13 September 2024 - Roscommon People by RossiePeople

SELFIE: Taoiseach Simon Harris pictured with Maura Cox Kelly (Hygiene Services) at the o cial opening of the new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital on Wednesday.

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COSMETIC SURGERY

I am thinking about getting some cosmetic surgery. I am nervous about this and I am trying to do as much research as possible. I am particularly concerned about something going wrong. I know that Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors have a Medical Negligence Department and I wonder if you have come across many legal cases where cosmetic procedures have not worked out as they should.

Thank you for your enquiry and I commend you on your decision to do as much research as possible prior to embarking on an elective cosmetic procedure.

I work within our busy Medical Negligence Department and I represent and advise clients who have experienced a negative outcome following such procedures. In recent times, the number of enquiries relating to cosmetic procedures has signiﬁcantly increased.

Common medical negligence causes of action involving elective cosmetic procedures which we address within our Medical Negligence Department include such issues as:

• Breast augmentation resulting in scarring, injury or poor outcome

• Liposuction procedures resulting in scarring or injury

• Injury or poor outcome from abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

• Injury or poor outcome from rhinoplasty

• Injury or poor outcome from laser eye surgery

• Injury or poor outcome from permanent or semipermanent make-up.

The lack of adequate regulation of the cosmetic procedure business in Ireland is unsatisfactory. Following concerns expressed in relation to the safety and quality of surgical cosmetic procedures both in Ireland and abroad, recommendations were developed in partnership between the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons and the Ofﬁce of the Chief Medical Ofﬁcer. This guidance paper entitled ‘Recommendations for patients considering surgical cosmetic procedures’ is available on the Department of Health website. I would respectfully suggest that you review this prior to proceeding with any elective cosmetic procedure.

With PAUL HEALY

Hey, I see Gráinne Seoige is running in the General Election! A new face! That’s good!

No, that’s bad! I’m not a fan of celebrity candidates!

Well, the Republic of Ireland v England was some occasion… a great crowd in the Aviva, a new era for Ireland, Paul McGrath in the stand singing along to ‘Put ‘em under pressure’… surely that’s good?

No, that’s bad! We lost 2-0, and ex-Irish internationals Jack Grealish and Declan Rice scored for England, and Paul McGrath and that song only remind us of how much we’ve fallen! That’s bad!

Well, Apple have been told to pay Ireland €13 billion in tax… now THAT’S good!

No, that’s BAD, ‘cos it’s such a mess! The Government are embarrassed, the opposition will be all opportunistic, and we’ll hear nothing only elaborate promises during the election campaign!

(They pause to record the Trump-Harris presidential debate)

Well, there’s going to be an investigation into the €336k bike shed… now that’s good!

No, that’s bad! The Public Accounts Committee is to look into the entire process, and ministers are hiding behind vague stuff like that, instead of someone simply lifting

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

the phone and demanding an answer! So frankly, it’s bad!

Well, Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris for President, and you have your doubts about Trump, so that’s good! No, that’s bad… more of that annoying ‘celebrities getting involved with

WATCHING People

Good or bad news? Gráinne, Declan, Jack… and Simon’s dancing displays

politicians’ rubbish! What next? Mike Denver endorsing Simon Harris?

Speaking of Simon, he’s showing a real ‘man of the people’ side to him… did you see those videos of the Taoiseach dancing with various ladies? That’s an example of being in touch, surely that’s good?

No, that’s bad! Did you see his dance routines?

(They pause to watch the Trump-Harris presidential debate, before resuming their chat)

Okay, the weather was very nice last weekend. That’s good…

No, that’s bad! It came too late, and is only frustrating us now! The kids are back to school, the summer’s over, bah!

Well, the Late Late Show is coming back this Friday night… that’s good!

No, that’s bad!

I wouldn’t be surprised if Gráinne Seoige’s on it! Or Jack Grealish and Declan Rice! Now THAT would be good! No, that would be bad! Now can we stop this silly conversation?

Okay, my grumpy pal, if you insist… this conversation ends now!

Editor: THAT’S good!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, with those two former Irish internationals scoring England’s goals in their 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday

Four Roads and St Dominic’s, who reached the Roscommon Senior Hurling ﬁnal with semi-ﬁnal wins over Roscommon Gaels and Athleague respectively

Team Ireland competitors at the Paralympics in Paris, with a number of medal wins and personal bests achieved

Actress, singer and entrepreneur Selena Gomez, who was declared a billionaire by media company Bloomberg last Friday

A Lotto player in Co Leitrim, who scooped just over €1m in the National Lottery’s EuroMillions draw last Friday

It’s been a BAD week for…

Republic of Ireland soccer fans, this after former Irish players turned England internationals Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – of all people – proved to be the goalscoring match-winners at the Aviva Stadium

James Connaughton pictured at Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi- nal between Four Roads and Roscommon Gaels in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell.

Martin Daly to seek FF nomination for General Election

Well-known local GP

Dr Martin Daly has conﬁrmed that he will be seeking a nomination to contest the next General Election on behalf of Fianna Fáil in RoscommonGalway. The Ballygarbased GP conﬁrmed his intentions at a party meeting in Roscommon Town on Monday night. The Fianna Fáil Selection Convention is expected to take place later this month. Up to now, current senator and former TD Eugene Murphy was seen as the likely frontrunner, but Daly’s entry into the contest adds a whole new dynamic to the selection process.

In addition to Senator Murphy and Martin Daly, others may also put their names forward. Councillors Paschal Fitzmaurice and John Keogh are two possible convention contenders. A two-candidate strategy which would take into consideration the geographical bases of pro-

Dr Martin Daly

spective candidates cannot be ruled out.

Dr Daly had made it known in recent years that he has political ambitions. Indeed he ran for the Seanad as an Independent candidate on the National University of Ireland panel in 2016. A long-time member of

Fianna Fáil, he has a high proﬁle in the local community and further aﬁeld. He is a former president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and currently serves as team doctor with Roscommon GAA. Dr Daly has been very vocal on a number of issues on social media in recent years.

Roscommon celebrates Brazilian Independence Day

takes place this Sunday, the 15th of September. The event will be held in Kilbride Community Centre, from 10 am to 5 pm. As well as marking Brazilian Independence Day, this celebration also serves a great opportunity for the local Brazilian community to come together, and as a chance for all other nationalities in Roscommon to experience and enjoy Brazilian culture. This event will feature free workshops on percussion, graﬁeira dance, and capoeira, as well as live music, a football

tournament, culinary delights, and a craft fair. A much-anticipated highlight of the day will be the panel discussion and Q&A session

focused on start-up businesses, which will feature experienced entrepreneur advisers Noel Connolly and Fernda Hermanson, and two Brazilian entrepreneurs, Bianca Fachel from Birdland Studios and Carolina Musetti from Baken it Happen.

Information on legal rights and mental health will also be provided, with support from the Brazilian Embassy. This exciting free event promises to be a day full of cultural immersion, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchange, so don’t miss out! More information can be found at braziliandayroscommon.my.canva. site.

THE RENOWNED SYSTEM 10 WEIGHT

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LOSE UP TO 2 STONE IN 10 WEEKS

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The TRUTH is there are 3 keys to a genuine weight loss (real fat loss) plan - diet, exercise and metabolism correction. All 3 keys interconnect, one will not work without the other. Your metabolism is the most powerful of all the 3 keys. It is the ‘switch’ that controls everything else.

In most people this ‘switch’ is off.

Metabolism problems like Slow Thyroid, Type 2 Diabetes, Sluggish Liver, Hormone Imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility and Digestive Problems like Constipation, IBS and Diverticulitis will limit or stop your weight loss, no matter how much dieting or exercise you do . Work on xing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.

Work on fixing your metabolism problems for amazing results. Combine this with a reasonable diet and exercise and you will get the best, the fastest and the easiest weight loss ever.

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.

THE SYSTEM 10 PLAN INCLUDES:

• An analysis of your metabolism

• Nutritionist designed highly balanced food plans of normal, natural foods, no pills, bars or shakes.

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.

The System 10 weight loss plan, which aims to offer participants the chance to potentially lose up to two stone in ten weeks, has been helping lots of local people with achieving their health and wellness goals.

The plan focuses on three ‘keys’ to genuine weight loss: diet, exercise, and metabolism correction. According to System 10, the latter is the most crucial, the ‘switch’ that controls the effectiveness of diet and exercise.

System 10 runs programmes for both

• An exercise plan (home - walk, jog or bike) or gym plan including toning.

• Nutritional supplement recommendations to rapidly repair your system.

• Private weigh-ins, motivational tips and support throughout the programme.

• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans).

You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight o when you nish your plan.

• We can guarantee that every pound you lose is a pound of fat (you don’t lose water or muscle like most plans). You will lose 2-3lbs every week and because our programme is designed to speed up your metabolism, you will keep the weight off when you finish your plan. Programmes available for men and women.

Programmes available for men and women.

WEEKLY CLINIC AT THE HIVE, DUBLIN ROAD, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON EVERY WEDNESDAY.

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY WEDNESDAY at The Hive, Dublin Road, Carrick-On-Shannon.

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY

At The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61

WEEKLY CLINIC EVERY THURSDAY at The Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon F42 DX61 BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA: 086-3846302

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. TEL MARTINA:

System 10 – helping local people achieve their health and weight loss goals!

men and women, with weekly clinics taking place every Wednesday at the Hive, Dublin Rd, Carrick-on-Shannon, and every Thursday at the Cube FlexiSpace, Lanesborough Road, Roscommon (F42 DX61). Booking is essential and can be done by calling 086 3846302. For more information, visit system10weightloss.com.

Testimonial from Edward and Margaret Molloy (Sligo)

“We joined the System 10 plan over a

year ago, and in that time it has completely transformed our lives. We had some health issues, mainly brought about by carrying some excess weight, but inside a few weeks, the change was incredible – and has continued up until the present day. Our lifestyle has become so much different in many ways, as difﬁcult tasks beforehand have now become much easier to undertake. This is due to not just the weight loss, but also the exercises – and even more so the conﬁdence gained by the superb programme we undertook.

“We are now more aware of the food we should be eating for a healthy lifestyle, and have enjoyed shopping for many new products that we never tasted beforehand.

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“We would strongly recommend everyone and indeed anyone who wants to transform their life for the betterment of

remote controlled tractors to race, a new wormery, some cool merchandise and lots more.

The Commission will be joined in the marquee by the managing authorities for the EU Funds in Ireland, including the Northern and Western Regional Assembly to discuss some of the fantastic projects co-funded by the EU across our region. We hope that you get an opportunity to visit the marquee and look forward to meeting you at the ploughing.

their health to contact System 10 and get on the programme as fast as possible and see the beneﬁts which can be achieved!”

Testimonial from local woman Ita

“After years of struggling to lose weight, I ﬁnally discovered System10; from day one, I knew what I needed to do, and with the help and guidance from Martina, I’ve managed to lose two stone!

“It’s greatly improved my health and energy levels and I can’t recommend it enough!”

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports regional projects aiming to strengthen economic, social, and territorial

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly is the ERDF managing authority in this region and our current €217 million EU cofunded Programme focuses on building research, development, and innovation capacity, improving energy efficiency for those in energy poverty, and promoting sustainable urban regeneration.

THURSDAY

Just a thought

Should those businesses that spell the word ‘inconvenience’ incorrectly when putting up ‘Sorry for any inconvenience’ signs ideally produce a second sign… apologising for any inconvenience caused to fussy readers by the misspelling in the original sign?

FRIDAY

People in shock

All over the country, people are dismayed, distraught even. There are reports of ashen-faced folks wandering around aimlessly.

A veteran people watcher told us: “It’s grim out there. The people are stunned, they just don’t know what to do or say. There are farmers outside Roscommon Mart today who are just speechless… they had all their ‘Shocking weather’ and ‘Did you ever see the likes of it?’ phrases ready.

“Two women who meet for a coffee every Friday morning had to completely change their script at the last moment. People are just completely thrown off course by today’s very warm sunshine and glorious conditions… 25 degrees ‘in the car’ no less. It’s an awful shock to the system”.

SATURDAY

Toothless Ireland

Not for the ﬁrst time on Irish soil, England came, saw and conquered.

This evening was one of firsts… when the Republic of Ireland hosted England in a UEFA United Nations game at the Aviva Stadium, it was our first fixture under new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, and England’s first under their new (interim) manager, Lee Carsley. England won 2-0 (see more in ‘Sports Desk’).

Carsley is a former Irish international. Ireland’s new manager comes from Iceland. As well as being an established football pro, he’s also a qualiﬁed dentist.

In fact Hallgrimsson still does the odd bit of dentistry. There is however no truth in the rumour that as he sent

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…

the team out to face the daunting, starstudded opposition, our new manager told his players: “This might hurt a little bit…”

SUNDAY

On national anthems

With the British press and the folks on X/Twitter still ‘debating’ interim English football manager Lee Carsley’s ‘refusal’ to sing God Save the Queen before games (he’s a former Ireland international) my mind went back to a nicer England-Ireland national anthem episode.

Back in the 1980s, I was regularly in pubs in Rooskey (either working or socialising) at a time when throngs of English anglers visited. After ﬁshing by day, the men would enjoy a few pints in the local bars at night. I distinctly remember the English ﬁshermen being bemused in Reynolds’ bar when the nightly music would end with the playing of the Irish national anthem,

the commencement of which prompted everyone to stand to attention. And yes, the English visitors respectfully joined in.

In my book Nothing About Sheep Stealing (2013), one English angler recalled: “Reynolds bar was the place to go. Peter and his daughters sang every night along with the locals (and quite a few English)… so many characters and what a place to meet fellow anglers too. Peter used to play the national anthem. Everyone stood up. The anthem would ﬁnish. Peter would lock the doors and everyone would continue on drinking, including the local Garda. Unbelievable!”

MONDAY

Hats fall into ring!

Everyone who’s in the know, and indeed those who aren’t, expects the General Election to be held this November. No surprise then that activity locally has stepped up a gear or two.

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Cllr John Naughten recently put his hat in the ring for Fine Gael, and will challenge Senator Aisling Dolan at convention.

Meanwhile, there was a very interesting development tonight when wellknown Ballygar-based GP Martin Daly conﬁrmed that he will be seeking a Fianna Fáil nomination. It follows years of speculation linking him with a General Election bid.

By any criteria, Dr Daly will be seen as a strong contender (at convention) and later if on the ballot paper. His declaration puts it up to former TD and current senator, Eugene Murphy. Others, such as Cllr John Keogh and Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice may also declare. There is of course every possibility that FF might opt for a two-candidate strategy. Their convention is expected to be held later this month. The Fine Gael Convention is scheduled for Friday, September 20th where the clear frontrunners are Senator Dolan and Cllr Naughten.

Watch out too for possible develop-

ments on the Independent/Independent Ireland front. There are rumours that sitting Roscommon-Galway Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice might switch his focus to Galway East constituency, but he is by no means certain to do so.

Of course Independent Ireland want to make gains. Should the Glinsk man move constituencies, Independent councillor Emer Kelly is one possible replacement; another is well-known councillor and businessman, Declan Geraghty.

TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY

Harris v Trump

That debate was somewhat unedifying at times, the man from Sky News said.

I was in no position to nit-pick on the choice of word. It was 3.45 am in the morning, and yes, I had stayed up to watch the entire Harris-Trump US presidential debate.

Kamala Harris started very nervously, but once she found her stride, she exceeded expectations. The Democratic Party candidate delivered some impressive ‘verbal blows’ on former President Trump, to the point that he was clearly riled.

I’m not sure if Harris is fully qualiﬁed to be President of America –she’s in the race due to previously unforeseen circumstances, after all – but she did her prospects no harm whatsoever here. The Vice-President was brilliant in denouncing Trump’s role in the January 6th Capitol Hill attack, stinging in her criticism of his policy on abortion, and mocking when stating that world leaders are laughing at him – and when alleging that people are leaving his rallies early due to boredom.

For his part, Trump constantly sought to return the debate to the subject of immigration, that and inﬂation which – true to form – he claimed was at a record high. His claim that some immigrants are eating family pets (not their own) was vintage Trump. Many of his core voters love that sort of stuff.

The Republican Party candidate landed some verbal blows of his own, but Harris won this on points.

Citizens Information Service seeking Volunteers

Citizens Information Services (CIS), provide a free, independent, and conﬁdential information, advice and advocacy service to the public on a wide range of areas. The areas covered include social welfare rights and entitlements, employment rights, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights. CIS’s also provide assistance and advocacy support to people dealing with more complicated issues. The service works with all members of the community including pensioners, people with

disabilities, migrants, refugees, lone parents, the Travelling Community, prisoners, people who are geographically isolated and those who do not have access to digital resources. In 2023, the South Connacht service, which covers Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, responded to over 53,000 queries via phone, email and face-toface consultations.

We are recruiting volunteer Information Providers and Receptionists. Our volunteers have said the beneﬁts of volunteering are:

Contributing and giving something back to your community

Using your skills and knowledge to help people Learning new skills and gaining valuable training and experience

Gaining access to a comprehensive training program and extensive online eLearning courses

In return we ask for a minimum commitment of one day per week for a minimum of two years

Richard Regan, Development Manager of Roscommon CIS stated: ‘Volunteers have always

Know Your Rights

FARM ASSIST

I am a farmer but I’m ﬁnding it hard to manage on the income from farming. What social welfare schemes can help?

You may be eligible for Farm Assist, a weekly means-tested payment for lowincome farmers.

How do I qualify for Farm Assist?

To qualify for Farm Assist, you must be a farmer farming land in Ireland, aged between 18 and 66, and you must pass a means test. You are considered a farmer, if you farm land that you own or lease and that you use for the purpose of husbandry (working the land with the aim of taking produce from the land).

How much is Farm Assist?

The current maximum rate of Farm Assist is €232 per week. There are also increases for:

• An adult dependant (€154)

• Child dependants under 12 (€46 fullrate, €23 half-rate)

• Child dependants 12 and over (€54 full-rate, €27 half-rate)

How are my means assessed?

All your sources of income are assessed in the means test, including cash income, capital (the ﬁrst €20,000 of which is not taken into account), and maintenance paid to you.

The means test includes income from the farm and off-farm self-employment, farm schemes and direct payments, leasing of land, and other employment. If you have leased all your land, you are not eligible for Farm Assist. Only some of your income (70%) is assessed and there are disregards if you have children and if you are on certain farming schemes.

How do I apply for Farm Assist?

To apply for Farm Assist, ﬁll in form Farm 1 (pdf) and return it to your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare branch ofﬁce

Read more about Farm Assist on https://bit.ly/farm-assist or call us on 0818 07 4000

(Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

Citizens Information, a trusted source for your information needs.

been an essential part of the Roscommon Citizens Information Service.

We have a great team of volunteers supporting our reception desk and providing information and we are delighted to seek more Volunteers for our Roscommon and Boyle ofﬁces.

Volunteers within the Citizens Information

Service come from a wide range of backgrounds. They might have experience working in the public sector, working for community organisations, teaching profession, customer service and hospitality sector, be a retired professional or have other skills and experience working with people.’

VOLUNTEERS

Roscommon &

Boyle

A detailed volunteer description and application form, together with further information on CIS can be accessed at: https://www. citizensinformationboard. ie/en/news/vacancies.html

You can also contact the Roscommon Ofﬁce on 0818 07 6360 or via email at roscommon@citinfo.ie

We are available from

Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can call the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, or check out the vast amount of helpful information available on our website www. citizensinformation.ie Closing date for applications is 11 October 2024.

Citizens Information Services are seeking

GALWAY & TUAM CITIZENS INFORMATION SERVICES ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEER INFORMATION PROVIDERS

CIS provides free, confidential, and impartial information to anyone who seeks it.

Volunteer Information Providers and Receptionists

CIS provides free, confidential, and impartial information to anyone who seeks it.

Citizens Information Services provides free, conﬁdential, and impartial information to the public

Would you like to get involved in a voluntary activity with a difference? If you enjoy meeting people, would like to work as part of a team, and believe that you can explain services and entitlements to the public in a simple layperson’s language, then volunteering in your local Citizens Information Service might be the right fit for you.

What are we looking for from you?

We are looking for people who are:

What are we looking for from you?

• Enthusiastic & Eager to Learn

We are looking for people who are:

• Great with People

• Enthusiastic & Eager to Learn

• Motivated & Committed

• Great with People

• Have Experience of working with people in the community

• Motivated & Committed

• Able to commit to one day per week for a minimum of two years

• Have Experience of working with people in the community

• Additional time commitment will be required during training

• Able to commit to one day per week for a minimum of two years

• Additional time commitment will be required during training

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds including: Former public servants, teachers, retired lawyers, accountants or people who have worked in the community, business and customer service sectors. Full training is provided.

A detailed volunteer description and application form, together with further information on CIS can be accessed at: https://www.citizensinformationboard.ie/en/news/vacancies.html

For an informal discussion about volunteering, please contact the Galway Office on 0818 07 7600 or via email at galway@citinfo.ie.

Closing date is Friday 11th October 2024

For an informal discussion about volunteering, please contact the Roscommon O ce on 0818 07 6360 or via email at roscommon@citinfo.ie.

Closing date is Friday 11th October 2024

South Connacht Citizens Information Service is funded & supported by the Citizens Information Board

SCAN ME

South Connacht Citizens Information Service is funded & supported by the Citizens Information Board

SCAN ME

ROSCOMMON TOWN LOCAL AREA PLAN 2024-2030

DRAFT DIRECTION IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 31 OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 (as amended)

Notice is hereby given that the Roscommon Town Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 was formally adopted by the Roscommon Municipal District Elected Members at a Special Meeting on the 25th July 2024.

As required under Sections 31AO(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) the Planning Authority issued notification of the Plan’s adoption to the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The Chief Executive also informed the OPR of the decision of the Authority not to comply with certain recommendations made in the relevant report of the OPR.

On the 4th September 2024 the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning issued a ‘Notice of Intention to Issue a Direction’ to the Planning Authority under Section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (‘the Act’). The Draft Direction concerns the zoning of two parcels of land. Interested parties are advised that these matters, in accordance with Section 31(6) of the Act, ‘shall not have effect’, notwithstanding their inclusion in the Plan as adopted by the Council and pending the issuing of the Minister’s Final Direction.

The Draft Direction sets out the following:

“Delete the following Material Alterations from the adopted Local Area Plan such that the Local Area Plan boundary and subject lands revert to as indicated in the draft Local Area Plan:

(i) Material Amendment MA 45 – i.e. the Local Area Plan boundary (Map 1, Map 1a, Map 1b, Map 1c, Map 2 and Map 3) reverts to as indicated in the draft Local Area Plan, and the subject land to the north east at Roxborough reverts to not zoned and outside the Local Area Plan boundary, from Strategic Industrial / Enterprise Zones inside the Local Area Plan boundary; and

(ii) Material Amendment MA 46 – i.e. the Local Area Plan boundary (Map 1, Map 1a, Map 1b, Map 1c, Map 2 and Map 3) reverts to as indicated in the draft Local Area Plan, and the subject land to the north east at The Walk and Cloonybeirne reverts to not zoned and outside the Local Area Plan boundary, from New Residential inside the Local Area Plan boundary,

and apply all necessary consequential updates to the text of the plan consistent with the foregoing.

STATEMENT OF REASONS

(i) The Local Area Plan includes a material alteration to extend the draft Local Area Plan boundary and zone additional New Residential land at The Walk and Cloonybeirne which is located in a peripheral and non-sequential location, the majority of which is located outside the CSO settlement boundary of Roscommon Town, inconsistent with the Strategic Objective and Policy Objective CS 2.10 of the County Development Plan for the future growth and development of Roscommon Town to ensure that growth occurs in a sustainable and sequential manner while prioritising a low carbon, compact, consolidated and connected pattern of development, and with Policy Objectives CS 2.5 and TV 4.18 of the County Development Plan for the compact growth of Roscommon Town and to support the regeneration of the town centre and brownfield/infill lands and the consolidation of the urban area, and with objectives RPO 3.1 and RPO 3.2 of the RSES for compact growth, and fails to have regard to the policy and objective for the sequential approach to zoning under section 6.2.3 of the Development Plans, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022) (the Development Plans Guidelines).

(ii) The Local Area Plan includes a material alteration to revise the draft Local Area Plan boundary and zone additional land as Strategic Industrial / Enterprise Zones at Roxborough, which is located in a peripheral, non-sequential and unserviced location outside the CSO settlement boundary and Local Area Plan boundary for Roscommon Town. The material alteration is therefore inconsistent with the Strategic Objective and Policy Objective CS 2.10 of the County Development Plan for the future growth and development of Roscommon Town to ensure that growth occurs in a sustainable and sequential manner while prioritising a low carbon, compact, consolidated and connected pattern of development, and with Policy Objective CAEE 8.18 of the County Development Plan to ensure that land use and transport infrastructure are integrated to develop more sustainable settlements and is not made, in so far as possible, in a manner consistent with inter alia the Climate Action Plan 2024 and the achievement of the GHG emissions reduction targets of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, as amended, and fails to have regard to section 6.2.5 of the Development Plans Guidelines that the evidence and rationale underpinning the zoning of land for employment purposes must be clear and strategic in nature, and fails to consider the sequential test and accessibility under section 1.4 of Appendix A of the Development Plans Guidelines.

(iii) The Local Area Plan has not been made in a manner consistent with, and has failed to implement, recommendations of the Office of the Planning Regulator made under section 31AO of the Act.

(iv) The Minister is of the opinion that the Local Area Plan as made is inconsistent with the objectives of the Development Plan of the area, which is a requirement of section 19(2) of the Act.

(v) The Minister is of the opinion that the Local Area Plan as made is not consistent with the objectives of the RSES, contrary to section 19(2) and section 27(1) of the Act.

(vi) The Minister is of the opinion that the Local Area Plan as made is not consistent with National Policy Objectives 11 and 33 of the National Planning Framework.

(vii) The Minister is of the opinion that the Local Area Plan as made fails to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

(viii) The Local Area Plan is not in compliance with the requirements of the Act.”

Draft Direction Formal Public Consultation:

In accordance with the requirements of Section 31(7) of the Act, the Planning Authority will commence a period of public consultation on the Minister’s Notice of Intention to Issue a Direction, for a period of 2 weeks between Friday 13th September and Friday 27th September 2024 inclusive, during which time a copy of the Draft Ministerial Direction may be inspected at the following locations:

• Roscommon County Council’s dedicated Development Plan website: www.rosdevplan.ie

• Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Written Submissions or Observations in Respect of the Draft Direction:

Written submission or observations, in respect of the Draft Direction, may be made (one medium only) to Roscommon County Council between Friday 13th September and Friday 27th September 2024 inclusive, as follows:

Online via Roscommon County Council’s dedicated Development Plan website: www. rosdevplan.ie (Please scan the QR code for direct access).

•In writing, marked “Draft Direction to the Roscommon Town Local Area Plan 2024-2030”, Forward Planning Section, Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98.

Please Note: The closing date for submissions or observations is 4pm, Friday 27th September, 2024.

Observations or submissions must include the full name and address of the person(s) making the submission and where relevant, the body or organisation represented.

Please Note: Late observations/submissions will not be accepted.

Please note that observations or submissions will be made public on the Development Plan website (www.rosdevplan.ie) and at the Planning Office of the County Council and will also form part of the statutory Chief Executive’s Report subsequently published. The details including the names of those making submission may be shared with relevant Council and Government Departments or their agents involved in the process and may form part of reports linked to the making of any Direction.

Roscommon County Council is subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act (as amended) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In order to assist us in complying with Data Protection and GDPR please include your name and contact details (and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent), on a separate sheet to the content of your submission/ observation. This processing of your personal data is lawful under Article 6 (1)(e) of the GDPR regulations. The Council’s Data Protection Policy is available on the Council website.

Please note that in accordance with Section 19 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2018 all valid submissions received shall be published on the above referenced Development Plan website within 10 working days of receipt by the Council. The planning process is an open and public process and therefore your submission (in part or in total) will be available.

Chief Executive’s Report

Following the expiry of the 2-week public consultation period and not more than 4 weeks later, a Chief Executive’s Report will be prepared on the submissions/ observations received during this period. This Report will then be furnished to the Office of the Planning Regulator, the Elected Members and the Minister for Local Government and Planning.

Signed: Greg O’Donnell A/Director of Services

ROLL UP, ROLL UP! Seeking companies to deliver education programmes in local DEIS schools

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is urging more businesses based in Roscommon to be involved in helping deliver its various education programmes.

BITCI’s education programmes are guaranteed to be a worthwhile employee engagement experience, also enabling the company to forge closer links with the local community and help tackle educational disadvantage.

Through its network of regional co-ordinators, BITCI pairs and supports companies’ volunteers to deliver education programmes with local DEIS schools.

BITCI have two different education programmes operating within the primary school system, aimed at

improving literacy and numeracy among 2nd and 3rd class pupils. These are delivered in a one-to-one and group-based setting.

BITCI also offer secondary school education programmes, which involve mentorship, workplace visits, sharing career insights and advice and work placements.

All programmes are designed to provide pupils with an improved understanding of the world of work, raise their own career expectations, create a level playing field and increase their self-confidence. Approximately 5000 pupils across Ireland benefit from these programmes annually.

Collaboration

The collaboration between schools and businesses is a core plank to the work of BITCI, whose purpose is to inspire and enable businesses to bring about a sustainable, low carbon economy, and an inclusive society where everyone thrives. BITCI’s team of experts work with companies to embed all aspects of sustainability into their business models. They know that when companies invest in community engagement actions strategically, rather than in a siloed way, it improves their productivity, employee morale, and helps tackle social inequality in their area.

Andrea Lazenby Simpson (BITCI Head of Education) said, “Already we run these programmes with a

number of local businesses (large and small in size) but now the number of schools keen to participate has increased rapidly.

“We’d like to respond to this demand and ensure more pupils benefit from these programmes but need local companies to join us. So far all feedback from all involved have been really positive so it is a win-win experience for all”.

For the company it is an opportunity to give back to their local communities, identify future talent and increase awareness of the workplace. For the school, it leads to improved attendance and engagement by the pupils involved.

Feedback

Insights from recent evaluations found 100% of volunteers had a meaningful employee volunteering experience. One principal called it, “An invaluable programme for students to get involved with companies they may not otherwise get the chance to and a great way to develop their skills outside the classroom”, with one mentor saying, “It is an opportunity for me to share the life experiences and lessons I’ve learnt with my mentee to hopefully encourage and steer them in their future career paths”. Want to learn more?

If your company is interested in getting involved, please visit www.bitc.ie or email alazenbysimpson@bitc.ie.

Time to count! Primary school pupils pictured participating in one of the education programmes facilitated by BITCI.

World of work! Secondary school pupils pictured participating in one of the education programmes facilitated by BITCI.

Roscommon Special Olympics

v Roscommon Garda Challenge

to the sporting and social event of the year – which is almost upon us.

It’s all happening at Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult on Friday, September 20th at

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason speci ed.

Road to be closed: L7043 The Square, Roscommon (Eight til Late to Post O ce)

Period of Closure: From: 9.00 pm on Friday 20th September 2024 To: 6.00 am on Monday 23rd September 2024

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Global Rossie Weekend

Greg

O’Donnell,

Acting Director of Services

7 pm sharp when Roscommon Special Olympics take on a Roscommon Garda Selection in this superb tournament. This is the 4th year of this event and hopes are high that the Roscommon Special Olympics team will take the title for a 4th year in a row. This team will have their work cut out against a Garda team who are believed to be in training since suffering an 8-9 defeat after penalties in 2023.

Roscommon Special Olympics have made a few new quality signings since last year, their training has been going well and they are hugely looking forward to September 20th. The winners will lift the Maire Allen Memorial Cup, donated in fond memory of

a wonderful lady who was a huge part of our club, but who sadly passed away in September 2023. Please come out and support both teams who put their heart and soul into this event every year. It promises to be fun-ﬁlled and entertaining. Without doubt all spectators are guaranteed a wonderful night’s entertainment and there is sure to be a surprise or two on the night. Don’t forget to join us for refreshments straight after the game where no doubt every shot will be analysed and every goal scrutinised. Organisers are indebted to Roscommon Community Sports Park committee for the use of their premises and to Comhaltas Roscommon for adding to the night with their beautiful music.

Rosmote Girl Guides information meeting

Rosmote Girl Guides will hold an information evening on Wednesday, the 18th of September at 7 pm in the Irish Girl Guide Cottage in Mote Park. If your child would like to be a member of Rosmote ladybirds, brownies or guides for this upcoming guiding year, your attendance at this meeting is mandatory to secure your child a place.

Convent of Mercy 50th anniversary reunion

A 50th anniversary school reunion for the students of the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon (1969-1974) will take place this month. The reunion of past pupils will take place on Saturday, September 21st, in Gleeson’s Townhouse, The Square, Roscommon Town at 5 pm, after a visit to the Convent school from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Roscommon CBS

1969 Reunion call

A Roscommon CBS school reunion will take place on Saturday evening, 5th of October. Mass will be celebrated in the school hall, followed by an informative tour of the school led by Kevin Scollan, Principal of CBS Roscommon. After the tour, all attendees are welcome to enjoy a meal in the Abbey Hotel. If you would like to participate, please reach out to the organising committee by the 18th of September. You can contact any committee member via email or phone: Albert Siggins: albertsiggins@hotmail.com | 0892428328; Michael Cuddy: michaelcuddy2012@gmail.com | 0866080917; Michael Finneran: michael. nneran39@icloud.com; Martin McDermott: mcdmcd11@gmail.com | 0872588599; Martin Mannion: mannion_m@hotmail.com | 0868254459 Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

session

The bi-monthly session of the local branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will be held in Beár an Ráille (Roscommon) on this Thursday, September 12th, beginning at 8 pm. A presentation will be made to Mal Donnelly on the occasion of his birthday and in recognition of his contribution to Irish music.

Will it be four in a row for Roscommon Special Olympics? Hopes are high and anticipation is building

all thoughts turn

Roscommon Town to celebrate Global Rossie Weekend with full schedule

Roscommon Town Team, in partnership with Roscommon County Council, is proud to announce a weekend packed with exciting activities in celebration of Global Rossie Weekend – taking place on the 21st and 22nd of September 2024. As one of six participating town teams in the county, Roscommon will focus on the theme of ‘connectivity’, offering a range of events for all ages over the two days. The festivities will kick off on Saturday morning with Today FM’s live broadcast from Gleeson’s at 8 am. Following the broadcast, families are invited to enjoy nature activities for children at Loughnaneane Park. History enthusiasts will be treated to a dramatisation of the life of Lady Betty, alongside guided historical walks, including a tour of the castle’s viewing tower.

Roscommon County Council will have an exhibition in the marquee on Saturday, showcasing various environmental ini-

tiatives as well as launching their biodiversity plan for Loughnaneane Park and their Decarbonisation Plan. They will also have exhibitions of e-vehicles, traditional skills, and hedgerow education skills.

The afternoon will feature entertainment under a marquee in the town square as well as on the square itself, leading into a special session of armchair chats with some of Roscommon’s older residents, sharing their stories and memories.

The day will conclude with live music performances at local pubs throughout the town.

On Sunday, the historical focus continues with more guided walks including a trip to the castle view-

ing tower. As the morning progresses, back in the marquee there will be a

celebration of the achievements of ‘Rossies’, honouring those who have

excelled not only in sports but across all areas of human endeavour.

The highlight of Sunday afternoon will be the Brazilian Food Tasting Event (a ticketed occasion – check on #EventBrite), which promises a delightful fusion of ﬂavours and entertainment. The weekend will conclude with greetings from ‘Rossies’ – those who have made Roscommon their home, those who have returned after years away, and those living overseas but still connected to the town.

Stay updated by following the Roscommon Town Team social media channels and look out for posters promoting the event.

Seeking ‘Rossie’ success stories

As part of the Global Rossie weekend – taking place on the 21st and 22nd of September – Roscommon Town Team would like to celebrate the achievements of ‘Rossies’ by honouring those who have excelled across all areas of human endeavour during this year, 2024. This event will take place on Sunday, September 22nd,

at 12.30 pm in the Square. If you are from Roscommon town and you, your club, or your business have won a national or higher award representing Roscommon, please get in touch with the Town Team at roscommontownteam@gmail.com or phone Kathleen on 086 3726743.

Blaithín Quinn pictured with her mum Megan O’Doherty at Saturday’s Senior Football Championship preliminary quarternal between Castlerea St Kevin’s and Boyle in Ballinameen. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Boyle supporter Michael Beirne and Castlerea fan Alan Quinn pictured at Saturday’s Senior Football Championship preliminary quarternal in Ballinameen. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Top talent and captivating carnivals

Our columnist Frank on the legacy of local carnivals and Irish entertainers, the dangers and prevalence of risky driving, how holiday plans going awry can open the door to even better experiences, and a ﬁshy story about a suspected Russian spy

The Ballygar Carnival recently drew to a close, and by all accounts it is going from strength to strength! Huge crowds packed into the East Galway village over the August Bank Holiday

weekend, with top acts like Mike Denver and The Tumbling Paddies performing to sell-out audiences.

After an incredible 80 years, there’s no sign of any end in sight! I wonder when (not if) they make the hundred, will they get a cheque from the President?

Anyway, there was a time in my young days that as soon as Ballygar ﬁnished, Creggs Carnival started. I remember the 15th of August was the opening date each year.

Over the years, we had some of the biggest names in the Irish showband world, with artists like Larry Cunningham, Sonny Knowles, and Sean Fagan of the Paciﬁc Showband, as well as the legendary Joe Dolan, all appearing on stage in the marquee. And yet to this day the biggest

crowd seen in Creggs was the one that gathered to see the girl from Donegal, Bridie Gallagher. Bridie, from Creeslough, was regarded as Ireland’s ﬁrst international pop star. She had massive hits with ‘A Mother’s Love’s a Blessing’, ‘The Homes of Donegal’, and the biggest hit of all, ‘The Boys from the County Armagh’ – a record that sold over a quarter of a million copies. She shot to fame in 1956 with the ‘A Mother’s Love’ song, and across a six-decade-long career Bridie played in London’s Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and in Carnegie Hall in New York. However, what may not be as universally known is her sell-out appearance in Brennan’s Hall in Creggs (now Jimmy Connelly’s garage).

How she was persuaded to come to Creggs I

Risky driving accelerates road users’ anxiety

In recent years we have found ourselves doing the Galway run on a regular basis. Last Friday morning, we once again headed for the western city, and once again we commented on some of the very high speeds that drivers are travelling and overtaking at. Normally I would simply park it (terrible pun) and say or do nothing about it, but remarkably, two members of my family mentioned that over the weekend they too had encountered driving that disturbed both of them. One of them was appalled at the high speeds and dangerous overtaking that she witnessed on rural country roads, while the other wondered why every driver on our motorways seems

to have to travel at, or above, the maximum speed allowed.

On Sunday, this relative told me that he set his cruise control at 60 miles an hour, and every single car that he encountered passed him out. He wondered why were they all in such a hurry, adding “Why does the RSA not get the message out that people don’t have to slavishly stick to the upper speed limit?”.

Now I am well aware that the ‘slowcoachs’ on our roads and motorways are equally (maybe more) dangerous because they cause hold-ups and frustration and road rage as they toodle along at 40 kms an hour, leading to long tailbacks and short tempers. However there is little

doubt that excessive speed is one of the biggest causes of road accidents.

My two family members are more than concerned at what they see when they are travelling – as am I. You don’t have to go too slowly, and at the same time you don’t have to be at the maximum speed allowed either. Drive safely – and remember it’s not all about you; there are other families on the road too.

Less important, but nonetheless worth mentioning, is the fact that you will save on fuel consumption and emissions, and thereby reduce our carbon footprint! But most importantly, you might save lives – including your own.

am not sure, but it is a fact that more than 1500 people turned up to see her – and as it was some time in the late 1950s or very early ‘60s, it was some coup for the village!

Bridie passed away in 2012 after a short illness. If she had lived she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday last, September 7th For such a small island, we have had more than our fair share of international music stars – with wee Daniel, Sinead O’Connor, U2 and The Bachelors among many others having wowed audiences across the world. But Bridie Gallagher is right up there with them all, and her place in the history of Creggs, along with Charles Stewart Parnell, is forever assured. Happy birthday Bridie, and thanks for the memories!

Making the best of holiday hiccups

I told you last week of the lovely night we (Carol and I) had in the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo. Well this week the Daily Mail had an article about Rossnowlagh in Donegal, which brought back memories of times staying in less luxurious places – holidays that, while different, were possibly more memorable in other ways.

Many years ago, when our four children were quite small, I got a great deal on an apartment in some part of Bundoran. The ad, in Buy and Sell, assured me that the apartment was ideal for a couple with a young family, and that child safety was paramount. So imagine our surprise when we walked in and saw a spiral staircase that no Olympic athlete would be able to climb up!

As this potential deathtrap happened to be the only access to the bedrooms, there was no discussion of any sort. As the landlord vainly looked for his week’s rent, Carol announced that we were not going to stay there, and so we headed off northwards with four hungry, disappointed children, and with nowhere to stay.

As luck would have it, somewhere past Ballyshannon we saw a sign for an apartment to rent. Thankfully the lovely couple renting it out let us in, and also provided food and teas and coffee for us and the slightly grumpy four children.

We then had one of the best weeks ever; the weather was superb, and Rossnowlagh Beach proved to be a huge hit with adults and children alike. And to really ﬁnish off our holiday, our hosts gave our children a present of a beautiful young pup called Shannon, who was a big part of our house for many a year.

When the day came for us to head back home, the spiral staircase was just a minor inconvenience within the overall trip (although it took a while for me to be forgiven for booking the place!).

However, just as we left Rossnowlagh, the back door of the Ascona fell off! We tied it on with a piece of rope, but for Carol it was to be a journey home she never forgot – or maybe never got over – because she had to sit in the

back seat with the four children and Shannon, and try to keep the door from falling off! Rossnowlagh to Creggs is a fair journey, but hanging on to a broken door makes it that bit longer!

The good news is that everything, including the door, made it home. Remarkably, whenever we talk about holidays away with our now grown-up children, they always pinpoint Rossnowlagh as one of the most enjoyable of all.

The reporter on the Daily Mail stayed in the Sandhouse Hotel on the beach and really enjoyed it there; we were in slightly less luxurious surroundings but enjoyed it just as much. It’s really all about how people adapt!

And ﬁnally…

We are all familiar with spies. Since the early 1960s, when The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the legendary James Bond ﬁrst appeared on our screens, through to today, with characters such as Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in the Bourne series and Evelyn Salt (Jennifer Lopez) in ‘Salt’, spies have thrilled movie-goers and had thousands of us on the edge of our seats with their daring deeds and exploits.

It seems, however, that when it comes to ‘real life’, the Russians have brought spying to a new level.

In 2019 it was revealed that Norwegian ﬁshermen near Hammerfest had noticed a whale wearing a camera harness. The harness read ‘Equipment of St Petersburg’, leading to speculation that the whale was, in fact, a Russian spy.

Anyway, last week, the poor spy (whale) was found dead in unusual circumstances, and is rumoured to have been shot to death. I am not sure if those rumours are actually true, but I suppose we can deﬁnitely say that Hvaldimir (his name) now is the ‘Spy who came in from the cold’!

Local barbers tackling suicide with Talking Heads Initiative

Tuesday of this week was ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’. The HSE teamed up with barbers across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to raise awareness and learn about new skills around suicide prevention. The Talking Heads initiative is led by Seán Conneely, Senior Health Promotion Officer and supported by the National Office of Suicide Prevention.

You may well ask why barbers? Men feel comfortable and enjoy visiting their local barber. Barbers are in regular contact with men of all ages and backgrounds, and build up friendships and close bonds over time with their clients. They can be well placed to notice changes in a person over time. Perhaps he is a little down or more withdrawn; perhaps he looks anxious or dejected – all things that could cause concern. In

such cases, more than a haircut might be needed.

Let’s Talk About Suicide is a new, free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE https://traininghub. nosp.ie/ It helps people to develop their skills to keep others safe from suicide. It helps participants to identify people who are at risk, confidently ask about the topic of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe.

To date 27 barbers in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have successfully completed this training. All participating barbers completed the online training, following which they were presented with a framed copy of their Let’s Talk About Suicide Certificate as well as a resource pack containing further information to help signpost

to additional services.

Feedback from participating barbers has also

been very positive. Martin Egan of Roadside Barbers, Roscommon Town com-

mented “I thought this was a very good initiative. The online programme was very beneficial, giving good advice to help support others. It would be great to have this course in secondary schools and colleges”.

Darren Burgoyne of Burgoyne Hairdressing, Roscommon Town said: “We talk a lot and listen a lot. This is a good programme to know where to send people in the right direction for help”.

Barbershops in Roscommon that took part of the Talking Heads initiative are; Roadside Barbers, Roscommon Town; Burgoyne Hairdressing, Roscommon Town; Chaplin’s Barbers, Roscommon Town and Paul’s Barbershop, Castlerea. For further information on mental health supports visit www.westbewell.ie

A big thank you from Glenna Mannion, Tulsk

London Rose 2024

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported me on my rose journey to Tralee. To my family, friends & neighbours who sent well wishes, cards, calls & texts and who travelled down to support me in the Dome, it is very much appreciated.

To all my sponsors, thank you so much for your generosity & support. I can’t thank you all enough.

It has been an unforgettable journey and I am so looking forward to the experiences that lie ahead.

Martin Egan of Roadside Barbers, Roscommon Town is supporting this initiative.

St Dominic’s fans Kenneth and John Beirne and John Devaney pictured at Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Athleague and St Domi nic’s in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

St Dominic’s fans Brian Keegan and Michaela Lohan pictured at Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Athleague and St Dominic’s in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Taoiseach officially opens 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital

Simon Harris officially opened a new 50-bedded ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital on Wednesday.

The project is a €35 million capital investment for the hospital site.The project consists of a two-storey building and is linked to the existing hospital by a corridor. The Orchard and Garbally wards each comprise of 25 single rooms with ensuite facilities and includes two dedicated negative pressure isolation rooms on each floor.

Both wards will treat medical and respiratory patients and will commence facilitating patients on a phased basis from midOctober 2024.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “This is a special project for me. As Minister for Health, I met with local representatives and staff at the hospital and heard directly about the need for this project. I am absolutely delighted to be here as Taoiseach to officially open it.

“I know how much this project means to the people

of Galway and Roscommon and the impact it will have on this region. This €35 million investment will deliver modern facilities designed to improve the patient experience”.

Welcoming the new development, General Manager James Keane said, “These new wards will improve our patients’ hospital experience and will pro-

vide an improved working environment for our staff”.

Fine Gael Senator for Roscommon-Galway, Aisling Dolan, stated: “This is a day of celebration with the official opening by

An Taoiseach Simon Harris of a new 50-bed block of single rooms. This will transform patient care in our region.

“It is the culmination of

work over a decade by Portiuncula staff and with the support of An Taoiseach at every stage. This is the hospital for the people of Athlone and families living all across the counties of Roscommon, Westmeath, Offaly, North Tipperary as well as East Galway with a catchment of over 400,000 people.

“I led the delegation that

fought the case for patient care in the West in 2019 in Leinster House and An Taoiseach Simon Harris signed ministerial approval as then Minister for Health for the commencement of works in November 2019. It is wonderful to see this fantastic new building which will impact the lives of so many families”.

Roscommon Gaels partners with Image Furnishings in new three-year deal

Roscommon Gaels is proud to announce Image Furnishings as its main sponsor for 2024 up to 2027. This exciting partnership represents a significant milestone for the club and the local community, underscoring Image Furnishings’ commitment to supporting grassroots sports and fostering local talent.

Roscommon Gaels has a long-standing tradition of excellence and community spirit, and this sponsorship will provide essential support for the club’s activities, including with senior teams, underage development programmes, and community initiatives.

In a statement, Roscommon Gaels said: “Image Furnishings’ generous contribution will help us continue to grow and thrive, ensuring that our players, from the youngest to the most experienced, have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.

“Image Furnishings’ decision to sponsor Roscommon Gaels reflects a shared vision of promoting health, well-being, and teamwork through sports”.

Garreth Carroll, Club Chairperson, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Image Furnishings for the upcoming sea-

son. This sponsorship is not just about financial support; it’s about building a relationship with a company that shares our values and commitment to the community. We look forward to a successful partnership that will benefit our club, our players, our community and our supporters”.

Image Furnishings, a leading name in the furniture industry and one with deep roots in the community of Roscommon town, said it is delighted to confirm this significant three-year sponsorship agreement with Roscommon Gaels.

Founded in 2003 by brothers Mark and David Gannon, Image Furnishings has grown from a local business into a leading furniture wholesaler, with operations spanning both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Over the past two decades, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, stylish, and affordable furniture to homes across Ireland, the UK, and beyond.

Over the next three years, Image Furnishings will play a key role in supporting Roscommon Gaels’ mission to nurture local talent and promote Gaelic Games.

Pictured on the occasion of the announcement of a new partnership for Roscommon Gaels GAA Club were Declan Hussey (Roscommon Gaels Vice-chairperson), Orla Fleming (Roscommon Gaels Secretary), Mark John Gannon (of new sponsor, Image Furnishings), David Gannon (Image Furnishings), Garreth Carroll (Roscommon Gaels Chairperson), Ollie McGuinness (Football Chairperson, Roscommon Gaels) and Paula Mulry (Camogie Chairperson, Roscommon Gaels).

Taoiseach Simon Harris pictured during the official opening of the new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Wednesday. Also pictured are Minister of State Anne Rabbitte (centre) and Senator Aisling Dolan.

Taoiseach Simon Harris pictured on Wednesday with student nurses Sarah Kelly, Laoise Forkan, and Clodagh Gibbons at the official opening of the 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital.

Taoiseach

Taoiseach Simon Harris officially opened the new 50-bed ward block at Portiuncula University Hospital on Wednesday.

This week’s top movie on Netﬂix has strong Roscommon connection!

 ALANNAH ITA HEALY

A movie with a strong Roscommon connection has been ranked as the most-watched English language ﬁlm on Netﬂix this week –both in the US and globally.

Released to the platform last Friday (September 6th), ‘Rebel Ridge’, which has – at the time of writing (Wednesday) – already amassed over 31 million views, features work from visual effects supervisor and colourist Chris Connolly – an artist with a Roscommon connection.

Chris, son of Roscommon Town native Sean Connolly, has been a frequent visitor to the town, particularly during his early years – travelling with family to visit Roscommon annually until he was about 17 years old. His last visit to Roscommon was in June this year with his father, Sean, who grew up in Abbey Street in a residence called ‘Garden House’ (now demolished).

Listed in the ﬁlm credits as ‘Rebel Ridge’s Supervisor of Visual Effects, Chris has previously worked on a number of high proﬁle projects, recent ones including ‘City on a Hill’ with Kevin Bacon, ‘The Undoing’ with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, ‘Love Life’ with Ana

Kendrick, ‘The Plot Against America’ with Winona Ryder, ‘Hunter’ with Al Pacino and Logan Lerman, and the multi-award-winning ‘The Marvellous Mrs Maisel’.

‘Rebel Ridge’ follows an ex-US-Marine who must grapple his way through a web of small-town corruption when an attempt to post bail for his cousin escalates into a violent stand-off with the local police chief.

The ﬁlm features performances from stars like Aaron Pierre (best known for his roles in Barry Jenkins’ award-winning ‘The Underground Railroad’ and M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Old’), Don Johnson (best known for his starring role as Det. Sonny Crockett on ‘Miami Vice’), and Anna Sophia Robb (best known for her roles in Tim Burton’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, and in ‘Bridge to Terabithia’).

Saturday 14th September:

MUSIC with Bill Haugh

Saturday 21st September: LIVE MUSIC with Seanie B

Saturday 28th September: LIVE MUSIC with Regina McDermott

CLASSES – Eunice Moran

29th September:

with Jack Reilly

5th October:

Fianna Fáil senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed €122,100 in funding for Roscommon Local Sports Partnership (LSP), announced this week by his party colleague, Minister of State Thomas Byrne.

The funding is part of a total of over €5m announced in Dormant Accounts Funding awarded to Local Sports Partnerships and Active Disability Ireland.

The Dormant Accounts Funding allows unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised for projects focused on overcoming the barriers and challenges to participation in sport for those who are economically or educationally disadvantaged, or those affected by a disability.

Senator Murphy said, “I am delighted to welcome this latest round of funding that proves Fianna Fáil’s commitment in government to bring the beneﬁts of sport and physical activity to those experiencing disadvantage or with disabilities.

“Funding from dormant accounts has a real impact on individuals in our communities here in Roscommon and this new round of funding will help support those living with disadvantage or with disabilities to have greater opportunities to participate in activities they have a passion for”.

Pictured is Chris Connolly, who has familial roots in Roscommon, and who worked as visual e ects supervisor on the top lm on Net ix this week, ‘Rebel Ridge’.

REGARI Recovery College

Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops

Mental health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing, impacting every facet of our lives from how we think and feel to how we handle stress and relate to others. Good mental health promotes resilience, enabling individuals to cope with challenges and setbacks. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to a decline in physical health, strained relationships and diminished quality of life.

Recognising the importance of mental health encourages a proactive approach to seeking support and resources, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulﬁlling life. At REGARI Recovery College, our unique service aims to support, maintain and promote positive mental health in the community and to foster hopeful and positive conversations about human distress and the challenges associated with poor mental health. Our mission is to advance personal recovery through vibrant adult education.

Based on the County Hospital grounds at The Lodge, Athlone Road, Roscommon

Town, the REGARI service has emerged as a signiﬁcant social and educational initiative since its inception in 2015.

REGARI Recovery College community workshops on Mental Health and Wellbeing are being run in Roscommon County Library for a total of eight weeks, starting next Tuesday, 17th of September and running until Tuesday, 12th of November ‘24, (2-5 pm).

Workshops include: ‘Let’s Talk Anxiety’, ‘Relationships and Attachment Styles’, ‘Understanding Eating Disorders’ and ‘The Power of Emotional Intelligence’.

For more information or to book a place, please contact Amanda Hunt on (087) 6221335 or by email: regarirecoverycollege@gmail.com or you can register at any of the eight workshops.

So come along and together we’ll pinpoint various supports to effectively manage our mental health and wellbeing while connecting with like-minded individuals. Registration is €5, then all workshops are free to attend. These workshops are for people aged 18 and over. All welcome!

EDF Renewables Ireland announces Roscommon solar farm success

EDF Renewables Ireland has announced that TDC Community Solar Park in County Roscommon has successfully secured a contract as part of the Government’s RESS 4 auction. Once constructed, the 75-Megawatt project extending over 130 hectares will generate enough power to supply c.20,000 homes across Ireland.

The project, which will be EDF Renewables Ireland’s largest solar farm project in Ireland to date, is located in the townlands of Taduff, Drum, Curraghaleen, Taduff East, Creagh and Cuilglass in the south of the county, near Athlone. This auction result enables TDC Community Solar Farm to receive a ﬁxed price for the low-carbon electricity it generates over a 15-year period.

EDF Renewables Ireland

Senior Business Development Manager JP Wallace

said building projects like this were crucial if Ireland was to meet its ambitious solar energy targets.

“Ireland has made terriﬁc progress regarding the roll-out of solar installations over the last few years”, he explained. “And we were proud to play an important role in energising some of the country’s ﬁrst grid-scale solar farms last year.

“Building projects of the scale of TDC Community Solar Park will be essential to allow Ireland to meet its target of 8GW of solar by the end of the decade. We’re looking forward to starting construction on the project as soon as possible”.

While the original planning permission had been for a 45MW project over 70 hectares, in order to maximise the site’s potential, EDF Renewables Ireland applied for and were

Roscommon business to feature at National Ploughing Championships

One of Roscommon’s best small businesses will showcase their products to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships from the 17th to 19th September in Ratheniska, County Laois as part of the Local Enterprise Village.

The Best Free From, supported by Local Enterprise Ofﬁce Roscommon is a Castlerea-based Artisan Bakery with a difference, creating all natural breads, cakes and baking mixes that are sugar-free, glutenfree, wheat-free, grainfree, soya-free, yeast-free and low carb, made with only natural ingredients and without preservatives.

All their products are suitable for coeliacs, diabetics, or anyone who follows a low carbohydrate diet or just wants to enjoy a healthy delicious alternative. The Best FREE FROM award-winning baking mixes are available in selected SuperValu stores, in the biggest Health Food stores nationwide as well as online www.thebestfreefrom.com

granted planning permission for an 75MW project over 130 hectares along with a battery energy storage system.

Mr Wallace said EDF Renewables Ireland is committed to being a good neighbour and to ensuring that local communities beneﬁt from renewable energy projects.

“A Community Beneﬁt Fund, which will be independently administered, will be established once the project is constructed. This will provide funding for community-based initiatives and activities over the next ﬁfteen years”.

The company has also been engaging with An Bord Pleanála regarding a 110kV substation that will be required as part of the solar farm. It is preparing a planning application for this substation, which it hopes to submit in the coming weeks.

The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Ofﬁces, will house over 30 small businesses at this year’s National Ploughing Cham-

pionships from the 17th to 19th of September.

With some of the biggest companies in Ireland taking up residence at the ploughing every year, the Local Enterprise Village continues to be a popular destination on the site for those looking to pick up something unique to bring home from some of the best small businesses in Ireland.

Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise with LEO Roscommon said “This is an amazing opportunity for an artisan business like The Best Free From to showcase products to almost 300,000 potential customers at the National Ploughing Championships. The Local Enterprise Village has become one of those areas everyone wants to drop into to ﬁnd their local business and see what they can pick up.

“This year we are celebrating ten years of the Local Enterprise Ofﬁces and the huge variety of businesses in the Local Enterprise Village highlights the range and depth of sectors that the Local Enterprise Ofﬁces support from manufacturing to food and beverage, to software solutions. Whatever you are inter-

ested in there is something for everyone at the Local Enterprise Village,” Ms Ward concluded.

LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse

range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and ﬁnancial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie/ roscommon

Timea Kovasc, owner of Castlerea-based business ‘The Best Free From’ who will be showcasing their produce at the Enterprise tent at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, later this month.

James Murray (Murray Ambulances) presenting Joya Burns (winning owner) with the prize after Counterculture won The Murray Ambulance Fillies maiden of €12,500 at Roscommon Races recently. Also pictured are Darragh, Damien, Donnacha and Roisin Burns. Picture: Michelle Hughes Walsh

FarmingPeople

MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER: BULLOCK SALE

THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL SHOW AND SALE OF WEANLINGS in conjunction with our USUAL SALE of Heifers, Cows, Calves, Runners and Weanlings

MONDAY 23RD OF SEPTEMBER: CONTINENTAL BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER: BELGIAN BLUE WEANLING SHOW AND SALE AND CONTINENTAL HEIFER SHOW AND SALE

MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER: AA BULLOCK SHOW AND SALE

THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER: AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER: WEANLING SALE

Bigger numbers of stock presented for sale last week (Friday, September 6th) and trade and prices are holding extremely well with both the bullock and heifer rings reporting good clearances. Bullocks topped out at €2140 while heifers reached €2170.

Dry cows made up to €2590 while increased numbers of cows with calves at foot led to ying trade with lots making up to €2510.

Last Thursday’s sale (September 5th) witnessed increased numbers of weanling on o er and the sellers went home happy with bulls making up to €2120 while heifer weanlings peaked at €4.10 a kilo. SAMPLE PRICES

BULLOCKS: Lm 470kgs €1600 Lm 450kgs €1480

Ch 545kgs €1840 Sim 520kgs €1650 Ch 500kgs

€1550 BA 590kgs €1980 Lm 648kgs €1940 Lm

630kgs €1900 AA 740kgs €2140 Ch 675kgs

€2000 Ch 705kgs €1920 Lm 630kgs €1900.

HEIFERS: Chx 425kgs €1420 Ch 420kgs €1330

Lm 400kgs €1260 AAx 420kgs €1260 AA 460kgs

€1580 Ch 490kgs €1500 Lm 470kgs €1480 Ch

775kgs €2170 Ch 655kgs €1900 Chx 630kgs

€1890 Ch 565kgs €1860 Ch 665kgs €1850.

DRY COWS: Ch 885kgs €2590 AA 860kgs

€2500 Lmx 845kgs €2300 Lm 620kgs €1890 AA 720kgs €2030 AA 810kgs €2180 Fr 475kgs

€450. Cows with calves at foot made from €900 to €2510.

CALVES/RUNNERS: Young calves made from €130 to €300 with runners making from €180 to €910 for continentals types.

WEANLING BULLS: Chx 255kgs €880 Ch 240kgs €770 Ch 225kgs €680 Lm 345kgs €1280 Ch 395kgs €1500 Lm 365kgs €1640 Lm 310kgs €1430 Lm 505kgs €2120 Lm 405kgs €1780 Lm 410kgs €1740.

WEANLING HEIFERS: Lmx 280kgs €880 Lm 185kgs €760 Chx 205kgs €670 Lm 320kgs €1210 Lm 310kgs €1170 Lm 300kgs €1080 Ch 350kgs €1060 Ch 305kgs €1100. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursdays. All sales commence at 11 am.

UPCOMING SHOWS/SALES

Thursday, 19th of September: Continental weanling show and sale.

Monday, 23rd of September: Continental bullocks show and sale.

Thursday, 26th of September: Continental heifers show and sale and Belgian Blue weanling show and sale.

Monday, 30th of September: Aberdeen Angus bullock show and sale.

Thursday, 3rd of October: Aberdeen Angus heifers show and sale.

Christopher is 2024 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Christopher Cahill from County Cavan (pictured) has been named the 2024 FBD Young Farmer of the Year. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards which were held at the Heritage Hotel in Laois. Christopher is a 30-year-old dairy farmer and a graduate of the Sustainable Agriculture Masters degree from UCD. He entered a share farming arrangement in 2021 in County Meath with the assistance of the Macra Land Mobility Service and has since expanded the dairy enterprise from 110 cows to 250 crossbred cows. Christopher has also been named category award winner for Land Mobility. Along with farming Christopher also owns Cavan Grassland Consultancy Ltd, a grass measurement and management service provider across the north midlands area.

Bullocks fetched an average of €3.06 per kilo up to €3.74 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows, and they made an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €3.05 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active. Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.36 per kilo up to €3.05 per kilo. Sample prices: LMX -675kg -€2060 -€3.05 per kg, CHX700kg- €2040- €2.91 per kg, CHX -815kg€2360- €2.90 per kg, CHX -770kg -€1840€2.39 per kg, SIX-905kg- €2300- €2.54 per kg, and LMX-680kg -€1800- €2.65 per kg.

Bullocks ranged from an average of €3.06 per kilo up to €3.74 per kilo. Sample prices: CHX-595kg- €2140- €3.60 per kg, CHX- 565kg- €2110 - €3.73 per kg, two LMX595kg- €2050- €3.45 per kg, CHX- 545kg€2040- €3.74 per kg, three LMX- 653.3kg€2270- €3.47 per kg, two BBX -715kg - €2420-€3.38 per kg, LMX- 630kg- €2100€3.33 per kg, CHX- 560kg- €2080- €3.71 per kg, and CHX- 575kg- €2100- €3.65 per kg. Weanlings

There was a large entry of quality weanlings on o er at our sale held on Tuesday, September 10th, with a strong trade for bulls and heifers. The next sale is Tuesday, September 24th

Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.53 per kilo up to €4.56 per kilo, and heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.05 per kilo up to €4.23. There was a very good attendance of customers at the ringside, with online buyers also active. Bull weanlings ranged from an average of €3.53 per kilo up to €4.56 per kilo. Sample prices: BBX- 500kg -€2080 -€4.16 per kg, BBX- 515kg- €2000- €3.88 per kg, CHX460kg- €2000 -€4.35 per kg, CHX -415kg€1,830- €4.41 per kg, LM -405kg- €1,770 -€4.37 per kg, LMX -385kg -€1,700 -€4.42 per kg, CHX- 355kg -€1,590 -€4.48 per kg, and CHX-325kg-€1370- €4.22 per kg. Sheep

We had a large number of sheep on o er at our weekly sale of lambs and stag ewes on Wednesday, September 11th. Prices for spring lambs made up to €170 while stag ewes topped out at €208. Our next sheep sale takes place on Wednesday, September 18th. The yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com.

Spring lambs, sample prices: 73kgs -€170€2.33 per kg, 55.5kgs -€169- €3.05 per kg, 51.5kgs- €166-€3.22 per kg, 54.1kgs -€165€3.05 per kg, 49.3kgs- €158- €3.20 per kg, 47.4kgs -€153- €3.23 per kg, and 46.8kgs€150 -€3.21 per kg.

156th Strokestown Agricultural Show to attract the crowds this weekend!

Excitement is building ahead of the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show, which takes place this Saturday, September 14th

Newly-elected MEP Ciaran Mullooly of Independent Ireland will ofﬁcially open the ‘Flavours from the Heart of Ireland’ food fair at the show.

Speaking exclusively to the Roscommon People, MEP Mullooly shared his delight about being asked to open the popular event: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been asked by the committee to ofﬁcially open the marquee for the Flavours from the Heart of Ireland fair this year.

“The work of volunteers across the country must be recognised and I will do all I can to support any community. The team at Strokestown Show have done Trojan work and they must be commended for it”.

The Strokestown Show, now in its 156th year, al-

Letting off steam!

The Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club is arranging a special appearance of a historic steam engine at the Strokestown Agricultural & Industrial Show this Saturday, September 14th.

This impressive machine, weighing approximately 20 tonnes, was manufactured by Aveling & Porter, England and was used by Dublin County Council from the 1930s to the 1950s. It is owned by Gerry Bratton from Killoe, Co Longford. Mr Bratton spent the years between 2006 and 2014 restoring it to its original condition. Also on show will be the water cart that accompanied the steam en-

gine to supply water for the boiler. It is 150 years old. The steam engine will be transported on a specially modiﬁed carrier to Church Street, where it will be carefully unloaded and driven through the town to the grounds of Strokestown Park House.

The engine is powered by a coal-burning furnace that heats water to produce steam, which then drives the pistons.

The steam engine will be on display at the vintage exhibit throughout the day. In addition to the steam engine, the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club will showcase a variety of tractors, cars, and machinery.

ways garners exceptional interest across a broad range of sectors, including agriculture, industry, and family entertainment.

Taking place on the picturesque grounds of Strokestown Park House, this year’s show promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a total prize fund of €80,000 up for grabs, and an expected attendance exceeding 5,000 visitors.

As ever, top class agricultural competitions will be a feature of the show. There will be cattle, sheep, dog, horse, pony, and donkey show classes, as well as competitions for farm and garden produce.

The show will include other attractions such as vintage car and tractor displays, cooking and art competitions, the ‘Spectacular Dog Show’, and live entertainment on the day – with a headline performance by country music legend Robert Mizzell too! For more, visit strokestownshow.ie.

...

• The €6,000 All-Ireland Beef Bullock Championship Sponsored by The Sweeney Family, Corrigeen

• The €3,000 Greenvale Animal Feeds All-Ireland Beef Heifer Championship

• The €13,000 Irish Angus All-Ireland Finals

• The €2,000 All-Ireland Breeding Heifer Sponsored by Chasetown Engineering Ltd (Sweeney Family, Corrigeen)

• Irish Shorthorn All-Ireland Finals

• The €17,000 Irish Draught Classes

• €12,000 Strokestown Park Irish Draught Broodmare All-ireland Championship

• €5,000 Registered Irish Draught classes Sponsored by by the Callery Family

• Showing Classes for horses, cattle, sheep dogs, crafts, cookery, farm & garden produce with Celebrity Chef Brian McDermott of TV Fame

• Horse Showing and Pony Showing 12 p.m.

• Spectacular Dog Show (2 Rings) at 1.00 p.m.

• The €3,000 Irish Simmental All-Ireland Finals

• Hanly’s Hardware & Eurospar Supermarket All-Ireland Calf Classes with €1,600 in prizemoney

along with Daniel Willimont from Kilronan Castle; Adrian Gill, Kieron Moran, Lorraine Aspill, Timea Kovacs Gluten Free Baking; Vinny Meldrum and Lisa Vocella, The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon, along with numerous Artisan Producers

Pictured at the recent Strokestown Show launch in the Percy French Hotel were John Gilmore and Padraic Holmes. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the recent Strokestown Show launch in the Percy French Hotel were Ray Burke, Brendan McLoughlin, Edward Neary and John Flanagan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

One Night for All as Culture Night approaches

With 27 free events in 18 venues across the county, this year’s Culture Night Roscommon, taking place on Friday, 20th of September for Culture Night Roscommon, was ofﬁcially launched at An Ríoga in Boyle recently.

Culture Night invites Roscommon people everyone, everywhere, on one joyful night, to discover and celebrate all that our culture is today. Once again this year’s programme features a rich and diverse programme of events.

Among the diverse genres of arts and culture that will be celebrated are music, ﬁlm, literature, heritage, food, craft, history and visual art. These will be showcased in 18 diverse venues across County Roscommon. Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir 2024 is a national event connecting everyone to

cultural activities locally and nationally.

Events in Roscommon kick off from 5 pm and run until 1 am. Audiences can experience culture for as long or as short, as early or as late as they like! It’s about dipping into and experiencing a range of arts and culture in the county’s eclectic cultural venues in Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Ballydangan, Castlerea, Cootehall, Frenchpark, Keadue, Knockcroghery, Roscommon town, Strokestown and Tulsk.

Speaking at the launch of Culture Night Roscommon, Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said “We encourage everyone to have a look at the Roscommon programme curated by the Arts Ofﬁce – with such a diverse range of events, there is bound to be an event to suit everyone in their

local area”.

Roscommon County Council’s Arts Ofﬁcer Rhona McGrath added: “We are delighted to support the Roscommon artists, performers, organisers and venues and thank them for their time in preparing and creating the exciting work which will be presented on Culture Night”. So don’t miss out, spread the word and dive into the cultural experiences that Roscommon has to offer. Culture Night Roscommon is organised by Roscommon County Council in partnership with the Arts Council and cultural organisations throughout the county. Please note some events, while free of charge, require booking. All information is available on posters, ﬂyers, on Facebook and at https://culturenight.ie/roscommon.

Noel’s PORTRAIT OF A TRAUMATIC CATARACT expo extended!

Roscommon-based Visual & Performance artist Noel Molloy’s work will continue to showcase throughout this September during ofﬁce hours at Roscommon County Council.

PORTRAIT OF A TRAUMATIC CATARACT consists of a series of self-portraits and an interpretive study of the anatomy, the function of the eye, surgical procedures and medical illustrative related studies.

The exhibition analyses the traumatic cataract and the subsequent surgical procedures around the activities associated with the patent concerning preoperative analysis, developments and the removal of the cataract and the implantation of an intra-

‘Timelines:

ocular lens plus associated psychological trauma.

The exhibition also looks at the psychological effects through visual illustrations. As this traumatic cataract occurred in Lockdown 2020, it also considers the procedures and difﬁculties in dealing and coping with the restrictions imposed during the time of the Covid pandemic and beyond.

The exhibition is of homemade charcoal, charcoal pencil and coloured tissue paper collage drawings and sculpture reliefs. Prices and contact information are located near the exhibition.

https://www.noelmolloyart.com/

Growth and Catastrophe’ exhibition for Roscommon Arts Centre

‘Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe’ opens at 6 pm on Culture Night (September 20th) in Roscommon Arts Centre, with guest speaker Dr Ann O’Mahony. The exhibition will run until October 24th The exhibition is a collaboration between eight innovative contemporary artist weavers: Roscommon’s Frances Crowe, along with Muriel Beckett, Tish Canniffe, Pascale De Coninck, Lorna Donlon, Terry Dunne, Catherine Ryan, and Heather Underwood. This, their third collaboration, has been supported by Creative Ireland. Exploring ideas of resilience at a time of global challenge, instability, and uncertainty, this exhibition showcases a new one-metre by ﬁve-metre tapestry, eight new individual tapestries, and a short documentary ﬁlm. Drawing from a broad range of diverse visual references, this collaboration also incorporates current UCD plant science research imagery.

Roscommon-based artist Frances Crowe, who is one of the eight artist weavers, acknowledges Creative Ireland support of this project (through counties Roscommon, Cork, Laois and Wexford), which allowed the artists to produce a catalogue and ﬁlm the entire process.

Frances says, “I am thrilled and excited that the ‘Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe’ exhibition was invited to be launched

in Roscommon Arts Centre for Culture Night 2024. This unique project has been in the making for almost thirty months, bringing together a community of Irish artists/weavers from six counties across Ireland. I am sure that everyone who visits the exhibition will be astounded by the skill, the dedication, and the stories behind all the imagery”.

On Saturday, September 21st, Roscommon Arts Centre – to coincide with the new exhibition in the centre from a collaboration of eight weavers called ‘Timelines: Growth and Catastrophe’ – will be hosting a series of insight events, taking place from 11 am to 4 pm.

Comprising of artists’ talks and a panel discussion, the day’s events will offer insights into the unique work of this group of weavers, who collaborate to curate, conceive, design, and weave large-scale tapestries.

These are free events, open to all interested members of the public. Booking is essential and can be done via roscommonartscentre.ie. Tea, coffee, and basic lunch will be provided.

For more information and to book, see roscommonartscentre.ie.

Pictured at the launch of Culture Night Roscommon 2024 at An Ríoga in Boyle were (l to r): Rhona McGrath, Arts O cer, Roscommon County Council; Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council, and Patricia Golden, Manager, King House, Boyle. Photo: Brian Farrell

Timeless: Monument to a remarkable man

< PAUL HEALY

Maybe a year before his passing in 2020, I met Fr Raymond Browne in a waiting room in Roscommon Hospital. He was his usual cheerful self. Already into his early 90s, it was obvious that whatever about failing physical health, Fr Browne was as positive in mind and spirit as ever.

Although well acquainted with the priest’s incredible energy and drive, I don’t think I asked Fr Browne if he and his community volunteers were working on any particular project at the time… he volunteered the information!

“Paul, our next project is an astroturf pitch” he declared – quite matter of factly.

Sure enough, some months later that project – like so many before it – was realised.

In March of 2020, the new facility was officially opened, and a delighted and proud Fr Browne was present. Later in 2020, his remarkable journey on this earth ended. He was, as I wrote at the time, a one-off, a man

who made an enormous contribution to pastoral and community life in County Roscommon over several decades.

Given the wonderful legacy Fr Browne left, it is so fitting that the close-knit community in Kilbride parish have honoured him by erecting a statue in his honour.

At its unveiling last Sunday, Bishop Kevin Doran led tributes to Fr Browne, noting his care for the sick and elderly, support of young people, and phenomenal dedication to community projects. Members of Fr Browne’s family, parishioners and friends from near and afar attended.

Not having been present on Sunday (Seamus Duke was there for the People), I called out on Wednesday to have a look at the statue. After chatting to one or two of the friendly locals, I ran into Bernie Kearney, another community giant in that area. How apt that I should just happen to meet Bernie on the day.

We viewed the statue together, and agreed that it is a fine piece of work. Then we chatted about

the modest man it honours. Bernie and so many parishioners in Kilbride spent so many great times with their beloved priest.

Prior to leaving, I asked Bernie to stand in for a photo with his old friend. Unsurprisingly, we touched on local politics before I drove off! A final thought. On the occasion of the astroturf pitch opening, Fr Browne quoted two men he particularly admired: Pope John Paul II and Dermot Earley.

Fr Browne’s message that day was: ‘Love your parish. Become involved in the life of your community. Give your time. Follow this maxim: ‘Give back to my community’’.

Few people have more nobly (and humbly) lived by such motivations as Fr Raymond Browne has. This statue will remind current generations – and inform future ones – of his wonderful, selfless work, his inspirational life and times, and of a unique legacy of service and goodness.

May he rest in peace – and may this statue stand proud.

Hundreds attend unveiling of statue of Fr Browne

< SEAMUS DUKE

Hundreds of people attended the unveiling of a statue of the late and much-loved parish priest Fr Raymond Browne at St Brigid’s Church in Fourmilehouse last Sunday. A concelebrated Mass with the Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran as chief celebrant started the day’s activities at 12 noon. During his

Homily Bishop Doran praised the great work of Fr Browne during his ministry and especially in the Kilbride parish.

After the Mass the Bishop and two senior citizens from the parish, Mary O’Connor and Kathleen Tully, unveiled the life-sized statue in the grounds of the church.

Tom Browne, a nephew of the late Fr Browne, addressed the crowd

and spoke about the priest’s life and times, detailing his years spent on the missions in Africa, and in the parishes of Drumboylan, Roscommon Town and Kilbride where he spent 34 years up to his death in 2020 at the age of 92.

Amongst those present on the day were a number of local public representatives, including Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cathaoirleach

Our Lady and walking to Knock celebrated at Keelogues Cross

A large crowd gathered recently in the splendid sunshine at Keelogues Cross in the parish of Glinsk, to mark the feast of August 15th The local people have erected a beautiful Marian Shrine there, and gather at it frequently for prayer and rosary ceremonies.

of Roscommon County Council.

The attendance also included Church and community leaders, parishioners, members of Fr Browne’s family, and many of the late priest’s friends. The Castlerea Brass & Reed Band were also present.

After the official ceremonies refreshments were served in the local community centre.

This year, the Rosary was led by Tommy Dowd, with decades offered for various intentions by other local residents. Special remembrance was given to the local custom of people walking to Knock on the eve of August 15th, and prayers were offered for the late Michael Griffin and the many other people who walked to Knock throughout the years.

Comhaltas Tom Morrison members Ethan Collins and Ceara McDermott Geraghty, along with Paddy Lally on his accordion.

Following the prayers, the song ‘Walking to Knock’ by the late James Shevlin RIP was played. The song was composed specially for the occasion and was played in his memory. Entertainment was also provided by local

A garden bench crafted by local man Gerry Griffin was unveiled by sisters, Gerdina (Kelly) Connelly and Stacey (Kelly) Byrnes, who were the two most recent people to walk to Knock. The attendance were then treated to refreshments provided and served by the local people.

Hospice Coffee Morning appeal

Mayo/Roscommon Hospice are calling for people to host a coffee morning on National Coffee Morning for Hospice, sponsored by Bewleys, on Thursday, September 26th – or on another date if that suits you better.

You can host a coffee morning/evening with family, friends, or work colleagues, or you can have a Drive-By or takeaway coffees if you wish. Anything goes!

Please register for your free pack online at hospice.ie/coffee. For more, email info@hospice.ie or call 094 9388666. Donations are also welcome online at hospice.ie.

Please support this important event, and help raise funds for vital hospice services in the area while enjoying a coffee and a chat.

Evan Higgins pictured at Saturday’s Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-final between Castlerea

St Kevin’s and Boyle in Ballinameen. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

The statue of the late parish priest Fr Raymond Browne at St Brigid’s Church in Fourmilehouse which was unveiled last Sunday.

Bernie Kearney pictured alongside the statue of the late parish priest Fr Raymond Browne at St Brigid’s Church in Fourmilehouse.

Pictured is a section of the crowd which gathered recently in the splendid sunshine at Keelogues Cross in the parish of Glinsk, to mark the feast of August 15th

Remax Team Earley close sale on prime Kilteevan residence

Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of an

exquisite ﬁve-bedroomed residence, situated on approximately 3.19 acres at Derrinturk, Kiltee-

Bungalows wanted urgently in Oldwood area of Roscommon town – Remax Team Earley

Remax Team Earley would like to advise that they are seeking bungalows in the Oldwood area of Roscommon town, due to disappointed, cash and mortgage-approved underbidders.

All properties will be considered. A free appraisal service is offered, and remember – no sale, no fee.

For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers directly by phoning Keith on 086 0848590, Cormac on 086 3519492 or Cathal on 086 1409158.

van, Co Roscommon. With a BER of D1, the residence was constructed in 2000, and meticulously maintained by its original owner. This property boasts timeless elegance and impressive features.

Remax Team Earley would like to advise that they are seeking residences for disappointed underbidders in the outskirts of the Roscommon town area.

To contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, phone 090 66 26579, email teamearley@ remax.ie, log onto teamearley.ie, or contact one of the auctioneers: Cormac on 086 3519492, Cathal on 086 1409158, or Keith on 086 0848590.

Almost half of people in Ireland say 25-29 is ideal age for buying your ﬁrst home

buyers in Roscommon in 2023

Almost half of people (46%) in Ireland believe that the best age to purchase a ﬁrst home is between the ages of 25 and 29 – over a decade younger than the national average of 39 years according to the most recent Central Statistics Ofﬁce (CSO) data.

These ﬁndings are from the latest survey by Royal London Ireland, one of Ireland’s leading life insurance and pension companies. The research polled 1,000 adults nationwide and found that one-third (36%) deem the ideal age to be between 30-34, and just 7% consider the prime home-buying age to be between 35-39.

Padraic Benson of Royal London Ireland Roscommon spoke about the ﬁndings: “There are 2969 in the 25 to 29year age group in Roscommon – which, according to our survey, are the ideal First-Time Buyer group. And while in 2023 there were 185 property purchases by ﬁrst-time buyers, it’s probable that if national statistics are anything to go by, the average age of these buyers would have been closer to 40”.

Notable highlights from the Royal London survey include the ﬁndings that more than nine in ten (91%) of people in Ireland believe that individuals should purchase their ﬁrst home before the age of 35, men are slightly more likely to believe the ideal age for home buying is below 30 (59% male vs 52% female), and the older generation (55+) is more inclined to believe that people should own a home in their 20s compared to those aged between 25 to 34 (64% vs 50% respectively).

Mr Benson commented, “Life was vastly different for older generations, now over the age of 55, compared to today. In the 1970s, average house prices were €14,162,

and in the 1980s, they were €45,223 according to historical data, compared to 2024’s ﬁgures of €330,000.

“The context for buying is also very different given wage inﬂation has not kept up with house price inﬂation – according to CSO, the average industrial worker needs more than seven times their salary to buy a house today, compared to four-and-a-half times their salary in the 1970s. Such substantial changes in housing affordability and the purchasing power of consumers undoubtedly shape the housing realities for different generations”.

Additionally, almost half of respondents (47%) to the Royal London Ireland survey said that under 25 is the best age to move out of home, while four in ten (42%) say that between 25 and 29 is ideal.

Almost nine in ten (89%) people who responded to the survey said that by the time you have reached the age of 30, you should have been able to move out of your family home.

Derrinturk, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon

Classifieds

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS

If you WANT to stop gambling ... and REMAIN stopped ... you CAN!

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEETING every Monday at 8.45 pm at St. Kieran’s Community Centre, Athlone (N37 W7P3).

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and ues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards tted

• Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone: 087 2798704

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Open re - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital

TV Installation

All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

Stephen Casey Construction

● General Building

● Extensions & Roo ng

● Groundworks

● Renovations

● Chimney CCTV Inspections

● Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

FARMING

 FARM REPAIR SHOP

– Roscommon/Lanesboro area. Tel 087-2755738.

FUEL FOR SALE

 GOOD QUALITY TURF for sale. Delivered. Ballaghaderreen area. Tel. 087 6810849.

FOR SALE

 FOR SALE: Calf Creep Feeder. In good condition. Tel. 083 0109446.

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com NO JOB TOO

COUNSELLING

& HYPNOTHERAPY

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

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

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

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

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FENCING/GATES

 FOR SALE: Quantity of furniture including pine dresser and mahogany writing desk. Tel. 087 9657933 or 090 6633084.

MAN AVAILABLE to cut lawns and hedges, power washing of houses/slatted sheds/ driveways. Drain unblocking and cleaning. Gutter cleaning. Doors and window locks repaired. Tel. 086 101 8237

HANDYMAN

& ODD JOBS

Residential & Commercial

• Property maintenance and repairs

• Skilled and Experienced

• No Job too big or too small 085 2698925

TRAILERS

TRAILER

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

GARDENING

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

I, John Dolan, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning& retention permission:

1. to retain existing machinery storage shed

2. to retain agricultural site entrance

3. to construct new agricultural shed & holding pen and all ancillary site development works at Clonadra, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 090 6634365. Mob: 085 1299470.

E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie

Web: www.jlce.ie

Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

Garrynphort, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.

I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Michael Fallon for planning permission to reconstruct and extend dwelling house to include all associated site works at the above location. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the oﬃces of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596. www.oliverruane.com

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Nigel Roche and Sandra Dempsey, intend to make an application to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission for the retention of the temporary citing of a mobile home and associated works in the garden to the rear of our House, located at 19 Coillte Bo, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon. The purpose of which is to provide temporary accommodation for a family member

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

Signed: Nigel Roche & Sandra Dempsey.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Miriam O’Connor, intend to apply for permission for development at Grevisk Lodge, Grevisk, Boyle, Co Roscommon, F52 NY07. The development will consist of: (1) demolition of existing side attached garage, (2) extension to front, sides & rear of dwelling, (3) internal alterations throughout dwelling, (4) loft conversion (5) new attached garage & store, (6) alterations to roadside wall and (7) all ancillary site works.

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

Signed: Miriam O’Connor c/o Donal McPhillips Architecture, 133 Main St., Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh. Tel: 048 677 41813 www.mcphillipsarchitecture.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Joe Grehan, wish to apply to the above authority for retention permission to retain as constructed garage & storage area to rear of garage and all associated site works at Barrymore Td, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Eric Nugent & Associates (Agent) Planning & Design Consultants 20 St. Francis Terrace, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Mobile: 0863379733

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal O’Brien, intend to apply for planning permission for development at Carrownderry, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a light engineering workshop at an existing farmyard, waste water treatment system & associated siteworks.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is being sought by Byron Distributors Limited for the following:

a) To retain the existing building, associated yard, and parking spaces on a revised site boundary to that permitted under planning reference PD/06/1126, b) To retain the use of an adjoining yard space as ancillary storage and parking area, and permission is also sought to enclose this area in a new roofed building.

The development will be accessed via the estate road to the southwest of the building and yard, which is located at Roscommon Business Park, Ballypheasan Td, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

The Planning Application may be inspected at the oﬃces of the Planning Authority at Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon during oﬃce hours 9.30am to 1.00pm, and 2.00pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday.A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Paul Feeney Consulting Engineers, Unit 1, Riveroaks Centre, Claregalway, Co. Galway.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Clann na nGael GAA

Club are applying to the above Authority for Planning Permission for development at Johnstown Demesne, Athlone. The Development will consist of the following:

1. To develop a 2nd Playing Pitch with a 1.4m high metal fence surrounding, and 1 No Set of 13m High Ball Stops

2. To erect 4 No 24m high poles to provide ood lighting of 350 Lux Standard

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of our clients: Tom & Aoife Fleming, intend to apply for permission for retention, for the site located at: Barrymore Townland, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The development (Permission for Retention) will consist of:

(a) The permission for retention for the as constructed dwelling house from that permitted under PD/19/325 with alteration to fenestration and elevations to the front, rear and sides of the dwelling.

(b) The exclusion of the basement level from that permitted under PD/19/325.

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

Signed: Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd (Agent), on behalf of Tom & Aoife Fleming

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Cian Walsh, intend to apply for permission for development at Finnor, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

The development consists of:

(a) Rebuild a Larger Rear Extension

(b) Increase of walls for 1.5 story dwelling, roof height.

LEGAL NOTICE

THE DISTRICT COURT (AN CHUIRT DUICHE)

LICENSING ACTS, 1833 to 2011 THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1833

SECTION 6

As Amended by Substitution in the First Schedule to the Courts (No. 2) Act, 1986

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960

SECTION 29

THE DISTRICT COURT RULES, 1997 ORDER 79

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF LICENCE

Gordon Murray – Applicant

An Bothar Rua, Main Street, Elphin, County Roscommon – Premises

TAKE NOTICE that Gordon Murray of Main Street, Elphin, County Roscommon intends to apply to the Annual Licensing District Court on the 25th day of September, 2024 at The Courthouse, Strokestown, County Roscommon for a Certi cate of Transfer entitling the Applicant to receive an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s Licence in respect of the premises known as An Bothar Rua, Main Street, Elphin, County Roscommon in the Court Area and District aforesaid.

Dated the 11th of September 2024

Signed: Dockery Solicitors Solicitors for the Applicant Main Street, Elphin County Roscommon

To: The Fire O cer Roscommon County Council Roscommon

To: The Superintendent, An Garda Siochana Roscommon

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

 NEWLY REFURBISHED SHOP/OFFICE UNIT to let. Castlerea town centre. Prime location. Tel. 085 2749486.

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

I, Chris Smith intend to apply for retention permission for development at Cloonyquin, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon, F42 K236. The development will consist of retention permission for (a) an extension to an existing domestic garage, (b) stable block & hayshed, (c) stable block & associated siteworks.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors.

2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874.

3. To erect a 45m seated stand

4. To construct a 2m wide walkway around the boundaries of the grounds, 950m length with Solar Lighting

5. A Sensory Garden.

Signed: Raymond Fallon (Secretary Clann na nGael)

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

SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT TO advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

(d) Decommissioning of old septic tank and Installation of a new Waste Water Treatment system. And tertiary treatment pod to EPA code of practice 2021 EN1256-33

(e) Construction of new domestic garage with o ce room, Connection of new works to existing water mains.

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 the public opening hours of 9.30 – 16.30 Monday - Friday. 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 Tipperary County Council of the Application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933

THANKSGIVINGS

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

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

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Mira¬cles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sym¬pathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.MK.

9 DAY PRAYER TO ST. CLARE

Ask St. Clare for three favours: one for business and two impossible. Say nine Hail Marys for nine days with a lighted candle. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish on the ninth day. Powerful Novena. Say “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored, glori ed now and forever, throughout the whole world. Amen.” Your request will be granted no matter how impossible it may seem. Prayer must be published. M.W.

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

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

● HSE Trained and Approved ● Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatmeny Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233

SIOBHAN

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON –MOLLOYS PHARMACY

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle

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

DIP CHFP

(Monday - Saturday) Tel: 087 2982214

Electrician Available

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p0862553153 @gmail.com

FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ... WE DO ANYTHING From ﬁtting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath

• Fast Reliable Service

• Professional, Courteous Employees

• Trustworthy ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477 www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

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

DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal

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

Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors IGC.ie

JARRETT

Professional

Career change: Job Applications, Adult Education, Study skills

Professional CVs, Interview skills APPOINTMENTS – 085 7322261

COMPETENCY BASED APP FORMS

* INTERVIEW MASTERING (including competency-based questions)

* EDUCATION & PERSONAL COACHING

FAMILYNOTICES ....

NERNEY

Kitty & Jack Elphin, Co. Roscommon (13th and 54th Anniversaries)

NERNEY (8th and 49th Anniversaries)

Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the souls of Kitty Nerney, Elphin, who died on September 11th, 2011 and her husband Jack, who died on September 19th, 1970

KING

Brian

Ballyfeeney, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary)

VAN DELIVERIES

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their family. Masses o ered.

- Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on the souls of Kitty Nerney, Elphin, who died on September 11th, 2011 and her husband Jack, who died on September 19th 1970

- Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their family Masses offered

CURLEY

FIORENTINI

In memory of Brian who passed away on 11th September 2007

• Deliveries • House / Apartment removals

• Furniture Collection / Delivery

Bridget Tobberconnor, Rahara (16th Anniversary) 11th September 2008

(nee Curley)

Bridie Tobberconnor, Rahara and Cheltenham, England (13th Anniversary) 24th September 2011

In loving memory of our dearest mother and sister.

Your memories are in our hearts this day. Means more to us than words can say. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Loved, remembered and ever dear.

Loved and remembered by daughters: Mary, Ann, Veronica and sons-in-law.

Loved and remembered always by your daughter Francesca, sisters Mary, Ann Veronica and brothers-in-law.

May you Rest In Peace

To us you are someone special, whats more is there to say.

Wishing with all our hearts that you were here today.

Sadly missed by Gerry, Helena, Ellie-Ann and Katie.

MADDEN

Bernadette

Camogue, Elphin & Felton Rd, Boyle (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of our darling mother who left us too soon on the 11th September 2021

With that glint in your eye you could light up the room, our wonderful dear Mother, you are gone far too soon. The biggest heart, the warmest smile, a gentle touch, but woe betied! You loved us dearly, as we do you, and you gave everything you had to your two, and, for this dear Mom, we thank you. An emptiness grows where you once were.

A stillness and silence within our hearts, forever sore at your sudden depart.

Missed and loved more than words can say Mom, love Donna and Derek and famlies. xxx

Mass o ered.

ROGERS

Mary Frances

Scramogue,

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

We, the family of the late Mary Frances Rogers, who passed away on the 14th of August, 2024, wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all who sympathised with and supported us on the recent sad loss of our mother. A very special thanks to all our kind neighbours, friends and family who visited, brought refreshments to our home and gave great comfort.

A heartfelt thanks to all who attended the Removal, Requiem Mass and Burial; to those who travelled long distances, watched via livestream, sent Mass Cards, Sympathy Cards, phone calls, text messages, oral tributes and thoughtful online condolences.

We extend our deep appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses, Sta and Palliative Care Team of St. Finbarr’s Ward, UHG, who cared for Mary Frances in the last few weeks of her life.

Thank you to Fr. Jarek and Fr. O’Connor who visited our home and prayed with us during the family prayers and contributed to making the Funeral Mass so meaningful.

Thank you to the choir for the beautiful singing and music at the Funeral Mass.

Thank you to our wonderful neighbours and friends who prepared Mary Frances’ nal resting place with such attention, care and respect.

We would like to thank everyone who helped with the tra c management plan and to all who paid their respects by taking part in the Guard of Honour.

Thank you to Tully’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, sensitivity and guidance with funeral arrangements.

As it is not possible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude. Your thoughts, prayers, presence and support gave us great comfort.

Mary Frances’ Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 18th September in St. Ann’s Church, Scramogue at 7.30pm.

DOROSHKEVICH Oleg

Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

In loving memory on the rst anniversary of the passing of our beloved Oleg Doroshkevich

2.02.1964 - 17.09.2023

You left behind a trail of light, a legacy so pure and bright.

In every heart you touched with care, your love, your kindness lingers there. A year has passed, but still we see, the beauty of your memory. In every smile, in every tear, we feel your presence, ever near. Though you are gone, you live within, in every loving thought, a win. Your spirit guides us through each day, in every act of love, you stay.

To honour his memory, a Memorial Mass will be held on 14th September 2024 at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy.

O’CONNOR M cGEENEY

Teresa Christina 22nd September 2022 (2nd Anniversary)

On this Second Anniversary of dear Teresa, we remember her as a loving wife, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt and an enduring friend to so many people. Teresa lled our days with joy and laughter and wisdom. We, her family, friends and nursing colleagues miss her so much. However, we are blessed to have such wonderful memories of dear Teresa.

Memories that ll us with consolation, joy and peace. Teresa’s faith in the blessing of Christian resurrection has also supported us in our grief and our Christian faith tells her that she and all our departed faithful are resting in God’s eternal embrace in heaven. This is indeed our cherished hope and gives us peace in the midst of grief.

She is gone

By David Harkin

You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she is gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, Be empty and turn your back or you can do what she would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Teresa’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will be celebrated as follows:

St Patrick’s Church, Athleague, Roscommon, 15th September at 10am

Curry Parish Church, Curry, Sligo 22nd September at 11.30am

HUNT

Kathleen

Ballinderry, Four-Mile-House, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Kathleen, who died on 5th September 2022.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

Always loved and sadly missed by your husband Pat Joe, daughters Geraldine, Sharon and Fionnaula, sons Michael and PJ, son-in -law Seamus and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Kathleen will be held at St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House on Sunday, September 15th at 11am.

NUGENT

Willie Cloonfour, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon who died 7th September 2023 (1st Anniversary)

Deeply regretted by his sorrowing brother John, sister-in-law Essie, and large circle of friends. Rest In Peace.

Anniversary Mass for Willie in the Sacred Heart Church, Whitehall, on Saturday 12th October at 7 pm.

CONBOY

Peggy

St. Theresa’s Road, Roscommon Who passed away on the 9th September 2014 (10th Anniversary)

No birthday card to send you

For there is no address, Only a beautiful garden Where you have gone to rest.

FUREY

Mary Agnes

Ogulla, Tulsk, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Agnes, who died on 24th September 2023.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Sadly missed by the Furey family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 21st September 2024 in St. Catherine’s Church, Killina at 7pm.

CASEY

Mary

(nee Norton)

18 Greenﬁeld Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon. (1st Anniversary)

Afterglow I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave when life is done

A day that’s ﬁlled with sadness, Returns to us today To mark the day you closed your eyes and quietly passed away. Nothing can dim the face we loved, Or the memory of your smile, The countless things you did for us, To make our lives worthwhile. Our hearts still ache with sadness, Our secret tears still ﬂow, For what it meant to lose you

No one will ever know.

Loved and sadly missed by her son Seamus, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Tuesday 17th September at 11am.

Loved and sadly missed by her husband, John, and daughters Shirley, Valerie and Caroline; grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Mary on Saturday 14th September in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 7pm.

www.brianmurraystone.com

DOLAN

Austin

Mount Plunkett, Lecarrow, Roscommon

Who passed away on 19th September 2022 (2nd Anniversary)

There is a home not made by hands beyond its golden door awaits the one who’s now away. Not lost, just gone before. And in that home not made by hands, the Master will prepare a place for us, and when he calls we’ll meet our loved ones there.

Lovingly remembered on your Anniversary by James, Sandra, Rachel & Robbie.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 14th September in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery at 7pm.

KILROE

Jack and Mary J.

Curragh, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon 70th and 19th Anniversaries and all the deceased members of the Kilroe family

Always remembered and sadly missed by all the family.

Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday 21st September at 7pm.

COMISKEY

Joan Who passed away on 13th September 2019 (5th Anniversary)

A heart too gentle, a mind too deep, a beautiful soul, forever asleep.

Eyes full of sparkle, a heart full of love, now shining brightly from Heaven above.

Will those who think of Joan today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Dearly loved and missed everyday by her husband Seamus, daughters Natasha and Jackie, son James, sons-in-law Noel and Francie, daughter-in-law Aishling, grandchildren Rebecca, Emily, Evan, Laura, Aoife, Shea, great-grandchild Eoghan and extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Joan will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 13th September at 11am.

Also remembering Aaron Seamus Comiskey on his Third Anniversary on the 11th September.

GANNON

Enda

Stonepark, Roscommon Who died 14th September, 1984 (40th Anniversary)

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

Loved and sadly missed by your loving mother, Eileen; sisters Olivia and Evelyn; brothers Declan, Darach, Kieran and Jason.

Anniversary Mass will be held at a later date.

FALLON

Kieran

Clooneenbaun, Roscommon (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Kieran, who died 10th September 2012

Those special years will not return when we were all together. The loving memories in our hearts will stay with us forever.

Always remembered by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass in Cloverhill Church on Saturday, 14th September at 7 pm

ACTON

James (Jim)

Derryvode, Williamstown, Co. Galway (2nd Anniversary)

Treasured memories of Jim who passed away 15th September 2022 R.I.P.

In tears we saw you sinking and watched you pass away. Our hearts were almost broken, we wanted you to stay. But when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful free from pain, how could we wish you back with us to suffer that again. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you the day God took you home

Loved and remembered by his wife Mary, sons Declan and Brian; daughter Caroline, son-in-law Aidan, daughterin-law Fiona, grandchildren and extended family

Anniversary Mass for Jim will take place on Sunday, 15th September at 10.30am in St. Therese’s Church, Williamstown.

CARROLL

Sharon

Glenamaddy, Co. Galway (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Sharon who passed away on 15th September 2017.

It was a sad passing, Too bitter to forget. Those who loved you dearly, Are the ones who will never forget.

The happy hours we once enjoyed, How sweet their memories are.

But death has left a vacant place, This world can never ﬁll.

Loved and missed by your Mam, Dad, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Anniversary Mass for Sharon will take place Saturday 14th September in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy at 7.00pm

GERAGHTY

Michael (Mickey)

Mount Mary, Ballygar, Co. Galway (13th Anniversary – 1st September)

There comes a time for all of us when we must say goodbye. But memories of those we love live on and never die. His dreams were seldom spoken his words were very few. And most of all his worries were unspoken too.

On this your anniversary you would not want a fuss. Just to be remembered with love by all of us.

Always remembered by Mary, Kelly Ann, Philip, Val, Danny, Emily, Ollie and Robbie.

GARVEY

Will those who think of them today, a litle prayer to Jesus say.. Sadly missed and remembered by all their families.

Anniversary Mass will be o ered on Saturday, 14th September at 8 pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber.

DUFFY (nee Lohan)

Pauline

Caggle and Manchester

In loving memory of our dear sister Pauline whom God called home on 12th September 2012 (12th Anniversary)

Today recalls the memories of our loved one gone to rest, and those who think of her today, are those who loved her best. The ﬂowers we lay upon your grave, may wither and decay, but the love for you who lies beneath will never fade away.

Forever missed and loved by her sisters, Ita, Teresa, Mary, Bernadette, Imelda and brother Sean.

Anniversary Mass for Pauline is on Friday, 13th September in Strokestown Parish Church at 10.30am.

WALSH

Rita Antogher Road, Roscommon. (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Rita who sadly passed away on the 19th of September 2020.

R.I.P.

God saw you were getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so he put His arms around you, and whispered “come to me”. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

When those we love become a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Also remembering Paddy

Who sadly passed away on the 13th of August 2022.

Always loved and sadly missed by their children Declan, Stephanie, Robert and Caroline, sister Eileen, brother-in-law Andy, daughters-in-law, son-in -law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, all her extended family and many friends.

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

HUNT

Tom

Castlemine, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Granlahan who died on 6th September, 2023 (1st Anniversary)

We hold you within our hearts, and there you shall remain.

To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So, Rest in Peace, dear Tom, and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Loved and sadly missed by his wife Marion, children and grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Tom on Sunday 15th September in Fourmilehouse Church at 11 am.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 14th September at 7.30 pm.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, the 19th of September at 11am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

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SportsPeople C’mon The Town

RDYSL

With most league campaigns concluded, the focus now switches to Divisional Cup action.

On Monday evening, in the ﬁrst legs, our Town 1 boys U-14 team were in Ballaghaderreen while Town 3 were away to Castlerea. Our boys 12s had matches on Tuesday. Town 1 travelled to take on Strokestown. Town 2 hosted Ballaghaderreen while Town 3 welcomed CP Ajax to the Sports Park.

On Wednesday evening, our U-12 girls team were at home to Moore while the U-16s girls were away to Moore. This evening (Thursday), our boys Town 2 team are in Creggs to take on Glen Celtic. On Friday, our Town 1 and Town 2 boys EL teams are at home to Dysart and Ballinagare respectively. Town 3 are away to Kilkerrin.

This weekend, our boys 18s are away to Moore while our girls, who are top of the table, are in Kilkerrin. Our 9s boys and girls teams are also on the road this weekend. We wish them well. Each and all, enjoy the game of ball.

Thank you

Sincere thanks to Walsh’s Centra in Roscommon town for sponsoring training tops for our boys U-18 squad. The lads look sharp. Thanks also to Unio Financial Services for sponsoring the club. It is very much appreciated by all club members, especially our players.

Connacht Cup

Three of our teams are in Connacht Cup action this weekend. Our 12s and 16s are at home to Swinford and St John’s (Sligo) respectively. Our 14s make the journey to Ballina. Good luck to the players and their coaches.

Sports Park

Keep it clean so that we can keep it green!

Wise Words

‘Perfection is not attainable. But if we can chase perfection, we can catch excellence’ – Vince Lombardi

Club Store

Shop now on roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie

Player Proﬁle

Name: Andrea Murray Team: U-18s

Position: Defender

Three words that describe me: Competitive, energetic, talkative

Skill strength: Left foot

Skill weakness: Heading

Favourite team: Manchester United

Favourite player: Messi

Favourite Irish player: Roy Keane

Best stadium in the world: Stamford Bridge Messi or Ronaldo or neither: Messi PlayStation or Xbox or neither: Xbox

Favourite food: Pasta

Favourite lm: Home Alone

Favourite song: The Days

What makes me happy: Winning

Person I admire the most: My mother

Why I play soccer: I enjoy it a lot

Hopes for the season: To improve and to win the league

Send your CV and request a full job description to hr@abbeyhotel.ie

Our Community. Our Children. Our Club.

The Roscommon Town boys U-18 squad.

Pictured are Matthew Towey and Senan Lohan who were part of the Roscommon team that reached the U-12 nal at the Galway Cup recently.

Can Roscommon ‘master’ favourites Tyrone?

All-Ireland Masters Football

final: Roscommon v Tyrone on Saturday at Kingspan Breffni Park (Cavan) at 3 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon Masters footballers are in contention for the ultimate prize this weekend when they play four-in-a-row chasing Tyrone in the All-Ireland final.

The Roscommon team, managed by Anthony Carroll, are unbeaten all season. They played six group games, winning five and drawing one, finishing second in the table. Their wins came against Sligo, Mayo, Laois, Kildare and Galway, while they shared the spoils with Cavan.

In the All-Ireland semi-final Roscommon defeated Kerry by 1-5 to 0-7. The team is captained by Ian Kilbride (St Brigid’s), with Ronan Cox (St Michael’s) serving as vice-captain.

Masters’ experts Tyrone have a number of well-known players in their ranks including Stephen O’Neill, who plays at full-forward, and who was instrumental in their 1-10 to 0-8 win against Dublin in the semi-final.

Roscommon manager Anthony Carroll says: “We are really looking forward to this game. It is the first time that Roscommon have reached the final of the top tier competition (they were defeated in the Plate final by Mayo last year). Now that we are in the (top) final we want to win it”.

In the nature of masters football (over

40s) there are new players coming into the squad every year, and this season several ‘veteran newcomers’ have boosted the panel, as noted by their manager.

“We have a few new players coming every year – and a few leaving too. To get a few new lads in is always great. This year we have Seanie Fahy from Padraig Pearses, Paddy O’Connor from Elphin, Jason Tarmey from St Croan’s, John McHugh from Strokestown… and others. That really strengthens the panel. They are all accomplished club players over the years and are a great addition to our squad”.

Carroll says it would be a perfect finish to the year if Roscommon could complete the season unbeaten and win this final.

“We have done very well so far. We won all our group games – except for one draw – and we had a great win against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final, so to remain unbeaten for one more game would be the perfect way to end the season”.

Given their Masters pedigree, Tyrone are clearly the favourites to lift another title, but the Roscommon manager insists it’s all to play for on Saturday.

“Tyrone are a very good side – and are going for four on the trot – but this is a final and as we know anything can happen on such occasions”.

The Masters squad have been training on Mondays as it is the most suitable evening, given that a number of the players involved are still playing at club level.

The Roscommon manager said that Roscommon County Board has been very supportive. “We have great support, to be honest. Roscommon County Board have been excellent in many different ways, including with gear and transport, and we have great sponsors like Garvey’s Bar, Woods’ Furniture and Kalzen, to whom we are very grateful”.

The Roscommon manager says that he is happy that the game was fixed for Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan, a venue befitting such an occasion.

“We are happy that the match is in Breffni Park. A lot of the masters’ finals have been played in club pitches over the years. There is nothing wrong with club pitches but every player likes to play at a major county venue in a final. “We are going there to win and we are looking forward to it. It would be fantastic to win an All-Ireland. We will give it our best shot on the day” he concluded.

Sean Ryan (Castlerea St Kevin’s), Conor Beirne (Elphin) and Damian Caslin (Strokestown). Photo: Roscommon GAA

Shane Gilleran (St Joseph’s), Declan Woods (Éire Óg), Adrian Freyne (Western Gaels), Ultan Kelly (St Dominic’s) and Ronan Beirne (St Joseph’s). Photo: Roscommon GAA

Sean Fahy (Pádraig Pearses), Michael McNama (St Ronan’s), Robbie Kelly (St Brigid’s) and Ronan Cox (St Michael’s, Vice-Captain). Photo: Roscommon GAA

John McHugh and Damian Caslin (both Strokestown). Photo: Roscommon GAA

Roscommon manager Anthony Carroll (Kilmore, second from right) pictured with selectors Declan Woods, (Éire Óg), Liam Butler (Elphin) and Damien Garvey (St Croan’s). Photo: Roscommon GAA

Niall Connolly and David Delaney (both Fuerty).

Photo: Roscommon GAA

Roscommon manager Anthony Carroll pictured with Eoin Carroll, Dermot Foley and Thomas Foley. Photo: Roscommon GAA

Champs St Brigid’s draw Pearses in quarter-ﬁnal

SEAMUS DUKE



St Faithleach’s qualiﬁed for the quarter-ﬁnals of the Roscommon SFC with a facile 1-14 to 1-6 win against North Roscommon at Lisnamult on Tuesday night.

The Ballyleague club led 0-8 to 0-2 at half-time and added a ﬁne goal from Cian Glennon in the 55th minute. North Roscommon substitute Pierce Bolger scored a consolation goal in injury-time.

In the relegation play-off match in Strokestown (also on Tuesday night) St Dominic’s preserved their senior status with a ﬁne 1-13 to 0-5 win against Tulsk. That result means that Tulsk will now play Western Gaels this Sunday to see who is relegated to the intermediate grade for 2025.

The SFC quarter-ﬁnal draw was also made on Tuesday night. It is as follows – 1: Roscommon Gaels v Boyle. 2: St Brigid’s v Padraig Pearses. 3: Oran v Michael Glaveys. 4: Clann na nGael v St Faithleach’s.

Those matches will be played on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of September.

The semi-ﬁnal draw is: St Brigid’s/Padraig Pearses v Clann na nGael/St Faithleach’s. Roscommon Gaels/Boyle v Oran/Michael Glaveys.

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs ﬁrst team played NUIG at home in Creggs on Saturday evening in their ﬁrst competitive match of the season. A 52-17 win was a great start to the season.

The panel was: Tom Farrell, Danny Arnold, Eoghan Cahill, Aodan Kelly, Jack Tucker, Ciaran Purcell, James Brandon (captain), Brian Difﬂey, Cormac Dolan, Brian Cleary, Ruan Venter, Mark Kilcommins, Shane Purcell, Tommy Devine, Micheal Farrell, Sean Og Higgins, Tommy Curley, Tom O’Brien, Miguel Arthur, Lee Kilcoyne, Tomas Tiernan.

WOMEN’S RUGBY: Creggs women’s team had a challenge against Tullamore RFC on Friday evening, winning 17-10. Tullamore play in Division 1 in Leinster and it was a good run out for both sides.

BOYS U-16s: Creggs RFC Boys 16s travelled to Westport on Saturday for round one of the league. The team have not much done yet this season with regards to training and only had 17 players available. Creggs’ cause wasn’t helped when captain Cathal Mulry had to go off injured after six minutes. A massive defensive performance was required and the lads never took a backwards step.

Westport had full control of the ﬁrsthalf possession (including territorywise) but couldn’t breach the Creggs line. An injury to the other prop (Davy Fetherstone) left the team with no more replacements for the remainder of the match. A last-ditch Brian O’Connor

tackle along with a massive P Murray challenge on their prop deﬁned the opening half. On 25 minutes Creggs’ line was crossed and the hosts went in at half-time leading 7-0. The second half saw Creggs retain possession better and a great platform

from the lineout allowed the Creggs team some ‘front football’. The game was played between the 22s for most of the second half until Sam Walsh was put through by his centre partner Dominik Mrozek and ran in from 40 metres. Walsh converted his own try and now

the game was there for the taking but despite some good phases by both sides there were no more scores. It was a draw that felt like a win in the end. Well done team! Final score: Creggs 7 Westport 7.

Panel: Cathal Mulry, Matthew Donnelly, Connor Hannon, Darragh Killeen, Oisin Connolly, Davy Fetherstone, Patrick Zwierczyk, Robbie McArdle, Sean Richardson, Harry Waldron, Sam Walsh, Dominik Mrozek, Patrick Conneally, Jamie Finneran, Brian O’Connor, Callum Clarke, Patrick Murray.

MINI RUGBY: Creggs U-12s were out again on Saturday in beautiful sunshine. Numbers are growing and new members are always welcome to join in and have some fun. Creggs RFC Minis were back in full swing on Sunday morning. There were lots of new faces which is great to see and a big thanks to new parents for volunteering. Together we will make a great club even better.

LOTTO: We had one winner of the jackpot. Congrats to Ian Satchwell. Thanks for your support of our club. Our new jackpot starts at €2k. Please join to support the club teams.

Creggs boys U-16s… drew 7-7 with Westport, and it felt like a win!

David Rooney (St Faithleach’s) and North Roscommon’s Ian Finneran race for the ball during Tuesday’s Roscommon SFC preliminary quarternal in which St Faithleach’s defeated North Roscommon by 1-14 to 1-6 at Lisnamult. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Racing out west (in Ballinrobe) on Friday

Horses for Courses

This weekend’s action begins tomorrow (Friday) in Ballinrobe with a national hunt card starting at 3.25 pm.

Saturday sees day one of the Irish Champions Festival, with afternoon racing in D4 at Leopardstown, as well as on Sunday afternoon at the Curragh. Leopardstown on Saturday also features two Group 1 races, including the Champion Stakes and the Matron Stakes for ﬁllies and mares, starting at 1.10 pm.

On Sunday, there are four Group 1 races, the Flying Five Stakes, The Moyglare Stud Stakes, the National Stakes, and the ﬁnal classic the St Leger, with ﬁrst race at 1.50 pm.

On Monday, racing takes place in an unusual setting – on the beach at Laytown, at 4.35 pm. This may change due to the tidal movements.

On TV

Terrestrial television coverage starts today (Thursday) with ﬁve races from Doncaster. Tomorrow (Friday), ITV feature ﬁve races from Doncaster and one from Salisbury. On Sat-

Short putts

by Tom Red

urday, ITV cover four races from Doncaster, including the St Leger, and two from Chester. On Sunday, they cover ﬁve races from Doncaster. RTÉ 1 cover racing from Leopardstown on Saturday and the Curragh on Sunday.

Across the water, on Saturday, the Doncaster St Leger has ten entries with ﬁve of them from the Ballydoyle stable, three heading the market, Illinois 7/4, Jan Brueghel 10/3, and Grosvenor Square 9/2.

Irish Champion Stakes

Saturday’s Irish Champion Stakes sees twelve entered, with William Haggas’s Economics installed as favourite in the absence of City Of Troy, still facing a strong Ballydoyle team in Auguste Rodin, Continuous, Hans Anderson, Luxembourg, and Los Angeles, as O’Brien attempts to win the race for the 13th time. They are joined by three from France, two from Britain and one from Japan. With Ryan Moore set to ride Auguste Rodin, take him to repel all invad-

BALLAGHADERREEN

Ballaghaderreen Ladies Golf Captain, Sarah McDonagh hosted a very successful Lady Captain’s Day on Saturday, 7th last. Prizes were awarded on the night. 1st was Breege Flanagan, 2nd was Ogie Moran and 3rd was Anne Meagher. Gross: Helen Curran; Past Captain: Mary Cunniffe; Front 9: Pauline Gibbons; Back 9: Marie Cassidy; Nearest the pin: Anne O’Brien; Longest Drive: Helen Curran; Visitor’s Prize: Catherine Johnson.

Gents – 1st Paul McLoughlin; 2nd Martin Duffy; 3rd John Corcoran.

Club members thanked Sarah for her hard work and commitment this year and her encouragement to new members. Additional funds of €630 raised from the day will be donated to Sarah’s chosen charity, Cancer Care West, while earlier funds (€700) raised from President Mick Towey’s day will be donated to CJ’s Rainbow charity.

SCRAMBLE: Ladies Golf scramble continues every Tuesday at the earlier time of 6 pm sharp. Last sign-in 6.30 pm.

BOYLE

The club wishes to thank all those who either turned up for or provided sponsorship for the recent fundraising Fun Run on the course. A particular debt of gratitude is owed to the Fun Run Committee of the two captains, Mark Whelan and Aisling Gaughran, along with Course Convenor Liam Whyte, who were the driving force behind the whole event, but who were also supported on the day by several members who either offered their services as

ers. Joseph O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna is favourite for the Group 1 Matron Stakes and should beat Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel in what looks like a two-horse race.

On Sunday, there are ten entered in the ﬁnal classic of the season, the St Leger, with O’Brien having four entries including oddson favourite Kyprios, last year’s victor, who should give O’Brien his 7th winner of the race and an across the water Classic double.

Racing news

Irish trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon has been suspended for ten months having been found to have acted in a manner that “caused signiﬁcant prejudice to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of the sport of racing” in the removal of a dead horse from his yard earlier this year.

The horse was carried on an open trailer which was towed by Hanlon’s branded horsebox. The animal was covered by a tarpaulin leaving the yard, which was displaced on the journey, and members of the public videoed it and reported it to IHRB. Hanlon has appealed and we wonder which incident is more likely to cause damage to “the good reputation of the sport

marshals or brought baked goods for the refreshments afterwards. Congrats to the prize-winners Donnacha Egan, Damian Murray and Olivia Murray.

MEN’S FIXTURES: The men’s Thursday evening competitions continue as a 9-hole for the next few weeks. Next weekend’s competition will be an 18-hole Stableford.

RESULTS: 18-hole Stableford weekend of 1st of September – 1st Martin Sweeney (38 points); 2nd Killian Cox (35); Gross Michael Simon; 3rd Keith Dowling. 5/9/24 results – 1st Charlie O’Donnell; 2nd Jonathan Egan.

KING HARMON FINAL: Well done to Liam Whyte and Keith Dowling who are the ﬁnal pair left standing in the King Harmon Cup. The ﬁnal will be played in the next two weeks.

WOMEN IN GOLF CHARTER: Boyle recently achieved the gold standard award from Golf Ireland for their efforts as a club to promote and support women’s golf. Ladies’ Secretary Maura O’Farrell accepted the award on behalf of the club at a recent ceremony in Carton House (coinciding with the Women’s Irish Open).

of racing”. Once again, the suits show a complete lack of knowledge and understanding as to the running of a ‘farming’ enterprise.

Sir Michael Stoute has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024 Flat season. Stoute, 78, will be forever associated with Shergar, the illfated 1981 Derby winner. He has been ten-times champion trainer, trained sixteen English classic winners including six Epsom Derby winners, and eleven in Ireland, along with some of the biggest world races including the Prix de l’Arc, Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup, Hong Kong

Vase, and the Breeders’ Cup.

Competition Time

There’s another chance to win tickets for the penultimate meeting of the year at Roscommon on the 30th of September –just let us know which trainer recorded a double at Lenebane on Monday, September 2nd?

Answers as usual can be submitted via postcard to the Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail. com by 5 pm on the 25th of September. As always, do not forget to include your name, address, and a contact with all

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

Last Saturday the ﬁnal of the Gents O.B.N. Series took place. The club would like to thank Paul O’Brien for his very generous sponsorship. Also thanks to Paul and his family for providing players with lovely food and goodies at the start of the competition.

Congrats to all the winners who were presented with their prizes on Saturday night in the clubhouse. 1st prize for an excellent score of 45 pts went to Hugh Gralton. Joint 2nd were John Hardiman and Cathal Dowd (42 pts). 4th was Gordon Kavanagh with a score of 40 pts. Gross was won by David McDermott with an excellent 69 score. Longest Drive winner was Callum McGirl. Nearest to the pin winner was Damien Quigley. A very special prize of a voucher was won by Oliver Curran.

LADIES: The Ladies Club are very grateful to Barry Donnellan for his very generous sponsorship of our recent competition. The results are as follows – 1st Patrice Gallagher (41 pts); 2nd Phil

competition entries. As usual, all tickets will have to be collected in the ofﬁce in Abbey Street.

Melbourne Cup

There is a large Irish entry for the race that stops a nation on the 5th of November – the Melbourne Cup down under. Willie Mullins’ Vauban, disappointing in 14th last year, and Absurde, 7th, are the leading Irish and European challengers. Ballydoyle have six entries – Grosvenor Square, Illinois, Jan Brueghel, Point Lonsdale, The Equator and The Euphrates. Dermot Weld, who twice won the race with Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle has entered Harbour Wind, and Kinesiology is Jessica Harrington’s representative. The Henry de Bromheadtrained Magical Zoe gained an automatic place in the race winning the Ebor at York, and is also part of the strong Irish challenge.

British entries include Brian Ellison’s Northumberland Plate hero Onesmoothoperator, along with Arrest for John and Thady Gosden. Andrew Balding has Night Sparkle and Relentless Voyager, while Jean-Claude Rouget has entered Delius representing France.

Emmett, 38 pts (B9); Gross Ann Keenan; 3rd Lisa Casey (38 pts). Congrats to all the winners. Also congrats to Noelle O’Keeffe who won the Friday 9-hole competition with an excellent score of 18 pts.

GENTS: The club would like to thank Joe Simon Hardware (Boyle) for his very generous sponsorship of a recent competition. Overall winner with an excellent score of 46 pts was Steve Doherty. Division 1 winner was Alan Ffrench, 40 pts (B9). LADIES PLAY IN PINK SCRAMBLE: Thank you to all the ladies who played in and donated to our Wednesday 9-hole Scramble. 1st were Teresa Duignan, Helen Martin and Catherine Moreton with 30 nett. 2nd were Carmel Stritch, Mary Moreton and Marese Monaghan (31 nett). Best dressed lady goes to Molly Daly. Lady Captain Anne presented the prizes. Thank you everyone and we will update you with the ﬁnal tally for Breast Cancer Research.

The following are the results of the ladies play in pink competition (thanks to all who played for this worthy cause): 1st Ann Cox (35 pts); 2nd Kathleen Loftus (32 pts); 3rd Lisa Casey 32 pts.

GENTS PLAY IN PINK: In the Gents Play in Pink, overall winner was Paddy Duffy with 33 pts. Category one was won by Leo Kavanagh with 29 pts, Damien Duignan won Category two with 33 pts and Declan Loftus won Category three with 27 pts. The front nine was won by Albert Hogg with 17 pts and the back nine was won by Dermot McNamara with 17 pts. Thanks to all who played. All donations went to cancer research.

LADIES CLUB: The Ladies Club would like to thank Paco Boutique for their very generous sponsorship of last weekend’s competition. 1st Marion Dolan (43 pts); 2nd Phil Emmett (39 pts); Gross Ann Keenan (35 pts).

SENIORS: In last Thursday’s competition each member contributed €10 to the Cancer Research Fund. Overall winner was Paddy Duffy with 33 points. Category one was won by Leo Kavanagh with 29 points, Damien Duignan won Category two with 33 points and Declan Loftus won Category three with 27 points. The front nine was won by Albert Hogg with 17 points and the back nine was won by Dermot McNamara with 17 points. Golf as usual on Thursdays.

Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore win at Royal Ascot.

Lady Captain’s Day winners at Ballaghaderreen Golf Club… (back row, left to right): Helen Curran, Anne Meagher, Anne O’Brien, Marie Cassidy, Pauline Gibbons and Mary Cunni e. Front row, left to right: Breege Molloy, Sarah McDonagh (Captain), Ogie Moran.

SPORTS DESK

Paul Healy

St Dominic’s are back, Four Roads never left…

The results of last Sunday’s Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-finals has set up a Four Roads-St Dominic’s final pairing. It promises to be a very interesting final.

Four Roads (the ‘black and amber’) are hurling royalty locally. St Dominic’s have been in great form all season and will go into the ﬁnal on Sunday, September 29th with very realistic hopes of glory.

St Dominic’s defeated Athleague in a highscoring semi-ﬁnal, and by now readers will be well aware that the game featured a remarkable individual performance, with the rampaging Naos Connaughton (at full-forward) proving to be virtually unmarkable. He ﬁnished with a fantastic 4-5.

It’s some achievement to score four goals in one game, and a semi-ﬁnal at that. Four Roads will be determined to try and minimise the impact of Connaughton in the ﬁnal. On the evidence of last Sunday, they will have their hands full.

It wasn’t all about Connaughton either – this was a fine performance by the entire St Dominic’s team, maintaining the momentum of recent months. They certainly have very credible prospects of claiming the title in what will be their first appearance in a final since 2001. As for Four Roads, they are serial winners over the decades, and the defending champions are back in the final and ravenous, as ever, for more silverware. They defeated Roscommon Gaels relatively comfortably, 1-21 to 1-12. Mind you, the Gaels missed a number of scoreable chances.

All credit to Roscommon Gaels for keeping Four Roads on their toes in this one. It’s been a very good season for the team, the progress of recent seasons accelerating.

Me (to myself): Sorry Ray? NO reason? What about the fact that we have been pretty poor for the last few years? Or the reality that our team/ squad is much inferior to England’s? Or that there is no comparison between the talent we have now compared to 1988 (even then, goalkeeper Packie Bonner was our man of the match)? What about the fact that Ireland are ranked 58th in the world, while England – Euro 2024 ﬁnalists this summer –are at number four?

I switched stations.

Sorry, what just happened at the Aviva?

Imagine if a one-time fanatical Irish soccer supporter left the country a few years back, ignored the football scene here ever since… and just happened to return last weekend.

Reconnecting with the Irish soccer world, the ﬁrst newspaper headline he sees reads: ‘Manager Lee Carsley delighted as Rice and Grealish inspire win in big Ireland-England clash’.

Noting all the ‘Irish’ names, the supporter proceeds to celebrate enthusiastically, until…

*Okay, if anyone wants the rights to a play/musical based on the above idea, I won’t be hard dealt with…

Overnight trips to Man Utd games

The Gaels will be disappointed not to have made the ﬁnal, but they’ve had a ﬁne championship campaign. If I can attempt a tenuous Oasis-related pun, after this respectable loss to the defending champions, there’s no need for the Gaels to ‘look black and amber’.

Ronnie’s ramblings

Ronnie Whelan gets so agitated in co-commentary (with Darragh Maloney) on RTE’s soccer coverage. Last Saturday night, as Ireland huffed and puffed to no avail against a slick English side, our Ronnie was as negative and miserable as ever. He was a ﬁne player (Ronnie gave us some memorable moments in Liverpool and Ireland jerseys), but as a pundit/co-commentator he is really hard to listen to. To be honest, I think I’d prefer to be stuck in a lift with Daniel O’Donnell…

If moaning Ronnie’s so sure he knows what’s best, why doesn’t he resurrect his less than spectacular management career?

Say it ain’t so, Ray

At no point in the excessively excitable build-up to the Republic of Ireland-England UEFA Nations League game at the Aviva Stadium last weekend could I muster anything like the enthusiasm on display from sections of the Irish media.

True to form, the Off the Ball team on Newstalk – and I’m a big fan of the crew there – were all over the ‘event’. They really do go on far too much about the Irish (men’s) soccer team!

On Today with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1, the host welcomed guest Ray Houghton, noting that Ireland and England haven’t met in a competitive game since 1990, adding that when we beat the ‘Auld Enemy’ in 1988, it was Ray who had ‘put the ball in the England net’.

Now Ray is an Irish soccer legend, and a lovely man, but as a pundit, he’s bland. Claire had him on for preview purposes.

Claire: “Can we do it again, Ray?”

Ray: “I see no reason why not”.

A regular correspondent has been in touch to ask if I will give a mention to upcoming trips to Old Trafford, departing from Roscommon!

Supporters will be interested to hear that two excursions are planned, both inclusive of match tickets, hotel accommodation, ferry, bus, etc.

These excursions really are fantastic value. The ﬁrst one up is for the Manchester United v Brentford Premier League game on October 19th. This one-night trip is available for just €299 per person. Package includes the following: bus from Casey’s Supermac’s in Roscommon Town, takes you to ferry; bus to hotel in Manchester (breakfast included). Travel and tickets to match included. Return trip by ferry and then bus back to Casey’s in Roscommon!

Second up, and this is a mouth-watering ﬁxture, is Manchester United v Arsenal in the New Year. This is a two-night trip, with the game taking place on March 8th, 2025. Cost per person is €469. Package is as per above (travel from Roscommon to Manchester, accommodation, match tickets, etc). These great packages will sell fast, so if you are interested, call Danny on 086 8417264. And tell your friends!

Grim ﬁrst week for new Irish manager

The week didn’t get any better for new Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson on Tuesday night, when that one-sided loss to England on Saturday was followed by a 2-0 home defeat to Greece.

To be fair, Ireland played some decent football in the ﬁrst half and Chiedozie Ogbene had a magniﬁcent goal disallowed for offside in the 41st minute. It was so unfortunate that he was marginally off.

It’s early days for the new coach but he clearly has a difﬁcult job on his hands – something many of his predecessors will identify with.

Darts ace Painter for Strokestown

Kevin Painter, 2004 World Championship Darts runner-up and winner of the Players Championship Finals 2011, will visit The Sportsman’s Inn, Strokestown on Saturday, 21st of September to play an exhibition. All are welcome on what promises to be a highly entertaining night of darts.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s from

But ref, did you see what he did to me?

Athleague’s Robbie Fallon has a word with referee James Judge during Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi- nal between Athleague and St Dominic’s in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Tulsk Camogie Club were crowned U-12 champions last weekend at Camogie Finals held in Dr Hyde Park. Delighted Tulsk players are pictured with their manager, Lizz Quigley. Back row, left to right: Emma Donnelly, Ellie Hannon, Sophie Bates, Lauren Dunphy, Avril Glover, Amy Barry, Jayne Catherine Tighe, Caoimhe Lannon, Evie Collins, Aoife Gibbons. Front row, left to right: Anna McGrath, Zara Noone, Alexis Clarke, Jessie Flynn, Laura Quigley (captain), Roxy Moylan, Keeva Scanlon, Ruth Lavin, Anna Jane Hanly, Gemma Quigley.

Now listen here! Referee James Judge responds to Athleague’s Robbie Fallon during Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi- nal between Athleague and St Dominic’s in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Four Roads remain on course to retain title

Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final

Four Roads 1-21

Roscommon Gaels 1-12

< SEAMUS DUKE

Defending champions Four Roads are into another county senior hurling final following a nine-point victory over Roscommon Gaels in Ballyforan last Sunday.

While the winning margin suggests it was a comfortable afternoon for the Black and Amber, underdogs Roscommon Gaels had plenty of possession, but shot a total of 15 sides over the course of the game, 11 in the opening half alone. It meant that the champions were never really tested in what was a low-key encounter. The town team had the advantage of the strong wind in the opening half but they just couldn’t run up the required scores. In fact the Gaels had five wides on the board inside four minutes. Whatever chance they had of causing an upset disappeared because of their inaccuracy in front of the posts, both from play and frees. Down at the other end of the

field Four Roads were far more economical. By the 10th minute they led by 0-5 to 0-1 with the impressive Brian Mannion shooting three fine points from play.

Finn Killion eventually found his range and contributed five first-half points for the Gaels, with Liam Naughton providing their only other score. The Four Roads goal arrived in the 25th minute. The spadework was done by Conor Mulry, and Liam Og Coyle finished with

aplomb. It helped the champions into a 1-9 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Incredibly, there was no score from play in the third quarter, the sides both converting two frees. Then, three unanswered points from Four Roads (two from substitute Eamon Mulry) opened a 1-14 to 0-8 gap.

The Gaels were given a new lease of life in the 50th minute when Ryan Conlon raced in for an excellent goal. The gap was reduced to five twice more in

the following five minutes, but Four Roads finished strongly, with the final three points of the game all coming from the champions. Liam Og Coyle (free), Conor Mulry and Mikey Lohan were all on target to give them a comfortable win.

It wasn’t vintage Four Roads by any means but they will still be very difficult to beat in the final, given their great record and tradition and their steady form this season. Noel Fallon, Darren Fallon, Conor Mulry, Conor

Morris, Brendan Mulry and Liam Og Coyle all played well on the day for the champions.

From the point of view of Roscommon Gaels, it was a superb achievement to have reached the semi-final and there is certainly a very strong incentive now for all concerned to continue their current trajectory as they are improving all the time. Ronan O’Meara has done a great job with this squad over the past two years. Mark Purcell, Finn Killion, Richard

Kepak: Proud sponsors of Kepak Hurling Championship since 2010…

Since 2010, Kepak has proudly been the main sponsor of the Kepak Roscommon Hurling Championship. Over the years, this partnership has allowed Kepak to support and celebrate the talent and dedication of the many teams involved in this wonderful championship. In a statement, Kepak said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship, contributing to a competition that fosters community spirit, passion for the sport, and the development of hurling at every level”.

Walsh and Ryan Conlon were their best performers on the day.

Four Roads: Noel Fallon (01, free); Jimmy Hoey, Darren Fallon, Rory Coyle; Tommy Morris, Jack Donnelly, Trevor Fallon; Conor Coyle, Mikey Lohan (0-1); Brian Lawlor, Conor Mulry (0-3), Brian Mannion (0-4); Conor Morris (0-6, all frees), Brendan Mulry (0-1), Liam Og Coyle (1-3, 1 free).

Subs: Eamon Mulry (0-2) for B Mannion (46), Adam Donnelly for B Lawlor (55), Jamie Kelly for C Morris (57).

Roscommon Gaels: Brendan Quinn (0-1, free); Kevin Glynn, Tim Gilmore, Chris Duignan; Diarmuid Mulry, James Connolly, David Hough; Orin Walsh, Mark Purcell; Finn Killion (0-7, 5 frees), Richard Walsh (0-2), Ryan Conlon (10); Dylan Hanley (0-1), Aodha Hession, Liam Naughton (0-1).

Subs: Conor Grogan for Duignan (17), Dean Conlon (0-1) for D Mulry (57), Fintan Doyle for Walsh (58), Barry Mullen for Purcell (61).

Referee: Aaron Clogher.

Man of the Match

Conor Mulry (Four Roads)

*Pictured recently were (back row, left to right) Ronan Hynes, Silvia Dolan, Darragh McHugh (Site Manager), Damien Conry, Amanda Beirne, Michelle Kilroy, Shauna Finneran. Front row: Gerry Keane and David Mannion.

Four Roads’ Conor Mulry gets his shot away during Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final between Four Roads and Roscommon Gaels in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

SportsPeople

Naos nails it for St Dominic’s!

Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final

St Dominic’s 4-15 Athleague 2-10

< SEAMUS DUKE

St Dominic’s are into their first senior hurling final since 2001 after a comprehensive win against Athleague in Ballyforan on Sunday last.

Those who were lucky enough to be there saw one of the best individual performances seen in the championship in many years as St Dominic’s full-forward Naos Connaughton blitzed the beleaguered Athleague defence throughout, scoring four goals and five points over the hour.

It was a sensational performance on the day, not alone by the St Dominic’s attacker, but by the team. There were plenty of other good performances around the field as Micheal Byrne, Jack Lohan, Mark Miley and Mickey Joe Egan also inspired what was an excellent win.

St Dominic’s dominated the exchanges in the opening half but couldn’t pull away from a typically determined Athleague. A Tadgh Lyons goal in the 23rd minute kept Athleague in contention, but when Connaughton struck his first goal of the game in injury-time, it gave his side a well merited 1-7 to 1-2 lead at the break.

In the second half, Athleague just couldn’t cope with the outstanding Connaughton as the full-forward ran riot. His second goal came in the 38th minute and the hat-trick was completed 12 minutes later. Then, with seven minutes to go goal number four arrived for the St Dominic’s man.

Athleague kept going until the very end and they were rewarded with late goals from Robbie Fallon and Ben McGahon. However the day belonged to St Dominic’s and in particular to Naos Connaughton.

On this form Martin ‘Thady’ Beirne’s men will give Four Roads plenty to think about in the county final on September 29th at Dr Hyde Park.

St Dominic’s: Mark Miley (0-2, frees); Mark O’Malley, Mike Feeley, Ethan Connaughton; Nathan O’Connor, Micheal Byrne, Jason Martin; Adam Hoare, Sean Kilcline; Colm Lyons (0-1), Jack Lohan (0-3), Conal Kennelly; Gavin Staunton, Naos Connaughton (4-5, 0-3 frees), Mickey Joe Egan (0-3). Subs used: Cormac Miley for M Miley (blood, 20), R Dempsey for E Connaughton (27), Ruairi Kilcline (0-1) for Staunton (47), B Killion for Kilcline (57), Lorcan Lyons for C Lyons (59), Cian Martin for Hoare (60).

Athleague: Gary Fallon; Darragh Heavey, Mark Ward, Naoise Coyle; Eoghan Coyle, Darragh Mullen, Alan Moore; Oisin Lyons, Thomas Clayton; Cian Murray, Jack McGahon (0-1), Cormac Kelly (0-3); Tadgh Lyons (1-0), Robbie Fallon (1-5, 1-0 free, 3 frees, 2 ‘65s), Ben McGahon (1-1, 1-0 free, 1 ’65). Subs used: Eamon Bannon for Moore (41), Cathal Crehan for O Lyons (47), Niall Connolly for N Coyle (55). Referee: James Judge.

Man of the Match: Naos Connaughton (St Dominic’s)

Naos Connaughton (St Dominic’s) in action during Sunday’s Roscommon SHC semi-final.

Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

PURE EMOTION: Athleague’s Cormac Kelly and St Dominic’s’ Mark O’Malley pictured during Sunday’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-final in Ballyforan. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

ROSCOMMON

20th SEPT 2024

FREE EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY

BALLAGHADERREEN

Edmondstown House

Culture Night @ The Palace - Festival of Music and Art

Time 8.30pm - 1am Booking Required

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDhttps://buytickets.at/edmondstownhouse/1375045

BALLYDANGAN

Moore Community Hall

Mote Park Artists - Exhibition ‘The Beauty of the the World’

Time 6pm - 9pm No booking required

Multicultural Poetry and Music Event

Time 6.30pm - 9pm No booking required

BOYLE

An Ríoga

An Artistic Tribute to the Famine

Time 5pm - 8pm No booking required

‘The Light from Here - Window Exhibition

Time 5pm - onward No booking required

King House

Rebel Mutineer - View a short film about Pt James Daly

Time 5pm - 8pm No booking required

Tours of King House - self-guided following introduction

Time 5:15pm - 7pm Booking Required 0871444739 / 0719663242

Behind the scenes of Animation-Talk by Stephen Fagan, Studio Meala

Time 6.30pm - 7pm Booking Required 0871444739 / 0719663242

Letters Home - Film and Music Event

Time 7.30pm - 8.30pm Booking Required 0871444739 / 0719663242

Boyle Abbey

The King Connection and Boyle Abbey - OPW guided tour

Time 5pm - 5.45pm Booking via 0719662604 / boyleabbey@opw.ie

Una Bhán Tourism

Fox and Owl - Impressions of Nature by Sarah Lundy

Time: 5pm - 6.15pm No booking required

The Language of Colour & Launch of new portraits by Siobhan Cox

Time 7pm - 8.30pm Booking Required 0719663033 unabhanprojectofficer@gmail.com

Boyle Branch Library

The Shadow of Gallowglass - Shadow Puppet Demo and Workshop

Time 5pm - 6pm Booking Required 0719662800 boylelibrary@roscommoncoco.ie

CASTLEREA

Trinity Arts Centre

Roots and Routes - Multicultural event Music, Food, Dance, Arts etc.

Time 7pm - 9pm No booking required

Faces of Change - Celebrating Cultural Fusion by David J.

Time 6.45pm - 8.45pm No booking required

COOTEHALL

John McGahern Barracks

By Water - Original Piano Music with Film by Leonora Neary

Time 6pm - 9pm No booking required

Reading of short story - Theodore by Wayne Denniston

Time 8pm - 8.30pm No booking required

FRENCHPARK

Douglas Hyde Centre

Quantum of Chaos - Live Performance from the Art Collective

Time 5pm - 6pm No booking required

KEADUE

St. Ronan's Hall

Ceol Ó Céideadh - Music, Song and Dance Keadue CCE

Time 8pm - 11pm No booking required

KNOCKCROGHERY

Knockcroghery Community Centre

The Rambling House - Poetry, Storytelling, Music, Song & Dance

Time 7pm - 9pm No booking required

ROSCOMMON

Roscommon Arts Centre

Timelines Growth and Catastrophe - Exhibition Launch

Time 6pm - 8pm No booking required

Roscommon Men’s Choir - New Songs and Catchy Classics

Time 7.30pm -9pm No booking required

JJ Harlow's

Comedian Cathal Shanagher and Guests

Time 8pm -10:30pm No booking required

Roscommon Branch Library

Bianca Fachel Album Launch - Time Machine

Time 6pm - 8pm No booking required

STROKESTOWN

Strokestown Branch Library

Reading from ‘Going Home to Roscommon’ by Catriona Byrne

Time 7pm - 7.30pm No booking required

Strokestown Park House / Famine Museum

Keeping the Connection-An Evening to Celebrate Relationships

Time 6pm - 9.30pm No booking required

TULSK

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre

The Story of the Cattle Raid of Cooley with Mike McCarthy (As Gaeilge)

Time 7.30pm - 9pm Booking Required 0719639268

FOR ALL EVENT LISTINGS SEE https://culturenight.ie/roscommon