, CO ROSCOMMON. F42KW96

Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

CO. GALWAY – NEW TO THE MARKET

LISNAGEERAGH, WILLIAMSTOWN, CO. GALWAY

€120,000

• Lands to Let by private treaty at Lisnageeragh, Williamstown, Co. Galway.

• C.11.788 acres or thereabouts of agricultural land in one parcel.

• Conveniently located approximately 2km from the village of Ballymoe.

• The lands are of good agricultural quality and are to be let for meadow and sheep only.

• Directions. Leaving the village of Ballymoe take the R360 for approximately 1.4km, turn right proceed for 0.6km and the lands are on the left hand side.

• Immediate viewing and offers invited

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

• Impressive 5 bedroom residence on C.0.70 acre site.

• Pivotally located in a highly desirable area on the fringes of the River Shannon,5 minutes from Ballyleague.

• Just off the N63 Dublin to Westport main route. Ideal for commuting.

• Tastefully decorated and well maintained • Large manicured garden to the front, side and rear.

• Spacious detached garage and glass house to the rear.

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

CO. ROSCOMMON – NEW TO THE MARKET FOR LEASE

CASTLEVIEW, ROSCOMMON

• Very bright, spacious and modern office space near the heart of Roscommon town.

• Comprising 3 office areas, kitchen, hall and W.C. • Occupying an internal area of approximately 90.3sq. m. on the first floor.

• Has its own direct entrance and ample parking space.

• Viewing comes highly recommended and by appointment only.

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE

It’s not just about property. It’s about people.

PSRA No. 001316

This 1.33-acre parcel of land at Ogulla, Tulsk was sold by REA Seamus Carthy via the online auction platform, BidNow.ie.

This four-bedroomed bungalow at Carrigan More, St. John’s is for sale by online auction (YouBid.ie) on Thursday, October 22nd (today) with REA Seamus Carthy.

On Wednesday, October 21st, REA Seamus Carthy successfully sold a 1.33-acre parcel of land with a former traditional stone residence and outbuildings at Ogulla, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon through their online auction platform, BidNow.ie.

The said property had an AMV of €35,000. 20 bids later, this hidden gem successfully sold for €52,000.

Today (Thursday, October 22nd), this impressive, detached, fourbedroomed bungalow with detached garage is for sale by online auction. Set in the picturesque countryside, offering beautiful, elevated views of the surrounding countryside and the famous Lough Ree, the said property is set on a large 1.06-acre site.

The subject property is located in

the sought after residential area of Carrigan More, St. John’s, Lecarrow, convenient to Roscommon and Athlone Town. This is a rare opportunity to acquire such a fine property in such a sought after location.

Immediate enquiries advised. Online bidding commences Thursday, October 22nd, and interested parties should register in advance of the auction on youbid.ie.

REA Seamus Carthy’s successful online auctions!

Properties required Seamus Carthy now urgently requires all types of property for a substantial list of underbidders based both at home and abroad. Contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090 6630001 or info@reacarthy.ie.

Looking to sell?

We have buyers!

Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home!

• Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

21

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PropertyPeople

Smith Kelly Scott Auctioneers Auctioneers • Valuers • Estate Agents • Property Consultants Property House, The Crescent, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel. 071 9662124 | info@smithkellyscott.ie | www.smithkellyscott.ie Mike Smith 086 2531736 | John Kelly 086 8173791 | Cian Smith 086 3502455

WANTED

5 Cois Abhainn, Boyle, Co. Roscommon €205,000

Following record sales & interest we require the following: • Residential & Non Residential Farms for disappointed underbidders • Houses for sale in all locations Contact your full-time qualified property professionals:

Mike Smith MIPAV (086 2531736) John Kelly MIPAV (086 8173791) Cian Smith MIPAV,

H. Cert in in Business in Real Estate, Valuation, Sale & Management

(086 3502455)

• Superb 4 Bedroom House • Excellent condition throughout • Sought after location • Walking distance to Boyle Town Centre & all amenities • Viewing strictly by appointment

8 Sycamore Crescent, Boyle Co. Roscommon

4 Warren Way, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

• 4 Bedroom House • Walking Distance to Local Amenities • Garden to Rear • Located in a Quiet Cul De Sac

• 4 Bedroom House • Walking Distance to all Local Amenities • Garden to Rear • Ideal Investment Opportunity or Starter Home

• 3 Bedroom House • Walking distance to local amenities • Private garden to rear • Large Garage/Workshop

29 Curlew View, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Creeve, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

31 Oakport, Cootehall, Co. Roscommon

• 4 Bedroom Dormer Bungalow • Quiet Residential Area • Walking distance to Boyle Town Centre & all amenities

• 2 Bedroom Bungalow • Double Garage • Close to Elphin • On Approx. 1 Acre

• 4 Bedroom Bungalow • Finished to a high standard • Mature fenced garden to the rear • Paved walkway to garden shed

€135,000

€159,000

• Excellent Investment Opportunity or Starter Home

€135,000

P.O.A.

5 Palace Road, Elphin, Co. Roscommon €105,000

€230,000

For further information, contact your full-time property professionals:

Tel. 071 9662124 | info@smithkellyscott.ie | www.smithkellyscott.ie

PSRA Licence No. 002058

22

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PropertyPeople

D M

Matthew Donnellan Auctioneer & Valuer

Market Square, Roscommon town.

Telephone: 086 8100701 PRSA Licence no. 004213 Email: mattdonn2020@gmail.com

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

nd

la 11 acres of

11 acres of land with development potential

3/4 acre site at Clynagh, Connemara, Co. Galway

Close to Castlerea town on Ballinlough Road. Maps available.

With scenic views and keenly priced. Map available.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

• 142 Audi A4. NCT’d & Taxed. €11,500.00

• 2012 Peugeot 508 1.6 HDi. NCT’d until September 2021. €3,350.00 • 2010 Toyota Avensis Diesel. NCT’d until August 2021. €3,250.00.

• 2010 Toyota Landcruiser. LWB Commercial. Taxed and tested until Sept. 2021.

• 2008 Toyota Landscruiser. DOE til July 2021. €8,750.00.

• 2007 Rexton Crew Cab Commercial Jeep. €1,250.00.

• 2005 Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi. NCT’d & Taxed until January 2021. €950.00.

• 2003 Toyota Landcruiser LWB, new shape. €2,950.00.

• 3-tonne Dumper. Electric start. €2,750.00.

• International 585 Tractor. €2,000.00.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DUE IN NEXT WEEK

• 2007 Toyota Landcruiser SWB. €5,500.00

Abbey Street building attracting interest!

Pat Hughes & Company have received a lot of interest in an office building at Abbey Street, right, which is ideally located close to all local amenities and within walking distance of Roscommon town centre.

The building is currently laid out into an office, but could easily be converted into a residential unit if required. The building, which was used for a number of years as a solicitor’s office, is located in one of Roscommon’s most sought after areas.

Accommodation consists of two offices on the ground floor, four offices on the first floor, and a small yard to the rear. For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@ pathughesauctioneers.com.

Prime Abbey Street property available at Earley’s This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley has a most attractive, three-bedroomed, mid-terrace townhouse property of approximately 1,500 square feet for sale, located at 5, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon (holding development potential).

John Earley described it as “a most attractive, one and a half storey townhouse property, standing on a large site area”.

This character property is centrally located in a renowned residential district, and offers spacious living accommodation throughout, together with a range of useful outbuildings and rear access.

Altogether, this is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the joint agents now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. (Holding potential for further development subject to the relevant planning permission). Price guide: €125,000. Joint Selling Agents: Pat Hughes & Co., Auctioneers, 090 6627003.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, the Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

David Diffley’s house sale of the week This week, David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a quality, four-bedroomed, semi-detached residence, located at 29, Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, for “a very satisfactory” price.

David describes the property as “a quality, four-bedroomed, semidetached residence of approximately 1,260 square feet, located in the established Cushla development”.

David further commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period with quality properties attracting strong interest.

Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in

all areas for disappointed underbidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”.

For further details or to arrange a free consulta-

tion, please contact David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email ddiffley@ propertypartners.ie, or log onto propertypartners.ie.

29, Cushla Grove, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Advertorial

Portrun Bay

Two acres with excellent access at Portrun Pat Hughes & Company are confirming that they have had a number of enquiries on circa two acres of land with direct access onto the shoreline at Portrun Bay. The lands have excellent road frontage and development potential subject to planning permission being granted. For further details, contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Properties wanted This week, due to a high volume of recent sales, Pat Hughes & Company are urgently looking for all types of properties in and around the Roscommon area for disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes & Company for their free, confidential, professional advice. Contact the office on 090 6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

When it comes to selling property, there’s no substitute for experience This week, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are seeking houses in all areas of Roscommon for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. Houses in the general Roscommon Town, Knockcroghery and Lecarrrow areas are of particular interest, with a number of properties having been sold here in the past few weeks.

Property Partners have been selling property for generations and offer a nationwide network of offices offering exceptional local knowledge. With an extensive computerised database of active buyers, Property Partners Earley are best placed to advise on all your property matters.

They offer a professional marketing plan, designed to deliver their goal of selling your home for the highest price possible.

We have now launched our 360-degree virtual tour service at no extra cost and have sold a number of properties to overseas clients who are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Your property will be listed on all major websites to include propertypartners.ie, daft.ie and myhome.ie. With over 3,000 unique hits on the Property Partners website each day alone, your property will be marketed to the forefront. Local knowledge, nationwide.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 6626579, or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

PropertyPeople

PSRA no. 001090

Auctioneers & Valuers

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com • Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

For Sale –

Sale agreed on property at Castle Park, Castle Street, Roscommon.

Sale agreed on the ‘Fisherman’s Cottage’ at Cloontymullen, Roscommon.

Sale agreed on property at Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Sale agreed on property at Runnabracken, Roscommon.

CLOONEYGRASSAN, BALLINTUBBER An attractive 4 Bedroomed Bungalow on circa 1 acre site Accommodation consists of Living Room, Kitchen, 4 Bedrooms with one en-suite and a bathroom.

The Residence is situated located approximately 2 miles from Ballymoe Village on the main Castlerea to Roscommon Road.

For further information or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sale - New to the Market NEWTOWN, BALLYMURRAY, ROSCOMMON Circa 6 acres with excellent road frontage and dual entrance.

It would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands are located only 2 miles from Roscommon Town with access to the Carrowmore and Athlone Roads.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sale agreed on property at Skrine, Roscommon.

Sale agreed on property at Sale agreed on property at Cloonbrackna Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Roscommon. Court, Roscommon Town

Recent sales by Hughes & Co. Pat Hughes & Company is now calling for properties in and around the Roscommon area, due to a high number of recent sales.

Sale agreed on circa 14 acres of land at Fearagh, Ballymurray.

For Sale –

ABBEYVALE, ARDNANAGH, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Large 5 bedroomed dormer bungalow.

Accommodation consists of a Sitting Room, Kitchen cum Dining Room, 3 Bedrooms downstairs and a Bathroom.

Upstairs:- 2 large En Suite Bedrooms one with a Jacuzzi Bath.

There is a large garage to the side.

The property is located close to all amenities.

Offers in the region of €250,000 are being considered.

For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sale – GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Large 4 Bedroomed Bungalow on a Large Corner site which would be suitable of further development subject to planning permission being granted Accommodation consists of Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, utility, 4 Bedrooms with one en-suite and a bathroom, 2 separate rooms which would be suitable for an office / Salon which is attached to a large garage. The Property is in excellent condition. The Residence is situated in a much sought-after area and within walking distance of all local amenities. Viewing is highly recommended.

For further details contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com Legal: Peter H Jones Solicitors, Goff Street, Roscommon. Phone :- 09066 26925 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sale – MULLYMUX, ROSCOMMON

circa 26.5 acres of top-quality land with excellent road frontage The lands have recently been ploughed and reseeded. The lands have the benefit of excellent road frontage and are situated less than half a mile of the main Boyle to Roscommon road and only 2 miles from Roscommon Town.

For further details contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Sale agreed on circa 25 acres of land at Cloonultry, Ballinasloe.

Sale agreed on circa 12 acres of land at Fearagh, Ballymurray.

Four-bedroomed bungalow at Corskeagh, Strokestown Newly-arrived on the market is this attractive four-bedroomed bungalow, located approximately a mile outside the town of Strokestown.

It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers.

This residence has been recently renovated to a very high standard internally, and has the addition of an adjoining garage.

Boasting spacious living accommodation internally, this property is a must for viewing in order to fully appreciate all that is on offer. The residence stands on a large corner site of circa 0.6 acres, with unrivalled views over the adjoining countryside. No expense has been spared on the renovation and decoration of this superb family home.

Accommodation includes a reception hallway with wooden flooring, ceiling coving and

Corskeagh, Strokestown

‘Stira’ folding attic stairs, living room with solid fuel stove that assists with heating, kitchen/dining room with fully fitted kitchen units.

There are four bedrooms (master ensuite) all with wooden flooring and ceiling coving.

This property boasts many features, including superfast fibre broadband connection with speeds up to

100 mbs, an adjoining garage (18`9” x 13`6”) with electricity servicing with roller doors to front and door to rear, post and rail fencing to front and one side with hedging to other side and rear, a block wall at the entrance with piers, laid lawns with a large, enclosed garden to the rear, a kerbed and stoned driveway, a range of flower and shrubbery beds, and a

raised concrete area to rear, all situated on a large corner site of circa 0.6 acres.

Viewings of this property are highly recommended and strictly by appointment. Evening, weekend and bank holiday viewings organised by prior appointment. For further information and to arrange appointment, contact the office on 090 6663700 or info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

ACCOUNTS

CHIMNEY CLEANING

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting.

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

085 1503353 086 8538404

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone:

087 2798704

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connachtchimney Cleaning.com

CHIROPRACTOR

COUNSELLING

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

VHI and Laya Covered

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

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l

l

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis.

Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

094 96 20099

085 2514394

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

DRIVING LESSONS

Please call Glynis on

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

COMPUTERS

The local paper!

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Please call us on 090-6634633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Telephone: Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON

Driving School

087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD For all your fencing needs.

Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

l l

l

Tel: 087 2172281

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

087 2346364

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

FARMING < ROSCOMMON FARM SHOP: The Square Rocscommon.

Freerange and Organic eggs, poultry, potatoes, fruit & veg Strokestown Honey, Gilligan Meats, freerange bacon & ribs, goat and sheeps milk and cheese. < 7 ACRES OF GOOD LAND: For sale in Castlecoote, good road frontage.

Offers invited. Tel: 0044 7944142961

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715.

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on

l

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

25

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Classifieds GARDENING GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc.

Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults.

Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you?

Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Pressure Washing & General Services Patios Decking | Houses | Vehicles | Driveways | Caravans | Walls | Gutters Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you!)

Furniture Removal & Collection Garden Maintenance

Phone John: 085 2113317 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

< TO LET: 3 bedroom apartment to let, would suit 3 professionals, Roscommon town. Tel: 086 8538519

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079 PLANNINGS

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Enda McHugh intend to apply for planning permission from Roscommon County Council at the site of Cloongownagh Carrick on Shannon Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of Erect 1 No. dry sheep shed and all associated site works.

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

Signed: Enda McHugh.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sandra Geraghty intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Lissygreaghan, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application by the planning authority.

Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / sblake2006@gmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Kevin Higgins and Shauna Lynch intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct single storey dwelling, domestic garage, proprietary effluent treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Leitrim Fairymount, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL – Further information.

We, ESB Telecoms Ltd. hereby give notice that significant further information has been submitted in relation to our planning application, planning reference 19/396, for the construction of a 36 metre high free standing lattice communication structure and its associated antennae, communication dishes and ground equipment, within a 2.4m high palisade fence compound at ESB’s existing Flagford 220kV substation, Townland of Culleenatreen or Flagford, Co. Roscommon.

A submission or observation in relation to the “Further Information” may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Austin Boyle for planning permission for the construction of a general purpose store/implement shed and for alterations to the existing site entrance onto the public road together with all necessary ancillary siteworks at Lisnagirra, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Seamus Dowd & Associates Ltd, Registered Surveyors, Chartered Construction Managers, Building Consultants.

Tel: (090) 6623417 Mobile: 086-8546035 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Kevin Keegan am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to retain the following: 1) retain alterations to site layout previously granted under PD/99/1067 to include as constructed position of the house and 2nd driveway/ entrance.

2) retain as constructed domestic garage and all ancillary site works at Emlagh, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45 HD27.

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 a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd. Unit 5, Ballypheasan House, Circular Rd, Roscommon, F42 C982 M: 087 8228529 M: 087 9595520 T: 090 6634365, Email: james@jlce.ie - aaron@jlce.ie www.jlce.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Eanna and Anne Rogerson are applying for planning permission for erection of new dwelling house with septic tank and percolation area and ancillary site development works on site at Jamestown, Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon.

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

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

PLANNINGS

The local paper!

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI)

USEFUL SERVICES

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered.

Domestic and Industrial, All work considered.

No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

Certified Reflexologist Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment.

Through massage of the feet reflexology can • rebuild energy levels in the body • assist in relieving stress • encourage relaxation • improve general well- being Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body.

Contact TERESA for appointment at

087 9001212

Teresa Burke Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW 20

HOLISTIC JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

087 9201818

Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed?

If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 96 31880 087 9100477

26

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

Agricultural Powerwashing Services • Cow Sheds • Slatted Sheds • Sheep Sheds • Yards • Milking Parlours Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

POWER WASHING SERVICES Covering all Roscomon and Leitrim areas 10% DISCOUNT for Senior Citizens when they mention the ‘Roscommon People’ newspaper Areas cleaned include: • All external walls • Driveways • Paths • Patios • Houses, inc. gutters

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE

086 2721812 (All areas)

TUITION < TUITION: English teacher required for mature student. Contact: 098 9750616

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free.

• 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

Reliable and professional service with a smile

< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed.

Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.

WORKING THROUGHOUT CURRENT RESTRICTIONS with full PPE equipment • Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION or visit Luke Coen Plumbing

Contact Luke on

085 7359120

Handyman Mr. Handyman One call we do it all.

Handyman4you@inbox.LV Contact: Vitaly

086 0371240

Co. Roscommon

BALLINAGARE HEALTH AND LEISURE CENTRE

Tel: Donal

Soft washing available for rendered and painted walls and houses

Tel. 089 2386442

APPOINTMENTS

< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

GYM MANAGER POSITION

Job description • You must be a qualified gym/class instructor with recognised qualifications.

• You will be responsible for the running of the facility and managing staff.

• You will be responsible for all marketing and organising of events.

• As manager you are accountable for the overall income.

• You will be responsible for health and safety.

• You will liaise with the board/committee.

• You will be funded under the CSP (Pobal) and need to be familiar with their requirements.

Tasks • Providing monthly/annual reports to the board.

• Liasing with Pobal and providing returns.

• Generate income • Overseeing timetables and classes • Handling complaints and incidents • Maintaining equipment Email Applications to: ballinagarehealthcentre@gmail.com Closing date 7th November 2020

SENIOR HAIR STYLIST Needed for busy Salon in Roscommon town Excellent terms and conditions

< CARER REQUIRED: Kind, reliable lady required as part-time live-in carer for elderly lady in Roscommon town. Box No: 2035 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: Reliable childminder required to mind 2 children, 1 and 4 year old. 3 days per week, Roscommon town area, fluent english essential.

Tel: 087 9815205

Ballygar Tel.: 090-6624557 Have a vacancy for a

Pharmacy/Dispensary Assistant Previous Pharmacy experience desirable Good interpersonal & Strong communication skills essential Please forward CV & Cover Letter to:

medicalhall.hr@yahoo.com

Apply to PO Box number.

Box No: 2034 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Immediate Start - Roscommon Town

Doctor’s Surgery

Office Administrator Required 30 Hrs/week flexibility required l

l Typing/General Office Skills l Friendly Disposition Good English essential l Non Smoker - in good health please Previous experience preferred but not essential Training will be provided Apply with CV to:

Box No: 2036 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< FOR SALE: Large lorryloads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301

SITUATIONS VACANT

The Medical Hall

FITTER REQUIRED For fitting of fireplaces, stoves and chimney liner installation and general duties Must have Safe Pass and clean drivers licence (But not essential).

Email CV’s to: Info@roscommonfireplace.com or call 087 2869496

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? Rooskey, Co. Co. Roscommon Roscommon Requires Rooskey, requires

STAFF NURSE EXPERIENCED STAFF NURSE andCARE CARE ASSISTANT ASSISTANT and

Pleaseforward forward CV CV with with written toto Please writtenreferences references the Director Director of the of Nursing.

Nursing.

Oremail: Email:shannonlodgenh@gmail.com shannonlodgenh@gmail.com Or

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL:

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

27

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie LOCKSMITH

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chris’s Locksmith Service

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

BLINDS

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

LIFE COACH

www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

Window and Door Repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

l

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder replacement l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Lock replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com 08383

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection VETERINARY

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel: 090 662 6898

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSTALLATION

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial BlockEstate, 12, Galway H91 P5k5 Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

087 2596055

Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

RECYCLING

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site l l

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090

6621220

PHONE: 086 8229606

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (inc. public sector) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (inc. competency-based) PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (e.g. retirement, new job, separation etc) * FIND YOURSELF STUCK IN A RUT? - (take back control and explore options!)

EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

For appointment call me on 086 8229606 OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS

SELLING A USED CAR?

YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS

You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county!

An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over

Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment.

We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food.

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

CAROLINE BURKE COACHING

While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!

80,000 LOCAL people every week!

WEB DESIGN

Don’t just have a website, have a web presence.

We are experts at creating an effective web presence for small businesses that actually gets results - creating new customers for your business.

Packages starting from €195.

Call Niall on 083 430 4647 or email info@lsbmarketing.ie See www.lsbmarketing.ie for more information.

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

28

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

FITZMAURICE Alan Ardsallagh Beg, Roscommon Who died 21st October 2007 (13th Anniversary)

MURPHY Joseph Rookwood, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Joe

GALLAGHER Mary

DERVIN Brian

Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who died on 24th October 2019

Anniversary - 25th October 2015

We would like to thank Fr. Eugene McLoughlin who celebrated Mary’s Funeral Mass and who also came to the graveside.

We would like to thank all those who sent Mass Cards, enrolment certificates and offered condolences.

Thanks to the Doctors and Nurses of Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe for all the care they gave to Mary.

Thanks to Henry Hamrock for his professionalism and kindness in handling all the Funeral arrangements for Mary and thanks to Sean Connaughton for preparing Mary’s final resting place.

Thanks to all our neighbours and friends for all their help and support at the time of Mary’s passing.

His smiling way and pleasant face, are a pleasure to recall.

He had a kindly word for each, and died beloved by all.

Some day we hope to meet him.

Some day, we know not when.

To clasp his hand in the better land, never to part again.

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649

• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com

You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone, Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, Be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Forever in our hearts, Dawn, Emma, Brigeen, Gerry, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass offered at later date.

QUIGLEY Brian Late of Sudbury, UK & Lisnamult, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Rogers Funeral Directors

Always in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly missed by Tommie and Kitty.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Friday, 16th November 2020.

TIERNAN Brian Cartron, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon (38th Anniversary) Who died on the 25th October 1982

No matter how life changes, no matter what we do.

A special place within our hearts, is always kept for you.

Loved and remembered by your family. xxx R.I.P.

SCANLON Nee Mulligan Mary (Mae)

Loved and sadly missed by her husband Eamon, sons Michael, Eamon, Peter and Billy, daughter Mary, granchildren and greatgrandchildren, brothers, sisters and extended family.

Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, Mary’s Mass will be said at a later date.

A day that’s filled with sadness returns to us today, to mark the day you closed your eyes and quietly slipped away.

You had a smile for everyone, you had a heart of gold.

You left the sweetest memories, this world could ever hold.

A smile can hide our sadness, tears can be wiped away, but the heartache of losing you, will never go away.

Because you were so special, no words could ever say, how much we love and miss you, today and everyday.

YOUNG Una (née Flynn)

(Coolock, Dublin 5 and formerly of Elphin Street, Boyle and New Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon) October 9th 2020 (peacefully) aged 96 years, in the loving care of the staff of CareChoice Nursing Home, Malahide Road, Dublin 17.

Corlackin, Creggs, Co. Galway (4th Anniversary)

Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surounding areas)

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Email or call for Sample Pack

In loving memory of Brian Quigley whose 2nd anniversary occurs on 23rd October.

We cannot bring the old days back, when we were all together.

The family chain is broken now, but memories last forever.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Sacred Heart Catholic Church Roscommon on Wednesday, 28th October 2020 at 8am.

In loving memory of Mary (Mae) who passed away on 27th October 2016 May Mary Rest In Peace In our hearts your memory lingers.

Always tender, fond and true.

There’s not a day dear mother, we do not think of you.

Missed each day and remembered by your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 25th October at 11.30am.

Beloved wife of the late Thomas. She will be sadly missed by her sons Tom, Seamus and Conor, daughters Siobhan, Geraldine and Grainne, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, family and friends.

Her family would like to express their thanks for the condolences they received following her death. They are also grateful for the care provided to her when she lived in Boyle with her husband, Thomas.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Always in our hearts Gerry, Maura and family. ~~~~~~~~~~ No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God can tell us why.

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, Loving you always, forgetting you never.

Thinking of you always Elaine, Enda, Noah and Cría.

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

29

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Classifieds

SportsPeople

by Tom Red Horses for Courses

FAMILYNOTICES ....

O’CONNOR Mary Carrigeen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister who passed away peacefully on 24th October 2017 Missing, Your face Your smile Your voice Your sense of humour Your charm Your wit Your kindness Your way of making everything better Mostly, just missing you...

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by husband Patsy, daughters Lorraine, Aileen, Aine, sons David, Gordon, Padraig and all extended family.

A private Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Thursday, 22nd October.

DOWLING Rose Lisgobbin, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of

KENNY Michael Late of Tully, Fourmilehouse and Glenview, Roscommon (12th Anniversary) Who died 27th October 2008

We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore We did our best to the end ‘Til we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay.

You left behind some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere, We never shall and never will forget you Michael dear.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure”

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.

You are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.

Loved forever and sadly missed by her husband Pat, son Michael, daughters Martha and Sylvia, sons-inlaw and grandchildren.

Mass offered.

turns to France this weekend to contest the Group 1 Prix RoyalOak at Longchamp on Sunday where Seamie Heffernan will replace her suspended regular rider Joey Sheridan. She is bidding for back-to-back Group 1 wins following her victory in the Prix du Cadran on Arc weekend.

Last Friday Joseph O’Brien sent out Traisha to win a listed mare’s race at Bath under David Egan who completed a double when winning the last on Prince Imperial for his uncle Richard Hughes.

What a day, Champions Day at Ascot, was for Holly Doyle and her boyfriend Tom Marquand, teenage sweethearts. Doyle became the first female to win a race on Breeders Cup Day winning the opening Group 2 Long Distance Cup on Alan King’s Trueshan.

She completed quick a double in the second, winning her first Group 1 race in the Sprint Stakes

Sadly missed by Mam, Dad, Carmel, Pat and Kevin. ~~~~~~~~~~ No matter how life changes No matter what we do.

A special place within our hearts is always kept for you, Today we light a candle and say a special prayer.

We take a trip down memory lane And know that your are there.

Sadly missed by Margaret, Frank and Mairead.

Masses offered.

In loving memory of Rose, who died on October 27th 2013 R.I.P.

Another busy weekend with two meetings on each day. There are meetings today at Thurles over the sticks starting at 1 pm and at the Navan on the flat at 1.20 pm.

Tomorrow, in the afternoon there is national hunt racing at Sligo away at 2 pm and in the evening on the all-weather at Dundalk racing on the level off at 4.40 pm.

On Saturday, the jumping fare takes place in the west at Ballybrit at 1.40 pm on the first of the three-day October Racing Festival and at 1.20 pm on the flat in Leopardstown. On Sunday, the second day of Galway, has jump action off at 12.40 pm and also national hunt fare in Wexford off at 1 pm.

Monday sees the last day of the Galway festival and the close of racing for 2020 on the track with a flat card at 1.20 pm. There is racing over the sticks, same as yesterday, in Wexford at 12.55 pm.

Tony Mullins’ Princess Zoe re-

McHUTCHEON Rita Tully, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (21st Anniversary) In loving memory of Rita who died on 26th October 1999

Will those who think of her today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered by your loving family.

Mass will be held at a later date.

Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand with their 4 Champion Day Trophies at Ascot.

Tiger Roll and Davy Russell with Magic of Light at Aintree in 2019.

on Glen Sheil for Archie Watson.

Not to be outdone by girlfriend Marquand won the penultimate race, the featured Group 1 Champion Stakes, on Addeybb for William Haggis with Aidan O’Brien’s Magical 3rd. He completed his double on Jessica Harrington’s Njord in the final race, the Balmoral Handicap. The third race was won by William Buick on Wonderful Tonight for the French born English trainer David Menuisier and the 4th went to France as Pierre-Charles Boudot brought The Revenant home for FrancisHenri Graffard. It was a great day of high-class international racing.

Magical has narrowly moved to the top of the Cartier Horse of the Year standings after her third in the Qipco Champion Stakes and is 2 points ahead of the now retired Ghaiyyath with the racing journalists and the punters still to have their say. She has won three Group 1s this season, the Pretty Polly and Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh and Irish Champion Stakes in Leopardstown.

Shor t putts NEWS FROM LOCAL GOLF CLUBS Athlone Michael Hanley was the winner of the Jack O’Sullivan trophy in Athlone on the 11th of October. Michael’s score of 69 nett (back 9) was enough to see off Ned Broughal, Shane Fuery and James Martin. Thomas O’Connor won the gross prize.

The men’s Wednesday Open on October 14th was won by Richard Evans with 41 points while Niall Carroll was the Class A winner with 37, Martin Fitzgibbon took Class B with 37 points and Aiden McGrath was the Class C winner with 38.

The recent AWGS competition was won by M. Cleary with 27 points while D. O’Donoghue

(26 points), M. Healy (24 points), B. Nott (24 points) and PJ Naughton (20 points) won Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

The recent Ladies’ Glasson Pharmacy 18-Hole Stableford was won by Margaret Byrne with 35 points with Catherine Fitzgerald second (35 points), and Eleanor Larkin third (33 points).

The 97 Club competition results were as follows: Class A: Yvonne Walsh (22 points); Class B: Anne Evans (23 points) and Class C: Chris Fuery (26 points).

Gabrielle Madsen, Lady Captain at Carrick-onShannon Golf Club congratulates Mary Egan, the first jackpot winner in Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club’s Weekly Lottery.

Racing News Gordon Elliott will give Tiger Roll an early seasonal start declaring him for the 1m 6f maiden at Navan today. The dual Grand National winner will be ridden by claimer Sam Ewing and faces nine rivals on his first start since chasing home Easysland in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham last March.

With just over two weeks left Colin Keane has stretched his lead to eight clear of Shane Foley with one winner Pita Pinta for Fozzy Stack at Gowran Park yesterday.

Point to Point Corner Saturday’s racing is at Loughanmore in Co. Antrim with 122 entries and at Ballycrystal near Kiltealy in Wexford with 125, both start at 1 pm.

On Sunday there are another two meetings scheduled, one at Dromahane in Co. Cork, 146 runners, and the Meath and Tara’s race at Tattersalls opposite Fairyhouse racecourse with 137 entries, both meetings starting at 12.30 pm.

30

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

Sports PEOPLE If Roscommon do get to go to the ball…they’ll cut quite a dash!

TV VIEW < PAUL HEALY

GAA man and GAA woman (understandably) have a stockpile of clichés to call upon, one of which is: “It’s not too often a team goes up north and gets the win!”

Well, Roscommon went north and returned west – with both league points. After an uncertain start, they grew into this game and eventually took control of it. It was mightily impressive.

The Roscommon People was represented by Seamus Duke (on reporting duties) and Mick McCormack (on photography). Last weekend, the public mood was turning against GAA games being held at all; that’s a legitimate debate in Covid-hit Ireland. Our (media) team in Armagh reported very positively on the care and caution taken by the hosts, and the absolute adherence to all guidelines by both camps.

There is no doubt that the match – televised by RTE – will have lifted the spirits of thousands of viewers. It was a good old-fashioned battle. You see more when you’re actually at a game, but, even watching on television, you could sense and appreciate the passion being invested by two serious teams.

It was a great victory and a pulsating match. I wasn’t that concerned at Roscommon’s lack of accuracy early on; it was encouraging that the team was playing on the proverbial ‘front foot’. The toil in the fields would surely eventually bear fruit.

With almost 29 minutes gone, Armagh led 0-5 to 0-1. Roscommon, not short of possession, had climbed the mountain several times but were struggling to pitch their flag at the summit.

Enda Smith’s first penalty (just before half-time) was probably a game-changer. Conor Cox did go to ground with the en-

Ciaran Lennon pictured in action for Roscommon last Saturday. Picture: Michael McCormack

thusiasm of a child spotting a fiver on the grass, but replays showed that Ryan Kennedy had tackled him high. It’s a mystery why the Armagh defender – already on a yellow card – wasn’t sent off…to not have an early

GAA Extra-time Referee ... Don’t stand so close to me!

I’m guessing players don’t always hear the whistle – or certainly not in its full shrillness – when there’s a crowd at a game.

There was an amusing moment in the 12th minute on Saturday when referee David Gough was blowing his whistle to signal that he needed to stop play…and blowing, and blowing.

Then he stopped. Then he blew it sharply again – and Cathal Cregg, standing a few feet from the referee, reacted as if he’d heard a gunshot go off! Cathal will agree: the sooner the crowds are back, the better!

shower (at least not on location, due to Covid). Smith struck a superb penalty, Roscommon now into an unlikely lead. Armagh hit back with three excellent points to claim bragging rights at half-time (0-8 to 1-3).

The second half was brilliant from a Roscommon perspective. The tactic was to run at Armagh – more direct, more purposeful. Sean Mullooly was superb, Cian McKeon making telling contributions…taking responsibility. Enda Smith was now more prominent, and Conor Cox – a touch out of sorts in the first half – was suddenly a constant threat. Ronan Daly was very involved, Ciaran Lennon showing well for the ball. Several more Rossies were running at Armagh from all angles. Goal number two came when McKeon threaded a pass to Mullooly, whose shot bounced off the crossbar. Niall Kilroy was fouled in the follow-up play; a second penalty.

Having arrowed the first one high to the ‘keeper’s left, Smith now stroked a low beauty to the opposite side.

Two minutes later, with Roscommon now bubbling beautifully, Conor Cox rampaged up the right wing before squaring the ball to Conor Daly, who

fired home a cracking goal. Roscommon were taking control.

In the closing stages, Roscommon were calm and assured, at times frustrating Armagh with an effective ‘keep ball’ strategy, while also breaking at pace. It was good football, a pleasure to watch. The sluggishness in front of the posts in the first half had transformed into an impressive final tally of 3-10, 3-9 of it scored in 45 minutes.

This was an excellent win, a seven-month itch dealt with in some style. The powers that be – the authors of Level 5 restrictions – have cleared the way for the GAA Championships to happen. Public opinion is still divided. Of course the obvious enemy is Covid itself; if the virus causes sufficient disruption in a few county panels, the championship may well disintegrate into a season of nothingness.

But if our inter-county stars do actually get to go to the ball, Roscommon could cut quite a dash.

The match…on Twitter

Paul Healy

Game

of the weekend

Dessie and the full-backs…

Co-commentating on RTE, Dessie Dolan produced a deadpan (and quite funny) observation as he reflected on Conor Daly’s brilliant second-half goal for Roscommon. Dessie, formerly a scourge of defenders, said of Conor’s slightly awkward celebration: “…like any full- Roscommon County Board Secretary Valerie Murray and John Doorly (driver of back (who’s just scored a goal)…he’s not sure how to the Club Rossie bus) pictured at the match in Armagh. Picture: Mick McCormack celebrate it!”

Tomás Ó Sé @tomas5ky Brilliant win for @RoscommonGAA they will have a huge say in Connacht. They have a very solid squad that will get stronger and they can play it whatever way you like

Ross4life @Rossie4life Superb win for the Rossies. Well done players and management. Much-improved 2nd half display. First time Armagh have lost in the Athletic Grounds for 3 and half years. Cian McKeon, Mullooly, Lennon our stand-out players tonight.

Sitting pretty at the top #rosgaa

Welcome back, Shane!

Seamus Duke writes: It was great to see Shane Killoran back in action on Saturday night. I was in Brewster Park in Enniskillen in February when he suffered a horrific injury. It’s great to see him back in action – great for Shane himself, for the team, and the fans!

31

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

SportsPeople

Cavan next…then the championship!

Allianz National Football League Division 2: Cavan v Roscommon on Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan at 2 pm (live on TG4) < SEAMUS DUKE

With Roscommon already heading up to Division One – bar the most unlikely set of results ever seen in the history of league football – this last game of the Division Two campaign will give Anthony Cunningham and his selectors a final chance to fine-tune their game plan and personnel ahead of the Connacht SFC semi-final against Mayo or Leitrim in two weeks’ time.

The return to action last weekend was largely positive for Roscommon, with a very strong second-half display against Armagh resulting in a deserved win. The return of so many players

who were out of the panel for one reason or another earlier in the year is a huge boost. It was seen to good effect last Saturday, when subs of the quality of Conor Devaney, Ciarain Murtagh, Shane Killoran and Conor Hussey were brought on when the game was there to be won.

The other major plus is that the team looks in very good shape (and very fit). It took them most of the first half to get into form, which was probably understandable given the long break, but once they found their mojo, they played very well.

It is likely that the management will resist any temptation to make wholesale changes, although it is unlikely that Conor Daly will be fit to play after coming off injured with a hamstring problem last Saturday. Sean Mullooly, who was outstanding against Armagh, looks a natural replacement at number three, with Conor Hussey coming in to start in defence.

Conor Daly, pictured in action during his starring role against Armagh on Saturday, is unlikely to be fit for this weekend’s game after a incurring hamstring injury. Picture: Mick McCormack

David Murray, Ronan Daly, Brian Stack and Niall Daly all did well in the rearguard and should line out

again. Ultan Harney might get his chance against Cavan too. In the middle of the park, Cathal Compton

and Tadhg O’Rourke are a work in progress, and it will be interesting to see how they get on against a

very strong Cavan midfield pairing of Gearoid McKiernan and Padraig Faulkner.

Shane Killoran and Eddie Nolan could well be an option here for Roscommon after successful appearances from the bench last Saturday.

Up front, Cian McKeon, Enda Smith, Ciaran Lennon and Conor Cox (second half) played very well last weekend, while Cathal Cregg and Niall Kilroy worked hard. There may well be starting berths for Ciarain Murtagh, Conor Devaney, Diarmuid Murtagh or young Cathal Heneghan. In truth, there is an embarrassment of riches available to the selectors in terms of attacking players on the Roscommon bench.

Cavan cannot be promoted now, but they know that if they lose this game and other results go against them, they could actually be relegated on six points.

They have a huge championship clash against local rivals Monaghan coming up the following week.

Therefore, they will want to end their league campaign on a high.

They have plenty of good players like Raymond Galligan, Killian Brady, Chris Conway, McKeirnan and Faulker, Martin Reilly and Conor Madden.

Last Sunday, Cavan were very competitive against Kildare in Newbridge, going down by only four points. It was a good result considering that the Breffni side were down twelve players because of Covidrelated issues. Several of those players will be back in contention for places this weekend.

I am expecting a very competitive encounter. Roscommon were very impressive in the second half against Armagh and if they can carry that form into this game, they should be good enough to take another two points. But after last weekend’s win, the focus is now firmly on that huge Connacht semi-final date in two weeks’ time.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Rossies look for a Keane edge!

Christy Ring Cup: Roscommon v Wicklow on Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 1.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Following the successful start to the inter-county football season, hurling returns this coming weekend, with several championship games down for decision around the country. Roscommon line up in the Christy Ring Cup with a tricky tie against Wicklow in prospect (at Hyde Park).

Following an exciting club championship, Roscommon are under a new manager, Johnny Keane from Portumna, who was involved with the previous boss, Ciaran Comerford.

That sense of continuity is welcome; the Galway man knows the set-up well.

Speaking to People Sport earlier this week, Keane said that he is happy with the team’s preparations in what is an extraordinary climate.

“We have had ten to twelve training sessions and they have been very

well attended. We played challenge games against Mayo and Sligo, and a couple of in-house games, and they have gone well.

So we are looking forward to the match this Sunday”.

The seven-month gap since Roscommon were last in competitive action – against Derry – has seen many changes in personnel, and a lively club championship has meant that there are many new faces on the panel for this weekend’s game.

“We have a lot of new lads on the panel like Oisin Kelly, Ben McGahon, Jack Lohan, Eoghan Costello, Matt Comerford, the Brennans from Tremane and a couple more who did well in the club championship.

“We also have a number of players back like Eamon Flanagan and Eamon and Paul Kenny, to add to our regulars like Shane Curley, Cathal Dolan and others, so we have a strong panel – which is a big boost to us”.

Johnny Keane says that he is expecting a tough test from Wicklow but that home advantage is a huge boost, especially in the current circumstances.

“We have done a bit of

homework on Wicklow and know that they are a big, strong, physical team.

But we are delighted to have the game in Dr. Hyde Park. It should be an advantage to us, as Wicklow

will have to make a long journey on Sunday morning, which is not easy. I would be very hopeful that we could win this and progress”.

There is a back door for

the losers of the first round of this championship, with those teams playing the following weekend. The winners will have to wait two weeks before playing again. With Offaly, Kil-

dare, Wicklow, Derry and Sligo in the competition, it promises to be an exciting couple of weeks, with Offaly the red-hot favourites to take the title.

All said, Roscommon start

their campaign at home on Sunday, and with a strong panel to call on they should be good enough to advance with a narrow win.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Ben McGahon (in action this season for Athleague) and Jack Lohan (in action this season for St. Dominic’s) are two of a number of ‘young guns’ who have been called into the Roscommon panel by new manager Johnny Keane. Photos: Michelle Hughes Walsh

32

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

SportsPeople

3questions!

Division One

Conor Daly smashes home Roscommon’s vital third goal after being set up by Conor Cox. Picture: Michael McCormack

So, are Roscommon promoted?

Seamus Duke: Well, not officially – but as good as! Following last Saturday’s excellent win in Armagh, Roscommon can only be denied if they lose to Cavan and Westmeath beat Kildare – but by a huge score.

Westmeath must overturn a scoring difference of -21 points. The danger for Roscommon is that Cavan are not safe on six points, and could still be relegated if they lose and other results don’t go their way.

What was the big plus?

While persistence and hard work were key to this great win, the strength of the panel now available to manager Anthony Cunningham and his selectors is another huge factor. When the game needed to be won in the second half, it was a big boost to have players like Conor Devaney, Ciarain Murtagh and the returning Shane Killoran joining the fray. The competition for places on the first fifteen is now as intense as it has been for a long time.

Allianz National Football League Division 2 Roscommon 3-10 Armagh 0-15

< SEAMUS DUKE IN THE ATHLETIC GROUNDS

A superb second-half display which was full of invention – allied to a huge work ethic throughout the team – ensured that Roscommon are now within touching distance of Division One of the Allianz National Football League following

this superbly entertaining clash at the Athletic Grounds last Saturday evening, the visitors prevailing by four points over Armagh.

Given the absence of play over the past seven months, no one could be certain as to how either team would perform. As it turned out, Roscommon players made light of the long journey and a tentative start to the game to record one of their best league wins in some time.

In almost perfect weather conditions this fine venue was eerily quiet as only the teams, a few officials and a few members of the media were there to see the action live.

In these very difficult times it was great to see inter-county football

back and it was a fine game for the national TV audience to enjoy.

Roscommon had a lot of possession over the first 25 minutes but they were tentative and too often their good approach play came to nothing. With far less of the ball, the home side were more direct and that began to show on the scoreboard.

Roscommon kicked five bad wides (and another two chances were dropped short), while down the other end the Orchard County were having much more success, and by the 27th minute they led by 0-5 to 0-1. Rian O’Neill, Rory Grugan and Oisin O’Neill were all impressive as the home side established a solid early advantage.

So, roll on the championship?

Well, without getting carried away, it’s clear that Roscommon have almost a full-strength panel to call on at the moment and it will take a very good team to beat them if they can maintain the momentum of last weekend.

Teams & scorers Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Conor Daly (1-0), Sean Mullooly; Ronan Daly (0-1), Brian Stack, Niall Daly; Cathal Compton, Tadhg O’Rourke; Niall Kilroy, Enda Smith (2-0, 2 pens), Cian McKeon (0-3, 1 free); Ciaran Lennon (0-1), Conor Cox (0-5, 4 frees), Cathal Cregg.

Subs: Conor Devaney for Cregg (43), Ciarain Murtagh for Kilroy (43), Conor Hussey for C Daly (50), Shane Killoran for O’Rourke (59), Eddie Nolan for Compton (62).

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Ryan Kennedy, Aidan Forker, Paddy Burns; Conor O’Neill, James Morgan, Callum Cumiskey (0-1); Niall Grimley, Oisin O’Neill (0-4, 1 free, 1 mark); Conor Turbitt (0-1), Stefan Campbell, Mark Shields; Rory Grugan (0-3, 2 frees), Rian O’Neill (0-5, 3 frees), Jamie Clarke (0-1).

Subs: Aaron McKay for Kennedy (h/t), Jarlath Og Burns for Turbitt (46), Paul Hughes for O’Neill (54), Joe McElroy for Campbell (58), Jemar Hall for Cumiskey (62).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

Enda Smith slots Roscommon’s first penalty past the Armagh ‘keeper. Photograph: Mick McCormack

However, with Sean Mullooly having an outstanding game, and Cian McKeon, Enda Smith and Ronan Daly always prominent, Roscommon forced their way into the game – and by the 33rd minute they were leading. McKeon converted a free in the 29th minute. Two minutes later there was a bizarre incident as referee David Gough moved a ’45 forward for dissent and Conor Cox converted the placed ball. In the 33rd minute Enda Smith made a powerful run before off-loading to Conor Cox. When the Roscommon ace was upended, Smith rifled the resultant spot-kick to the Armagh net. Now Roscommon led by 1-3 to 0-5.

33

Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

SportsPeople

here we come!

The ball nestles in the ‘Armagh net’ after Conor Daly’s superb strike on Saturday. Picture: Michael McCormack

It was Armagh who finished the half most impressively with points from Grugan (2) and a superb effort from Rian O’Neill, and at the halfway mark the home side led by 0-8 to 1-3.

Armagh started the new half on the front foot and they had the first two scores, with Grugan and Rian O’Neill on target again. The gap was now out to four. However, the visitors took the match by the scruff of the neck after that and played some great football for the rest of the game.

In the 42nd minute the outstanding Mullooly powered through and his thunderbolt of a shot crashed against the crossbar. Niall Kilroy

followed up to gain possession and when he was fouled it was another penalty, Smith once again obliging with another clinical strike.

Roscommon tails were now up and three minutes later Conor Cox made a great run in along the endline before playing in Conor Daly who blasted the ball to the roof of the net.

Now Anthony Cunningham’s men were two points up. They never looked back from that point on.

McKeon and Cox followed up with points and by the water break Roscommon led by four. While the visitors were never one hundred percent comfortable, any time Armagh threatened with a score Roscommon could go down the other

end and respond.

The arrival off the bench of Conor Devaney, Shane Killoran, Ciarain Murtagh and Conor Hussey was also crucial as Roscommon worked very hard all over the field to deny their opponents’ time and space. Indeed Roscommon could have scored a fourth goal late on but Davy Murray and Shane Killoran were denied by the Armagh rearguard.

Both teams ended the game with 14 men as Brian Stack received a black card deep into injury-time and impressive Armagh full-forward Rian O’Neill was sent to the line shortly afterwards for a second yellow offence.

The game ended with a super point

from Conor Cox to put the seal on a great Roscommon performance.

Conor Daly, Ronan Daly, Enda Smith, Cian McKeon, Conor Cox (second half) and subs Conor Devaney and Ciarain Murtagh were all excellent for Roscommon, but my ‘man of the match’ was Sean Mullooly, who turned in one of his best ever displays for the team. His return to full fitness from injury is a massive boost to Roscommon as they (hopefully) prepare for bigger tests ahead. * A word of thanks to the Armagh GAA personnel for their hospitality last Saturday evening. All protocols were strictly followed and the safety of everyone present was top priority.

‘Our subs were tremendous’ – Cunningham < SEAMUS DUKE Out on the field after the final whistle, Roscommon manager Anthony Cunningham was thrilled with both the performance and the result.

“This is a very difficult place to come and win. They are a very strong, physical team with some great footballers. I am delighted with our second-half performance. We improved on the mistakes that we made in the first half, which was good.

“It was great to get this match (played) here today and if everything goes well we will be playing Mayo or Leitrim this day three weeks’ in the championship. That was a great preparation out there today”.

The manager acknowledged that the return of so many key players was a major factor in the win, underlining the panel’s current strength in depth.

“Our subs were tremendous. You need a big panel. It was the workrate of the lads that won it for us. It was great to see Ciarain Murtagh back here today and also Shane (Killoran), who made a big difference when he came in.

“Sean Mullooly was fantastic today. His injury took so long to heal. He had rehab for over a year…he was so patient with it and I’m delighted to see him back and playing well. He is a great player. But all the lads did well today. We won’t fear anyone, but we have to keep working hard at our game”.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 situation, the Roscommon boss was very satisfied with the way the protocols are working with regard to intercounty games.

“The way things are now (with Covid) means a lot of extra work for teams and for management, because everyone has to be safe. All the rules are very stringent.

That’s right, and it has to be right…we want to keep everyone safe. That’s the bottom line.

“Hopefully we have given a lift to Roscommon people tonight who were looking at the game on TV. It was a good match to watch and hopefully it will help to sell a few extra tickets for the Win a Home in London draw too!”

Stat attack

Other side this time! Enda Smith converts Roscommon’s second penalty on Saturday. After keeping the goalkeeper guessing, the Boyle man chose the opposite side of the goal this time! Photograph: Mick McCormack

agh 7 (3, first Wides: Roscommon 9 (6, first half); Arm half) (Rian O’Neill) Red cards: Roscommon 0; Armagh 1 k); Armagh 0 Stac n Black cards: Roscommon 1 (Bria Murray); ArYellow cards: Roscommon 1 (David Rian O’Neill eill, O’N Oisin edy, Kenn n magh: 4 (Rya x 2) common) Man of the Match: Sean Mullooly (Ros

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‘This is the biggest sports’ dome in the world!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

Connacht GAA Games Development Manager Cathal Cregg began by outlining the thinking behind this ambitious development.

“It was always in the Connacht Council plans to develop an indoor arena (for games). The idea at the start was that it would be a solid structure, but the GAA pitch dimensions are just too big for that. Prunty Pitches saw this idea at a roadshow…and they approached John Prenty. Then we looked at a smaller version in Castlebar – which is over a couple of tennis courts – and the idea took off from there.

“About 18 months ago myself and John (Prenty) went to Finland to look at what they had in the north of the country. We saw one dome that was 20 metres shorter (than the one eventually introduced in Ballyhaunis) and 20 metres narrower and 6 or 7 metres lower!”

Cathal continued: “This building here is 150 metres long by 100 metres wide. It’s 26 metres high. The pitch is 130 metres by 80. It doesn’t look that high, but I can tell you a lot of people have tried to hit the roof with a football and they haven’t succeeded yet!

“You can play a full game of football or hurling here and there will be 600 seats down along one side for specta-

tors. That (spectator seating) can be increased in time too”.

Cathal continued: “The building is airtight…there are three generators to keep it inflated. It takes a lot to actually inflate the building but once it’s up it takes only one generator to keep it going.

“The doors are revolving doors so no air gets out…there are big doors where you can bring in lorries, etc. with equipment. If you lose any air it automatically re-inflates to its full pressure”.

There is a magnificent floodlighting system that reflects the light upwards, meaning there is no glare on players during a match. “They tell me that the floodlighting system is 1000 lux and to put that into context you need about 750 lux for live television”.

There is a large translucent section in the roof which allows in natural light, which is also unique. “The translucent section is much bigger than the one we saw in Finland. It has worked out great and it will cut down on costs too”.

The magnificent pitch is covered in the latest synthetic grass, as Cathal explains. “This is the latest 4G surface. It is from a company in Sligo called SIS who do a lot of pitches for FIFA worldwide. It’s much better than the old synthetic surfaces when players could get ‘burn’ injuries from sliding on it, but that won’t happen on this pitch. It’s the most modern design available.

“This is the biggest sports dome in the

world. There may be bigger constructions but none specifically for sport”.

GAA games will obviously be key to its success, as Cathal outlines. “During the winter here we could have between five and ten games here every day between colleges and club matches, and for some of those the weather outside is shocking. Now we can play games in here 7 days a week 24 hours a day if we wanted. We can play FBD League games or any other matches that are hit by the weather.

“

It doesn’t look that high, but I can tell you a lot of people have tried to hit the roof with a football and they haven’t succeeded yet!

“Any club team can book to train here and use the facilities. We have a state-of-the-art gym here down behind one of the goals. We do fitness tests

The interior of the Dome at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis. Picture: Mick McCormack

for clubs too. We have been doing that for a number of years here anyway but this is a great addition to our facilities.

“From my point of view this facility means that it adds four or five months on to the time that we can do quality work with teams”.

Apart from GAA activity, the possibilities for this massive indoor arena are endless. The venue has a licence to hold 10,000 people at a concert or other such gathering. “There is a capacity for 10,000 here. For a game, the capacity would be about 2,000 or so.

It would be ideal for concerts or exhibitions of any kind and a lot of those events that were only suitable for Dublin in the past could be held here now”.

Despite this good news story, the reality of the Covid-19 situation is having a major effect. “We had great plans for coach education here but the restrictions have put a stop to that for the moment. But this building is here for the long term. It’s a massive facility for every county in the province.

“We hope to have inter-county teams here too and we have all the cameras that they need here in the dome for video analysis too – and we have our own video channel for that type of preparation.

“We are restricted at the moment, but hopefully in a year’s time the worst will be over and we will be able to make full use of this. This is not just for inter-county teams. We will be open for all teams from the youngest

upwards…kids would love to be in a place like this”.

When you look at what has been provided, the cost of the dome is arguably modest. Cathal: “It cost €3.1m altogether and the council received a grant of €2.1m from the Department of Rural Affairs”.

Finally, there is a financial reality to this project which Cathal is keen to stress. “Apart from GAA activities there are plans to have major concerts and exhibitions here down the line.

There are sponsorship options available to companies (in the dome)”. Enquiries can be made to the Connacht GAA Council.

On a lighter note, I suggested that Cathal would surely like to play with Roscommon seniors in the dome – and maybe even lead them out. “It depends on how long this coronavirus is here (laughing) – it could well see me out (career-wise). If we see a day when we have Bruce Springsteen or the likes of him playing a concert here we will know we are out of the wood” he concluded.

When I went to see this new facility recently, I didn’t know what to expect. I have to say I was stunned. It is a truly magnificent development. When this horrible virus is over and we can travel and visit different places again, I would strongly recommend that people – even those with no interest in the GAA – go and visit it. It is certainly unique.

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Dome sweet dome…

Connacht GAA Games Development Manager (and Roscommon senior player) Cathal Cregg pictured in the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Ballyhaunis. Picture: Mick McCormack

< SEAMUS DUKE

In the autumn of 2018 I attended the Connacht GAA launch of a new development they were then planning.

Called an ‘Air Dome’, it was to be constructed at the Centre of Excellence complex at Bekan, outside Ballyhaunis.

While the plans certainly looked im-

pressive, I suspect that I was not alone that day in being sceptical that this was just another ‘new-fangled idea’ that sounded great in theory but which might not quite work out in practice.

How very wrong I was.

The concept was to build a full-sized GAA pitch indoors – one that not alone could stage football and hurling matches up to adult level, but which would also be a training and fitness

centre – and much more too. Made of? Well, that’s the thing…it’s an air dome!

Earlier this month, in the company of Connacht GAA Games Development Manager (and Roscommon senior player) Cathal Cregg – one of the prime movers behind the new facility – I toured the new dome, which is now fully finished. Put simply, it is stunning.

Telephone: 048 6773 8567 www.pruntypitches.com

It takes a lot to render me speechless, but this new ‘Air Dome’ managed that! It is the finest sporting facility that I have seen anywhere. I know there is nothing like it here in Ireland, and I doubt if there is anything like it anywhere in the world. I understand that it is the largest sports’ air dome anywhere on the planet.

It’s a very simple concept. The dome is blown up by air which is provided

by three big generators. It remains airtight. When you see it in person, you really appreciate what an engineering and construction feat this is.

The project is the brainchild of Connacht GAA Council Secretary John Prenty and former Games Development Manager (and Roscommon team manager) John Tobin. Taken on by Cathal Cregg and others, the keys were handed over in recent weeks.

• Connacht Centre of Excellence , Ballyhaunis.

Specialists in natural and artificial sports surfaces and Air Dome Installations • Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon.

• Connacht Centre of Excellence , Ballyhaunis.

We are delighted to have been entrusted with this prestigious project We wish Connacht GAA continued success with all their endeavours

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Roscommon People Friday 23 October 2020

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