Roscommon People Plus - Christmas Edition 2025

December 2025

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Complimentary Copy

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DO YOU RECOGNISE THE CAROL SINGERS?

Left to right: Aoife O’Rourke (international boxing star from Castlerea); Lisa O’Rourke (international boxing star from Castlerea); Chris O’Dowd (Boyle-born actor who has gained international success); Dr Martin Daly (Ballygar), who was elected as a Fianna Fáil TD in Roscommon-Galway in November 2024; Gareth Scahill (Castlerea), a Fine Gael senator since February 2005; Claire Kerrane (Ballaghaderreen), Sinn Féin TD in Roscommon-Galway; Paddy Joe Burke (Fourmilehouse & Roscommon), retired barber, well-known GAA supporter, and now Roscommon’s Age Friendly Ambassador.

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IMAGE TO COME SOME GIFTS ARE TIMELESS Specialising in Beautiful Jewellery and Gifts For You and Yours At Christmas Time And Every Day! TIME PIECES, Main Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 6625408 | Email: sales@timepieces.ie | www.timepieces.ie /timepiecesireland | Timepiecesroscommonireland

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December 2025

County Roscommon – for a better Christmas experience T

he Christmas period, by its nature, is a time when we all take stock of the past and also reflect upon the future.

It’s a time of year that is often a benchmark in gauging the health and wellbeing of communities across the county. As the year draws to a close, it’s hoped a feel-good factor will be nurtured and sustained in local towns and villages across Roscommon.

A key to that wellbeing is the ongoing work of local community and voluntary groups and businesses in collaboration with and supported by Roscommon County Council.

This engagement has seen many of the county’s

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outdoor parks, recreational and sports facilities and our vibrant businesses, restaurants and cafes along with so much more.

“For us, as a local authority, this means collaborating with our people, our communities and our enterprises to continue to make Roscommon the best place it can be to live, work, invest in and visit,” said Mr Keaveney.

“There are great shopping experiences in all Roscommon towns this Christmas and Roscommon County Council’s campaign encourages people to support local businesses by keeping their spending local,” says the Council’s Regeneration Officer, Una Ní Chuinn.

Festive entertainment

or those who enjoy the many social offerings this festive season, no-one will be disappointed. A performance of The Nutcracker will take place on Sunday, December 7th by the Victoria Walker Dance Academy in St Joseph’s Hall in Boyle (please note change of venue).

Audience members are invited to step into a world of magic and wonder as dancers bring this muchloved production to life in a series of heartwarming extracts.

If you are looking to plan a festive outing in the coming weeks then Roscommon Arts Centre has plenty on offer, including ‘sold out’ performances of the evergreen pantomime Rapunzel and the League of Princesses, Declan Nerney, Conal Gallen and a delightful show for school children starring Padraic McIntyre.

On Friday, December 5th Roscommon Arts Centre welcomes back music scene legend Declan Nerney to its stage.

Award-winning comedian, Conal Gallen is bringing his hilarious comedy play, ‘Off Your Trolley,’ to the arts centre on Saturday, December 6th.

Written by father and son team, Conal and Rory Gallen this is a rip-roaring, laugh-a-minute tale of life in a hospital ward!

Roscommon Arts Centre proudly

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towns, villages and rural areas being transformed through initiatives such as ‘Town Centre First,’ Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure, CLÁR, Just Transition and the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Funds.

For Director of Services with Roscommon County Council Mark Keaveney, it’s about promoting and underlining the vast offering the county’s towns, villages, and rural places have to offer: “Put simply, we want people to ‘Choose Roscommon this Christmas’.

“As a county, we have so much to offer from our rich natural, built and cultural heritage, to our beautiful vivacious towns and villages, to our

marks a significant milestone in 2026 as it celebrates 25 years at the heart of the county’s cultural life, since opening its landmark building on Circular Road in Roscommon Town in 2001.

Since then, the centre has grown into a vibrant and inclusive space where artists are supported to create, develop, and present work,

and where audiences are welcomed to engage with a diverse and dynamic arts programme.

To honour this anniversary, the Arts Centre will curate a special celebratory programme that will run alongside its regular multi-disciplinary activities throughout the year. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.

For a full listing of all events and activities taking place in Roscommon this Christmas, go to www.roscommoncoco.ie or www.visitroscommon.com, or the websites of King House, Boyle, Roscommon Arts Centre, Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea, or Strokestown Park House.

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Christmas all wrapped up for you at the Abbey Hotel Why not enjoy the build-up to the festive season in style at the Abbey Hotel this December, with our Christmas trees and festive décor setting the scene just nicely for a magical festive season to unfold. Our carvery and lounge food is served daily, as well as a delightful festive menu, serving mouth-watering Christmas puddings and delicious mince pies.

The 4* Abbey Hotel in Roscommon offers a varied range of dishes prepared from only the freshest of locally sourced produce and served with great care and attention to detail, therefore making it the perfect setting, whether dining in Roscommon for business or pleasure.

The hotel offers an extensive seasonal Bar Food Menu for those wishing for a less formal experience.

For those wishing to dine in our restaurant, booking is essential on 090 6626240.

After Dinner, guests can relax by the open fire in the luxurious lounge areas or in the Abbey Hotel Bar.

There is an extensive drinks and ‘Wines of the World’ menu to choose from and a delightful range of cocktails are also served. We also serve an extensive range of beers, whiskeys, and liquors.

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 offerings and mouth-watering Christmas desserts.

We are now taking bookings for preChristmas lunch and dinner for small and large groups in our award-winning restaurant. Our Christmas lunch and dinner menu is available from December 6th right through until 6th January.

Festive Afternoon Tea

“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.

Gift Vouchers available at Hotel Recption

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas stocking filler? Christmas Gift vouchers are available to purchase at hotel reception.

Why not treat someone to an overnight stay, dinner in our restaurant, afternoon tea or a membership of our leisure centre? Gift vouchers available to purchase at hotel reception Merry Christmas to all our customers, suppliers and friends from the Grealy Family and Staff at the Abbey Hotel and Abbey Health & Fitness

The Grealy family and staff of the Abbey Hotel and Abbey Health & Fitness would like to take this opportunity to wish all our patrons a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Follow us on social media for updates.

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December 2025

Councillor

Gift Vouchers available

Valerie BYRNE Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON. Telephone: 090 66 30077

Tel.: 071 9635384 Mobile: 086 8887897 cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie

GIFT VOUCHERS ON SALE NOW St. George’s Terrace, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41T2X2

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Gift vouchers now available for the Christmas season!

Give the gift of choice during the holidays, with a selection of music, visual arts, theatre, t film, comedy, and more — all at Leitrim’s flagship arts centre.

Vouchers available in-person, via our box office at 071 965 0828, or online.

EVENTS AND MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT WWW.THEDOCK.IE

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A better shopping experience

huge part of the accessibility of all of County Roscommon’s towns is the availability of free parking. Roscommon is unique in being the only county in Ireland that does not have paid parking in any of its towns – a further incentive in making the county’s towns attractive to shop and visit.

The availability of hundreds of free parking spaces in the county’s towns ensures shoppers and visitors are spared the hassle and congestion of finding parking and the costs associated.

The elected members of Roscommon County

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Council made the brave and visionary decision to keep Roscommon free of paid parking some years ago, which has paid off for the benefit of the county’s towns.

Consequently, all of Roscommon’s towns are congestion-free and parking is located only minutes’ walking distance from each of the county’s town centres. The availability of free parking means shoppers can shop in comfort at no extra cost and in a safe and friendly environment.

As a local authority, Roscommon County Council

has also invested significantly in its streetscaping.

A case in point being in Boyle where works have improved access for pedestrians and shoppers visiting the town.

According to the Council’s Director of Services Mark Keaveney “Roscommon County Council is committed to providing an environment where people can be safe to visit. This we are doing while respecting and working with the immense built heritage and history of our towns like Boyle, Castlerea, Strokestown, Roscommon and other locations,” Mr Keaveney remarked.

Christmas Markets a feature of the season

oscommon’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.

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.

The Roscommon Town Christmas Markets will be located on The Square in Roscommon Town on December 6th and 7th – not to be missed!

Visitors to Roscommon Town are advised that Loughnaneane Park will be temporarily closed from 9 am on Thursday, December 4th until 9 am on Tuesday, December 9th to facilitate a community Christmas event.

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 and the local economy is boosted.

Great efforts are being made by the county’s Town Teams in Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Elphin, Monksland and Strokestown as each of the towns will be suitably illuminated for the festive period. Villages too are playing their part to ensure the season is celebrated in an appropriate fashion.

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Visitor numbers continuing to rise

side from ongoing regeneration projects, Roscommon County Council, in keeping with its mission statement, is determined to deliver a high quality of life for its citizens, making the county a place that people choose for a richer life and to live, work, visit and invest.

A key factor in this is the promotion of the county’s tourism potential. As the county with the longest shoreline to the River Shannon, County Roscommon continues to grow its visitor numbers through the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand, as Tourism Officer, Lisa Joy explains.

“Walking and recreational activities are all year-round attractions for visitors to Roscommon. Aside from the Suck Valley Way and Miner’s Way in Arigna, our public parks are most popular amenities – for example Somers Park in Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen’s Community Park, Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon, The Pleasure Grounds in Boyle and the new Community Park in Monksland.

“Year on year, our visitor numbers continue to grow as a destination for high season and winter short breaks.

We are progressing plans for the development of a Waterfront Park at Hodson Bay and, working with Coillte, plans are advancing for a multi-million development of Lough Key Forest Park.

“As the county’s Tourism Officer, my focus is to collaborate and work closely with all of our stakeholders such as Failte Ireland and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand, Waterways Ireland and Coillte.

“Many of our traditional festival events such as the Strokestown Park Victorian Christmas Experience and the Arigna Mining Christmas Experience will be returning again this year.

“Earlier this year, the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships returned to Lough Key Forest Park after a gap

Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan pictured with Gillian McGarry, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator and Roscommon Tourism Officer Lisa Joy at the launch of the County Roscommon Tourism Strategy 2025-2030 at Strokestown Park House in November. Photo: Brian Farrell

of almost 30 years. This, together with the return of the Night and Day Music Festival in June, is very positive,” says Lisa.

Next year’s Night and Day Festival will take place at the slightly earlier date of the Whit Bank Holiday Weekend from May 29th to 31st

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inclusive. A huge attraction at next year’s event will be the presence of the legendary Saw Doctors.

“Many of our tourism amenities will also be transformed for the festive period. Our Enchanted Christmas Trail Experience returns to Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town on

“Year on year, our visitor numbers continue to grow as a destination for high season and winter short breaks. We are progressing plans for the development of a Waterfront Park at Hodson Bay and, working with Coillte, plans are advancing for a multi-million development of Lough Key Forest Park.

December 6th and 7th with a special performance by the Roscommon Men’s Choir in the Festival marquee.

On the basis of last year’s tremendous success, there is keen anticipation ahead of this year’s festival,” says Lisa.

All of Roscommon’s towns have a rich and varied food and drinks offering this festive season. So, if it’s a casual or more formal dining experience or a quick coffee or hot chocolate, the county’s towns have so much to offer, thanks to a wide range of bistro, deli, café and other hospitality offerings to enhance the festive season.

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December 2025

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Catherine Connolly enjoying an amusing exchange with Tom Flynn, proprietor of Flynn’s shop in Castlerea during her visit to County Roscommon on the day before she was elected to be next president of Ireland. Also pictured were MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Deputy Claire Kerrane and Cllr Leah Cull. Photo: Michael Finan.

That was the year that was

Seamus Duke’s 5 big stories of 2025 Catherine the Great!

At the start of the year the presidential election appeared to be Mairead McGuinness’s to lose.

However, as we all now know following her withdrawal on health grounds, the campaign evolved into one big fiasco from start to finish. Except of course, if you were in the Catherine Connolly camp.

Fianna Fáil decided they would field a so-called celebrity candidate, Jim Gavin, which proved a disastrous decision, because the former Dublin team manager was totally unsuited to the political scene.

That call could cost Micheál Martin his job.

Fine Gael panicked when Mairead McGuinness had to pull out, and their new candidate, Heather

Humphreys, proved that she was not suitable either.

In fairness to Catherine Connolly, the Galway woman had all her ducks in a row from early in the campaign. She garnered lots of support on the left.

Connolly performed well in the debates and looked a winner from a long way out.

The election threw up some huge issues. In a major opinion poll, over half of those who responded felt they had no candidate to vote for, hence a huge number of spoiled votes materialised (almost 13%).

The fact that Jim Gavin’s name was still on the ballot paper despite his withdrawal from the race added some farce to the situation.

Many people will maintain now that the nomination process will have to be reviewed for

future elections. The fact that the turnout was just over 46% should set alarm bells ringing among the political classes.

In the end, Catherine Connolly was elected President with a landslide victory. She will do a good job and will not be afraid to have her say when it’s appropriate. But the campaign was one to forget for the political establishment.

Hope rises from the rubble The hardest thing about watching the slaughter in Gaza was the helplessness. Every night we watched it on the TV News and every night dozens of innocent people were being slaughtered, with homes

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December 2025

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and other buildings being levelled to the ground.

Humanitarian aid was blocked and the population was starving as well as being under attack and in fear for their lives. The watching world felt powerless.

The only people the Israelis would listen to were the Americans, but the US was reluctant to interfere.

In fact it was only when President Donald Trump appealed to Prime Minister Netanyahu that some sort of a truce was agreed.

What Hamas did on October 7th was barbaric, but to kill almost 70,000 people and starve two million more was a totally disproportionate and particularly brutal response.

It remains to be seen what the future is for the people of Gaza. They are returning to mountains of rubble. Their country is virtually destroyed. It has been a catastrophic and devastating two years for them.

The winds of change

It’s very clear that climate change is an increasing threat to our world. We have seen devastating storms and extreme weather events all over the globe in 2025.

We had our own extreme weather event in January 2025 when Storm Éowyn hit our shores. The damage that was caused on that night in January was incredible. All one has to do is take a drive out to Mote Park outside Roscommon Town to see what happened there. That beautiful forest was almost totally levelled. In fact it’s frightening to study the carnage there.

In the wake of this ferocious storm, there were trees down everywhere, roads blocked all over the country, and almost a million people left without power. We were probably very lucky that the worst of the storm happened at four or five o’clock in the morning. If it happened during the day there would almost certainly have been many fatalities.

Unfortunately, it looks like we are going to have many more big storms in the years to come. The two biggest economic powers in the world – the USA and China – appear to have no interest in doing anything of note about climate change. Until they change their attitude, nothing meaningful will be achieved.

In the wake of Storm Éowyn, there were trees down everywhere, roads blocked all over the country, and almost a million people left without power. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

only predictable thing about Donald Trump is his unpredictability.

There are also rumblings that he may even seek to serve a third term. Don’t rule it out!

The crisis that never ends In November of 2025 the Government published yet another housing plan. It remains to be seen whether this latest initiative will work or not.

The statistics tell us that the population of this country has increased by one million in the past

15 years. All these people have to be housed.

Successive governments have tried to address the problem with little or no progress achieved.

We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world and yet we have over 16,000 people homeless. We should all be ashamed of that statistic. In addition, our well-educated young people are leaving the country because they cannot afford to rent or buy.

Surely there are progressive, bright people in authority that can come up with a solution to this crisis? If it costs a lot of money to solve it, then so be it.

Guess who’s back?

No day has passed since he was inaugurated in January 2025 without US President Donald Trump being a major part of the bulk of the news bulletins on radio, TV, in the newspapers and on social media.

He has torn up the political rule book. Now, anything goes. No one is safe. For a man who always said he had little or no interest in party politics, he has made some waves over the past 12 months.

There is not enough space in this whole magazine to detail all Trump has done (or made pronouncements on) this year… ranging from the tariffs to immigration, crime, wars around the world, the economic situation, his ongoing spat with the Democrats, climate change, etc.

The fact that he often appears to say the first thing that comes into his head – regardless of who he insults – is one of the most notable characteristics of what has been an incredible year in ‘Trump land’.

The US president is capable of holding one view on any issue on a given day and then taking the complete opposite view the following day. The

“Surely there are progressive, bright people in authority that can come up with a solution to Ireland’s housing crisis?” writes Seamus Duke.

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December 2025

The centre of our arts world

The arts are integral to all our lives, says Roscommon Arts Centre Marketing Manager DYMPNA NAUGHTON, in this interview with Roscommon People plus Interview by EMMA HEALY 14

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an you tell us about the Arts Centre’s winter and Christmas programme – any standout shows, events or highlights you’d like people to know about?

Our Autumn/Winter programme of events is one of our busiest seasons, with over 50 events taking place since September, and we’ve got a few more events to look forward to before the end of the year! The always-entertaining Roscommon Drama Group joined us on November 27th-29th with their production of Lend Me A Tenor, directed by Kieran Madden.

Declan Nerney takes to our stage on Friday, December 5th, Conal Gallen is back with his new play Off Your Trolley on Saturday, December 6th, and we are thrilled to say we have our first Christmas Pantomime taking place this winter! Majella Flanagan Theatre Company are performing Rapunzel and the League of Princesses for seven completely sold-out performances in December. It has become the hottest ticket in town!

How does the Arts Centre support local artists, performers and creatives throughout the year?

We provide several Artist Residencies through our annual AIR Scheme, and we’ve had many Roscommon artists in receipt of those residencies in recent years, including Anthony Keigher, Julie Sharkey and Biance Fachel.

We have two artist studios, two workshops and an artist hot desk, which give artists and creatives the opportunity to come into the centre and use the spaces for research and development, rehearsals, and the chance to meet and connect with other creatives.

Local performers such as Roscommon Drama Group, Roscommon County Youth Theatre, Peelo School of Dance and the McDermott School of Ballet regularly feature in our performance programme, and we host the annual Roscommon Drama Festival for nine nights every March.

the wider community in Roscommon?

Roscommon Arts Centre is passionate about programming for families and our younger audiences. We run our annual Lollipops Children’s Festival in October, which places the focus on events not just at the centre but also off-site for families and children.

We programme specific theatre performances in our auditorium for schools, both primary and secondary, and in our Visual Art Gallery with our Primary Colours and Gallery X-ED initiatives, which invite young people to engage with our exhibitions.

What role does the venue play for families and

When planning your programme and bookings,

what guides your choices? Are there particular themes, gaps or opportunities you keep in mind?

Everyone is welcome at Roscommon Arts Centre, and we are always striving to reflect that in our programme by having a diverse range of events on offer to the public. Our audiences are integral to our programming, and we like to know what they want to see.

We are ambitious in our programming, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we present highquality theatre and comedy events on a par with any other venue in the country. In recent years Druid Theatre Company have opened several of their productions at Roscommon Arts Centre before embarking on national tours. (Continued overleaf).

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December 2025

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We have collaborated and co-produced shows with the likes of Branar Theatre Company, Decadent, Livin’ Dred, Paul Curley and Anna Newell. We couldn’t deliver high-quality events without the continuous support of Roscommon County Council, the Arts Council and of course our audiences and artists, and we are very grateful for that support.

Are there any workshops, special initiatives or community-focused projects happening over Christmas and into early 2026?

In 2026 we’ll be back with our hugely popular Songbirds singing groups and our Elderberries dance groups for over-50s, led by Cathy Jordan and

Catherine Donnelly respectively, who bring so much fun and life to the centre every week.

In 2025 we also began our Cub Club with Selma Daniels, a Saturday movement workshop for little ones, which will be making a return in 2026.

Finally Dympna, could you share a little bit about yourself – your background, your role, and what you enjoy most about being part of the Arts Centre team?

I studied Theatre and Media in the University of Ulster, Coleraine, and have always been interested in Arts and Culture, particularly drama and music.

Even when I’m not at work, I love going to gigs and

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to the theatre, although there’s not as much time for that lately with two small kids at home, but I always try to keep an eye on what’s happening in the arts.

I’ve worked as the Marketing Manager in the Arts Centre for almost twelve years, and it’s a role I’ve really enjoyed. The arts are integral to all our lives, and they can have a real impact on so many people.

I’m proud of the work we do at Roscommon Arts Centre and hope we continue to entertain the people of Roscommon for many years to come.

We’re celebrating 25 years in 2026 and we have a very exciting year planned! Keep an eye on www. roscommonartscentre.ie for more information in the coming weeks.

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December 2025

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Season’s Greetings from

Maria Weaver Physiotherapy

As the year draws to a close, I’d like to thank all of my wonderful clients for their support since I opened my clinic back in February. It’s been such a joy to meet so many of you and to be part of your journey towards better movement.

At Maria Weaver Physiotherapy, I pride myself on offering friendly, one to one care in a relaxing

environment. With almost 20 years of experience treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, I’m passionate about helping people build strength, recover from injury and feel their best.

I specialise in women’s health physiotherapy, supporting women through all stages of life, from pregnancy assessments and postnatal checks to

managing pelvic floor issues such as urinary incontinence and prolapse. I also help breastfeeding mums who may be struggling with blocked ducts or mastitis.

Beyond women’s health, I treat both men and women for all sorts of musculoskeletal problems, including back and neck pain, knee and hip issues, sporting injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

I also love bringing people together through movement, running strength and balance classes for the over 50s, and a postnatal recovery class to help new mums return to exercise in a gradual, evidence based way.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful stocking filler this Christmas, gift vouchers are available. For more information about the services I offer have a look at my website www.mariaweaverphysiotherapy.com or my Instagram page @mariaweaverphysio Wishing all my clients and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2026.

Maria

Maria Weaver

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The joy of reading

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Alannah Ita Healy and Seamus Duke with some seasonal reading suggestions…

Some personal recommendations Alannah Ita Healy

A

s the long evenings draw in and the fireside calls, the holidays are the perfect time to press a good book into someone’s hands – or to sneak one for yourself! Ranging from the best of contemporary Irish fiction to the big international hits of 2025, gripping commentaries to easy page-turners – with a local flavour too – here are our picks for the best reads to get your hands on this festive season…

‘Intermezzo’ – Sally Rooney

Irish author Sally Rooney recently returned to the writing stage following the megasuccess of her previous works, with the release of her most recent book ‘Intermezzo’ at the end of last year. Once again featuring Rooney’s trademark precision and emotional intelligence, ‘Intermezzo’ follows the story of two brothers and explores themes of grief, age-gap relationships, sibling dynamics, and power structures in romantic relationships.

‘The Wild Laughter’ – Caoilinn Hughes

Irish author Caoilinn Hughes is fresh off the success of her most recent novel – ‘The Alternatives’, released just last year – but local readers may be particularly interested in her 2020 novel ‘The Wild Laughter’. A darkly comic tale set during the fallout of the Celtic Tiger, exploring family bonds, economic hardship, and the strains placed on a community in crisis, the novel focuses on the story of a small family living in none other than County Roscommon.

‘Careless People’ – Sarah Wynn-Williams

Dubbed “the book Meta doesn’t want you to read”, this memoir portrays Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s founder and boss, as aloof and superficial, with no pretences to be expected after reading the book’s tagline: ‘A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism’.

Written by Sarah Wynn-Williams, former director of public policy at Facebook, the book has had an explosive reaction since its release just this year, and promises to make for an absolute page-turner and darkly funny critique of the modern tech space.

‘Trespasses’ – Louise Kennedy

Irish author Louise Kennedy’s 2022 debut

novel ‘Trespasses’ – the work which firmly established the acclaimed short story writer’s skills in long-form fiction – tells the story of a young woman in 1970s Northern Ireland who finds herself caught between romance and her community’s allegiances.

Shortlisted for the 2022 inaugural Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize and for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction, this book would be a particularly good pick for the reader in your life this holiday season, having inspired the recently-released Channel 4 show of the same name, starring Gillian Anderson.

‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ – Suzanne Collins

Looking for a read that will also suit younger/YA readers? Look no further than Suzanne Collins’ ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ – the latest novel to be released in the author’s iconic ‘Hunger Games’ series.

A prequel to the series’ original trilogy, the book follows the story of Haymitch, one of the trilogy’s most beloved (and tragic) characters. With a movie based on the novel set to be released in the New Year, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ would make for a great gift this festive season!

‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs’ – Ian Leslie

Released just this year, Ian Leslie’s ‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs’ takes a direct look at the relationship that formed the heart of the world’s biggest band – the relationship between John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney.

Offering new insights into the story of the most well-known song-writing duo in pop music history, the book has enjoyed a brilliant response since its release, and would make for great reading for anyone looking to brush up on their Beatles trivia before the release of Sony’s four-part biopic project starring Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan.

‘Cave of the Cats’ – Annmarie Murray Created by local author/illustrator Annmarie Murray from Knockcroghery, young readers are sure to be delighted to get their hands on ‘Cave of the Cats’, a book focused on telling the story of the origins of Halloween – which can be traced right back to Roscommon!

Following on from the success of similar publications focused on communicating the wonderful worlds of Irish mythology to young readers, the book has had a great reception since its release, having been recently shortlisted in two categories at this year’s IDI awards: Illustration and Motion Design.

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Extensive array of Wines, Liquers etc.

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Main Street, Roscommon.

Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512.

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ACCOMMODATION The Square, Roscommon town. Tel. (090) 666 5599

Website: www.jacksons.ie Email: jacksonguesthouse@gmail.com

Jackson’s Restaurant & Accommodation is situated in the heart of Roscommon Town

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Mobile: 085 174 3871

Email: lbrennan@roscommoncoco.ie

We specialise in SEAT & ISUZU car & commercial vehicle sales & servicing, we can provide Finance Packages for all budgets.

In addition to this, we also stock a wide range of quality used cars, all makes and models and all at competitive prices.

Our Service and Parts Departments are fully equipped with all the latest technology and our staff attend training sessions on a regular basis to keep them up to date on an everchanging motor industry. We service all makes and models of cars & commercial vehicles including motorhomes.

December 2025

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The joy of reading

For the sports fan in your life Seamus Duke

TOP PICK

Sacrifice: A Year in the Life of a Champion Jockey – Oisin Murphy

A candidate for the sports book of this, or indeed any other year.

From Tralee in County Kerry, Oisin Murphy won his fifth British flat jockeys title in 2025. This book is an account of how he tries to overcome his ongoing alcohol addiction and personal demons over the years and how it affected him and those around him. It’s a searingly honest book that examines the fine line between top level performances and personal destruction. You certainly do not have to have any interest in horse racing or sport to enjoy this compelling book.

OTHERS I’D RECOMMEND… The GAA Covered: A History of the GAA in Match Programmes – John Kelly This is especially for the many GAA nerds that are out there! The book highlights the programme covers of big games from 1913 onwards.

It features programmes from every provincial and All-Ireland final up to the present day. The amount of work put in to this book was astonishing and it looks superb all the way through. A must-have for GAA diehards.

The Only Way I Know: The Autobiography – Andy Farrell

This is the fascinating story of the

Irish rugby coach who began his life as a Rugby League star with Wigan, winning a ‘World Player of the Year’ award. It tells of his switch to Rugby Union, playing for Saracens and England. The importance of Farrell’s family is never far from the surface as he describes his journey on to Ireland to become their most successful coach. His relationship with his rugby playing son Owen and the various accounts where he shows his unique leadership qualities are some of the many highlights of the book.

Together We Roared – Steve Williams

Between 1999 and 2008 Tiger Woods dominated the sport of golf, winning 13 majors in that period.

Standing beside him for all those victories was his caddie, New Zealander Steve Williams. This account, with the help of journalist Evin Priest, goes behind the scenes and details the deep friendship between the two men who were to fall out very publicly in 2011. The pair have reconnected in recent times. There is still a worldwide fascination with the career of the greatest golfer of the modern era and there are many previously unseen anecdotes, stories and photos in this book. If you are a Tiger fan you will love it.

The Race – David Gillick

A superb behind the scenes look at the world of elite athletics.

Dubliner Gillick, who is now one of the most recognisable and knowledgeable personalities on RTE’s athletics coverage, details the ups and downs of a career where fractions of a second can separate athletes from glory and despair. His frustrations in dealing with scarce resources, injuries, defeats and burnout make this a cracking read for any sports fan.

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The Director of Services at Vita House, Abbey Street, Roscommon is Sarah Boyle. Photo: Michael Finan.

An oasis of calm in an often challenging world Paul Healy

W

hen you enter Vita House in Abbey Street, Roscommon, a discernible air of serenity is immediately evident.

That calming environment is both welcoming and relaxing – and reflective of the mood and ambience people have come to associate with a facility which is very much embedded in the heart of the local community.

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Now 32 years in existence, Vita House has never been busier, its services in demand more than ever before.

That ‘busier than ever before’ reference is not just a cliché; it’s a fact, a reality.

Established in 1993 – with great foresight, I might add – Vita House is a wonderful service which has helped thousands of people in the years since then. Expansion of services there is now the norm, with an ongoing focus on seeking to meet the ever-growing needs of the public. Being a Family

Centre, there’s an emphasis on family.

Over the decades, it has provided a range of services for people of all ages. Indeed Vita House is also a base now for many more service providers that cater for the varying needs of the community (see separate panel).

The Director of Services at Vita House is Sarah Boyle. A qualified family therapist, Sarah also has an air of calmness about her – which strikes me as an ideal quality to possess when overseeing such a busy family centre.

December 2025

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One of the therapy rooms at Vita House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Photo: Michael Finan.

‘‘

“But I also feel people are actually struggling more than before. There is a fallout from Covid. People have financial struggles too.

Marriages break up. In relation to Covid, many children are still struggling. Many of them lost a lot when schools were closed.”

Chatting with Sarah, it’s quickly evident that Vita House has indeed never been busier. Moreover, there are plans for further expansion of services. That’s because the needs of the public grow, and change.

Part of the reason for the growth in demand for services over the last few years is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected the mental health of many people, in some instances leaving a legacy of loneliness, loss and social anxiety.

And there are other reasons. These days, people just seem to be under pressure in what is a fast-moving world.

Social media (including the scourge of cyberbullying) is having a negative effect on some individuals, particularly young people. And it is also true that a greater awareness about mental health challenges, an appreciation of the services now available, and the welcome destigmatisation of issues to do with one’s mental health have all contributed to the surge in demand for services.

Sarah Boyle: “Demand for our services has grown hugely. People are starting to reflect on their wellbeing, and to understand that it’s okay to say ‘I’m struggling’. There is much more awareness now.

“But I also feel people are actually struggling more than before. There is a fallout from Covid. People have financial struggles too. Marriages break up. In relation to Covid, many children are still struggling. Many of them lost a lot when

schools were closed. They couldn’t make the usual connections (with others)… this happened at a key time in their lives.”

Sarah points out that these challenges were experienced by primary school children, teenagers attending secondary school, and those transitioning to college.

With all of this in mind, there will be a big focus at Vita House in the New Year on building resilience for young people, an area of particular interest for Sarah. There will be specific courses on cyberbullying, digital awareness and the challenges posed by social media/the internet.

This is reflective of the policy at Vita House, whereby management and staff are constantly keeping the need to develop their services under review.

Sarah Boyle confirms that new schedules are drawn up on a quarterly basis. If and when management at Vita House see a need to do so, they adapt an existing service, or look to provide a new one.

Sarah lists just some of the issues affecting people that Vita House can help with: General mental health. Addiction.

Marriage separation/breakdown.

Suicide ideation/self-harm. Trauma.

Bereavement. Anxiety. Social pressures.

Often those who need help are family members who have been affected by what others are experiencing or going through. For example, if a family member is struggling with addiction, the impact on parents and/or siblings should not be underestimated.

“The primary struggle might be with

the family member” Sarah says, before adding that minding one’s self should not be ignored.

“You still need to care for your own health”.

I asked Sarah what is it about therapy that can make such a difference for people.

“People think that the therapist does the work, but the therapist empowers the client. It’s the trust (between therapist and client) that matters”.

TV and ‘the movies’ have built into our psyches the image of the therapist in listening mode as a client ‘opens up’, to which Sarah adds the nuanced point: “Sometimes the client also needs to hear themselves”.

She continues: “But people don’t have to do therapy. Some of our other services may suit them… it could be the reflexology, the pilates… whatever helps with a person’s wellbeing.”

There is big demand for the cancer support services.

“We offer counselling services to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, but also to family members, close relatives, friends… as well as holistic services” Sarah told Roscommon People Plus.

Christmas/New Year

Sarah confirms that the Christmas/New Year period can be very challenging for many people.

“Yes, the festive period can be hard for people. If you’re not happy and you’re

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‘supposed’ to be – it can be hard. And January is one of our busiest times.”

As ever, the message is clear: if you are in difficulty, please contact Vita House, where you will be welcomed with compassion, care and confidentiality.

Feedback and support

Everyone at Vita House is very grateful for the loyal ongoing support of the wider community. This includes from businesses, groups and individuals.

Less than 50% of the facility’s income comes from government support. The rest comes from donations and fundraising projects.

Sarah Boyle: “We have long-standing relationships with businesses. They are very supportive, and we appreciate this very much.

“Also, we find that a lot of previous clients – and current clients – will from time to time engage in fundraising on behalf of Vita House. We are so grateful to all of you who have done so. You’ve really helped to make a difference”.

Feedback is so positive, and much appreciated by staff, therapists and all associated with Vita House.

“People feel safe and comfortable here” Sarah says. “Vita House is a therapeutic space. The atmosphere is calming… I think the colours (of the interior) help, and also the soft music.

People can relax here. Every engagement is on a confidential basis and our

‘‘

Sarah Boyle, Director of Services at Vita House, Roscommon town. Photo: Michael Finan.

psychotherapists are skilled professionals with a wide range of training and experience.

“We have very passionate staff. They are respectful and understanding. Every

person is treated with dignity and respect.”

Vita House provides hope and healing, solace and support. It is a beacon in our community, an oasis of calm in an often challenging world.

“People feel safe and comfortable here” Sarah says.

“Vita House is a therapeutic space. The atmosphere is calming… Every engagement is on a confidential basis and our psychotherapists are skilled professionals with a wide range of training and experience”.

Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel. 090 6625898.

Email: info@vitahouse.org

Supporting individuals, children, families & communities Vita House Family Centre was established in 1993. Our aim is to provide a welcoming place that contributes to the dignity of every person, where families and individuals would be encouraged and supported to develop their true potential.

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About Vita House

The Conference Room at Vita House, Roscommon town. Vita House also host a range of workshops, educational events and courses during the year. Please contact them on 090 66 25898 for more details. Photo: Michael Finan.

The Family Room at Vita House, Roscommon town. Photo: Michael Finan.

Vita House Family Centre at Abbey Street, Roscommon was established in 1993.

It is a community, not-for-profit agency governed by a board of directors, and a company limited by guarantee.

The aim of Vita House is to provide a welcoming place that contributes to the dignity of every person, where families and individuals are encouraged and supported to develop their true potential.

Ever-expanding, Vita House also encompasses Roscommon Cancer Support, South Roscommon Family Resource Centre, Roscommon SBLS (Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service), Jacinta’s Smile (Sibling Bereavement Support), and Rainbows Ireland (Supporting children with bereavement).

Vita House started out by providing counselling/psychotherapy services, with an emphasis on supporting good mental health. Their Family Therapy service has a strong emphasis on family relationships with the objective of ensuring that children grow up in a healthy, caring family environment.

Therapy services provided include: Family therapy, individual psychotherapy, child & adolescent psychotherapy, couples counselling, and mediation.

In 2013, the Roscommon Cancer Support Centre was established, also at Vita House. This service provides practical and compassionate support for those affected by cancer, including through counselling for individuals with cancer, and also for their families. It also provides a range of further services including massage, reflexology, Indian Head and Reiki Therapy, etc – as well as a broad array of classes and courses, such as – for example – pilates, yoga, meditation, etc.

In 2019, the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre was set up at Vita House.

It provides a variety of supports for families and individuals. Services are also being expanded to Monksland, where there is a growing population.

Jacinta’s Smile provides bereavement counselling for children who have experienced the death of a sibling.

Rainbows Ireland helps a child who has experienced the death of a loved one to engage with their own individual grief journey and to understand, express and share their feelings.

Serving the community and adapting to the changing needs of the public is at the heart of what Vita House does.

Its mission statement is: ‘To provide a welcoming place that contributes to the dignity of every person enabling all to discover our true potential by responding to each other’s needs in partnership with families and community through a holistic approach.’

Contacting Vita House

The Complementary Therapy Room at Vita House, Roscommon town. Photo: Michael Finan.

Vita House is open five days a week, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Some services are free. All are low-cost.

For more information, call 090 66 25898 or email info@vitahouse.org

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To Love and Serve

A Leitrim-Roscommon based novel by author Mary Flood

Crean & Co Accountants & Tax Consultants

Mary would love to meet present and prospective readers at an Official Signing of her book in Mulvey’s, Carrick-on-Shannon on 13th December at 2.00 pm

NOW ON SALE ON SALE in Dawn til Dusk, Strokestown, Newsround, Roscommon and Longford

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie

At James Lohan Consulting Engineers, our mission is to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our clients. We are committed to delivering high quality services that meet our client’s goals. We always work with integrity and professionalism, with over 20 years experience in design to construction of the property.

We have worked on projects all around Ireland. James Lohan Consulting Engineers are experienced professionals covering all aspects of planning, design and supervision. Our approach is straight talking, efficient and practical. We have built our reputation on our ability to solve problems and get our work done in a timely manner, ensuring client peace of mind at all times.

WHAT WE DO

We offer a variety of Planning, Design, Engineering and Construction services.

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon | Tel: 085 175 6190 | Email: info@jlce.ie • www.jlce.ie 28

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HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS FROM

Satara Boutique Vintage, retro, antique & upcycled furniture, household and collectibles

Unit 2, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon.

090 6627099 Deposits now taken Step into the season with confidence and style, from timeless classics to the latest trends,Christmas we've got your holiday wardrobe covered for Unit 2, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon, 0906627099

Christmas Club Open – DEPOSITS TAKEN ON ALL ITEMS

Roscommon Town, F42A628 Mob. 089 4584722.

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 10am to 6pm.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Christmas collection now in store, Discover elegant dresses, cozy knits, statement coats and sparkling accessories - perfect for every festive moment. We have a selection of party dresses and tops in stock ready for Party season.

WE WILL BE OPEN EVERY SUNDAY IN DECEMBER FOR THE LEAD UP TO CHRISTMAS. December 7th 1-5pm, 14th 1-5pm and 21st 12-6 pm

Gift Vouchers Available For The ‘Perfect Size Gift’ Satara Boutique - where style meets the magic of Christmas.

Gift Vouchers Available

Aquaplane products available to purchase

The Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

T. 087 4164686 | E. info@splashswim.ie 30

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Seamus Duke’s Christmas Sports Selection Box

Four sports stars of the year

David Clifford With every passing year the Fossa superstar adds to the argument that he is the GOAT in Gaelic football. 2025 was another fantastic year for him.

Aoife O’Rourke Our greatest ever sports star in Roscommon? Aoife won a magnificent gold medal at the world championships in Liverpool to add to a previous world silver and three European golds.

Rory McIlroy After many years of heartbreak, McIlroy finally achieved the career Grand Slam in Augusta in April. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea but his talent and appeal is undeniable.

Luke Littler Already three years on the scene, this once-in-a-generation talent won the PDC World Championship in January at the age of 18. Littler has won many more tournaments since – and if he stays motivated he could be around for the next 30 years!

Roscommon GAA: Eight young players to watch

Conor Ryan, Eoin Colleran (Pádraig Pearses); Darragh Heneghan (Michael Glaveys); Cian Glennon (St Faithleach’s); Enda Crawley (Éire Óg); Rory Carthy (Roscommon Gaels); Dara Curran (Castlerea St Kevin’s)

Sporting manager of the year Liam Cahill The Tipperary senior hurling manager always believed that his team were good enough to win an

Aoife O’Rourke of Ireland (and Roscommon) celebrates with her gold medal won in the Women’s 75kg category at the World Boxing Championships 2025 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile

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SHOP LOCAL

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year.

Thank you for your support this year.

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

CLAIRE KERRANE TD

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

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Action from the 2025 drawn Roscommon County Senior Football final at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park. Pictured are Ruaidhrí Fallon (St Brigid’s) and Conor Harley (Pádraig Pearses).

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

All-Ireland title. His belief was vindicated in July – against all the odds.

Great games in 2025 Roscommon SFC final (drawn game) One of the best county senior finals that we have seen. A superb contest between Pádraig Pearses and St Brigid’s (the latter club winning the replay).

Sporting performance of the year

Kate O’Connor’s silver at the World Athletics Championships. The Dundalk woman was outside the top 20 in the heptathlon rankings worldwide but she put in a sensational display in Tokyo to win a silver medal against the best athletes in the world in a very difficult event that combines seven different disciplines.

Sporting shock of the year

When Limerick took the field to play Dublin in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final in June they were 1/10 to win the match. An hour and a half later they were out of the championship after a 2-24 to 0-28 defeat.

It was a sensational win for Dublin, one of the biggest shocks in decades in the senior hurling championship.

Ulster SFC final Another titanic battle, this one saw Donegal edge out Armagh after extra-time by 2-23 to 0-28.

All-Ireland SHC final Cork looked home and hosed at half-time at which point they led by six points. Tipp had other ideas, storming to the title in extraordinary fashion. They outscored Cork 3-14 to 0-2 in the second half.

Champions League semi-final The Inter Milan v Barcelona semi-final was one of the greatest matches in the history of the CL. It was 3-3 after the first leg. Inter edged the second leg 4-3 to win 7-6 overall.

Republic of Ireland v Hungary After beating Portugal three days earlier, could it get any better for Ireland? Oh yes it could.

We looked down and out at 2-1 behind in Budapest with 12 minutes or so to go, but Troy Parrott wrote his name into the history books with a brilliant hat-trick that included an injurytime winner.

If you wrote the story as it happened no one would believe you. Not even Roy of the Rovers has done anything like it! This is why we love sport. Anything can happen.

Kate O’Connor… her silver at the World Athletics Championships was the sporting performance of the year in the opinion of Seamus Duke.

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FOR

Memories & Magic

Christmas Q&A Mercy College Roscommon students Ava Brehon & Grace McDermott have been asking some locals for their Christmas ‘favourites’….

People

NO

T P R O FIT

Unwrap the Magic of Christmas with Roscommon Credit Union

WISHING ALL OF OUR MEMBERS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We offer a simple and transparent short term credit solution with no hidden fees and no unexpected interest with our One Year Loan. Keep your festive season joyful and carefree!

Scan the QR CCode Scan ode to LLearn earn M More ore We have Loans for Cars, Weddings, Holidays, Education, Home Improvements including a special ‘Green’ rate for Eco-friendly Home Upgrades or Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and much more!

090 66 26657

info@roscommoncu.ie Follow us

Jean – Time Pieces What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

I asked Santa for a sewing machine to make patchwork on a quilt – and I got it.

Favourite Christmas song?

My favourite Christmas song is Silent Night.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

My favourite Christmas movie would have to be The Muppet Christmas Carol although I also love Love Actually and A Christmas Carol.

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Chocolate Lindt Balls, wine and a good fire.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

Not really – just to stay fit and exercise.

Do you think Christmas starts too early? Is it over-commercialised?

I have been working in retail since I was 19 and I notice it becoming more and more commercialised.

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Kilkerrin Road, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway www.west-bake.com

Keeping in touch

Sen. Gareth

SCAHILL 01 6184507 gareth.scahill@oireachtas.ie @garethscahillfg

Please feel free to contact me on any individual, community or national issue. Looking forward to being in touch.

GarethScahill_KITCard_May25.indd 1

04/06/2025 11:06

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Christmas… in the words of famous movies

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings” – It’s a Wonderful Life “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind” – Miracle on 34th Street

“At Christmas, all roads lead home” – A Christmas Story “It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree that matters, but who’s around it” – A Charlie Brown Christmas “Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved” – A Christmas Story “But sir, Christmas is a time for giving... a time to

be with one’s family” – A Christmas Carol “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love” – A Charlie Brown Christmas

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to” – Miracle on 34th Street “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – Elf “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see” – The Polar Express “Christmas is a magical time full of wonder and joy... and stress and debt!” – A Bad Moms Christmas

“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favourite” – Elf “You have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card!” – Elf “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more” – How the Grinch Stole Christmas “The bell still rings for all who truly believe” – The Polar Express “There’s no greater gift than friendship” – The Polar Express “The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart” – The Polar Express

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Castlerea ELV Recycling

Cuan Bhride Childcare Team along with the

Voluntary Management Committee would like to extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our children and families.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all the families and businesses who have generously supported our fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Your contributions have been truly appreciated.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous 2026!

• Personal Injury • Medical Negligence • Garda Compensation Claims • Property Transactions • Wills and Inheritance Law Tel. 090 647 8433 www.bccsolicitors.ie *In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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My message to midlife women: ‘ADVERTORIAL’

We are more than a number

Olivia Prendergast

I

f there’s one thing I wish every woman – especially every midlife woman – could truly believe, it’s this: We are more than a number.

For most of our lives, we’ve been measured, judged, and defined by numbers that were never meant to hold that much power. The number on the weighing scale. The number on our clothes tag. Our employee number. Our bank balance. Our age.

Somewhere along the line, we started thinking these numbers told our story.

But here’s the truth: They don’t. They never did.

As women in midlife, many of us hit a point where we realise we’ve spent years trying to shrink ourselves physically, emotionally, and often financially just to fit into expectations that were never ours in the first place.

Then menopause arrives, and suddenly the body we’ve lived in for 40 or 50 years decides to rewrite all the rules. Weight shifts. Energy drops. Sleep is hit-andmiss. Brain fog can knock you sideways.

And it’s very easy to fall into the trap of blaming yourself, or that one dreaded number on the scale.

But this stage of life is not a crisis. It’s a turning point. For the first time, women are starting to understand that the old ‘eat less, do more cardio’ approach won’t work here. That strength not starvation is what moves the needle. That lifting weights, fuelling properly, and managing stress are not luxuries but essential tools for this chapter.

And most importantly – that we deserve to feel strong in every sense of the word.

Physical strength is obvious. We want muscles that support our joints, protect our bones, and carry us through the next 30-40 years of life with confidence.

Strength training reduces injury risk, boosts metabolism, stabilises mood, improves sleep, and helps fight back

against menopause’s natural muscle loss.

But there’s another strength women are finally embracing. Mental strength.

• The strength to set boundaries.

• The strength to say ‘no’ without explaining ourselves.

• The strength to prioritise our own wellbeing.

• The strength to start over at any age.

• The strength to look at the life we have and say, ‘I deserve better for myself’.

In my own journey and in every woman who walks into EmpowerFit I’ve seen this shift happen. Women who once lived by numbers start living by how they feel, not what they weigh. Women who once said ‘I can’t’ now walk out the door saying, ‘I just did’. Women who once hid their bodies start celebrating what their bodies can do.

So, if you’re reading this and you feel stuck…

• If you feel the scales define your day…

• If you feel like you’ve lost pieces of yourself along the way…

• I want you to remember something: You are more than a number.

• You are strength.

• You are experience.

• You are resilience.

• You are the woman who kept going when life got heavy.

• And now, you get to lift the weight on your terms.

Strength training isn’t about looking a certain way – though that’s a lovely bonus.

It’s about taking ownership of your health, your confidence, and your future.

Midlife isn’t the end of something.

It’s the beginning of you becoming the strongest version of yourself.

Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.

In every way that matters.

Olivia Prendergast runs EmpowerFit Strength & Wellness Centre

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December 2025

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Alison Corrigan on playing football again… after scoliosis surgery

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December 2025

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‘I’m happy to talk to kids about my experience of scoliosis… it’s great to be able to say it wasn’t all for nothing’

C

Kevin Egan

‘‘

“I had to get two rods either side of my spine with 30 screws holding it all in place.

Pat Kiely was my surgeon, he was very good, I’ve had absolutely no problems with it”.

lub or county, women or men, adult or underage, there are some shouts that are universal to every type of football that’s played out there.

‘Give it in’ is a classic, though younger supporters have swapped it for more modern terms like ‘switch’ and ‘recycle’.

We won’t go too deep into some of the things that are directed at the referee, who is invariably cited as the cause of everyone’s problems.

It’s also not unusual for a tackle situation to have one half of the crowd roaring “Steps!” with the other half imploring some combination of the referee and the defence to “let them out” or for some unknown third party to provide a saddle, for whatever reason.

‘Bend your back’ is another classic, though if the team in action was the Four Roads ladies, one player could be forgiven for looking up into the crowd with a wry smile if she heard that one.

Alison Corrigan was a highly promising young player as she came to the end

of her primary school years, leading to her selection for Roscommon underage development squads. It was at one of those games where her mother Christina, a nurse, became increasingly suspicious that for all Alison’s competitiveness, her athletic ability and her talent, something wasn’t quite right with her movement and her posture.

After getting a second opinion from another player’s mother, also with a medical background, a trip to Ballygar to see Dr Martin Daly was arranged immediately. He corroborated their suspicion that something was awry, and an X-ray in Roscommon was set up to confirm.

“I remember coming out of the X-ray room and there was an X-ray up on the screen where someone’s spine was in a big ‘S’ shape. Mam said, ‘that’s yours’, so that was a wake-up call,” is how Alison remembers that spring afternoon in 2017.

For those who haven’t any first or secondhand experience of the condition, scoliosis has become something of a lightning rod when it comes to criticism of the Irish health service.

For those in positions of responsibility, it’s a perfect storm; delays in treatment have huge negative effects on quality of life and the chances of anything close to a meaningful recovery, while in some cases, excessive delays can lead to patients becoming inoperable due to the severity of their condition. But surgical procedures are difficult and expensive, and building capacity has proved challenging, particularly in a world where political reality is a factor in decision-making.

Government figures show that there were 513 paediatric spinal surgeries completed last year, a 10 per cent increase on 2023 and a 35 per cent rise compared to 2019.

Yet waiting lists remain stubbornly long, just as they were towards the end of the last decade.

“I had my surgery on August 30th, 2019,” Alison says. “I was on the waiting list for Galway but not much was happening there so I was transferred to Crumlin. Mam and Dad had to do a lot of pushing and make a lot of calls to even get the surgery done when it was”.

And as someone who’s been in the system, is there any nuanced reason why

Alison Corrigan pictured with her Dad, Eamonn. Photo: Michael Finan.

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December 2025

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the lack of action is more understandable than the man or woman on the street might realise?

“No, not really,” she replies.

But this isn’t a political chat, so we move back to familiar territory, which is the pathway back to playing football.

“I had to get two rods either side of my spine with 30 screws holding it all in place.

Pat Kiely was my surgeon, he was very good, I’ve had absolutely no problems with it”.

No problems maybe, but a new reality all the same. Contact sport was ruled out so she has played her last game of camogie, but with football a non-contact sport, for now at least, she straight away set about getting back on the pitch, a journey that took roughly a year.

“I was such a tomboy growing up, it didn’t bother me how I looked – I only cared about sport and how my body would perform. I think that was a lot of the reason… I didn’t

want to have a surgery. But he’s had loads of people going back playing football, as long as it’s non-contact. I know the LGFA are on about going back to contact, so in a selfish way I kind of hope it doesn’t, even though it probably would be better for the game,” she admits.

Of course, it’s no-contact in the same way that high tackles aren’t allowed in rugby, or you can’t pull a jersey playing football or soccer. There are the rules, and then there’s what happens on the pitch.

“I have got a few hits and it might take a day or two and you’d really feel it probably more than someone else would but it’s all fine,” is how Alison describes it, though it’s hard to know if she’d be as frank if she had her doctor or surgeon on the other side of the kitchen table for the conversation.

“Any time I get (hit) it feels like a big shock because I can’t feel my back so straight away I’m thinking ‘Oh God, can I move my toes?’.

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My friends would have their hearts in their mouths straight away”.

She admits that it does factor into her decision-making on the pitch as while she relies on speed, she’s more reluctant than most to take the ball into a potential tackle situation.

“Laura Harrison (Four Roads LGFA manager) would say I never took on my player this year, it’d nearly be in the back of my head that if I can’t run past them I’m not going to get through them”.

While others might look on with amazement that it’s possible to emerge from a condition like this and get back out onto the pitch at all, never mind worry about her ability to break the defensive line, the memory of where she used to be at before her surgery makes it hard for Alison to be anything other than critical of her own form right now. That’s even though she is incredibly restricted in terms of her range of movement and what she can safely attempt on the pitch.

“I’d say I’m more competitive than before,” she says. “If we’re doing sprints in training and I’m not winning them, I’m thinking I’ve no excuse not to win these because that has to be the best part of my game. I’m sure the girls would be able to tell you I was very vocal like before surgery, demanding effort, demanding the ball. I kind of feel like I’m not playing well enough myself to do that to the same extent now.”

It speaks volumes about the road that Alison has travelled that she has raised the bar to that level, measuring herself by the same standards as someone who hasn’t had to have titanium parts introduced to their frame.

Yet it’s precisely because she has made that journey that she’s very happy to talk about her condition, in particular to others who are a lot further back on that same road.

“Pat Kiely asked if I’d talk to the younger kids, and I’m happy to. I do that myself anyway. If Mam or Dad knew anyone whose children were going through it, maybe their nieces or nephews, I don’t mind helping out. I think it’s great to be able to say it wasn’t all for nothing.

“I’d say I’m more “I was lucky I was so involved with sport. competitive than If you weren’t, you might start worrying before,” she about things like clothes and how they says.

“If we’re look. I have scarring from the base of doing sprints in my neck down to the base of my spine. training and I’m I wouldn’t really notice it, the only time really it’s going to be on show is on nights not winning them, out and then it’s dark anyway!”

I’m thinking I’ve And any concerns that her new role as no excuse not something of an ambassador for what life to win these after scoliosis surgery can be like might because that has alert opponents that she has an Achilles to be the best heel to attack? part of my game.

“I’d probably do it myself if it was the I’m sure the girls difference between winning and losing would be able a match. I wouldn’t hold it against them to tell you I was if that was what they went for!” she says very vocal like with a laugh. before surgery, Alison Corrigan’s spine might be reinforced, but her competitive instinct demanding effort, was always steely enough – no surgery demanding was needed there. the ball.

‘‘

Alison Corrigan pictured in Four Roads recently. Photo: Michael Finan.

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December 2025

10 tech predictions for 2026: Ireland’s next digital chapter The tech challenge: ‘This is no longer about keeping pace with global trends – it’s about shaping them’ I

‘‘

From Government-led digitalisation to private-sector moonshots, 2026 marks a year where strategic infrastructure matters as much as innovation itself.

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Emma Healy interviewed several stakeholders who will help forge Ireland’s digital future…

reland has never waited for permission to innovate. Its tech sector consistently outperforms countries many times its size, and as 2026 approaches, the pace is accelerating – AI adoption, digital construction, agri-tech, connectivity, drone logistics and publicsector digitalisation will anchor the next phase of national growth.

From Government-led digitalisation to private-sector moonshots, 2026 marks a year where strategic infrastructure matters as much as innovation itself. What follows is a snapshot of the forces shaping Ireland’s digital future – and the voices leading it.

1: Government sets the tone for 2026

Ireland’s digital direction is being set by Minister of State for Digitalisation, County Roscommon native Frank Feighan, who emphasises a stronger, more connected public service: “One of my first priorities is overseeing the opening of the new State Data Centre and building upon the work already done to use data more effectively to inform government policy and solve people’s problems.”

A flagship move for 2026 is the Government Digital Wallet, designed to modernise identity and verification: Frank Feighan: “People already use electronic tickets and boarding passes on their phones. The Government wants to do something similar with proofs of name and address, age verification, driving licences and more – and the public will help shape what features are prioritised.”

Feighan also plans to launch Ireland’s first GovTech initiative: “This will encourage start-ups and SMEs to work with Government to build technical solutions for difficult challenges. It will almost certainly be the vehicle to explore AI for improving public services.”

Frank Feighan on digital skills: “The ICT Apprenticeship scheme has been a great success. I will shortly announce a new Data Analysis Apprenticeship.

Government must be an exemplar in the safe and transparent use of AI.” Into 2026 and beyond, the Government is preparing to be a major adopter – and shaper – of next-generation digital tools.

2: AI gets practical – and its weaknesses become clear

After years of hype, 2026 will be about using AI for real results. Irish companies – from local SMEs to major multinationals – are applying AI to logistics, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and customer operations.

A major shift is the rise of small, taskspecific models running on local devices, offering speed, privacy and lower cost.

Yet AI still has notable weaknesses that

demand attention in 2026: *It can be outright inaccurate *It struggles with cultural nuance *Its ‘creativity’ is fundamentally recombination *It requires strong human oversight, especially in healthcare, law, finance, public services and media

Irish businesses are learning that AI works best as an enhancer – not a replacement.

The winners in 2026 will be those that pair automation with sound human judgment.

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3: Data centres: efficiency improves, but resilience and energy become critical

Ireland’s data-centre sector continues to expand and draw debate, especially around energy. Themes such as renewable integration, heat recapture, advanced cooling and demand-response grid participation, float as possible improvements to the challenges of power supply.

Projects in Dublin and the Midwest are already turning excess heat into usable energy for nearby developments. The sector understands it must balance growth with efficiency, and the technology to do that is rapidly maturing.

Internationally, the pace of innovation is accelerating: Dubai’s Moro Hub opened as the world’s largest solar-powered data centre Microsoft launched a 100% ‘carbon-free’ cloud data-centre region in Sweden Google is investing US$1bn in Finland to convert data-centre waste heat into district heating

capacity in an open market.

“Lower the average price of a gigabyte and the whole economics of connectivity changes. You get denser networks, new industries – EY with Rivada has modelled this. It’s transformative.”

But Ireland faces an additional urgent challenge: infrastructure vulnerability.

Declan Ganley: Ireland’s core connectivity risk When he spoke to Roscommon People Plus, technology entrepreneur Declan Ganley delivered a stark warning on the challenges Ireland faces with advanced connectivity: “Our whole economy is almost entirely reliant on a handful of subsea cables. Taking out Ireland’s subsea infrastructure is really, really easy to do – and it’s very low-hanging fruit.”

He’s blunt about the lack of contingency: “The defence seems to be: ‘Well, no one would do that to us.’ That’s a plan – but not a good one. We have no redundant backhaul whatsoever.”

His company, Rivada, has spent years developing the Outernet – a space-based, laser-linked network for governments and critical infrastructure: “It’s not about connecting homes. It’s an alternative network for governments and major corporations – keeping critical traffic alive if the subsea cables go down.”

He also notes the Irish Government has

And on energy strategy: Declan Ganley: “We cannot destroy rural Ireland with wind turbines and seas of Chinese solar glass to power data centres in North County Dublin. SMRs – small modular reactors – are the future. They have a tiny footprint and would give us cheap, abundant power. Ireland needs a plan for this.”

Declan Ganley

not engaged with the project: “We have €18bn in signed MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with large corporations and governments – and a contract with the US Navy – but Ireland hasn’t even spoken to us. Maybe they have a better idea.”

On wireless markets: Declan Ganley: “Ireland could be one of the first in the world to do this, if not the first; in creating an open-access wholesale market for wireless capacity. So instead of having our cellular networks operating the way you have now, you’d have a pricing of

Ganley’s message: Ireland’s digital ambitions now require hard, urgent infrastructure decisions.

4: Regulation tightens, trust matters

Europe’s new AI and data rules take full effect in 2026. For Ireland – home to many of the world’s top tech firms – this means additional compliance responsibilities, but also a competitive advantage.

Ireland’s own Data Protection Commission, already one of the most influential digital regulators in Europe due to the number of global tech headquarters located here, will play a major role in interpreting and enforcing these rules. Its decisions often set practical standards for the entire EU market.

Internationally, regions like the UAE are moving quickly on AI infrastructure and data-centre deployment. Ireland’s advantage lies in pairing innovation with strong regulatory oversight – giving businesses both speed and trust.

Companies operating in Ireland will need clearer frameworks around automation, risk, and transparency.

While it may feel bureaucratic, a strong regulatory environment reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a stable, rulesbased location for global digital business – and one where trust is treated as a competitive asset.

‘‘

“Ireland could be one of the first in the world to do this, if not the first; in creating an open-access wholesale market for wireless capacity.

So instead of having our cellular networks operating the way you have now, you’d have a pricing of capacity in an open market.

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December 2025

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December 2025

5: Drones take to the skies

‘‘

“Ireland is the best place in the world to build a moonshot like Manna.

We have a very pro-business government, an industrial-scale aviation regulator who is a leader in the field of drones, and of course – the best tech talent on the planet”.

Following successful trials in Dublin and Galway, Irish drone-delivery firm Manna is preparing for major expansion in 2026.

Bobby Healy, CEO of Manna, gives a clear picture of what’s coming in 2026: “Our target is to deploy about 400-500 aircraft doing 2-3 million deliveries annually. These aircraft will be deployed across Ireland, the UAE and the USA, with one or two other countries possible towards the latter half of 2026.

“It’s a huge market in Ireland, and we are excited about bringing it to most counties. While our initial focus is on Dublin and Cork, we do intend to make the service available everywhere.

Especially Roscommon! Our ability to grow will depend on finding local sites to fly from that have good local businesses and large communities within our operating range of 3-6km.

“Ireland is the best place in the world to build a moonshot like Manna. We have a very pro-business government, an industrial-scale aviation regulator who is a leader in the field of drones, and of course – the best tech talent on the planet.

“Ordering something that lands in your back garden five minutes after you placed the order will be as normal as a ham sandwich within the next few years. Pharmacy, food, books, hardware – just about everything. And important services like hospital samples, blood delivery, and emergency defibrillators have all been trialled. We hope to roll these out alongside other applications of the service.”

Nationwide adoption still depends on regulation, noise, community buy-in

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Their immersive BIM room changes how clients make decisions: “Clients can see how a project will look before it’s built. This wasn’t possible using older 2D methods.”

On offsite growth: “It improves quality and safety and improves programme deadlines because we are not waiting for certain areas of a construction site to become available.”

On digital-first operations: “We have been a paperless company for years and have embraced the transition to digital construction.”

Bobby Healy, CEO of Manna

and site availability. But with evolving EU rules for BVLOS (Beyond visual line of sight) operations, Ireland could be among the first countries where drone delivery becomes part of daily life.

6: Digital construction & offsite manufacturing Ireland’s construction sector is modernising rapidly – driven by BIM, offsite prefabrication, digital twins and smart building systems.

Padraic King, Associate Director (Technology & Innovation) at Roscommon/Leitrim-based King & Moffatt, describes the shift: “We have recently invested into our Innovation and Technology Hub… We continue to build on our BIM expertise so our 3D modelling team can develop 3D models to a level of detail that allows us to build elements offsite and deliver them to projects in Ireland, the UK and Europe.”

On digital twins and AI: “Our BMS division works closely with our BIM managers because we believe digital twins will be the future for managing buildings when they are constructed or renovated.

“AI is bringing benefits across our processes – and it will be integral from estimation through to handover and managing buildings into the future.”

King & Moffatt are setting a standard for modern construction: high-quality, predictable, safe and digital.

7: Agri-Tech becomes a major growth area

Ireland’s €18bn agricultural sector is undergoing a rapid digital shift.

Expect broader adoption of: · Herd-health monitoring sensors · Drone and satellite pasture mapping · Smart soil-quality and irrigation systems With labour shortages and tighter

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December 2025

December 2025

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Padraic King, Associate Director (Technology & Innovation) at Roscommon/Leitrim-based King & Moffatt

margins, agri-tech is becoming essential – and younger founders working alongside experienced farmers may position Ireland as a leader in farm-level digital innovation.

8: Cybersecurity goes mainstream for homes and businesses

Rising cyber-fraud means 2026 could be the year cybersecurity becomes an everyday priority for households and small businesses.

What’s likely: · Irish families adopting home network protection · SMEs shifting to managed cybersecurity services · Insurers requiring baseline cyberdefence measures · Retail and hospitality using AIdriven fraud detection Cybersecurity becomes no longer a specialist domain, but a basic requirement for protecting livelihoods.

9: The new infrastructure race: edge and quantum

Ireland’s next infrastructure advances go far beyond 5G. Edge computing, lowlatency connectivity and space-based networks are merging – and quantum sits on the horizon.

Declan Ganley sees quantum as transformative: “Major things are happening in quantum right now. When we reach quantum singularity – when quantum is really working – it will change everything.”

Quantum could: Create new materials Break current encryption Redesign manufacturing Transform energy Accelerate innovation beyond anything seen – even make flying cars plausible Ganley links quantum to existing risks: “We will see major security breaches on one hand – and huge breakthroughs on the

other. Every industry will be affected.”

Quantum won’t be mainstream in 2026, but early developments in materials science, security and optimisation will influence long-term planning. Ireland’s challenge will be building infrastructure that’s ready for what comes next.

10: The maturing Irish tech identity

Irish start-ups are scaling faster than ever across multiple sectors. With strong ties between universities, accelerators and investors, Ireland is building a more selfsufficient innovation ecosystem.

Dublin remains dominant, but Cork, Galway and Limerick are rising.

Ireland’s strengths lie in practical innovation and the ability to turn emerging technologies into workable solutions.

Ireland’s next digital chapter is not just about keeping up. It’s about influencing the direction of the global tech conversation.

This is no longer about keeping pace with global trends – it’s about shaping them.

‘‘

“We have recently invested into our Innovation and Technology Hub… We continue to build on our BIM expertise so our 3D modelling team can develop 3D models to a level of detail that allows us to build elements offsite and deliver them to projects in Ireland, the UK and Europe.”

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December 2025

Calling on Roscommon to ‘Gift a Book’ “

…. and change a child’s life this Christmas

It’s so much more than a book – it’s the gift of reading which can be lifelong and life-changing for a child.” That’s the message from national charity, Children’s Books Ireland as they launched their annual ‘Gift a Book’ appeal.

Children’s Books Ireland are calling on people in Roscommon to support this year’s ‘Gift a Book’ appeal which will see over 2,000 books delivered to children in need across Ireland, including those accessing support services, experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision centres in Roscommon.

Building on the success of last year’s appeal, which raised over €15,000 through generous public donations, Children’s Books Ireland is once again partnering with community groups and charities – including Solas Project, Novas, Barnardos, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and New Horizon Refugee Support – to ensure that a brilliant book reaches a child in time for Christmas.

Titles to be gifted to children this year come from a range of Irish artists, which Children’s Books Ireland hope will ignite a lifelong love of reading, including ‘Let’s Play Rugby’ by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard and illustrated

by Ashwin Chacko, ‘Letters to a Monster’ by Patricia Forde and illustrated by Sarah Warburton, and ‘Solo’ by Gráinne O’Brien.

The benefits of reading throughout childhood are well documented.

Dr Emer Smyth’s 2024 study, ‘Arts and Cultural Participation among Children and Young People: Insights from the Growing Up in Ireland Study’, found that socio-emotional difficulties at age five were less common among children whose parents read to them regularly at age three, even after accounting for initial levels of emotional wellbeing.

The study found these benefits

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extend into later childhood with children aged 9-13 who read for enjoyment more frequently achieving higher levels in reading and maths, being happier, more self-confident as learners, and experiencing fewer socioemotional difficulties.

Yet Children’s Books Ireland’s recent research report, ‘Children and Young People’s Reading in Ireland 2025’, found that more than one in five children under the age of four are not being read to. The report also highlighted a significant and worrying decline in book ownership among children of all ages since 2023.

Learn more about the ‘Gift a Book’ appeal and donate at childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.

Pictured at the recent launch of Children’s Books Ireland ‘Gift A Book’ appeal were children and staff from charity partner Solas Project in Dublin 8.

PIC: JULIEN BEHAL POTOGRAPHY

Pictured at the recent launch of the Children’s Books Ireland ‘Gift A Book’ appeal. PIC: JULIEN BEHAL POTOGRAPHY

December 2025

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Memories & Magic

Christmas Q&A With Ava Brehon & Grace McDermott

Drumshanbo Mart PLC PSRA Licence no. 3868

George Bannon – Roscommon Sports

What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

Waking up on Christmas morning and seeing all the presents from my brothers and sisters.

Favourite Christmas song?

‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Eat plenty, sleep plenty and take good walks!

Do you think Christmas starts too early?

Is it over-commercialised?

Yes, it starts too early.

It should be celebrated from December 1st.

What’s your favourite Christmas food?

A turkey dinner followed by mince pies.

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What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

Leaving the cookies out for Santa.

Favourite Christmas song?

Fairytale of New York.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

The Santa Claus.

What’s your favourite Christmas food?

I do love the turkey and ham dinner.

Do you think Christmas starts too early? Is it over-commercialised?

No, I love Christmas.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

To spend more time with the kids.

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Watching Christmas movies, and taking it easy with the kids.

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December 2025

What if it doesn’t feel like ‘The most wonderful time of the year’?

Minding your mental health over Christmas

Alannah Ita Healy

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t is a lucky thing for many of us that the Christmas period indeed feels like ‘the most wonderful time of the year’; a time of great joy and festivity, a period associated with warmth, giftgiving, family, and home.

Yet for many people, the season carries a quieter, more difficult side – one marked by stress, grief, or a sense of not quite measuring up to the festive ideal.

The holidays have a way of magnifying whatever we are feeling. Excitement may feel brighter, but grief can feel sharper, and loneliness can feel all the more difficult to grapple with when the rest of the world seems to be celebrating togetherness.

Financial pressures, family tensions, disrupted routines, and the expectation to ‘be merry’ all contribute to heightened stress as well, and while these challenges are common, they are often quietly carried, masked behind polite smiles and social obligations. But as we all know, it is important to speak openly about mental health during the holidays, so that people know they are not alone in the struggles they’re facing.

For many, it is grief that takes a particularly significant emotional toll. Christmas has a powerful nostalgia to it; traditions remind us of who we were with, where we were, and what life looked like once before. For those who have lost loved ones, the holidays can intensify their absence. Even years after a loss, the season can stir waves of memory and longing, and it can be hard to ignore the empty seat at the table. But acknowledging this grief, rather than suppressing it, can allow us to honour our feelings and our loved ones by taking the opportunity to remember them fondly. Creating new traditions or gently adjusting old ones can also help balance remembrance with healing.

In a similar vein, loneliness and social isolation in general is another significant concern. Despite the ubiquity of gatherings and events, many people enter the season without close connections or supportive relationships. This is especially true for older adults, individuals estranged from family, or those living far from home. During Christmas, the contrast between one’s personal circumstances and the image of cheerful togetherness can be profoundly painful. Checking in on friends, neighbours, and colleagues –especially those who may be spending the season alone – can make a

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meaningful difference. Small gestures of connection often carry far more warmth than we realise.

For some, it is simply the change in routines and the sheer busyness of the season that disrupts healthy habits. Rich food, increased alcohol consumption, and a packed schedule can all affect mood and resilience. And though it can feel hard to avoid partaking in such things during the holidays, being mindful of rest, nutrition, movement, and time for solitude – even in small amounts – can help maintain emotional balance.

On a practical level, financial stress can also undermine mental wellbeing. Buying gifts, hosting meals, travelling, or even just participating in holiday outings can create a financial burden.

And in times of economic uncertainty, where we are all grappling with a heightened cost of living, these pressures become even more pronounced.

The financial stress that comes with the season is near ubiquitous and more than understandable, but often setting realistic budgets, declining costly commitments, or choosing simpler forms of generosity can help offset the pressure somewhat.

In general, planning ahead like this can be very grounding for those who know Christmas may be a difficult time for them. This might include scheduling downtime, identifying supportive friends to contact, creating meaningful rituals or coping strategies… whatever is needed. And if professional support is required, reaching out as soon as possible can make all the difference.

December 2025

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Athlone Samaritans: ‘We’re here for you’

Luckily, for people who do need it, there are wonderful supports available locally for those who find themselves struggling over the holidays. One such support is the Athlone Midlands branch of the Samaritans, a non-judgmental, confidential listening service, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or who just needs to talk to someone in complete confidence about something that is bothering them.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, Deirdre

Memories & Magic

Collins (Athlone Midlands Samaritans) explained, “The Samaritans encourage the caller to talk about whatever is on their minds; they don’t offer advice, but they do explore options with the caller which often leads to the caller being able to find ways through their own problem.

“There are no typical calls, as calls can be relating to family issues, loneliness and isolation, addiction, relationship problems, depression or any issue that callers may find stressful in their lives”, she said.

The Athlone Midlands Samaritans have 90

CHRISTMAS… in famous quotes “Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever” – Richelle E. Goodrich “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality” – Washington Irving

Christmas Q&A

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” – Will Ferrell

With Ava Brehon & Grace McDermott

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love” – Hamilton Wright Mabie

Shirley Spellman – Future Flowers What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

Watching the movie Home Alone.

Favourite Christmas song?

Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea. What is your favourite Christmas movie?

Home Alone.

What’s your favourite Christmas food?

Cranberry sauce.

Do you think Christmas starts too early? Is it over-commercialised?

Yes, I definitely think Christmas is over-commercialised.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

Yes, but it never happens. I have great intentions to do more exercise but it never quite happens!

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Catching up with family.

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas” – Peg Bracken

volunteers and take an average of 2,000 calls a month. The branch’s catchment area is Westmeath, Offaly, Longford and Roscommon, but calls are accepted from anywhere in the country.

Deirdre highlighted that the branch is welcoming anyone in need to contact the service over the holidays, noting, “Athlone Director Anne McGrath would like to remind people that the Samaritans are available over the long Christmas period, including Christmas Day, on freecall 116 123, 24 hours a day.”

Memories & Magic

Christmas Q&A With Ava Brehon & Grace McDermott

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favourite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending” – Fred Rogers “At Christmas, all roads lead home” – Marjorie Holmes “One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly” – Andy Rooney “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other” – Burton Hills “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same” – Donald E. Westlake “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts” – Janice Maeditere “We count down the days just to experience it nearly exactly as we always have. It is so comfortable, familiar and perfectly nostalgic that, frankly, we have no desire to improve upon it at all” – Joanna Gaines “I don’t think Christmas is necessarily about things.

It’s about being good to one another, it’s about the Christian ethic, it’s about kindness” – Carrie Fisher

Niamh – Niamh’s Party Palace What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

When my brother would come home from Dublin when he was training as a Garda and we would get to see him – that’s my favourite memory.

Favourite Christmas song?

Oh, it would have to be Feliz Navidad. I love dancing to it!

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

The Grinch. I love The Grinch!

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Baileys coffee!

What’s your favourite Christmas food?

It has to be my Mam’s stuffing.

Do you think Christmas starts too early? Is it overcommercialised?

It’s definitely over-commercialised. The festive season starts too early.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

I don’t believe in them!

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December 2025

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Thanks to our Advertisers, Sponsors & Volunteers Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

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December 2025

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Mary Gleeson’s Christmas Dinner Tips

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s we become more aware than ever of hunger in our world and as we enjoy everyday access to foods and ingredients from every corner of the globe, my thoughts at this wonderful time of year turn to what truly matters.

For me, the essence of the season is simple: enjoy the important things. Shop locally. Don’t waste. And treasure time with family, children, and grandchildren.

Watching all the Christmas lights come on in our lovely Roscommon (thanks to the incredible work of the Christmas Lights volunteers) is pure magic.

My favourite seasonal treats

• Warm homemade mince pies in Gleeson’s with fresh cream • Local bronze turkey from Castlemine Farm (calculate your cooking time well in advance – not on Christmas morning!)

• Cranberry sauce with port, orange juice, and zest • Homemade bread sauce • Proper gravy and stuffing • Roast parsnips A few tips I’ve learned along the way: • Prep all your vegetables the day before.

• When the turkey comes out of the oven, it can rest for up to an hour, lightly covered with tin foil and a tea towel.

• While the turkey is resting, finish your roast parsnips (glazed with a little maple syrup!) and your roast potatoes in the oven.

• Bread sauce is best made on the day – it’s quick and delicious.

• Gravy, cranberry sauce, and stuffing can all be made well in advance and kept in the freezer.

• Two days later – when all the meat has been stripped from the bones – make a big pot of stock. Keep all your vegetable peelings in a freezer bag; add them to the pot along with quartered unpeeled onions, celery, leeks, more carrots, parsley, thyme, or whatever you have to hand. Cover with cold water and add lots of peppercorns (no salt).

Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for four hours. Strain, cool, and freeze.

It makes wonderful soups and gravies – and it’s a fantastic bone broth when clean living kicks in again!

Mary Gleeson of Gleeson’s, The Square, Roscommon town.

My favourite Christmas Cocktail – The Poinsettia

Ingredients: 1 x 75cl bottle of prosecco, chilled 25ml Cointreau, chilled 500ml cranberry juice, chilled Mix everything together in a large jug and enjoy.

A little tip on Canapés Better to make a lot of a few things than a lot of many things.

One of my favourites, from Nigella’s Christmas Cookbook, is Crab Crostini.

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December 2025

Tom Crosby STROKESTOWN/BOYLE ELECTORAL AREA

Ballytoohey, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon

Phone: 086 6005530 Email: cllrtomcrosby@gmail.com

www.tomcrosby.ie facebook.com/ tomcrosby

twitter.com/cllrtomcrosby

I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all my constituents for a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and a healthy, prosperous New Year

IRISH CULTURE IN ACTION AT TARMON HARBOUR Cllr Tom Crosby demonstrates traditional hurling skills to international visitor Ren Takumi from Japan, as fellow International guests observe while visiting his Tarmon Harbour Marina in Tarmonbarry.

St Francis Nursing Home, Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 DC 84 Email: info@stfranciskilkerrin.ie • Website: stfranciskilkerrin.ie Telephone: (094) 96 59230 / 086 603 7434 56

December 2025

Roscommon

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What is Roscommon Public Participation Network?

P P N

Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN) is the main link through which Roscommon County Council connects with the Community and Voluntary, Social Inclusion and Environmental sectors within the county. The network is managed by the PPN membership through its Secretariat and is hosted by Roscommon County Council and their associated staff.

Community & Voluntary

Environmental

What do we do?

Roscommon PPN was established to enable communities to have greater involvement with the Local Authority and to give the community a greater voice and influence on issues and policies of interest to them. The PPN facilitates this by electing community representatives onto local decision making structures in Roscommon County Council and beyond. These include: Roscommon County Council Strategic Policy Committees (SPC’s)

Social Inclusion

Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)

Our Vision

County Roscommon Heritage Forum

“Our Vision is to Enable, Inspire and Empower Communities across County Roscommon”

Local Community Safety Partnership

Enabling, Inspiring and Empowering

The Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF)

Communities across Co. Roscommon

In addition, the PPN also provides capacity building opportunities for member groups including:

County Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Committee

Training

Workshops

Information Sessions

Networking Events

www. roscommonppn.ie

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Sales weekly Wishing all our customers a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026.

From Management and Staff, Castlerea Mart.

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December 2025

For the love of Pod Emma Whitney

Many of us find ourselves

scrolling through an endless feed of content on the morning commute or when lying on the couch in the evening.

This slightly mindless consumption of media might scratch an itch in the moment, but ultimately it leaves us wanting more, without having really taken anything in.

One way to stop doomscrolling is to be mindful of what we’re watching or listening to online. Podcasts can be a great way to learn something new or to keep up with events in politics, pop culture, and sport (for example).

Podcasts in particular have exploded in popularity in recent years, becoming an essential part of many people’s morning travel commute. From politics to sports, here are some podcasts you should consider cueing up in 2026.

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December 2025

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1 Lifestyle/comedy

There is no shortage of influencer podcasts for a light and entertaining start to your day. I’m Grand Mam, hosted by PJ Kirby and Kevin Twomey, focuses on the duo’s experiences of growing up gay in Ireland.

Ellie Kelly and Charleen Murphy’s Hold my Drink has just come off another successful live tour across the country but you can easily tune into their weekly show on Spotify.

The Dublin-based influencers recount dating horrors, and juicy confessions, as well as giving advice to listeners.

2 Gaeilge

Interest in Gaeilge has exploded in recent years with groups like Kneecap and Irish language films giving the teanga a huge boost.

Grá for our national language has never been stronger and if you’re interested in picking up a cúpla focal, listening to a podcast as Gaeilge is a great way to do so.

Tune into Gaeilge Weekly by Learn Irish Online if you’re just dipping your toes in or if you would like a bit more of a challenge, try How To Gael hosted by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Louise Cantillon, and Síomha Ní Ruairc.

Another way to keep up with the teanga is by following Irish language content creators on TikTok or Instagram.

3 Politics and Current Affairs

The Indo Daily, created by the Irish Independent, is a fantastic all-rounder podcast where they delve into the big news items of the week in a digestible manner.

Expect episodes with a focus ranging from current affairs and true crime, to contemporary culture and sports news.

Several episodes are released weekly and each one is generally 20 minutes long.

Another great current affairs and news podcast to listen to on your commute is The Rest is Politics, hosted by UK political heavyweights Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart.

The pair dive into the latest news, both in Europe and further afield – as well as bringing their insider knowledge and experience from their time in the Labour Party (Campbell), and the Conservative Party (Stewart).

5 Sport

4 Mental health

If you are a sports fan, make sure to catch Indo Sport (also from the Irish Independent) which covers all of the main sporting events, from cycling to rugby to soccer. You can expect multiple episodes a week.

If you are more of a GAA fan, RTÉ launched their GAA podcast last year. As you might expect, the RTÉ GAA Podcast focuses on all things GAA, hosted by The Sunday Game’s Jacqui Hurley and Rory O’Neill.

Newstalk’s Off the Ball has of course a range of popular sports podcasts too.

Christmas isn’t full of cheer for everyone.

You might be feeling stressed or blue – especially because of the big costs that can be associated with the season of celebration and gift-giving.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is just as pertinent as caring for your physical health, and one great way to do this is by tuning in to a guided meditation podcast.

If that’s not your thing, consider listening to podcasts that discuss mindfulness and self-care practices such as Mel Robbins’ hugely popular self-titled podcast.

Wherever your interests lie, there’s certain to be a podcast for you to listen to whether it be online, on Spotify, or Apple Music.

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December 2025

Are you the perfect neighbour?

Matthew Rhys stars as Nile Jarvis – most definitely not a good neighbour – in Netflix’s The Beast in Me! COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2025

From taking in parcels, watering plants and gifting chocolates – the top 30 ways to keep next door sweet, revealed Ever kept an eye on the house next door while your neighbours jet off on holiday, scooped up their Amazon deliveries, or dragged their bins back in? Then congratulations – you might just be Ireland’s perfect neighbour.

A new survey has revealed exactly what makes a top-notch neighbour in 2025 – and keeping an eye on the house when someone’s away tops the list, with 76% of the vote, followed by taking in parcels (60%) and keeping the noise down (57%).

Other acts of neighbourly love include not parking outside your house (28%), giving you advance warning before having a party (27%), and bringing your bins back in, with 32% admitting this keeps the peace.

Two in five (43%) say nothing beats receiving a thoughtful gift like chocolates from next door, while 18% love when neighbours invite them over for a BBQ. A further 16% agree that setting up a street WhatsApp group helps them feel closer to

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those around them.

Throwing the football back over the fence came in at 20%, while more than a quarter (24%) said looking after pets while owners are away is a sure-fire sign of a good neighbour.

According to the data, four in five (83%) think having good neighbours is important, with 59% insisting they are vital for happiness at home. Two-thirds (69%) believe neighbourly bonds are the secret to happier communities.

Only 63% of Galway people surveyed said they are friends with their neighbours, compared to the national average of 64%. Sligo comes out stronger with 75% of respondents being friends with their neighbours.

Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director at the Centre for Loneliness Studies, is working with Lily O’Brien’s chocolates which commissioned the research. Explaining why

local friendships help reduce loneliness, she said: “It’s clear from the research that having a close relationship with the people around us can make a huge difference to our lives, not only when it comes to them taking in a parcel but also to our overall wellbeing.

“Forming friendships within our local community or neighbourhood not only helps prevent and reduce loneliness by supporting meaningful connections with other people, but also enhances our sense of connection to place. It fosters a sense of belonging within the local neighbourhood, helping us feel more welcome, accepted, and confident to be ourselves.”

Despite a whopping 91% believing they are a good neighbour themselves, 28% admit they only know the person next door’s first name. On average, Irish people chat to neighbours 13 times a month, however it has been 47 days since most last had a proper conversation.

December 2025

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Raise A Glass This Christmas 2025 Wine Recommendations

Five classic neighbour ‘types’ (read it nervously!)

The research also uncovered the five classic neighbour ‘types’. ‘The Watcher’ is the most common, with 37% saying they live next to one – always at the window, always in the know.

Then comes ‘The Ghost’, spotted rarely but definitely there, with 35%. ‘The Elected Official’ follows closely at 28%, the go-to for advice and information. 12% admit to living alongside a ‘Party Animal’, with constant noise and endless guests, while 9% have encountered ‘The Borrower’ – forever asking for sugar, tools, or even your bath.

‘An epidemic of loneliness’

Speaking on the epidemic of loneliness, Sean Moynihan (CEO at ALONE) said, “Loneliness remains one of the greatest challenges facing older people in Ireland today. In 2024 alone, over 50% of older people who we supported reported loneliness.

“Simple acts of neighbourliness – a friendly chat, a thoughtful gesture, or even sharing a box of chocolates – can make a profound difference.

This Christmas, we’re asking everyone to ‘Share Your Warmth’ by reaching out to those around you. At ALONE, we see every day how these small moments build stronger communities and improve wellbeing. No one should feel alone.”

As the festive season approaches, 60% agree that small acts of kindness, from exchanging gifts to popping round for a cuppa, go a long way.

A quarter of Irish people, 25%, say giving and receiving presents like chocolates (43%), a handwritten card (41%), or a bottle of wine (36%) helps build bonds.

To find out more about the campaign please visit lilyobriens.ie/win-this-christmas-2025. This survey was carried out by Perspectus Global on behalf of Lily O’Brien’s between September 26th and October 1st 2025. The survey sample included 1,011 respondents.

Gift suggestions and bottles to have ready at home for when the guests arrive. Reasonably-priced wine recommendations from local off-licence owner, David Molloy (Molloy’s Carry Out, Main Street, Roscommon). Awards have been awarded by the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA). All available at Molloy’s Carry Out

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MOLLOY’S

Main Street, Roscommon. Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net

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December 2025

Carol’s Counselling Services Carol’s Counselling Service offers confidential counselling sessions to adults, adolescents and under 16’s through online and phone platforms.

Depending on your preference, Carol utilises WhatsApp as this convenient approach eliminates the hassle of waiting rooms, transportation and parking, enabling you to comfortably engage in counselling sessions from the comfort of your own home.

Carol also does face to face sessions every Wednesday from 9am to 5pm at Athlone Care Clinic, N37 V568, which is just across the road from Golden Island Shopping Centre.

Throughout her experience, Carol has successfully assisted individuals coping with depression, anxiety and stress using a variety of techniques including Person-Centred Therapy and Humanistic Approach.

Carol also offers low cost counselling, but availability is limited.

Call today to secure your spot.

Call Carol today on 087 605 1003 or email info@carolscounselling.ie or book an appointment through our website www.carolscounselling.ie

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December 2025

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A community in chorus Roscommon Men’s Choir performing during the Christmas Festival in Roscommon Town in December of 2023.

The uplifting rise and rise of Roscommon Men’s Choir Alannah Ita Healy

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n just two short years, the Roscommon Men’s Choir has grown from a small local fundraising-motivated initiative into one of the county’s most uplifting community success stories in recent years.

Formed in 2023 with the simple aim of singing for a good cause, the group has since then evolved into a 70-strong choir dedicated to charity, camaraderie, and the joy of

music, whose positive impact on the community was recognised earlier this year at a national level.

As winter settles in, the choir enters its busiest and brightest season – bringing songs, spirit, and solidarity to audiences across Roscommon, all while championing the power of connection in challenging times. The Roscommon Men’s Choir spoke to Roscommon People Plus about the group’s formation in October of 2023, with the intention at the time being to form a group to give a one-off performance to raise money for a local

charity, Vita House, that Christmas.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, one choir member explained: “Padraig O’Rourke, our founding member, put a call out to all his male contacts and got great uptake on the idea, including from a number of local musicians willing to provide a backing band for us.”

Despite previously having no plans to progress beyond that original fundraiser, following a number of successful performances at Christmas, and seeing the great feedback and support from the public, it was decided

to continue practising and performing.

Today, the choir boasts around 70 members in total, averaging between 30-35 performing at gigs.

“After performing in front of our local community in the Abbey Hotel and Loughnaneane Park and seeing the unexpected positive reaction, our confidence grew”, one choir member explained. “This confidence allowed us to reassess and understand that we may have something special here.

We met as a group and discussed continuing into the 2024 season with charity focus our priority.”

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December 2025

“There’s not a man, woman, or child on the planet who hasn’t been affected by tough times”

In the two years since its formation, the Roscommon Men’s Choir have held numerous performances in aid of charitable causes – including Vita House, Western Alzheimer’s, Hospice, and more – in total raising around €20,000.

According to founding member Padraig O’Rourke, “The formation of the choir was born out of the desire to give something back, and that continues to be our main drive.”

While speaking to the People, Padraig described the human impulse behind this desire to give back: “There’s not a man, woman, or child on the planet who hasn’t been affected by tough times that these wonderful services provide support for. On a personal note, Vita House provided such support to my wife and our family during her cancer treatment, in a way that no amount of money raised could repay.”

With winter being “the busiest time of year” for the choir according to one member, a lot of the group’s fundraising occurs during the festive season. When asked about “giving back at Christmas”, Padraig told the People, “I believe most are generous in their nature all year round but yes

Members of Roscommon Men’s Choir performing during the Christmas Festival in Roscommon Town.

the festive period does tend to bring out the best in us”.

Padraig highlighted the support shown to the choir by local people during the holidays.

“Us Rossies are right up there with the best in recognising and supporting those who may be in need. We appreciate our comforts while being

mindful of those who unfortunately have to yearn for them.”

Much more than a choir

In the two years since its formation, the Roscommon Men’s Choir has not only gone from strength to strength in terms of its continual fundraising

successes, but also in terms of its evolution as an outlet for its members – a friendly, social environment in which all are welcome.

Speaking to the Roscommon People, one member talked about the importance of fostering healthy communities for men, and how singing together can help alleviate

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stress and loneliness – especially during long winters nights.

“A large number of our members would have previously played in team environments, and when those years pass, there are not many outlets for men to meet up. With the choir, when we meet twice weekly, we have an opportunity to discuss life’s trials and tribulations with each other while getting a few songs in also! Singing is a proven way to alleviate stress as it is so uplifting.

“Each of us are always on the lookout for members who may need help or just an ear to listen to”, he noted. “The group is a recognised safe space for its members, and expressing feelings is welcomed and encouraged.

“The winter months see an uptake in attendance at practice as other commitments – whether it be family or club-related – lessen as the evenings get shorter, so it’s great for the lads to have something else to break up the working week and to meet up with friends.”

This strong community ethos was recognised at the national level earlier this year, when the choir was nominated for a 2025 IPB Pride of Place Award: “Recognition and social media testimonials from our community feeds our desire”, explained one choir member, “but our stand-out moment thus far would have to be representing Roscommon at the (awards ceremony), and the support we received from Roscommon County Council.”

The choir maintains a central

‘‘

“To answer simply ‘What type of person joins the choir?’ – Any man can join. Being able to sing is not actually a requirement… but it helps if you think you can!”

focus on providing a social outlet for its members, organising twiceweekly practices and numerous live performances throughout the year. The members range in age from 18 up to late 70s.

“We’re very clear in our ethos that all men are welcome”, one representative explained. “To answer simply ‘What type of person joins the choir?’ – Any man can join. Being able to sing is not actually a requirement… but it helps if you think you can!”

According to members, the choir balances embracing all levels of talent with fostering opportunities for improvement: “We are not a polished or classically trained choir, but we bring a vibrant energy to our performances and pride ourselves on our influential role in positive mental health awareness for men while providing entertainment for our audiences. We are continuing to grow in numbers with new members joining regularly, but we are also growing in terms of our abilities through workshops with experienced musical directors.”

Hitting the right notes

Over time, the choir has amassed a varied repertoire, ranging in genre

from classic rock and pop, to Irish ballads from the 1960s, to present-day music.

“Originally the song choices came naturally as it was all Christmas songs”, one member told the People.

“We picked the ones that suited our ability as a freshly formed group, while trying to find songs that would resonate with the public.

“Post-Christmas 2023, Padraig was the one that came up with a large amount of our non-Christmas repertoire”, he explained. “It had an underlying theme of love, shared strength, and resilience together.”

The choir’s song-choosing procedure has had another evolution in the time since however, with one member having developed an app for the group called RMC Buddy, where members can suggest songs and others can vote. The songs with the highest votes are trialled to see if they suit: “Some songs just work from the outset, while others need work, and some are just not a good fit for us.”

When asked if there is one Christmas song that always ‘clicks’ with the choir or the crowd, one member told the People: “I think ‘Silent Night’ is probably the most poignant and makes everyone – choir and audience

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– reflect while feeling hope. And it’s hard not to sing along to it. However ‘Fairytale of New York’ is probably more of a crowd-pleaser and really gets people feeling Christmassy!”

The most wonderful (and busy) time of the year

At the time of writing, the choir is looking ahead into its busiest period of the year: “We have the Christmas Craft fair in Boyle and Roscommon Town, the Festival of Folk night for Vita House in the Abbey Hotel on December 11th, a gig in The Railway Bar on the 21st of December, and The Great Glinsk Truck & Tractor run on the 28th but the big gig for us each year is the Christmas Festival under the tent in Loughnaneane Park”, one member explained.

“The fireworks draw a huge crowd so we are very lucky to piggyback on that and get exposure far beyond any other live performance. It’s also such a joyous time of year to perform; the crowd really warm to the Christmas spirit and seeing children singing and dancing is very heartwarming for us.”

“We hope people walk away from our performances feeling joyous, energised and uplifted not only by the songs but by taking inspiration from the ethos of the choir”, one member told the People in conclusion.

“The camaraderie, love, craic, awareness, and vulnerability within this group of men is what keeps it going and we hope to inspire other men to join or to seek out similar ways to foster resilience.”

Roscommon Men’s Choir received a Pride of Place Award in August 2025. Photographed are members of the Roscommon Men’s Choir with IPB Pride of Place Judges John Fitzgerald and Katrina Murphy, and Roscommon County Council Community Development staff Cathriona MacCarthy and Bridie McHugh.

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December 2025

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MURTAGH, MILESTONES & MEMORIES 67

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December 2025

• 122 appearances • 24 goals • 312 points • 12 years • 1 Ciaráin Murtagh

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December 2025

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One of Roscommon’s most gifted players of the past quarter-century has hung up his boots at inter-county level. SEAMUS DUKE spoke to Ciaráin Murtagh about 12 years living his boyhood dream

I

n late 2025 there have been a number of notable retirements from the Roscommon senior football squad. Donie Smith and Niall Daly have called time on their illustrious careers – as has Ciaráin Murtagh.

The St Faithleach’s man has played a starring role for Roscommon since 2014. He made 122 appearances for the county, scoring an impressive 24 goals and 312 points in that time.

Having missed the 2019 season – when he took a year out to go travelling – he returned to the fold in 2020.

He stepped away from the county scene again at the end of 2023, returning in time for the 2025 season. Ciaráin announced his retirement from inter-county senior football in October 2025.

Regarded as one of Roscommon’s best footballers of the last 25 years, Ciaráin captained his county to a Connacht senior football title in 2017, and won four National Football League Division Two titles during his career.

Ciaráin, who lives in Dublin with his wife Mary Lou, teaches at Our Lady of Victories National School in Ballymun.

So where did his interest in football begin?

How it started

“It started out in the back garden at home like a lot of other players, but when we came to underage football we started at the old St Faithleach’s pitch which was across the road from where their pitch is now.

“I was involved with Roscommon from the time I was 13 years of age – with the development panels that were in place at the time. As you know, that association with Roscommon continued until recently.”

Ciaráin’s dad Andy played senior football for St Faithleach’s for many years and was a huge influence on his career when he was younger.

“Yeah, he played for many years… and would you believe it, I actually saw him playing for Faithleach’s. I also saw him playing a soccer game, so they are great memories. Dad was a huge influence on all of us growing up.”

Older brother Brian was also a big influence on both Ciaráin and their brother, Diarmuid (a fellow Roscommon inter-county star).

“Brian was ahead of the two of us and we always looked up to him. He set the standards high and myself and Diarmuid just followed him.”

His memories of playing underage football for St Faithleach’s are fond ones.

“I remember that we had a very good U-14 team and we were the first team from the club to play in Division One at that grade. We had some

very good players on that team but we were a typical rural club, we struggled for numbers at times. But we always punched above our weight at underage level.”

Ciaráin’s first taste of football with Roscommon came with the development panels which were in operation at the time.

“There was an U-14 development panel that met and played in Kilbride. The coaches were Willie Hegarty and Peter Carney and there were many others there too, former players who were helping out. It was a great introduction to intercounty football and a chance to meet players from other clubs.”

Ciaráin then moved on to U-16 level, and at that stage competitions like the Ted Webb Cup and Fr Manning Cup were annual events. He maintains it’s a pity they are not being played any more.

“I think that they should have kept those competitions. A lot of players who went on to play for Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, Sligo and Leitrim played in the Ted Webb Cup and it was the same for the teams in the Manning Cup as well. We took those competitions very seriously and really enjoyed them.

“When we moved on to minor, the likes of Gary Wynne and Ross Shannon were team managers at that stage – and of course when we went to U-21, Nigel Dineen was in charge. All great coaches.”

Senior status

Losing the 2012 All-Ireland U-21 final to Dublin was a big disappointment.

“It was a big blow at the time, but when you look at some of the players on that Dublin team, it was a tremendous achievement (for Roscommon) to get to the final and do so well.”

Roscommon were beaten by 2-12 to 0-11 in Tullamore. On that Dublin team were Davy Byrne, John Small, Jack McCaffrey, Brian Fenton, Niall Scully, Paul Mannion, Cormac Costello and Conor McHugh.

Ciaráin was progressing – and getting noticed.

He made his senior debut for Roscommon in 2014. John Evans was the Roscommon manager at the time.

“I made my debut in a league game against Longford and in the championship my debut was against Leitrim (that year as well). But the day we played against Longford was extra-special because there would be a big rivalry in our area along the border – between the two counties – and that day Diarmuid also made his debut, so it was a big day for the two of us.”

Incidentally, Roscommon won that game at Pearse Park by 0-13 to 0-11. In the championship game against Leitrim, Roscommon won by 1-18

to 0-13, with Ciaráin scoring two points from play.

Interestingly, Ciaráin says that the gap between playing club football and inter-county football has narrowed considerably in latter years.

“There used to be a huge difference between playing club and county, but not so much in recent years.” He attributes this to the fact that a lot of clubs – “especially the bigger ones” – are now replicating so much of what inter-county panels do in terms of planning and preparation.

“But the intensity is increased at inter-county level for sure – and so is the pressure to perform.”

Good times

He greatly enjoyed his long stint representing Roscommon on pitches around the country.

“Oh I did. I got a good whack at it to be honest!

If you told me in 2014 that I would play over 100 times for Roscommon I would have taken your hand off. I look back on it proudly now.”

He has fond memories of every manager he played under for Roscommon.

“Every manager we had over the years brought different things to my game and to the team.

I look back on all the managers that we had positively.

“Kevin McStay gave me the honour of the captaincy in 2017 when we won the Connacht title. That was very special for me and the family, and for Roscommon football (the provincial win) too.”

Ciaráin decided to take a year out of the game when he was playing some of the best football of his career in 2019, travelling to Boston where he worked and played football. He missed out on a Connacht senior title win against Galway that year. Nonetheless, it’s a decision that he is very happy he took.

“I felt that it was the right thing to do at the time. Taking that time out gave me a chance to have a different perspective on life – in the USA – and I am delighted that I did it. I was fresh and rejuvenated when I came back.”

He also stepped away from the game in 2023 for a number of reasons.

“I had a lot going on personally and I felt I couldn’t give the commitment that was required so I opted out. I wasn’t sure whether I would get back again in 2025 but it worked out well in the end.”

How it ends

Ciaráin’s decision to wind up his inter-county career, announced in recent weeks, is a ‘final answer’.

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December 2025

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Two more warriors hang up their boots Seamus Duke

Ciaráin Murtagh (in action for St Faithleach’s). Photos: Bernie O’Farrell

“The decision is made now. I gave it all I could for as long as I could. I was beginning to pick up a few injuries and it would have been a few months more before I would be able to line out this time around so it was the best decision to make.”

Ciaráin, Donie Smith and Niall Daly have all decided to call time on their Roscommon careers over the past couple of months, meaning a lot of experience has been lost from the panel in one fell swoop.

“Myself and Donie and Niall would have soldiered together all the way up from juvenile and we would have played against each other with our clubs. It’s a lot of experience gone but there are plenty of talented younger players on the Roscommon panel who are gaining experience all the time and there is nothing wrong with young blood too. I am looking forward to seeing how the team will do over the next few years.”

Is he a good spectator? “I prefer to find a quiet corner when I am at a match… to see what teams are doing tactically. It’s not so easy to do that when you are in the middle of a crowd.”

The future is coaching

Is coaching something that he would be interested in? “Oh definitely. I am involved with the school team here in Ballymun and we won a Cumann na mBunscoil title in Croke Park recently, which was a huge thing for the kids involved. We got a great kick out of that.

“I would love to get into management or coaching if the opportunity ever came about. But for the moment I will just train away and play with St Faithleach’s.”

What players did he most admire during his long inter-county career?

“I would have definitely looked up to my big brother Brian all the way up the line, then there were lads like Seanie McDermott, Cathal Cregg and Donie Shine who showed us what it was to play for Roscommon. They were great role models for us.

“There were so many great players over the years

that I admired… I’m not going to name them (all) out, but those lads that I mentioned were a huge influence on us when it came to Roscommon.”

World beyond GAA!

As to interests beyond the GAA, travelling is a particularly fond one.

“Oh travelling is my big one (laughs). I absolutely love travelling with my wife (Mary Lou) and experiencing different cultures and we have been on many great holidays over the years.”

Ciaráin has a new role in the GPA (Gaelic Players Association) which he is excited about too.

“I am working with the GPA as a facilitator for mental health awareness and that’s something that I am passionate about. There will be workshops around the country making young people aware of their mental fitness as well as their physical fitness so that will keep me busy going forward. “

The Roscommon senior football squad has lost a lot of experience in the dressing room ahead of the 2026 season.

In July, Donie Smith called time on his intercounty career, having made his debut for the senior team back in 2012. He played 133 times for Roscommon, winning two Connacht SFC titles and four National Football League Division Two medals.

Donie was a superb corner-forward who could score from the placed ball as well as from play.

Over the years he kicked some spectacular longrange points for both Boyle and Roscommon.

Donie’s most famous score was probably in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Mayo in 2017 at Croke Park. The Boyle man scored a free from outside the 45-metre line in the 74th minute to secure a draw for the Rossies. The final score that day was Roscommon 2-9 Mayo 1-12.

Donie scored a huge total of 8 goals and 273 points over the course of his Roscommon career.

Scoring forwards are never easy to replace and that will be the case with Donie Smith.

Every team needs leaders and one of those, Niall Daly, decided to end his inter-county career in November. The teak-tough Pádraig Pearses man was a mainstay on the Roscommon team since making his championship debut in 2011.

His courage, intensity, and commitment were hallmarks of his career and he was a player that others looked up to over his many years in the trenches with Roscommon.

Despite the fact that Niall was a defender, he scored 2 goals and 52 points for Roscommon in his time. Many of those points were inspirational long-range efforts in big games, invariably lifting the crowd. Niall played 149 times for the Roscommon senior football team.

His leadership qualities will be missed in the Roscommon dressing room going forward. Niall Daly was one of our best players of the past 25 years.

Final thoughts

So how does Ciaráin think Roscommon will do in 2026?

“I think it’s great that we are in Division One. You have to be testing yourself against the best teams. I also think the appointment of Mark Dowd is a very exciting one and with Iain Daly and John Rogers there too… three great Roscommon lads. From what I have heard, Jason Sherlock is an excellent coach as well, so I have to say I am excited about the coming year.

“There are some very good young players coming through. St Brigid’s are doing well, Pearses have an excellent team too, and there are older lads on the panel that will be great leaders too, so I am really looking forward to 2026. I hope to be there at the matches to support them.

“I look back at my career very fondly and am grateful that I was able to play for so long. I would say to any young lad that has the chance to play for Roscommon to give it a go and give as much as you can for as long as you can and you will really enjoy it” he concluded.

Niall Daly and Donie Smith

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An Ireland for all

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New Roscommon senior football team manager Mark Dowd. Photo: Michael Finan.

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‘To be involved with your own county team brings a lot of pride and passion as well’

SEAMUS DUKE spoke with new Roscommon senior football team manager, MARK DOWD

W

hen Davy Burke decided to call time on his managerial stint with the Roscommon senior footballers, the consensus in the county was that it was time to hand the reins to a local man.

The number of suitable candidates was limited, but one name kept coming up – and that was Mark Dowd. His work over the years at club level with Strokestown, Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon Gaels, and particularly his tenure with Roscommon at minor grade (2006 AllIreland winners), U-21 (Connacht winners in 2015), and in a supporting role with the senior side (Connacht winners in 2010 and 2019) made him by far the most qualified coach in the county. Once Roscommon went local, it was always likely that the ‘Bainisteoir’s’ bib would be handed to Mark. He has taken on the job for the next three years.

A native of Strokestown, Mark Dowd played for the club at all levels prior to going into coaching and management. He has appointed former Dublin star Jason Sherlock as a coach and selector, and also brought in Strokestown’s John Rogers and Iain Daly of Michael Glaveys as selectors.

It will be a baptism of fire for the new management team as Roscommon will play in Division One of the Allianz Football League in 2026. Furthermore, they will have to perform without the services of three of the county’s most prominent players of the past decade and a half – following the recent retirement of

Seamus Duke pictured with new Roscommon senior football team manager Mark Dowd. Photo: Michael Finan.

Niall Daly, Ciaráin Murtagh and Donie Smith.

Roscommon football’s new manager sat down with members of the local media recently to chat about his appointment and the plans for the season ahead.

So Mark, what have you done with the squad so far?

We have just got started training. We have been in collectively just a few times and we have had a few get-togethers to plan a route for the weeks and months ahead, but we are up and running. All the management team have met with the players on the panel and we are starting to get familiar with each other now.

Roscommon supporters will be very interested to know what new faces are being drafted into the panel. Can you update us?

Yes, we have new players on the panel and they are lads who have done well in the club championships. We have the likes of Darragh Heneghan (Michael Glaveys), Eoin Ward (Fuerty), and we have a few of the Pearses lads like Jack Tumulty, Eoin Colleran, Sean Canning, Mark Richardson and Conor Ryan as well. All those players have done well in the championship and deserve a shot, and we feel that they can come in and perform well enough to be able to compete in the National League coming up. Eoin McCormack is back on

‘‘

We have just got started training.

We have been in collectively just a few times and we have had a few get-togethers to plan a route for the weeks and months ahead, but we are up and running.

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the panel again too. He was away travelling for a while but is back again now.

You have been around Roscommon football for a long time. Did you feel that this was the right time to have a go at the senior team manager’s job?

I’m not sure it’s the right time! You would want to ask my wife at home, we have three kids under the age of seven (laughs) – but the answer is that there is no good or bad time to take the job. When these opportunities come along, you have to take them. They might never come again.

It was something that I always wanted to have a crack at doing at some stage. I didn’t have a timeframe (as to) when that was going to be, but I decided that if the call came to go in for an interview I would go for it, and thankfully it worked out for me.

So where do you see Roscommon in terms of the big picture nationally? It’s been 2019 since we won a Connacht title and we have alternated between Division One and Division Two in the league over the past ten years…

If you are to look at it realistically, we are outside the top four or five teams. We have been a team in transition in that we always had experience around the panel with new players coming into the mix, and that will be no different this year.

You can see the quality of players who have stepped away from the panel and the quality of the players that we are bringing in. We want to get the balance right.

But we want a team that will be able to compete in Division One. Look, we are outside the top few at the moment, but the aim is to push on and compete with those teams in time.

You have lost a lot of experience in the dressing room with the retirement of Donie Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh and Niall Daly, so presumably other players will now have to step into those leadership roles going forward?

That’s a big challenge for the lads who are still there and there are plenty of lads like Diarmuid (Murtagh), Enda (Smith), and Ronan Daly who have been around the panel a good while and they are the lads that we would be looking to so we can drive on. They are the players for the younger lads to look up to.

The younger lads can also look at what the likes of Niall, Ciaráin and Donie achieved and aspire to that. Those three lads gave so much to Roscommon football and you know life takes over. They are married men now. There are young kids at home and priorities change.

What do you see as your biggest challenge ahead?

There are a few. Number one is to get a panel together and to get our injuries sorted out. Then we have to get the new players in and get them into peak physical condition.

Then we want to be able to compete with the top teams in Division One.

Mark Dowd, Roscommon senior football team manager. Photo: Michael Finan.

Have you set any targets that you want to achieve in the short-term or indeed in the long-term?

The first thing is that we want to establish a good work ethic within the squad and to engender passion and pride so that when we are in the trenches we are able to grind out results. They are the basics, and they are our targets at the start. In terms of bigger targets, we feel if we get the basics right then we can look at those down the line.

We feel we have the backroom team to do the job. I am an in-house Roscommon man and I know the players, and you see the lads that are with me (Iain Daly and John Rogers)… we know Roscommon football inside out. We know what’s coming through, we have a great connection there with Cian Smith and the U-20s as well.

I feel that we can identify the players that will have what it takes to step up into senior level. I think with where the team is at the moment it is very important to have local men involved.

To be involved with your own county team brings a lot of pride and passion as well.

Jason Sherlock will be a selector and coach under the new regime. How did that appointment come about?

The conversations with Jason started seven or eight weeks ago. He wanted to know where we are at and what we wanted to do. He liked what we were trying to do and achieve. He could see with the local involvement we knew what we were about and where we were.

From my point of view, he has a lot of experience. He has been involved with teams at the highest level. His background in GAA, soccer and basketball meant that his knowledge would be invaluable to tap into, and so far so good. He is a great guy to bounce stuff off, and his experience with various management teams is super. He sets high standards and that’s what we want.

With regard to the Connacht SFC, a provincial title is much valued in Roscommon. We haven’t won Connacht since 2019, so will winning that title be a target in 2026?

‘‘

The younger lads can also look at what the likes of Niall, Ciaráin and Donie achieved and aspire to that. Those three lads gave so much to Roscommon football and you know life takes over. They are married men now.

There are young kids at home and priorities change.

A provincial title is one of our targets.

Any time you play teams in Connacht you want to be beating them. Winning a Connacht title is always a huge boost to the team and it gives you confidence so if we can go on and do that it would be great.

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December 2025

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December 2025

‘‘

Our panel is taking shape. There is some experience gone out of it and the quality that we have coming through will take time to bed in. We are not expecting everyone to adapt to the system that we are trying to bring in immediately.

And your thoughts on the trip to New York (Roscommon will play New York in a Connacht Championship quarterfinal next year)?

The trip to New York is a headache at the moment to be honest. The amount of organisation involved is massive, but on the other side of it there are very few teams who get a chance to go, so you have to embrace it. There will be a big following there so a trip like that can really gel a county together between the supporters and the team and management.

Naturally we want to come out of it with a win but we also want to showcase what Roscommon is about and if we can do both then that would be great.

The new rules have revolutionised the game of Gaelic football. Has that development changed your own philosophy in terms of how you’ll set the team up to play?

The new rules are something that you have to think about when you are organising what style the team is to play. We have top quality forwards in Roscommon and when you have a rule that keeps three quality players up front at all stages, we are going to use that as best you can. We need to be able to get the ball up to them as quickly as we can, and that will be our aim. The new rules have meant that there are a lot of

high-scoring games and we have to be able to maximise our scoring power.

The fact that St Brigid’s and Strokestown have been doing so well at provincial level means that the Roscommon set-up will be short some players for their preparations for the new season. Is that a drawback?

I would look at that positively. The further that St Brigid’s and Strokestown get in the championships the better their players will become, and isn’t that a good thing for everyone in Roscommon? It may bring other players to the surface that we haven’t thought of as well. Strokestown and St Brigid’s have improved with every game they have played so that’s great for the overall standard of football in Roscommon.

How much confidence does it give you to see the high standard of the club football championships in Roscommon that we have witnessed this year?

When you look at the two finalists in the senior championship (Pádraig Pearses and St Brigid’s), we will have a lot of those players in with us, and they all very much deserve to be there.

The overall standard of club football is very good and outside of the top two teams there are other clubs who are very competitive too and (who) figure that if

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they can play well on the day they can beat any other side, so that’s really positive for the game in the county. You can see that the standard is very high here.

So as you embark on your threeyear tenure, what is the message to Roscommon supporters?

Our panel is taking shape. There is some experience gone out of it and the quality that we have coming through will take time to bed in. We are not expecting everyone to adapt to the system that we are trying to bring in immediately. Every new management team will have their own way of doing things and it may take months or even into year two to bed in.

What I will say is that we will go out with the intention of performing in every game.

Our aim is to be there with a chance in the last five minutes of every game we play. If we can do that it would be a great stepping stone for the future.

I am glad that the pre-season competitions (FBD League in the case of Roscommon) are back this year. If it wasn’t there we would be looking for challenge games. We are playing Leitrim and Mayo so that’s something to really look forward to at the start of the year and it is a great competition (through which) to look at players ahead of the National League.

Mark Dowd pictured on the sideline earlier this season as manager of Roscommon Gaels. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell.

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December 2025

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Country Girl.

Or City Slicker?

We asked Emma Whitney to compare living in Dublin (where she is based) with life in her native Roscommon…

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very Christmas I return home to Roscommon to see my family and to gladly avail of home comforts such as a fullystocked fridge, cooked meals, and laundry being done for me. While this is all courtesy of my lovely parents, it always makes me reflect on life in the countryside versus life in Dublin.

I spent my childhood and teenage years in Roscommon and later moved to Dublin to attend university. I’ve loved my time in the city; I made so many friends and had a lot of craic, especially when I was at college.

Having lived in Dublin for the past five years, it’s clear to see that living in the capital has become increasingly untenable for many due to the costs associated with housing there.

As we all know, rents are eyewateringly high in Dublin. Most people spend a good chunk of their salary on extortionate rents and become stuck in a loop, unable to get a foot on the property ladder.

Although rent increase caps have been enacted in some areas in Dublin, the situation shows very little sign of improving.

Coupled with the cost-of-living

‘‘

“A lack of light and noise pollution can also be seen in the sky in Roscommon. Most nights you can look up and see the stars in the sky, without the orange of light pollution that you see in the city. “

crisis felt all over the country, living in Dublin is incredibly expensive. My own renting situation isn’t ideal – the area where I live is not particularly safe or pleasant for the price, but really I’m just glad to have a roof over my head!

Roscommon, on the other hand, is one of the cheapest counties to live in in Ireland. Housing is far more affordable, with average rents remaining at €1,252 for a twobedroom, which is well below the Dublin city average of €2,612.

Roscommon is calm and almost serene, especially in and around the countryside. There are lots of green spaces and scenic walks in ‘open-air’ nature that you can take.

In Roscommon, compared to Dublin, there is far more space to be. In terms of raising a family, Roscommon definitely would be a preferable place for many people. It’s safer, and there is actually room for children to run around and play in.

Although it’s not exactly New York, Dublin runs at a faster pace than Roscommon. Cars and cyclists constantly whizz down the streets. It’s a battle to walk through the city centre sometimes with the sheer amount of people living and working here.

One thing that I always appreciate when I visit home is how soundly I sleep at night. There is complete quiet outside – in Dublin, I have to wear earplugs at night, given how noisy the street is outside. The silence I experience at home is blissful after weeks of nights marked by beeping cars and outside arguments.

A lack of light and noise pollution can also be seen in the sky in Roscommon. Most nights you can look up and see the stars in the sky, without the orange of light pollution that you see in the city.

One thing that Dublin has over Roscommon is its proximity to facilities and shopping options.

Dublin is very convenient – maybe

Emma Whitney ... country girl or city slicker?

too much so. Now you don’t have to leave your home to access things like home grocery delivery or Deliveroo.

An overly convenient and remote society can often mean a lack of connection between people. Whilst these services and apps are becoming available in country towns like Roscommon, there is still a strong sense of community and goodwill amongst neighbours that you do not experience as much in Dublin.

Sometimes the more people there are, the easier it is to feel lonely.

I still like living in Dublin. After all, it’s where the majority of my friends live. It’s near to my work, and to

my college. Undeniably, there are many reasons why people move out of their home towns to bigger towns and cities – many are motivated by job opportunities that they might not be able to find in Roscommon or in other rural Irish towns. It seems like we are being continuously pushed to move to bigger cities or towns like Dublin – which is part of the larger conversation about lack of government support for rural areas.

Certainly, there are advantages and disadvantages of living in both locations – I like to try and split my time in both, so I can get the best of both worlds!

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Pictured at the very successful 2025 Roscommon Drama Festival. Photo: Michael Finan

Revealed! Roscommon Drama Festival 2026 line-up T

he always very successful Roscommon Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre, Roscommon from Friday 6th to Saturday 14th of March 2026.

Once again the premier festival of amateur drama will play host to many of the leading groups in the country as they present what can only be described as a wonderful feast of entertainment.

The festival kicks off on Friday, March 6th with Ballyturk, written

by Enda Walsh. This will be performed by Kilmeen Drama Group. Saturday night (7th) sees New Heritage Theatre Group on stage with Deirdre Kinehan’s play Outrage, described as a “theatrical hurricane of emotion, empathy, action and truth”.

On Sunday the 8th The Nenagh Players present their interpretation of The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan, “a compelling tale of familial recrimination, regret and rebirth”.

This is followed on Monday the 9th with Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society’s production of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen (a version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz). Tuesday (10th) sees Upstage Players from Claremorris take to the stage with the John B Keane classic The Year of the

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Hiker while on Wednesday the 11th Corofin Dramatic Society will entertain us with Wit written

by Margaret Edson. This has been described as a play in which “you will feel both enlightened and in a strange way, enormously comforted”.

On Thursday (12th) Glenamaddy Players introduce audiences to Chapatti by Christian O’Reilly.

This poignant and extremely funny play “shows us that love and romance can happen again after many years”.

Kilmuckridge Drama Group will present The Communication Cord

by Brian Friel on Friday (13th) and the festival will draw to a close on Saturday (14th) with the John B Keane play Sive. This will feature Dalkey Players on the final and awards ceremony night with the play commencing at 7.30 pm.

The adjudicator for the festival is Paula Dempsey who is very well known and respected in Irish drama circles.

Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre at 090 662 5824 or online at roscommonartscentre.ie. Tickets cost €20 nightly with a five-night ticket available at €90 and a season ticket for €135.

December 2025

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December 2025

Memories & Magic

Christmas Q&A With Ava Brehon & Grace McDermott

(Cllr) Marty McDermott – John Corcoran Menswear

Greenfields Childcare in Roscommon Lisnamult, Roscommon

Quality affordable childcare from 9 months- 12 years Crèche, Toddlers, Preschool and Afterschool Care 8am-6pm daily

What is your favourite Christmas childhood memory?

Celebrating Christmas at home with my parents and my three brothers and four sisters.

Favourite Christmas song?

Silent Night. It’s the song I associate most with Christmas from childhood.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

Home Alone – because it’s so funny!

What do you like to do to relax over Christmas?

Walking the dog, watching TV and visiting people.

What’s your favourite Christmas food?

The traditional turkey and ham dinner.

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Stronger in the broken places

St Brigid’s GAA Club helped Timmy McCarthy come through his crisis stronger in the broken places Curraghboy native John Scally pays tribute to Timmy McCarthy in his new book, Where Heroes Are Made…

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immy McCarthy played over 100 times for Ireland at basketball – both captaining and coaching his country. In 2023 he was inducted into the Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame.

He is a native of Cork where he left school at 15 but later moved to Kiltoom where his career flourished.

In life, sport and business all was going well for McCarthy and then in the presence of his devoted wife Anne all his certainties suddenly crumbled: “It was February 28, 2018 during a vicious snow storm.

It was 11.01 am. I remember the date, I remember the time, I remember where I was sitting when I was told I had cancer. I was devastated and burst into tears when the doctor told me. I was crying with fear, crying with anxiety. Your mortality is right in front of you, you think you’re going to die. That was the first thing I asked the doctor – ‘am I going to die?’”

The previous year he had found he was going to the bathroom at an alarming frequency. A visit to his GP led to consultations with some specialists for a range of check-ups and scans that showed up nothing of concern, but a consultant urologist suggested he undergo a biopsy, ‘just to be sure to be sure to be sure’.

“I have bad news for you,” he said. “I’m really sorry to have to tell you this but you have prostate cancer.”

After being told that he had the most aggressive form of prostate cancer there is, McCarthy tried to apply some of the advice he regularly dispensed to chief executives in his work as the CEO of McCarthy Consultancy: control the controllables.

The first challenge was to inform his children of his news. The test run was Karen, his daughter, who had just beaten the snow and managed to get back home from college in Limerick where she was studying physiotherapy: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to tell anyone. Because Karen is my princess; I’ve always called her Princess, ever since she was a child, and I still call her that even though she’s now an adult. And this was the first time in her life that her dad couldn’t fix something for her.

I couldn’t fix this cancer. I had to depend on other

people to fix this disease. So we just held each other for the longest time in the hallway in our house.”

Then he rang his sons, Brian and David, snowed in in their houses in Ferbane and Moate respectively.

“I wanted to keep on this planet as long as I could and do everything I could do to enjoy time with my family. I was very clear on that. I’d get bad thoughts but once they came in, I kicked them out. I was going to do everything I could to get through this.”

The following week he faced surgery. So aggressive was the cancer in his prostate – 95% of it was covered with a tumour – the surgery lasted three times longer than the average prostate procedure.

“First, my mortality had been challenged; then my humanity was. I was incontinent. I remember being helped out of the bed by the physiotherapist and I saw I was wearing nappies and so I had all these emotions.”

There followed eighteen weeks of chemotherapy. It brought unpleasant side effects including: diarrhoea; persistent fatigue, loss of taste of his food and pins and needles in his fingers and toes.

When McCarthy came to Kiltoom and got involved in St Brigid’s the sense of community he rediscovered was like what he experienced as a child. He saw there a mirror to the values he had been brought up with. When he got involved with Brigid’s – he immediately was made to feel at home and everybody was welcoming – they realised that his talents as a basketball player and coach could be applied to coaching football and he graduated from initially coaching the club’s underage teams to eventually coaching the senior team – this involvement embedded him into the community and got him to know many people in the parish and make many great friends.

He credits the club for two reasons – the sense of purpose he got from coaching teams and the overwhelming support he got from people when he was ill. As a young man he watched the tv series Cheers but in St Brigid’s the words of the theme song took on a new significance. Like Ted Danson on the small screen he discovered in real life that you’ve got to go ‘where everybody knows your name’.

His journey back to health was an eloquent statement of what the GAA is all about. In times of crisis St Brigid’s demonstrated that the struggle of one is the wound of all. These moments illustrated the power of the club to be the ties that bind and heralded a horizon of hope in the darkest chapters of Timmy McCarthy’s history. A deep personal crisis put humanity front and centre and the dark clouds were pushed to the margins: “Before I got involved with coaching the team people knew me but definitely after my involvement people saw me differently and people reached out to me in a whole new way. When I became ill so many people approached me and said if I ever needed a lift to the hospital for chemo or whatever I shouldn’t hesitate to ‘contact me’. I see that type of support replicated so often in the club in times of bereavement or personal crisis.”

It was a virtuous circle. He gave and he received.

Ernest Hemingway claimed that the world breaks everyone and afterwards many are stronger in the broken places. St Brigid’s helped Timmy McCarthy come through his crisis stronger in the broken places. *Taken from John Scally’s new book Where Heroes Are Made which is available in all good bookshops now

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December 2025

BALLYGAR PHARMACY BALLYGAR. TEL. 090 6624267. Email: ballygarpharmacy@gmail.com

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Catherine Healy M.P.S.I.

At the healthy heart of the community

Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company Working Together for a Stronger Roscommon As Christmas approaches, Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company wishes to thank the communities, volunteers, businesses, and individuals who worked with us throughout 2025.

Your effort and resilience drives local development and make rural Roscommon stronger.

This season, we continue our commitment to: • Supporting community groups and local initiatives • Assisting rural businesses and social enterprises • Helping people access training, employment, and education • Promoting inclusion and supporting disadvantaged individuals and families • Backing local sustainability and environmental projects Our team remains here for the people of Roscommon—during Christmas and throughout the year.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and a positive year ahead

Phone: 090 663 0252 | Email: reception@ridc.ie Website: www.rosleaderpartnership.ie 86

December 2025

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December 2025

Thinking of selling in 2025?

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From all the team at Bradley Homes, we wish you a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.

If you’re thinking about selling in the New Year, now is the perfect time to start the conversation. The property market continues to move, and the best results always come from good preparation and the right guidance early on. That’s where we come in.

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December 2025

Christmas Social & Event Guide

Christmas Markets, Festivals & Family Events

Roscommon Town – Christmas Festival (Thu 4-Sun 7 December) Location: Roscommon Town Centre & Loughnaneane Park Times: 1pm-7/8pm depending on activity What’s On: Christmas Markets (1pm-7pm) Craft Stalls (1-7pm) Food Stalls (1-8pm) Street Performers (4-6pm) Dinosaurs (Sunday only, 4pm) Santa Sleigh Visit (4.30pm) Festive Characters (2-4pm) The Enchanted Christmas Trail, Loughnaneane Park (5.30-7.30pm) Lights Trail & Art Installation by local schoolchildren Roscommon Men’s Choir – Sunday 5.30pm Special Guest: Mickey Joe Harte – Saturday 6pm & Sunday 6.15pm Grand Finale Fireworks – Sunday 7.15pm Elphin – Christmas Lights Switch-On Fri 5 Dec · 7pm · Main Street Join the festive celebrations as Elphin switches on its Christmas lights for 2025.

Special Guests: Santa & Mrs Claus will be

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there to meet children and families.

Castlerea – Christmas Craft & Food Fair Sun 7 Dec · 10am-4pm Castlerea Enterprise Hub Crafts, artisan food, hot food, barista coffee. Free entry.

Strokestown Christmas Market Sun 14 Dec · 2pm-6pm Children’s entertainment, Community Hub Dancers, Ukulele Mary, 30+ vendors selling crafts, art, gifts, skincare, chocolates.

Food: Pete’s Pizzas, Crafty Crepes & Rusty Coffee.

Santa visit & teacup ride.

Creggs – Christmas Events Fri 5 Dec – Creggs Rural Development Christmas Draw Sat 6 Dec (9pm) – Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society Annual Calendar Launch, Heritage Centre Sun 7 Dec (2pm) – Senior Citizens Christmas Party, St Mary’s Hall Glenamaddy – Tractor & Truck Run Glenamaddy Equestrian Centre Sun 7 Dec Registration from 11am.

Santa’s Grotto, kids’ ride-on truck run, prizes for best lights/decorations/jumper.

Auction in Brehon Park at 6pm.

Harrison Centre, Roscommon Town – Santa’s Grotto

Dec 6th & 7th, 13th & 14th, 20th & 21st · 11am-5pm

Drumshanbo – Draíocht na Nollag Christmas Concert

Cloverhill – Santa Experience (Cloverhill NS) Sun 14 Dec · 12-2pm Sensory Santa: 2-3pm for children with additional needs.

Location: F42 KH29 • €15 per child.

Roscommon Harriers – Santa Run Sun 14 Dec · Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon Kids Fun Run (2km): 10:45am Santa Run 5km Dash/Walk: 11am In aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

Mayflower Centre Sat 6 Dec. €10 In aid of St Vincent de Paul.

Boyle – Christmas Concert at King House Sat 13 Dec · 8pm · €20 Kieran Quinn with special guests.

Glenamaddy Musical Society – A Night at the Musicals Fri 12 Dec · 8pm · Town Hall Theatre Roscommon Town – Festival Folk Concert

Creggs Charity Walk St Stephen’s Day – Fri 26 Dec · 12.30pm Concerts, Shows & Performances St Coman’s Church, Roscommon Town Roscommon County Youth Orchestra Christmas Celebration Sat 6 Dec · 1pm Carols and festive favourites from Bach to Taylor Swift.

Approx. 60 mins. Free admission (supported by GRETB, Roscommon LEADER & Roscommon CoCo).

Roscommon Arts Centre Declan Nerney Christmas Hooley Fri 5 Dec · 8pm · €29 Cut From The Same Cloth (Exhibition, runs until 20 Dec) Al Porter (Limited availability) Sat 17 Jan · 8pm · €26

Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Thu 11 Dec · 8pm · Event: Festival Folk Concert (Vita House, in aid of Roscommon Cancer Support) Date: 8pm Performers include: Mike Hanrahan & Pat Shortt, Mary Coughlan & Ultan Connolly, Roscommon Men’s Choir, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley, Vincent Pierce, Shannon Academy School of Dance.

Tickets €25. On sale at Abbey Hotel, Vita House & Eventbrite.

Compere: Deirdre Kelly.

Roscommon – Music for Christmas (Cór Comáin & Guests) Sun 14 Dec · 6pm · St Coman’s Church Proceeds to Irish Kidney Association.

Roscommon Solstice Choir Fri 12 Dec · 7:30pm. Church of the Sacred Heart, Whitehall – FREE

December 2025

Ballinaheglish Church Sun 14 Dec · 7pm. F42 PY09. Tickets €15/ Family €50. With Oran Youth Choir.

Proceeds to all churches in Oran.

Ballintubber – Michael English Christmas Church Concert Thu 18 Dec · 7pm · St Bride’s Church F45 AK50 · €30 Kilkerrin Sharon Shannon & Friends Sun 21 Dec · 7.30pm (Doors 6.30pm) Kilkerrin Community Centre.

Tickets €30. Mulled wine & raffle.

Contact Jennifer (086 3955564) or Keith (086 3482019).

The Dock – Carrick-on-Shannon

Whispers of Winter – Sound Bath Thu 4 Dec · 5pm · The Music Room €25 Collectives Social – Ritual Procession Sat 6 Dec · 1-4pm Weaving natural materials. Open to collective members and those seeking a collective.

TILT DJ Collective Fri 12 Dec · 8pm · €5 Techno, hardgroove, garage, breaks. Ages 14+.

Grianstad – Solstice Audio Experience Sun 21 Dec Free (ticketed). Suggested €10 donation to Hometree.

Love Actually (2003), André Rieu Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), The Polar Express (2004), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Miracle on 34th Street (1994), It’s A Wonderful Life (1949). Check Omniplex website for individual dates and showtimes.

Film & Cinema Roscommon Omniplex – Christmas Classics Season Including: Elf (2003), Home Alone (1990),

The Coachman’s Inn – Roscommon Town December Music Line-Up:

Live Music & Nightlife The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon Town Live bands and DJs every weekend throughout December.

Fri 5 Dec – Katie Henshaw (10.30pm12.30am)

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Sat 6 Dec – Landslide (10.30pm-12.30am) Fri 12 Dec – Pub Fiction (10.30pm12.30am) Sat 13 Dec – Alex Roe (10.30pm12.30am) Fri 19 Dec – The Hartones (10.30pm12.30am) Sat 20 Dec – The Pogues Tribute Band (10.30pm-12.30am) Sun 21 Dec – CCG (10.30pm-12.30am) Mon 22 Dec – Landslide (10.30pm12.30am) Tue 23 Dec – DJ Aidan (9pm-Close) Thu 26 Dec – DJ Eamonn (9.30pm-Close) – St Stephen’s Night Sat 27 Dec – Kenneth McCormack (10.30pm-12.30am) Wed 31 Dec – Darren Sweeney (10.30pm12.30am) – New Year’s Eve

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what’s going on at Milands

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