Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358 info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie
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newsbriefs
Recent Bridge Club results
Recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Maurice Buckley & Larry Shine; 2nd: Chris & John McGrath; Gross: Phil & Seamus Cooney. Roscommon & Happy ‘71 Bridge Clubs (Christmas Prizes) – 1st: Kitty Dowd & Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; 2nd: Mary McDermott & Maurice Buckley; Gross: Pat Finneran & Seamus Cooney; 3rd: Kitty Blighe & Judy Adamson. St Coman’s Bridge Club (Christmas Prizes) – 1st: Angela Carney & Marion Dolan; 2nd: Maura Moran & Agnes Murray; Gross: Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro; 3rd: Martha & Steve Gregory.
A thank you from Keadue Tidy Towns
Keadue Tidy Towns Committee wishes to thank all those who supported the Christmas fundraising raffle. A special thanks to those who sold tickets, Roddy’s Harp & Shamrock Bar, and to our volunteers. The following were the winners – 1st prize: John McShera (hamper); 2nd prize: Aaron McMorrow (meal for two sponsored by Radisson Hotel, Sligo); 3rd prize: Andrea Leyden (bottle of whiskey).
Clooncagh NS raffle
Clooncagh NS wishes to thank all those who supported our recent Christmas Raffle. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Funds raised for Hospice services
A total of €976.92 was raised before Christmas by carol singers from the Ballaghaderreen Cathedral folk group and Ukulele group at SuperValu Ballaghaderreen for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Fund. A huge thank you to everybody who supported this very worthy cause.
Cemetery clean-up
Assylinn Cemetery Boyle committee is hosting a cemetery clean-up on Sunday, 12th of January 2025 from 2 pm. Gloves and rubbish bags will be provided. It will be a general clean and tidy up. All are welcome.
Pictured is Oisin Farrell (past-pupil of Roscommon Community College), son of Gerry and Winnie Farrell, Hyde Court, Roscommon who recently graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from University of Galway.
109 swimmers walked out Flynn’s Pier on Lough Arrow and took the plunge for The 24th Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim in aid of the North West Hospice. Picture shows Susan Frazer Wall and Valerie Ward keeping the masses warm with hot whiskey. Photo Brian Farrell.
109 swimmers walked out Flynn’s Pier on Lough Arrow and took the plunge for The 24th Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim in aid of the North West Hospice. Picture shows Ciaran Jennings who was first in! Photo Brian Farrell.
109 swimmers walked out Flynn’s Pier on Lough Arrow and took the plunge for The 24th Lough Arrow Christmas Day Swim in aid of the North West Hospice. Photos Brian Farrell.
Picture shows Kilmactranny brothers Kevin and Paddy Flynn. Photo Brian Farrell.
Picture shows Roseleen and Gerry Martin pictured at the swim. Photo Brian Farrell.
It was the first time taking part in the swim for Marie Cooney who is pictured with her son, Thomas. Photo Brian Farrell.
Picture shows Dromsoghla’s Eithne Reynolds dishing out hot toddies to supporters. Photo Brian Farrell.
New books for new babies!
Throughout Christmas and the New Year, the Maternity Unit at University Hospital Galway is gifting a book to every new mum to read to their newborn to encourage brain development and bonding.
Carmel Connolly, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 in Parent Education Services explains, “I am passionate about sewing the seed early in a child’s life to develop a love of reading. Research shows that reading to babies early in their developmental stages has proven benefits, with links to cognitive development and stronger brain connections. “It gives a child a sense of security, develops vocabulary and above all, it enriches the relationship between parent and child.
“We are delighted to be able to gift each mum a book which was kindly donated by Children’s Books Ireland”.
Happy New Year from all of us at Mark Lohan Kitchens! We’re thrilled to start 2025 with our January SALE, offering 10% off bespoke kitchens. If you’ve been considering upgrading your kitchen or creating a new space tailored to your style and needs, now is the perfect time to begin your journey.
Visit
Our Showrooms
–Roscommon Town & Galway City
Explore our flagship Roscommon showroom on Golf Links Road, open Monday to Saturday, where full-sized kitchen displays showcase the finest Irish craftsmanship, premium materials, and innovative design. From sleek, modern kitchens to timeless traditional styles, every display highlights our signature attention to detail and master craftsmanship.
Beyond kitchens, our showrooms feature stunning boot rooms, media units, and wardrobes, offering tailored cabinetry solutions for your entire home. Discover the latest appliances
from leading brands like Quooker and BORA, seamlessly integrated into our designs to bring both style and functionality to your space.
For even more inspiration, visit our Galway City showroom in Ballybane Industrial Estate, opened in August 2023. It mirrors the same excellence, with exquisite bespoke kitchens designed to suit every home and lifestyle.
Expert Guidance and a Seamless Experience
At Mark Lohan Kitchens, an award winning Roscommon business with over 22 years of expertise, we believe creating your dream kitchen should be an enjoyable, stress-free experience. From your first visit to the final installation, our entire team— from designers and craftsmen to our dedicated support staff— works together to deliver an truly exceptional experience. With a reputation for excellence serving clients across Ireland and the UK, you can trust us to craft a kitchen that’s as func-
tional and durable as it is stunning—transforming everyday living and creating a space where memories are made.
How to Avail of the January Sale
The January Sale starts today, January 2nd, and runs for a limited time:
Book and attend a complimentary design consultation in our Roscommon or Galway showrooms during January.
Secure your order with a booking deposit by February 28th, 2025, to enjoy 10% off your bespoke kitchen.
To book your complimentary consultation and start your kitchen journey, call us on 090 662 7449, visit www.mlk.ie, or drop into our showrooms.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Our showrooms are the perfect starting point, offering inspiration not just for kitchens but for bespoke cabinetry throughout your home. We encourage you to explore our displays, and for a more
detailed discussion, we recommend booking a complimentary design consultation. This ensures you have dedicated, one-to-one time with an expert designer to bring your vision to life.
Your Dream Kitchen Starts Here
Start 2025 with a kitchen that’s expertly designed, masterfully crafted, and built to stand the test of time. Visit us online at www. mlk.ie.
For design inspiration, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Scan to explore our January Sale and book your consultation today! Terms and conditions apply.
Back row from left: Jackie Fitzmaurice, Assistant Staff Officer; Carmel Connolly, Clinical Midwife Manager 2, Parent Education Services. Front row from left: Tina Lyons with baby Tori and Samantha Flannery, with baby Tommy.
Roscommon Hospital welcomes National Inpatient Experience Survey 2024 results
The results of the National Inpatient Experience Survey, carried out in all public hospitals in Ireland in May, have been published. This is the sixth year that the survey has been carried out and was an opportunity for patients of Roscommon University Hospital to describe their experiences in hospital.
Welcoming the findings, Ursula Morgan, Director of Nursing said, “The findings of the survey provide us with important insights into patients’ perspectives of how they experienced treatment in our hospital and what improvements are needed to our services. It also helps us see how the patient voice has helped us change and improve hospital care since 2017 when the first survey was carried out.
“We are very pleased that the majority of participants from Roscommon University Hospital reported positive experiences in hospital. 91% of participants said they had a ‘very good’ overall experience.
“There were three areas related to patients’ overall experience where the hospital scored significantly above the national average; 93% said they had the opportunity to talk to a nurse if they needed to do so; 92% said they were happy with pain management while in the hospital;
and 93% said the hospital room or ward was very clean. Patients rated the ‘care on the ward’ at 8.7 out of 10 which is above the national average of 8.0.
“The hospital’s lowest-scoring questions related to food rating, clear explanations about the purpose and
side-effects of medicines, and being told about danger signals to watch out for after leaving hospital.
“We are using the results of this survey to help us prioritise quality improvements for the coming year.
As part of our improvement plan, the hospital’s catering services will be
expanding the variety of replacement meals provided until 6 pm and have reintroduced the ward trolley at night to include additional snack choices.
“All pharmacy information will be reviewed; high-risk medications and Parkinson’s medications will be highlighted on communication
boards on each medical ward; a medication checklist upon discharge will be displayed on ward boards; medicine checklists will be available on patient information booklets; and the ‘My Medicine’ lists are available to all patients in 52 languages.
“I would like to thank all the patients who took part in the survey and the staff who encouraged and facilitated it”.
Valuable feedback
Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer HSE West and North West said, “Through this survey our patients have provided us with really valuable feedback on their experience of care in our hospitals. I want to thank them for taking the time to do so. It is their engagement that allows us to further strengthen and improve our services.
“I would also like to thank our staff who support and encourage our patients to participate in this survey and for their commitment to providing good quality, patient-centered care. They are committed to making improvements for our patients. This survey allows us to engage with our patients and learn from and embed areas we are doing well in and also highlight areas we could do better in”.
What day is it?
I am dispensing with ‘days’ in the subheads in this week’s column, because there are so many days over the Christmas period, and they end up forming a confusing string of 24-hour cycles that inevitably lose conventional structure. It means very few of us are one hundred percent sure which day it is at any given time, at least until we check. Normal service will resume when we are fully into the very mundane January period.
For one night only
I was no help to the publicans over the Christmas, having only gone out one night at time of writing. We did dine out a couple of times during the day/evening, but in terms of having a few pints up to closing time I’ve only ventured out on the Thursday before Christmas.
There was a brilliant festive buzz in the magnificent JJ Harlow’s, where John Wynne and friends were entertaining a huge crowd with their regular Thursday night set.
There was an added Christmas atmosphere of course, and it was nice to see many familiar faces. High stools were at a premium, but the party of four I was in somehow managed to secure the required number due to outbound traffic and our impressive alertness.
Thereafter, it was a lovely night. There is something special about the way the Irish socialise. I met a few people I haven’t seen in several months, in some cases longer. The Christmas spirit effortlessly overcomes the passage of time, broken contacts, etc. At Christmastime you can meet someone you mightn’t have seen in a few years, and somehow the festive vibe conquers any awkwardness or uncertainty, friendliness and goodwill winning the day.
Earlier, we enjoyed an excellent meal in the Coachman’s Inn, Spurs and Manchester United playing out a cup thriller on the TV screens dotted around the premises. On our way into
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…
paul@roscommonpeople.ie
town, we had all agreed that the Christmas lights in Roscommon are just fantastic, the town centre looking wonderfully festive, warm and welcoming.
In terms of people, and quality of life, this is a great town.
Not going out…
On not going out much over Christmas… is that a Covid-19 ‘hangover’, or just because I’m getting older? I think it’s a combination of factors.
Truth be told, I wanted to enjoy quality time at home with our family… chocolates, the odd beverage and the remote control within reach.
Family for us now includes a precious, wonderful 20-month-old grandson (hence coverage of the Stoke-Leeds game on Sky the other night was occasionally interrupted by a small hand miraculously switching back to Cocomelon on Netflix).
By the way, one of the reasons some people have cut back on socialising over the years is because the taxi service at night in Roscommon town remains very limited. I don’t mind saying it; in fact it needs to be said. It has been a source of frustration for people for many years and doesn’t seem to have improved at all. It’s high time that local taxi drivers gave seri-
ous thought to some form of rota system that can satisfy public demand/help with nightly footfall. There may or may not be a role for publicans in any such creative approach.
*Leeds beat Stoke 2-0 to go top of the Championship; on Cocomelon, the wheels on the bus kept going round and round, a metaphor for life itself I guess.
Bin there, not done that There are three certainties in life, I think we can all agree. Death, taxes, and the utter frustration you will feel if/when you forget to leave the bins out. This morning,
we realised we forgot to leave the bins out last night. Very frustrating, especially in the lead-up to Christmas! Luckily, we have one more chance (to get them emptied) before the upcoming festive excess. I say ‘three certainties in life’… I suppose it’s four if you count the 2 Johnnies getting shows commissioned.
Secret Santa limits
Once upon a time, someone wise (and probably old) realised that everyone was getting stressed. The source of the stress was obvious: there were too many Christmas presents to be bought… too much
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK
A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was… paul@roscommonpeople.ie
choice and too much running and racing. The wise person had an idea, and thus the ‘Kris Kindle’ or ‘Secret Santa’ was born. It only came to Ireland in recent years, after we’d spent the previous 20 or 30 years going mad buying stuff, making the Celtic Tiger boom period boomier (as Bertie Ahern would say), while also stubbornly continuing to buy, buy, buy, even during recessions. Something had to be done, and so we finally embraced the Secret Santa. We all agreed on the genius behind it. ‘Sure it makes sense’. ‘Sure it was gone crazy’. ‘The kids don’t appreciate all the toys, they get so much’. ‘No need to include the adults!’ ‘Sure you’d need a trailer to carry all those presents’.
The Secret Santa would devour preChristmas stress and tension. Suddenly, there were less people to buy for. Ingeniously, there was an agreed spending budget/limit. And of course, while it might be rather unimaginative, there came into our midst an invention to rival any of the greatest in the history of civilisation… the One4all card.
Sadly, I detect a worrying new trend. Just when we should be well used to the Secret Santa system, a flaw has emerged. The budget/limit is no longer seen as mandatory. Human weakness is kicking in again. In recent years, the budget/limit is often disregarded. And so begins a terrifying sub-plot.
In households all over the country, a family member, who knew perfectly well what the limit was (usually €50-€80) is liable to brazenly stand up and hand over about €130 worth of gifts to ‘their’ Secret Santa, in full view of mortified fellow family members. And so the other family mem-
bers, or at least those who had adhered to the limit, suddenly come out in a cold sweat. Nowadays, it is normal for people to exceed the limit, or perhaps to buy one item to the value of the agreed budget, before popping into 12 more shops to purchase half a dozen little ‘add-ons’. ‘Just a few things now, nothing special… and you can return them all if they don’t fit!’
Anyways, Happy Christmas!
Boris, Albert (& Noel)
If it was made into a Netflix one-off, they could call it The Russian, the Rossie and the Rooskey (man).
The release over Christmas of State papers/national archives after the usual 30-year period brought back memories of the bizarre incident (or non-incident?) at Shannon Airport in 1994 when Russian President Boris Yeltsin failed to emerge from the plane while Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and various other dignitaries waited in vain to greet him.
The view at the time, and since, is that Boris had over-indulged in vodka, and was basically too drunk to meet his commitments. It was quite the diplomatic episode. With Rooskey-born Albert and several ministers waiting on the red carpet after the plane landed, there was no sign of Yeltsin. As Irish and Russian officials discreetly engaged, the (Irish) Head of Protocol told Taoiseach Reynolds that Yeltsin “might be the worse for wear on arrival”. Enter the Rossie (Roscommon) connection. The State papers record that Roscommon town native Noel Fahy, then the assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, later noted: “President
Yeltsin’s indisposition was at one stage seen as curable” – in other words, that he would sober up – “but that in the end it was decided not to take a risk of events such as took place in Berlin” (when Yeltsin had been visibly drunk in public).
Yeltsin never got off the plane in Shannon (later claiming that he had simply overslept). An Irish diplomat later reported that when Yeltsin arrived back in Moscow, he was “loud and a little incoherent”, and in a “somewhat excited mood”, but “quite sober”. Later, Yeltsin wrote to Reynolds apologising for the “unfortunate mishap”. Albert didn’t feel snubbed, and took the whole episode (and Yeltsin’s alleged drunkenness) in good humour. He was a teetotaller himself, but had seen worse in the Cloudland Ballroom (which he coowned) in Rooskey over the years!
Unwrapped presents Christmas should be a time of peace, celebration, joy. Sadly, this Christmas has seen no end to the rampant violence in parts of the world. The appalling slaughter of innocent children (and adults) continues in Gaza. Putin launched over 170 missiles into Ukraine on Christmas Day. Spreading terror is a 365-day commitment, it seems. In recent years, Christmas Markets have blossomed into wonderful, communal, almost spiritual-like celebrations across towns and cities of the world. There is a joyfulness and warmth to them… people gathering in carefree and happy mood, the markets dispensing the spirit of Christmas, goodness pushing negativity, selfishness and unkindness to the shadows.
On the 20th of December, one such
market was in full flow in a town in Germany. Five people were killed when a car ploughed into crowds attending the market in Magdeburg. One of the victims was nine-year-old Andre Gleissner. He came into the world as recently as 2015. He learnt of the magic of Christmas, of Santa Claus, of goodness, hope and joy. He had volunteered to help out at the market. A family friend said that Andre had been “so looking forward to Christmas” but would now “never be able to unwrap his presents”.
The boy’s mother said: “Let my little teddy bear fly around the world again... now you are with grandma and grandpa in Heaven. They missed you very much as we miss you here now. You will always live on in our hearts”.
A cruel person carried out this barbaric, utterly unjustified attack, for only a cruel person could. One might make arguments about war, and the inevitability of such conflicts, but there is nothing to justify some of the horrors that are being perpetrated in our world. The death toll in Gaza (in 14 months) is put at over 45,000. Hundreds of thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the RussiaUkraine war, now heading for three years on from the former’s invasion.
Rest in peace Andre Gleissner, one of thousands of innocent, beautiful children who didn’t get to unwrap Christmas presents last week.
Just check, mate
Today (Friday, 27th of December; I checked) chess great Magnus Carlsen walked out of the World Rapid and Blitz
Chess Championships in New York after being barred from playing because he was wearing jeans.
In a statement, governing body FIDE said its dress code regulations were designed to “ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants”. They issued the Norwegian player and current world number one with a modest 200 dollar fine and also gave him the opportunity to change into the correct attire.
Carlsen said he could turn up the following day in the recommended clothing, but FIDE responded by saying he had to change out of the jeans there and then.
Worryingly (for me at least), Carlsen said he’s too old at this point to care too much. He’s 34. Anyways, he walked out, stating that neither side in the spat “wants to back down”.
I guess it’s ‘next move’ to the organisers.
On the darts (kind of)
For anyone who likes to watch men dressed as nuns drinking pints and singing ‘Zombie’ while standing next to someone dressed as Batman, or maybe a giant, excitable chicken, as world class players throw darts on a nearby stage, the Alexandra Palace in London is probably the place to be. I’m not aware if this social outlet is available anywhere else at the moment. Sky Sports is filming it every night; you should check it out.
For anyone who just likes to watch men dressed as nuns drink pints alongside people dressed as giant, excitable chickens, but with no world class darts added in, I have no particular advice.
Gavin and Stacey
The Gavin and Stacey finale (BBC 1, Christmas Day) started off slowly, and at ninety minutes, was probably a touch too long. It had no pretensions about being anything more than a ‘wrap up’ on the much-loved series, which last aired in 2019, when Nessa (played by Ruth Jones) proposed to Smithy (James Corden).
That episode five years ago was quite a cliffhanger, leaving millions of viewers wondering what Smithy’s response might have been. With James Corden heading off to America in the interim – to great success as a chat show host, while simultaneously being rude to waiters – the chances of ‘Gavin and Stacey’ returning seemed slim as the years passed. But co-writers (and stars) Jones and Corden agreed to this one-off Christmas special, and were joined by all the original cast members.
This final episode was great entertainment, with some very funny one-liners, while also being very nostalgic. Judging by reaction on social media, viewers were delighted (and relieved) that there was a happy ending, with Nessa and Smithy getting married. There were some hilarious moments in this heartwarming finale. The entire cast were excellent, with Alison Steadman (as Pam) and Jones (as Nessa) leading the way. It’s been a great feel-good show, one that’s close to the hearts of millions of people. Roll on the repeats.
Local Enhancement Programme 2025 (LEP 2025) under the Community Enhancement Programme
The Local Enhancement Programme 2025, funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development is open on Monday January 6th 2025 for applications from community groups for
1. Capital Supports
2. Current/ Operating/ Running Costs funding
This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, especially those in disadvantaged areas, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together.
The Programme is designed to provide both capital and current funding support to a wide and diverse range of local groups, including Men’s and Women’s Sheds/Groups. Roscommon County Council has been allocated a total of €153,830 in funding for Groups across the County (€131,854 in Capital Funding, €21,976 in Current Funding). In order to ensure there is sufficient flexibility to allow funding to be targeted to where it is needed, it will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
The Local Enhancement Programme will provide:
1. Capital funding for use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc
2. Current Funding for running costs incurred in the period 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025 such as energy costs or other non-pay operating costs e.g. rental/lease costs, energy bills, insurance bills.
How to Apply
Applications and full details of the scheme for the LEP 2025 can be accessed by scanning the QR code Groups can apply for both capital and current funding on one application form.
• The application form will be available online from Monday 6th of January, 2025
• Closing date for receipt of completed online applications is Sunday 2nd of February, 2025.
Any queries relating to the application process or eligibility for the scheme can be emailed to: lep2025@roscommoncoco.ie
LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED
Signed: Mark Keaveney, Director of Services
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL
ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ROSCOMMON F42 VR98
NOTICE OF THE LEVYING OF RATES
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of Section 4 of the Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019 and the Local Government Rates (Financial Procedures) Regulations 2023, that the Annual Rate on Valuation for all rateable properties within the rating authority of Roscommon County Council, for the financial year ending the 31st December 2025 is €0.2362.
Dated this 2nd January 2025
Signed by: Sean Mullarkey
Director of Finance, Procurement, Enterprise, Building Control and Emergency Services Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN
COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN
ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ROS COMÁIN F42 VR98 FÓGRA MAIDIR LE RÁTAÍ A THOBHACH
Tugtar fógra leis seo, de bhun fhorálacha Alt 4 den Acht um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil agus Nithe eile, 2019 agus na Rialachán um Rátaí Rialtais Áitiúil (Nósanna Imeachta Airgeadais), 2023, gurb é €0.2362 an Ráta Bliantúil ar an Luacháil do gach maoin inrátaithe laistigh d’údarás rátúcháin Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin don bhliain airgeadais dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2025.
Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project Greg O’Donnell Acting Director of Services
“It takes one to inspire many”: Gerry’s Slimming World success story
This year has been an incredible journey for Slimming World groups across the county, with countless inspiring stories of transformation and success.
One story that truly stands out is that of Gerry, a Boyle native and talented musician, who has achieved remarkable results and inspired so many along the way.
Gerry joined his local Slimming World group just before the June bank holiday, becoming the only man in the group at the time. Undeterred, he embraced the journey with determination and positivity.
By making a few simple swaps and focusing on healthier eating, Gerry has shed an impressive 4st 3lb, reaching his target weight just before Christmas (in
just over six months).
This transformation has not only improved his physical appearance but has also had a profound impact on his health and well-being. With reduced medications, improved blood pressure, and a new circle of supportive friends, Gerry has gained a new lease of life, both physically and mentally.
Gerry says: “I was delighted with all I have achieved – since I’ve lost weight with Slimming World, my high blood pressure has returned to normal, and I feel so much better with more energy. We have a wonderful, supportive group, and I’ve received great encouragement from Breanne and the gang every week. If there are any men out there thinking about joining, just
BEFORE AFTER
come along – you’ll be given a warm welcome, and you won’t regret it!”.
Gerry’s success is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support, simple changes, and a commitment to selfimprovement.
His story highlights the importance of welcoming
and encouraging men in Slimming World groups, proving that anyone can make meaningful changes for a healthier and happier life.
We’re so proud of Gerry and all our members for their dedication and amazing achievements this year!
Let’s empower credit unions to achieve even greater impact for families and communities
< CIARAN MULLOOLY
Ireland’s housing market faces a severe crisis. Mortgage rates exceeding 4% – among the highest in Europe – have made homeownership increasingly unattainable. In this context, innovative solutions are imperative. A promising answer lies within our local communities: credit unions.
These community-focused institutions, long integral to Irish life, could significantly reshape the mortgage market through proposed lending regulation changes, all while continuing their essential community services.
A Legacy of Community Support
Established in the 1950s, credit unions have consistently provided financial services tailored to ordinary citizens, often neglected by traditional banks. Inspired by cooperative models from abroad, trailblazers such as Nora Herlihy and Sean Forde opened Ireland’s first credit union on Dublin’s Donore Avenue in 1958. Their mission was revolutionary yet straightforward: to create communitydriven financial institutions offering equitable savings and loans.
Today, over 200 credit unions serve more than three million members across Ireland, collectively managing
assets exceeding €18 billion. Known for their fairness and trustworthiness, these institutions remain vital to local communities. However, strict regulations have hampered their ability to engage in long-term lending like mortgages – a sector where they have untapped potential.
Unlocking Credit Union Potential
Despite their reach, credit unions currently account for less than 0.7% of Ireland’s mortgage market – a surprisingly small share given their scale. Proposed reforms by the Central Bank aim to change this, allowing credit unions to allocate up to 30% of their assets (approximately €6 billion) to mortgage lending, alongside an additional 10% (€2 billion) for business loans. This shift could be transformative, enabling credit unions to issue over 18,000 new mortgages at competitive rates starting as low as 2.9%, similar to those offered by Youghal Credit Union. Increased competition in the mortgage market – currently dominated by three major banks controlling over 90% of lending – would be a welcome development.
The Broader Impact on Communities
The potential benefits of these changes go beyond providing more mortgage options. They could invigorate local
economies and bolster community resilience in several ways:
Affordable housing: Lower mortgage rates could make homeownership more accessible, challenging the high rates set by traditional banks.
Community reinvestment: Unlike profit-oriented banks, credit unions reinvest surplus income into local areas or return it to members via lower loan rates and dividends.
· Stability and sustainability: Diversifying into mortgages, personal
loans, and business lending would enhance the financial stability of credit unions.
· Support for small businesses: Increased lending capacity could provide small enterprises with crucial funding for growth.
Pushing for Further Modernisation
In addition to these measures, credit unions are advocating for further reforms to modernise their operations and ease
regulatory constraints, including: Simplified compliance procedures. Enhanced fraud prevention through a national fraud database and PPSN checks.
Greater flexibility to diversify service offerings.
These updates would enhance the ability of credit unions to serve their members effectively while maintaining their role as a cornerstone of Ireland’s financial system.
Looking Ahead
As an MEP, I firmly support these proposed changes. Credit unions embody fairness, community values, and a member-first philosophy that has benefited Irish families for decades. They have consistently supported communities by encouraging saving, assisting with unexpected expenses, and promoting financial inclusion where others have not.
Now is the time to empower credit unions with the resources and regulatory freedom to achieve even greater impact – for Ireland’s families and the communities we cherish.
Ciaran Mullooly is an MEP for the Midlands-North-West Region. From Ballyleague-Lanesborough in County Roscommon, he is a member of Independent Ireland.
Fond tributes to pillar of community and sporting all-rounder, the late Seamus Keane
< PAUL HEALY
The late Seamus Keane is being remembered as a local sporting legend and as a devoted family man and selfless community figure.
Online tributes following his sudden passing saw him described as “an icon”, a “sporting legend” and “one of life’s true gentlemen”. He was also described as a pillar of his community, a Creggs rugby legend, a GAA stalwart, and a unique sporting all-rounder.
Seamus Keane of Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co Roscommon died on December 23rd last, surrounded by his family, at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe. He was in his late 80s.
Humble in nature, modest and quiet-spoken, he was deeply respected in Creggs and the wider community, where he was involved in many organisations and groups over the decades. For many years the Keane family ran a popular pub and shop in the heart of Creggs village.
His sporting pedigree was remarkable, one friend describing him as the “quintessential old-style multi-sport athlete”.
He played Gaelic football, hurling and rugby with great distinction at club level, and was also a boxer, cyclist and athlete of considerable prowess.
At inter-county GAA level, he was a substitute on the Roscommon team that reached the All-Ireland Senior Football final in 1962, in which they were defeated by Kerry. Extending sympathy to Seamus’ wife Madge and family, Roscommon GAA said: “Seamus had a very successful playing career with Roscommon, winning Connacht senior titles in 1961 and 1962. The 1962 team went on to reach the All-Ireland senior football final. He was a true GAA stalwart in his own Creggs GAA Club”.
Seamus’ late brother, Martin
Joe represented Roscommon at senior level and won an AllIreland U-21 title in 1966. Another brother, Johnny, who is also deceased, was a top class cyclist.
Seamus won a Roscommon SFC medal in 1960 with United Stars (an amalgamation of Creggs and Oran). They defeated Na Fianna (an amalgamation of Strokestown and Killina) in the final. He hurled with Creggs in the junior championship of ‘67 but they lost out to Creagh. Seamus later began hurling with Tremane where he won four County Senior Hurling Championships, the first in
1968, followed by a treble in ‘72/‘73/’74.
He also starred with Creggs Rugby Club. Both Creggs RFC and Creggs GAA Club have extended sympathies to his family.
Paying tribute, Creggs Rugby Club said: “Seamus was a unique person who excelled at many sports during a long career including being a champion boxer, cyclist, hurler and Gaelic footballer and also as a formidable prop and second row for Creggs Rugby Club”.
In a statement posted online last week, Creggs RFC added: “Seamus played as a prop forward in Creggs’ first ever
rugby match which was played just short of 50 years ago on December 29 1974.
“He won his first Connacht Junior Cup rugby medal with Creggs in 1978 and was also a member of the cup winning team of 1981. He also played on the team which defeated Ballina in the 1979 Connacht Junior league final, just one week after the same Ballina team had won the Connacht Senior Cup.
“Seamus had great natural strength which combined with his innate football skill making him a towering presence on the rugby field.
“Seamus was also a great fam-
ily man. Seamus will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. In addition to being a top class sportsman Seamus was a true gentleman, who touched the lives of many people and leaves us with great memories on and off the field. May he now rest in peace”.
Creggs GAA Club also paid tribute: “Seamus was a sporting giant in every sense of the word, an all-round sportsman and a Creggs GAA stalwart.
“To list all his sporting achievements and accomplishments is almost impossible. Seamus excelled in many sporting arenas… he won Junior Football Championships
with Creggs in 1956 and ‘67, and played at centrefield on the famous United Stars combination that won the Senior Championship in 1960.
“Seamus also represented Roscommon on many occasions and won Connacht senior medals with Roscommon in 1961 and ‘62.
“Seamus had many great days on the hurling field with Tremane, winning championships in 1972, ‘73 and ’74.
“In addition to his playing success Seamus made a remarkable contribution to the development of our club by serving as chairman for over 40 years”.
The late Seamus Keane was also talented in the field of amateur drama and was a long-time member of Kilbegnet Drama Group, which posted this message: “Our sincere condolences to Madge and family on the death of Seamus who was an inspiration to us all. His enthusiasm and his ability to learn his lines so quickly was unbelievable. Seamus will be greatly missed by us all. May he rest in peace”.
His extensive community involvement included serving as Chairman of Kilbegnet Historical Society for many years.
The late Seamus Keane is mourned by his loving wife Madge, sons Robert, James, Karol and Daniel, daughters Caitríona, Rosanna and Sarah, sisters Rosaleen and Beetie (Sr Francine), extended family and a large circle of friends. After reposing at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Thursday (St Stephen’s Day), Removal from his home took place on Friday morning, arriving to St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet for Mass of the Resurrection. Burial followed in Kilbegnet Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
*Thanks for assistance with this article to Creggs RFC, Creggs GAA, and Tony Conboy.
Community mourns the late Nicola Murphy
< EMMETT CORCORAN
Nicola Murphy (nee Brennan), of Gortlustia, Scramogue, Co Roscommon, and formerly of Ahascragh, Co Galway, passed away peacefully on the 20th of December 2024 at Roscommon Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. A young woman, she was in her mid-40s.
Nicola is survived by her husband, Joe, a former Fianna Fáil councillor (20162024), as well as their two sons, Conor and Óisin. She is also mourned by her parents Anne and Sean Brennan, sisters Valerie and Louise, mother-in-law Mar-
garet, further relatives, and a wide circle of friends, including her dear friend Linda Fallon.
Nicola was sister-in-law to Eugene Murphy, a former Fianna Fáil TD (currently an Independent senator, previously Fianna Fáil) and a former broadcaster with Shannonside Radio, underlining the family’s strong ties to public life.
Nicola was a long-standing and dedicated employee at Veolia Water, where she worked for 18 years and was admired for her professionalism and commitment.
In 2019, Nicola was diagnosed with breast cancer. Displaying great courage
and resilience, she underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, successfully overcoming the illness. Just a few years later, in September 2023, Nicola began experiencing symptoms that led to a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). Despite this new challenge, she faced her illness with dignity, determination, and an unshakeable will.
A fundraising appeal was launched by the local community to support Nicola’s care, reflecting the deep respect and admiration she inspired among those who knew her. Her battle with MND became a rallying point for friends, family, and neighbours alike, who were united in their efforts
to assist Nicola during her final months. Nicola’s funeral took place on the 23rd of December 2024 at St Anne’s Church, Scramogue, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Her son, Conor, paid tribute to his late mother during the service, expressing gratitude to all who supported her in her final days.
Nicola’s passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the kindness she extended to all who crossed her path. Her life was a testament to the power of love, courage, and unwavering determination.
The late Nicola Murphy (nee Brennan).
Seamus Keane was Connacht Junior Cycling Champion in 1958 and ’59 and an All-Ireland junior champion in 1958; The late Seamus Keane pictured with his wife Madge at the launch of the Creggs RFC 50th anniversary book just over a month ago (November 2024); Seamus, who is remembered as a quiet-spoken, humble man.
Tommy Kelly and Seamus Keane celebrate a Tremane county hurling title triumph many years ago; The United Stars team that won the 1960 Roscommon senior title, with the late Seamus Keane third from right in back row.
Winter Wedding Fair at Abbey Hotel, Roscommon
the 4* Abbey Hotel, Roscommon this Sunday, 5th of January 2025 from 2-5 pm. We would like to take this opportunity to invite all recently engaged couples to join us for a glass of bubbly –plus you get to meet our professional weddings team and all our wonderful wedding suppliers on the day. Our chefs will be on hand to showcase and discuss our extensive food offerings whilst our dedicated weddings manager Lisa is excited to welcome couples to discuss our range of wedding packages.
As a fully licensed civil ceremony venue we can tailor packages to suit your individual style and budget.
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Murphy and Dolan in Seanad race
The Seanad: All you need to know… Page 14
Locally, three prominent political figures are contesting the Seanad Elections, including outgoing senators Aisling Dolan and Eugene Murphy, who were both unsuccessful in November’s General Election in Roscommon-Galway constituency.
Senator Eugene Murphy (formerly FF and presently non-party, Scramogue), Senator Aisling Dolan (FG, Ballinasloe), and Senator Joe Flaherty
(FF, Lanesborough) are competing for seats on three separate vocational panels. Murphy is contesting the Agricultural Panel, as is Fine Gael’s Aisling Dolan. Both are fighting for an outside seat on their respective panels. Joe Flaherty, a native of Lanesborough and a former Roscommon Champion reporter, lost his Dáil seat in Longford/Westmeath, but was appointed to the Seanad subsequently by Taoiseach Simon Harris. He is contesting the Cultural and Educational panel with an inside nomination.
Abbey Hotel Wedding Manager Lisa welcoming one of our Abbey brides.
Outdoor ceremonies at the Abbey Hotel – a fully licensed civil ceremony venue.
TikTok and X for updates. You can also schedule a viewing, complete an enquiry form or download a brochure via our website
Joe Flaherty
FRANK BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
My old doctor was right… I think Guinness has been good for me!
Our columnist Frank Brandon on there being some anecdotal truth to the old ‘Guinness is good for you’ slogan; Attending local events over the Christmas; And navigating the loss of loved ones during the festive season…
More than 50 years ago, I was a cashier in a Bank of Ireland branch in the west of Ireland. One Friday afternoon, with a queue stretching almost out to the street, I got this horrendous pain in my stomach and had to abandon my unfortunate customers while I made an urgent trip to the local doctor.
The news he had for me was that the copious amounts of beer I was drinking at that time (I was young then, and a bit wild) had given me an ulcer. Almost as a punishment, he told me that if I wanted to continue having a pint (or two), I would have to switch to the black stuff – Guinness was now my only option. Lager or beer or shorts were out of the question. I can remember my feeling of desolation and depression at the news that I now had to be a Guinness drinker.
The following evening I was at a funeral in Newbridge with my father Bill, and needless to say everyone adjourned to Cunningham’s Bar, where I tried out the drink for the first time. I have to admit that I wasn’t that impressed, but never one to give up easily, I persevered that night and managed to down six glasses. The following night I graduated to pints, and in the half-century or so since I haven’t looked back.
For most of that time Guinness was sort of looked down upon by the yuppies and cool socialisers, who were drinking their upmarket lagers, craft beers, and other exotic drinks, while the pint of Guinness was more or less for the older, duller, male drinkers who hadn’t a lot to offer society. And so, this morning, two days before Christmas 2024 (as I write), it is delightful to hear that Guinness has become so popular with everyone across the water in the United Kingdom, and especially the younger generation, that they are potentially facing a shortage this Christmas! It seems that whatever reserves they have up in James’
Gate in Dublin are having to be raided to try to satisfy the thirst of all the new Guinness drinkers, a huge number of whom are young ladies.
It is great to see that the best drink in the world is finally getting the recognition it deserves. I only hope the drought doesn’t extend to our local area, or it could be a very long dry Christmas – at least for me, as to this day I drink nothing else (alcohol-wise).
On a medical note, the ads used to always say ‘Guinness is good for you!’, and I must note that the advice my doctor gave me all those years ago has stood the test of time. Many other ailments, including ticker problems, bad hips, gout, high blood pressure and cholesterol among other things have come my way, but my ulcer never came back, so that’s the proof of the pudding; Guinness is good for you! Cheers!
Losing loved ones over the holidays
Christmas always seems to bring more than its fair share of deaths around the place, and this Christmas, Bill Kelly of Castlerea and Alphonsus Mullaney of Ballymoe both passed away in the lead-up to the festive season.
Bill, who was married to the late Rose Lohan from Coalpits above Creggs, was a great GAA man, a well-known businessman, great fun and good company, and a man with whom I had many dealings over the years.
Alphonsus was in the same year as me in school in Roscrea and my big claim to fame is that, for a reason that escapes me, the great Joe Dolan picked him up one time to bring him home for the school holidays and gave me a lift as well. Joe was just hitting the big time about then, so it was my first, and probably only, time to meet a real Irish superstar. Alphonsus was an incredibly gifted woodworker and even in school I can remember how talented he was. Sadly, as can happen when we get older, I more or less lost touch with both of them, but hearing of their deaths brought back some happy memories of times long past. To their families and friends I extend my deepest sympathies. May they rest in peace.
Then, on Monday week last out here in Creggs, we were stunned to hear of the death of Seamus Keane, a man who by any standards could only be described as a legend. As a sportsman he was unequalled. He excelled in at least five different sports and had Connacht medals in all of them – boxing, cycling, rugby, hurling and football!
He was also a sub on the Roscommon team that played in the 1962 All-Ireland football final. He was a superb actor and starred in several productions that were staged by the Kilbegnet Drama Group, of which he was a founder member, and his unique delivery made him a firm favourite with every member of the audience. Amongst his many attributes Seamus was also a very talented singer – and had a large repertoire of songs – any of which he could produce at the drop of a hat. He invariably obliged when asked to sing and The Darling Girl from Clare, along with The Old County Home, were particular favourites. In my mind’s eye I can now hear him sing the immortal words “I was sitting on a wall upon a Sunday, watching all the girls go by”... He was also a good farmer and publican, spending 24 years in the pub business in Creggs, and when he went for the council one year for Fine Gael, he would have skated in only for the fact that about half of our parish couldn’t vote for him.
Seamus was a quiet man, a man of few words, but as is often the case in such instances, he was a man of action who let his deeds do the talking. If something needed to be done, he just did it – he wouldn’t waste time waffling about it. He was a great community man and served on several committees and was chairman of the local GAA club for more than 40 years. When people say we may never see his likes again, in this case it is definitely the truth.
However, above all, Seamus was a true family man. His wife Madge and their children and extended family will be the ones who will miss him the most, so we keep them in our prayers and hope they get the strength to deal with his sudden passing. May he too rest in peace.
Making the best of Christmas after loss
On a personal level, I cannot deny that I was a little bit apprehensive about this Christmas, as it was our first one since Carol passed away, but as I write this on December 27th, I can only say that it all went off as well as I could have hoped for.
As has become the norm for me in recent years, I headed down to Donamon for Christmas Day Mass, and once again the ceremony was just so beautiful. There was a great crowd, a lovely atmosphere, the Mass itself was really nice, and the music provided by John Staunton and Annette Griffin was, as usual, simply wonderful.
Every year the Mass in Donamon has at least one child who almost steals the show, and this year was no exception. A little blonde-haired girl who couldn’t have been more than two years old showed how wonderful youthful innocence can be as she journeyed around the church. She had no inhibitions and was simply curious about things, and I have to say she made me realise how great kids are – at least until they grow up! After Mass, I undertook my duties as the newly-appointed head chef, and despite a few hiccups along the way managed to get the turkey and ham and a few other niceties cooked. So far, none of my guests have come down with food poisoning… though they say it takes up to forty-eight hours before you get a clean bill of health, so hopefully all is still okay in a few hours’ time!
Anyway, St Stephen’s Day arrived and I doubt if there has ever been as mild and as pleasant a one before. Although it was a bit overcast, it was so warm it could easily have been a summer’s day – warm enough in fact to ensure that there were no coats required. It was the day of the Creggs Walk – a walk which has followed on from the Barrie Harris Walk, but which carries on the tradition of raising funds for different charities. This year funds raised are going to two Hospices – Galway and Mayo/Roscommon – as well as the Sunshine Room in Creggs N.S. Myself and my brother Kieran headed off shortly after 10 o’clock, and without endangering any land speed records, we made it back to the village (thankfully) on the same day we set off. We had a couple of pit stops on the way in Kathleen Roarke’s and Mary D’s (as always, I was too late to honour Micky Maloney’s invite), and despite our advancing (advanced) years and various niggles on knees, hips, and ankles, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip across the mountain. So much so that we start training this week for next year’s walk!
And so as I write this, it’s Friday evening, and I am visiting my daughter Lisa and her family in Castlebar, and am just about to watch the big rugby game between Munster and Leinster. It’s been a lonely Christmas in some ways, obviously, but we have made the best of it, and are looking forward to a better 2025.
Finally, for this week, all that remains for me is to wish you all a very happy New Year, and most of all, stay healthy and well.
– Until next week, bye for now!
Tony McLoughlin from Rooskey, Niamh Clinton (Vision Ireland), Susan Deery and Frances Coyle, also both from Rooskey, pictured at the recent Age Friendly Christmas Festival in Kilbride Community Centre. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
The Seanad: A guide to Ireland’s mysterious Upper House
A touch mysterious, a tad elitist, but undeniably fascinating… EMMETT CORCORAN’S guide to the Seanad
So, what exactly is the Seanad? Why does it even exist?
Ah, Seanad Éireann – the Upper House of the Irish parliament, Oireachtas. Think of it as the more refined, intellectual sibling to Dáil Éireann, the lower house where all the shouting and high-stakes politics happens. The Seanad, by contrast, was designed to be… calmer, let’s say. Almost aristocratic in tone, though not by title. Its roots go back to the 1937 Constitution, drafted under Éamon de Valera. Dev had this idea: democracy was all well and good, but could you trust it to deliver thoughtful, educated decision-making? Especially in a country still emerging from revolution and grappling with widespread poverty and illiteracy. The Seanad was meant to counterbalance the Dáil’s rowdy, populist tendencies with something a little more… sophisticated.
Sophisticated?
That’s a polite way of saying elitist, isn’t it? Bingo. De Valera envisioned the Seanad as an intellectual haven. Not a body elected by the masses –heavens no! Instead, it would be a home for experts, academics, and vocational representatives. Think of it as a safeguard, a kind of intellectual quality control for Irish law-making.
In fairness to Dev, literacy rates in 1930s and 1940s Ireland weren’t what they are today. The popular vote didn’t guarantee that the people’s representatives could even read the legislation they were debating. The Seanad was his attempt to inject some expertise into politics, albeit in a way that kept the hoi polloi at arm’s length.
Right, but how does it actually work?
Who gets to sit in the Seanad?
Now you’re asking the big questions. Seanad seats are divided into a complex system of panels and nominations.
Let’s break it down:
1. Taoiseach’s nominees: Eleven members are directly appointed by the Taoiseach. This gives the government of the day a significant foothold in the Seanad and ensures it’s not completely out of step with the Dáil.
2. University seats: Six members are elected by graduates – three from the National University of Ireland (NUI) and three from Trinity College Dublin (TCD). These reflect the elitist origins of the Seanad – voting rights are based on education. Historically, these two institutions were chosen because they represented distinct strands of Irish identity: TCD for the Anglo-Irish Protestant tradition and NUI for the Catholic nationalist majority.
3. Vocational panels: The real Gordian knot of the Seanad. These panels, introduced under the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) Act 1947, were intended to represent specific sectors of society. There are five panels – Cultural and Educational, Agricultural, Labour, Industrial and Commercial, and Administrative – each supposedly linked to areas vital to the nation’s wellbeing.
That all sounds very noble. Is it?
In theory, yes. In practice, well, not so much. The vocational panels were supposed to elevate representatives of industry, agriculture, labour, and culture – experts in their fields, contributing to national discourse. What they often end up being is a convenient safety net for political parties.
A safety net?
Picture this: you’re a TD (a member of the Dáil) who’s just lost their seat in a General Election. Ouch.
But don’t worry – your party can try to get you onto one of the vocational panels in the Seanad. Think of it as a crèche for young politicians or a nursing home for the politically elderly. Cynical? Maybe. But it’s hard to ignore how often the panels are used this way.
And how does voting for these panels work? Surely the public gets a say?
Not exactly. The electorate for the vocational panels is made up of existing TDs, senators, and members of county and city councils. It’s a closed shop, really – ordinary citizens don’t get a look in. This system has led to criticism that the Seanad is unaccountable and overly political, despite its high-minded origins.
So how does the Seanad differ from the Dáil in terms of power?
Ah, now we’re getting to it. The Seanad can’t veto legislation outright – it can only delay it. It acts as a reviewing body, providing a second opinion on bills passed by the Dáil. While this sounds like a weak role, it’s not without influence. The Seanad has occasionally been a thorn in the side of governments, forcing amendments or slowing down contentious legislation.
If it’s so limited in power terms, why keep it around?
Good question. There’s been plenty of debate about abolishing the Seanad altogether. In fact, there was a referendum on the issue in 2013. The people narrowly voted to keep it, perhaps because they weren’t convinced the Dáil could manage without some sort of oversight.
And the university seats – do they still make sense?
That’s another bone of contention. Many argue the university seats are outdated and elitist, excluding graduates from institutions outside NUI and TCD. There’s been talk of reforming this, but progress has been slow. Some see these seats as an anachronism in a modern, democratic State, while others argue they bring a unique perspective to the Seanad.
So, what’s the verdict –does the Seanad still matter?
It depends on who you ask. Critics see it as an irrelevant relic, ripe for reform or abolition. Supporters argue it’s a necessary counterbalance to the Dáil, even if its structure could use a serious overhaul. What’s clear is that the Seanad is a peculiar institution – part high-minded ideal, part political pragmatism. Love it or loathe it, it remains a cornerstone of Irish politics, even if few truly understand how it works.
Well, now I do. Sort of. I think. I am certain that there is a Seanad scholar (or two) who will correct me if I’ve inadvertently misrepresented the history, function or practice of the Seanad; but there you have it – a deepish dive into the arcane world of the Seanad. A touch mysterious, a tad elitist, but undeniably fascinating.
Qualifications? Nominations? Inside or outside?
Okay, so, if the explanation above so far is clear to you, this is where the waters get, let us say, murky, to say the least. And if you have already given up, I don’t blame you; if I wasn’t as stubborn as a mule, I’d have given up on trying to make sense of this Seanad-y yoke weeks ago…
So, I genuinely am trying to make this seemingly nonsensical electoral system make sense – but better men and women than I have tried and failed – but let’s give it a shot:
Each of the five vocational panels outlined above is divided into two sub-panels, an inner sub-panel and an outer sub-panel. But before we go there, there is the qualification – one must be suitably qualified for the vocational panel they are contesting. For example, a lifelong trade unionist would qualify for the Labour Panel, and few others would. Whereas qualifying for the Agricultural Panel could be demonstrated by one being a farmer or having attained a related qualification such as a Degree in Horticulture or even having been an active member of a farmer representative body such as the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
The nominations for the inner sub-panels are controlled by incoming TDs and outgoing senators,
collectively. Any four of these current Oireachtas members can collaborate in order to nominate candidates for the inside sub-panels of each of the vocational panels but each member can only join in one nomination in total.
In contrast to the explicitly politically-elitist process of the inner sub-panels, the outer sub-panel nominations emit a whiff of democracy, insofar as there are over 100 possible nominating bodies such as the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association which can nominate a vocational expert to contest the Agricultural Panel or the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) which can nominate a vocational expert to contest the Labour Panel. These organisations glean their nominating powers from the 1947 Act, and suffice to say, the qualifying and nominating processes are as antiquated as the year the Act was passed into law.
Having exhibited one’s qualifications to stand for a particular vocational panel one must then get a nomination. As outlined above, these are either inside (Oireachtas members) or outside (nominating bodies). But, when all is said and done the inner and outer panels come into effect when the votes are counted. Each panel must fulfill its own complement of inner and outer seats. For example, the Agricultural Panel is constituted of five inner-seats and five outer-seats, with one floater. There are eleven seats in total on the Agriculture Panel, but given its format the panel must elect five candidates put forward by the outside nominating bodies and five candidates put forward by the inside Oireachtas nominators. So, regardless of how many votes a candidate receives, they may well be scuppered by which sub-panel they have been nominated to, in that, a candidate contesting the outside sub-panel might well be defeated by a candidate with less votes contesting the inside sub-panel because there are still inside seats to fill on the panel and the full complement of outside seats has already been realised. And if that makes sense to you, congratulations – you’re a verifiable mathematical genius. Because while it legitimately does make perfect sense in my head, I’m sure it makes less than no sense on paper and I have failed miserably to articulate the complex nuances of the inner and outer Seanad sub-panels.
What’s clear is that the Seanad is a peculiar institution – part high-minded ideal, part political pragmatism.
Ballymoe St Stephen’s Day Walk… Photos: Michael Finan
Roscommon St Stephen’s Day Walk… Photos: Michael Finan
Pictured are participants in the 2024 St Stephen’s Day Walk in Ballymoe, held in aid of Roscommon-Mayo Hospice. The event was a great success. Photos: Michael Finan
The 2024 Roscommon St Stephen’s Day Walk, held in aid of Western Alzheimer’s (Roscommon branch) was a great success. Pictured formally declaring the event open outside Hannon’s Hotel was Roscommon Rose Rachel Hastings. Left to right: Paul Beisty (committee), Rachel Hastings, Mairead Nally (committee chairperson), and Frank Nally (committee). Photos: Michael Finan
Castlerea student into final of All-island poetry speaking competition
Castlerea Community School student Stanford Mhango has been recognised as a finalist in the 2024 Poetry Aloud competition.
The competition challenges second-level students across the island of Ireland to recite a prescribed poem from memory. Organised by the National Library of Ireland (NLI) and Poetry Ireland, in partnership with University College Cork, this year’s competition drew 358 entries from schools across the island. There were 29 finalists in this year’s competition from across 15 counties, from Antrim to Dublin and Roscommon.
The competition has been putting poetry to the forefront of students’ minds since 2007. It has three categories: junior, intermediate, and senior. The prescribed poems for this year were Forecast by Geraldine Mitchell (junior category), Counting the Winter Days by Nithy Kasa (intermediate category), and Nocturne by Eavan Boland (senior category).
The late poet Seamus Heaney was a supporter of the Poetry Aloud competition, citing the extraordinary way in which it seeks to celebrate the joy of speaking and listening to poetry, as well as valuing the North-South dimension to the all-island event.
Winter Rambling House Concert
A Winter Rambling House Concert will be held on Saturday, 4th of January at 8 pm in the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen, Co Sligo. A great night of music and song is promised with a superb line-up of musicians and singers. Performing on the night will be Patsy Hanly, Pat Sweeney, Seamus O’Donnell, John Dwyer, Brian Mostyn, Fiachra Guihen and Jason McGuinness, with Bean an Tí Caitriona Ni Cheannabháin. There will also be special guests. Tickets are now on sale. Admission is €15. Enquiries to 071 9182599 or visit www. colemanirishmusic.com
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Culture&ARTS
Art success for Cloverhill NS and Scoil Naisiunta Cill Ronain
Cloverhill National School and Scoil Naisiunta Cill Ronain have been named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me.
The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday,
28th of January 2025, where they will join 50 other schools to compete for the much sought after national senior and junior titles.
Now in its ninth year, the Someone Like Me art competition, which is organised by the National Disability Authority, attracted 2,783 entries from
national schools across the length and breadth of the country.
The competition was created as part of the National Disability Authority’s work to nurture more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
Congratulating Cloverhill National School and Scoil Naisiunta Cill Ronain on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the commitment of Ireland’s primary school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland.
Elderly care residents receive complimentary heritage journals
Members of the Ballinasloe Heritage Society were out and about over the festive season, distributing complimentary copies of their newest journal ‘Hostings’ to all the nursing homes and care centres in the locality.
Part of a remarkable outreach programme (the first of its kind nationwide) sponsored by Ballinasloe Credit Union, the 72-page publication features articles across a wide range of topics related to the history and heritage of the town and hinterland.
The journal was officially launched by special guest, journalist, writer, and town native Pól Ó’Conghaile.
Guest editor Damian Mac Con Uladh spoke at the launch about the frustrations of not being able to include all the wonderful material submitted, noting there was plenty held back for Volume 2.
The new Community Outreach Programme was
unveiled on the night of the launch by Tom Madden, Ballinasloe Credit Union Chairperson, who outlined how the board and staff were very committed to helping in a practical way the growth and development of the social and community fabric of the town. A large quantity of complimentary journals are being made available to all care homes in the common bond area. A series of translations will be offered in Ukrainian and Polish, as well as online through the BACD website, and all the local schools in the area will also receive complimentary copies for their school’s library/reading zone.
Society chair Conor Johnston praised and thanked the Credit Union for their support.
Copies are available for sale in Salmons Book Store, Dolan’s Centra, and through Salmons’ online site, at €15 each.
Ava Bracken, a local TY student who recently completed her work experience with the Roscommon People, shares her original poem about the winter months…
Frosty mornings
Frosty mornings, and foggy breath, Hopes of new year opportunities, whispered dreams, And harsh realities as Christmas fades away till next year.
Coffee breath kisses, and woolly knit jumpers, Itchy hats and too small gloves, And feet numb with cold.
Icy roads, and back to school, Christmas presents laying dormant, As books are pulled from bags, School uniforms washed and pressed, Hung up for the next morning.
Sleepy heads and speedy breakfasts, Beeping of alarm clocks, too early for the sun.
Slow walks in the evening watching clouds of pinks and red. Home-cooked dinner and cosy beds, fireside chats and workplace mishaps, January is here, New Year’s upon us, Rise and shine, holidays are behind us.
Junior County Winner for Roscommon was Cloverhill National School. Class Group: Junior Group. Project Description: Colourful poster.
Senior County Winner was Scoil Naisiunta Cill Ronain.
Ger Coughlan (care assistant), Dr Mary Butler (Director of Nursing), Shane McNeill (Business Development Manager, Ballinasloe Credit Union), and Colm Croffy (Ballinasloe Heritage Society Secretary) pictured at the presentation of complimentary copies of the society’s new ‘Hostings’ heritage journal to St Brigid’s Community Care Unit, Creagh, Ballinasloe, as part of an outreach programme sponsored by Ballinasloe Credit Union.
Colm Croffy (Ballinasloe Heritage Society Secretary), Nuala and Michael Corcoran (proprietors), and Shane McNeill (Business Development Manager, Ballinasloe Credit Union) pictured at the presentation of complimentary copies of the society’s new ‘Hostings’ heritage journal to Hillside Nursing Home in Aughrim, as part of an outreach programme sponsored by Ballinasloe Credit Union.
Photos: Michael Finan
Sheerin reflects on positive year for Boyle
The Chairperson of Boyle Town Team Ciaran Sheerin has been reflecting on another successful year, noting that in 2024 Boyle Town Team secured €238,749 in State aid, which he said “is most welcome”.
Mr Sheerin explained: “The funds will go towards several projects that will benefit the town, some which commenced in 2024 and others on which work will commence in 2025. They include: Improvement works to The Lawn area; Installation of a Calisthenics Unit, Multi Use Games Area and new Public Lighting in the Pleasure Grounds”.
He also welcomed the €1.2m awarded during the year to Moylurg, Rockingham under the Just Transition fund that will go towards the design and planning stage of the larger Lough Key Masterplan. He said this plan will have a major economic benefit to Boyle when it goes ahead – doubling visitor and employee numbers in this national park.
“Work is now nearly com-
pleted on the public realm enhancement of the Bridge Street and Shop Street areas of the town and early 2025 should see this project closed out. We are actively liaising with Roscommon County Council in relation to additional public realm works on St Patrick Street and the Crescent area to compliment the Bridge Street/Shop Street project”.
Mr Sheerin highlighted the great work undertaken by the Town Team in supporting the courthouse committee with future planning and also the support given to the Christmas Lights committee in fundraising and organisation.
He also detailed the involvement the Town Team had in the Global Rossie Day last May along with the large financial support the Team provided towards the Tidy Towns.
Near the end of 2024, the Team were instrumental in getting a number of way pointing signs erected throughout the town which will be of great use to tourists in 2025 who want to
navigate through Boyle to see all it has to offer.
The chairperson extended “huge thanks” to Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer with Roscommon County Council who led this project and was also pivotal in the grant application for the Lawns Area.
The Town Team were also involved in the production of the Moving West TV programme that positively showcased Boyle.
Ciaran thanked the Town Team executive and members for their support and assistance throughout the year. He also had a word of thanks to the executive of Roscommon County Council and in particular Adrian Farrell who oversaw the public realm work in Boyle and who kept in constant contact with the Team.
In conclusion, Mr Sheerin highlighted how appreciative he is of the great work of all the voluntary organisations working to make Boyle a better place.
“We are very fortunate to be
blessed with very active volunteer bodies who give selflessly of their time, from sporting groups to cultural and charitable groups, tidy towns, etc. I very much appreciate the selfless time given by the people of Boyle for the community benefit”.
Looking forward to 2025, he
highlighted some of the key focus areas: “We plan to launch the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for Boyle early in 2025. This plan has been drawn up following several meetings with members of the public and it will feed into the Boyle 2040 plan which is our masterplan for the ongoing
Ireland West Airport achieves Level 3 carbon accreditation
Ireland West Airport has achieved Level 3 Accreditation, ‘Optimisation’, in recognition of the airport’s actions to address its CO2 emissions, as part of the global industry’s response to the challenge of climate change.
Achieving Level 3 Accreditation is in recognition of the airport’s exemplary work in reducing its carbon emissions and engaging other stakeholders to do the same.
Airport Carbon Accreditation is the global standard for carbon management and emission reductions at airports. This certification programme, specifically designed for airports, has received widespread support and endorsements from both the EU and the UN agencies respon-
sible for civil aviation (ICAO) and climate change (UNFCCC). Launched in June 2009, the programme has Six levels of accreditation: Mapping, Reduction, Optimisation, Neutrality, Transformation and Transition.
Participation in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Programme plays a significant role in the advancement of the airport’s overall Sustainability Strategy. To meet the demands of sustainable development and to safeguard the environment, Ireland West Airport embarked on an extensive sustainability and energy reduction programme in the last three years and has introduced a comprehensive Energy and Environmental Management System as well as completing several new
initiatives. Ireland West Airport has recently lodged a planning application to develop and install a new solar farm on a site at the airport, which will provide more than 40% of the airport’s annual electricity demands.
The airport is also committed to developing electric car charging infrastructure to meet public demand for vehicle charging into the future and also plans to improve the thermal efficiency of the main terminal building by conducting insulation and fabric upgrades and introducing air lock zones along with running information sessions for its employees to encourage energyefficiency improvements across all airport operations.
redevelopment of the town”. He also noted that the National Hot Air Ballooning Championships are returning to Boyle this year. He added that a focus in 2025 will be on supporting people/volunteers with a view to maximising the potential there is for platforming events in the town into the future.
All-Ireland winning manager to speak at business breakfast
All-Ireland-winning Galway senior hurling manager Micheál Donoghue is the keynote speaker at a business breakfast seminar, entitled ‘Let’s Talk Tactics: What’s Your HR Retention Strategy for 2025?’, at Atlantic Technological University Galway on Monday, January 13th.
Micheál, who guided the Tribesmen to their first AllIreland success in 29 years in 2017, is the Regional Manager at BMW Financial Services and, when it comes to strategy, the Clarinbridge native has proven track records in both sport and business.
The title of Micheál’s talk
is ‘Empowering Teams’, in which he will discuss leadership, team building, and the value of a culture of learning.
Having managed the Dublin hurlers in recent seasons, Micheál returned as Galway senior hurling boss last year, and many will hope he can replicate the successes he enjoyed in his first spell as Galway manager between 2016 and 2019.
In addition to Micheál’s talk, the MyCareerPath team (event sponsors) will also be on hand to discuss their Careers Development Tools, while other topics to be discussed are ATU’s programme of short courses (or micro-credentials), transversal skills, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The seminar takes place at ATU Galway, Dublin Road, from 8 am to 9.30 am on Monday, January 13th, with a limited number of places still available. To register go to Eventbrite – Unlocking Your Teams Potential. What’s your HR Retention Strategy for 2025?
The National Hot Air Ballooning Championships are returning to Boyle in 2025 (photo from recent launch at Lough Key Forest Park).
Pictured from left to right: Pearse Concannon, Chief Fire and Security Officer, Ireland West Airport; Gary Ginty, Property, Infrastructure & Sustainability Programme Manager, Ireland West Airport; and Kieran Boyle, Head of Ground Services, Ireland West Airport.
Micheal Donoghue
FarmingPeople
ESB marks start of construction of Middleton House Solar Farm
ESB recently marked the start of construction of Middleton House Solar Farm, located to the northeast of Lanesborough, Co Longford, with its Executive Director, Generation and Trading, Jim Dollard.
On the same day, ESB marked the official transfer of land and a building on the former Lough Ree Power site.
The main construction phase of the multi-million euro solar farm project commenced last September and once complete, the solar farm will generate 57MW of clean electricity that will have enough capacity to power over 15,000 homes.
The project is aligned with ESB’s net zero by 2040 strategy and will utilise existing infrastructure from the former peat station at Lough Ree Power to connect to the national grid.
An underground cable will connect the solar farm back to the gird connection at Lanesborough via a disused railway track formerly used to transport peat to the power station.
A significant building on the site of the former power station in Lanesborough is being handed over to Longford County Council for the benefit of local organisations for community use and longterm community gain.
The building, known locally as the ‘Tomato Shed’ was so called as a horticul-
tural business operated on the site previously with water provided from the old Lanesborough Peat Station.
In more recent years, the building was refurbished as a stores for the subsequent Lough Ree Power development. In addition, ESB recently made available a €500k community benefit fund to Longford County Council.
Jim Dollard, ESB Executive Director, Generation and Trading, commented:
“ESB has a long history in electricity generation in the Midlands. We believe this will continue through projects like Middleton House which will help the region remain a strategic energy hub as part of Ireland’s clean energy future with solar very much helping to power this transition. I am delighted to be here to mark the construction phase of the project, along with the official transfer of the build-
Over €172m paid in ACRES advance payments for 2024
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, has announced that more than €172 million in ACRES advance payments has been paid to farmers in recent weeks in respect of their participation in the scheme in 2024. This brings the total received by farmers in the scheme to €419 million, following the payment of €247 million for their 2023 participation.
Speaking just prior to Christmas, Minister McConalogue said: “ACRES is an ambitious scheme which seeks to deliver environmental improvements through a wide range of actions, including complex new results-based components. I am therefore pleased to note that a total of €419 million has been paid to farmers to date. Advance payments of €21.9 million are issuing to 5,153 ACRES participants this week in respect of their participation in the scheme in 2024.
“This is the third pay run in respect of 2024 advance payments. These began in
November, and pre-Christmas payments bring to €172.1 million the total amount issued, and the number of farmers paid to 39,826 across both Tranche 1 and 2, and across ACRES General and Co-operation approaches”.
Minister McConalogue continued:
“While it is welcome that over 73% of the total number of participants in ACRES will have received their 2024 advance payment before Christmas, I also wish to assure those who have not received their advance payments in recent weeks that the processing of payments is continuing, with pay runs to be made on a fortnightly basis from the end of January 2025.
“The participation of more than 54,000 farmers in a national agrienvironmental scheme is a testament to the interest and commitment of Irish farmers in protecting and enhancing our environment in terms of biodiversity, water quality and climate measures,” the minister concluded.
ing. We are very pleased to do this and handover the building to Longford County Council for the benefit of the surrounding community”.
Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive, Longford County Council, commented: “As ESB start construction of Middleton House Solar Farm, it marks a major milestone in the development and delivery of renewable energy infrastructure in the county. Also as
the building at Lough Ree Power is transferred to Longford County Council, along with the €500k in funding that is being made available to local community groups, we thank the ESB, knowing that this contribution will make a real and meaningful difference for communities in the area”.
The project will be delivered for ESB by partners Wills Bros, Powercomm and Voltalia.
Castlerea MART WATCH
Over 330 lots presented for our last sale of 2024, held on Thursday, 19th of December.
Trade and prices both finished on a high with an excellent clearance taking place. Small cattle in particular recorded some extremely strong prices as demand for stock on the final sale exceeded supply.
Quality store bullocks made up to €3.91 a kilo with heifers making up to €3.79 a kilo. Bull weanlings topped out at €4.17 a kilo with heifer weanlings making up to €4.28 a kilo. Dry cows peaked at €2760 with breeding stock making up to €2620, while the runner ring recorded prices of up to €4.90 a kilo.
DRY COWS: Ch 915kgs €2760 Lm 845kgs €2750 Lm 615kgs €1900 Lm 595kgs €1840 AA 810kgs €2460 Fr 695kgs €1500 Fr 540kgs €1360 PTX 595kgs €1760. Cows with calves at foot made from €1510 to €2040. Springers made from €1020 to €2620 per head. Young calves made from €250 to €400 with runners making from €300 to €1150 for continental lots.
Sean McNamara has been re-elected as president of ICSA following a closely contested election before Christmas. Mr McNamara secured his position for another term after defeating fellow Westmeath man Dan Lynam in a vote of the association’s National Executive.
Speaking after his re-election Mr McNamara said, “I am honoured to have been re-elected as president of ICSA. I am fully committed to ensuring that ICSA remains a strong and effective voice for suckler, sheep, beef, and tillage farmers. Representing their interests and addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector as a whole will continue to be my top priority.
“We face many significant challenges, including high input costs, low farm incomes, overregulation, and unfair trade deals. I know that farmers are under immense pressure, and I pledge to continue ICSA’s long-standing efforts to secure better supports for the low-income sectors we represent. It is vital that their voices are heard loud and clear in any decisions affecting their livelihoods”.
Hailing from Lismacaffrey, Co Westmeath, where he runs suckler and sheep enterprises, Mr McNamara will continue in his role for the next two years, having first taken up the position in February of 2024.
Outlining his immediate priorities Mr McNamara said, “First and foremost, I will continue to lead ICSA’s opposition to the Mercosur Trade Deal. This deal directly undermines the future of sustainable farming in Ireland and across Europe by prioritising cheap imports over the high-quality, environmentally responsible produce of our farmers.
“I pledge to do everything in my power to ensure Irish and European farming is not decimated in favour of international trade agreements that fail to recognise the importance of our rural communities and food production standards.
“Similarly, we must ensure that the Nature Restoration Law and the EU Deforestation Regulation are implemented in a way that acknowledges the vital role farmers play in achieving environmental goals – without placing unsustainable burdens on their livelihoods. ICSA, under my leadership, will not stand by and watch as farmers are regulated out of business”.
Pictured (left to right) to mark the start of construction of Middleton House Solar Farm is Michael Nevin, Director of Services, Longford County Council, Ronnie Walsh, landowner, Nuala Moloney, ESB, Jim Dollard, ESB, Emma Shanley, landowner, and Brendan Shanley, landowner.
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I, Paul O’Rourke, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect dwelling house, garage/garden shed/ home office, construct an effluent treatment system and carry out all necessary works to facilitate same at Correen, Oldtown, Athlone, Co Roscommon.
The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
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A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
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LYONS
Joe and Mary Milltown, Castleplunkett
Joe who died 31 January 1999 (25th Anniversary)
Mary who died 15 December 2011 (13th Anniversary)
Deep are the memories, precious they stay, no passing of time can take them alway.
Loved and sadly issed by all your family.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Donamon Castle on Sunday, 5th January 2025 at 10am.
In loving memory of John who passed away on 6th January 2018
R.I.P.
Will those who think of John today, a little prayer to Jesus say.
Sadly missed by your sister Martina, brother-in-law John, and the Mullooly family.
Anniversary Mass in the Church of Saints Eithne and Fidelma, Tulsk on 6th January at 11.30am.
REILLY
Michael Creevy, Roscommon (21st Anniversary)
In loving memory of Michael who passed away on 3rd January 2004
As each day dawns we think of you as each night falls we pray for you. And throughout our lives no matter where in our hearts you are always there.
Lovingly remembered by his wife Eilish and family.
CLARKE
John
Galway Road, Roscommon town and formerly Fairymount
We, the wife and extended family of the late John Clarke, wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our recent sad bereavement; all who attended the Funeral Home and Mass; those who sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, messages as well as online condolences and those who formed Guards of Honour.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Galway Clinic for the special care given to John during his final days.
To Dr. Brendan Crosby, nurses and staff of Castle Street Surgery for their care of John over the years; to David Hynes and staff of Hynes Pharmacy for all their help, thank you.
To Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for his guidance in preparing the special Funeral Mass; to Bernadine Casserly, the organist, for the beautiful music, many thanks.
To Pat and Gillian Smyth (Funeral Directors) and John Smyth for their professionalism, kindness and attention to detail, thank you.
To Hugh Kilduff (Taxi Service), who took John to Galway for his many appointments, thank you for your patience and consideration no matter how long the delay.
Finally, thanks to the kind neighbours and friends who provided refreshments, which helped to sustain us during the difficult days.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for the intentions of all.
John’s Month’s Mind Mass has been celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.
NEE (Née Geraghty) Breda
Derryvode, Williamstown Co. Galway
In loving memory of my dear wife Breda, who passed away on the 06th January 2024.
One Year Since You Left
The second that you left this life, my heart broke into two. One part filled with sorrow, the other mourns for you. I stare up at the stars at night, when the world is fast asleep. I think about time spent with you and tears roll down my cheeks. I remember you so easily. You fill my thoughts each day. I miss you so much, it really hurts, and that Breda will never go away. Your memory’s locked tight inside my heart, and there it will remain.
Until that joyful day arrives, when we shall meet again, Breda.
Breda ... sending you a little message to Heaven ... forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers; much love, hugs and kisses from your loving husband John, brothers Martin and John Francis, sister Felicity, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and all your loving family & friends, especially your best friend Bella xx.
place on Saturday,
LYNCH
Patrick Cloonshivna, Newbridge, Galway and formerly of Woodbrook, Carrick-on-Shannon, (1st Anniversary) who passed away on 19th December 2023
1st Anniversary Mass for Patrick will take place in Cootehall Church on Saturday, 11th January 2025 at 11 am
DONLON
Esther
(2nd Anniversary)
In loving memory of Esther of Moher, Ballyleague, Roscommon who died on 11th January 2023. R.I.P.
Sadly missed by Joe and all her family.
Esther’s Anniversary Mass will take place in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 12th January at 11.30am.
In loving memory of a dear mother, who died 7th January 2005 R.I.P.
Anniversary Mass for Marie is on Saturday 4th January in Strokestown Parish Church at 7.30 pm.
MORAN
Paddy
Riverside Avenue, Roscommon who died on 5th January, 2023 (2nd Anniversary)
Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and missed by all of us. Our thoughts are always with you in a very special way. Not just on your anniversary, but every single day. you always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke and time to care.
A kindly nature,warm and true, many lovely memories we have of you.
Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your wife Moira and family.
Mass has been offered
Many a lovely moment many a silent tear but always treasured memories of a mother we loved so dear. Always remembered and so sadly missed by her daughter Bridie, Eddie, Emer and James.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Your name is often mentioned our thoughts are with you still you have never been forgotten and by us you never will. Always remembered by Henry, Julia, Sean and Molly.
No matter how life changes no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you. Always remembered by Vincent, Marie, Philip and Alex.
We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Always remembered by Luke, Teresa, Kenneth, Kellie, Michelle and Luke.
Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on. Always remembered by Frank.
Breda’s First Anniversary Mass will take
January 04th, 2025 at 12 noon, in St. Therese’s Church, Williamstown, Co. Galway.
FALLON
Paddy and Betty
Culleen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.
We look back in fondness every day, at the joyful times we had. No one could wish for such a perfect pair, as our special Mum and Dad.
We are grateful for what you taught us and we are grateful for your love, and I know that you watch over us from the Heavens up above. Although you’re missed so dearly, and so many tears we’ve cried, it is so sweet and fitting, that you sleep softly side by side.
You shared your love, you shared your life, many precious times together. Now you will spend eternity hand in hand forever.
Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by their daughters Margaret and Breda, daughter-in-law Sheila, sons-in-law Johnny and Gerry, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for Paddy and Betty in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday 4th January 2025 at 7pm.
Athleague, Co. Roscommon
Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in:
• New Headstones
• New Inscriptions
• Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments
• Wall Plaques and Name Plates
• Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723
Lena Stonepark, Correal, Roscommon. In loving memory of Lena Fetherstone who passed away on 03/12/2024
We, Lena’s family, would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all those who sympathised with us on our recent sad loss.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all our relatives, neighbours and friends and to all those who travelled long distances to express their sympathy.
To all those who called to our home, visited the Funeral Home to express their condolences, attended the Funeral Mass and burial, those who sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, letters of sympathy, perpetual enrolments, online condolences, phone calls, floral tributes and had us in your thoughts in any way, and those who made donations to Saint Vincent De Paul in lieu of flowers, we will always remember your kindness.
A very special word of thanks to the Paramedic Teams who attended to Mam at her home, your kindness and your efforts are greatly appreciated by the family.
Thanks also to Dr. Valerie Morris and all at the Primary Care Centre and Dr. Pauraic Brennan (retired) who gave great care to Mam’s medical care over the years.
Thanks to Tom, Pat and Gillian Smyth and staff, Smyth’s Funeral undertakers for their professional and sensitive help with funeral arrangements and internment, also thanks to those who prepared Mam’s final resting place with such care.
A special word of thanks to Fr. Kevin Fallon (PP) who celebrated Mam’s beautiful Funeral Mass and for the lovely heartfelt and personal Homily given at the Mass and also who gave us great comfort and solace during our difficult days. Also, a special word of thanks to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald, who attended the graveside with prayers for Mam’s internment.
Thanks to Henry Hamrock and Pat Gavigan whose beautiful music and singing was very uplifting during the Funeral Mass.
Thanks to all those who brought food and refreshments to our home and all those who helped with the catering and those who provided outdoor lighting at our home.
Thanks to Hannon’s Hotel and staff for their hospitality and for a lovely meal.
Thanks to Anne Harlow and staff at Signature Flowers for providing us with such lovely floral tributes.
As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
Lena’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday 5th January at 11.30am.
"There are some who bring a light so
FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF KEENAN Eileen Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon. 02/01/2025
The family of the late Eileen Keenan would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our neighbours, friends and relatives, who came and sympathised, expressed their condolences through RIP.ie and who generally offered support and kindness at the time of Eileen’s passing. Particularly the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital, where Eileen spent her last few years. She was greatly loved and sadly missed. Her spirit lives on in each of us. May she rest in peace.
In loving memory of Mary whose 3rd anniversary occurs on 3rd January 2025.
A smile for all, a heart of gold one of the best this world could hold.
Never selfish, always kind these are the memories you left behind.
Remembered with love by all your family.
Mary’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, 6th January at 7pm.
NAUGHTON
John
Late of Shanballymore, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. (2nd Anniversary)
Treasured memories of John who was called home to Heaven on January 7th 2023.
You always had a smile to share,
A laugh, a joke and time to care.
A kindly nature, warm and true, Many lovely memories we have of you.
Forever loved and missed by his wife Carmel, his sons Matt, Seán, Joe, Eugene and David, his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and extended family, neighbours and friends.
John’s Second Anniversary Mass will be held on Friday 10th January at 8:00pm in St. Brendan’s Church, Tohergar.
great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains."
(2nd Anniversary) who died 2nd January 2023
(12th Anniversary) who died 11th January 2013
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Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication.
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Sports PEOPLE
Looking forward to a sporting 2025
< SEAMUS DUKE
Gaelic football
The new playing rules will bring about the biggest upheaval in the game since it came into being almost 150 years ago – and the big question is… which county will the changes suit best?
Of course it’s impossible to know the answer at this point, but it would be fair to speculate that the traditionally stronger counties like Kerry, Dublin, Tyrone, Mayo, Derry and Galway will all probably get a handle on the rules quicker than most. My fancy for the All-Ireland title is in fact Donegal.
Jim McGuinness is as clever and capable a coach as there is around, and with Michael Murphy returning to the dressing room they will be the team to beat. Murphy didn’t come back just to win an Ulster title. Donegal are gunning for Sam. What of Roscommon in 2025?
I actually think they will have a good year. Promotion in the league and a Connacht title are certainly achievable targets for Davy Burke and his men.
Locally, St Brigid’s will surely be back as contenders with Roscommon Gaels and Padraig Pearses the most likely closest challengers.
Hurling
There are at least five genuine contenders to win the MacCarthy Cup and if there is even a fraction of the drama and excitement that we saw in 2024 then it will be another championship to savour. Limerick will be back for sure, but Cork look the most likely to take over from defending champions Clare.
Locally, the big question is can St Dominic’s kick on from 2024 and capture the Mickey Cunniffe Cup? It will also be an interesting year for Roscommon hurlers who could do well in the league and in the championship.
Ladies football and camogie Roscommon ladies footballers face a huge test in the league in Division Two. They have some
glamour ties to look forward to, and those big games should bring them on. The success of Leitrim in 2024 should give them great hope and inspiration for the championship too. With Finbar Egan in charge it will be a big year for the team. There are great strides being made in camogie and hopefully all the young talent that we have seen in recent years can begin to come through at senior level.
Rugby
It’s another massive year for Ireland. Stuart Lancaster will be
in charge of the team for the Six Nations as Andy Farrell is on Lions duty. Ireland are as good as any of the other top teams but it is hard not to fancy France for the title this year.
Leinster will be trying everything in their power to finally win that elusive Champions Cup this year after three final losses in a row. With a full team they might just do it this time around.
Golf
The Rory McIlroy debate will go on again this year as his win-
less streak in the majors continues. But he might end that famine this year in Portrush.
If Scottie Scheffler continues to play the way he did in 2024 he is set to dominate once more. The Ryder Cup in New York in September will be compulsive viewing again. The British Open will once again be held in Portrush this year. Don’t rule out another win for Shane Lowry – who won at the same venue in 2019 – but McIlroy must be the favourite on one of his home courses.
Locally, watch out for
the progress of young Roscommon Town star Olivia Costello who is gearing up for another big year in 2025
Soccer
The Premier League title is now Liverpool’s to lose and they don’t look like slipping up. The demise of Manchester City looks inevitable now and Manchester United will continue to struggle until their new manager gets a number of new players in.
In the Champions League there could be a surprise winner this year. I am going to take a punt on Dortmund.
Here at home Ireland will be trying to qualify for the next World Cup. It will be an uphill struggle.
And finally…
The National Hunt scene and Cheltenham is set to be dominated once again by Willie Mullins, with Aidan O’Brien’s success on the flat also set to continue.
On the local scene we will be keeping a close eye on the progress of the O’Rourke sisters as they continue to shine in the boxing ring and Daire Feely will be front and centre on the cycling circuit both here and abroad. We wish them all the best of luck.
Seamus Duke’s CRYSTAL BALL
All-Ireland SFC: Donegal.
Connacht SFC: Roscommon.
Munster SFC: Kerry.
Leinster SFC: Dublin.
Ulster SFC: Donegal.
All-Ireland SHC: Cork.
Munster SHC: Limerick.
Leinster SHC: Dublin.
All-Ireland Ladies SFC: Armagh.
All-Ireland Senior Camogie: Galway.
Roscommon SFC: St Brigid’s. Roscommon IFC: Strokestown.
Roscommon SHC: St Dominic’s.
Roscommon Ladies Football SFC: Clann na nGael.
Roscommon Senior Camogie: Oran.
Premier League: Liverpool.
Relegated: Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich. FA Cup: Chelsea.
Champions League: Borussia Dortmund.
League of Ireland Premier Division: Shamrock Rovers.
Six Nations: France.
Champions Cup: Leinster. US Masters: Scottie Scheffler. British Open: Rory McIlroy.
World Snooker Championship: Judd Trump. Gold Cup: Galopin Des Champs. Champion Hurdle: Lossiemouth.
Festive racing reviewed
On St Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown, in heavy fog with some races delayed, only four went to post in the featured Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase. Gordon Elliott’s Croke Park under Sam Ewing showed that his recent Fairyhouse win was no fluke beating his well backed stablemate Better Days Ahead with Danny Gilligan in the plate by a head with Buddy One a further 19l back in 3rd.
The Grade 2 Leopardstown Juvenile Hurdle was won by Hello Neighbour ridden by Keith Donoghue for Gavin Cromwell at 9/4 favourite. In Limerick, the featured Grade 2 Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle was won by the Henry de Bromhead trained favourite The Big Westerner ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe at 7/4, to give the trainer a four-timer at three tracks on the day.
Air Of Entitlement and Downmexicoway under Sean Flanagan won the opening maiden hurdles in Down Royal and Workahead won a maiden in Leopardstown under Mike O’Connor with stable jockey Rachael Blackmore on duty in Kempton.
On Friday, in the Listed Paddy Power Handicap Chase worth €200,000 Gavin Cromwell’s Perceval finally won a valuable race having run well in the Troytown, the Kerry National and the Galway Plate in his last three runs. Mark Walsh brought the 7-Y-O with a late run to win from Midnight Our Fred and Pinkerton, the Plate winner, by 7l and 2l at odds of 17/2. JJ Slevin rode 28/1 shot Solness to victory in the Grade 1 Rewards Club Chase for Joseph O’Brien, beating the favourite Gaelic Warrior. In the Future Champions Novice Hurdle Elliott’s Romeo Coolio and Bleu De Vassy fought out the finish with Sam Ewing on Romeo Coolio getting the better of Danny Gilligan. In Limerick’s feature
Horses for Courses
by Tom Red
the Grade 2 Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase top Galwegian amateur Derek O’Connor rode Bioluminescence to win for Cromwell at 4/5.
Saturday’s card had 2 Grade 1 races, the Savill’s Hurdle, which went to the Joseph O’Brien trained Home By The Lee under JJ Slevin, while in the Savill’s Chase Galopin Des Champs, 4/5 favourite, gained revenge over stablemate Fact To File, 13/8, following his defeat in the John Durcan at Punchestown.
Willie Mullins trains both and Paul Townend rode the 8-Y-O to victory, unbeaten in chases here, with Mark Walsh on the runner-up.
Sunday’s card featured another Grade 1 race the Neville’s Hotel Hurdle in which Mullins’ State Man went off 4/9 hot favourite, but Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead proved far too good for the favourite winning by 30l from Winter Fog with the favourite another 1¼l away. In the Grade 3 Irish EBF Mares Hurdle July Flower gave Rachael
Blackmore her first winner since her return from injury.
Sequestered gave Athenry father and son team Paul and Jack Gilligan a win in the Adare Manor Opportunity Chase at 10/1, beating Doran’s Law by 10l.
The Grade 1 Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase on Saturday’s card gave Daryl Jacob his final winner on the track as the Willie Mullins trained Impaire Et Passe beat Jordans and Search For Glory by 4l and ½l. Jacob’s final ride was on Sunday, when Mr Percy finished down the field. The Listed QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle on Sunday was won by the Philip Fenton trained and Niall Moran ridden favourite, Balko d’Ange.
Despite heavy fog in Britain the Grade 1 King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day was won by Joseph O’Brien with Banbridge at 7/1 with Paul Townend doing the steering and beating the French trained Il Est Francais by 1¾l. The other Grade 1 races on the card, The
Kauto Star Novice Chase, went to the favourite, The Jukebox Man and the Christmas Hurdle Constitution Hill proved he may be back to his best, besting Lossiemouth by 2½l.
This week
There is a very quiet spell on the racing front this week following the hectic festive season with racing at Cork on Saturday at 12.05 pm and at Naas on Sunday at 12.25 pm featuring the Grade 1 Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle and the Grade 2 Racing Post Novice Chase. If going racing check the starting times as there may be changes.
Racing on terrestrial television this weekend sees four races from Sandown and three from Wincanton on Saturday on ITV.
Racing News
Joseph O’Brien’s Cottesloe Sunshine battled back to provide JJ Slevin with a Listed success in the Billy Harney Irish EBF Mares Novice Hurdle at Thurles on the 21st of December, giving the jockey a nice winner on his return from injury. It was Slevin’s first ride back since fracturing a bone in his foot in a fall at Gowran Park in October.
The Coral Welsh Grand National, the highlight of the card at Chepstow on Friday, was run in dense fog with very limited visibility for punters and virtually no vision for TV viewers.
There were 15 runners in the race and Val’s Dancer gave Mel Rowley her first track winner under Charlie Hammond beating the Sam Thomas pair Jubilee Express and Iwilldoit, trained in Wales. The two Irish runners were Cromwell’s Evies Vladimir which finished 7th and Elliott’s Where It All Began which pulled up.
May I wish all the readers of the column a very Happy New Year and PROSPEROUS punting for 2025.
Short putts
BOYLE
The Club Management AGM was held in the clubhouse on the 22nd of December. Outgoing Chairperson Mark Whelan thanked all who contributed to the club in any way during the past 12 months. Long-serving Club Secretary Brendan Gaffney stepped down and paid tribute to the committee members he had served with throughout his time in the office of Secretary. A new committee was elected, with the new Chairperson being the incoming Men’s Captain, Shane O’Dowd. A number of motions which will be of interest to members were passed, including one that proposed that members who have not paid their membership fees in full by the due date of 31 March will be removed from the BRS and Handicap Master. Also proposed was that all members must display their membership tag when on the course, regardless of whether they are competing or practising. 2025 will also see the introduction of green fee vouchers to be displayed on a visitors bag during a green fee round. Another proposal was that all members must enter their name on BRS before entering the course, regardless of whether they are competing or practising. There were also a number of simplifications of membership categories proposed. These will be on the website soon, and will also be in the letters to members sent out in January. All of the above motions were accepted.
BONANZA RESULTS: 1st: Martin Sweeney, 22 points; 2nd: Michael McHale, 21; 3rd: Lochlainn Conboy, 21. Ladies winner was Tish Perry. Nearest the pin winner was Michael McHale. Longest Drive winner was Lee McKillen. 2s club winner: Owen Garvin. Birdie Tree: Noel McKenna.
ROSCOMMON
The results for the Christmas Men’s 15-hole re-entry Open are as follows: Overall winner: Billy Donnellan, 39 pts; Gross: Richie Evans, 29 pts; Category 1: Paul Hoare, 35 pts; Category 2: Brendan Mulry, 37 pts; Category 3: Charlie McDonnell, 36 pts. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who played. We had 167 entries, which is phenomenal. Another competition to follow this week. Please keep an eye on the club information board on WhatsApp and on BRS. Don’t forget that we are on Twitter now too @RoscommonGolf. Please follow and share.
Galopin Des Champs leads Fact To File at Leopardstown.
JKA Roscommon members with JKA Ireland chief instructor Noel Casey 7th dan and club instructor Barry Tapster 5th dan.
JKA Roscommon, the town’s shotokan karate club,
success
ful grading examination under Sensei Noel Casey (7th dan) the chief instruc
(News from local golf clubs)
Christmas joy for Gaels
Cora Systems U-20 Division One FC Final Roscommon Gaels 0-11
Michael Glaveys-Éire Óg 1-6
< SEAMUS DUKE
After losing the minor and senior football finals in 2024, there was some silverware for Roscommon Gaels when their U-20s produced an excellent final-quarter display to overcome the stiff challenge posed by the Michael Glaveys-Éire Óg combination at a bitterly cold Bekan before Christmas. The combination outfit had a dream start when they had the ball in the opposition net after only 25 seconds as Oisin Kelly took advantage of a Roscommon Gaels mistake from the throw-in and finished with aplomb to give his side an early advantage.
Points from Kelly and Sean Crawley saw Glaveys- Éire Óg up by 1-2 to 0-1 after 12 minutes, with the Gaels’ only score coming from a Rory Car-
thy free. The town team got into the match in the second quarter and four points without reply from Ryan Conlon (2), John McGuinness and Rory Carthy saw the sides level by the 26th minute.
The Glaveys-Éire Óg side pushed on well before the break with points from the outstanding Daniel Hagney and Brian Greene, meaning they went in at half-time 1-4 to 0-5 in front.
Indeed when Oisin Kelly kicked an early score on the resumption, the Gaels were three down after 35 minutes and looked to be in trouble. However, they outscored their opponents by 0-6 to 0-1 thereafter to sweep to the title.
Senan Lambe, Ryan Conlon, Eoghan Carthy and DJ Hession were all playing well, but the Gaels’ star man was Conor Grogan who had a superb game all through in the half-back line.
A flurry of points from the prolific Ryan Conlon (two frees) saw the town team ahead by two with 10 minutes to go. In the 53rd minute captain Senan Lambe kicked an inspirational point. When Eoghan Carthy followed with another score in the
Title triumphs for Oran-St Croan’s and Western Gaels
The U-20 Division Two and Three finals were also played at Bekan before Christmas.
In the U-20 Division Two FC final, Oran-St Croan’s defeated St Dominic’s by 3-6 to 2-5 after a hard-fought encounter.
Michael Hussey scored an early goal for the winners after eight minutes. St Dominic’s hit back with a goal just before half-time and at the break it was Oran/St Croan’s 1-5 St Dominic’s 1-2.
St Dominic’s were the better side in the third quarter. A well-taken goal in the 47th minute saw them 2-4 to 1-5 ahead. Five minutes later Paddy Fallon was on target with a goal for Oran-St Croan’s, and the vital score came in the 60th minute when Eoin Collins netted their third goal.
In the Division Three final Western Gaels proved too strong for the Kilglass Gaels-St Barry’s combination, winning by 0-15 to 0-7.
Kilglass-St Barry’s played their best football early on and led at one stage by 0-3 to 0-2. But the Gaels turned in an impressive second quarter and led at half-time by 0-6 to 0-4.
Western Gaels dominated the second half and a string of fine points saw them pull clear of a gallant Kilglass-St Barry’s side.
56th minute, it put the Gaels three ahead.
In fairness to Glaveys-Éire Óg, they never gave up, and when Robert Heneghan kicked a super point in the 58th minute it was still all to play for.
But the Gaels defence held firm and by the final whistle they had done enough to take the title.
After losing a number of minor finals over the years – and the minor and senior deciders in 2024 – this win will be a major boost to the Gaels.
For a gallant Glaveys-Éire Óg side, Oisin Kelly, Robert Heneghan, Brian Greene and Niall Heneghan were prominent. Daniel Hagney was tremendous all through and did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Roscommon Gaels: David Hough; Jack Donnelly, James Connolly, Ciaran O’Reilly; Michael Gillooly, Senan Lambe (0-1), Conor Grogan; DJ Hession, Eoghan Carthy (0-1); Lochlainn Murray, Ryan Conlon (0-6, 4 frees), Tom Beisty; John McGuinness (0-1), Ciaran Mulry, Rory Carthy (0-2, frees). Subs: Finnan Devane for L Mulry (15), Ethan O’Reilly for C Mulry
(42), Zawyal Khan Zareen for Beisty (53). Michael Glaveys-Éire Óg: Cormac Heneghan; Angus McDonagh, Conor Donnellan, Conor Ruane; Daniel Hagney (0-1), Oisin Kelly (1-2, 1 free, 1 mark), Luke Ruane; Niall Heneghan, Sean Brehony; Shane Gallagher, Sean
Referee: Mark Grehan.
Man of the Match Conor Grogan (Roscommon
Action from the recent Roscommon U-20 Division Two FC final in which Oran-St Croan’s defeated St Dominic’s. Alan Conroy (Oran-St Croan’s) retains possession despite the attention of Michael Moran and Thomas Cotton. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
Crawley (0-1, free), James McGreal; Marcus Denning, Robert Heneghan (0-1), Brian Greene (0-1).
Gaels)
Roscommon Gaels players and management celebrate their win in the recent Roscommon U-20 Division One FC final. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
SPORTS DESK
Paul Healy
The 2024 sporting year…
Was 2024 a memorable sporting year? Of course. Every year is. It ended with Tiger Woods’ son (Charlie) and Padraig Harrington’s son Paddy both getting a hole-in-one at the PNC Championship, where parent-son/daughter combinations compete. So now the younger crop of the world’s leading golfers know that a ‘new Woods’ and a ‘new Harrington’ may be coming to a fairway near them!
The year also ended with giant chickens and giant Teletubbies (in the audience) and marvellous characters on the oche as the World Darts extravaganza at the ‘Ally Pally’ kicked off (and it continues as I write).
By the way, Bernhard Langer won that golf tournament, with his son Jason. In terms of maintaining a high standard of sporting competitiveness over a long period of time, Langer is pretty unique; when he won his first major (1985), George Bush was US President, Margaret Thatcher UK Prime Minister, and Garret FitzGerald Taoiseach.
Staying with golf… Scottie Scheffler was the golfer of the year. When he was arrested during the PGA Championship, and locked in a cell, it was a stunningly unexpected development… akin to Daniel O’Donnell smashing a guitar on stage, I’d say. (Entirely predictably, Scheffler was released, all charges against him – they related to alleged reckless driving, and second degree assault on a police officer – being dropped).
Still staying with golf… Rory McIllroy was unmissable… mixing the brilliant with the flawed, and –frankly – showing signs of not being able to win really big tournaments when the pressure builds. To be fair to Rory, he finished the year with a victory (DP World Tour Championship) and, failure to add a long-awaited fifth major aside, had a successful 2024 by any fair analysis.
More memories that stand out…
In rugby, Ireland won the Six Nations. Such are the high standards set by the current crop, it was almost anticlimatic, especially when defeat to England ended our Grand Slam hopes. Some grating arrogance aside, Andy Farrell’s men are an outstanding bunch.
On the soccer front, almost everyone was offered the Republic of Ireland manager’s job, although I haven’t checked in with all of my neighbours. In the end, it went to
a man few of us had heard of, and whose name few of us can spell/pronounce. Good luck to Heimir Hallgrímsson. Of course I googled it.
In heavyweight boxing, Oleksandr Usyk (I googled his name too) beat Tyson Fury twice, much to Tyson’s fury. Apparently he thinks he did enough to win their recent rematch.
The experts say otherwise. I didn’t see it, as I’m not fully committed yet to pay per view, or whatever it’s called these days. Anyways, I had caught up with a few hours of Barry McGuigan and fellow celebrities in the jungle.
The mixed 4x400m relay team of Chris O’Donnell, Rhasidat Adeleke, Thomas Barr and Sharlene Mawdsley won gold for Ireland at the European Athletics Championships. Some of us never thought we’d see Ireland competing with the world’s best in sprinting, but we’ve entered a golden era. Staying with athletics, Ciara Mageean won 1500m gold at those European finals.
Galway stunned Dublin in a thrilling All-Ireland SFC quarter-final, on the same day that Roscommon underperformed in losing to eventual Sam Maguire Cup winners, Armagh.
The hurling produced many thrillers, including a classic final, in which Clare defeated Cork. The Brits love it now too.
Boxing queen Katie Taylor retained her world titles with a heroic win against great rival Amanda Serrano.
I didn’t see that one either. What
a champion and warrior Katie is. Castlerea sisters Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke remain at the heart of the thriving Irish boxing scene.
The Republic of Ireland ladies soccer team lost a Euros’ play-off to Wales, having drawn the away leg. It was a heartbreaker. In crosschannel soccer, the year ended with a bizarre slump by Manchester City. In contrast, a purring Liverpool are proudly sitting at the summit of the Premier League. Earlier in 2024, Pep Guardiola’s City had completed a four-in-a-row, but just now they are like a superstar actor who has suddenly started fluffing his lines and stumbling over any props in the wings.
Olympic heroes
2024 was always likely to produce a host of memorable sporting moments; after all, it was an Olympics’ year, and a European Championships’ year too. A stylish Spanish team won Euro 2024, defeating England after Gareth Southgate’s men had scrambled their way to the final.
The Olympics provided great entertainment across the usual variety of sports. As covered by Seamus Duke on these pages in Roscommon People issue dated 20th of December last, Ireland had a great Games’, winning more medals than ever before.
If those of us who have seen multiple Olympics’ never thought Ireland
Sadly for us, Armagh put paid to those dreams, while turbo-charging their own.
Sport is forever giving
It was a memorable sporting year indeed, indicative of how sport never really lets us down. Some of it plays out before the watching world, perhaps on the Olympics stage; some of it plays out at Croke Park, uniquely Irish, the audience brimming with patriotic pride. Some of it is far away, on lush greens in sunny Florida, or maybe closer to home, on frosty rugby pitches on foggy nights when you can hear the coded lineout calls, and sometimes the crunching tackles too.
You might get your sporting joy from just sitting in an armchair watching a safety battle on the green baize, or witnessing a dramatic close finish to a horse race on a Saturday afternoon. Sport is special, joyous, enthralling, forever giving… to us.
Best days of their lives
As often as possible, I take a quiet spot on the sideline at a Roscommon Gaels underage game, or a Roscommon Town FC match, even if I’m only on a break from work, my mind still racing. I wish I did it more often. A few feet from me, pitchside, are adult heroes of our community… some of the volunteers (managers/ coaches/mentors, etc) who so selflessly guide our children towards a knowledge and love of sport that will almost certainly stay with them for their entire lives.
would excel in track sprinting, we certainly never envisaged success in the gymnastics. Rhys McClenaghan changed that familiar script, majestically winning gold.
Kellie Harrington is a legend now, a two-time Olympic champion boxer. It’s a joy to watch her. Swimmer Daniel Wiffen and rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy confirmed their world class status, but we had many more heroes too, Ireland winning a record ten medals.
Those who just lost out on medals, most notably our female athletes, were thrillingly competitive against the best in the world, and are likely to feature on podiums in the near future.
On GAA front in Roscommon
On the local GAA front, the bigger prizes went to Padraig Pearses (senior football), Elphin (intermediate football), St Barry’s (junior), Clann na nGael (new ladies’ senior champions), Four Roads (senior hurling winners), and Oran (camogie champions). There was some great action, but the attendances were disappointing.
As for Davy Burke and the Roscommon senior football team, they had a great championship win away to Tyrone, a performance and result that gave us all permission to dream the type of dream we generally fear to dream.
In front of us on these occasions are the youngsters of these times, of this time… chasing every ball, threading every pass, timing tackles, making decisions – choosing when to shoot or when to seek out a teammate –bonding, sharing, loving, learning… surfing this wonderful, emotional rollercoaster that is such a positive force in their young lives.
Even on those evenings or afternoons when the scoreline suggests they were on the wrong side of a hammering, they have won. They have won, they have won… bonds strengthened, new memories formed, friendships expanded, friendships that will stretch from the fleeting days of the shared schooldays of their youth to the long and diverse life journeys ahead. Probably the best days of their lives, irrespective of the muck and mayhem, the defeats and despair.
In 50, 60, 70, 80 years’ time, their eyes will meet and they will be back in Lisnamult on cold February nights when, as young playing pals, they chased footballs… and life’s promise and possibilities too. Sport is epic. It’s everything that happens on the world stage, and everything that happens on the wet village green, or wherever kids daydream.
Was 2024 a memorable sporting year? Of course. Every year is.
*There is no suggestion that Daniel O’Donnell has ever even considered smashing a guitar on stage.
Pictured at the recent Roscommon U-20 Division Two FC final between Oran-St Croan’s and St Dominic’s were Michael Burke, Killian Finan and Blake Burke. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell
