Roscommon People - 29 November 2024

Eleven candidates, three seats… it’s over to the people!

With a tight race for the three seats available in Roscommon-Galway constituency a real possibility, candidates are embarking on the final hours of canvassing.

This Friday, 29th of November, approximately 70,000 people are eligible to vote in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, where 124 polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm.

The electorate locally will have 11 candidates to choose from.

The parties fielding candidates in the constituency are: Aontú (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Fine Gael (2), Green Party (1), Independent Ireland (1), People Before Profit (1), Sinn Féin (1), and The Irish People (1), with two independent (non-party) candidates also on the ballot paper.

In the 2020 General Election, voter turnout in the constituency was 66%, above the national average of 62.9%. However, the

boundaries of Roscommon-Galway have shifted since then, reverting closer to their 2016 configuration. For this election, the entirety of County Roscommon is included in the constituency. In 2020, a significant portion of northern Roscommon, around Boyle, was moved to Sligo-Leitrim, while parts of Galway were added to Roscommon-Galway. This time, the number of electoral districts in the Galway section has been reduced from 48 to 16.

Two incumbent TDs are seeking re-election, while one outgoing TD, Denis Naughten (Independent), is stepping down. Notably, constituencies that include Roscommon are unique in that they have never returned the same set of TDs in two consecutive elections.

The General Election count will commence at the Dr Hyde Centre in Roscommon early on Saturday morning, with results either late that night or on Sunday. See pages 19-23

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Motorway Driving

Please explain the rules that apply when driving on a motorway. My son holds a learner permit and I believe he should not be driving on a motorway. I am concerned that he may find himself in difficulty with the Gardai if he is caught. Please explain who may or may not drive on a motorway and also the rules for motorway driving.

Specific rules apply regarding motorway driving. The following may not enter a motorway:

• Learner drivers or those who do not hold a full licence for the category of vehicle they are driving;

• Vehicles that cannot travel at a speed of at least 50km per hour;

• Vehicles with an engine capacity of 50cc or less;

• Vehicles using inflated tyres;

• Pedestrians or cyclists

The rules for motorway driving indicate that the inside lane should be used for normal driving. You should stay in this lane unless you are overtaking. The outside lane should only be used for overtaking and you should return to the inside lane once you have finished overtaking and it is safe to do so. You may also move into the outside lane to allow vehicles coming from your left to join the motorway.

You should not use the outside lane if you are driving:

• a goods vehicle with a design gross weight of more than 3,500 kilogrammes such as a lorry or heavy goods vehicle (HGV);

• a passenger vehicle with seating for more than eight passengers; or

• a vehicle towing a trailer, horsebox or caravan.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING FACTS

Pedestrians hit by a car…

This column is prepared by Dolores

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

General Election

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

Christmas Markets around the county

Roscommon’s food and hospitality offerings will be on display this festive season as illustrated by the return of festive markets in the likes of Boyle and Roscommon offering high quality artisan and crafted produce. Christmas Markets will also be a feature in many of the county’s smaller villages.

Roscommon is fortunate in having vibrant food producers, producing quality, affordable produce, enjoyed not just by local communities but underpinned by strong export markets, both domestically and overseas.

Evening of Christmas festivities in Ballintubber

Ballintubber Tidy Towns will host an evening of Christmas festivities from 5 pm on Sunday, December 1st, in the church car park.

The evening will involve an official turning-on of the Christmas lights, stalls, a food van, carol singing, a blessing of the crib, and of course, Santa will arrive in style!

Tea, coffee and festive bites will also be served. Don’t miss out!

Two of the county’s main markets take place in the beautifully appointed King House in Boyle on the weekend of Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th, followed on December 7th and 8th by the Roscommon Town Christmas Markets on The Square in Roscommon town.

Both markets have proved to be extremely popular in recent years, attracting visitors from neighbouring areas and adjoining counties. By supporting local markets, business is retained locally and the local economy is boosted.

Ballygar

Thank you for your support and custom throughout 2024. Wishing you joy, happiness, and special moments with your loved ones this festive season. Here’s to creating more beautiful spaces together in 2025. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Sean Doyle Windows Roscommon & Dublin!

Christmas carols at St Coman’s Church

Christmas carols will be performed by the Athlone Choral Society and special guest Daren Lane at 6 pm in St Coman’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon Town, on Sunday, December 8th. Donations can be made at the door, if wished.

Athleague Indoor Christmas Market

The Athleague Indoor Christmas Market will be held on Sunday, 8th of December (10 am-3 pm), in Athleague Community Centre. F42 P440. Any enquiries to 087 9136692.

Rahara Christmas lighting party

Festive celebrations await when the turning on of the Rahara community Christmas lights takes place at Rahara Old Church (beside Rahara NS) at 4.30 pm on Sunday, December 8th.

The turning-on ceremony will be followed by festive refreshments and a big Christmas raffle in Rahara NS. Raffle tickets can be purchased on the night or via Revolut –text Orla at 086 6036432 for more info.

Pat Towey, owner of Towey’s Spar and Top Oil in Ballaghaderreen and a Flogas cylinder dealer, was one of the volunteers that helped the Irish Men’s Shed Association and Flogas set a brand new Guinness World Records title for the largest display of kettles.

The record of 1,089 fully working kettles, ranging from brand new to over 70 years old, was set at the IMSA national Conference and Shedfest in Mucklagh, Co Offaly, on the 19th of November 2024 in front of a live audience and was livestreamed to shedders around Ireland and the world.

Kettles are one of the most important ‘tools’ in any Men’s Shed in supporting social connection, which is why the association decided to go for the Guinness World Record.

The kettles came from sheds, schools, offices, and other community groups all over Ireland.

Pat Towey, who founded the Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed in 2018, collected all the kettles from Ro-

Ballaghaderreen man helps Men’s Sheds set new World Record

scommon, Leitrim, and Sligo and brought them to Mucklagh for the world record attempt.

Flogas also donated 550 brand new kettles to support the attempt, and these will now be distributed to sheds countrywide. This record is a tangible way of demonstrating the theme of this year’s conference: ‘The Power of Connection’.

Master of Ceremonies Marty Morrissey introduced the audience to the Guinness World Record Adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici, who had checked the kettles in the display and reviewed all the video and document evidence. She announced that the record had been set and then presented the official GWR Certificate to IMSA CEO Enda Egan.

As well as managing a busy forecourt, Pat gives his time on a voluntary basis to assist other Men’s Sheds in Roscommon and Leitrim with practical advice on all aspects of shed set-up and development.

Pat said, “It was a fantastic day in

Mucklagh, there was a huge sense of achievement and pride amongst all the shedders in setting the Guinness World Record.

“You will find a shed in almost every town and village across the country. Sheds fill a void in men’s lives, men who retire, are widowed, or just don’t have many friends. Shed life is full of companionship, friendship, social engagement, making things, learning new skills, passing on traditions, singing songs, walking, talking and drinking tea.

“Emotional wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle is supported and encouraged among all men. Addressing loneliness and rural isolation, Shed life is a space where you can come and not be judged. What you were in another life is not that important: who you are and how you feel today is our priority.

“Together with Flogas, our charity partners who are tremendous advocates for Shed life, we all look forward to many wonderful times ahead”, Pat continued.

Glinsk Christmas Fair and Santa experience

This year, Glinsk Community Development are holding their first ever Christmas Fair and Santa experience! This event has something to offer everyone!

The fair will take place in Glinsk Community Centre, from 10 am until 3 pm, on Sunday, December 8th. There will be free entry to the stalls. The organisers are looking forward to having some local crafters present on the day to showcase their talent and produce! Tea, coffee and mulled wine will also be provided for attendees. Family entry to the Christmas grotto and to meet Santa Claus will cost €10. For more information and to book your visit with Santa, visit form.jotform.com/241373778149366. For queries about the overall event, email glinskcommunityevents@gmail.com.

Public meeting on Boyle cemeteries

A public meeting will be held at 8.15 pm on Thursday, November 28th, in St Joseph’s resource centre in Boyle, to discuss the sorry state of disrepair in both local cemeteries. A committee will be formed from those present, who will work with the local authority and other bodies to get the vital work needed carried out – but to do this, the community needs to come together.

Roscommon Garden Club Gala Night

Roscommon Garden Club will hold its Gala Night at 8 pm on Thursday, December 5th, in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Floral Demonstrator on the night is Martina Flynn. Tickets cost €25.

Roscommon ICA

Roscommon Town ICA Guild will hold its final monthly meeting of 2024 on Tuesday, 3rd of December at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. Hoping to see members there to enjoy some seasonal cheer.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2025. New members always welcome to join.

RSPCA Church Gate Collection

The Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) will be holding a Church Gate Collection at St Joseph’s Church in Boyle on Saturday, November 30th, and on Sunday, December 1st.

This collection is a great opportunity to raise much-needed funds for animal welfare work and also to raise awareness of the RSPCA’s mission and vision. Your support would be greatly appreciated, with all donations going directly towards animal welfare in the county.

If you would like to learn more about the RSPCA, please visit roscommonspca.ie or call 087 0505594.

Roscommon Solstice Choir festive concerts

The Roscommon Solstice Choir perform in Kilmurry Community Hall on Sunday, December 8th in aid of Castleplunkett National School.

The choir will also perform on Friday, December 13th in Strokestown Parish Church in aid of the local Boys National School.

Local Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Judy Adamson and Olive Fahy; 2nd: Mary McDermott and Ann Kilduff; Gross: Mary and Pearse Mellett.

St Coman’s Bridge Club

(Ado O’Donnell Memorial) – 1st: Evelyn Curley and Susan Farrell; 2nd: Peggy Neilan and Mary Jo Riordan; Gross: Ann Flynn and Peggie Kelly. (20th November) 1st: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath; 2nd: Breege Weir and Peggie Kelly; Gross: Maura Moran and Agnes Murray.

Ballymurray Bridge Club (Section A) 1st: Evelyn Curley and Judy Adamson; 2nd: Ann Igoe and James Walsh; Gross: Josephine Devaney and Gertie Spillane. (Section B) 1st: Honor Lynn and Geraldine Relihan; 2nd: Pauline Donnelly and Nuala Rogers; Gross: John O’Gara and Michael McSharry. (Section C) 1st: Colm Hayes and Rosaleen O’Hanrahan; 2nd: Anne Mooney and Maria Delaney; 3rd: Majella Hunt and Mary Mahony.

Pat Towey (Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed) pictured at the announcement that the IMSA and Flogas has set a new Guinness World Records title.

Enda Egan (chief executive, the Irish Men’s Shed Association) accepted the official Certificate from Seyda Subasi-Gemici (the Guinness World Records Adjudicator) at its national conference and ShedFest in Mucklagh, Co Offaly.

Satara Boutique

Satara celebrates 30 years!

Satara Boutique in Roscommon town is celebrating 30 years in business this weekend, with a special, free event set to held at the local outlet this Sunday, December 1st – both to mark this significant milestone and also to give back to the store’s loyal customers!

Over the past three decades, Satara has established itself as a go-to spot for local shoppers looking to get their hands on the latest, quality, affordable fashion.

The Roscommon town business first opened its doors in 1994 under the name ‘Wide Variety’ in the Stonecourt Centre, moving a few times over the years before

eventually finding its current home in the Harrison Centre, and rebranding as Satara in 2012.

While the store has continued to evolve since 1994, one thing that hasn’t changed during that time is the loyal support that the outlet’s customers have shown over the years, with store owner Josephine Somers telling the Roscommon People that she hopes this weekend’s celebrations can help “give back to those customers who have always been so loyal and supportive”.

Josephine’s daughter Siobhan Gannon, who plays a central role in Satara, shared this sentiment when speaking to the People this week. Speaking about marking the store’s 30-year milestone, Siobhan emphasised, “Really, we want to celebrate our customers. They’ve supported us through so much”, she explained.

“We’ve seen a recession and a pandemic, and our customers have always been there to support us”.

Siobhan and Josephine described the multifaceted way in which the local support they have received over the years has had a positive effect: “We’ve also just really enjoyed meeting and getting to know everyone”, Siobhan shared. “We’ve become friends with so many people, and connected with the community.

“There’s so many customers who have been coming ever since the shop first opened 30 years ago”, she highlighted. “And they’re still coming to us”.

Celebrations this Sunday

Satara’s upcoming celebrations will run from 1 pm to 5 pm this Sunday, with a

host of exciting activities to look forward to. In addition to champagne and refreshments, the celebrations will include a free-to-enter raffle and giveaway, as well as a highly-anticipated fashion show – organised by Mandy Maher and due to kick off at 3 pm.

Mandy, owner of the Catwalk modelling agency, is supplying Satara with models for the show, who will showcase some highlights of the outlet’s autumn/winter collection – a wonderful chance to get a look at the wonderful party wear, occasion wear, coats and more, that the store is offering this season. Mandy will also be acting as the show’s compère on the day.

The raffle and giveaway is set to be another highlight of the celebrations, with an exceptionally generous selection of prizes up for grabs.

“We have thirty €30 vouchers and three €100 vouchers to hand out to our raffle winners”, Siobhan shared. “Plus we have lots of spot prizes up for grabs with our giveaway – knitwear, jeans, bags, purses, hat and scarf sets… lots!”

Entry to this exciting raffle/giveaway is completely free, with Siobhan explaining to the People that not only has everyone who made a purchase at the store this week already been automatically entered into the raffle draw, but for anyone else who turns up on the day, they will be in with a chance to win a spot prize: “Anyone who turns up on the day will get a ticket, no charge”.

This generous raffle/giveaway is but one way in which Satara is aiming to “give back” to their customers in Roscommon, with Josephine and Siobhan talking to the People about the importance they place on being a positive presence for the local community in general.

“We care about our customers”, Siobhan emphasised. “And we care about the experience they have with us.

“You have a personal service when you come to our shop; you get looked after”, she said. “We help you with everything you need – be it clothes for yourself, gifts, whatever the case”.

This personalised service is one of the many things that helps Satara stand out as an appealing choice for local customers – important now more than ever, at a time when shopping local has become vital, particularly with the rise of online shopping.

“Mam would be a big believer in buying thing locally wherever you can”, Siobhan noted. “When we shop, we shop here in Roscommon – it’s important to keep that money going through the town”.

Josephine also stressed the importance of “wanting to keep the jobs local as well”.

She adds: “We have five people in to-

tal in the shop, and our employees are all local girls: two are from Kilteevan, one is from town, and then the two of us are from Ballymurray”.

Josephine and Siobhan are looking forward to seeing everyone at this weekend’s celebrations, and to having the opportunity to give back to their loyal customers for their support over the last 30 years. Looking ahead, Satara is committed to continuing to provide local customers with a top quality service and product range, and looks forward to the continued support of their customers as we head into the holiday season.

For more, visit sataraboutique.com or find Satara Boutique on Instagram and Facebook.

THURSDAY

Prescott was a one-off Former UK Labour Party Deputy Leader John Prescott, who has died, was one of the most prominent politicians in Britain during the Tony Blair era (1990s).

A self-styled working class hero, Prescott may (famously) have had ‘two jags’ to drive, but he still had the common touch, always coming across as a sincere politician, and a bruiser too who took no nonsense. In a political correctness contest, Prescott would have been disqualified before it started. Famously, he once punched a member of the public during an election campaign; the effect was to grow his (Prescott’s) popularity.

He was larger than life, a straighttalker, a character who was passionate about his political beliefs, and charismatic with it. There was no spin with Prescott, but there was lots of self-deprecation (he was a guest host on Have I Got New for You?, and made a cameo appearance in Gavin and Stacey).

John Prescott was a formidable political force. For many years, he was the politician the ordinary British person would have most liked to have gone for a pint with. May he rest in peace.

FRIDAY

Patrick & Piers

A strange thing happened tonight. I watched almost an entire Late Late Show. It happened by accident, some kind of moment of weakness. Before I knew it, I was watching. And it actually wasn’t that bad.

The first guest was Sharon Horgan, comedian and writer, who was quite impressive. Joining her after a while was British comedian Russell Kane, who was quite nice.

A short interview with journalist Emily Maitlis followed. Most famous for her BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew a few years ago, Emily also had some thoughts to share on Donald Trump’s comeback.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

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

Celebrity journalist Piers Morgan completed a pretty impressive guest line-up. Yes, he’s very brash and vain, but I find Piers quite entertaining, and he has certainly delivered some exclusive stories/interviews (and phenomenal viewing figures) with his YouTube/online Piers Morgan Uncensored.

Piers, who often highlights his Irish ancestry, was in typically goodhumoured form, but I thought the audience was quite negative in their reaction. I think Piers sensed it too.

Then came quite the LLS moment, when a smug Patrick Kielty thought he was on safe ground in playing to the audience and asserting that Morgan has many controversial views.

This irked Piers, who asked Patrick to give him an example. Patrick (scrambling desperately, and failing miserably) experienced an excruciating 60 seconds or so. The clip has of course gone viral.

An easy win for Piers, who graciously spared the blushes of the slightly

Reality

SATURDAY

TV!

I see a new series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! began recently. No doubt readers are glued to it! The new series includes Coleen Rooney, Barry McGuigan and Maura Higgins.

I won’t be watching this weekend, as I will be working at the count centre in Roscommon.

Yes, it’s over to I’m a (Theoretical) Celebrity, Get Me In There!

SUNDAY

Elphin bow out

Due to work commitments, I didn’t get to the Elphin game today, and was sorry to hear that the Roscommon Intermediate Football champions lost out in the Connacht Club final. A late comeback wasn’t quite enough to draw them level, Elphin

losing by a single point to Mayo champions Crossmolina.

Still, Elphin had a fine campaign and they can now look forward to returning to the senior ranks in Roscommon next season.

MONDAY

Roscommon People Plus It’s been a busy few weeks in our office! Our election podcast series has been a great success. You can watch the interviews on the Roscommon People YouTube channel. (By the way, the very best of luck to all candidates in Roscommon-Galway this Friday).

Meanwhile, in addition to putting together your regular weekly Roscommon People, we’ve been working on a Christmas magazine. We more or less wrapped up on Roscommon People Plus this evening.

The 96-page magazine features some excellent local stories/features, as well as a number of celeb-

rity interviews. Make sure to find the time to browse through it!

TUESDAY

Dull debate

Tonight’s Leaders’ Debate on RTE TV wasn’t exactly a thriller. Under the spotlight were three potential Taoisigh… outgoing incumbent Simon Harris, Micheál Martin, and Mary Lou McDonald, who is vying to become the first female to hold that office.

As a reviewer said on radio, the format wasn’t great; there were too many topics squeezed in, and Sarah McInerney (co-host with Miriam O’Callaghan) in particular kept butting in.

The three party leaders were best when on the attack, a little less impressive when outlining their own policies.

It’s been a short, and less than riveting campaign, but it will be fascinating to watch the election outcome reveal itself this weekend.

humiliated host, not that the audience gave him any credit for that.

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Festival Folk is returning to the midlands this December

Celebration of international, national and local talent on your doorstep

Festival Folk is returning with an indoor music festival, which will get your Christmas started in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Thursday, 12th of December 2024 at 8 pm.

After last year’s sold out gig, Festival Folk is back on the stage with a wonderful and talented group of musicians and artists known locally and internationally.

Festival Folk headliners includes Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing), Ultan Conlon, Gatehouse, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley (internationally renowned guitarist), Roscommon Men’s Choir, Vincent Pierce, Noel Carberry & Friends.

Expect some surprises on the night too! Keeping the show on track will be compere Deirdre Kelly.

Festival Folk is running this special Live Gig in aid of Roscommon Cancer Support Services at Vita House.

The Roscommon Cancer Support Centre provides excellent support services and support to individuals and families while they are undergoing their cancer journey. The invaluable and critical support and the services provided have enhanced recovery from cancer for individuals and for their families.

Roscommon Cancer Support Services are partfunded by ICS and NCCP, with the majority of funding from donations, fundraising, events and grants for specific services.

If you are looking for a mighty evening of ‘Ceol agus Craic’ and to meet up with family, friends or work colleagues, Festival Folk will offer you the best of Irish folk and traditional music talent, under the roof of the beautiful and intimate venue

Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan

which is the Abbey Hotel.

Eleanor Shanley & Stockton’s Wing

The line-up includes the stunning folk singers Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing).

Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and roots songs, Eleanor Shanley has been at the top of her profession since 1990, when she first appeared with De Danann, with whom she toured the world and released two highly acclaimed albums.

She has recorded with everyone from The Dubliners, Sharon Shannon and Donal Lunny to U2. Her latest album is Cancion de Amor.

Mike Hanrahan began in a duo with acclaimed Irish vocalist and Grammy nominee Maura O’Connell and then spent 15 years with the world renowned Stockton’s Wing, performing across the globe. He was writer, producer and guitarist with Ronnie Drew for ten years from 1997 to 2007.

Ultan Conlon

Ultan is a Galway-based, internationally-acclaimed singer/songwriter whose lyrics, melodies & mellifluent voice have resonated with Mary Coughlan, Eddi Reader, Gaby Moreno and Hollywood star John C Reilly. Ultan has shared an LA stage with Jackson Brown, Shelby Lynn & Nickel

Creek, among many others. Ultan’s unique ability to capture the fragility and sensitivity of the human spirit through his lyrics has been honed over almost two decades of writing and performing.

Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley

Bill is one of Ireland’s top session and touring guitar players and producers. Bill has established himself internationally too, through touring and contributing to albums with Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Paul Brady, Mary Black, Roy Harper, Alexandra Burke, Sinead O’Connor, Judy Collins and Jackson Browne, to name a few.

Bill has also produced Michael Banahan’s new album, Broken Heart, which is due for release early next year.

Local talent

Our Special Local Talent includes Gatehouse; Noel Carberry & Friends; Roscommon Men’s Choir, and renowned storyteller Vincent Pierce.

Festival Folk promises to be a wonderful fun-filled evening of entertainment. Take this opportunity to meet up with family and friends as we move into the Christmas holiday season, while at the same time supporting Roscommon Cancer Support Services at Vita House and the wonderful work they do.

If you are looking for a special gift for someone special in your life, you could treat them to a night out. A night at ‘Festival Folk’ is a thoughtful gift, while also supporting an important Roscommon service.

Tickets Tickets are limited, and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. You can buy tickets (€25) from the Abbey Hotel Box Office (090 6626240) or from Vita House (090 6625898). You can buy online from Eventbrite. Look for Festival Folk.

DECEMBER

Bill Shanley

MIKE HANRAHAN

STOCKTON’S WING)

ELEANOR SHANLEY

Memorial Walk and Shine a Light ceremony for Hospice

Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s annual Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 1st to help raise funds for vital palliative care services in both Mayo and Roscommon. The Foundation’s Memorial Walk will precede the ceremony and will begin at the Plaza in Knock at 5 pm.

The Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 pm with music by Brendan McGuinness and the Knock National School Choir.

People are invited to remember a loved one, living or deceased, and share in the Shine A Light ceremony. During the ceremony, loved ones who have passed away or indeed those who have been going through a challenging time will be remembered. Prayers and music will be offered for those being remembered. Refreshments will also be served.

You can register for the Memorial Walk at www.hospice.ie/event/memorial-walk or purchase a special light online ahead of the ceremony at www.hospice.ie/shop or by calling 094 9388666.

Mike Smith, Chairperson of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation said: “Our annual Memorial Walk and Shine a Light events are a truly heartfelt occasion, bringing together our local communities to remember and honour loved ones who have passed away. The events serve as a poignant reminder of the power of community, love, and support in times of loss. It is a special evening and we invite families, friends and neighbours to come along and share in this meaningful experience.

“As another year comes to a close, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support across

both Mayo and Roscommon. Our Palliative Care Teams, both in the hospices and within the communities, remain dedicated to providing compassionate care to those who need it most. Without the incredible backing of our communities, we simply couldn’t continue to offer this vital service”.

Martin Shanagher, Shanagher Hearing, Harrison Centre, Roscommon

CBS Roscommon Class of 1974 50th anniversary reunion

The Leaving Cert Class of 1974 from CBS Roscommon are organising a 50-year reunion on Saturday, the 7th of December. The lunch and celebration will take place at Gleeson’s Townhouse and Restaurant in Roscommon at 1 pm. Anyone interested in attending can call Eamonn Gleeson on 087 261 5956 or Hugh Baxter on 087 2222543 for further details.

Western Alzheimer’s Coffee Morning

The Western Alzheimer’s Voluntary Committee reminds everybody that their annual coffee morning at Roscommon Golf Club will be held on Friday, the 29th of November 2024 and encourages as many as possible to attend and support. The coffee morning kicks off at 10 am and continues until 1 pm. This year we are delighted to announce that our recently elected MEP Ciaran Mullooly will launch the annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk. Looking forward to seeing everybody there!

Strokestown Social Services

Christmas Party

The Strokestown Social Services Christmas Party will be held in the Silver Eel on Sunday, the 8th of December. Mass will take place at 4 pm, followed by Dinner, with music by Gerry Keenan. All are welcome to attend.

If interested, please contact Anne on 086 0596004 or Maureen on 086 0824604.

Garda Station, Abbey Street, Roscommon,Roscommon, F42 HN32

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

To the: District Court Clerk, Roscommon District Court

Pictured is Blathnaid Carney (Roscommon), who recently graduated from ATU Galway with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management. Pic: Aengus McMahon

Pictured after receiving a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering upon their recent graduation from ATU were Paula Compton (Strokestown, Co. Roscommon), Ellen Ward (Creggs, Co. Galway), and Ciara Coughlan (Co. Mayo). Pic: Aengus McMahon

Sesame Building Services Ltd.

ARD NA SEAGHSA, ABBEYTOWN, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON F52KN56.

Email: sesamebuilding@eircom.net

Bus Driver/ Manual Worker

Sesame Building Services Ltd is a light construction company funded by Pobal.

We are seeking to recruit a person for the above position. Applicants must have a current D1 Driving Licence and up to date CPC certification. The manual work portion of this position will involve work in areas such as wall building, landscaping, lawn/garden maintenance, property maintenance and firewood processing. The successful candidates will be required to work alongside and support others who need additional support in a work environment. The ability to support and supervise and a flexible creative approach is important.

Applicants who meet the requirements of one of the disadvantaged categories in Pobal criteria will have an advantage.

These include those in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance, people who are signing on for Credits or those coming from Community Employment, TUS or RSS placements.

Pobal Community Service Programme rates apply, plus a top-up.

Applications by email forwarding a CV containing contact information and a short summary as to why you think you are suited to this position. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday December 6th at 5pm. Short listing may apply.

Informal enquiries to

Cyril Cunningham 086 2437376

John launches book of short stories

Proceeds to UNICEF Gaza Children’s Fund

Former Roscommon County Manager John Tiernan officially launched his debut collection of short stories, Tell Tale Townie, on Tuesday, November 19th, at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Monksland, Co Roscommon.

The event, a celebration of storytelling and community, was attended by friends, family, and members of the public, including some local politicians.

The launch was headlined by John’s nephew, acclaimed comedian Tommy Tiernan, who praised the book for its wit and its evocative portrayal of Irish life.

Speaking ahead of the event, Tommy said, “I am delighted to be launching Tell Tale Townie, a book written by my uncle John Tiernan”.

The book features 22 short stories described as a blend of anecdotal nostalgia and sharp, witty fiction. John, who is retired after a distinguished career in public service, said the stories reflect “a different time” in Irish life.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, John thanked all those who participated and attended at the launch.

He noted that the stories in the collection are a mix of “nostalgia and humour” and if he was pushed would say they were “fantasy

inspired by reality”.

Notable figures at the event included well-known Roscommon journalist and author Patsy McGarry and Gearóid O’Brien, the former County Librarian for Westmeath and a respected local historian. The evening’s master of ceremonies was Sean Kilbride, originally from Ballaghaderreen and now living in Kiltoom.

John, who lives in Kiltoom with his wife Mary, reflected on his transition from structured, technical writing during his career to the freedom of creative fiction.

“Fiction writing is a different

craft to what I was used to during my career,” he told the Roscommon People: “You can let your imagination run away, as long as it doesn’t run too far”.

An interesting juxtaposition between the precision of technical writing and the creative freedom of fictional writing.

All proceeds from Tell Tale Townie will be donated to the UNICEF Gaza Children’s Fund, a

cause close to John’s heart.

“I felt helpless watching what’s happening across the world,” he said. “But I thought if I could use these stories to help in some small way, it was worth doing”.

The book, priced at €15, is available at local outlets including Dooley’s Veg Shop in Athlone, Salmon’s in Ballinasloe, Mulvey’s on Roscommon Road in Athlone, and Fernhill Garden Centre.

John Tiernan, author of ‘Tell Tale Townie’ signs a copy of his book for Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

‘Tell Tale Townie’ by John Tiernan is a compilation of witty and evocative short stories.

Christmas all wrapped up at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon

Whatever your dining plans are this festive season, the Abbey Hotel have a very special festive menu prepared for all

our customers and guests, with tasty festive offerings and mouthwatering Christmas desserts. We are now taking

bookings for pre Christmas lunch and dinner for small and large groups in our award winning restaurant. Our Christmas lunch and dinner menu is available from December 1st right through until 6th January.

“Ladies, you can also enjoy a delightful Festive Afternoon Tea in the cosy setting of our lounge with the welcoming open fires providing the perfect setting to ease yourself into the festive season. It is priced at €30 pp with 24 hour advance booking required," explained Geraldine Grealy, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the Abbey Hotel.

"We will also be hosting a very special "Women's Little Christmas" Afternoon Tea Event on Saturday 4th January at 3pm with part proceeds of ticket sales going to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. There will be some lovely raffle prizes on the day including a fabulous lifestyle hamper worth €500 sponsored by So-

cial & Personal Magazine which one lucky lady will be taking home as well as a complimentary copy of the magazine for all attendees," added Geraldine.

Tickets for Women's Little Christmas are now on sale at hotel reception. Enquiries to events@abbeyhotel.ie or Telephone 090 6626240. Follow us on social media for updates.

A Roscommon memory features in renowned book….

Ultan Harney receives the plaudits of his niece and nephew, Ada and Tom Flynn from Athlone, after Roscommon’s win over Cavan in the 2024 All-Ireland Football Championship. This photograph features in the book A Season of Sundays ‘24

The 28th edition of the iconic book was officially launched ahead of the festive season by the GAA President, Jarlath Burns. For 28 years, Sportsfile’s A Season of Sundays has been the definitive visual record of the GAA

season. With a stunning collection of images, captured by Sportsfile’s award-winning photographers, A Season of Sundays manages to capture the magic of the GAA. It’s an ideal gift for the GAA fans in your life this Christmas.

Roscommon County Council Plan for a new Community Hub in Monksland

PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENT FOR THE PROPOSED NEW COMMUNITY HUB

Roscommon County Council is committed to develop and significantly enhance the public realm and community facilities in Monksland. With a significant population growth and a strong industrial sector, Monksland continues to be an attractive place for people to live and work.

Furthermore, Rural Regeneration and Development funding has been secured by Roscommon County Council for the development of plans to further enhance the social and community provision within Monksland Community.

Since the Public Consultation Event in November 2023, a preferred building design has now been identified for the proposed new Community Hub. Roscommon

County Council is holding a Public Information Event on Tuesday 3rd December 2024 in Athlone Springs Hotel. This is the opportunity for all individuals and groups who live and work in the Monksland area to find out more about the plans for their Community Hub.

Open walk-in sessions are planned from 3pm-8pm. Individuals and groups will have the opportunity to view the latest plans and visuals for the Community Hub. Members of the Monksland Community Hub design team will be present on the day to speak to members of the public about the next steps, and welcome inputs on the proposed building design for the Community Hub.

The Community Hub has been designed around the feedback and needs of the people of Monksland, so this is the public’s opportunity to be informed on the latest plans for their local community.

Monksland Community Hub

Public Information Day. Come along to view latest plans and visuals for the proposed Monksland Community hub. This is your building for your community

Tuesday 3rd December 3pm to 8pm, Athlone Springs Hotel, N37 F9T3

A preferred building design has now been identified for the proposed new Community Hub in Monksland.

Kilmore won the ballad group competition for their performances of ‘Shadow of a Dancer’ and ‘Home away from Home’ at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Elphin were the winners of the ceol uirlise (instrumental music) competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Anti-dumping initiative by Council

Roscommon County Council’s Environment Department has been successful in securing funding of €101,500 under the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority (WERLA) Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) in 2024.

The aim of this initiative is to fund projects which tackle the problem of illegal dumping using a collaborative approach which involves local authorities, communities and relevant stakeholders across the county.

This ADI funding supported 13 diverse projects tackling illegal dumping in County Roscommon. Successful projects included a range of bulky goods collections that took place at the Castlerea Civic Amenity site, illegal dumping clean-ups, illegal dumping in rivers awareness-raising and a local campaign to ensure compliance with Roscommon County Council’s Waste Presentation Bye Laws.

In all, three Bulky Goods collections were held at the Castlerea Civic Amenity Site this year. Roscommon County Council worked with Bounce Back Recycling, a social enterprise, to divert mattresses, couches, bed bases and armchairs away from landfill to be recycled. During the collections 18.1 tonnes of bulky waste was collected

including 355 mattresses; 160 couches; 130 bed bases and 510 mixed furniture items and armchairs.

The Ballaghaderreen Waste Project, another ADI project, focused on engaging with both residential and commercial stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Roscommon County Council Waste Presentation Bye Laws. This project also aimed to enhance the uptake of waste collection services among households and businesses.

Large-scale dumping

An additional component of the anti-dumping initiative involved the organisation of illegal dumping clean-ups around Ballaghaderreen, resulting in the removal of 82 tonnes of waste. The town was chosen for this project as a result of large-scale dumping in the town environs.

Major clean-ups were also organised at sites of historical illegal dumping of waste. The waste accumulations consisted of large volumes of agricultural, plastic, timber, metal and other bulky wastes such as household furniture, namely mattresses and couches.

The volume of waste collected is represented by the weight of

waste material gathered at each site. In Cloonlough, Ballinlough, 97.54 tonnes of waste was removed while a further 22.04 tonnes was removed from Corlis and Caddlebrook bogs. Cloonfad, Tibohine was the location for the removal of 7.96 tonnes with 6.04 tonnes removed from Worthington bog in Cloonfad.

Waste public awareness campaign

Another of Roscommon County Council’s ADI projects was the promotion of a Waste Presentation Bye Laws Awareness Campaign. The aim of the project was to organise an awareness campaign to promote Roscommon County Council Waste Presentation Bye Laws through newspaper, radio and social media.

Roscommon County Council adopted these Bye Laws to ensure all household and commercial waste is disposed of correctly.

In order to comply, householders need to demonstrate they are disposing of their waste in a responsible and legal manner and must segregate their waste correctly, namely food, recycling and general waste.

Teagasc Farming Webinar series returns

The Teagasc Roscommon/Longford Advisory service are running a new series of their very popular farming webinars. This series will take place over five evenings on Zoom during December, January and February next, starting at 8pm each evening.

There will be a mix of speakers from Teagasc, both local advisors and Teagasc Specialist, and a vet from the Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Athlone. The range of topics that will be covered are winter

nutrition and health in beef cattle, farm schemes update, farm taxation, requirements when making changes to herd numbers, fertiliser planning 2025, regulation of water quality, rearing the dairy beef calf, preparing for the calving season and lamb mortality.

This is a great opportunity for all farmers to hear the most up-to-date technical and scheme information on farming in the Roscommon Longford region.

The webinars will last for an hour, they are open to all farmers to join. A recording of the webinar will be available to watch on our Teagasc Roscommon/Longford YouTube channel afterwards. You can register here http://bit.ly/RNLDzoom or follow the hashtag #RNLDwebinars on social media.

2nd December | 8pm

Nutrition in Beef Cattle - Aisling Claffey - Teagasc

Winter Housing & Animal Health - Gerry Cregg - Teagasc

Monday 9th December | 8pm

Schemes Update - Donal McCabe - Teagasc

Farm Tax & recent budget changes 2025 - Kevin Connolly - Teagasc

Monday 13th January | 8pm

Fertiliser Planning & Changes to Herd numbers- Brian Daly - Teagasc Regulation for Water Quality - Kieran Kenny - Teagasc

Monday 20th January | 8pm

Rearing the Dairy Beef calf - Tommy Cox - Teagasc

Preparing for Spring Calving on Suckler farms - John Donlon - Teagasc

Monday 10th February | 8pm

Lamb Mortality James Kelly - Teagasc

Update from Regional Vet Lab - Seamus Fagan

< BY SEÁN DOORLEY, Teagasc Drystock Advisor, Longford Town.

Cloonlough Bog pictured after the clean-up.

Cloonlough Bog before the recent clean-up.

Supporting Padraig Pearses in their recent win over Mohill, and hoping they can repeat that form in this weekend’s Connacht Club final, were Jack Curley, Callum Clarke and Tiernan Kelly. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Disrespect for referees a growing problem in rugby

Our columnist Frank Brandon on Creggs Rugby Club’s 50th anniversary celebrations (and a recent loss on the pitch), getting back into gardening following his late wife’s passing, and on the importance of casting your vote this Friday…

It’s Saturday evening, and as the wind howls and the rain torrents down, a few hardy soul are

heading off to Ballina, where Creggs are due to play the home side in a Junior Rugby League game with a 7.30 pm kick-off.

Myself and three Dowds (Ger, Kieran and Ava), along with Joe Ryan, are making the trip together. Bearing in mind the conditions, the substantial boot in Kieran’s VW Touareg is full of extra coats, raingear, footwear, and umbrellas.

Anyway, we get to Ballina in good time and were well in place when proceedings got underway – for tonight’s game, there is a cup in memory of Kieran Cawley, a cousin of the Cannys in Creggs, who played rugby with both clubs and who sadly passed away at the

Celebrating 50 years of local rugby!

On Saturday night week last, out here in Creggs we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the rugby club, with the launch of an amazing commemorative book. It was a great night of reminiscing and talking of old times. For me, while it was nice to have top Irish rugby dignitaries at the ‘do’, the biggest and most pleasing thing was all the past players and supporters that turned up – some of whom I hadn’t seen for many years.

I will surely leave someone out if I start naming names so I won’t fall into that trap, but from some of the ladies committee who kept the stew pots boiling back in our earlier days in the hall in Kilbegnet, to former coaches, chairmen, presidents, and players, it was just

fantastic to meet them all. For me, it was the highlight of a wonderful night.

As I’ve said before, it’s hard to believe how far our little club has come since its inception, but no matter how many pitches there are, or how fantastic the facilities in place, the truth is that it’s all about people – and so many of them played a big part in getting the club to where it is today.

Anyway, 50 years later, it was a great night and I think everybody really enjoyed it.

Don’t think I’ll be back for the next 50-year celebrations, but I certainly hope the club continues to go from strength to strength and keeps its place as one of the most progressive clubs in Connacht.

very young age of 42. His family presented a beautiful cup to be presented to the winners of the game, and unfortunately for us, it was to Ballina, who shaded a highly entertaining and hugely committed game by a single point, on a 23-22 scoreline.

They celebrated as if they had won the AllIreland, and if there is any lesson for our lads to learn, it is that, as league winners for the last two years, they have a big target on their backs. Every team we play will be so up for it, that if we aren’t fully tuned in, we will be in difficulty. At the start of Sunday’s game, Ballina were out of the blocks like greyhounds, while for the opening quarter we were almost completely overrun.

To our lads’ credit, they clawed their way back into the game, and in fact dominated almost all the second half. However we failed to put our dominance on the scoreboard and paid the price.

The entire game, on Ballina’s all-weather pitch, was played in a torrential downpour. Every bit of our extra gear was well and truly tested. By the time I arrived home, shortly before 11 pm, it was time only to have a shower and an early Saturday night bed, very

Grief and growth

“It’s the little things I miss the most, The things I took for granted, Like the hours in the garden, And the flowers that we planted” These are a few lines of a poem I entered into the Bard of Connacht competition in Creggs over the Harvest Festival weekend.

The theme of the poems was ‘Loneliness’, and four weeks after my late wife Carol’s passing, I now realise that my words were prophetic.

It is certainly true that it is the little things that I miss the most, and the fact that she’s not there to talk to is still very strange and almost surreal.

However, on this lovely Monday morning (as I write), as the sun shines for a welcome change, I realise that even though Carol was a keen gardener and I used help a little, I really haven’t a clue how to do anything in the garden. She would always talk about deadheading plants and shrubs and stuff, but today I brought out her prized secateurs but had no idea what to do. Her beloved hydrangeas are definitely dying but I wonder should I cut them to the butt or should I leave them as they are?

Last week, for some unknown reason, I cut lots of plants, but I suppose I won’t know until next spring (if I am still here) whether I should have or not!

The bottom line is that we want to keep her garden as well as we can, but as someone who twice failed to get daffodils to grow, it could be an uphill battle.

disappointed at losing a game we really should have won.

Once upon a time rugby was the envy of all other games, with the discipline of the players and the respect of referees way above what was seen in other sports. Now in fairness, there is still a fair amount of respect for referees, but the whooping and hollering of all players on every team when the opposition makes a mistake is a new, disgusting development – and in my opinion, a blight on the game.

Any little error is greeted with huge derision by the other side, and in last night’s game, because it was so wet and the ball so slippery, there were lots of errors and therefore almost constant jeering and cheering by both sets of players, and at times, supporters.

I have to admit I don’t like it. I just wish players would keep their mouths shut, and concentrate on their own game.

We now face three very difficult games over the next three weeks, away to Castlebar next Saturday evening, then home to NUIG (now UG), and away to Connemara on the following two weekends! They will all be gunning for us, so let’s be ready !

Make your vote count

Finally for this week: As we reach the final hours before election day, I’d like to advise that it’s very important that you go out and cast your vote.

Out here, the canvassers have been very active and I have had many callers to the door, but I have to give special mention to our local legend, Mary D (Devaney).

Last week, on the coldest evening that came – so cold that my little dog Hopey wouldn’t dream of going outside – I had a visit from Mary D on behalf of Michael Fitzmaurice. The terrible cold didn’t stop her and I have to say I admired her dedication to Fitz’s cause, and her decision not to stay at home with her feet up by the fire. In fairness, she’s the same in everything she does. Whether it’s the GAA or any deserving cause, if you need something to be done, ask Mary D and she will never let you down. I imagine she is backing a winner in Fitz, but they all need every vote they can get, so follow her example, get out and cast your vote on Friday and don’t be sitting in by the fire! It’s your chance to have your say, so take it!

Her great friends Julie and Baz have already been a great help and I think I will be calling on them again! In the meantime, if anyone knows what to do with dying hydrangeas, I would love to hear from you! ’Til

Cunningham and Canny family members at the recent launch of the Creggs RFC 50th anniversary book.

Line-up announced for 2025 Roscommon Drama Festival

The Roscommon Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre, Roscommon, from Friday, March 7th, until Saturday, March 15th 2025.

The festival, which is regarded as one of the leading drama festivals on the circuit and brings performances from far and wide, has just announced its line-up. Once again, the cream of Irish amateur drama are in attendance, bringing some of the most exciting and thought provoking plays on the circuit.

The festival opens with the Kilmeen Drama Group’s production of ‘The Wasp’ by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. This is followed on Sat-

urday, March 8th, with the Bradan Players’ performance of ‘Little Gem’, written by Elaine Murphy, which has been described as “a poignant and hilarious play about love, sex, birth, death and salsa classes”.

Sunday, March 9th, will see Newtownstewart Theatre Company take to the stage with ‘The Remains of Maisie Duggan’ by Carmel Winters. St Patrick’s Drama Group will follow up on Monday, March 10th, with their interpretation of ‘Woman and Scarecrow’ by Marina Carr, while on Tuesday, March 11th, Cornmill Theatre will showcase ‘A Whistle

An Age Friendly Christmas Festival

We’re starting Christmas early in Roscommon! Roscommon’s Age Friendly Christmas Festival 2024 takes place in Kilbride Community Centre on Wednesday, 4th of December 2024. The event will begin at 11 am with speakers such as Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador and Amanda Scanlon, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Healthy Homes Coordinator kicking things off.

in the Dark’ by Tom Murphy. The latter has been noted as “a powerful and demanding play that will haunt you long after you leave the theatre”.

On Thursday, March 13th, Corofin Dramatic Society are in the Arts Centre with ‘The Weir’ by Conor McPherson. On Friday, March 14th, the festival welcomes back Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group for their production of the Nancy Harris play ‘The Beacon’. The finale and awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 15th. Sean O’Casey has written a number of excellent plays based in Dublin from 1916 to 1922

There will be numerous information stands there so please visit them all and pick up some free merchandise along the way! There will be a mobile eye screening unit and two nurses doing health checks throughout proceedings.

A hot light lunch is being provided and the morning will finish with music and dancing. This free event is open to everyone over 60 in Roscommon, individuals and groups. Spot prizes on the day!

and Kilmuckridge Drama Group will bring the timeless ‘Juno and the Paycock’ to the Roscommon stage. This final performance will start at 7.30 pm.

The adjudicator for the festival is Irene O’Meara.

Eight festival nights of entertainment are guaranteed by some of the best groups in the country at the 2025 Roscommon Drama Festival. Booking can be made via Roscommon Arts Centre on 090 662 5824 or online at roscommonartscentre.ie.

Tickets cost €17 nightly, with a five-night ticket being €70, and a season ticket being €96.

Tenders are invited for a contractor to supply a 2-way pallet nailing line for oversized pallets to be delivered to our site at Lanesborough

Please contact orla@ots.ie for a full suite of tender documents with Instructions to Quote, these are MANDATORY for quoting.

Quote submission deadline is 09/12/2024 @ 12 midday by email only to orla@ots.ie Quotes after this date and time will NOT be accepted.

KERRANE TD

Paddy Joe Burke, Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador

Roscommon Christmas Festival boasts festive magic

Festival returns December 7th and 8th, featuring bustling markets, lights and illuminations, Santa’s Sleigh visit, street theatre, and more!

Roscommon County Council wishes to invite you to ‘Choose Roscommon’ this Christmas and discover all the county has to offer, including its festive Christmas markets and enchanting lights display.

On December 7th and 8th, the annual Roscommon Christmas Festival, presented by the Roscommon Town Team, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon Lights Committee and supported by Roscommon County Council, will delight visitors with its festive ambience, food and a wide range of exciting events. Visitors seeking festive entertainment can explore the charming town of Roscommon and indulge in seasonal offerings and events right across the county, creating cherished festive memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights of Roscommon Christmas Festival include festive fire and circus performances, a Santa’s Sleigh visit, a captivating dinosaur display, an enchanted Christmas trail at Loughnaneane Park, the bustling markets in Roscommon Town Square, and the grand finale: a spectacular fireworks display!

The festive fire and circus performances will take place in Roscommon on December 7th. From mid-afternoon, as the sun begins to set, fire and circus performers will bring the heat and take to the streets to juggle, twirl and tumble across Roscommon town. The thrilling performances are perfect for families of all ages.

Santa’s Sleigh visit will take place on both the 7th and 8th of December. He’s making his list, and

checking it twice. For those who have been naughty or nice, Santa’s sleigh will be passing through Roscommon town Square at 4.30 pm – perfect for those who want to wish Santa luck as he prepares to deliver presents in time for Christmas.

The captivating dinosaur display will be held on December 8th. On Sunday afternoon at 4 pm, fans of T-rexs, triceratops and stegosaurs are invited to come to the square to interact with an animatronic dinosaur display for an unforgettable prehistoric adventure. Get up close and personal with our lifelike animatronic dinosaurs as they roar, move, and bring the Jurassic era to life in a festive setting.

The enchanted Christmas trail at Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon will also take place, on both the 7th and 8th of December. Loughnaneane Park will shine bright with an enchanting display of lights and Christmas characters, including a special performance of the Snow Queen’s Enchanted Realm from the captivating Enchanted Croí Theatre. Discover a picturesque pond surrounded by a fairy lights trail that offers breathtaking views of the historic landscape. The park will be transformed into a mesmerising winter wonderland with twinkling lights, snowflakes and Christmas scenes creating a truly magical ambiance.

The bustling markets in Roscommon Town Square, will also take place over the 7th and 8th of December. The heart of the festival beats there, in the heart of Roscommon Town Square, where over 30 markets and food stalls will showcase a delightful array of goods and products. From beautifully crafted items to locally sourced produce and tempting festive treats, there’s something to satisfy every taste! It’s perfect for Christmas gift options and last-minute decorations. The market will also feature live entertainment, including carols, dance acts, street performances, a captivating dinosaur display, and of course, the iconic Santa’s Grotto –a vibrant and joyous experience for all.

The grand finale to it all will be the spectacular fireworks display on December 8th! As the festival draws to a close, Sunday evening will culminate in a breathtaking fireworks display behind the castle at 7 pm. Be prepared to be mesmerised by vibrant colours and sparkling lights illuminating the sky, leaving visitors filled with the spirit of the season.

Beyond the event, there is a lot to enjoy locally this Christmas.

For example, Strokestown House: Step into the transformed Strokestown House and embark on a magical festive adventure through the Palladian Mansion. The meticulously decorated mansion sets the stage for a truly immersive experience, celebrating the wonder and joy of Christmas.

There’s also the Arigna Mining Experience: Santa Underground! Prepare for a unique and unforgettable journey as Arigna Mining Experience is transformed into a festive wonderland from Saturday, December 2nd. Santa’s visit to the mining experience provides an exciting and fun-filled event for the whole family.

You could also make the festive season memorable by planning your stay at Kilronan Castle. From festive Christmas getaways to intimate Christmas Party nights, Kilronan Castle has it all.

Shane Tiernan (Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council) announced the return of the en-

chanted Christmas trail event and invites you to ‘Choose Roscommon’ this Christmas.

“I am delighted to announce the return of the enchanted Christmas trail event at Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon, for its second year with a spectacular Snow Queen theme”, he said. “This is a wonderful community tourism event for the public to come out, explore, and enjoy our winter wonderland at the historic Loughnanaeane Park. I invite everyone to ‘Choose Roscommon’ this Christmas and experience the joy of the Christmas festivities taking place across the county”.

Lisa Joy (Tourism Officer for Roscommon County Council) invites everyone to embrace the festivities at the highly anticipated Roscommon Christmas Festival.

“The Roscommon Christmas Festival will feature festive theatre performances, bustling markets filled with artisan food and products, and a wide range of entertainment for all ages”, she said. “A spectacular fireworks display will bring the festival to a close on Sunday.

“Please join us in celebrating the magic of Christmas in Roscommon. We can’t wait to welcome you!”

Stay connected and get the latest updates on socials: @RoscommonChristmasFestival on Facebook, @visitroscommon on Instagram, and @ VRoscommon on X/Twitter.

Picture shows Caoimhe Murray, Karen McManus and Anne Marie O’Sullivan at the launch of the Roscommon Christmas Festival and Enchanted Christmas Trail Event. Photo: Brian Farrell.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin (canvassing for the election with party candidate Dr Martin Daly) pictured with some of the local people who braved very wet weather to attend the switching on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town last Sunday. Photo: Michael Finan

The weather may have been unpleasant, but there was a good turnout and a great atmosphere in Roscommon town last Sunday when Santa arrived to formally switch on the Christmas Lights. Congratulations to the Christmas Lights Sub-Committee on their fantastic work. Photo: Michael Finan

ELECTION 2024

• The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

Eleven candidates, three seats… now it’s over to the people to decide

With a tight race for the three seats available in RoscommonGalway constituency a real possibility, candidates are embarking on the final hours of canvassing.

This Friday, 29th of November, approximately 70,000 people are eligible to vote in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, where 124 polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm.

The electorate locally will have 11 candidates to choose from.

The parties fielding candidates in the constituency are: Aontú (1), Fianna Fáil (1), Fine Gael (2), Green Party (1), Independent Ireland (1), People Before Profit (1), Sinn Féin (1) and The Irish People (1), with two independent (non-party) candidates

also on the ballot paper. In the 2020 General Election, voter turnout in the constituency was 66%, above the national average of 62.9%. However, the boundaries of RoscommonGalway have shifted since then, reverting closer to their 2016 configuration. For this election, the entirety of County Roscommon is included in the constituency. In 2020, a significant portion of northern Roscommon, around Boyle, was moved to Sligo-Leitrim, while parts of Galway were added to Roscommon-Galway. This time, the number of electoral districts in the Galway section has been reduced from 48 to 16.

The Galway portion of the constituency now stretches from Williamstown to Ballinasloe, including the village of Ballygar.

Despite the boundary changes, the constituency remains a threeseater, the minimum number required for a Dáil constituency.

Two incumbent TDs are seeking re-election, while one outgoing TD, Denis Naughten (Independent), is stepping down. Notably, constituencies that include Roscommon are unique in that they have never returned the same set of TDs in two consecutive elections.

Once votes are counted at the Dr Hyde Centre in Roscommon over the weekend, the constituency will have at least one new TD. But will Denis Naughten’s retirement alone satisfy Roscommon’s famously volatile electorate? Or could there be an electoral upset for one, or both, of the incumbents?

While such an outcome might

seem unlikely, the combination of national electoral trends and Roscommon’s historically unpredictable voting patterns ensures this constituency will be one of the most closely watched in the country as nearly 3.5 million voters head to the polls to elect 174 TDs, up from 160 in 2020.

*Four of the eleven declared candidates in RoscommonGalway constituency in this Friday’s General Election are not featured in the Roscommon People’s ‘Make Your Choice’ podcast series, purely due to scheduling timetables and/or unavailability. However, they are featured in this issue of the Roscommon People (with full digital edition also available online).

‘My whole focus in this election is choice’

PODCAST PLAYBACK

PAUL HEALY

Eugene Murphy says he has momentum behind him and is receiving a very positive response from the electorate after the dramatic course his political career took in recent weeks.

A Fianna Fáil member for over 40 years, the former party TD and outgoing senator surprised many observers by declaring as an Independent candidate in this Friday’s General Election.

This departure from Fianna Fáil came after the fallout from that party’s recent selection convention. At that gathering, delegates chose Dr Martin Daly as their candidate ahead of Murphy. There was an initial widespread expectation that Murphy would be added on afterwards by party chiefs, making a two-candidate team. That expectation was based on (a) the convention outcome having been close; (b) Murphy’s status as an outgoing Oireachtas member; (c) geographical considerations. When Eugene sat down to take part in the Roscommon People’s podcast series recently, he made it very clear that attempts to ensure he would not be a Fianna Fáil candidate were, in his view, being hatched at least six months ago.

Murphy says he now realises

that key players within the party were actively engaged in trying to ensure he would not be on the ticket. He claims he was asked to stand back, away from Micheál Martin, when the party leader addressed the media at Lough Funshinagh. And he insists that Dr Martin Daly would have been added as a second candidate had he (Murphy) won the convention, where the opposite was never going to happen (as he sees it).

“I found it the most extraordinary situation ever when I brought Mícheál Martin down to Lough Funshinagh. He was a Fianna Fáil leader. And as you know, when a party leader or a Taoiseach comes and gives a press conference… the elected members stand around him. And it was incredible that I was asked to move away from Mícheál Martin who was giving that interview.

“And I drove away from Lough Funshinagh that day and I asked myself the question, is there something going on here? And I said if I say this to family or friends, they’ll think I’m crazy”. Reflecting back now, he adds:

“In my opinion, I was moved aside by people behind the scenes six months ago and totally kept out of any discussions

on it or any proposal being made to me. And it looks very underhanded, to be honest, and I’m saying that quite openly”.

Murphy adds: “I was never being added to that ticket. That convention wanted to elect Martin Daly. That was what (FF) headquarters wanted. Martin Daly was at all times being added to that ticket, even if I had won”. He has no qualms about the actual convention in itself. “I and actually my young son both got up and said, you know, we congratulated Martin Daly. He won

the convention”.

But there’s a part two to that convention, Murphy says, pointing out that a number of speakers on the night called for him to be added on to the ballot paper with Dr Daly in order to ensure there was a Roscommon Fianna Fáil candidate.

The party didn’t listen to its grassroots, he says. He thinks that was bizarre, pointing out that 82% of the vote in this constituency is in Roscommon, and just 18% in Galway.

This is the first time ever for FF not to run a candidate in Ro-

scommon, Murphy says. Hence, after consulting with family and enduring some sleepless nights he decided to leave the party and run as an independent. This is not about Eugene Murphy, he stresses, it’s about county before party.

“Never ever had we a situation where the party didn’t run a person in Roscommon. My whole focus in this election is choice. Give the people the choice”.

As to the parting of the ways, he says: “It was a huge decision. I had sleepless nights. I thought of all the good friends I had in

the party. And I had a very good working relationship with ministers here.

“I mean, around this town (Roscommon)… I brought ministers down. There was a huge investment in Roscommon CBS, millions. You have the monies for the Roscommon Gaels, you have the monies for the Golf Club.

“Probably one the most important pieces of infrastructure in this town, which I worked with Darragh O’Brien (Housing Minister) on only months after the government was formed, was the new wastewater treatment system, which is really important. There was €20 million spent on that. We have the Sacred Heart Hospital (funding)”.

He feels a sense of betrayal, that conversations he had with FF Leader Mícheál Martin were pointless. But since making the decision to run as an Independent, Murphy says he has received tremendous support from the public.

If elected, would he support his old party in a new Government? And/or Fine Gael?

“I am Independent. But if they come looking for my vote, I will have my shopping list for Roscommon-Galway. I won’t be unreasonable, but there’s a number of issues that must be addressed in this county and in this constituency if that vote is needed”.

He discusses those issues in detail in the podcast.

Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommonn People in conversation with Independent candidate, Eugene Murphy during the Roscommon People election podcast. Photo: Michael Finan

< EMMETT CORCORAN

ELECTION 2024

• The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

Andrew aiming to put people before profit

PODCAST PLAYBACK

The housing crisis is personal for Andrew Mannion. When I sat down with the People Before ProfitSolidarity candidate for our recent podcast, the 29-year-old Brothers of Charity support worker outlined that while he was born and raised in Ballinasloe – and works there – he lives in Athlone, due to lack of available housing in his native town.

“I was born and raised in Ballinasloe, currently living in Athlone… can’t find rented accommodation in Ballinasloe, unfortunately, which is a bit counterintuitive. You’d think that it’d be a lot easier to find accommodation in a small town like Ballinasloe as opposed to Athlone. But that’s where we are, unfortunately, with the housing situation at the minute”. He got into politics through trade union activism, having been approached by People Before Profit in 2022.

“They obviously wanted people who had some bit of a track record in organising people and building an alternative power base, I suppose, to go alongside with politics as well”.

Andrew ran in the recent

PAUL HEALY PODCAST PLAYBACK

local elections in Galway, and is now contesting this Friday’s General Election in Roscommon-Galway constituency. He accepts that while People Before Profit has high profile TDs in urban areas – including Paul Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett – the party isn’t particularly strong in rural Ireland. He wants to help change that.

Covid had a big influence on Andrew. He saw how it impacted people, including frontline workers.

“I suppose the response to the Covid pandemic had a big influence on, I don’t want to say radicalising me, but basically pushing my interest in politics”.

Given his line of work, and being based just down the road from Portiuncula Hospital, he saw the effects of pandemic measures, and took a view that the Government of the day wasn’t handling the crisis well. He saw “heavily stressed” doctors and nurses. He felt the Government erred badly in reopening society prior to Christmas.

“I thought they were a bit hasty. And I think it was more so to benefit business interests more so than actually

worrying about the welfare of the people, of the public in general, but particularly people like us that were working on the front lines as well”.

While he accepts that People Before Profit may have a low profile locally, he believes in their vision for an “ecosocialist world”. He is running for political office “with no baggage” – and certainly Andrew’s sincerity and passion was very evident during our interview.

He wants change. Fianna

Beirne critical of Government and media

HEALY

One of the firsttime candidates in RoscommonGalway is Vincent Beirne (Independent). A Boyle native who is now living in Fairymount, Beirne was in the news earlier this year when he led opposition to proposals to house approximately 50 International Protection applicants at Riverwalk in Castlerea.

Describing himself as a Shaman (defined as a religious or mystical expert who works as a healer, prophet and custodian of cultural tradition), Vincent views Ireland as a 32-county State, is concerned about the erosion of our culture, and insists

there is a huge disconnect between the people and the political establishment.

His reason for running, he says, is to highlight the “total disconnect” between the outgoing Government and the public – and what he sees as a “lack of understanding they have for our own people”.

He believes there is no accountability with regard to the outgoing Government, and reserves particular ire for Deputy Roderic O’Gorman (outgoing Minister for Children). Neither is he impressed with sections of the media.

The mainstream media, he contends, is merely

“propaganda for government”. He adds: “I haven’t watched RTE in six years” – preferring to engage with people on a one-to-one basis, while also developing a keen interest in using social media video messaging as a communications tool.

Speaking on the controversy that arose earlier this year about housing International Protection applicants in Castlerea, Vincent says he received a phone call at about 2 am alerting him to the ‘Riverwalk’ plans. He went to the site, made a video, and began a campaign of opposition.

There was an injustice being done, he says now, adding that 120 people attended the subsequent protest, which went ahead despite counter-opposition (to the protest) from

Fáil and Fine Gael have been in power for too long, he argues.

“To be fair, there are some of the people in the establishment parties that do decent work around their local communities. But from our point of view, we feel that they’ve had umpteen chances to… fix the issues that we have right now. And I think that it’s well past time that we do need change, particularly at a national level”.

An advocate for people power, he wants to mobilise

within the town and on the part of some local public representatives.

Speaking on the Roscommon People Make Your Choice podcast, Beirne says people are being brought in from abroad as a form of cheap labour. It’s causing (or certainly adding to) a housing crisis when there is no accommodation to rent “for our own”.

A strong advocate for a 32-county united Ireland, he says he grew up in an era when people had respect for one another.

Referring to the Irish culture, he says “we had a sense of character” and that’s something he would not like to see being eroded.

Elaborating, he references the closure of pubs, many of which he says are now being changed

communities, get people on the streets if necessary. It’s a dual approach; get PBP people into elected office, and also mobilise movements of people on key issues.

After the election, his party would be keen on entering a historic left-led government.

“It has to be a government of the left and realistically it has to be led by Sinn Féin. Like we’ve said, we won’t prop up a government made up of Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil”.

He wants socialists or likeminded people getting into

positions of power in Dáil Éireann and in county halls around the country… “but we also build up alternative power through trade unions… through energy unions, through community action groups that are properly able to hold their public representatives to account. We need radical change.

“That’s why we’ve kind of set out to say that we don’t want the same people in power again, because every five years that we waste is just going to accelerate our decline into climate catastrophe. And that’s really why we’ve branded ourselves as an ecosocialist party and not just as a socialist party”.

He wants to connect with young people.

“I suppose younger people right now are a lot more enthusiastic to get out and start getting politically active because they’re the ones that have been at the forefront of a lot of the issues that we’re seeing right now and that have borne the brunt of it, particularly with the housing crisis. And yeah, we want to appeal to everyone. But again, the younger people, we seem to be gaining a lot of traction with younger people, which is great”.

Articulate, and impressive, Andrew Mannion is an advocate for change. He talks in detail about housing, health, climate change and other issues in the podcast.

into residential spaces for “non-residents”. This, he contends, is unfair. Vincent says he knows one man who has been on a housing waiting list for 25 years; “he cannot get a house… but ‘they’ can bring in a person that may only be in the country six weeks and get him a form of accommodation”. He “wants

our country back”. He also expresses concern about pressures that SMEs and householders are under. Referencing the economic crash of some years ago, he said banks loaned money irresponsibly at the time and were not properly regulated – and he fears the same thing might happen again.

If he’s elected, Vincent would “talk to like-minded nationalists” before deciding who (if anyone) to support in Government formation. He would not take his entire salary (it’s “too big”) but will instead set up a local “Co-Op community” and ensure that part of his income is put to the ‘greater good’.

PAUL

Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommonn People in conversation with People Before Profit-Solidarity candidate, Andrew Mannion during the Roscommon People election podcast. Photo: Michael Finan

Paul Healy, Editor of the Roscommonn People in conversation with Independent candidate, Vincent Beirne during the Roscommon People election podcast. Photo: Michael Finan .

• The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

Four new faces make their case

Four of the eleven declared candidates in Roscommon-Galway constituency in this Friday’s General Election are not featured in the Roscommon People’s ‘Make Your Choice’ podcast series, purely due to scheduling timetables and/or unavailability. However, they are featured in this issue of the Roscommon People (with full digital edition also available online).

Dympna Daly-Finn

Fine Gael

Dympna Daly-Finn from Arigna, who contested June’s local elections for Fine Gael in the Boyle Local Electoral Area and narrowly missed out on the last seat to party colleague and incumbent Cllr Liam Callaghan, is running for Fine Gael alongside Senator Aisling Dolan from Ballinasloe.

Daly-Finn was selected at the party’s convention earlier this year.

Ms Daly-Finn was eliminated on the 9th count in the local elections following a full recount, with 990 votes, three behind Cllr Callaghan.

Cormac Ó Corcoráin

Aontú

Cormac Ó Corcoráin represents Aontú, a party emphasising national sovereignty and social conservatism.

Aontú’s manifesto advocates for a compassionate yet common sense approach to immigration, addressing public concerns over the government’s management of the issue.

According to the Aontú website, Cormac is a native of Newcastle, Co Galway and is married with four young children. He received his education at Bushypark NS, St Mary’s College, and the University of Galway.

Cormac contested the local elections in Galway City East in June and was eliminated on the fifth count with 196 votes.

Martina O’Connor Green Party

Martina O’Connor is the Green Party candidate, advocating for environmental sustainability and social justice.

The Green Party’s manifesto highlights the need for actionable policies to address climate change and promote economic develop-

ment in the west, including significant investment in the Western Rail Corridor.

Ms O’Connor is a former Galway City councillor. She was elected in 2019 but lost her seat in this year’s local election.

She received 4.2% of the first preferences and was eliminated on the 8th count with 387 votes.

Alan Sweeney The Irish People

Alan Sweeney represents The Irish People party, a group that has recently emerged on the political landscape.

While specific details about the party’s priorities and manifesto are limited, Mr Sweeney said on Facebook following the lodging of his nomination papers: “The issues I’ll be fighting against are the homeless crisis, cost of living crisis, access to housing for single parents facing homelessness, abolishing VAT and carbon tax, border and illegal immigration controls,

securing Irish sovereignty and protecting Irish interests against EU-based policy changes”.

Mr Sweeney contested June’s local election in the Gort-Kinvara Local Electoral Area for Galway County Council and received 3% of the vote.

Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, Mr Sweeney said he has been organising the Garden of Remembrance Soup Room every Saturday since 2020 and that they have helped hundreds of homeless people and those facing food poverty.

He says he has also done many fundraisers for the homeless, and was “motivated to get involved in politics” having seen the affliction of the homeless during the pandemic.

Sweeney told the Roscommon People that he hopes to build on his election results over the coming five years.

While admitting that he was unlikely to get elected, he said he would expect a large volume of number two votes from the more established candidates.

Get out and use your vote on Friday!

Politicians and politics generally is not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact I know very many people who are completely turned off by the political scene. However, it’s worth remembering that everything that the politicians decide upon every day affects us all. ‘Ah sure they are all the same’ is a common complaint, and while there may be a grain of truth in that saying, there are differences between the candidates. SEAMUS DUKE asks that if you are going to the polling booth on Friday you might consider the following…

1

Housing is the biggest issue affecting our population at the moment. Which candidate or party is offering the best set of proposals on how we can get out of the crisis we are in?

2 3

Who is best equipped to improve our health service?

In terms of crime, and rural crime in particular, which party or prospective TD is making the most sense I relation to how they could improve matters?

They are just five questions that you might want to consider ahead of voting. Even if you are not interested in the main issues, what candidate appeals most to you? Are you influenced by gender? By the location of a given candidate?

The days of people going to the polling booth and blindly voting for the same parties as the generations that came before them did are fading fast. People are making up their own minds now (they may still reach the same conclusion of course). Choose a candidate or party that you think would be the best representative/s for Roscommon-Galway… for you, your family and your community.

A lot of people sacrificed a lot over many centuries to ensure that we get to vote in democratic elections. So I would appeal to people to make every effort to go out and vote, whatever your preference might be – and when the votes are counted, may the best men/women win!

4

Farming and climate change are very important issues for us here in Roscommon. Which of the politicians are making the most sense on addressing climate change, while preserving our agriculture industry which is still the most important sector here in County Roscommon?

Immigration is a thorny issue all over the country, including in Roscommon. Which candidates are offering the most ‘common sense’ policies? How do we deal with our responsibilities under international law, while still addressing the fears and concerns of local communities?

5

ELECTION 2024

• The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

Dolan and Murphy both pressing for progress on Apprenticeship centre

Outgoing senators Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy are both making the case this week for a Further Educa tion (training) centre in Roscommon to be fast-tracked.

Independent candidate and former Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy has pledged to prioritise the estab lishment of an apprenticeship train ing centre in Roscommon if elected.

Senator Murphy said he had worked with Taoiseach Simon Har ris during the latter’s tenure as Min ister for Further and Higher Educa tion to advance plans for the centre. He claimed some progress had been made but acknowledged that the pro ject had stalled in recent months.

“This is something I had been working on with Simon Harris in his former role as Minister for Further Education, and some progress had been made towards getting a train ing centre up and running,” Senator Murphy stated.

He emphasised the importance of having training opportunities avail able locally, particularly in light of rising living costs and the national housing shortage.

Senator Dolan says she has spoken with An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, about the great need that exists across the county and region and has confirmed his backing on the matter.

“The Taoiseach has indicated clear support for a Further Education Centre in Roscommon. There is significant demand in our region as there is currently no apprenticeship centre in the county.

“We desperately need to see access to apprenticeship programmes in Roscommon town. With such a facility, school leavers or career changers could avail of any of 70 courses currently on offer from auctioneering to biomedicine, and from farm management to traditional craft and trades” explained Senator Dolan. Plans for an apprenticeship training college in Roscommon have been under consideration for some time. A proposal to acquire a property in the county town, supported by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), has been with the Department of Further and Higher Education for over a year.

Voting in the 2024 General Election will be held on Friday 29 November 2024.

Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm

FG and FF have ‘failed children with disabilities’

Sinn Féin election candidate for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has said Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have totally failed children with disabilities.

Kerrane said: “Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have totally failed children with disabilities. Under law, children are entitled to have an assessment of their needs within six months, but there are now almost 13,000 children left waiting for longer than this. This includes children in Roscommon and Galway.

essential disability services and supports. Every day that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil remain in power, the worse things get for children with disabilities.

“Behind these numbers are children and their families in Roscommon and Galway being denied

“Sinn Féin have a plan to stand up for children with disabilities and ensure all children can get the assessment they need quickly”.

• The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

Fitzmaurice launches €1bn agriculture plan

Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice unveiled his party’s €1bn agriculture policy during a manifesto launch at the Athlone Springs Hotel. The RoscommonGalway TD has highlighted its focus on supporting rural communities through key farming initiatives.

Deputy Fitzmaurice, who is Independent Ireland’s Agriculture Spokesperson, said the plan would provide tangible supports for farmers across all sectors and secure the future of rural Ireland.

The policy, launched in South Roscommon, emphasises targeted funding increases for beef and sheep farmers, substantial enhancements to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS), and a strong commitment to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

“This plan is about protecting our way of life,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said following the event.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Fitzmaurice said: “Farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland, and by supporting them, we’re supporting every rural community. If our farmers succeed, so does the butcher, the shopkeeper, the vet, and the local economy benefits”.

The manifesto includes a second Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) that would simplify supports for suckler farmers and raise subsidies for eligible cows and calves to €300 when combined with the National Beef Welfare Scheme. Fitzmaurice noted the significance of these measures, stating: “This will provide real relief for 20,000 farmers who have been struggling under the weight of rising costs. It’s a step

towards restoring balance in the beef sector”.

For sheep farmers, the policy aims to increase funding for sheep improvement schemes and invest in measures to protect livestock, including a comprehensive dog control plan. It also outlines plans to research and create new markets for Irish wool, which Fitzmaurice described as a missed opportunity for value-added farming.

“The sheep sector has been overlooked for too long,” Fitzmaurice said. “This policy ensures sheep farmers are given the recognition and support they deserve”.

The plan also proposes an additional €50 million annual budget for TAMS, increasing grants to 70% and expanding the list of qualifying equipment and infrastructure to help farmers adapt to longer winters and improve slurry storage capacity.

“Farmers can’t be expected to meet new regulations without proper funding,” Fitzmaurice said. “We’re providing the practical tools farmers need to meet challenges head on”.

On CAP, Fitzmaurice stressed the importance of fair distribution of payments, an issue he has raised repeatedly in the Dáil. “CAP was designed to support farmers, and we need to ensure that its budget reflects the needs of those it was created to help. We won’t allow environmental schemes to siphon off vital supports,” he said.

The decision to launch the policy in Roscommon reflects Fitzmaurice’s strong local base and position of influence within his party.

Kerrane: Extra Gardaí in Ballaghaderreen ‘not temporary’

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has stated that the additional Garda resources recently allocated to Ballaghaderreen will remain in place for as long as they are needed and will not be withdrawn and therefore should not be categorised as a ‘temporary’ measure.

Deputy Kerrane said she has received a commitment to that effect following weeks of engagement on her part with the local Garda Superintendent. She is also arranging a meeting in the town with the Superintendent, who has agreed to attend.

“I was delighted to recently confirm the allocation of additional Garda resources to Ballaghaderreen,” Deputy Kerrane said. “I can now confirm that these resources consist of additional patrols, additional Gardaí, and these are highvisibility patrols”.

The Sinn Féin candidate, who is seeking re-election this Friday, stressed that the enhanced Garda presence is designed to reassure and support the local community.

“I do not want people in Ballaghaderreen worrying that these resources are here for a few weeks and will (then) be gone. This is not the case, and I have this commitment from the Garda Superintendent,” she said.

Deputy Kerrane is also pressing the Garda Commissioner to allocate new recruits to the area when 167 new Gardaí graduate from Templemore next month.

“I have made this request to the Garda Commissioner and made the case to him for a permanent allocation of new Gardaí,” she said. “I have been raising the falling number of Gardaí in County Roscommon consistently all year, the only TD to do so, and I will continue to press hard for adequate Garda numbers for our county.

“We need to see Gardaí out on the beat, and we need to restore peace of mind in our communities,” she added.

The announcement comes in the wake of recent unrest in Ballaghaderreen, involving reports of several alleged criminal offences. These include an instance which saw a group of balaclavawearing people causing property damage in apparent response to an alleged assault.

Local residents have voiced their concerns about a lack of Garda resources in the area. In response, the community organised a peaceful vigil earlier this month to highlight the issue and call for action.

Daly calls for a smarter, fairer approach to immigration

Dr Martin Daly, Fianna Fáil General Election candidate in Roscommon-Galway, has highlighted what he calls the urgent need for a fair, efficient, and ‘common sense’ approach to Ireland’s immigration policy.

Reflecting on feedback gathered during his extensive canvassing across the constituency, Dr Daly emphasised the importance of learning from past mistakes and implementing reforms that instill confidence in communities by creating a more robust and timely system. “Immigration is an issue we need to handle

with fairness, efficiency, and common sense,” Dr Daly stated. “We must ensure that individuals not entitled to remain in the country are deported, while those with legitimate rights to stay are processed without unnecessary delays.

“At the same time, we must be careful not to conflate legal immigration – where individuals come to fill roles in society that truly benefit and grow our economy. Certain sectors would collapse in the morning without the sustenance of hard-working legal immigrants”.

Dr Daly also called for a re-evaluation of the Government’s approach to accommodating individuals seeking asylum and protection.

Highlighting recent controversies, he criticised the practice of housing large groups of single men in centralised facilities.

“Housing 1,000 men in a single centre defies logic,” he asserted. “Instead, we need to develop diverse communities that integrate families and individuals, fostering balance and stability for everyone involved”.

He urged the Government to prioritise reforms that benefit both local residents and immigrants, ensuring that immigration policies are effective, fair, and sustainable.

“The Government must get this right –for everyone’s benefit,” Dr Daly added.

“It’s time for a smarter, fairer approach to immigration”.

Dr Daly said he remains committed to advocating for policies that balance efficiency with compassion, ensuring a system that works for all members of society.

Top comedian Tommy Tiernan (who launched the book) pictured with Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice at the official launch of John Tiernan’s book ‘Tell Tale Townie’.

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin and party candidate Dr Martin Daly greeting people during the switching on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town last Sunday. Photo: Michael Finan

Coláiste Mhuire (Ballygar) stages ‘Abba Mia’

Photos: Emma Healy

Roscommon GAA Scór finals a success ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

Elphin Community Centre hosted a wonderful final of the 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg competitions on Saturday, November 23rd.

With eight county titles up for grabs and an opportunity to represent Roscommon at the Connacht Final, there was a wonderful atmosphere in the packed Elphin venue. Proceedings began with the Tráth na gCeisteanna (table quiz). Quiz Master Aron Fitzpatrick, from Longford, put thirteen teams through their paces, whittling it down to just three teams – Kilglass Gaels, Athleague/Tremane, and St Ronan’s, who battled it out on stage for the Pat Dennehy Cup, with Kilglass emerging as county champions for the seventh consecutive year.

The figure dancing discipline saw Padraig Pearses, Athleague/Tremane, Tulsk, and St Dominic’s contesting strongly, with the Knockcroghery club coming out on top.

In the solo singing, Grace Collins from Kilmore delivered a beautiful rendition of ‘The Ballad of Rosie Hackett’, earning her the county title against fantastic competition from Gemma Casey (St Dominic’s), Abby Flatley (Michael Glaveys), and Sorcha Gilboy (St Michaels).

The recitiation/storytelling event proved a very enjoyable competition.

The excellent challenge of Henry Gunn (Elphin), Eabha Nally, and Emily Hunt (Kilmore), gave way to Kilmore’s Matthew Ffrench, whose delivery of ‘How I found Scór’, charmed the audience and adjudicators alike and garnered him his third consecutive county title in this event.

Kilmore’s winning ways continued in the ballad group competition, as super performances of ‘Shadow of a Dancer’ and ‘Home away from Home’, earned the club another hat-trick of titles. In doing so, they overcame stellar competition from St Michael’s A and B, and Padraig Pearses.

The undoubted event of the night was the novelty act decider. Four excellently prepared teams gave wonderful entertainment to the large

audience, with the standard comparable to provincial level. Padraig Pearses, St Dominic’s A and B, all turned in hilarious deliveries of their sketches. However it was the home club Elphin who won the adjudicators’ approval with their novel piece.

The ceol uirlise (instrumental music) competition was fiercely contested with St Michaels, Padraig Pearses, Kilmore, and Elphin, hoping to bring home the title. Again, it was the home club Elphin who took county honours – and they weren’t finished there.

In the final competition of the night, set dancing, Elphin came out on top over near-neighbours Kilmore with their execution of the ‘The Plain Set’.

Coiste Scór agus Cultúir Ros Comáin were delighted to have Thomas Murray (vice chairperson of the Roscommon GAA County Board and member of the National Scór Committee) to present the winners with their trophies. Huge thanks are extended to the Elphin Community Centre Committee and Northern Harps LGFA Committee for providing refreshments. Well done also to Fear an Tí, Michéal Gunn from Elphin, who kept proceedings running smoothly and with great humour.

Appreciation also goes to the excellent sound engineer on the night, and also the adjudicators, who had an arduous task.

The biggest word of thanks goes to all of the young GAA members who represented their clubs at every level this year in Scór na nÓg. They are what the competition is all about. Well done to the many mentors, trainers, and club officials, who have worked so hard to promote Scór in their areas. Without your efforts, this wonderful cultural outlet would not be so strong in Roscommon.

The Roscommon County Scór na nÓg Champions for 2024 now go forward to represent the county at the Connacht Final on Saturday, December 7th, in the Town Hall Theatre, Claremorris. Stage events will begin at 2 pm and will be preceded by the Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird at 12.45 pm.

Tickets for the provincial final will be available online from connachtgaa.ie soon (they will be limited, so first come, first served). More information for competing clubs and competitors will be issued by Coiste Scór agus Cultúir in the coming weeks.

Ros Comáin Abú!

Elphin were the winners of the set dancing competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

St Dominic’s were the winners of the figure dancing competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Elphin were the winners of the novelty act competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Kilglass were the winners of the Tráth na gCeisteanna (table quiz) competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Matthew Ffrench from Kilmore was the overall winner of the recitiation/storytelling competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

Grace Collins from Kilmore was the overall winner of the solo singing competition at the recent 2024 Roscommon GAA Scór na nÓg finals.

‘Monster Auction’ in Tisrara: A thank you

The directors of Tisrara Community Sports Park (Four Roads, Co Roscommon) wish to thank all those who supported their ‘Monster Auction’, held last Sunday in Tisrara Community Centre.

Grateful thanks to all the sponsors, donors, organisers and anybody who contributed in any way to the success of the fundraising event.

It would not be possible to individually thank all the generous contributors, so it is hoped that this expression of thanks will be accepted in grateful acknowledgement of your much-appreciated financial assistance.

Christmas Charity Tractor Run in Athlone

The Athlone Agricultural Show Committee, in conjunction with the Athlone Festival & Events Group, is organising a ‘Christmas Charity Tractor Run’ on Sunday evening, December 1st from 4 pm.

The parade of tractors, fully decorated with their Christmas lights and hooters, will leave the Athlone Town Football Car Park and continue right through the town, finishing up in Connaught St.

A first prize of a €100 diesel voucher goes to the best decorated tractor driven by a male and is sponsored by John Henson of HB Safety Services. A similar prize goes to the best decorated tractor driven by a female and is sponsored by Jody Moran & Son, Agri Contractors, Athlone.

Up to 100 tractors are expected to participate in this unique fundraising event, never held previously in the town of Athlone.

It will also coincide with the switching on of the Christmas Lights in the town.

The proceeds will go to Athlone Meals on Wheels and St Hilda’s School in Athlone.

The organisers would like to thank the Abbeyshrule Tractor Run personnel for their assistance on organising this event. All support much appreciated.

‘Dickie Dip’ for cancer

David McKenna recently completed his fourth annual ‘Dickie Dip’ swim to raise funds for Cancer Research. €375 has been raised for the 2024 Dip to date. People can still sponsor on David’s Facebook page. David says: “Thank you all so much for all your support over the last four years”.

ADVERTORIAL

Abbey Hotel scoops top wedding awards

The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon won two top awards at the recent WeddingDates Awards 2024, being named winners of the 2024 Irish castle venue of the year, and wedding venue of the year in Roscommon.

“A massive thank you to all our amazing couples for choosing us as your wedding venue and for your wonderful support in leaving such glowing reviews and voting for us”, said Geraldine Grealy (director of marketing and public relations at the hotel).

“Thanks to our weddings manager Lisa and our outstanding team here at the Abbey for making it all possible.

“It is a huge accomplishment for us to get this recognition and we are incredibly proud of our team”, she concluded.

Discover more about weddings at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon by scheduling a viewing at a time convenient for you. Viewings are by appointment or you can complete the enquiry form and download the wedding brochure on their website. Also, the Abbey’s Winter Wedding Fair takes place on January 5th 2025. For more, visit abbeyhotel.ie.

Big weekend in Knockcroghery as village honours famous son

The Jimmy Murray statue unveiling will take place in Knockcroghery on this Sunday, December 1st, as part of a special weekend of celebrations.

The limestone statue of the GAA great will be formally unveiled by the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns. Up to 20 members of the famous Artane Band will take part in the ceremony, accompanied by local children decked in the colours of Roscommon’s 32 GAA clubs.

Jimmy Murray was a renowned club and county footballer (also an accomplished hurler) who entered GAA folklore in his lifetime having captained Roscommon to its only senior All-Ireland football title wins, in 1943 and ’44. Much-decorated both during and after his career for his playing feats, he was also a very popular community figure within his beloved Knockcroghery and Roscommon. Jimmy Murray died in 2007.

The upcoming celebratory weekend will commence on Saturday, November 30th with a Historical Talk in Culleen Hall (8 pm), followed by a singing session in Murray’s. There will be further events over the course of the two days, including Mass for deceased members of the 1943 and 1944 Roscommon playing panels, with the statue to be unveiled at the village green by the GAA President on the Sunday afternoon. Jimmy Murray

Unsung heroes of Ireland feature on Creggs calendar

A 2025 calendar featuring twelve unsung heroes of Ireland was launched in Creggs on Friday night last. The calendar was created by Kilbegnet Historical Society and launched by Dr Christy Cunniffe. Guests were welcomed to the launch by Seán Beirne (treasurer of Kilbegnet Historical Society). He told guests that this is the third calendar produced by the group, earlier ones featuring Creggs past and present, and animal cures. This year’s calendar features ‘unsung heroes’ who have made a difference to life in Ireland.

He noted that it was a busy year for the historical society, which organised four concerts and three talks during the year, as well as organising the annual Bard of Connacht, which was held during Creggs Harvest Festival. The society also took part in the creation of a digital storymap for the area, which included points of interest, podcasts and videos relating to local heritage.

A number of upcoming events in Creggs were mentioned by Seán Beirne, including the blessing of the crib, visit by Santa Claus, and Christmas Fair in the school hall next Sun-

day, December 1st, at 5 pm. The annual Senior Citizens Party will take place on Sunday, December 8th, at 2.30 pm in St Mary’s Hall. Larry Kilcommins (secretary of the Kilbegnet His-

torical Society) paid tribute to graphic designer David Curran, who researched and designed the calendar. He noted that his personal favourite was Joseph Biggar, who started filibustering in the British Parliament in 1874 – a tactic later taken up by other Irish nationalists such as Parnell. He also had words of praise for Dr Christy Cunniffe, a friend of thirty years who had agreed to travel to Creggs for the launch.

Launching the calendar, Dr Christy Cunniffe noted that the calendar showcases twelve truly inspirational individuals (five ladies and seven men) who are accurately deemed unsung heroes. Three were highlighted by Dr Cunniffe: leading Fenian, tenant right agitator and MP, Matt Harris, who is buried in Creagh Cemetery in Ballinasloe, as well as John Keegan Casey, who wrote ‘The Rising of the Moon’, and Ada English, a member of Cumann na mBan who was involved in the 1916 rising in Athenry and later became

the psychiatrist at the Connaught Lunatic Asylum in Ballinasloe – later named St Bridget’s Hospital. She instituted a more benevolent regime in the hospital and was progressive in her views.

Dr Cunniffe noted that Presbyterians, Catholics and Church of England people were included in the twelve names and he opined that the diversity in terms of Irish history is often overlooked, especially in relation to the 1798 rebellion and Robert Emmett. He also noted the link between Presbyterianism and Creggs, as the village had at its centre a Presbyterian Church and a small community of Presbyterians brought to the area by local landlord Allan Pollok. He also noted that many of those mentioned in the calendar came from within a sixty-mile radius of Creggs, so there was a local element to the calendar. Large and small calendars are now on sale locally, priced at €10 and €5 respectively.

Members of Kilbegnet Historical Society pictured with Dr Christy Cunniffe at the calendar launch event held in Creggs NS on Friday night last. Pictured are Michael Ward, Mary Kelly, Seamus Keane, Larry Kilcommins, Dr Christy Cunniffe, and Seán Beirne.

Pictured at a calendar launch event held by Kilbegnet Historical Society in Creggs NS on Friday night last were Larry Kilcommins (secretary, Kilbegnet Historical Society) and Dr Christy Cunniffe (who launched the calendar).

FarmingPeople

Friday 29th November @ 11 a.m. Special Sale of Bullocks 82 Pens on Offer Also, Dry Cows and Heifers

Friday 6th December @ 11 a.m. Special Sale of Heifers

Also, Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday 2nd December @ 5p.m.

Western Region Texel Club

Roscommon farmers contribute to book on a sustainable farming future

Cattle: There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special sale of heifers (November 22nd).

Heifers fetched an average of €3.11 per kilo up to €4.25 per Kilo. There was a large entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.12 per kilo. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

Thursday 28th November @ 5 p.m.

Tuesday 10th December @ 4 p.m. Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Thursday 5th December @ 5 p.m.

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday @ 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com

Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.49 per kilo up to €3.12 per kilo. Sample prices: LM -1010KG -€2810 -€2.78 per kg, LMX- 890KG- €2720- €3.06 per kg, LMX -730KG- €2270- €3.11 per kg, LMX -695KG -€2150- €3.09 per kg, LMX-715KG- €2080€2.91 per kg, LMX-645KG -€1880- €2.91 per kg, CHX- 605KG- €1800-€2.98 per kg, and LMX- 595KG- €1440-€2.42per kg. Heifers ranged from an average of €3.11 per kilo up to €4.25 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-700KG- €2160- €3.09 per kg, CHX- 605KG€2120 - €3.50 per kg, CHX-595KG- €2160€3.63 per kg, CHX- 580KG- €2070- €3.57 per kg, BBX- 550KG- €2340- €4.25 per kg, LMX – 495KG - €1890-€3.82 per kg, CHX- 445KG€1660-€3.73 per kg, and CHX- 470KG- €1690€3.60 per kg.

Weanlings

There was a smaller entry of quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening, November 26th, with a strong trade for bulls and heifers. The next sale is on Tuesday, December 3rd. Bull weanlings fetched from an average

of €3.47 per kilo up to €4.69 per kilo, and heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.33 per kilo up to €4.44. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active.

Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €3.47 per kilo up to €4.69 per kilo. Sample prices: LMX- 410KG -€1400 -€3.41 per kg, LMX- 375KG- €1560- €4.16 per kg, CHX355KG- €1660- €4.68 per kg, CHX- 315KG€1340- €4.25 per kg, CHX- 370KG- €1680€4.54 per kg, and CHX- 285KG- €1070- €3.75 per kg.

Heifer weanlings ranged from an average of €3.33 per kilo up to €5.44 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-460KG -€1860- €4.04 per kg, 2X-BBX -370KG-€1450-€3.92 per kg, CHX-305KG- €1660-€5.44 per kg, LMX- 270KG€1260- €4.67 per kg, CHX-240KG- €900- €3.75 per kg, and AAX- 190KG- €790- €4.16 per kg.

Sheep

We had a larger number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, November 27th, when compared to the previous week. Prices for spring lambs made up to €193 while stag ewes topped out at €238.

Our next sale takes place Wednesday, December 4th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Sale on Thursday, 21st of November: Despite the inclement weather conditions and hazardous road conditions, over 500 lots were presented for sale on Thursday last. Trade remains extremely positive for all categories of stock as we go into the final month of trading. The heifer ring reported excellent demand for the stores while heavier lots made up to €2500. The weanling ring with strong export demand and increased farmer activity witnessed bulls peak at €4.64 a kilo while heifer weanlings peaked at €4.58. Dry cows topped out at €2150 while breeding stock made up to €1590.

SAMPLE PRICES

HEIFERS: Lm 425kgs €1770 AAx 420kgs

€1480 Ch 405kgs €1460 Lm 385kgs €1450 Lm

450kgs €1750 BBx 430kgs €1620 Lm 735kgs

€2500 BBx 560kgs €2300 Lm 515kgs €2100

Ch 615kgs €2030 Ch 480kgs €1610

DRY COWS: Ch 795kgs €2150 BBx 725kgs

€2080 BBx 760kgs €2070 Sim 715kgs €2060

BBx 695kgs €2050 Fr 415kgs €760 Fr 485kgs

€830 BBx 645kgs €1970.

Cows with calves at foot made from €1380 to €1590.

Springers made from €810 to €1080.

CALVES/RUNNERS: Young calves made from €200-€220 with runners making from €270 to €950 for continental lots.

WEANLING BULLS: BBx 295kgs €1370 Ch 285kgs €1180 Ch 295kgs €1100 Lm 260kgs €1070 Ch 290kgs €1060 BBx 350kgs €1500 BBx 490kgs €1660 Lm 450kgs €1570 Lm 420kgs €1800 Lm 355kgs €1420 Ch 455kgs €1450.

WEANLING HEIFERS: Lm 285kgs €1100 Lm 275kgs €1070 AA 260ks €1050 AA 270kgs €1050 Lm 290kgs €1000 BBx 380kgs €1250 Lm 310kgs €1150 Ch 335kgs €1020 Lm 330kgs €1080.

Bullock sale (Monday, 18th of November): There were 300 bullocks on offer with a very lively trade for all categories of stock. Quality stores made up to €3.62 a kilo while heavier lots topped out at €2390.

SAMPLE PRICES: Lm 495kgs €1790 AA 485kgs €1710 Ch 485kgs €1660 Ch 540kgs €1960 Lm 515kgs €1850 Ch 510kgs 1830 AA 590kgs €1950 AA 635kgs €2130 Ch 645kgs €1990 Ch 705kgs €2390 Lm 655kgs €2260 Lm 655kgs €2260.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Mondays and Thursdays. All sales commence at 11 am.

Irish farmers — including three from Roscommon — have joined forces for a new book, combining scientific research with local knowledge that gives farmers and others practical tips on how to create a more sustainable future, while protecting land and nature.

At a time of great challenge and uncertainty for farm families, the book, called ‘The Farming For Nature Handbook’, is a practical guide to protecting and restoring nature.

Published by Dingle Publishing, it will be launched today (November 28th), costs €30 and is available at farmingfornature.ie.

With contributions from more than fifty Irish farmers, the book also shares farmers’ experiences of how working with nature can help reduce costs and improve incomes. The three Roscommon farmers included are Andrew Chilton, Mervyn Auchmuty, and Tommy Earley. While there is widespread

awareness of the environmental damage caused by poor farming practices, this book in contrast attempts to highlight the positive ways farmers can sustain and enhance our natural environment, and benefit from the results.

It is hoped that ‘The Farming For Nature Handbook’ will become the essential guide to caring profitably for our land.

The book was inspired by regular requests to the nonprofit Farming For Nature project from landowners, farmers, smallholders, and growers, wanting to learn how best to manage their land, big or small, in a way that enhances habitats, protects profits, and safeguards our natural environment and rural communities.

The Farming For Nature project was set up to support, encourage and inspire farmers who farm, or who wish to farm, in a way that will improve the natural health of our countryside.

Pictured is Andrew Chilton, mixed stock organic farmer and organic educator and farm advisor, based in Corrigeenroe.

Pictured is Mervyn Aughmuty, arable farmer from Lecarrow.

Pictured is Tommy Earley, beef farmer from Arigna.

Own Centre

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, F42 DK88

4 Bed. Detached Two Storey NEW TO MARKET

Bright spacious family home c. 185 sq. mts.

Excellent level of accommodation

Large mature garden

Great location

Convenient to town/schools/sports facilities

Viewing highly recommended.

Full details from David Moran.

Auctioneers & Estate Agents

Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664

Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472 moranandco.ie

Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, F42 HF43

4 Bed. Detached Bungalow NEW TO MARKET

Bright spacious bungalow c. 127 sq. mts. standing on c. 0.2 hectares. There is a garage and a fuel shed at the rear. The bungalow requires work and should qualify for the vacant home grant. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a property with unlimited potential in a good location. Commuting distance from Roscommon and Athlone. Great location. Inspection recommended.

Full details from David Moran.

Leaha, Creggs, Co. Galway. c. 38.5 acres of Land plus c. 13 acres of Bog For Sale By Private Treaty

The lands are laid out in two divisions c. 11.71 acres and c. 39.78 acres comprising c. 26.71 acres of land and c. 13 acres of bog. There is a shed with electricity supply, a private well and a crush on the lands. Excellent opportunity to acquire a holding or additional lands in the area.

Full details from David Moran .

4,279 empty homes across Roscommon –more than enough for everybody who needs them, says campaign group Uplift

Uplift, a people-powered campaign group, is urging all political candidates, if elected, to focus on bringing the tens of thousands of empty and derelict homes back into use.

CSO figures show that, in 2022, there were a staggering 4,279 empty homes across Roscommon, not including holiday homes that may also be sitting empty. Research commissioned by Uplift has shown again and again that having a home is the top issue facing people and communities right across the country. During the local and European elections, Uplift completed a piece of research showing how councils and the Government could do far more to turn empty houses into homes by buying and leasing empty houses, making it easier for families to access unused grants, working with businesses to turn empty main streets into vibrant commu-

nities, and accurately counting the number of vacant and derelict buildings in the county.

Saoirse, a campaigner at Uplift, said: “No matter who we are or where we come from, we all need a home where we can sleep at night, knowing that we will wake up tomorrow feeling safe and secure.

“But far too many of us are living on edge, not knowing where we’ll live month to month, year to year. We have so much space for everyone, but can’t use it.

“With an election on Friday, politicians need to know that the only way to get and stay elected is to turn empty houses into homes for everyone who needs one, no exceptions.

So we’re asking people to email their election candidates to sign up to our pledge now, to show voters that they will prioritise turning empty houses into homes if they get elected”.

Cathal Meares of Remax Team Earley is delighted to bring to the market approximately 7.19 acres of roadside lands, ideally situated within Tulsk Village, Co Roscommon (comprised in Folio No: RN36471).

These upland lands benefit from a strategic location, positioned between the established Meadow Brook and Chestnut Grove developments, making them highly appealing for a variety of future uses.

Their proximity to existing residential and community infrastructure enhances their potential for development, subject to the necessary planning permissions.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire lands in a prime village location, offering both accessibility and investment potential.

For additional information or to discuss further development opportunities, please contact the auctioneer directly. The price guide is €75,000.

For more, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax. ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact the auctioneer Cathal directly on 086 1409158.

Remax Team Earley seeking farms in all areas

Due to disappointed underbidders recently, Remax Team Earley would like to advise that they are currently seeking agricultural lands in any area.

All properties will be considered – residential or non-residential. Please be advised that Remax Team Earley offer a free appraisal service, and remember – no sale, no fee! For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by phoning Keith on 086 0848590, Cormac on 086 3519492, or Cathal on 086 1409158.

Cathal Meares

Tulsk Village, Co Roscommon (comprised in Folio No: RN36471).

Classifieds

< ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS:

Sunday 12

If you WANT to stop gambling ... and REMAIN stopped ... you CAN! GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEETING every Monday at 8.45 pm at St. Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone (N37 W7P3).

CHIMNEY CLEANING 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

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Telephone: 087 2798704

Specialising

Telephone: 086 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland VHI and Laya Covered

Mobile Footcare Professional and friendly footcare in the

FARMING

< FARM REPAIR SHOP – Roscommon/Lanesboro area. Tel 087 2755738.

FUEL FOR SALE

< SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS for sale. Tel 086 8237630.

TRAILERS

TRAILER

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

to 1.pm. Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

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.connaughtchimney cleaning.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

SERVICING & REPAIRS to all makes and models (LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.) Call TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING

SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2020/2021 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

FENCING/GATES

• Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member. Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

• 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: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

PADDEN Michael J. (Jody)

Celtic Avenue, Roscommon and formerly of Ballina (25th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Jody, who passed away on the 2nd December 1999.

R.I.P.

Deep are the memories, precious they stay no passing years can take them away. Sadly missed by his loving family.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 21st December 2024 at 10 am.

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Many thanks. L.F.

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE FOR URGENT NEED

My St. Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with our Lord Jesus Christ, succour me in this hour of affliction and despair my St. Expedite, you who are a Holy warrior, you who are the Saint of the afflicted, you who is the Saint of the desperate, you who is the Saint of urgent causes, protect me, help me, give me strength, courage and serenity. Hear my plea. (Make request). Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you. My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency, bring me back to that state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite, I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted. Amen. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and make the sign of the cross. Be sure to provide the offering you promised, if Saint Expedite grants your petition. Thank you so much for everything, for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen. L.F.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past

I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Many thanks. C.S.

CONNAUGHTON Sinead

Oldwood Roscommon, and Sandfield, Knockcoghery (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Sinéad who passed away on the 7th December 2022, RIP

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.

Deeply regretted by her loving daughter Rachel, mother Patsy, her nine brothers, aunts, uncle, aunt-in-law, uncle-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends

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

MURPHY

Una and Patrick Renefarna, Ruskey, Co. Roscommon (5th & 4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear parents and grandparents, Una and Pa, whose anniversaries occur at this time.

We thought of both of you today but that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and days before that too. For in our hearts there is a place that only both of you can hold. Filled with loving memories, far more priceless than gold, we know that you still hear us. So, please know this is true that everything we are today is all because of you. Your memory is a keepsake from which we will never part. God has you in His arms, we have you in our hearts.

Remembered with love and always missed by Ann (Liam), Michael, Pauric, Vinny (Monica), David (Geraldine), Teresa (Ollie) and Colette (Noel)

Granny and Grandad we are missing you today

Like many other times since you went away. We all feel your presence and love Still coming to us from Heaven above. Your loving arms and friendly smile ‘Stay for a chat and wait for a while’ The glint in your eyes with kindness and care Will stay with us forever in memories we all share. With all our love, Laura, Rachel, Rebecca, Chloe, Eoghan, Aaron, Kilian and Mia xxx

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Rooskey on Sunday, 1st December at 11.30 am.

QUINN

Corry

Ballinagard Road, Roscommon (40th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Corry who died on 30th November 1984

When someone you love becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure

Loved and remembered by your family, friends and neighbours

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

HANLEY Padraic

6 Shannon Heights Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

Too dearly loved to be forgotten,

Always

DONLON

Tom & Theresa Moher, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon

Tom, who passed December 2022 November 2012

May they Rest in Peace

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

No matter how life changes, no matter what we do, a special place within our hearts, is always kept for you.

Fondly remembered and forever loved by all your family, neighbours and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in memory of Tom and Theresa in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, on Sunday 1st December at 11.30am

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruit of the Vine, splendorous of Heaven.Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show herein you are my mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your power, O, show me here you are my mother. O, Mary, conceived without sin,pray for us who have recourse to Thee. Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. Amen. Repeat three times. M.K.

cherished memories of Padraic.

remembered by his mother Kathleen, father Patsy, sister Marie and brother Alan.

MURPHY Con

Golf Links Rd., Roscommon Town

Passed away on December 2nd 2023.

As Con’s First Anniversary approaches, Marie, Deirdre, Brian, Hugh, Conleth and Rory would like to thank most sincerely those who helped and supported us in his final years, at the time of his death and after. Our heartfelt thanks to our kind neighbours, friends, work colleagues and relations for their support at the time and since.

Thank you to those who attended the removal or Funeral, some travelling long distances to do so, to those who left messages on Rip.ie, sent Mass Cards, letters or emails, to those who sympathised and shared kind words with us since.

Thank you to the priests of the parish Fr. Kevin, Fr. Joe and Fr. Raul for their help and support especially Fr. Joe for celebrating a beautiful requiem Mass for dad and Fr. Kevin for his kind and comforting words then and at the time of dad’s Month’s Mind Mass. A special word of thanks also to Fr. George Agger, SVD for officiating at the Mass and to Derek Mahady for his beautiful singing at the Mass.

To Pat and Gillian Smyth, Tom and Ríona also, for guiding us so well through the Funeral process as well as their professionalism and compassion, sincere thanks. Also the gravediggers who prepared Con’s resting place so thoughtfully.

Thank you also to Regan’s Restaurant for the lovely meal after the Funeral Mass.

To the staff in St. Teresa’s Ward in Roscommon University Hospital and in Roscommon Hospice for the wonderful care shown to Con and the dignity they brought to his final days as well as the support and kindness shown to us his family at this time, words can’t express our gratitude.

A very special word of thanks to Dr. Sri, his secretary Rebecca and all the staff in Roscommon Medical Assessment Unit for the great care and support afforded to Con over the period of his final illness. This vital help, close to home and often when needed at short notice, was a source of great comfort not only to Con but to us as a family at this time.

Thanks also to the physiotherapists, occupational therapists and district nurses in Roscommon HSE for the help and encouragement they gave us at this time which was most appreciated.

Thanks to Dr. John Keenan and all his staff in Roscommon Medical Centre for their care and friendship to Con not only in his final illness but over many years. Sincere thanks also to all the staff in McGuinness’ Pharmacy for their care, kindness and support to Con – often going beyond the call of duty, again over a long period of time.

Many of those who sympathised with us in person or who left messages on RIP.ie mentioned how they knew Dad best from his daily walks in Mote Park or around town. We are very grateful to all those who took this time to talk and build friendships, these daily interactions were a cherished part of his life most especially in recent years.

As it would not be possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

Anniversary Mass for Con will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 7.00 pm on December 7th 2024.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

KEEGAN

Kathleen

Chapeltown, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away peacefully on 1st November, 2024.

The family of the late Kathleen Keegan, who passed away peacefully on the 1st November, 2024, wish to express our sincere gratitude to all who sympathised with us and supported us on the recent passing of our dear, beloved mother/granny/great granny.

We are very grateful to all the wonderful staff of St. John’s Ward and at Dunlo Ward for the care and kindness shown to Kathleen during her short illness in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. We are very grateful to her G.P. Dr. Valerie Morris, Nurse Mary Kelly and all staff members and also thanks to local pharmacist Louis Conlon, Conlon’s Chemist.

Thanks to all who attended the removal, Requiem Mass and burial; those who travelled long distances, sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, Perpetual Enrolments/ Masses, letters and online condolences.

A special thank you to our neighbours, family and friends who provided comfort and food at our homes.

A special thank you to Hamrock’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism and compassion in taking care of the Funeral arrangements. Thank you to Hamrock’s staff for their services and refreshments after the removal service in Hamrock’s Lounge.

We would like to express our sincere thank you to Fr. Ali Joe, Fr. Eugene McLoughlin and Fr. Joe Delaney for the beautiful Funeral Mass.

Thanks also to Fr. Douglas Zaggi, Ballygar, P.P.

A special thank you to Gerry Dowd and Mrs. Mary O’Brien Healy for their singing and music at Kathleen’s Requiem Mass.

A sincere thank you to Garda Owen Crehan for his kindness and professional service.

A sincere thank you to each of the grave diggers for their hard work and care that went into Kathleen’s final resting place.

A special thank you to the Bridge House and staff, Athleague for the use of the premises and their tasty home-made food after the burial.

A special thank you to Theresa B.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude to all who helped us in any way through this difficult time. Míle Buíochas Kathleen’s Month’s Mind will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday 1st December at 10am.

WARD

Patrick (Paddy)

Friaryland, Creggs, Co. Galway

In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on 1 December 2017 May Paddy Rest in Peace

Time cannot steal the treasures, that we carry in our hearts. Nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts. For the memories of the ones, we loved still cast a gentle glow. To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.

Missed each day and remembered by his family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on 1st December 2024 at 11.30am

FULLARD

(nee Devlin) Sadie

Glenview, Galway Rd, Roscommon Town and Donegal (5th Anniversary)

Who died on 1st December 2019

I MISS YOU I cried when you passed away, I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, He only takes the best.

Loved and sadly missed by your daughter Sharon, son-in-law Eamon and your grandson Eamonn. Anniversary Mass for Sadie will be held in Donegal this weekend.

ROGERSON

The family of the late Anna Rogerson, who passed away on the 20th October, 2024, wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with us and supported us on our sad loss. Thanks to all who attended the Reposing, the Removal and her Funeral. Thank you to Fr. Ali and Fr. Eugene for their kindness, support and prayers.

Thanks to Henry Hamrock for his professionalism and support with the Funeral arrangements.

A sincere expression of gratitude to all of Anna’s wonderful neighbours and carers who made it possible for Anna to remain in her home in Bornacurra and maintain her independence to the end. We deeply appreciate the professional and loving care Anna received from the staff at Roscommon University Hospital during her final days.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep appreciation and thanks. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.

Anna’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 7th December 2024 at 7pm.

7th Anniversary occurs on December 2nd and his father, Frank, whose 3rd Anniversary occurred on November 12th.

Anna Bornacurra, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

BRADLEY

HARRINGTON

Declan

Cloverhill, Roscommon (21st Anniversary)

Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Deeply loved and missed by Mum, Colette, Peter, Neil, Fergal, Martina and their families. Mass offered.

TULLY (neé Kelly)

Mary

In loving memory of Mary, Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon, who passed away on the 29th November, 2022 (2nd Anniversary)

Our lives go on without you, but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name.

Sad are the hearts that love you, silent are the tears that fall. Living here without you is the hardest part of all.

You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true, and when we needed someone, we could always count on you.

The special years will not return when we are all together. But with the love in our hearts, you walk with us forever.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Mary will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane, on Saturday, 7th December at 7p.m.

GANNON

Oliver Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon Who died 1st December 2010 (14th Anniversary)

We miss your smile, your joking ways, we miss the things you used to say. Thinking of you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

Missing you always, from your loving wife Eileen and family Olivia, Declan, Darach, Kieran, Evelyn and Jason, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 30th November in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 10am.

McCormack

Brian (Thomas)

Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of a loving husband, father and grandfather who left this world on 2nd December 2021

If we could visit Heaven even for a day maybe for a moment the pain would go away. We’d put our arms around you and whisper words so true that living life without you is the hardest thing to do. No matter how we spend our days no matter what we do no morning dawns or evening falls that we do not think of you

Loved and remembered always by Maura, Neville, Rachel, Breiffni, Mary, sons in law, daughters in law and grandchildren

Anniversary Mass in Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague on Sunday 1st December at 11.30am

ROGERS

Pat & Angela

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

QUINN

Kevin

DOLAN John

In loving memory of our dear father and mother, Pat and Angela Rogers, who passed away on the 3rd January 1999 and the 19th December 2008

Loving memories never die as years roll on and days pass by, in our hearts a memory is kept of the ones we love and will never forget.

Always remembered by Pat, Marie and family, Kevin, Mairead and family, Jackie, Willie and family, Niall and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 30th November at 7pm.

MURRAY

Mary

Lissavruggy, Newbridge (9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary who died on 29th November 2015

It’s lonely here without you, we miss you more each day. For life is not the same to us since you were called away.

To your resting place we visit, put flowers there with care, but no one knows our heartache when we turn and leave you there.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by your husband Michael, sons Michael and Andrew, daughters Elaine and Amanda, son-in-law Donie.

A smile for all, a heart of gold the best Nana this world could hold, Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind Always missed and loved by grandchildren Daniel, Leah, Lucy, Izzy, Noah, Seán and Jane.

Anniversary Mass offered in Knock.

GARVEY

Joan

Ballinaheglish, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Joan – much loved wife, mother and granny who passed away on December 3rd 2017.

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day

No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there. Every day in some small way memories of you come our way. Though absent, you are always near. Still missed, loved and always dear.

Loved & remembered every day by husband John, daughters Deirdre and Emer, sons John and Niall, son-in-law Brian and grandchildren Senan, Ruan, Emilia and Zara.

Anniversary Mass will be at 11.am on Sunday 1st December in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.

Carrowphadeen, Lecarrow, Roscommon

Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day.

Kevin is loved and missed every day. Doris.

Kevin’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber on Sunday December 1st at 11.30a.m.

COSTELLO Elizabeth

In loving memory of my mother Elizabeth

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, place then in dear Mammy’s arms and tell her they’re from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.

Loved and remembered by Martina, Jimmy, Jude and Sinéad

Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, still you’re always at our side

Loved and remembered by Noel, Kathy and family

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

The family of the late John Dolan, Milton Keynes, England, and late of Curry, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon, who died on 26th September 2024 wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the reposing, removal and the Funeral Mass. Thank you to all who sympathised with us and supported us during this sad time and to those who sent mass cards, online condolence messages and to all who phoned. A special word of thanks to Fr. Michael Mc Manus, Kiltoom, Fr. John Mc Manus, Castlerea and to William Gacquin, Deacon, Curraghboy. Thanks to all who helped and participated in the Funeral Mass and to Bernard and Patrice Coyle for the beautiful music and singing.

Thanks to Donal Hamrock, Funeral Director for his guidance, direction and professionalism and to the gravediggers who prepared John’s final resting place with attention, care and respect.

Thanks to the Shamrock Lodge Hotel for the lovely meal and hospitality.

We are so grateful to all our many neighbours and friends who helped out in any way.

As it would be impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep appreciation and thanks.

IF REQUIRED.

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrick-on-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss.

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

GARDENING:

Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available

&

House are expanding our therapeutic team and welcome applicants to apply for the following positions.

COUNSELING SERVICE

Full-time position

� Competitive salary

� Attractive annual leave

� Flexible working hours

� Supportive team environment

Closing date: Wednesday 4th December, 5pm.

An electrical Switchgear, engineering, manufacturing and

Part-time 3 day post

Detailed Job descriptions are available on our website www.vitahouse.org. Street,

How To Apply

Interested applicants should forward their CVs and cover letter to sboyle@vitahouse.org or to Sarah Boyle, Director of Service, Vita House, Abbey street, Roscommon. Please state which position you are applying for.

Post Office Supervisor/ Clerk(s)

Full-Time

Are you committed to providing quality service to customers? Do you want to work in a progressive commercial environment?

Glancy’s SuperValu, will open it’s new AN POST RETAIL UNIT IN EARLY 2025

We are currently seeking suitable candidates for upcoming vacancies. The ideal Candidate will have:

• excellent customer services skills & be committed to delivering a high standard of service quality.

• sales focus and a full understanding of the importance of customers to our business

• A flexible attitude & approach to work and attendance patterns

• strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well as part of a team

• good PC skills

• previous cash handling experience and the ability to maintain a high standard of accuracy and care in handling cash, stock and balancing accounts etc.

If you are interested, please send a letter of application with current CV to: The Manager, Glancy’s SuperValu, Cortober, Co. Roscommon Apply Via Indeed or Email: glancpost@gmail.com

An electrical Switchgear, engineering, manufacturing and design company the Midlands, Athlone are looking to expand its manufacturing team. We expanding engineering company

HR@centralswitchgear.ie or call 0906498112

l Wire up internal components including ACB’s, MCB’s MCCB’s, RCBO’s as part of an inclusive skid.

l Execute QAQC checklists as part of the internal quality guide lines.

Full training will be given to the ideal candidate.

(5x) Mechanical Assembly Technicians

Hours - 4 Day Work Week (Monday - Thursday, 7.30am – 5.30pm)

The company requires technicians to join this quality focused team responsible for the following tasks:

l Assemble mechanical components per a detailed mechanical design package.

l Build, punch and form copper busbar components.

l Assemble mechanical enclosures.

l Execute QAQC checklists as part of the internal quality guide lines.

Full training will be given to the ideal candidate.

Please forward a CV together with two written references to Central Switchgear at: hr@centralswitchgear.ie The closing date for receipt of applications is January 10th, 2025 Short listing may apply.

SUNFLOWER

Montessori & Creche

Sunflower Montessori & Creche are excited to fill the following position of an

Early Years Assistant

IN A BUSY VIBRANT SCHOOL

• Starting wages are very attractive

• Working hours are quite flexible,

• Level 5 in Childcare required Positions include part time, full-time and flexi-time

PLEASE CONTACT

Sunflower Montessori for more details on 090 66 24689 or sunflowermontessori@outlook.ie

ROSCOMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP CLG

Roscommon Sports Partnership (RSP), an equal opportunities employer, funded by Sport Ireland, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following position:

SPORTS INCLUSION DISABILITY OFFICER

(Aligned to Grade IV)

Maternity Leave Cover – 6 Months 6 month temporary contract @ 35 hours per week. Candidate Information Booklet including full role specification and application process available on our website www.rosactive.org

Applications by e-mail to administrator@rosactive.org no later than 4pm on Friday 6th December 2024.

Canvassing by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

ROSCOMMON SPORTS PARTNERSHIP CLG

Roscommon Sports Partnership (RSP), an equal opportunities employer, funded by The Dormant Accounts Fund through Sport Ireland, invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following position:

COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

(Aligned to Grade IV) Roscommon Town/Strokestown 1-year fixed term contract @ 35 hours per week. Candidate Booklet and Application forms are available on our website www.rosactive.org or by email info@ rosactive.org.

Completed application forms, must be received no later than 5.00 p.m. on Thursday the 12th of December 2024, by email to info@rosactive.org or by post to Roscommon Sports Partnership, The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Canvassing by applicants or their representatives will disqualify.

Engine Spares Ltd.

We are looking to recruit a

Stores Person

Experience is not necessary as full training will be provided.

We also require a

Diesel

Mechanic/Fitter

to work on the range of engines in everyday use in the agri/industrial sector

Tel. P.J. on 043 3321155

SITUATIONS VACANT

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: Roscommon/ Knockcroghery/Kiltoom from January 2025. Four days per week. Contact: 087 7512510.

REQUIRED: 23hrs Part Time Carer in the Alzheimer’s Day Centre (ASI), Castlerea. 3 Days p/w Tue / Wed /Thurs + facilitate Cafe/ Social Club every 2nd Mon in Roscommon Town. Email: michelle.shiel@alzheimer.ie by 9th December.

REQUIRED: The Alzheimer’s Society (ASI). 18hrs p/w Part Time Day Care @ Home (Sitting Service, activities in the home) in Elphin, Strokestown, Rooskey, Ballyleague, Tarmonbarry, Boyle and surrounding areas. Email: michelle.shiel@alzheimer.ie by 9th December.

SHOP/GENERAL ASSISTANT required for part-time position.

• 18/20 flexible hours per week.

• Fluent English essential. Email replies to connaughtdrycleaners@gmail.com

MAN AVAILABLE

< LABOURER AVAILABLE to do fencing, concreting foddering, tidying – any odd jobs. Tel. 087 9235745.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

WE ARE HIRING!

JOB TITLE:

Facilitator – Traveller Culture & Identity Training, STATUS Toolkit

Organisation: Involve CLG

Hours: 21 hours per week

Location: Athlone

Salary: €20 PH

Involve CLG is seeking a dynamic Facilitator to deliver the STATUS Toolkit and Traveller Culture and Identity Training to organisations across Ireland. This role involves engaging diverse audiences, raising awareness, and promoting inclusivity for the Traveller community through interactive and impactful training sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the delivery of STATUS Toolkit and Traveller Culture & Identity training.

• Adapt training materials to meet the needs of various organisations.

• Engage and support participants through interactive workshops and discussions.

• Gather feedback and contribute to programme improvements.

Essential Requirements:

• Experience in facilitating training programmes (preferably related to diversity or community work).

• Strong knowledge of Traveller culture and issues.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Willingness to travel across Ireland.

For full description or to apply, send your CV to hr@involve.ie.

Closing Date Friday 6th of December

JOB TITLE:

Travellers’ Voice Magazine Manager

Location: This position is based at the Involve office, Monksland Business Park, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

Hours: 35 hrs per week

Purpose: Manage and support the Publication / CSP team on the delivery of the Travellers’ Voice Magazine and online offerings.

Gross Salary: €35,000 PA

Travellers’ Voice is looking for an enthusiastic person to join our team and participate in all stages of the publication process. As manager, you will lead and support the magazine’s editorial and sales team to deliver exceptional and informative content to meet audience preferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Communicate with writers to assign articles and receive content

• Collaborate with the editor-in-chief to research and come up with article ideas

• Communicate with team members to ensure deadlines are met

• Ensure content development relevant to the readership of Travellers’ Voice

• Utilise and further develop social media to draw attention to articles

• Attend networking events

• Guide and motivate editorial, sales, marketing and advertising team

Requirements & Skills:

• Proven experience in leading and motivating a team

• Experience working in publishing, either for a magazine, newspaper or online outlet

• IT Competent (knowledge of Excel, Word, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to meet goals and deadlines

• Detail-oriented

• Professional time-management skills

• Excellent leadership skills

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Editorial experience

• Qualification in Journalism or related field

• Relevant experience in a similar setting.

Required:

• Full Drivers License

• Own Transport

• Proficient in English Language, Verbal

• and Written

• Job Type: Full-time

How to Apply: CV and Cover Letter to: hr@involve.ie or by post to Involve CLG, Monksland Business Park, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon, N37 VX52

Closing Date Friday 6th of December

Classifieds

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, Pat Donoghue, intend to apply for Permission for development at Monksland, Athlone. Permission to demolish existing outbuilding, formerly serving a dwelling house, which had previously been demolished and to construct 99 No. dwelling units and a Creche Facility. The development will consist of 6 No. 2 storey x 2 Bed Units (composed of 2 Blocks x 3 No. Units), 2 No. x 2 Bed Apartments over a Creche Faciltiy, 36 No. 2 storey x 3 Bed Semi-detached Units, 34 No. 2 storey x 4 Bed Semidetached Units, 21 No. 2 Storey x 4 Bed detached Units. The Development will also include the installations of a foul sewerage pumping station, surface water attenuation tanks and all necessary ancillary site works and services

The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Adrian Turner, Agent

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

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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 PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Holly Lennon and Darren Mooney, intend applying for Planning Permission for development of this site at The Old Schoolhouse, Cloonfree T.d., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the material change of use from an existing vernacular building last used as a school to a dwelling house to include renovation works and the construction of a new wastewater treatment system , together with all associated site works.

The Planning Application may be inspected/ purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. Any 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: Martin Dowd, Rathcroghan Designs, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect dwelling house, garage and construct effluent treatment system coupled with ancillary site works at Carrowduff and Garbally, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co, Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Aine Finneran.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Arran Chemical Company intend to apply to the above authority for Planning Permission for development at this site: Units 1-3, Monksland Industrial Estate, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a first floor extension (infill of void area – 42m2) in the existing TBE plant area, including 3 no. new first floor windows, an internal goods lift from ground floor to first floor and all associated site works.

CHAZEY PROPERTIES:

Arran Chemical Company holds an existing Industrial Emissions Licence - Licence Registration Number: P0110-02.

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

Signed: Malachi Cullen, Consulting Engineers Ltd, Athlone (Agents).

SportsPeople

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Keith Hogg and my partner Alison Reynolds, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Oakport Road, Cootehall, Co. Roscommon, Ireland The development will consist of Planning permission is sought for the renovation of the twostorey detached house with rear ground and first-floor extensions. The scope includes an open-plan kitchen and dining area, front porch replacement, selective partition removal, floor upgrades with underfloor heating, and replacement of all doors and windows. A rear groundfloor extension with a flat roof and Velux roof-lights and a first-floor extension with a pitched roof will be added. Exterior work features timber cladding and a patio for improved outdoor connectivity, integrating smoothly with the existing structure..

The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

Signed: Keith Hogg and Alison Reynolds.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Derrycahill, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. I hereby apply to Roscommon Co. Council on behalf of William Kennedy for planning retention and completion of alterations to dwelling house to include external insulation, new windows and doors removal of chimneys and all associated site works at the above location.

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

Signed: Noel O’ Brien and Associates, Mountbellew, Co. Galway. Phone / Fax No (090) 9679506

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, the undersigned, on behalf of Mr. Talwinder Singh, wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning

Permission to convert an existing restaurant to living accommodation providing 2 No 1 bedroomed apartments and 1 no 1 bedroomed Studio at first floor level in the Stonecourt Complex (in The Old Gaol which is a Protected Structure with RPS ref No 03900228), at The Square, Roscommon in the townland of Ballypheason. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment

Horses for Courses

by

Elliott and Kennedy continue winning ways

Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy continued their successful run with a treble on the opening day in last weekend’s Punchestown meeting. They won the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase with Stellar Story at 8/15, the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle with Brighterdaysahead, 9/4, beating WP Mullins’ State Man, and completing the treble with Binge Worthy at 17/2 in the Albert Bartlett Qualifier. The combination also finished runner-up in the opening two maiden hurdles with Lakota Blue and Sermandzarak.

On Sunday Elliott added two more with Touch Me Not in the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase ridden by Sam Ewing and Kalypso’chance easily won the bumper with Harry Swan aboard.

Sunday’s feature, the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase lived up to all the hype with the eight runners providing a great race. Seasoned chasers Fastorslow, 6/4 favourite, and Galopin’ Des Champs, 16/5, had to give way to two novices stepping up to the plate in Fact To File and Spillane’s Tower, both owned by JP McManus. The Willie Mullins trained Fact To File ridden by Mark Walsh held on from the Jimmy Mangan trained Spillane’s Tower with Jack Kennedy aboard by ½l with Galopin’ Des Champs 3rd and Fastorslow 4th. The Irish look to have a very strong hand of top chasers and we can look forward to the seeing them all at the festival meetings.

Cross-channel on Saturday Charles Byrnes won the Stayers Handicap Hurdle at Haydock with Shoot First, ridden by Alex Harvey

at 22/1. On Monday Willie Mullins combined with Brian Hayes to win the novice hurdle at Sedgefield by 4½l from Kingston Narcissus. It was Mullins’ first win at the Co Durham track. The meeting at Cork on Sunday was abandoned due to waterlogging as was the crosschannel card at Exeter. The Cork fixture has been rescheduled for the Mallow venue on Friday, December 13th.

This weekend

Racing today (Thursday) is over the sticks at Thurles, Co Tipperary with the first race at 12.05 pm, and again tomorrow (Friday) with a 12 noon start. There is also evening racing on the all-weather under lights in Dundalk, stalls for the first opening at 5.30 pm. Saturday sees the first of two days’ top racing at Fairyhouse, first race at 11.35 pm, with the Grade 3 WillowWarm Hurdle. Racing on Sunday starts at 12 noon and features two Grade 1 races, the Drinmore Novice Chase and the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle backed up by the Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. There is no racing scheduled for Monday.

On TV

TV coverage starts on Friday with ITV showing four races from Newbury including both Grade 2 races, the John Francome Novice Chase and the Coral Long Distance Hurdle. On Saturday ITV cover six races, four from Newbury, including the Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase,

and two from Newcastle including the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle. RTE 2 is covering racing from Fairyhouse on Sunday at 1 pm. Only four go to post in the Hatton’s Grace on Sunday with Gordon Elliott’s Teahupoo seeking a hat-trick win in the race and opposed by Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth who gave last week’s Morgiana a miss. Elliott also has Beacon Edge and Maxxum entered. In the Drinmore Elliott also dominates with six of the nine entries including the favourite Firefox at 11/10. Henry de Bromhead’s Heart Wood is only 5/4 with his Gorgeous Tom next in the betting at 5/1, Noel Meade’s Pinkerton 6/1 and Elliott’s Croke Park at 10/1 with 20/1 bar. Take Teahupoo to win the hurdle from Lossiemouth and double up with Heart Wood in the chase.

Racing News

The 2024 Cartier Awards were announced last week, and Irish racing was very successful, winning five of the nine awards.

Aidan O’Brien’s City Of Troy, winner of the Derby, Eclipse and Juddmonte International Stakes, was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards.

There were four other Irish winners, Kyprios was Champion Stayer, Lake Victoria Champion Juvenile Filly, both Aidan O’Brien’s, and his son Donnacha’s Porta Fortuna Champion 3-Y-O Filly and dual-purpose trainer Jessica Harrington was awarded the Award of Merit after a very successful season.

Tom Red

Fact To File (white cap) leads Galopin Des Champs (at the last) in the John Durkan.

Sports PEOPLE

Pearses bid to top poll

AIB Connacht Club SFC Final: Coolera-Strandhill v Padraig Pearses on Sunday at Markievicz Park at 1.15 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

While thousands of people will be engaged with the counting of votes throughout the country on Saturday and Sunday, and candidates will wait anxiously for the results, the footballers of Coolera-Strandhill (Sligo) and Padraig Pearses

will have their own day of reckoning in the Connacht final as a place amongst the last four teams in the country is up for grabs.

Roscommon champions Padraig Pearses will be the deserved favourites going into the match. Since winning the county final against Roscommon Gaels there has been a calm

Local athletes in All-Ireland action on Sunday

The123.ie Athletics Ireland All-Ireland UnevenAges Cross Country Championships will be held in Tramore Racecourse, Co Waterford on Sunday, 1st of December.

County Roscommon Athletics will be well represented at the event by some of the county’s finest young talent, all of whom qualified via the corresponding Connacht Championships held in Roscommon Racecourse on November 3rd. Up to 200 individual athletes are expected to compete in each category at the national event.

assurance about them as they progressed through Connacht.

The fact that Pearses will be the favourites going into the final is not an important factor according to their manager, Frank Canning.

“I don’t see it like that. They (CooleraStrandhill) have a big chance if they click on the

At the U-11 girls age group, Roscommon county will be represented by Lauren Forde who placed 6th individually in Connacht, claiming a place on the provincial team, and who will pursue national honours in the girls’ event over 1500m run.

Juliette Fallon running a year above her age grade will take on the U-15 girls 3500m course and also runs as part of the Connacht U-15 girls team.

Beth O’Mahony, Suck Valley AC, will compete in the U-17 girls event over a 4500m course, and will also represent Connacht as a provincial finalist.

day. Football can be a great leveller. You saw that in the first half against Mohill, it was three points to two at half-time and it was frustrating and that can happen in any game. We are looking on the final as a 50-50 match and that’s all”. See our full preview on pages 46-47.

Best of luck to all our young athletes representing their club, county and province.

The National Even-Ages Cross Country Championships took place in the picturesque Castle Irvine Estate in Co Fermanagh on November 17th.

Dáithí Kelly represented Roscommon AC in the U-16 boys 4000m race while Darragh Kennedy represented Suck Valley AC in the U-18 Boys 4500m.

Congratulations to both boys on their cross-country debuts. It was a great achievement to qualify to national level.

Daly to take break as injury persists

Roscommon and Padraig Pearses star Niall Daly will be taking a break from the county set-up in order to address the injury that has restricted his training regime in recent months.

Speaking to Seamus Duke ahead of this Sunday’s Connacht Club final (see page 46), Daly said of the foot injury: “My training is confined to the rowing machine and that’s the way it has been for the last three games. But I’m getting through it. I would be sore for a few days after a game but the adrenalin will get you through. It’s great to be playing this time of the year. You can’t be whinging or complaining. You just get on with it.

“But with regard to Roscommon, I am going to have to take a break after this and get the injury looked after. I have to get it right. It’s grand to play on with the club right now and I am glad to do that but I will have to get the injury looked after in the long-term with regard to Roscommon”.

Juliette Fallon

Beth O’Mahony

Daithi Kelly and Darragh Kennedy

Lauren Forde

Padraig Pearses players lined up prior to their Connacht semi-final win over Mohill. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE Cawley Cup heartbreak for Creggs

A late penalty gave Ballina a hard-fought 23-22 victory over current Junior 1A league champions Creggs in Saturday’s tense and exciting league game at Heffernan Park, Ballina, a game played in difficult weather conditions on their 4G pitch.

The home team gave early notice of their intentions with a converted try. Creggs responded well. Mark Dowd broke from deep before linking with Mark Purcell whose pass was slapped down by a Ballina defender, resulting in a penalty try and a yellow card.

Despite their numerical advantage Creggs did not make it count on the scoreboard over the next ten minutes and Ballina scored a second try shortly after being restored to full strength. Creggs responded with a well executed driving maul which yielded a try in the left corner after 22 minutes.

Ballina crossed for a third try to lead 1712 before Eoghan Cahill finished off another rolling maul with a fine try in the 39th minute. Shane Purcell’s excellent conversion put Creggs 19-17 ahead at the interval. Ballina had dominated both territory and possession and yet ended up behind at half-time.

The second half was the complete opposite with Creggs now dominant up front and creating several try-scoring opportunities but they were thwarted by strong defending and occasionally poor handling close to the line. Ballina made just one foray into the Creggs 22 which resulted in a vital penalty goal. Another Shane Purcell penalty looked to have given his team victory until that decisive late penalty sealed victory for the relieved Mayo men.

This result is a setback for Creggs’ league campaign. They are away to Castlebar next Saturday, home to UG on December 7th and away to Connemara the following weekend.

Ballina were presented with the Kieran Cawley Cup. Kieran’s family, together with the Crossmolina mini rugby team, donated this splendid cup in memory of a player who played for both Ballina and Creggs before his untimely death at just 41 years of age.

WOMEN’S TEAM: Hard luck to Creggs senior women who went down to a last-minute try and conversion on a 29-22 scoreline to Sligo RFC (women’s senior league) on a wild day in Creggs. Sligo turned up with only 13 players, throwing the Creggs team plan askew (as they had to match their numbers).

Creggs got off to a flying start, going 7-0 up through a try by Merissa Kiripati, converted by Eabha Dowd. However, some mistakes in midfield allowed Sligo into the game. They took their scores well to lead 12-7, but then Creggs

stole a lineout on the opposition 22, moving it across the backs for Shauna Walsh who scored in the corner to level at 12-12.

Sligo got in for another score with time running out in the first half. Straight from the kick-off, Creggs showed great character coming back again with Jemima Adams Verling scoring to leave the half-time score 17-17.

Sligo restored their lead midway through the second half. With five minutes remaining Creggs attacked and after some hard carries Jemima Adams Verling got over in the corner to level the score at 22-22.

However Creggs never dealt with the kick-off and again gave Sligo territory and after a couple of penalties were conceded, Sligo went over for the decisive try with the last play.

CREGGS SECONDS: The final scoreline suggests a comfortable win for Monivea over Creggs in Sunday’s J1 league encounter at Castle Grounds, Monivea, but this was certainly not the case.

With just ten minutes remaining Creggs were still holding on to a 15-13 lead, before a late surge yielded two tries for the home team, their final one in the last minute cruelly denying Creggs a losing bonus point.

After dominating the scoreless opening quarter of the game Creggs enjoyed a purple patch with three tries in quick succession from Michael Holland, Michael Dunne and Luke Meehan to open up a 15-point lead, with both the crossbar and goalpost hit as all three conversion attempts narrowly missed.

Monivea responded with two tries in the runup to half-time to turn around trailing by a more manageable five points. The Creggs pack put in an impressive shift during the second half with some massive carries from the back row in particular, with Mike Feeley, Eoin Kelly and Luke Divilly very prominent. Monivea possessed serious pace on the wings and this

was utilised to good effect as Dean O’Reilly finished with a hat-trick of tries, with Kevin Maher also touching down for the home team.

Creggs can take a lot of positives from this game despite the result, as both the scrum and lineout operated very efficiently with hooker Danny Arnold’s accurate throws of great benefit to his lineout jumpers. The Creggs backs defended doggedly in midfield and attacked with purpose but Monivea had a cutting edge which proved decisive in this entertaining game.

Creggs have a home game against Westport on Sunday (December 1st) and will be looking to reverse the recent trend of narrow defeats in order to stay in the hunt for a top four finish.

BOYS U-17s: Creggs U-17 boys team travelled to Sligo for the final round of the league on Sunday morning. Both teams needed to win to progress into the league semi-final.

The travelling team played with the wind in the first half and started well. But it was Sligo who scored first against the run of play and after 12 minutes they were 5-0 up. Creggs got level after two minutes by playing a more territory-based game and then put their noses in front thanks to tries from Jeff Dolan and Cian Trimble. Sligo team bounced back and went in at half-time 15-12 in front.

Against the wind in the second half, Creggs had to keep ball in hand as kicking into a storm was not gaining any ground. In the last 10 minutes, and with Creggs tiring, Sligo pushed ahead, winning 29-12. Sligo now progress to the league semi-final and Creggs return to the drawing board.

U-15 BOYS: Creggs RFC played Ballinasloe RFC in the league quarter-final on Sunday. The home side dominated most of the first half with Jack Lally applying the finishing touch to a well worked move off a scrum and Cathal Nerney adding the conversion to give Creggs a sevenpoint lead. Brian Moran collected the restart and

passed to Darragh Connaughton who took it into contact and set up the ruck. The ball was passed out to Calum Ward who scored a superb try from inside his own half with Calvin Beckett adding the conversion to extend the lead to 14.

Ballinasloe struck back with a well worked try right on half-time to leave the score at the break at Creggs 14 Ballinasloe 5. The second half was more evenly balanced with both sides enjoying spells of possession and some very strong defensive work by each team leaving no score in that entire period, Creggs coming out on top by 14-5. Next up is a home semi-final against Monivea/Carrick-on-Shannon. A special word of thanks to both Fergal and Will O’Gara who got a 5.30 am flight from Spain for the game.

BOYS U-14s: On a blustery, wet Sunday, Creggs U-14s were on the end of a 34-22 loss against Carrick-on-Shannon. While out of the blocks quickly with two early tries, the Creggs lads never got to grips with the Carrick-on-Shannon backline. Carrick bounced back with three tries to tie things up but Creggs took a five-point lead in after a well worked lineout move was finished by Ryan Sharkey.

The second half was dominated by Carrick. Creggs conceded three tries with some poor defence allowing Carrick dictate the game. It’s back to the drawing board for the squad who look to bounce back with a fixture this weekend away to Sligo.

CANCELLATIONS: Due to Storm Bert, the Girls’ U-18 game v Claremorris, Girls U-16 v Ballinasloe, Girls U-14 v Ballinasloe, Boys U-13 v Buccaneers and mini training were all cancelled. INTERNATIONAL TEAM MASCOT: Creggs RFC player from Roscommon Town, Donnacha Garvin, had a great day out last Saturday. He visited the Aviva Stadium as guest of the Irish rugby captain Caelan Doris and teammates as mascot for their international match versus Fiji. Congrats Donnacha.

LOTTO: Our lotto jackpot was not won and now climbs to €3,100 for this weekend’s draw. The lucky dip winner was Tom Reddington. Join online via www.creggsrugby.ie

Pictured is the Creggs Boys’ U-17 team

Pictured is Creggs’ U-15 boys team.

Pictured is Donnacha Garvin.

Lots of darts action this weekend

The Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League continued last weekend with some great darts on show.

The results were as follows: Village Inn 2 Holly Tree 7 (9 to 21 on legs); Dalton’s 2 McDermott’s 7 (9 to 20 on legs); Flanagan’s 7 Hollywood 2 (21 to 8 on legs); Sportsman’s 6 An Bothar Rua 3 (15 to 15 on legs).

The Round 7 fixtures this Friday (29th of November) are as follows: An Bothar Rua

v Village Inn, Hollywood v Sportsman’s, McDermott’s v Flanagan’s, Cosy Bar v Dalton’s, Holly Tree v Tower Bar. Kearney Cup: The annual John Kearney Memorial Darts Competition is set to take place this Sunday, 1st of December in Flanagan’s pub, Castleplunkett. Names are to be in by 4.30 pm with the draw at 5 pm. This competition is limited to Roscommon county team eligible players or county

Seven Comans swimmers impress in Connacht finals

Seven Comans senior swimmers (pictured) excelled at the 2024 Connacht Championships, securing qualification times despite the challenging conditions brought on by Storm Bert.

The two-day event, held in Castlebar, saw impressive performances from the team, though Ciara Lally was unfortunately forced to withdraw due to an injury.

The swimmers delivered personal bests across the board. Aoife Lavin and Sarah Keane showcased their talent in the 200m backstroke and 50m freestyle, with both earning reserve finalist spots in the 200m backstroke.

Meanwhile, Jun Hwang demonstrated remarkable improvement with 2-4 second personal bests in the 200m and 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, and 100m freestyle, securing finals spots in both backstroke events.

Breaststroke specialists Michael Lavin, Eoin Kelleher, and Michael Tiernan also impressed, achieving personal bests in their events. Michael Lavin notably earned a finals spot in his preferred event, shaving an impressive five seconds off his time and narrowly missing a podium finish. The four lads also teamed up for the 200m medley, displaying outstanding teamwork and camaraderie in an individual sport.

The day ended on a high note for Sarah Keane, who delivered an exceptional 14-second personal best in the challenging 1500m freestyle, earning a well deserved bronze medal.

These achievements reflect the swimmers’ dedication, training 10 hours per week with many early morning sessions at Roscommon Leisure Centre.

Special thanks go to their volunteer coaches, whose time and expertise have been instrumental in guiding the team to success.

BUCCANEERS RFC

league registered players only. Money in-Money out plus sponsorship & trophies. €10 entry fee for men and ladies; youths’ half-price. There will be a prize for highest checkout.

Refreshments served on the day and a raffle will be held in aid of Croí with an extensive range of spot prizes on offer. All are welcome to what will be a highly entertaining day of darts.

Buccs made waves against Seapoint

Buccaneers U-20s’ fixture against Seapoint was the club’s only surviving match at the weekend when the midlanders recorded a 40-7 victory over the visitors in bright breezy conditions at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Underfoot conditions were remarkably good and the Pirates, despite some absentees, were full value for their bonus point victory in this JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier Division 2B game.

SECONDS: Our Seconds face a crunch Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1A League fixture when they square up to University of Galway on Sunday. This basement battle at Dangan has a 2 pm kick-off.

TABLE QUIZ: We are holding

a Table Quiz in The Bounty on this Thursday, November 28th at 8.30 pm. €40 per table of four. Raffle. Complimentary finger food will be served. All support greatly appreciated.

PRE-MATCH: Buccaneers final home AIL game of 2024 sees the first visit of Navan to Dubarry Park on Saturday week, December 7th. There will be a ‘festive season’ pre-match function in The Bounty at which the club will celebrate Ivana Kiripati playing for Ireland. Contact Geraldine at 086 1732711 to book. Groups and individuals can be catered for.

WEATHER WOES: The foul weather proved a spoilsport at the weekend and Connacht Rugby cancelled all youths

fixtures while their Open Session scheduled for last Wednesday week also fell victim to the foul weather. Training at the club was also cancelled but our U-10 and U-12 Girls enjoyed action at Tullamore on Saturday where they were blessed with sunny weather. They played some great rugby including really good passing, tackling and rucks. They did themselves proud and thanks to Tullamore RFC for hosting.

THREE IN EAGLES SQUAD:

Three Buccaneers players have been named in the Connacht Eagles squad to face Ulster at Ballynahinch on Saturday. Lock Darragh Murray and inside centre Daniel Hawkshaw come into the starting 15 with Niall

Murray on the bench. Recent Buccs full-back Shane Jennings and openside flanker Oisin McCormack (who captains the squad) also start. Best of luck to all.

TOUCH RUGBY: The last action of the 2024 Touch Rugby season took place on Saturday in St Michael’s College, Dublin with the Autumn Interprovincial Championships. Buccaneers Touch had four players taking part with Jack Gordon and Alex Connor lining out for Connacht while Colm McNally and Anthony Quinn represented Munster and Leinster respectively. Well done to all four players for representing Buccaneers Touch with distinction.

BOYLE

The clear winner of the Men’s Stableford played on Saturday, 16th of November was Lorcan Egan who had an impressive 47 points. Second place went to the in-form Niall O’Donohoe with a score of 42 and current Golfer of the Year Lochlainn Conboy came third with 39 points.

FIXTURES: There will be a Men’s 18-hole Stableford this week, weather permitting. Notable upcoming fixtures include the Christmas Bonanza competition for Ladies and Gents on 15th of December and the Christmas Scramble on the 27th. MANAGEMENT AGM: The overall club AGM, the ‘Management AGM’, takes place in the clubhouse at 5 pm on Sunday, 8th of December. Motions and nominations have to be submitted to Club Secretary Brendan Gaffney seven days in advance. All club members are both welcome and encouraged to attend.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

The parent club AGM took place last Friday night in the clubhouse. A very large crowd of members attended. The outgoing officers and committee were thanked by the members for their excellent work during the year.

The following officers were elected for 2025 –Club Captain and Chairperson: Hugh Gralton; Club President: Chris Lowe; Lady Captain: Frances Molloy; Vice Lady Captain: Monica Shannon; Vice Gents Captain: Frank Duffy; Club Secretary: Peadar Griffin; House Secretary: Tom McGuinness; Treasurer: Chris Lowe; PRO: Oliver Curran; Membership Officers: Patricia O’Hara and Philip Martin; Junior Convenors: Siobhan Talbot and Paul O’Brien; Committee members: Nova Farris, Attracta O’Connor, Marian Dolan, Mary Molloy, Andy Connellan, Donal Collins, Gerry McDermott, Gordon Kavanagh, Brendan Boyle, Colin Slevin; Ex officio: Anne Cox and Paul Reid.

All members at the meeting wished the incoming officers and committee good luck for 2025. 50/50 DRAW: The 15th 50/50 Draw was held last Friday night in the clubhouse. The jackpot was €580. Congrats to the winner, Gerry Phillips.

SENIORS: The results on Thursday, the 7th of November were: 1st Albert Hogg with 35 points (back 9); 2nd Donal Collins, also with 35 points; 3rd Damien Duignan with 33 points.

A very successful outing took place to Strandhill on Monday, the 11th of November with 32 members taking part in a Texas Scramble Stableford competition.

The overall winning team was Albert Hogg, Seamus Sweeney, Sean Martin and Francie Foley with 45 points (back 9). In second place were Robbie Donaldson, Seán McMonagle, Charlie Farrell and John Burke, also with 45 points. Tommie Mulvey, Damien Duignan, Tom Martin and Ken Moran came third with 44 points.

Buccaneers Touch players who took part in Interprovincial Championships (l to r): Anthony Quinn, Alex Connor, Jack Gordon, Colm McNally.

Seven Comans senior swimmers (pictured) excelled at the 2024 Connacht Championships, securing qualification times despite the challenging conditions brought on by Storm Bert.

Elphin comeback too late as Crossmolina clinch crown

AIB Connacht Club IFC final Crossmolina Deel Rovers 1-7 Elphin 1-6

< SEAMUS DUKE

A dramatic late rally from Elphin just came up short in this Connacht Club Intermediate Football final played in wintry conditions at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

In truth it wasn’t a game that will live long in the memory as both sides were intent on keeping the ball rather than pressing forward and in that regard Crossmolina were slightly the better team over the course of the game.

However, Nigel Dineen’s men will regret not starting their revival earlier because in the final 20 minutes or so they had the lion’s share of possession but just couldn’t convert it into enough scores to overhaul the Mayo men.

A number of bad wides and some poor shot selection cost the Roscommon champions dearly against a Crossmolina team who flattered to deceive when they looked like they had the match won early in the second half.

When Niall Coggins took advantage of a mistake in the Elphin defence to blast home a goal in the 35th minute it put the pre-match favourites 1-6 to 0-2 in front. Elphin were seven points behind and this game looked over as a contest. But, inspired by Niall Higgins, Nessan Lenehan and Fintan Cregg, Elphin inched their way back into contention and they were unlucky not to earn at least a share of the spoils.

The opening half had been a forgettable affair, a period of play dominated by Crossmolina. Centre half-forward James Maheady was to the fore as the visitors steadily built up a lead. He scored the opening three points of the match, all within 12 minutes. Fionan Duffy was also prominent for the Mayo side and three points from him (two frees) completed their first-half tally.

Elphin had to wait 27 minutes for their only firsthalf score, a pointed free from Fintan Cregg from 25 metres out. Much of the play was defensive on the part of both sides but Elphin were struggling up front. All told, Crossmolina looked much the better side in that opening half and they led by 0-6 to 0-1 at the interval.

On the resumption, Aaron Brady pointed a long-

range free for Elphin (in the 32nd minute). Three minutes later Elphin gave the ball away in defence, and when Patrick Leddy found Niall Coggins, he fired past Aaron Brady for the game’s first goal. Elphin now had a mountain to climb as that sevenpoint deficit emerged.

Their impressive revival began in the 38th minute when Fintan Cregg converted a free. A minute later the gap was down to five when the same player put another free between the uprights.

However there was a setback for Elphin in the 42nd minute when Gavin Murray was shown a black card for a foul on Niall Coggins, meaning the Roscommon champions were down to 14 for 10 minutes.

In the 49th minute Elphin’s only point from play came from Fintan Cregg who sold a trademark dummy before pointing from 25 metres. Then in the 51st minute when Cregg pointed another free the gap was down to just three points.

The exchanges were intensely fought as the final whistle drew ever nearer, both sides trying to gain the initiative. Elphin were wide with a couple of good scoring opportunities, misses that were to prove very costly.

In injury-time Crossmolina were awarded a free and Duffy converted from 30 metres (in the 61st minute) to increase the margin to four.

In the 63rd minute Elphin’s Conor Lenehan was shown red after a second yellow card offence. There was more drama to come. In the fifth minute of time added on, Shane Killoran combined with Nessan Lenehan who was fouled on his way to goal, referee Christopher Ryan awarding a penalty. Substitute John Finnerty coolly dispatched the ball to the Crossmolina net.

The margin was now just one point, but unfortunately for Elphin there was no more time, the final whistle sounding on the kickout. Crossmolina had survived, and for Elphin it was a case of what might have been.

Alex Gleeson, Martin McCaffrey, Niall Higgins, Nessan Lenehan, Shane Killoran and Fintan Cregg all played well for Elphin, but their return of just one point from play in this match tells its own story. It has of course been a very good year for Elphin.

They are back in the senior ranks in 2025 and were unbeaten in the championship this year up to last Sunday’s game.

For the winners, who had former Roscommon manager John Maughan in their backroom team, Conor Loftus, James Maheady, Patrick Leddy and Fionan Duffy were particularly prominent.

Crossmolina Deel Rovers: JP Mulhern; Diarmuid Fox, Kevin Mulhern, Matthew Gordetsky; Aaron Coggins, Conor Loftus, Lorcan Loftus; Darragh Syron, Jordan Flynn; Diarmuid Coggins, James Mahedy (0-3, 1 mark), Niall Coggins (1-0); Diarmuid Walsh, Patrick Leddy, Fionan Duffy (0-

4, 3 frees). Subs: Cathal Carolan for Syron (45), Stephen Duffy for L Loftus (50), Mikie Loftus for Fox (60).

Elphin: Aaron Brady (0-1, free); Alex Gleeson, Enda Killoran, Damien Cregg; John Rattigan, Martin McCaffrey, Shane Beirne; Niall Higgins, Nessan Lenehan; Gavin Murray, Shane Killoran, Luke Mollohan; Evan Gunn, Fintan Cregg (0-5, 4 frees), Frankie Cregg. Subs: John Finnerty (1-0, pen) for Rattigan (26), Conor Lenehan for D Cregg (37), Cathal Brady for Beirne (50), Rossa BrennanKelly for Murray (53).

Referee: Christopher Ryan (Galway).

Nessan Lenehan (Elphin) is grounded (and secures a free) after being tackled by a Crossmolina player during last Sunday’s Connacht IFC final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

The Elphin players photographed prior to throw-in in last Sunday’s Connacht IFC final against Crossmolina Deel Rovers at King & Moffatt Hyde Park. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Dineen rues missed chances, proud of players

< SEAMUS DUKE

Elphin manager Nigel Dineen knew after the game that it was an opportunity missed for his side.

“Nothing went right for us really. A few decisions went against us but overall I cannot fault the players. I thought they were brilliant.

“We were six points to one down at halftime and everyone was thinking that it was going to be an easy win for Crossmolina, but our lads dug deep. We got into it in the second half and we just lost by a point in the end”.

The manager bemoaned a few vital missed chances on the day.

“We have several chances and if a couple of them had gone over it could have been a win for us but fair play to Crossmolina they won by a point and are Connacht champions tonight.

“We never got going in the first half. They were controlling the game and were running at us. We couldn’t get any meaningful possession and we couldn’t break them down. But we were great in the second half and our fitness levels were superb I thought and it brought us back

into it.

“We had a few bad wides there at vital stages but look, I am immensely proud of the players and it has been a great year overall” he concluded.

STAT ATTACK

Wides:

Crossmolina 2 (1, first half); Elphin 9 (5, first half)

Red cards: Crossmolina 0; Elphin 1 (Conor Lenehan, 63)

Black cards:

Crossmolina 0; Elphin 1 (Gavin Murray, 42)

Yellow cards: Cossmolina 3 (Darragh Syron, Diarmuid Coggins, Stephen Duffy); Elphin 5 (Martin McCaffrey, Luke Mollahan, John Finnerty, Conor Lenehan x 2)

Attendance: Approx. 1,500

Man of the Match: James Maheady (Crossmolina)

Special GAA Congress on Saturday

This Saturday the GAA will hold a special Congress in Croke Park to address the proposed rule changes in Gaelic football which will fundamentally change the game from the 1st of January 2025. Counties will vote on a total of 45 motions being brought by the Football Review Committee, headed up by former Dublin manager Jim Gavin. That committee has been meeting over a two-year period to review the rules of the game and make changes/ recommendations.

While there have been reservations in some counties about how the new rules might be applied at club level, it is expected that all the motions will be passed.

If the motions are passed, the new rules will come into force on the inter-county scene before the National League starts at the end of January. At club level it is hoped that the rules will become operational by March 31st at the latest.

Oran eye All-Ireland camogie final

Roscommon senior camogie champions Oran travel to Ballyshannon on Saturday to take on the Armagh champions Granemore in the AllIreland junior semi-final (1.30 pm). It is a great opportunity for Colm Kelly’s side to reach an All-Ireland final, but it will not be easy against a club that won last year’s All-Ireland title, having defeated Athleague in the final.

Oran were pipped by Ahascragh/ Caltra in the recent Connacht intermediate final, but they now have another shot at maintaining an AllIreland title bid. However they will have to play very well to overcome the Armagh ladies who have a number of excellent players in their ranks.

In the Rose Nixon Cup semifinal Roscommon junior champions Padraig Pearses face Scottish side Ceann Creige in Abbotstown, also on Saturday (1.30 pm).

So close! Dejected Elphin players and jubilant Crossmolina Deel Rovers players pictured at the final whistle in last Sunday’s Connacht Club Intermediate Football final in which the Mayo champions prevailed by a point. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Elphin manager Nigel Dineen pictured at Sunday’s Connacht Club Intermediate Football final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

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Tight battles in Roscommon standing to us – Daly

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Padraig Pearses have plenty of talismen ready to step up to the plate, with the most prominent being county star and team captain Niall Daly, who has been a superb leader again in this year’s championship.

Speaking to the Roscommon People recently, he began by reflecting on his team’s 10-point win against Mohill in the semi-final.

Revealing that he had looked back on the match, Daly said: “I suppose we have a lot of areas to work on but I don’t think anyone was expecting a brilliant performance. Semi-finals are all about winning. We had a few hairy moments and Paul Whelan saved us on one vital occasion but we won by ten points, so we move on.

“The fact that we had a lot of battles in Roscommon stood to us. We take great confidence from that, and although it was tight in the first half there was no panic on the field. We stuck to the process, as Jim Gavin (former Dublin manager) might say”.

Daly says that the quarter-final win against Corofin was a benchmark for Pearses but that they were expecting to do well in the build-up to that match.

“That Corofin win was not a shock to us. If you look at the aftermath

of the game there were no major celebrations or anything like that. We went down there thinking we had a massive chance. We figured that if we played to our potential there were not too many teams around that would beat us. We have a lot of good players on our team and we figured that we had better players than Corofin on the day…”.

Pearses will be favourites on Sunday but Niall says that he doesn’t subscribe to the notion that Roscommon teams prefer to be underdogs, pointing out that his team embraces the challenge of each game.

“We respect every opposition but we have been focussing on ourselves and trying to maximise our potential. We haven’t been looking at the opposition and it (that approach) has certainly worked so far”.

Daly has huge respect for the role played by the team manager, Frank Canning.

“We have serious respect for him. After the win against Corofin we were brought back down to earth pretty quickly and that was great.

A lot of people see Frank as a stern character but he is very straight and we love that. Everything is black and white and he has earned major respect among the players”.

Kenny’s tribute to leaders

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There have been many Padraig Pearses players who have excelled in the championship this year.

One contender for the

when we played Brigid’s in the championship in Roscommon it was a beautiful day, no gloves or anything, and then you look at last Sunday (week)… we were all slipping and sliding around the pitch. But it’s all about adapting to the

time against Mohill and with the game so tight at three points to two, the players were confident they

“We knew at half-time that we had far more to give and we played well when we got

Most of the young Pearses players were involved when the club won the Connacht Championship in 2021, so will that stand to them on Sunday?

“I think that being involved before will be a big advantage. All the younger players like Eoin Colleran, Caelim Keogh, Jack Tumulty and myself were all there in 2021 but we weren’t involved that much on the field but it does stand to you to have been involved in that before and hopefully that will be the case this week”.

Declan has been reflecting on his form this year (which has been excellent).

“Last year was the first year when I played every minute of every game and that has stood to me this year. We have serious experience here in the club with the

Dalys, the Cartys, and Davy Murray and they have been unreal and a massive help to all the young players coming in. They ensure that you train as hard as possible and you don’t get away with anything with those guys around. It’s all about work rate in this club and we have all bought into it”.

Declan says that there are plenty of leaders in the team and on the panel, both on and off the field.

“We have loads of leaders… the likes of Niall (Daly) and the older lads are very vocal. Paul (Whelan) in goal is also very vocal and even some of the younger lads like Caelim

(Keogh) who is well able to say his piece. But it comes from all over the field and Paul Carey is also well able to come back from the fullforward line as well so there is great communication all over the field.

“There is a great standard in Roscommon. Look at Elphin, they were intermediate but they beat us in the league last year and they were a really good team. Look what Brigid’s did last year and we are in the Connacht final this year. Look at Castlerea last year too. So the standard in Roscommon is very high and we hope that stands to us on Sunday”.

Niall Daly in action against Mohill. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Declan Kenny (pictured against Mohill) has impressed this season. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Pearses can top the poll in Connacht final ballot!

AIB Connacht Club SFC Final: Coolera-Strandhill v Padraig Pearses on Sunday at Markievicz Park

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While thousands of people will be engaged with the counting of votes throughout the country on Saturday and Sunday, and candidates will wait anxiously for the results, the footballers of Coolera-Strandhill (Sligo) and Padraig Pearses will have their own day of reckoning in the Connacht final as a place amongst the last four teams in the country is up for grabs.

Roscommon champions Padraig Pearses will be the deserved favourites going into the match. Since winning the county final against Roscommon Gaels there has been a calm assurance about them as they progressed through Connacht.

Against Corofin, they knew that they had to raise their game several levels and they did that with a superb firsthalf display. In the semi-final against Mohill the shoe was on the other foot as they were the clear favourites to advance and they did so with a very strong second-half display in difficult conditions.

That semi-final performance against

a potentially tricky opponent (Mohill) showed a welcome (and unsurprising) maturity about this Pearses team. Their backroom team, led by Frank Canning and Ross Munnelly, have done a sterling job thus far. They will need to repeat what they did against Mohill this Sunday as Coolera-Strandill will fancy their chances of causing an upset, particularly in their home county.

The Sligo side are certainly not without a chance. They retained their Sligo crown this year, and in the provincial semi-final they overcame Mayo champions Ballina Stephenites (on penalties), a result that has given them huge momentum going into Sunday’s game.

They have a number of excellent players, not least full-forward Niall Murphy, who would get on most county teams in the country. He is an excellent player and a leader on the field. Pearses will have to plan to curb his influence on Sunday as he is a real match-winner.

Sean Taylor, Ross O’Carroll, Peter Laffey, Keelan Cawley and Ross Doherty are all excellent players too and they will relish the chance to face

Pearses as underdogs.

Pearses will know that if they set about their task without any complacency they will be halfway there. They have so many excellent performers throughout the field and it seems that one or two players step up to the plate to lead their team in every game. The experienced Paul Whelan, Davy Murray, Niall Carty, Ronan Daly, Niall Daly and Paul Carey have all been prominent at one stage or other this year.

But the younger players have also made a huge contribution and I have been very impressed by the likes of Conor Ryan, Declan Kenny, Conor Lohan, Jack Tumulty, Eoin Colleran and Caelim Keogh, all of whom have matured very nicely as the season has progressed.

I presume that the Sligo men will start out with a cautious approach and that the game will open up later. That said, it is very likely to be a lowscoring affair.

I was very impressed by Pearses’ attitude against Mohill. Despite the fact that there was not a lot happening for either side in the first half Pearses

never panicked and they trusted their quality to make the difference in the end, which it did.

Once again it is fair to say that any Pearses complacency will be punished by Coolera-Strandhill but there has been little sign of that in the Pearses

Canning extols virtues of humility and ‘inner belief’

Padraig Pearses manager Frank Canning is a man steeped in hurling, and a member of one of the most famous GAA families in the country.

The Galway man has steered Pearses to the cusp of provincial football glory in his first year in charge of the club. When he spoke to the Roscommon People recently Frank began by reflecting on the recent semi-final win over Mohill.

“We won the second half by ten points to one and that tells its own story. But it was only when we went three points up that they knew that they had to push forward and the game opened up after that and our quality started to show”.

The fact that Pearses will be the favourites going into the final is not an important factor according to Frank. “I don’t see it like that. They (Coolera-Strandhill) have a big chance if they click on the day. Football can be a great leveller. You saw that in the first half against Mohill, it was three points to two at half-time and it was frustrating and that can happen in any game. We are looking on the final as a 50-50 match and that’s all”.

Frank says that big football games can be totally different to hurling matches at the top level.

“I said it before that in almost all cases the best team wins the game in hurling because if a team is defensive the opposition can score from 60 and 70 yards out. In football if a team pulls everyone behind the ball there is not a lot you can do. Against Mohill we had about 80% possession in the first half but they had a goal chance and that can happen”.

Canning says that he is a realist about the style of play that Pearses are employing.

“Look, we can be as defensive as any other team but we work really hard at trying to move the

ball forward at pace. I am a big believer in Ross (Munnelly) and the other coaches we have here. We all want to win games for sure but we also want to win it playing some decent football. I much prefer to win matches playing proper football and it is good for the spectators too. The first half against Corofin is a case in point. It was great for Roscommon people to see a team from the county playing football like that”.

The Pearses manager says that inner belief is very important for any team.

“I lost as much as I won with Portumna over the years, but you have to go out on the field believing that you can win because if you don’t you are on the back foot immediately. You have to have that belief and we have that here and it’s the players that drive it on. It’s the players that win matches and all we are doing on the line is facilitating those players”.

The manager says that they won’t be paying too much attention to their opponents ahead of Sunday’s game. “I never ever worry about the opposition. The reality for me is that the more you worry about them the more you build them up and then they turn into something that they are not”.

Finally, Franks says that humility is something he preaches to his players all the time.

“I think there is nothing as bad as seeing arrogant people and you know there are a few in every club. Humility is a great quality for any GAA player. Win the championship final and go mad after that if you like. We work hard on that all the time but I have said this a thousand times, it’s all down to the players. They do the work and play the matches. They are great guys, great to coach and the backroom team are doing a marvellous job. I am only a very small part of the

he concluded.

camp so far in this championship.

There probably won’t be a lot between the teams but I expect Pearses to ‘top the poll’ and head for the AllIreland semi-finals after a battle. Pearses by four.

Prediction: Padraig Pearses.

‘We

can compete with best’

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There are joint managers of the CooleraStrandhill team this year with former club and county stars Con O’Meara and John McPartland guiding the Sligo champions.

Speaking after their dramatic penalty shootout win against Ballina Stephenites in the semi-final, McPartland said that Sligo teams are well able to compete with the bigger guns in the province.

“We are gaining respect from the likes of the ‘Mayos’ and others and we proved against Ballina that we can compete with any of them. Everyone was doubting us coming into the Ballina match but I knew that we are a good side and we proved that on the day”. He turned his thoughts to the final against Padraig Pearses.

“Look, it’s brilliant to have a home game in the final and we are where we wanted to be now. When we won the county final we wanted to get to a Connacht club final and we are there now. It will be another step up against Pearses but we are thrilled to be there”.

Last year St Brigid’s of Roscommon defeated the Sligo men by 0-13 to 1-3 in Hyde Park and McPartland says they have regrets that they didn’t prepare better for that game.

“We hadn’t won Sligo in a long time and we celebrated hard after that win. We only trained once before the Brigid’s game. We said afterwards that if we got to that stage again we would take it far more seriously… and we are certainly doing that this year” he concluded.

EYE ON THE BALL: Jack Tumulty of Padraig Pearses gets away from Shane Quinn during the recent semi-final against Mohill. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

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