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Outdoor dining returns from Monday!
OPENING TIME! < DAN DOONER
Pubs and restaurants across the county are preparing to reopen to outdoor dining next Monday as part of the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions. While business owners are pleased to be welcoming customers back once more, concerns have been raised over issues such as recruitment and added costs. Some business owners have told the Roscommon People that the current Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) rate has made it difficult to entice new staff while
costs relating to outdoor facilities have added further pressure on the beleaguered hospitality sector. Chairperson of the Roscommon branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Larry Brennan, described Monday’s reopening as the first steps on the road to a full reopening. “I am absolutely delighted that those who have the facilities to do so can reopen on Monday,” he said. “Hopefully these are the first steps now on the road to a full reopening for all pubs and businesses”. See pages 20 and 21
See pages 20-21
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02
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY
Boris & Carrie, Clifford, Joey from Friends…and the pub bore!
CHILD AUDIOLOGY SERVICES I received a letter of apology from the HSE quite a while ago (possibly over two years ago). The letter apologised for failings in care provided to my daughter. To cut a long story short she was diagnosed with hearing loss when she was 5 years old and this should have been picked up through screening much earlier. She is now struggling in school and I believe that she lacks confidence because of her delayed speech development. Is it too late for me to now seek legal advice for my daughter, she is now 12 years old? I am aware that the Health Service Executive issued letters of apology around this time to quite a number of families in the west of Ireland for serious failings in audiology services provided to their children. I note that you have received a letter of apology and I understand your desire to vindicate your daughter’s rights. If you wish to pursue a legal action for your child, then you may do so on her behalf whilst she is a child i.e. under the age of 18 years. I am currently litigating several similar cases on behalf of children like your daughter who did not receive the appropriate standard of audiological care when required. If you would like to meet with me to discuss your particular circumstances in confidence, please feel free to give me a call on 090 6478433. Your call will be treated in confidence and in the sensitive manner it deserves.
So, how was your weekend, my friend? Great! Particularly Saturday… Why so happy? Oh, I’m guessing it was the weather on Saturday… Not just the weather… Huh? I mean, there was also the special occasion! Magical! The Champions League Final? No, not that…I was glued to all the tit-bits of information about THE BIG EVENT! WHAT? The glamour, the romance, the excitement! Is Love Island back, is it Love Island? Just so…beautiful! Are Daniel and Majella on the road again? No, the wedding! Boris and Carrie! WHAT? Boris Johnson, he secretly married his sweetheart, Carrie Symonds! Oh for God’s sake! So touching! Was the man of the moment there? Who? DC! David Clifford? But he was preparing for the Rossies… No, Dominic Cummings! Hardly! (They pause to wonder who spent longest having their hair done, Boris or Carrie, and very quickly resume their conversation) Anyways, did you watch the TV event of the week? Yes, and I thought Chelsea deserved to win the Champions League Final. No, not THAT! What? The Friends Reunion, that’s what! Oh that! What brought them back together? Sentiment? Friends-hip? An appreciation that life is short?
Endangered Species The barstool boyos
Eh…they got five million dollars each to take part! Gosh, I’d sign up for a reunion with the pub bore for half that! (They pause to accept they’ve actually missed the pub bore, sort of) We kept good tabs on him! We slowed his almost inevitable world domination! WHAT??? We curbed his genius… I’ve never heard you speak of the pub bore in such terms! Not the pub bore! Clifford! David Clifford! The Rossies kind of curtailed him, we kept him to 1-4, and two of those points were frees! Yeah, I know we lost, but Roscommon played some great stuff on Sunday… Yeah, against the mighty Kerry! It was
(They pause to consider how high the bar is with David Clifford when 1-4 is considered a modest return) Who’s your favourite? Is it the charmer? The funny one? Realistically it’s Boris. Look, I’m sure Carrie’s lovely, but obviously I know more about Boris… No, not THEM! The cast of Friends! Which of them is your favourite? Well it’s got to be Joey, seeing as he became a Twitter hit in Ireland over the weekend! How so? His pose! He was sitting back, arms folded… Twitter had a field day! The wiseguys reckoned he looked just like a typical Irish dad! A very rich Irish dad! Yep! (They pause to hum the theme music of Friends) So, just over a month to go… Huh? ‘Til we’re back! In our local! Yeah, can’t wait! We can talk about Boris and Carrie, David Clifford, Joey too! Brilliant! Think it was your round… Ha ha! We’ll even welcome that reunion with the pub bore… Eh…yeah! I can just imagine it…we’ll ask him how life’s been over the past year, what he thinks of Covid, whether he has any theories on it…he may even have a view on the cyber attack… Both: Oh dear!
What we liked…
The (mostly) good weather of recent days was very welcome, and overdue!
This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.
What we didn’t like…
A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement
Whatever one’s views, from a Covid-19 risk perspective, on the ‘street partying’ of last weekend in various locations nationwide, we were dismayed at the littering!
Byrne Carolan Cunningham
What PEOPLE are talking about…
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encouraging! Both: Roll on the championship!
PIC OF THE WEEK: Hold tight! Enjoying the good weather at Portrun, Co. Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack
There has been strong criticism of gatherings of large crowds in Dublin, Galway and Cork over the weekend, amidst concerns about a possible rise in Covid-19 infections; The Champions League Final was a low-scoring thriller, won by Chelsea; In GAA, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry and Tyrone made it to the Allianz NFL semi-finals; Friends’ star Matt LeBlanc became a meme hit on Twitter…
03
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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Chanelle Pharma to create 60 new jobs in Ballinasloe < DAN DOONER
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Chanelle Pharma is set to create 60 new jobs over the next five years in ACCOUNT ROAD CLOSURE L7066 Ballinasloe in what has been hailed Businesses: as a huge boost for the town and surCOOLROGHAUN KILBEGNET 2021 Reach rounding areas. your target The announcement was made by Opcode: J000 Your local paper! market! Tánaiste Leo Varadkar on Thursday last and will see the company move into the former Aptar site in Ballinasloe in an investment worth in the region of €5 million. Initially, the company will relocate its Chanelle Pet distribution business from Loughrea to IDA Ireland’s Business and TechTEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS nology Park in Ballinasloe. Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 Dolan described it as “a win” for the town. ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 “This is a world-class Irish pharma company based in Loughrea, Co. Roscommon County Council has decided to Galway. These jobs will give such close the road set out in the schedule hereunder a wonderful opportunity to people for the periods and the reason specified. living all around Balliinasloe in east Galway and south Roscommon,” she Road to be closed: L7066 Coolroghaun, said. Kilbegnet, Co. Roscommon Senator Dolan described the town as Job Code: TBC Period of Closure: 14th to 18th June 2021 an emerging strategic location for inre: Buy and Renew Scheme dustry and said the IDA Business and Alternative Routes: L7065/L1820/L1821 Technology Park has the potential for Reason for Closures: Road Opening & further development and expansion. Reinstatement “These jobs are a boost for our area for w/e 28 May and 04 June 2021 especially after this tough year of Shane Tiernan lockdown,” she added. Director of Services “The whole town welcomes
BUY and RENEW SCHEME Sell to Roscommon County Council
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The Buy and Renew Scheme enables Roscommon County Council to buy and refurbish long term vacant property for social housing use. The focus under the Buy and Renew will be on older stock in urban areas with a view to tackling dereliction and improving streetscapes. The scheme is now being rolled out by Roscommon County Council and we would like to hear from interested property owners who may have suitable vacant properties in the urban areas of Roscommon, Castlerea, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin or Strokestown. Please contact Housing on (090) 6632509 or email buyandrenew@roscommoncoco.ie if you have an interest in selling to Roscommon County Council. Deadline for expressions of interest is 4pm Thursday 17th June 2021. Signed: Martin Lydon, Director of Services - Housing, ICT (incl. Digital Transformation), Planning, Head of Finance and Roscommon MD Area Manager
Chanelle Pharma to Ballinasloe and I look forward to their new facility opening soon”. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said the announcement was a huge boost to Ballinasloe. “In years gone by, Ballinasloe was home for a number of factories and significant employers but these have dwindled in recent memory. “However, the town is ideally located in a central location in the country. With easy access to the motorway and the rail network, it should be a very attractive option for business owners,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said, before calling on Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to continue working to attract new employers to Ballinasloe. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy also welcomed the announcement this week: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Ballinasloe and the wider area. “I have long highlighted the fact that Ballinasloe has lacked serious investment and employment over the years and the area has suffered. Ballinasloe has so much potential and Chanelle Pharma has sounded a terrific vote of confidence in the town with this fantastic announcement. It’s a major boost for the area and highlights the fact that Ballinasloe is a great place to live and Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan pictured at the Ballinasloe IDA Business & Technology Park where Chanelle Pharma will create 60 new jobs over the work,” said Senator Murphy. next five years.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
Kerrane: ‘Castlerea e-Hub funding claims are rubbish’
< DAN DOONER
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said that claims this week that funding was in place for the eMental Health Hub in Castlerea were “absolute rubbish” and “belittled an important service”. Deputy Kerrane was responding to Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy, who this week said Minister Mary Butler had confirmed to him that funding was in place for staffing for 2021. Senator Murphy said that contrary to recent media reports, he could “categorically confirm” that funding is in place to recruit further staff to the €2.6 million facility which only opened last year. Senator Murphy said that staffing for the hub would be funded in this year’s budget. “There were obviously difficulties due to the HSE cyberware attack and the Covid pandemic, but Minister Butler has confirmed that funding is in place for staffing in the 2021 Budget,” he said. “This commitment from the Department of
Health will include the development of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and a Psychiatry of Later Life day hospital. These are vital services for the region and will benefit individuals and families who are faced with Mental Health problems,” Senator Murphy added. However, Deputy Kerrane said Senator Murphy’s claims were “misleading”. “It’s absolute rubbish to be honest. If there really is funding there now then that’s great but it’s certainly not true to say the funding was in place (in 2020 and 2021) for this service. The information I received came from the head of mental health services in the west and from a reply to a parliamentary question. The HSE even confirmed that the funding wasn’t there. “This service is so important, to be perfectly honest, and it certainly doesn’t deserve to be kicked around. I really hope that the funding is in place now and we can move on with developing this vital service,” she said.
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in the number of larger loan applications for house extensions, interior renovations, and green retrofitting. As always, we are committed to tailoring services and products to the specific needs of our members, hence the decision to reintroduce our Promotional Monster Home Improvement loan”. The relaunch also comes in the wake of Roscommon Credit Union being voted most highly regarded financial organisation in Ireland, along with 240 other Credit Unions, in the latest RepTrak® report. The study is based on a survey of over 6,500 members of the public which gathered data on the levels of trust, respect, admiration, and esteem they have for organisations in Ireland. Credit Unions across Ireland were also voted ‘Best in Customer Experience’ for a recordbreaking sixth year in a row in the CXi Ireland Customer Experience Report (2020).
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06
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor
paul@roscommonpeople.ie think if I was in a spot of bother on the road, someone would stop and help me” he said. It’s a reminder that there are so many good people in this world. I wished him well with his fishing. “There’s nothing like it in the world” he replied, his day’s work done and his thoughts probably drifting to the peace and quiet on Lough Arrow.
Thursday ‘The man under the bench’ The rain was dirty and miserable on my drive to Sligo. The radio atoned. There was talk of a Larry Goodman company being overpaid ten million euro in rent for a property in Baggot Street, all because whoever had measured the size of the building got it wrong. Matt Cooper was more than bemused at this tale, with its unfunny punchline for taxpayers. The reporter chatting to Matt genuinely speculated that someone working for the OPW might have actually used a measuring tape, but made incorrect calculations. It’s set to cost us all 10m euro over 25 years. Matt was gobsmacked So was I. By the time I parked at a filling station near Sligo, Matt had moved on to some other issue of the day. The rain was still ugly enough. As I entered the shop, my mask snapped. I somehow managed to keep the mask in place while filling a cup of coffee and picking out a roll. Head tilted (to keep the mask in position) and hands full, I approached the cashier, confident that I wasn’t quite in Mr. Bean territory. “I think you need a new mask” she said. I was back in the car – off-loading the coffee, roll and soon-to-be-discarded mask – when I saw him. I don’t know when I last got such a shock. At the gable of the filling station, there were two or three tables with chairs, those park bench-type, all-in-one wooden structures. He was lying so neatly under one of the benches, it was as if it had been fitted around him. His head was rested on his hands, his knees raised as if to protect himself further from the rain. He was, at a guess, in his mid60s, a rugged man with a thick beard and a face that bore the hallmark of a hard life. He seemed content enough, if that is plausible. His body fitted well into this carefully chosen refuge. The wonder was that I saw him at all. These structures have so much timber, one might be sitting there for a moment without realising there was, at your feet, a desperate human effectively hiding from the world, certainly from the elements. You’d easily miss him. I wondered, briefly of course, about his life up to this point. I wondered if demons brought him under the bench, or bad luck, or poor judgement, or the unkindest of upbringings, or some combination of all of those. I wondered if the man under the bench experienced happiness as a child, if he played football, if he had the ambition and resoluteness
Saturday
Emily O’Gara and Grace Gannon pictured at Portrun, Co. Roscommon on Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack
to be the something or someone he’d want to be. I wondered if the man under the bench had married, if he had children, if he’d built what we call a normal life. I wondered if he’d squandered any such life, or if he never had it at all. I wondered if the man under the bench was just unlucky, a man of talent and decency who fell from society, falling into a spiral that brought him under a bench outside a filling station on a miserable night. I knew, deep down, that he’d been here before. I reckoned he’d deliberately selected this refuge, calculating that the strong wooden table and tight seating offered some protection. Like most people, from time to time I give a few quid to homeless folk on the street, to so-called beggars. I choose my moments. This evening, I just looked, quite shocked, at the man under the bench (who wasn’t inviting any charity). Other motorists came and went. The moment passed. I wondered how the man under the bench would be on Friday, when the sun shines and a new day begins. I wondered about his shattered dreams. I wondered too, if, before his downfall, the man under the bench would have managed to measure that building in Baggot Street. I think he probably would. I think the man under the bench could have done many things. But the cards have been dealt, the choices made. As I drove off, the rain rattled against my windscreen, and the man under the bench settled down for the night.
Friday The last thing I needed on arriving at Sligo Hospital yesterday evening was…a puncture. Oh dear. I’d put some air in a few miles back, then feared the worst as I drove into the carpark. I was already late, plus I hate any problems with cars. A little wearily, I took the spare and the other stuff out. I was just beginning the ‘Now where do you jack this up?’ phase when a guy walking by stopped. I’ve no problem changing tyres, but maybe my body language wasn’t great. Maybe I looked almost as deflated as my front tyre. “Might just be a slow puncture” the guy said. He was an employee of the hospital and had just finished his shift. His next sentence was beautiful. “I have a pump”. He drove his van over while I practised looking casual. An extremely nice young man, he couldn’t have been more helpful. His pump reversed my slow puncture without delay. I asked him how difficult had it been in the hospital during the first lockdown, peak pandemic time. “It was extremely difficult” he said. “Very stressful. Fishing was my escape”. It turns out that he fishes a lot, in Lough Arrow and elsewhere. Trout fishing. Born and bred in Sligo, he’s one of the many heroic frontline workers who are doing such great work in our hospitals. Tyre back to full strength, I thanked this gentleman for stopping and offering to help. “I’d like to
“I can’t understand the obsession with soccer” a GAA diehard once said in my presence. “You could be watching a game for ninety minutes, and there mightn’t be a single score”. That assessment long noted, I still thought tonight’s Champions League Final was an enthralling game, even if it only produced one goal. That superb score won it for Chelsea, leaving a gracious Pep and his Manchester City superstars to reflect on how tough sport can be. No doubt they’ll bounce back. Meantime, while they’re hardly the best team in Europe, congratulations to Chelsea. Any team that beats Real Madrid in the semi-final and Manchester City in the final deserves this great prize. It was well earned; they were magnificent tonight. A final thought: While Brian Kerr and Niall Quinn are perhaps bearable as analysts on Virgin Media, they need to get rid of the pads/ notebooks which are awkwardly propped on their laps. Virgin Media, please invest in some desks!
Sunday
In an almost empty Hyde, the birds seemed to be much quieter today than when we played Dublin. Maybe the birds are just sick of the Dubs winning. Meanwhile, the sheep in the nearby field were silent. Presumably one sheep wasn’t in the mood, and the others… well, you know the rest. On the field, Roscommon and Kerry played a cracker. We have full coverage on pages 42-43.
Monday
It’s a glorious day, possibly the best of the year so far. I know if I turn the radio on, the blah blah will devour me. It seems almost everyone has a strong view on the young folk partying on the streets of Dublin, Galway and Cork. Later in the day, I will be amused by the typically cowardly approach of politicians as they tut-tut at the scenes on social media, while stressing that they are in no way blaming young people! On Monday morning, I opt out, and go for a long walk. The bog road behind our house is still as beautiful as ever, even more glorious in such fine weather. I choose nature over noise!
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
Mixed views on Ballaghaderreen Public Realm plans < DAN DOONER
The proposed Public Realm Enhancement plan for Ballaghaderreen has received a mixed response from members of the business community in the town following a presentation by BDP Consultants during a public webinar last week. The plan would see the creation of a mini roundabout in the centre of the town, and the introduction of a one-way traffic system for the Chapel and Cathedral Street areas. The plan would mean a reduction of car parking spaces something which local businessman and Sinn Féin Cllr. Michael Mulligan has said would not only impact on customer parking but
also deliveries. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane recently raised her concerns regarding the plan in Dáil Éireann, and said it “flies in the face of schemes like the ‘Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which puts an emphasis on engagement and consultation with property owners. “I just don’t see how this plan can be positive, maybe it could be at a reduced level,” she said this week. “It involves the removal of car parking spaces, and having to rely on car parking at the very bottom of the town will be a problem for people with disabilities. “Businesses and residents in the Square also haven’t been consulted about these plans. It’s costing €3 million which is an awful lot
of money that is badly needed elsewhere in Ballaghaderreen,” she said. However, local businessman Sajjad Hussain says the plans had received widespread support from the business community. “There is some misinformation around these plans. I think it is a very good project and consultations started more than a year ago. There were two meetings and sixty or seventy people attended. “If you walk through Ballaghaderreen now, every second shop is empty. A new seating area and flower beds and things like this would be a boost to the town and attract people to Ballaghaderreen,” he said. Mr. Hussain said that while there would be a reduction of parking spaces,
loading bays and disabled parking would remain and the development could only benefit the town. “Just because we have this development doesn’t mean we can’t push for other services (and investment). There is no doubt we must push for everything we can get for Ballaghaderreen. I’m here on the ground and I attend most meetings and nobody I have spoken to has objections. The plans are not final but they have highlighted improvements we can make. We need this...it would be a shame if it didn’t happen,” he said. The plan is expected to be completed for submission for a Part 8 planning application by the end of next month. June 8th is the deadline for public submissions.
‘Trust town planners’ reader tells SF duo! Dear Editor, I see comments made by both Claire Kerrane TD and Councillor Michael Mulligan gaining headlines in your newspaper last week (‘Kerrane raises Ballaghaderreen Public Realm Enhancement concerns in the Dáil’). As a business person based in Ballaghaderreen, my response to the two politicians in question would be to ask who gave them permission to represent the interests of the local business community? In my opinion Ms. Kirrane has made little or no effort to engage with any organisation in our town since her arrival on the political stage. While newspapers have a duty to report news, negative comments from so-called people of authority tend to gather an audience of a herd frenzy mentality.
Customers visit shops for lots of reasons and it is very important to move with the times and invest in your business model if you are to stay ‘in the game’. There is ample car parking spaces around the square perimeters. Delivery of products can still happen via nearby unloading bays. It’s wonderful to see major investment (by its new owners) in the former Durkin’s hotel, to see Murphy’s Chemist and Grow cafe, and indeed all such positive developments in the vicinity of the square and in the town in general. Due to a steady flow of people, business owners are investing and being rewarded by way of increased footfall and spend. It’s very easy to be against change and to make noise about it. The town planners have a wealth of experience and have a good idea of what will
enhance our town centre. Also worth noting is the reality that when strangers stop off in town it’s the overall experience that they will remember. Being the same as everyone else puts us firmly in a onedimensional box, no different from the next town. Such an approach would give us no chance to jump ahead of the queue. I would maintain that in neighbouring towns the Sinn Féin bandwagon has in the past stalled any possibility of progress regarding town square enhancement. Let’s hope that the good, decent people of our town can have their say on this issue. Yours sincerely, ‘Concerned business person’ (Name withheld on request)
Family Carers Week from Monday, June 7th Family Carers Week takes place from Monday, June 7th to Friday, June 13th this year with a series of events happening right throughout the week. Family Carers Ireland are encouraging the public to take part in ‘Paws
for a Cause’ and walk 24km in seven days in solidarity with family carers across the country. Registration costs €20 and funds raised will go towards the association’s National Crisis Fund. Partici-
pants can register at on the Family Carers’ website and even those without a furry friend can take part! For more information or to take part, please check log on to www.familycarers.ie.
Please support our National Crisis Fud by registering today for €20 on www.familycarer.ie No dog? No problem! Join in anyway!
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Cruinniú na nÓg
Roscommon Saturday 12th June
Free Events for Children & Young People
Local Events include
Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world with a national day of free creativity for young people.
An engaging programme for neuro-diverse children who need support with sensory regulation. Children will be encouraged to move around and be vocal alongside the stories and activities. facebook.com/RoscommonLibraries
Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme.
Storytelling for Sensory Needs
Observational Storytelling Everyday life might seem ordinary, but it can be the perfect inspiration for your next story. Learn how to craft great tales from seemingly mundane moments in this fun workshop. roscommonartscentre.ie
Hide & Seek with Leprechauns 500+ free events cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie #CreativeIreland
Come play hide and seek with some very special leprechauns crafted with wool by artist Franziska Lienberger. They’ll be hiding along five family-friendly trails around Roscommon. cruinniu.creativeireland.gov.ie/events/location/roscommon
National Events include Beat Your Drum Be part of this series of global drumming workshops and an epic film showcasing Irish, African, Indian, Brazilian, and Native American drumming techniques. glor.ie/beatyourdrum
Let’s Dance! Get creative, get dancing and have fun! Calling young people across Ireland to take part in our Let’s Dance! dance challenge. Check it out on social media & share YOUR moves with us on Tik Tok @danceireland #LetsDance! danceireland.ie/lets-dance
Nenagh Children’s Film Festival Light’s Camera, Action! Join us for 3 days of shorts, animation & feature films from all over the world, plus go behind the scenes with workshops, interviews & insights from aspiring young filmmakers. nenagharts.com
Cruinniú na nÓg is a partnership of
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
COVID-19: Resilience and Recovery
The Path Ahead Thanks to you, the Government’s plan on the easing of restrictions is working. We can see society and economy recovering slowly and steadily. To maintain our momentum, we need to continue to follow the public health guidelines in these coming weeks. We are entering a new stage of our recovery with the further easing of pandemic restrictions. The National Vaccination Programme is having a significant and positive impact.
Summer Reopening Plan 2nd June 7th June
Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, self-catering accommodation and hostels can reopen. Indoor dining and bar services for residents can resume.
Outdoor matches Up to 100 or 200 depending on venue
Indoor visits in private homes* From one other household for unvaccinated households
Outdoor Restaurants, Cafes, Bars* Tables of up to 6 with additional provisions for children under 12
Outdoor Events Up to 100 or 200 depending on venue
Wedding celebrations/receptions Up to 25 guests
5th July (subject to the prevailing health situation)
Gyms, Swimming Pools, Leisure Centres Individual training only Cinemas and Theatres
Outdoor matches Up to 200 or 500 depending on venue
Indoor visits in private homes From three other households
Indoor matches Up to 50 or 100 depending on venue
Outdoor Events Up to 200 or 500 depending on venue
Indoor Restaurants, Cafes, Bars* Tables of up to 6 with additional provisions for children under 12
Indoor Events Up to 50 or 100 depending on venue
Wedding celebrations/receptions Up to 50 guests
Indoor Training In pods of up to 6
Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses Indoor dining and bar services open to non-residents
19th July
Travel New travel advice and the EU Digital Covid Certificate system will come into effect.
National Vaccination Programme Update May Over half of the adult population (over 18 years) will have received their first dose vaccination by the end of May
70 years, residents and staff in long term care facilities and frontline healthcare workers with improved outcomes
Over 1 million doses administered during May
Significant number of housebound people have been vaccinated with referrals ongoing
Over 2.6m doses have now been administered Plans in place to administer over 300,000 doses weekly Roll out is well advanced to at-risk groups including those aged over
Supporting the Recovery
June
July to September
First Dose Vaccinations will start 40 – 44 year olds
Second dose vaccinations continue for all groups
Second dose vaccinations underway 45—69 year olds
Vaccine extended to all remaining age groups down to those aged 16
38 vaccination centres operational
Vaccination of high risk and very high risk groups is on track Latest research shows that public sentiment on vaccine uptake remains high
Measures and guidance for businesses and individuals, charting an economic plan through recovery and beyond.
Everyone should continue to work from home unless it is absolutely necessary to attend in person. *for further details on this or any of the arrangements go to gov.ie/recovery
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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Escape into nature with wonderful selection of walking trails and cycle routes in County Roscommon
Bluebell trails.
County Roscommon is truly the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as the county has so many wonderful places to visit if you are planning an Irish staycation this year. With the June bank holiday fast approaching, why not make a plan to explore the selection of stunning scenic walks, trails and cycle routes throughout the county and enjoy some fresh air and exercise while catching up with friends and family outdoors. A county of castles and ancient kings, of stately homes and spectacular landscapes, Roscommon boasts a fantastic selection of tracks and trails as well as a wonderful choice of outdoor activities with everything from the high-octane Zipit to woodland segways and a treetop canopy walk in Lough Key, Forest Park to Ireland largest inflatable waterpark at Baysports, Hodson Bay outside Athlone. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family friendly holiday or just want to explore the many walking routes of the county, Roscommon has so much to offer. The county features a number of trails and cycleways which meander through wildflower meadows, native woodlands, peat bogs, turloughs, rivers and lakes, so it is the perfect place to escape into nature. From short trails to long distance walks and cycling trails, it is easy to explore native forests that bustle with wildlife or tranquil shorelines that gently nourish our extensive flora and fauna. One of the most popular cycle routes is the Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway which
Kilronan Walk.
Sliabh Bawn trails.
Tourism Officer highlights attractions Eiméar Dowd, Tourism Officer with Roscommon County Council, is keen to highlight the many scenic walks, trails and cycle routes which the county has to offer to all ages. “Now that restrictions have lifted so many families are looking forward to reconnecting with grandparents or extended family and what better way than to pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors by exploring some of the tracks and trails around County Roscommon, with something for all fitness levels. The June bank holiday is the ideal time to make a plan, enjoy some fresh air and exercise while also catching up with friends or family outdoors. We also have a wonderful free walking and trails guidebook available to download on our website www.visitroscommon.ie,” said Eiméar. takes you from King House, past Boyle Abbey, Boyle Marina, along the banks of the Boyle Canal, through amazing woodland and onto the magnificent Lough Key. If you are looking for something a little less strenuous then why not try the beautiful Knockranny Wood Loop at Keadue. Measuring about 1 km in distance, set within amazing woodland and overlooking the beautiful Lough Meelagh, this trail passes the well-known megalith, Knockranny
court tomb. While in the area you can also visit the blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan’s final resting place in Kilronan Graveyard, Keadue. For a multi-access trail, check out the Cloonfad Scenic Walks. The trails take you on bog road, through beautiful woodland and by cut-away bogs to amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For the more adventurous or history lovers why not follow in the footsteps of the 1,490 tenants who were forced to
Pictured along the Boyle to Lough Key Cycle route.
The Castlecoote Loop Walk.
emigrate from Strokestown to Canada in 1847 by walking the National Famine Way. Walk the Roscommon stretch from Strokestown to Tarmonbarry (18km) and view the amazing rural landscape of the area. Follow the story of Strokestown’s Famine emigrants through the interactive bronze shoe sculptures along the route. Sliabh Bawn trails near Strokestown also offer trails for a range of fitness abilities. This amazing amenity, through the Coillte forest, includes a trim trail for fitness, an equestrian trail, six looped walks, a picnic area, a playground, and a viewing platform at the summit. Other walks or trails in County Roscommon include the Cloonlarge Bog walk in Kilteevan, Castlerea trails, Suck Valley Way and Mote Park Trails. Log on to www.visitroscommon.ie for a full list of tracks and trails throughout County Roscommon and a downloadable guide is also available at www. visitroscommon.ie/trails
Explore Castlerea Trails There are some beautiful trails to explore in the Castlerea area with a lovely family friendly 6km looped walk around the Demesne parkland which also gives you the option to continue onto the Clonalis woodlands and the spectacular Clonalis House.
Enjoy an interactive heritage trail at Mote Park Mote Park just outside Roscommon Town is one of Roscommon’s best
kept secrets which locals have been enjoying for many years. Mote Park, the seat of the Crofton family from the 16th century up until the 1940s, is a gateway to heritage, history, flora, fauna and the environment. Located in the heart of County Roscommon, it is an ideal venue for outdoor activities for children and people of all ages. Mote Park provides habitats for many species of wildlife and opportunities for many forms of outdoor pursuits including hiking, walking and animal bird-watching. There is also an interactive heritage trail which takes you from Mote Park onto Roscommon Town.
Suck Valley Way The Suck Valley Way (which is part of the Beara Breffni Way) offers a truly tranquil walking experience, meandering along the banks of the River Suck, with its numerous lakes and drainage channels. This circular walking route is 105km in length and passes through counties Roscommon and Galway.
Creative wood art features on Cloonlarge Bog Walk, Kilteevan This looped Bog Road walk allows you to explore the flora and fauna of the Kilteevan Peatlands. Measuring 6.4km, it takes about 80 minutes to complete this looped walk. Points of interest along the way include information boards on the local butterflies, a locally-made Turf Hopper and quirky creative wood craft along the trail.
There are numerous magical forest trails throughout County Roscommon.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Escape into nature this Summer in Roscommon Why not make a plan to explore the selection of stunning scenic walks, trails and cycle routes throughout the county and enjoy some fresh air and exercise while catching up with friends and family outdoors.
HERITAGE
check out
WATER
visitroscommon.ie
TRAILS
ACTIVITIES
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
FRANK
FRANK BRANDON’S
BRANDON
unique take on life ...
Bring back Decie and Paschal for a live performance! Our man Frank on local music stars, the science behind a full Irish breakfast, Lady golfers in Castlerea, and Denis Buckley’s 200th cap. It’s Thursday evening, the rain is teeming down and I am making my way along the almost deserted footpath on Roscommon’s Main Street where the excavation work is still going on, when I run into one of the best known and best musicians in County Roscommon, Decie Walsh. For many years I have known Decie, starting with the time himself and Kevin Noone formed the hugely popular duo, ‘The
Inspectors’, and later on his own as a solo artist, and, needless to say, we talked about the days when live music was the thing, and when we used to have dances, socials, and concerts in venues big and small throughout the land. Funny enough, later that night as I watched the Country Music channel on Sky, who should I see, resplendent in his white suit and tie, only the great Paschal Brennan as he sang the wonderful Joe Dolan song, ‘Goodbye Venice Goodbye’. The truth is that if you closed your eyes you would never know the famed Mullingar man was not performing. As I watched Paschal do his thing, I began to reminisce on some of the nights down through the years, when we were able to put on charity dances in our local pubs. Nights of great craic, music and fun, when, funny
Lady golfers always welcome in Castlerea
It’s now Monday morning, and I am going to Castlerea to play a few holes of golf as soon as I have written this piece. If she wasn’t at work, there is a possibility that my wife Carol might come along as well – probably a slim one as with the sun shining outside, she would almost certainly want to spend the day in the garden. However, the point is that she could come if she wanted whereas until last week, if we were members of the world famous Portmarnock Golf Club, she could not play there at all. It was a male only preserve, and lady golfers were simply not allowed to play. Many times in recent years there have been attempts made to change the all-male membership policy but until last week, they all failed. However, to their credit (even if it took 127 years), the latest poll saw an 84% vote to allow female membership. The club, which has played host to the Irish Open many times through the years, has finally moved into the 21st Century. Many of the world’s most famous golf clubs, including Augusta (where the Masters takes place each year) and Scotland’s St. Andrew’s had the same outdated, antiquated policy but in recent years, but they too saw the light and allowed lady members in. Thankfully, Portmarnock has now come on board as well, but with green fees ranging from €250 a day on Monday to Thursday and €275 Friday to Sunday, I think we may stick with Castlerea!
enough, both Paschal and Decie took centre stage, although not on the same night…but maybe that’s a thought for the future lads? One of the most memorable nights with Paschal involved a lady from Dublin, who had been to his hugely successful Joe Dolan Show in The Gleneagle in Killarney, where Paschal performed his Joe Dolan tribute show with a seven-piece band to a sell-out crowd. This lady told me she had been a fan of Joe’s for many years and when he passed on she was so taken with Paschal’s voice that she transferred her allegiance to him. Having seen him the night before in The Gleneagle, she somehow found out he was appearing in Gannon’s, Creggs the following night, and managed to make her way all the way from Kerry to see
his show again. She was expecting the full eight-piece band in some massive entertainment centre with all the usual regalia so when she arrived into a local country pub, with Paschal performing solo, she got some land! The good news is that you wouldn’t travel the length and breadth of the country and beyond following Joe without being ready for pretty much anything, and, to her credit, our Dublin lady took full part in the proceedings and thoroughly enjoyed the night’s entertainment. As for Decie and Kevin, they played umpteen times at different charity events down through the years and together as The Inspectors they were simply brilliant. Naturally, as I was reminded of themselves and Paschal on Thursday last, I was saddened to think that none of them have played to
any live audience for well over a year now, and I really hope they can get back to what they do so well in the very near future. As it happened, The Inspectors put music to a song I wrote ‘I’m getting out of here’ many years ago which was a huge hit in Crosswell and Kilbegnet, while Paschal actually recorded two of my compositions ‘Dublin Airport’ and ‘The Gathering’ and those two songs were reasonably well received. Anyway, I really look forward to the day (and nights) when we can have live music again and who knows, we might have a once-off reunion of The Inspectors in Creggs. Maybe I can even find Paschal’s Dublin fan, and we could persuade the Lecarrow man to come back again some time as well. Here’s hoping!
Finally for this week …
Scientific breakthrough: The fry-up is Ok! One of the things you will know about me by now, is that I am a paid-up member of the full Irish breakfast society. I will go the whole hog at least once (maybe twice) at the weekend, when everything except black pudding is fair game. However, occasionally there would be a little murmur from some obscure medical outfit that the ‘fry-up’ was bad for you. There would be talk about
high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and all kinds of bad things associated with the popular breakfast. Now the truth is, I have always ignored those findings – until today. Today, at long last, some scientists in Australia have finally got it right. They tell us that a fry in the morning is no harm at all! So as long as your have the full Irish for breakfast, you can work away. I don’t know
anyone who would have it at any other time, so it’s off to Mikeen’s for me for a load of Waldron’s rashers, Clonakilty sausages, Kelly’s white pudding, and Corrib eggs. If you want to call in (after Covid of course), I’ll put on the pan and treat you to one of nature’s real delights. Thank God for Australian scientists – they really know their stuff!
Hats off (terrible pun) to Roscommon’s own Denis Buckley on his wonderful achievement of becoming only the third player ever to reach the magical total of 200 caps for Connacht Rugby. Following icons like John Muldoon and Michael Swift, Denis has joined a very elite club, and to reach such a figure as a front row forward makes his achievement even greater. It’s a huge credit to himself and his family that he has managed to stay at the top for such a long time. Of course, out here in Creggs, we are proud to have played a large part in his formative years. He has always been and continues to be a regular visitor to our little club, for whom his brother Maurice is a valued member and player. I have said it before but it’s no harm to say it again on this wonderful occasion, that it remains a mystery to me how Denis has continually been overlooked by our Irish selectors. Despite consistently performing at the highest level for Connacht over the last decade, he is still waiting for an Irish cap. Maybe they will eventually see the light but if not, congratulations Denis, you are a credit to yourself and your family and Creggs and Connacht Rugby. Long may you continue to hold up the Connacht scrum.
‘Till next week, bye for now
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Gerry Gill Motors Awarded Roscommon Motor Dealer 2021 Gerry Gill Motors, based in Fuerty, Co. Roscommon, has been accredited with their second successive All-Star accolade from the All-Ireland Busi-
ness Foundation. The accreditation is an outstanding achievement for the business as it recognises the hard work and dedication of the team in
Gerry Gill Motors, based in Fuerty, Co. Roscommon, has been accredited with their second successive All-Star accolade from the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
providing a ‘best in class’ service to its customers. The All-Ireland Business Foundation All-Star is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria. It is overseen by an adjudication panel chaired by Dr. Briga Hynes of the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics. Responding to the recent announcement, Gerry and Gerard Gill, Managing Directors stated: “We at Gerry Gill Motors are overwhelmed to be part of this fantastic accreditation for a second consecutive year. We have worked very hard with the AllIreland Business Foundation over the last couple of months and we are delighted the hard work has paid off. “The last 14 months have been extremely challenging for every business. However, we remained patient and managed
to keep our customers satisfied by successfully adapting our business to suit pandemic guidelines. “To be given the accolade for ‘All-Star Roscommon Motor Dealer 2021’ is something we will cherish and we hope to achieve many more accolades and awards. We would like to thank all our friends, family, staff and most importantly our customers. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at AIBF for welcoming us into this wonderful community for a second consecutive year”. Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair on the Adjudication Board, said the certificate is in recognition of Gerry Gill Motors’ outstanding contribution to quality and standards in the motor industry. “We were particularly impressed with the entrepreneurial zeal of the Gill family in dealing with the challenges in the market place throughout the pandemic.
Gerard, Gerry and Conor Gill pictured with Gerry Gill Motors’ All-Ireland Business Foundation All-Star award at their premises in Fuerty, Co. Roscommon.
“Furthermore, we wish to recognise Gerry Gill Motors’ conduct in the areas of trust, commitment, performance and customer centricity,” he said. Dr. Briga Hynes said the accreditation, which is now held by over 450 firms, is needed by the small and medium businesses which operate to
their own standards, but have nothing to measure them by. “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the
experience,” she said. The All-Ireland Business Foundation is a national body which accredits bestin-class Irish businesses as Business All-Stars. The process to select the next group of Business All-Star accredited companies has begun and further information is available at businessallstars.ie.
CLOONEYQUINN, FUERTY, CO. ROSCOMMON. F42 VX68 Gerard: 086-2254731 Gerry: 086-8162964 Office / sales: 090-6626536 W. www. gerrygillmotors.ie – E.: info@gerrygillmotors.ie
Business as usual at Gerry Gill Motors! It’s business as usual at Gerry Gill Motors at Fuerty, County Roscommon. Established in 1989 by Gerry Gill, today the business has been transformed from a repair centre to an independent motor dealer. Awarded an All-Ireland Business Foundation All-Star for the second successive year, Gerry Gill Motors caters for all new and used car sales, vehicle servicing, and accident repairs. Over the past twenty years, our business has grown from strength
to strength with the help of our dedicated staff and customers. Our mission is to continue that growth, to be a leader in the markets we do business in, and to stand out for providing top-quality service. For more information or to find out how Gerry Gill Motors can assist you, call Gerard on 0862254731, Gerry on 086-8162964 or our office on 090-6626536. Log on to www.gerrygillmotors.ie or email: info@gerrygillmotors.ie.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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Miriam’s
MUSINGS
Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS
Has our prolonged isolation caused brain-shrinkage? Having endured months of lockdown, Roscommon’s hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and self-catering facilities have now reopened, albeit for overnight guests only, with restaurants and bars set to resume business for ‘outdoor’ services on Monday, so it’s safe to say we’re well and truly on the road to recovery! However, while all of the above makes for wonderful news, setting the scene for a sizzling post-Covid summer, on a personal level, I’m finding it difficult to get rid of that feeling of dread lurking deep down in the pit of my stomach. Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to doing some road-tripping with my family; although it will be around Ireland, I will not be holidaying abroad this year. I’m also looking forward to getting back on the bike again to explore Roscommon’s many wonderful tracks and trails with hubby. And, as I’m sick of cooking, I can’t wait to book a table at my favourite local restaurant. However, given the shenanigans that took place in my native Dublin last weekend, I believe that sadly, when it comes to the entire coun-
try getting back to normal it’s clear that a state of chaos and confusion around the Government’s ‘outdoor gatherings’ advice is still very much in evidence. Don’t get me wrong folks, I’m not a killjoy, I can still party with the best of them. Ok, like many people I have to admit my social muscles have atrophied to some extent, but they haven’t died altogether. And yes, I might be a grandmother, but there’s absolutely no truth to the rumour that I spend my weekends burping the lids on my Tupperware pots. However, joking aside, I was appalled and disgusted when I saw the social media and TV footage showing what were large boozy gatherings occurring in both Dublin and Cork last weekend. I’ve got no doubt it went on in many other counties, although it wasn’t as widely recorded or reported. What were people thinking? I hear you ask. I’ll tell you what they were thinking… they were thinking the sun’s out, I’m sick of this Covid c**p, the Government has encouraged us to ‘get outdoors,’ in fact the Tánaiste himself said “it’s much safer to be
It’s Ok to feel anxious when emerging from lockdown Staying on the ‘emerging from lockdown’ theme, and, given conversations I’ve had with many readers, it’s clear to me that the pandemic, and all it entails, has led to some people experiencing heightened levels of anxiety; even in those who have been fully vaccinated. Therefore, with society now set to fully reopen, it’s obvious that even though a lot of us are literally pawing at the ground to get back to normality, (see above shenanigans), the fact is, many of us are still feeling apprehensive. After all, while it’s great to see our freedoms being fully returned, it must be noted, the social pressures that come with them are bound to cause a lot of uncertainty. To that end, and bearing in mind I am not a mental health expert, indeed I am not an expert in anything really, but in the interest of trying to be helpful I’ve come up with a few ‘self-help’ tips you might like to consider… Prepare yourself: Take a peek into the future and envisage how your life will
change once restrictions are fully lifted. Sure it all be grand! Be aware of your emotions: While it’s completely normal for you to feel happy and relieved you can now meet up with people you haven’t seen for a very long time, it’s also understandable to feel anxious and vulnerable. In addition, you may also be feeling extremely sad about missed milestones and family events, especially if this has meant missing funerals of those who’ve sadly passed away. Manage these changes: The time has come when we can now gather with others - even though it’s only outdoors. However, rather than feeling excited when that text arrives, you feel dread – that’s Ok! Remember; it’s up to you how fast or how slow you move towards the activities in life that are important to you…and not the things/activities that are important to others. It’s Ok to move forward at your own pace. Have an amazing Bank Holiday weekend!
outdoors than indoors,” so I’m going to be a good citizen and paaartaaay! Now, while I will admit that Daddy Tony (Holohan) really gets on my wick, so much so I mute the telly when he’s on, but given the extent of last week’s goings-on, I find myself in total agreement with his public condemnation of the events that took place. On the other hand, having been forced to be asocial for so long, indeed it’s as if the entire country has been secretly brainwashed during its sleep by suggestive tapes entitled ‘Hold Firm Vol 10’, I can of course understand the mindset of those who did gather. On a personal level, I’ve been experiencing a state of cabin fever so acute I’ve even developed the mood swings and the aching legs of a long-haul flight attendant. Don’t believe me? Ask he-who-is-hiding-in-theshed! To that end, I can fully empathise with those who were so desperate to be in the company of others, that, instead of actually hearing and absorbing the health and safety guidelines to continue to observe social distancing, they wrongly interpreted
the easing of restrictions as a licence to go mad. The Government and the HSE have been pushing the ‘have an outdoor summer’ message for weeks now, and that’s all very well. However, the fact remains, many people don’t have the facilities to host outdoor events in their own back gardens or to even have friends and family over, therefore, it’s inevitable they’ll meet up in public. We are social creatures and I’m afraid the negative effects of an enforced and prolonged isolation may well have caused, dare I suggest, shrinkage in some of our brains – well in the brains of those who gathered en masse around the country potentially causing super-spreader situations. Therefore, as it appears there’s a cohort of those who can’t, for whatever reason, be trusted to observe social distancing, could I suggest the Government stop issuing diktats and instead start providing solutions? Closing off areas to avoid on-street binge-drinking and designing safe spaces where people can gather and socialise without placing the rest of us at risk would be a good starting point!
THE ONE WHEN THEY TOOK A ‘SELFIE’: ‘Friends: The Reunion’.
Why did ‘Friends: The Reunion’ gloss over Mathew Perry’s ‘issues?’ The much anticipated ‘Friends: The Reunion’ was aired last week, but did we think it lived up to all of the hype readers? I will say one thing, as someone who in another life produced TV for a living, my first thought was that this production was a skilfully packaged special with the only blight on the horizon being the insufferable James Corden. I mean, could he be any more unbearable? But presenter Corden aside, the gathering of the six ‘friends’ made for, at best, a half-hour’s enter-
tainment bolstered by a glass of wine and a family bag of meanies. However, it was dragged out with guest appearances by ‘celebrities’ such as Lady Ga Ga, Justin Beiber, David Beckham, and Cindy Crawford et al., not to mention the peppering of small-talk clips from gushing fans, all of who seemed to be more interested in the show than the ‘stars’ themselves. I did enjoy the ‘reunion’ but as a naturally nosey person I was wondering why, in the midst of all the ‘ooohhh love
you,’ ‘missed you’, and ‘let’s do lunch’ sentimentality, producers didn’t think it pertinent to address the much publicised addiction that clearly plagued Mathew Perry (Chandler). As someone who views ‘Chandler’ as one of the funniest characters on TV, I found it difficult to come to terms with the contrast of the scared, mouse-like Mathew of today with the smart-as-a-tack, quick-witted ‘Chandler’ of old, and I admit readers, the disparity upset me greatly.
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NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets! John Lee @leeofthemail One man has achieved the dream of many -appeared on #rtept with a pint in each hand #livingthedream #rtept -Memo to Enda Kenny!
The Everton Zone @TheEvertonZone Going to be a hostile atmosphere next time we play Real Madrid -Everton fans were shocked to lose their manager Carlo Ancelotti to the renowned Spanish club, but ‘The Everton Zone’ managed to see a funny side…
sometimes/we have great heart/we’ll go own fighting/ we’ll party afterwards even if we lose’ but it just got shortened Paula MacSweeney @sweetpmac Years ago when I was working in a pharmacy in town, Colm Meaney walked in and I looked up, gasped and exclaimed “it’s you!” And he looked back at me, fake-gasped and said “and it’s you!” #BackToBarrytown
Caitríona Daly @caitrionadaly
Philip Nolan @philipnolan1
The problem is not South William Street. People will just move to a different area. Will Dublin City Council cop on. #todaycb
Has there ever been a more delusional statement than ‘you’ll never beat the Irish’? #ReelingInTheYears
-Paula has been waiting for years to tell this anecdote!
-I think what we really mean is ‘You’ll only beat the Irish
Fair to say Roscommon won’t disrespect the water-break
-The debate rages
Funding for special needs rooms at Creggs NS Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed additional funding for the provision of two special needs rooms at Creggs National School. The school, on the Roscommon Galway border, had applied to the Department of Education for increased accommodation for students with additional needs and the new classrooms will work in conjunction with the school’s sunshine room, a facility for children with severe to profound learning needs. Senator Murphy said: “Creggs National School has been remarkable in its dedication to all of its pupils and particularly in its service to special needs students with the provision of its Sunshine Room. “The investment is testimony to the school’s ethos of hard work and inclusivity, and the funding will be used to the benefit of the entire school community”.
SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION All of today’s readings are set in the context of the Passover. The First Reading recalls the old covenant celebrated at Sinai following the first Passover and the Exodus. In sprinkling the blood of the covenant on the Israelites, Moses was symbolizing God’s desire in this covenant to make them His family, His “blood” relations. Quoting Moses’ words in today’s Gospel, Jesus elevates and transforms this covenant symbol to an extraordinary reality. In the new covenant made in the blood of Christ, we truly become one with His body and blood. The first covenant made with Moses and Israel at Sinai was but a shadow of this new and greater covenant made by Christ with all humankind in that upper room (see Hebrews 10:1). The Passover that Jesus celebrates with His Twelve Apostles “actualizes”, makes real what could only be symbolized by Moses’ sacrifice at the altar with twelve pillars. What Jesus does today is establish His Church as the new Israel and His Eucharist as the new worship of the living God. In offering Himself to God through the Spirit, Jesus delivered Israel from the transgressions of the first covenant. And, as we hear in today’s Epistle, by His blood He purified us and made us capable of true worship. God does not want dead works or animal sacrifices. He wants our own flesh and blood, our own lives, consecrated to Him, offered as a living sacrifice. This is the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that we sing of in today’s Psalm. This is the Eucharist. What we do in memory of Him is to pledge our lives to Him, to renew our promise to live by the words of His covenant and to be His servants. There is no other return we can offer to Him for the eternal inheritance He has won for us. So let us approach the altar, calling upon His name in thanksgiving, taking up the cup of salvation. - Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)
GAA JOE @GAA__JOE
ever again The smirk on the Down manager’s face tho -That goal! (See pages 23 and 41) Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera @PantiBliss I have NEVER complained about the necessity of why the business I poured my heart and soul into for 13 years has been shuttered for 15 months, but I would MUCH rather hang out with the young people who were on Sth William St yesterday than with all the finger waggers on Twitter
Mark Ogden @MarkOgden_
-Panti Bliss on those street parties
For someone who was a great sub, Solskjaer isn’t
Colm Meaney.
great with substitutions.. -Reaction to Manchester United losing the Europa Cup Final to Villarreal
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The
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D News page
Roscommon man’s photograph to feature in ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition < DAN DOONER
Éanna Donohoe from Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon has been selected to feature in an exhibition of the judges’ 20 top-rated images, as part of the inaugural ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. The exhibition is running online initially, on the DIAS website, www. dias.ie. An outdoor exhi-
bition at DIAS’s premises on Burlington Road is planned for the coming weeks, followed by an exhibition at DIAS Dunsink Observatory. Éanna’s image ‘Gazing’ is a self-portrait in front of the comet Neowise, taken from the lane behind his house in Ballyleague. The image was taken in July 2020, during the time the newly-discovered comet reached its closest point to Earth. Neowise was one of the brightest comets
to make an appearance in Antrim and Tom Hanlon Irish skies in over a dec- from Tullamore, Co. Ofade. faly were announced as In addition to choosing runners-up, for their subthe 20 exhibition images, missions, ‘Cygnus Mosathe high-profile judging ic in Hubble Palette’ and panel for ‘Reach for the ‘North Star Jesuit House’ Stars’ also selected the respectively. top three winning entries to the competition. Josh ‘Gazing’ by Ballyleague Mathews from Moyard, native Éanna Donohoe has Co. Galway was selected been selected to feature in an exhibition of the judges’ as the overall winner for 20 top-rated images, as part his image, ‘To the Waters of the inaugural ‘Reach for and the Wild’. Ciaran P. the Stars’ astrophotography O’Donnell from New- competition run by the Dublin townabbey, Belfast, Co. Institute for Advanced Studies.
Creideamh success for Tisrara NS! Congratulations to Tisrara National School students, Brian Óg McGarvey and Patrick Stokes who shared first prize in Category B at this year’s Creideamh Children’s Art Competition, sponsored by Veritas and St. Grellan’s Council of The Knights of Columbanus. A very big well done also to the pupils of Tisrara NS who were highly commended for their entries into this year’s Creideamh Children’s Art Competition. (Below) Tisrara NS students were highly commended for their entries into this year’s Creideamh Children’s Art Competition. They are accompanied in the photograph by Ms. Frances Carty (SNA, Tisrara NS), Fr. Francis Beirne PP (BallyforanDysart-Tisrara parish), John Weldon (St. Grellan’s Council and Creideamh Network) and Mr. Larry Tiernan (Principal, Tisrara NS).
Brian Óg McGarvey and Patrick Stokes, who shared first prize in Category B of this year’s Creideamh Children’s Art Competition sponsored by Veritas and St. Grellan’s Council of The Knights of Columbanus. Brian and Patrick are accompanied by Fr. Francis Beirne (Ballyforan-Dysart-Tisrara parish priest), Mr. Larry Tiernan (Principal, Tisrara NS) and Mr. John Weldon (St. Grellan’s Council and Creideamh Network).
A big thank you to Cyril and Deirdre Mullooly, Carrigeen, Kilglass, who spotted this little guy bending over backwards to grab a snack!
Jason McEvoy, Area Sales Manager with DG Sweeney Oil, pictured making a presentation to Martin Sharkey on behalf of the Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed to assist with shed upgrades.
Pictured are the boys from St. Paul’s NS, Castlerea who have been growing trees following a ‘Trees and Heritage Workshop’ with John Crossan and the ‘I’ve planted a tree and my garden is pesticide free’ project. The school is also delighted to support the Redcastle Sunflower Festival, in which schoolchildren plant sunflowers in memory of Amelia, Tomás and John Mullen who lost their lives in a fatal car accident in Co. Donegal last August.
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Lough Ree Angling Hub named as National mmon Herald Lottery ‘Good Cause of the Year’
Lough Ree Angling Hub ties have been able to visit challenge for towns and has been named National the lake every week. villages all over Ireland Lottery Good Cause of Due to Covid, this year’s and these groups have the Year and also won the Good Causes Awards cer- gone above and beyond Health and Wellbeing cat- emony took place virtu- for those around them. It egory at the virtual awards ally with finalists tuning is such an inspiration to ceremony in Dublin on in from the comfort of see the amazing work beSunday last for the group’s their own homes. Grainne ing done in every corner of work on the ‘Access ForRep Seoige hostedDetails: the event the country by such a Order vari- No.: 853773 e: Contact All’ boat, which aims to live from the Round Room ety of groups who benefit EDIT UNION Morgan Copyline: Updated make the lake accessibleElaine at the Mansion House in from Good Causes fundthose with disabilities. Dublin and was joined ing”. promotional advert When Lough Ree Lanes-086by2395156 an array of familiar The six category winners boro Angling Hub realised faces to present each of received €10,000 each, Date: 10/03/2021 | Wed 12:56 how prohibiting fishingclaire.morgan@roscommonherald.com the awards to the category whilst the overall Good boats were for people with winners. Cause of the Year, Lough disabilities and special The group were presented Ree Lanesborough Anneeds, they were inspired with their Health & Well- gling Hub, received an adto bring about change and being Award from Profes- ditional €25,000. This year’s National Lot4/2021 make the healthy activ- sor Luke O’Neill while ity accessible for all. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, tery Good Causes Award /2021 group approached the Irish Hazel Chu, had the hon- winners were: National Wheelchair Association our of presenting Lough Lottery Good Causes of the 1 and a number of disability Ree Lanesboro Angling Year and Health & Wellgroups to draw up designs Hub with the overall Good being winner: Lough Ree for a unique vessel, which Cause of the Year Award. Lanesboro Angling Hub; has now become the first Andrew Algeo, Chief Heritage: Wildlife Rehaof its kind in Ireland and Executive of the National bilitation Ireland; Sport & Britain. Lottery said: “I would like Recreation: Raphoe ComColour: Advert Size: The ‘Access-for-All’ boatClass: to congratulate all of the munity Sports Develophas a bow that lowers like team at Lough Ree Lanes- ment; Irish Language: ld 4C (CMYK) 16cms x 4cols a ferry to allow up to eightFinance boro Angling Hub as well Gaelphobal Thamhlachta; wheelchair users roll on as our other six category Youth: Autism Support and off unaided. Since the winners who have all had a Louth & Meath; Commudebut voyage in August tremendous impact within nity: Immigrant Council Lough Ree Lanesboro Angling Hub in Co. Roscommon was presented with the Good Cause of the Year Award at the National 2020, dozens of tourists each of their communities. of Ireland; Arts & Culture: Lottery Good Causes Awards. A delighted Alan Broderick, Company Chair and Skipper Secretary, pictured with Ciaran Pic: Mac Innes Photography and anglers with disabili- The past year has been a Graffiti Theatre Company. Mullooly, Company Secretary, as they celebrate the news of this fantastic win.
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r order. Please note: The image above is not to scale and is for information purposes only.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ Advertorial
Job Code: B1199010 – ROADS TRAVEL MOBILES AND OTHER EXPS
//////////
Abbey Health & Fitness mmon Herald reopens next Monday (7th) The Abbey Hotel is delighted to announce the reopening of Abbey Health & Fitness on Monday next 7th June. The award-winning state-of-the-art leisure facility and winner of the 2019 Diamond White Flag Award will welcome back members on Monday next. “Set amid the fantastic surroundings of the historic 12th Century Dominican Abbey, this recently redecorated luxurious
health and fitness facility is leisurecentre@abbeyhotel. designed to meet the needs ie. Gift vouchers are also of the serious fitness enthu- available to purchase at our siast as well as those who reception desk. wish to relax and unwind. Abbey Health & Fitness We invite you to join us provide personalise fitness to experience this superb plans for new members, facility and new members with tailored plans deare welcome to join. Our signed to suit your fitness team will be available to level. On arrival to our leitake your calls from this sure club, seize the opporFriday,” explained Ger- tunity to sit back, relax and aldine Grealy, Marketing soak up the ambience. beirne The magnificent 20m ManagerAlan at the hotel. Simply call Ian or Leah deck level swimming pool Our state-of-the-art air090- 6627377 on 090-6626482 or email offers lane swimming to keep you at your physical conditioned fitness club peak, while also the op- offers the latest full range alan.beirne@roscommonherald.com portunity to swim at your of cardiovascular and releisure in luxurious sur- sistance equipment. Our team of highly qualified roundings. The learner pool is the fitness instructors create ideal area for learner swim- personalised fitness promers, complimented by grams that can be tailored water fountain for hours to your needs. With regular of fun for both adults and exercise, benefits include increased fitness, inch loss, children. We are delighted to announce that we will re-open our The Spa area includes a increased energy levels doors to members from 9am on Monday, June 7th! spacious sauna and steam and increased strength room, plunge pool and and flexibility. Talk to our As with previous re-openings, we will have a booking jacuzzi. Take time out to re- professional Fitness team system in place and limited places available in each slot. lax and de-stress in crystal about our range of personWe will be taking calls from 9am - 5pm Friday, June 4th waters, escape life and feel alised fitness programmes. for bookings for next week on 090 6626482 Follow Abbey Health & energised.
Correction Proof
2021
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Rep Contact Details:
We’re Back June 7th!
What is new is that the hotel will continue to operate as the Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic for Roscommon. This will mean that all cars will be required to enter through the front of the hotel and to exit at the back of the main carpark. In addition, there will only be Home,Interiors,DIY car parking spaces available in the main car park for Leisure Centre members. The smaller car park will be reserved for the vaccination clinic.
Class:
For more information, please email
leisure@abbeyhotel.ie
We can’t wait to welcome you back! Abbey Health and Fitness team.
130mm x 2 cols = €130 + vat
Opcode: J000 Public Notice
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.
Road to be closed: L2027 at Crannagh, Summerhill, Athlone (adjacent to Coláiste Chiaráin) Period of Closure: 1st July 2021 – 30th July 2021 857583 (Monday – Friday) businessAlternative club Routes: L2026, R446 (for Westbound traffic) Fitness social media on | Mon L2026, L2025, R362 (for Eastbound traffic to 05/04/2021 09:49 Facebook, Instagram and Athlone) Twitter. Reason for Closures: Road drainage and pavement surfacing works.
Order No.: Copyline: Date:
Abbey Health & Fitness opening hours Monday to Friday: 7 am – 10 pm Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm Bank Holidays: 10 am – 6 pm (Adults only Monday Thursday after 7.30 pm)
Objections in respect of the proposed closure
may be made writing the Roads+ and 100mm x 2incols = to €100 vat Transportation Department or e-mailed to
Job Code: B4990008 to PRINT roads@roscommoncoco.ie arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 11th June 2021. STATIONERY & ADVERTISING Shane Tiernan Opcode: J000
Director of Services
Pool & Gym must be vacated 15 minutes prior to closing
Colour:
Advert Size:OF ROADS TEMPORARY CLOSING
4C (CMYK)
ROADS ACTx1993, SECTION 75 12cms 5cols ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: L7621 Srahauns, Carrownure & Carrick Townlands, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Period of Closure: On various dates between 8th June 2021 to 30th September 2021 Alternative Routes: L7732, L7731, L2018 Reason for Closure: To facilitate Emergency Works for Lough Funshinagh Flood Relief Scheme Shane Tiernan Director of Services
newsbriefs Naughten wants Woodmount Road works The need for improved road safety on the Woodmount Road in Creagh, Ballinasloe, is to be raised by Cllr. John Naughten at the next meeting of the Athlone Municipal District. “I will be raising the concerns of local residents regarding the need for the extension of footpaths and public lighting as well as a reduction in speed limits,” said Cllr. Naughten. “This is a busy road which services Pádraig Pearses GAA pitch and carries a significant volume of traffic on a daily basis. “I will be requesting that Roscommon County Council provides funding to address the issue of lighting, speed reduction and footpaths along this road”.
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Deadline day for Kilcash wind turbine submissions
Residents’ anger over lack of consultation < DAN DOONER
Local residents in the Kilcash and Farbreagues area insist there has been no engagement with the company behind a proposed wind turbine in the area ahead of today’s (Thursday) deadline for planning submissions to Roscommon County Council. Residents have reacted angrily after Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd., issued a statement claiming to have sent letters to 17 homeowners living within 1km of the proposed development. Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group PRO Brian Kearney told the Roscommon People this week that no consultation process has taken place ahead of today’s deadline for submissions. “Natural Forces Renewable Energy say they have written letters to 17 residents living within 1km of this proposed wind turbine, but I can confirm that no one has received anything,” he said. Mr. Kearney, a married father of three whose
home is 620 metres from the proposed development, said there is anger among local residents. “The initial shock has turned to anger. The one thing in particular that has angered us is the lack of engagement from the company. This wind turbine will be 600m from our doors and it will destroy the local landscape when there are better places for it. “We have all heard horror stories about turbines close to homes, from people being unable to sleep at night due to light flicker and people wanting to move out. The problem is no one will want to move into these areas and the community will eventually die off,” he said. Mr. Kearney added that the development would overshadow the entire area, and the hill on which it stands, which is listed as view 19 in the county development plan. He said that the group and local residents had done all they can ahead of the submissions deadline to prevent the development from going ahead. In a statement to the
Roscommon People this week, Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd. described the development as a “community energy project”, claiming letters had been sent to residents. “Natural Forces hope to develop a single wind turbine in Kilcash. The project will be developed as a community energy project under the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) published by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). “The location of the wind turbine has been selected based on a number of factors, mainly compliance with wind farm planning guidelines and the Roscommon County Development Plan ‘Wind Energy Strategy’. “Natural Forces have issued letters to residents living within 1km of the proposed turbine location, we will continue to share project information with the local community as the project progresses and more information comes available. Details of the project can be found on our website: www.naturalforces.ie/projects”.
The Kilcash Wind Turbine Action Group held protests in Knockcroghery village last week
Landowner: ‘It’s a matter for Roscommon County Council’ The owner of land where the proposed wind turbine is set to be developed has said he has had no contact with the company behind the project in recent weeks and that campaigners should take the issue up with Roscommon County Council. Michael Beades, who owns the land between Kilcash and Farbreagues where the wind turbine is planned for said: “I haven’t heard from them (Nat-
ural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd.) in the last few weeks. I am aware of the local campaign but they should be taking it up with the wind company and the Council, not with me”. A planning application for the turbine was received by the council on April 30th and a decision is expected by June 24th. The deadline for planning submissions is today (Thursday, June 3rd).
Jacob Fachel and Theo Kearney pictured during a recent protest against a proposed wind turbine near their homes in Kilcash, Co. Roscommon.
Kerrane calls for submissions extension
Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has called for an extension to the deadline for submissions regarding the proposed wind turbine development between Kilcash and Farbreagues near Knockcroghery. Deputy Kerrane described the
planning process around the development by Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd. as “bizarre”. “The planning process was a bit bizarre because the development was sold as a community project yet no one in the community seems to have
known anything about it,” she said. The Sinn Féin TD said she had written to Roscommon County Council Director of Services Martin Lydon seeking an extension to today’s (Thursday) deadline for submissions.
“Additional time should be given for submissions because it took the local authority twelve days to process the application when usually it takes just five,” she said. Addressing Natural Forces Renewable Energy Ltd., Deputy Kerrane
said it was a “really disappointing way for a company or anyone else to go about this” “We need wind farms,” she said, “But we have so many remote areas…why do they need to be so close to homes?”
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Opening Time: Outdoor dining returns from Monday!
Gerry and Marilyn Kennedy are preparing to open The Hayloft Bar in Strokestown to outdoor customers from next Monday (7th). Pic: Mick McCormack < DAN DOONER
Pubs and restaurants across the county are preparing to reopen to outdoor dining next Monday as part of the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions. While business owners are pleased to be welcoming customers back once more, concerns have been raised over issues such as recruitment and added costs. Some business owners have told the Roscommon People that the current Pandemic Unemployment
Payment (PUP) rate has made it difficult to entice new staff while costs relating to outdoor facilities have added further pressure on the beleaguered hospitality sector. Chairperson of the Roscommon Town and District branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Larry Brennan, described Monday’s reopening as the first steps on the road to a full reopening. “I am absolutely delighted that those who have the facilities to do so can reopen on Monday,” he said. “Hopefully these are the
Donlan’s Bar, Creggs will re-open on June 7th at 11am.
Dalton’s Pub Fuerty, Co. Roscommon Re-Open - Now serving food daily from 12 noon
Out door terraced area’s Contact Joe for bookings 087 9524866
Dolan’s Bar, Creggs re-opens June 7th at 11am Daltons Public House - FB Page
The new outdoor seating area at The Hayloft Bar in Strokestown. Pic: Mick McCormack
first steps now on the road to a full reopening for all pubs and businesses”. Mr. Brennan, who runs ‘Down The Hatch’ with business partner Seamus Hayden, said the reopening wouldn’t suit some businesses. “It unfortunately won’t suit everyone, no more than ourselves. We haven’t got the facilities to reopen on Monday but there are people who have invested a lot of money in outdoor facilities and I’m glad that some part of the sector can now reopen. Hopefully by July 7th we will all be open,” he said. Addressing publicans’ concerns regarding staffing, Mr. Brennan said the nature of the hospitality sector means that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is an attractive alternative to work. “The nature of pubs and the sector in general lends itself towards part-time work. Staff are needed mostly at the weekends and holidays when pubs
are busy and so perhaps it’s not viable for some people to go back working on a part-time basis when they’re getting as much if not more sitting at home. “I think it is inevitable though that the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will go at some point. While no one wants to see anyone genuinely out of work having to suffer, there is no doubt that there is a fair proportion of people happy to sit at home rather than reengage with work,” he said. Meanwhile across the Roscommon area, business owners are gearing up for what promises to be a busy summer for the hospitality sector. The finishing touches are being applied to outdoor seating areas as last-minute preparations continue. Marilyn and Gerry Kennedy have been working hard behind the scenes preparing an attractive new outdoor area at The Hayloft Music and Sports Bar in Strokestown.
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Anouska Lohan is excited to be opening Ned’s Bar in Knockcroghery’s new seating area for up to 100 customers next Monday as part of the reopening of outdoor dining. Pic: Mick McCormack The new outdoor seating area at Ned’s Bar in Knockcroghery. Pic: Mick McCormack
Marilyn says the excitement has been building in recent weeks. “We are very happy to be opening once again from Monday on. We’ve been doing a fair bit of work now for the last few weeks in anticipation of welcoming customers back. “We had a very successful promotion on Facebook recently and we are hoping it all goes well now next week,” she said. Marilyn said that it was also positive news that indoor dining would soon be returning. “It’s good that it’s just a couple of weeks until customers can be indoors in pubs and restaurants… it finally looks like we are on the road to recovery,” she said. Joe Dolan owns both Dalton’s pub in Fuerty and Dolan’s Bar in Creggs and says he is very excited to launch a food-led operation from next Monday. “It’s a large investment in
our food service but we are looking forward to opening and allowing people to get back out and socialise once again. We’re hoping for the weather of course from next week and looking forward to the return of indoor service from July,” he said. Joe says that some pubs are more capable of offering outdoor dining and drinking than others and the reopening restrictions have put added pressure on businesses. He encourages customers to pre-book their tables to
avoid disappointment. “Dolan’s Bar will be open from 11 am next Monday in Creggs while Dalton’s Pub will be open from 12 pm. We have seating for 80 people in both and we’ll be serving food from 12 noon and we are excited about the summer and hope everyone can now return to socialising and make the most of it,” he said. Anouska Lohan is the proprietor of Ned’s Bar in Knockcroghery and the chairperson of the County Roscommon branch of the Vintners Federation of
Ireland. She is looking forward to opening a brandnew seating area at her bar next Monday afternoon. “It has been a long haul since last March, I don’t think we’ve even done 20 weeks of business since then. “We are absolutely delighted to reopen, it was either do it and do it right or not do it all! We’ve put a lot of work into it and concreted the yard at the back of the pub and seating for up to 100 people. It’s great to be back and hopefully this is it now!”
CATTIGAN’S Castle Street, Roscommon
Re- opening
Monday, 7th June All top sports action shown live on our four screens!
KENNEDY’S
Hayloft Bar
Bridge St., Strokestown Tel: 071 9634384 facebook: kennedyshayloftbar
OPENING New Beer Garden Monday, 7th June
Paddy Finn’s KILTEEVAN
BACK OPEN Monday, 7th June at 1pm
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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War of Independence in Roscommon 100 years ago Patrick Coyle and Michael Carty fall victim to Black and Tan shootings June 1921 saw much bloodshed within the county, starting with the shooting of Patrick Coyle on June 1st. Coyle was an elderly, widower blacksmith with no connection to the volunteer movement. He had gone to his neighbour William Murphy’s home to look at a lame horse, when the house was suddenly besieged by Black and Tans, looking for Hubert and Thomas Murphy (sons of William), who were IRA members. Earlier that day, a skirmish between the RIC and IRA volunteers resulted in the wounding of a policeman. The Murphy boys found themselves under fire from the Tans. Thomas was captured, but Hubert managed to escape. Tans ransacked Murphy’s house and as Coyle attempted to get away, he was shot. The injury proved fatal and he died a few days later in Athlone. He was survived by three sons, and was buried in St. John’s Old Graveyard, Lecarrow. He was 67. Towards the end of June, an attack was made on the RIC barracks and courthouse in Frenchpark. The barracks had been vacated by Crown forces, and volunteers decided to burn both buildings on June 25th. The day after, Mantua chapel came under machine gunfire from Crown forces during mass. An officer ordered everyone outside, and men were separated from women and children. Everyone was questioned, some illtreated. The curate Fr. Brannan (who’d been harassed due to his nationalism) was also interrogated, and they were
all told to stop supporting the IRA. Earlier that month, the Castlerea Murder Gang was on the loose again in west Roscommon, targeting Michael Carty and Pete Shannon, members of the 1st Battalion Flying Column. On June 2nd, the men were hiding out at Frank O’Connor’s house in Loughglynn. That morning, Black and Tans and RIC surrounded the house, and shot the men as they slept. Shannon was seriously wounded and was brought to hospital, later making a full recovery. Carty died at the scene.
Terror in Cloonsuck, Castlerea On June 22nd, Cloonsuck suffered a shock raid by the Black and Tans when they laid siege on the Vaughan household. John Vaughan (captain of Cloonboniffe Company), Ned Shannon (brother of Peter) and Martin Ganly, all members of the 1st Battalion, were at the Vaughan home when RIC and Black and Tans surrounded the house. Vaughan threw a grenade in an attempt to escape, which failed to explode, so he and Shannon made a dash for the back door. They got as far as the field behind the house before being cut down by bullets. Vaughan died as he attempted to get to the next field and Shannon was seriously wounded. He was taken to Castlerea and died on the journey. Before leaving the scene, Crown forces wrecked Vaughan’s house and attempted to set it on fire. Vaughan’s body was borne by neighbours back to his house, where he lay in repose all day. Later that evening,
A boy views the ruins of Knockcroghery after it was burned on June 21st 1921.
Black and Tans came back and seized John’s corpse and brought it to Castlerea barracks, where it and the body of Ned Shannon had to be identified. Martin Ganly and Tom Vaughan were arrested that morning and Ganly was later court-martialed and sentenced. Vaughan was 31 and Shannon was 25. On June 16th, a man in civilian clothes was arrested by IRA volunteers and found to be in possession of a revolver and ammunition. After being disarmed and questioned, it transpired he was a Black and Tan, on espionage work for Castlerea police. A court-martial was held, and he was convicted and sentenced to death. When he was informed that he was going to be executed, he asked not to be shot, but drowned instead. His appeal was granted, and he was drowned in the River Suck. Knockcroghery had a rude awakening on June 21st when Black and Tans, police, and Auxiliaries invaded and set fire to the town. Inhabitants were ordered onto the street and Crown forces began to torch houses. By morning, Knockcroghery was a smoldering ruin. One of the reasons for the blitz was a reprisal for the shooting of General Thomas Lambert, whom the IRA had planned to capture and hold for ransom. The abduction went awry when his car didn’t stop at the barricade on the Glasson road, so the IRA opened fire. The car escaped but bullets hit the General and he died the next day. Crown forces believed the men responsible came across the Shannon from Knockcroghery. This was not true, but in any event, Knockcroghery suffered its fate.
General TS Lambert commanded all Crown forces in Roscommon and the west.
Captain John Vaughan was shot by Black and Tans.
Michael Dockery escape
Dockery’s cell from the guardroom, unlocked the door, and quickly returned it. Later, Dockery snuck away from his cell, and went through the yard to the washhouse. From here, he snuck through a window, crossed the Boyle River, and was spirited away by his comrades to Ballinameen. He was never recaptured, and died in the Civil War in 1922. At the end of June the body of Edward Weir (a member of Ballintobber Company) was found in a field near his home. Mystery surrounds Weir’s death; it was assumed at the time he was the victim of a reprisal killing, but local sources believe he was shot as a result of a personal feud. He was buried in Ballintobber Cemetery.
Michael Dockery (OC of the North Roscommon Brigade) had taken part in the Keadue ambush in March 1921, during which two RIC men died. He was captured in Cootehall on May 16th, and two rifles were found in the house where he was arrested. Their discovery led to Dockery being charged with the murder of the policemen. When this news reached volunteers on the outside, they began planning an escape. Secret messages about the prisoners’ routine and security details were smuggled through Boyle Barracks. A corporal on duty was found to be friendly, and through a mediator, was able to set up Dockery’s escape. One night, the soldier got the key to
More next month – (An Staraí Áitiúil)
A plaque in memory of Patrick Coyle at Carnagh West, Co. Roscommon.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
Down’s cheeky goal revives memories of draw against invisible team! < PAUL HEALY
It was a sweeping move and a well-worked goal… one that will live in the memory. The Down players linked beautifully…it was as if their opponents weren’t there. Which they weren’t. Thank God Roscommon ladies downed Down on Saturday (5-15 to 3-12). Because, had Roscommon lost, it’s likely there would have been even more comment this week about the Ulster team’s controversial goal. In case you missed it, here’s what happened: Roscommon ladies hosted Down in Kiltoom
on Saturday. During a water break, both teams went to the sideline, as per usual. Well, both teams bar the Down ‘keeper. When referee Ciaran Groome blew the whistle to resume play, a few Down players began to walk back on to the pitch. The Roscommon players were still on their break. When the Down ‘keeper took a quick kickout, the returning Down players worked the ball up the field and scored into an empty net, as stunned Roscommon players tried to scramble back into position. The bizarre goal was allowed to stand. Apologies to my friends in Rooskey, but the strange episode kind of reminded me of a famous
‘match’ over 40 years ago. Rooskey’s opponents didn’t turn up, but the referee allowed the home team to start the game (with no opposition). Once they went through the formality of scoring, they’d be awarded the win. What happened next made the national papers. One headline read: ‘Rooskey red faces – no score against invisible rivals’. Unfortunately, when the Rooskey players worked the ball upfield that day – ‘against’ their invisible opposition – complacency set in. One of the Rooskey players put the ball wide. There was no goalkeeper to kick the ball out. Game over. Well, at least our lads got a draw.
“We really want to stay in Division One and it will be a savage battle against Armagh now”. – Anthony Cunningham (Roscommon senior football team manager)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Throwback Thursday! Here’s another classic photograph from our files. It shows fascinated punters watching a ‘three-card trick’ expert at work! The location was Lenabane Racecourse, Roscommon. The photograph dates from about 1930. Any feedback to paul@ roscommonpeople.ie will be very welcome. (Watch out for #ThrowbackTuesday on our social media platforms).
Famous birthdays ... this week
Photo ‘rings’ a bell with readers...we think these are the eight men pictured!
Local men enjoying a game of rings and a few drinks in the famous Murray’s Bar in Knockcroghery
“
The things people say…
We received a great response to our photo from the past, as published on this page last week (and posted on social media). This wonderful photograph was of a number of local men enjoying a game of rings and a few drinks in the famous Murray’s Bar in Knockcroghery. There was a quick response on Facebook and subsequently some readers emailed in after seeing the photo in the newspaper. While some readers identified one or two of the men in the photo, others supplied/suggested names for them all! There isn’t total agreement however...different readers suggested different names for a few of the men, but we’ve cross-referenced the various submissions and we think
this is the full line-up: Extreme left: Mick (‘Mike’) Tarpey. Second man in (second from left)...Edward (‘Ned’) Kilduff (Ballagh). Pat Thornton (Violet Hill) is third in, Con Kearney Senior (Scregg) is fourth and Peter Geraghty (Moneymore) is extreme right, standing (with hand on the board). Now to the three (visible) seated men: Dan Connor (Mote Park), Con Kearney Junior (Scregg), Tom Ryan. It is also suggested that the photo dates from the 1960s (not the 1940s). Thank you to everyone who responded on Facebook, by email and directly to our office. *The two Con Kearneys were related to one another. -PH
Rafael Nadal (Tennis superstar, 35 on Thursday)
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (of Modern Family fame, 14 on Sunday)
Angelina Jolie (Actress and filmmaker, 46 on Friday)
Mark Wahlberg (Actor, 50 on Saturday)
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
FarmingPeople Getting beef back into the Chinese market a priority – IFA IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden has said Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and the Government must now redouble their efforts to secure an immediate return of Irish beef to the Chinese market. It follows the announcement that Ireland has attained official status from the OIE of negligible risk status for BSE. “It’s a welcome recognition of the work and production standards on Irish farms,” Mr. Golden said.
Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249
TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY WEEKLY:
SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. VIEWING AT 10 A.M. (AS AND FROM THE 17TH MAY, SELLERS ARE ALLOWED INTO SELLERS BOX TO SELL THEIR STOCK. CASTLEREA MART ADVISES ALL SELLERS TO BE PRESENT IN MART TO SELL THEIR STOCK, WEAR A MASK AND OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING.)
Road safety appeal ahead of silage season The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to drivers of farm machinery and other road users to share the road safely as silage season commences. Roscommon IFA Chairman Jim O’Connor said it’s going to be a busy time on farms in the coming weeks as farming contractors bring in silage around the country. “Last year, there were five road fatalities in Roscommon. Both the IFA and the RSA are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards,” he said. “We are also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, a cycle or maybe riding a horse. We all need to expect the unexpected because the road has become an ever-changing environment since the pandemic began”.
RSA Chief Executive Same Waide said it was a very busy time for farmers and the number of tractors and trailers using the roads would increase dramatically in coming weeks. “Farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible and safe
to do so to allow other vehicles pass safely. Travel restrictions have only recently lifted and drivers may be rusty because they haven’t driven much in recent months. It is important that drivers recognise this, pay extra attention to the road and always be on the lookout for other road users,” he said.
Castlerea MART WATCH
For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.
Joe Mulvihill AGRI CONTRACTOR
Corbane, Elphin, Co. Roscommon
Phone: 086 1925031 l Mowing l Bailing l Wrapping l Agitating l Spreading Slurry
with dribble bar/splash plate
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
TOM ROGERS
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344
TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651
Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price
Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection
Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear.
Glad to be back in the ring! Sean Brennan, Roscommon, and PJ Hunt, Fourmilehouse, pictured at Roscommon Mart recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
ICMSA ‘alarmed’ at removal of dairy under CAP The President of ICMSA has said that he is “alarmed and deeply concerned” that the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has not included dairy-related investments in its proposals for farm investment grants under CAP Post 2020. Pat McCormack called on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue to clarify the matter. “If the idea behind this is the usual Greeninspired anti-dairy policy because of their mistaken belief that dairying is disproportionately emission-heavy, then the answer, surely, is more investment in modern equipment and storage,” Mr. McCormack said.
“The whole point of TAMS (Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes) is the grant-aiding of modern low emissions plant and farm facilities. If dairying is removed, then we’re deliberately setting out to make our most technical and successful area of commercial farming less modern and sustainable. It’s an absolutely bizarre and counter-productive logic that will really shake confidence in the reasoning of our Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,” he added. The ICMSA president said that the measure will also have the effect of discriminating against those areas of the state where dairying is the primary farming concern.
There were increased numbers of stock presented for sale this week and a good trade maintained as a good attendance of customers were present sourcing stock for further feeding. The bullock trade reported some fancy prices for the quality lots, the lighter store bullocks made up to €3.03 a kilo while the heavier lots peaked at €1,930. The heifer trade was similar to last week with good demand from feeders, farmers, and Northern agents. The weanling rings reported good clearances with the bulls peaking at €3.30 a kilo and the heifer weanlings peaking at €3.18 a kilo. The calf trade with good numbers on offer witnessed good demand again this week while the cows with calves at foot made up to €1,820 per head. The dry cow trade is holding well with very good prices on offer for the forward cows with cows making up to €2,010 and more store cows seem to be coming on stream at the moment. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am and sellers are advised to be on site to sell stock. Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 415kgs €1260, Lm 440kgs €1190, AA 445kgs €1090, AAx 530kgs €1400, BBx 550kgs €1410, Ch 370kgs €1040, Ch 455kgs €1120, AA 755kgs €1930, AAx 705kgs €1850, Hex 700kgs €1640. Heifers: Ch 415kgs €1220, Ch 390kgs €1040, AA 420kgs €1040, Ch 465kgs €1280, Lm 485kgs €1220, Ch 450kgs €1150, AAx 790kgs €1600, Ch 690kgs €1590, BBx 530kgs €1560, Ch 595kgs €1460, AAx 675kgs €1440. Dry cows: Fr 420kgs €640, Fr 490kgs €700, Chx 985kgs €2010, Lm 825kgs €1780, PTx 785kgs €1630, Lm 760kgs €1610, Lm 760kgs €1580, Shx 740kgs €1470. Weanling bulls: Ch 235kgs €750, AAx 280kgs €740, Lm 270kgs €740, Ch 200kgs €660, Lm 330kgs €820, Lm 380kgs €1000, Lm 405kgs €1230. Weanling heifers: Lm 295kgs €940, Sim 295kgs €860, Ch 280kgs €800, Ch 395kgs €1030, Lm 315kgs €960, Lm 320kgs €930, Lm 335kgs €920, Ch 420kgs €1280.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
FLOCKMINS EWE & LAMB
Maximising Flock Health at Grass
www.betterforareason.com Tel: 01 437 6894
P Coffey & Sons Ltd Lecarrow
John Murray Ltd Ballinasloe
J Grennan & Sons All Stores
Closing date for BEAM Monday, June 21st Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue this week reminded BEAM participants that the option to choose the alternative BEAM reduction period of January 1st to December 31st 2021 closes on Monday, June 21st. The current reduction period is July 1st 2020 to June 30th 2021. However, as a result of Covid-19 and the impact it could have on some farmers meeting their 5% bovine Nitrates reduction requirement, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine wrote to the European Commission in January 2021 seeking an extension of the reduction period. The Department of Ag-
riculture, Food and the Marine opened a facility on agfood.ie allowing a farmer to indicate if they wished to opt for the later reduction period. The Minister reassured BEAM participants that if they opt to defer but subsequently meet the 5% reduction requirement in the original reduction period, the Department will advise them that they are being removed from the later reduction period, unless they notify the Department otherwise. Minister McConalogue reminded farmers that the Department’s BEAM Bovine Nitrates Calculator is available on agfood.ie and is being updated monthly. He encouraged partici-
pants to utilise the range of tools available including the monthly letter to each BEAM participant outlining their individual progress to date on achieving the 5% reduction and to engage with their agricultural advisor if necessary.
,
(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373
Please note that Sales will be held both on Line with LSL and at Ringside with Limited number of Buyers ----------------------
Friday, June 4th at 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Bullocks
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue
limited numbers allowed at ringside. This Friday (4th) there will be a special sale of bullocks as well as a sale of dry cows at 11 am. There was a smaller entry of sheep on offer at Wednesday’s sale with a dip in trade for spring lambs and cast ewes. Spring lambs made up to €155 for 54kgs. Stag ewes made up to €152. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Our next sheep sale for lambs and case ewes is on
21 pens on offer Also Heifers, Weanlings, Suckler Cows & Dry Cows Please note that Weanlings & Suckler Cows will be sold on Fridays until further notice ----------------------
Friday, June 11th at 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Heifers Also Bullocks, Weanlings, Suckler Cows & Dry Cows Bookings accepted until 11a.m. on Tuesday, 8th June ----------------------
Friday, June 18th at 11 a.m.
Mid-June Special Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers, Weanlings, Suckler Cows and Dry Cows
Roscommon MART WATCH There were similar numbers on offer this week with a brisk trade for all classes. Bullocks average from €2.43 per kilo up to €2.79 per kilo with a complete clearance of lots. Again, this week there was a good entry of dry cows with all lots sold and prices averaging from €1.90 per kilo up to €2.30 per kilo. There was a good demand for heifers with prices averaging from €2.40 per kilo up to €2.74 per kilo. Many customers are continuing to bid online in addition to the
MCL Agri Lanesborough
Wednesday, June 9th at 11 am. The yard is open at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed on www. livestock-live.com. Sample prices for dry cows: Char 895kgs €1960, Lim X 785kgs €1800, Lim X 790kgs €1800, Char X 840kgs €1790, Lim X 630kgs €1230, Char X 645kgs €1240, Char X 660kgs €1280, Lim X 600kgs €1290, BBX 725kgs €1450, Lim X 730kgs €1680, Char X 795kgs €1760, Simm X 710kgs €1350.
Heifers: Lim X 755kgs €1770, Char X 660kgs €1540, Lim X 585kgs €1510, Char X 655kgs €1470, Char X 550kgs €1470, Lim X 535kgs €1460, AAX 555kgs €1320, Lim 500kgs €1310, Char X 555kgs €1430, AAX 555kgs €1320, Sim 520kgs €1290, Char X 515kgs €1360, Char X 550kgs €1470, Lim X 445kgs €1200, Lim X 395kgs €1030, Lim X 335kgs €920. Bullocks: Char X 620kgs €1380, Char X 600kgs
€1360, Char X 510kgs €1270, Char X 560kgs €1200, BBX 570kgs €1140, Char X 390kgs €1090, BAX 420kgs €1080, 2 Lim X 335kgs €850, Lim 385kgs €960, Char X 380kgs €990, Char X 410kgs €1060, Char X 375kgs €990. Spring lambs: 54kgs €155, 52.5kgs €153, 48kgs €152, 47.5kgs €150, 46kgs €148, 45.5kgs €146, 48.4kgs €144, 45.7kgs €142, 43.4kgs €142, 43.3kgs €140, 38.3kgs €138.
Bookings accepted until 11a.m. on Monday, June 14th ----------------------
Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. Gates close at 10 a.m.
ENQUIRIES 090 6626352
Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Business
Apache Pizza eyes Roscommon as part of national expansion < DAN DOONER
Apache Pizza has announced plans to expand its presence in County Roscommon as it looks to create 300 new jobs and open 20 new stores in Ireland by the end of the year. “We are already well established in Roscommon, and the county is very much part of our plans for expansion over the coming months,” said Apache CEO Martin Lyons. The pizza chain says it has served 5.3 million pizzas to its customers during Covid-19 pandemic so far, recording a 12% growth in sales overall in 2020. The company says its expansion plan is driven by its ambition to reach everyone on the island of
Ireland and the 300 jobs will include roles such as supervisors, managers, customer service representatives and couriers. Martin Lyons said Apache is the market leader for pizza delivery in Ireland with 169 stores nationwide. “Apache Pizza was founded in Dublin in 1996. It is an incredible success story and we are delighted to celebrate 25 years in business this month. We currently employ 2,440 people in communities all over the island of Ireland, and we will grow to 2,740 employees by the end of 2021,” he said. Apache Pizza was founded in Dublin in 1996 by Robert Pendleton and his wife Emily Gore Grimes. The business is now owned by Food Delivery Brands and OKR Group.
Apache Pizza has announced plans to expand its presence in County Roscommon as it looks to create 300 new jobs and open 20 new stores in Ireland by the end of the year.
84% would take a job that required them to be vaccinated – FRS Recruitment More than eight in ten people (84%) in Roscommon would take a job that required them to be vaccinated, a new survey by one of Ireland’s leading recruitment companies has revealed. The annual FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Survey for 2021 highlights that optimism
is returning to the jobs market in in the county as Ireland emerges from lockdown. It also showed that 59% of Roscommon people are in favour of employers being required to check vaccine certification before admitting staff to their place of work. 55% of people in
Roscommon believe they would secure a new job within three months and 25% believe they would do so within one month. More than half of all employees in Roscommon (55%) also believe there will be more job opportunities available to them this year. Meanwhile, seven
out of ten Roscommon employees (70%) expect to receive a pay rise in the next twelve months. While 65% would consider a pay cut if their job was at risk and 75% would be open to a reduction in their working week under those circumstances. 50% admit to being fearful for their job security which,
Athlone woman is new President of the Institute of Directors in Ireland The Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD), the membership body representing directors and business leaders, has announced that Athlone native, Imelda Reynolds, is the new President of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland following the Institute’s AGM last week. She succeeds Harry Lorton, following the completion of Mr. Lorton’s two-year term leading the Council of the Institute. On her appointment, Imelda Reynolds said: “The importance of good governance in business and the requirement for directors in upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in undertaking their role has never been more important. “As one of the leading advocates of corporate governance standards in Ireland, the Institute of Directors in Ireland provides its members with a wide range of resources designed for their professional development as business leaders and company directors. “I am delighted to take up the role of President of the IoD for the next two years”.
Pictured is Stephen Corrigan (Tesco Roscommon Store Manager) and Siobhán Kilcline (Community Champion) presenting a cheque to Noeleen Rudden (Roscommon Western Alzheimer’s) on behalf of Tesco.
as the country emerges from lockdown, is lower than the national average (58%). 65% of Roscommon employees are currently remote working some or all of the time while 35% believe the reopening has been too slow. A total of 3,192 people participated in the survey nationally which was conducted over twelve days in April. Colin Donnery, General Manager of FRS Recruitment, said: “People in Roscommon have adapted to the change of circumstances created by the pandemic and as we emerge from lockdown they are ready to move forward. After a year of lockdown and an understandable reluctance to consider change, we are seeing that both candidates and employers are now keen to see what the market offers. “The survey also shows how the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on attitudes to remote working. The vast majority of employers expect to offer additional remote working opportunities post pandemic and the vast majority of employees in Roscommon and throughout the country want remote working to now be part of their professional lives”.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
PEOPLE PLATFORM Your say, our say….in everyone’s favourite local newspaper!
‘Our Culture and heritage threatened by animal rights activists’
Lockdown woes By Seamus Dockery Will we ever get back dancing to our favourite country stars, in all the famous ballrooms and local music bars? Will we ever get to jive again or waltz across the floor, greet our friends up at the bar or as they walk through the door?
Dear Sir, The Taoiseach recently referenced the importance of balance in society and not being absolutist in pursuing individual objectives to the exclusion of others. The Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation represent greyhound owners and breeders who are the target of an animal rights campaign of social exclusion. These activists wish to deny greyhound racing, horse racing, farmers, hunters, fishermen, zoos, aquariums, working animals, meat eaters and pet owners the same rights, opportunities, status and resources that are normally available to all members of society. Greyhound racing in recent times has been systematically marginalised and excluded by certain media, Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and national TV broadcasting stations. Our culture and heritage is being threatened by policies that meet the needs of animal rights activists but not our needs. Some politicians are bowing to the relentless demands of animal rights campaigners and allowing businesses, individuals and agencies to be harassed and forced to make social exclusion policies which are detrimental and damaging to rural pursuits, farming, pet ownership, tourism and any business involving animals. The animal rights perception of our heritage is not reality. All judgement of what is right and what is wrong is relative to one who is doing the judging. By all means scrutinise animal welfare, scrutinise laws, traceability and regulations but above all scrutinise the attempts to bring about social exclusion. Animal Rights Activists are experts in using propaganda, allegations and sensationalism but look closely at their accusations, their mistruths, their shame campaigns, their donation buttons, their billboards, their websites, their posters, their megaphones, their chants, their letters to newspapers and their entire modus operandi and reflect…. Please don’t allow the social exclusion of our heritage by animal rights campaigners. Damian Matthews, Chairman IGOBF
How I miss the tone of the fiddle, the bass and steel guitar, I miss the banter from all the folks who travelled near and far. To hear the band’s play once again would mean so much to me, to dance and chat and have the craic and once again be free. A silent killer has swept our land for twelve long months or more, it has turned our world upside down like we never saw before. We can’t forget the families who are suffering loss and pain, their lives are changed forever, it will never be the same. We wear our masks all day and night, our hands scrubbed to the bone, we can’t meet up with our friends, we have to stay at home. We have to keep six feet apart, sometimes that’s hard to gain, sanitize your hands once more is now the one refrain. Bernard Connor pictured laying a wreath at the Republican monument in Loughglynn on behalf of Roscommon Sinn Féin for Volunteer Michael Carty, Aghadrestan, Loughglynn, who was shot dead on the June 2nd 1921 by Black and Tans.
But now a ray of light does shine, our jab is on its way, and with the help of the Lord above we will see a bright new day.
Members of the Roscommon For Life group took part in a demonstration at The Square, Roscommon on 25th May, the 3rd anniversary of the Referendum on the 8th Amendment of the Constitution.
Warm tributes paid to the late Eddie Fallon
The late Eddie Fallon.
The wider community of South Roscommon has paid tribute to the late Eddie Fallon who passed away following illness on Sunday, May 23rd. Mr. Fallon, a Rahara native, was well-known through his involvement in farming and Gaelic games and was highly regarded as someone who gave of his time and efforts in the interests of his parish. Former IFA Regional Development Officer, Adrian Leddy, said Mr. Fallon was an extremely hard-working IFA representative at both local and national level. “Eddie served as Roscommon IFA Secretary from 1998 to 2002 and went on to become the County Chairman from 2002 to 2006. He also represented Roscommon on the National Livestock Committee for six years and was at the forefront of during the various factory disputes during his time. He was also chairman when the IFA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005,” he said. “He was also very highly thought of at Bord Bia where he worked in his latter years as part of the Quality Assurance Scheme. He was an out and out community man and was always willing and able to help people.
“On a personal level, Eddie was a pleasure to work with and he was always a very good officer and very supportive when working with Bord Bia when it came to queries from farmers. “He touched a lot of people apart from those in his own community and he was well known and highly thought of at national level throughout the IFA. “He was a great friend to both myself and my late wife, Paula. He has reared a lovely family, who are a credit to him. As I know personally, it’s a very difficult time and I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Sheila and family”. St. Dominic’s GAA Club also paid tribute to Mr. Fallon recently, describing him as a “proud family man and highly skilled farmer”. A club statement read: “While Eddie was a keen footballer in his younger days, the mantle of leadership and administration also rested well on his shoulders. Eddie held many officer roles down through the years including Chairperson of the Parks Committee, ViceChairperson and Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Delegate to Roscommon County Board and Chairperson of the Senior Football Committee which he performed so dutifully up to very recent times.
“Eddie played a pivotal role in the formation of the Ladies Football Committee in early 2002 and thoroughly enjoyed helping to organise the annual St. Dominic’s Dinner Dance. “Gaelic football was Eddie’s main passion and one of his proudest moments was when his two sons, Patrick and Conor, and his nephew, Daire, lined out for the club in the Intermediate football final last October, in Dr. Hyde Park. Although the result didn’t fall in St. Dominic’s favour, Eddie certainly treasured the experience. “The club extends its sympathies to his mother Betty, wife Sheila, daughters Aileen, Fiona and Orla, sons Patrick and Conor, son-in-law Mark, grandson Liam, sisters Margaret and Breda, mother-in-law Brigid and the extended Fallon family”. Mr. Fallon’s funeral cortege departed from his home on Tuesday, May 25th for the Church of the Immaculate, Rahara for Mass of the Resurrection with burial afterwards in Rahara Cemetery. A minute’s silence was observed prior to the Allianz National Football League match between Roscommon and Kerry at Dr. Hyde Park.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
€200m funding welcomed for N5 project Funding of €200 million for the upgrade of the N5 National Primary route between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue has been welcomed by local public representatives this week. The project had been under consideration since the mid-2000s and the stretch of road passes
through the towns of Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk, and Strokestown. Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan said the project, which comprises the construction of 34km of a new single carriageway that would extend from the Ballaghaderreen bypass to Scramo-
gue, would be an enormous economic boost for the region. “It will improve safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and support the Government’s Road Safety Strategy and eliminates sections of the N5 that have a collision rate twice above the national av-
Woof sailing!
Lough Ree lifeboat rescues six people and a dog The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew had another busy weekend as they came to the rescue of six people and a dog at Gailey Bay and Nuns Island last weekend. At 6 pm on Saturday (29th), the crew, under helm Kieran Sloyan, came to the aid of a private cruiser with two people on board which had come aground at Gailey Bay near Portrun. The cruiser was inspected and towed to safe water. On Sunday evening (30th), the lifeboat received a call from a rib with four people and a family pet on board which had experienced engine failure near Nuns Island. Under helm Shane McCormack, the crew of ‘Tara Scougall’ reached the vessel just before 6 pm and took it under tow to a safe berthing in the inner lakes. Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, RNLI Operations Manager, Jude Kilmartin, has said: “It is so important for all who are planning trips on the lake or river to examine their equipment, prepare thoroughly, have a contact ashore and in the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 at the
The Lough Ree RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew had another busy weekend as they came to the rescue of six people and a dog at Gailey Bay and Nuns Island last weekend. earliest opportunity”. A new boathouse for Lough Ree RNLI is near completion at Coosan Point, Athlone. The charity welcomes public support for the Lough Ree RNLI Boathouse Appeal on its GoFundMe page.
erage, reduces the cost of travel for business and improves journey times and journey time reliability along the N5,” he said. “I have supported and campaigned for this vital piece of infrastructure since I was elected for the constituency of Roscommon South Leitrim and I am
thrilled to see such a positive outcome in today’s announcement,” the Minister of State concluded. Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said the project should proceed in the very near future. “It is my belief that at last we will open up north, east and west
Roscommon and can give us an extra economic bounce once completed. “I know some towns and villages will be concerned about the loss of passing traffic but we will have to market those areas with vigour and enthusiasm,’ he said.
Cormac to represent Roscommon in TG4 series Twelve-year-old Cormac Fleming from Roscommon town was selected to represent County Roscommon in a series that will air on Cúla 4/TG4 celebrating young people’s creativity and innovation as part of Cruinniú na nÓg. The series will be broadcast on TG4, and on TG4’s social media and Youtube channel during the week prior to Cruinniú na nÓg on June 12th. Cormac, a sixth class pupil in Gaelscoil de hÍde, Roscomáin, was given an opportunity to share the reasons he is so passionate about computers. He has enjoyed film-making, making podcasts and creating computer games from a very young age.
Cormac’s input was filmed recently in Loughnaneane Park and he spoke in Irish about a recycling game he created through Scratch in five different languages. He described various films and podcasts he has produced and also showed his creativity by playing a hornpipe on his bosca ceoil, accompanied by his brother Diarmuid on the fiddle. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people. Cruinniú na nÓg 2021 is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Creative
Twelve-year-old Cormac Fleming (seated) from Roscommon town was selected to represent County Roscommon in a series that will air on Cúla 4/TG4 celebrating young people’s creativity and innovation as part of Cruinniú na nÓg.
Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ and is the only event of its kind
in the world. Cormac was delighted to represent his county in this series.
Fregoli Theatre Company returns home to Roscommon Arts Centre
In a year that has been so challenging to artists and creators of artistic work, Roscommon Arts Centre is once more reinforcing its commitment to supporting artists in their creation of work by continuing its Artist in Residence programme throughout 2021. In 2020, Fregoli Theatre Company embarked on their “Finding Home” residency at The Roscommon Arts Centre. They explored the theme of home in a year when the meaning of home became entirely different. Now, Fregoli Theatre are delighted to announce their return as Theatre Company in residence at The Roscommon Arts Centre to continue this exploration. The residency is supported by The Roscommon Arts Centre and The Arts Council. As part of their residency in 2020, Fregoli reimagined their work, presenting a number of digital productions, including, ‘I Want You to Know Me’, which explored domestic violence and fundraised for Safe Ireland, ‘Inside You Stay’, which ex-
plored home as both sanctuary and prison, as well as themes of communication and mental health. ‘Tangents’ was created in response to the loss of the company’s physical rehearsal room, their home. Their beautiful short film, ‘Home For Christmas’, was filmed in Roscommon town and county, and this digital work is full of joy, heartache and the warmth of home. 2020 also saw the beginning of ‘Cross Street’, a new play written by Jarlath Tivnan, which explores how mental issues can grow and manifest when left to fester. Fregoli released a virtual, rehearsed reading of this work in progress, filmed by Mimar Productions. As part of their residency in 2021, Fregoli will continue to develop ‘Cross Street’, gearing up for a full production (Covid permitting). They will also now embark on an exciting new programme of work that will include professional development, peer learning, and communitybased engagements at locations throughout the county, bringing some theatrical craic and mad-
‘Cross Street’ is a new play, written by Jarlath Tivnan, set to be performed by the Fregoli Theatre Company.
ness to communities and groups across Roscommon. Founded in 2007, Fregoli Theatre Company aims to produce and perform energetic and stimulating work that appeals to a large cross section of the
public. They focus primarily on new and original work and are committed to the promotion of the arts and theatre on a local, national and international scale. There is a strong Roscommon vein running through Fregoli,
with Artistic Director Maria Tivnan and company members Jarlath Tivnan and Peter Shine all hailing from the county. Other members of the company include Rob McFeely, Eilish McCarthy, Kate Murray, Tara
Finn, Eimear Finan and Oisin Robbins. To view previous work from Fregoli Theatre Company, check out fregolitheatre.ie. Full details on their residency are available from roscommonartscentre.ie.
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PropertyPeople
Former Carniska school sells for over €100,000 above reserve This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is pleased to report the success of the online public auction he conducted on Thursday last, with a number of quality Roscommon properties sold under the digital hammer. The auction highlight was the former Carniska school outside Strokestown, which sold for €186,000 after a whopping 86 online bids (it was reserved at only €75,000). The property attracted world-wide attention, with clients from Dubai, Australia, Canada, and the USA registering for the auction and using the virtual tour platform to view the interior of the property. The second property sold on the day was a primely located, two-bedroomed, semi-detached bungalow residence, situated at 2 Oakwood retirement vil-
lage, which had a reserve of €100,000. Bidding was very brisk, and the property attracted 24 bids, eventually being sold for €142,000. Other properties sold on the day included a quality retail unit in the Stonecourt complex for €49,000 and a derelict residence on approximately 0.6 of an acre outside Ballintubber village, which sold for €15,000. Christy’s bar at Strokestown and a quality, four-bedroomed bungalow at Bumlin Strokestown beside the golf club remain for sale by private treaty and private treaty negotiations are ongoing on same. John Earley FIPAV reported: “We experienced very strong interest in all lots pre-auction, and witnessed very competitive bidding during the various one-hour auction windows. We achieved very satisfactory prices and
PROPERTY PARTNERS
PRSA No. 001481
EARLEY
NEW TO THE MARKET A QUALITY 4 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE OF APPROX. 1,800 SQ.FT LOCATED AT
EMLAGH, CASTLEPLUNKET, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 HD27 Price Guide: €195,000.
now require similar properties for a substantial list of disappointed underbidders. “In particular, I have been extremely encouraged by the interest from outside of
Ireland for all lots, which is as a result of our in house virtual tour viewing platform together with drone technology which we use for all properties”. For further details or a
free appraisal of your property contact Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie or log onto propertypartners.ie.
When it comes to selling property, there’s no substitute for experience This week, Property Partners Earley Roscommon are seeking houses in all areas of Roscommon for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. Houses in the general Roscommon Town, Knockcroghery and Lecarrrow areas are of particular interest, with a number properties having been sold here in the past few weeks. Property Partners have been selling property for generations and offer a nationwide network of offices offering exceptional local knowledge. With an exten-
sive computerised database of active buyers, Property Partners Earley are best placed to advise on all your property matters. They offer a professional marketing plan designed to deliver their goal of selling your home for the highest price possible, and have launched a 360 degree virtual tour service at no extra cost, which has allowed for a number of properties to be sold to overseas clients who are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions. Your property will be listed on
all major websites to include propertypartners.ie, daft.ie and myhome.ie. With over 3,000 unique hits on the Property Partners website each day alone, your property will be marketed to the forefront. Local knowledge, nationwide. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV) of Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.
Substantial Strokestown property available at Earley’s This week, John Earley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is offering to the market a substantial eight-bedroomed (all en-suite), dormer-style residence of approximately 3,100 square feet, located at ‘Cairn House’, Curry, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. John describes the property as: “A stunning and substantial eightbedroomed (all en-suite), detached, dormer-style
residence, finished to the highest of standard throughout. This imposing property stands on a beautifully mature and elevated site area of approximately 2.37 acres, with unobstructed views of the rolling green countryside to the front. Offering approximately 3,100 square feet of spacious living accommodation throughout, this fine property is ideally positioned to operate as a
guest house or indeed as a substantial family residence”. The auctioneers highly recommend viewings and all offers are invited for immediate sale. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 0906626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto propertypartners.ie.
An impressive 4 B/R bungalow residence standing on a site area of c. 0.5 of an acre with the benefit of a large detached garage standing to the side. The said property is finished to an excellent condition throughout and is located in a select countryside area only a few minutes from Castleplunket & Ballintubber Villages. BER: C3. Joint Selling Agent: Nigel Dineen, Auctioneer. 086 2130723.
---------------------------------------------------
FOR SALE
A SELECT 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE WITH GARAGE LOCATED AT
BALLYFINNEGAN, BALLINTUBBER VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 DY 27 (on a large site area with potential). Price Guide: €150,000.
A prime quality 3 B/R bungalow residence located in this regarded tidy town village standing on a beautiful mature site area which holds potential due to its road frontage. The said property offers an area of approx. 850 sq.ft with garage of approx. 200 sq.ft set to the side and storage shed off of approx. 190 sq.ft. The auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers to sell. BER: D1. Legal: Callan Tansey & Co, Boyle. 071 96 62019.
Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie of Professional ipav Institute Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Auctioneer & Valuers Fax: (090) 6625405 PSRA Licence No. 001481
Your local paper!
Businesses: Reach your target market!
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
PropertyPeople Estate Agents | Auctioneers | Valuers Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664 Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472
moranandco.ie
Corracoolia & Muckloon, Ballyforan, H53 WR97
Lands c. 18.9 acres together with Bungalow Residence For Sale By Private Treaty (In one or more lots).
Property Wanted
We have buyers with funds available seeking all types of residential properties across the region of East Galway/South Roscommon Bungalows, Two Storeys and Cottages. We also have buyers seeking farm lands Contact David Moran for a free valuation and the best advice on how to sell your property.
The property is laid out in three divisions and is being offered in one or more lots; Corracoolia c. 4.9 acres of top quality lands with bungalow thereon in one lot or in two lots; Lot 1 Bungalow on c. 0.9 acres (Accommodation; Sittingroom, Kitchen, Utility, 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom.) Lot 2 Lands c. 4.0 acres with extensive road frontage on to the Mountbellew Road which has site potential subject to planning permission. Muckloon c. 9.63 acres of good quality farm lands laid out in one division plus small plot of commonage (one twenty seventh share in 1.28 acres) Muckloon c. 3.92 acres of bog. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a small holding or to acquire additional lands. The bungalow is presented in immaculate condition. The property is c. 20 minutes drive from Athlone, Ballinasloe, and Roscommon. Viewing recommended. Further details from the auctioneer David Moran, MSCSI MRICS.
Professional Property Services
Property employers urged to turn to apprenticeships to fill skills gaps Estate agents and property services in Roscommon are being urged to turn to apprenticeships to fill skills gaps as their industry grows. That’s according to City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB), which yesterday launched an impact report on its Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship. The apprenticeship provides a two-year, work-based learning programme for people seeking careers in auctioneering, estate agency, property management, and property letting. Sandra Harvey-Graham, National Programme Manager for the Auctioneering Property and Services Apprenticeship at CDETB, said apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way for Roscommon employers to recruit, as well as a fast-tracked route for employees to gain their PSRA licence. “By taking on an apprentice, employers cut down on recruitment and training costs and also receive a direct financial incentive,” she said. “Furthermore, through our apprenticeship, all four categories of the PSRA licence are fast-tracked: apprentices can gain their full professional licence within only two years, so they can begin adding real value for their employers very quickly.
“Since we launched the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship in 2018, we have had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from employers. They are strong supporters of the programme because it attracts highquality participants – the majority of apprentices have previous professional experience and graduate with a distinction. Our employers also feel the apprenticeship model builds loyalty and trust, resulting in a high retention rate when apprentices complete the programme”. Last year, 86 apprentices were hired by auctioneering and property services through the CDETB apprenticeship. In the first five months of 2021, up to 70 apprentices have been recruited, signalling much higher demand from the industry than in previous years. Until June 30th, Roscommon employers can avail of a new Government package that offers a €2,000 payment to take on an apprentice, and a further €1,000 in the second apprenticeship year. CDETB is urging auctioneers and property services looking to grow their business to take on an apprentice this year. Interested companies can find out more at: https:// auctioneeringapprenticeship.ie/ Pictured today at the launch were Katie McGarvey, Head of Compliance at DNG Group which has participated in the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship since 2019 with Apprentices Darragh Whelan, and Harry Angel. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan employeers/.
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
NewsPeople
Nicola and Kim Nugent and Lee Murphy pictured at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
Onboard dining: Seamus and Margaret O’Donohoe pictured enjoying the sunshine at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
! n u tr r o P t a n u S e th in Fun
Roisin O’Grady, Laura McSharry and Ali Fallon, Roscommon, enjoying the sunshine at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
Róisín Beirne and Rebecca Gavigan, Strokestown, pictured at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
On the boardwalk! Sarah Kilcline, Eve Connaughton, Ella Bailey, and Ciara Corrigan pictured at Portrun, Co. Roscommon last Sunday. Pic: Mick McCormack
Brazilian Barbecue! The Legao family, Roscommon, making the most of the weather at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
Fergal and Will O’Gara pictured at Portrun, Co. Roscommon recently. Pic: Mick McCormack
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Classifieds
Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at
Tullys
PODIATRIST
Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved
St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment
HSE Trained and Approved l 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 treatment.
085 1503353 086 8538404
Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com
SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK
• 20 years experience
Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)
For Bookings Contact:
College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,
(087) 707 5803
(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)
Co Galway H53 D7W8
(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines
FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed
087 2982214
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic
advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
Chimney Cleaning
• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires
087 2798704
Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP
Send your Classified advertisement to
Complete Chimney Services
The Galway Podiatrist
By Appointment Only –
Submit your Classified online
l
CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:
FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC
Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes
Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902
General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims l
• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods
Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.
Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits
Construction
• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services
Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar
CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey
PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST
EVERY FRIDAY
l
CHIMNEY CLEANING
CHIMNEY REPAIRS
CHIMNEY SWEEP • Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning fergalkelly@live.com
Fergal 086 1016899
CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:
• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN
Telephone: 086 8433433
Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor
BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland
VHI and Laya Covered
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.
NO FIX NO FEE
PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie
COUNSELLING
COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you? Please call Glynis on
085 2514394
email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk
https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com
COUNSELLING
FENCING/GATES
COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY
Des Kelly Fencing
Are you affected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self-esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Contact: Billy 094 96 59966 Mobile: 086 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com
DRIVING LESSONS
Paul McStay
DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon
EDT Lessons Available Telephone:
094 96 20099 Mobile:
086 8936012
This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation
FENCING/GATES
JOE HEALY
Tree Services
• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured
Phone:
087 2721193
FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l
For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l
Tel: 087 2172281
Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on
087 2346364
GARDENING
CORBETT
TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING
l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on
l
087 6558597
www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com
GATELY GARDENING
Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496
GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available
LIFE COACH
Mindset Life Coach Online
l Personal
Development/Life Coaching l Membership Club l Workshops l Retreats CONTACT
Emer Watchorn
BSc. Arch Tech, HDip Executive & Life Coaching
087 7718842 website:
emerwatchorn lifecoach.com REFLEXOLOGY
REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)
Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)
Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook
FOR SALE
Phone John on
087 2860428
• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.
Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165
www.parklawntreeservices.
< FOR SALE: Pedigree German short haired pointer pups. Champion breeding, IKC Registered, wormed and vaccinated. Phone: 086 2572512
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Classifieds FARMING
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
PLANNINGS
BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers All sprayers are required to be tested every 3 years according to Dept. of Agriculture regulations. Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083
PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732
< TO LET: 2 bed apartment to let in Athleague Village. Tel: 087 7541730
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural
086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com
facebook.com/moleskinarch ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of John and Lorraine Griffin for 1. Retention Permission for alterations to the front facade of the existing dwelling house to that which differs from planning granted under PD/98/537; the construction of a 28sqm domestic garage; the construction of a 105sqm storage shed; the installation of a 14.7sqm prefab and alterations to the site layout and 2. Planning Permission to construct a single storey extension to the existing dwelling house with all associated site development works at Ballinderry Td, Co. Roscommon.
Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Telephone: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Warren or Drum, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. We intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for retention permission for porch to front of the existing Abbey Haven Care Centre and Nursing Home together with all ancillary site works and services at the above address.
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 at Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon 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: Mulryan Construction Ltd.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Deeney Engineering and Planning Services, are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Keith Duignan and Niamh Regan, for Retention Planning Permission to retain, as constructed: 1. Garage/store at rear of site and associated site works. 2. Additional driveway and associated site works at 16 Fortlands, Kilcolman TD, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.
This 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 a prescribed fee within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application Signed: Deeney Engineering and Planning Services Tel: 086 2503109
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Siobhan Keenehan and Damien Coman, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for construction of a dwelling house, connections to services, access onto the Public Road and associated site development works at Deerpark Td, Boyle, Co Roscommon.
This 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 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Aoife and Finbarr Feely, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain (a) as Constructed Dwelling House which is at variance to the Dwelling House permitted under Grant of Planning PD17/484, (b) Amended Site Boundary and (c) Domestic Shed with associated site development works at Doon Td, Rock of Doon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
This 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 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for retention of single storey extension to dwelling house at Cloongowna, Bealnamullia.
Signed: Michael Keegan. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for demolition of shed and for erection of general purpose storage unit to school premises at Curraghboy N.S., Curraghboy.
Signed: P. Cronolly, Principal . The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of Aaron Aughney and Niamh Carroll for planning permission to construct a single storey dwelling house and domestic garage with wastewater treatment system and percolation area and all associated site development works at Ballaghabawmore Townland, Co. Roscommon.
Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Telephone: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Brian Flanagan, intend to apply for planning permission for development at Knockalaghta, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, F45 F586. The development will consist of: 1) Demolition of 10 sq.m of non-original rear porch; 2) Demolition of 29 sq.m turf shed; 3) Construction of 87 sq.m of domestic extension to the rear and side of the existing dwelling along with associated internal and external alterations and renovation works to the existing dwelling and all associated site works and services relating to the above.
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: Brian Flanagan Knockalaghta, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, F45 F586.
PLANNINGS eagle
eagleblueprint blueprint A Home for LIfe
A Home for LIfe
Affordable plans/drawings
TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:
086 2437376
New builds & extensions Free consultation
TURF AVAILABLE
087 2605 695
Tel: Donal
086 2721812
www.eagleblueprint.com
(All areas)
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Avril Clarke intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Cloonark, Cornafulla, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.
< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. T: 090 6624681 M: 087 635 8949 E: sblake2006@gmail.com
< TURF PLOTS: Plots for turf to let, Castlerea, Ballinagare area. Now taking orders. Contact Chris 086 4100508
< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!
The local paper! OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY
We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:
090 66 34633
advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
35
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Classifieds PAINTING & DECORATING
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
USEFUL SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN
086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given
Phone Alan on:
090 6661635 or Mobile:
087 2683079 HOME MAINTENANCE < PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802
USEFUL SERVICES
CARPENTER AVAILABLE
OPMS Handyman and property maintenance services
NO JOB TO SMALL
Kitchens and wardrobes: any door style and variety of colours available. Contact: 086 1536956 or email cartycarpentry@ yahoo.com
Call 0874357682 for a quote today!
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED
Plumbing & Maintenance
PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01
• Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION
Contact Luke on
085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.
PAINTING
PAINTING CONTRACTORS Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Cleaning Sheds, Painting Roofs and Hay Barns
Pat: 086 8937186 Sean: 089 9661849 We steam clean all Domestic Roofs remove moss and can apply dye to roof tiles
CARS
DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED
TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815
DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie
Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring:
087 9657933
or 090 6626752
Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.
We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal
Tel: 087 0944027
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McDERMOTT Billy Clooneenbane, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)
BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added
CONTACT HAZEL
087 6758874
Treasured memories of Billy, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who passed away on 1st June 2019 Rest In Peace. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Your kind and gentle soul has passed but you will forever remain in the hearts and minds of your loving wife Ann, children Marty, Sarah, Mary, Ruth, James, Dermot, Donal and Helena, grandchildren, brother Noel, extended family and friends.
Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com
McCORMACK J.J. Cartron, Four Mile House, Roscommon Who passed away on 3rd June 2020 (1st Anniversary) Aged 67 Years
Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 5th June at 7pm in Cloverhill Church.
BRENNAN Elizabeth & Seamus Grange, Four Mile House. 18th Anniversary on 7th June & 8th Anniversary 18th November
You rest in the arms of angels, in a place of peace and love watching over us always, from Heaven up above. You guide us through our worries, and help us through each day, always by our side, you never went away. The bond cannot be broken, made from love so pure, death does not break the bond, it lives on forever more. You rest in the arms of angels, free from illness and pain, waiting for the day, we are together again.
Forever missed and remembered by Karen and Ciaran, John, Aidan, James and Michelle, Cathal and Michelle.
GRANNY & GRANDAD Although we never meet you, we know that you are here, smiling down, watching over us, as we play. Forever in our hearts, forever in our lives, a special granny and grandad in Heaven up above.
Ruth, Evan, Tadhg, Jack and Archie.
Locally owned ... in the heart of the community
Alone, but never quite alone, I face an empty chair; but sometimes in the silence, I imagine you are there, my companion for so many years, no longer here with me, and yet in some mysterious way, you keep me company. When your beautiful heart stopped beating, my heart just broke in two, knowing that here on earth there will never be another like you.
Forever loved and deeply missed by your heartbroken wife, Chris. ~~~~~~~~~~ He never looked for praises, he was never one to boast, he just went on quietly working for the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken, his wants were very few, and most of the time his worries went unspoken too. He was there.....A firm foundation through all our storms of life, a sturdy hand to hold on to in times of stress and strife. A true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad, one of our greatest blessings, the man that we called Dad.
Always loved and sadly missed by Anne-Marie, Geraldine, Padraic, Michelle and Joe, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and cherished grandchildren. J.J.’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 6th June in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House at 11am.
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. A.D.
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in county roscommon! The local paper!
36
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CREAN Mac (Immacula)
DONNELLY Gerry
Ardsallagh More, Roscommon Who passed away on 3rd June 2020. (1st Anniversary)
Rahara, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (17th Anniversary) In loving memory of Gerry who died on 5th June, 2004. R.I.P
Jerry, the children, the sisters and brother of the late Mac Crean whould like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the kindness, support and sympathy shown to us on the sad loss of Mac, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. We are very grateful for all the messages of sympathy on RIP.ie and to all who turned up at the Church, even though they could not be admitted. Our gratitude to the staff of the Sacred Heart Home for the loving care they took of Mac can never be adequately expressed. Our thanks are due to Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for their friendship and professionalism and to the cemetery staff. Anniversary Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 5th June at 11am.
FALLON Laurence (Larry)
Dysart, Roscommon Who passed away on 7th June 2020.
Loved and respected wherever you went, happy, smiling and always content. Helpful, forgiving, but never unkind, these are the memories you left behind.
Sadly missed by his wife Teresa, daughter Orla, sons Luke, Anthony and Damien, brother Liam, daughtersin-law Ann, Siobhán and Helena and grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Keeva, Muireann, Róisín, Carly and Conor. Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday, 6th June at 10am.
HOARE James 21 Circular Road, Roscommon (14th Anniversary) Who died on 6th June 2007
The family of the late Larry Fallon would like to express their deep gratitude to all who supported and sympathised with them on the sad passing of Larry. Thanks to all the families, neighbours and friends who attended the funeral, sent Mass Cards, flower arrangements and letters of sympathy. A special word of thanks to Fr. Francis Beirne, P.P. for supporting and officiating Larry’s Funeral and to Liam Gately and the choir for the beautiful singing and music. To the gravediggers who prepared his final resting place and those who helped in any way. To Donnie Hamrock for his care and respect organising the funeral arrangements. A special thanks to Dr. Martin Daly and staff, Ballygar for their kindness and professionalism towards Larry. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Anne, sons Laurence and Padraic, daughter Julie, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, brothers and sisters and all his family.
Sadly missed by all his family.
KELLY Larry Grange Lake, Curraghboy, Athlone and Great Barr, Birmingham (32nd Anniversary)
Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Time slips by and life moves on, but from our hearts you are never gone. We think of you always, we talk about you too. We have so many beautiful memories, but we wish we still had you.
Forever loved and deeply missed by your sisters Mary and Margaret, brother Michael, brothers in-law, sister in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnephews & grandniece. Anniversary Mass will be offered in private due to current circumstances.
McCORMACK Padraic Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 8th June, 2014 (7th Anniversary)
Your memories are precious, your presence is missed.
Fondly remembered by his family and friends. Anniversary Mass will be offered on Sunday June 13th in Cloonfad Church at 10.30am.
The hands of time keep turning, as the years, they pass away. But in our hearts and memories, you are with us every day.
Always remembered by the Kelly family.
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. A.D.
QUIGLEY Tommie and Annie
In loving memory of
COSTELLO Martin Joe 37 O’Keefe Park, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway Who passed away on 1st June 2020.
God Looked around His garden and he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered “peace be thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone, for part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
Always remembered by your loving family. Martin’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilkerrin on Sunday, 6th June at 11am.
FARRELL Mikie Late of Castlemine, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon Who died on June 8th 2004 (17th Anniversary)
THANKSGIVINGS
Family Notices Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon
Ballybane, Galway Formerly Aughagad, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary) In loving memory of Tommie who died on the 8th June 2017
Will those who think of James today, a little prayer to Jesus say.
An Anniversary Mass will be held at a later date.
• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance
DOWD Tommie
Treasured memories of a dear husband, father and grandfather.
Always much loved and remembered by his wife Patsy, sons, daughters, sonsin-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Prayers have been said.
Rathconnor, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon (29th and 2nd Anniversaries)
Treasured memories of our loving parents, Tommie who passed away on 12th March 1992 and his wife Annie who passed away on 8th June 2019. R.I.P. This message is sent with all our love from here on earth to Heaven above. Time slips by and life goes on but from our hearts ye are never gone.
Sadly missed and always remembered by their loving family. Mass offered.
Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance
MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed
Email or call for Sample Pack
Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com
OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time
37
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
APPOINTMENTS ILDEA oncrete
ILDEA oncrete
Credit Control and Data Protection Officer Credit Control and Data Protection Officer Roscommon Credit Union Ltd wishes to appoint a full-time Credit Control and Data Officer to assist management the Credit Control and Data Protection -Protection Roscommon Credit with Union Ltd functions of the credit union to meet their obligations to the Central Bank and data protection legislation.
Roscommon Credit Union Ltd wishes to appoint a full-time Credit Control and Data Key Responsibilities: Protection Officer to assist management with the Credit Control and Data Protection To fulfil the role of Credit Control Officer who will be responsible for managing the Credit functions of the credit union to meet their obligations to the Central Bank and data protection Control function of the credit union, and ensuring that the credit union complies with all legislation.
statutory and regulatory requirements in this regard.
Key Responsibilities To fulfil the role of Data Protection Officer and to ensure the credit union is compliant
To fulfil the role of Credit Control Officer who will be responsible for managing the Credit with data protection regulations and legislation and with the EU General Data Protection Control function of the credit union, and ensuring that the credit union complies with all Regulation (GDPR). statutory and regulatory requirements in this regard.
Credit Control:
To fulfil the role of Data Protection Officer and to ensure the credit union is compliant with Responsibilities include: data protection regulations and legislation and with the EU General Data Protection • Assist management and Board of Directors in the performance of their duties Regulation (GDPR).
•
Attend and participate in meetings
This is a 1-year fixed term contract Salary is commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. Closing Date:
ceo@roscommoncu.ie
Closing date for applications is 17th June 2021 Please contact ceo@roscommoncu.ie for a copy of our Recruitment Privacy Notice Roscommon Credit Union Limited is an equal opportunities employer.
EMAIL US FIND US accounts@kildeaconcrete.com Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, N37 XV88.
L E A D I N G P R O D U C E R S O F CO N C R E T E B LO C K S , R E A DYM
Urgently Required: Qualified HGV Diesel Mechanic
Agri or plant mechanics are also welcome to apply. Excellent opportunity for career progression in a specialised environment maintaining our modern fleet of trucks and plant. Requirements: • Be fully qualified as a HGV Motor Mechanic / Agricultural Machinery Mechanic / Plant Fitter and have relevant experience. • Work well in a fast-paced environment. • Be self-motivated and driven with the ability to create and manage your workload based on the fleet maintenance requirements. Job Specification: Job Spec: • Run a preventive maintenance plan to ensure plant equipment and vehicles retain minimum downtime and shortest turn around. • Order parts and ensure an appropriate level of parts are always carried in stock. • Ensure management are kept aware of cost and timeline prior to any work carried out and update management of any additional change to cost or completion. • Always adhere to our health and safety statement and ensure the safety of fellow employees and customers alike. • Keep up to date on all manufacturer recalls and bulletins. • Come up with suggestions to improve every aspect of the workshop. • Maintain a high first-time pass rate in CVRT tests for our fleet in a cost-efficient manner. • For the right candidate, we offer a competitive remuneration package and excellent working conditions. To Apply Send CV to larry@kildeaconcrete.com or by post for the attention of Larry Kildea, C/O Kildea Concrete, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co Roscommon, N37 XV88 or feel free to contact Larry direct on 086 8595364
SITUATIONS VACANT Directors: J. Kildea, L. Kildea, A. Goode VAT Reg. No.: 6551496L Registered in Ireland No.: 153996
We are currently looking to employ a
PART-TIME
CLEANER
To work 20 hours per week. Mostly afternoon/evenings (3pm onwards) Applications to:
< WELDER WANTED: Welder trainee or improver, part-time, full driving licence required. Tel: 086 8267966 < MAN REQUIRED: To cut guillotine stone, flexible hours in South Roscommon. Tel: 087 9011561 < EXPERIENCED RETAIL ASSISTANT: Required part-time. Must have computer skills. References essential. Apply to PO Box No 2067 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon
SITUATIONS WANTED
Directors: J. Kildea, L. Kildea, A. Goode VAT Reg. No.: 6551496L < LADY AVAILABLE: For cleaning and Registered in Ireland No.: 153996minding elderly, Roscommon Town. Tel:
info@molloysbakery.ie
or call into our shop in Abbeytown.
087 1193966
CHEF/COOK AND BAKER REQUIRED MINIMUM 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
Les Petites Tartres Café Restaurant Main St, Athleague l Tel: 090 6663343
5 years experience in a similar role l Good communication skills l A passion for quality food l
Please send your cover letter and C.V. to
CALL US 090-6494004 090-6493144
L E A D I N G P R O D U C E R S O F CO N C R E T E B LO C K S , R E A DYM I X CO N C R E T E & P R EC A ST P R O D U C TS
• Contribute to the ongoing development of appropriate credit control policies, systems, procedures, practices and implement them Credit Control: • Monitor and contact members in arrears and recovery of bad debts in line with agreed strategy Responsibilities include: • Making recommendation regarding account re-scheduling & write offs • Interview and assist members in arrears Assist with management and Board of Directors in the performance of their duties • Be• familiar the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 • Contribute to the ongoing development of appropriate control policies, systems, • Advise members on responsible financial managementcredit and budgeting procedures, practices implement them • Attend and participate inand meetings • Monitor and contact members arrears and recovery of bad debts in line with agreed • Organise monthly meetings with in Credit Control Committee • Communicate strategy with all Solicitors and Collection Agencies • Attend Courtrecommendation Hearings • Making regarding account re-scheduling & write offsDirectors: J. Kildea, L. Kildea, A. Goode • Produce written monthly and annual reports VAT Reg. No.: 6551496L • Interview and assist members in arrears Registered in Ireland No.: 153996 • Carrying out loan book • Be familiar with thereviews Personal Insolvency Act 2012 • Assist at the counter with member transactions at busy periods if required • Advise members on responsible financial management and budgeting Data Protection: • Organise monthly withon Credit Control Committee • Inform and advise the meetings credit union all DP matters and in particular in relation to the • Communicate with all Solicitors and Collection Agencies General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements; • Attend Hearings • Develop andCourt oversee the GDPR implementation plan for the credit union; • Produce monthly and annual reports • Provide inputwritten into any new policies, new projects, services or products regarding DP requirements; • Carrying out loan book reviews • Develop policies and procedures, systems and controls suggest process changes to • Assist at the counter with member transactions at busy and periods if required ensure DP compliance; • Monitor compliance with DP legislation and regulations in addition to the credit unions own DP policies, including conducting relevant audit checking; • Keep abreast of any regulatory or other changes relating to DP that may affect the credit union. • Ensure training of all relevant officers/ staff involved in data processing operations; • Ensure data processing agreements are in place with third parties handling personal data and monitor their compliance with those agreements where necessary; • Respond in a timely manner to data subjects’ requests to assert their rights, e.g. data access/erasure/portability etc.; • Assist the credit union in their response to a data breach within required timelines; • At least quarterly, submit a report to the board of directors of the credit union which: l assesses the effectiveness of the Credit Union’s DP arrangements; and l makes appropriate recommendations for improvement; • Supporting the CEO in meeting the credit unions statutory data protection responsibilities. Person Requirements – Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities Required: A formal qualification in data protection would be a distinct advantage and/or • Ideally three or more years ‘experience preferably in a credit union or other financial services organisation and performing a similar role • A knowledge and understanding of the Credit Union sector is preferable • Strong inter-personal, communication and IT skills The role is 35 hours per week
EMAIL US accounts@kildeaconcrete.com
If you think you can bring some creative talent to our team, please contact Anita on 087 2742844 or send your CV to Lespetitestartres@gmail.com
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in County Roscommon! The local paper!
38
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
S tephen H oare
SHOWROOM:
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Sports PEOPLE Roscommon manager Johnny Keane told People Sport on Tuesday that he is looking for a good performance from his side in the final two National League games ahead of the championship in July. They face Kildare on Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack
end Over 3,000 could att Connacht semi-final! < SEAMUS DUKE
nal between tball Championship semi-fi The Connacht Senior Foo at Dr. Hyde Park on July 4th is one of Roscommon and Galway events that have been identified by the the fifteen sports pilot test st reopening plan. Government under the late match have not yet been announced but The arrangements for the up to 20% will be permitted to attend of it is hoped that a capacity . 18,500, a on the day acity of the Hyde is set at This means that if the capbe in attendance to watch the two local crowd of up to 3,700 could eting will rivals in action. ine Martin has said that tick Minister for Sport Cather rts organisations. A full plan for the spo be arranged by individualnext week. match will be announced
Keane to ring changes for Kildare visit Allianz National Hurling League Division 2B: Roscommon v Kildare on Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE
Following two defeats it doesn’t get any easier for Roscommon hurlers when they face a daunting task against high-flying Kildare at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday. The sides have met a number of times in league and championship in recent times and the Lilywhites have prevailed on each occasion. Roscommon manager Johnny Keane told People Sport on Tuesday that he is looking for a good performance from his side in the final
two league games ahead of the championship games in July. “We have a couple of niggly injuries but nothing serious. However, Sean Trundle and Jack Lohan, who have been our best two young players, are gone back playing football, so we have to sort out their availability for the rest of the campaign. Hopefully we will have them. “Look, Kildare are a quality outfit. It’s hard to know how they ended up in this division but we have to play them now. I was hoping that we might be able to play the game in Athleague where we did well against them before, but that was not to be. “But we will be hoping for a good performance on Sunday and we will be making a few changes to the team. We will be
Improving Rossies can remain unbeaten Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Three (Round 3): Roscommon v Sligo on Sunday in Markievicz Park at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE
Roscommon Ladies footballers face a tough challenge when they clash with old rivals Sligo in their third league game on Sunday, knowing that a win will maintain their unbeaten run in preparation for the semi-finals. Roscommon and Sligo have played many times in league and championship in recent years and Roscommon have the upper hand in the past few clashes but manager Diane O’Hora knows that The Yeats County, under new management, will be a very tough prospect. “Sligo will be a huge test for us. We have two home games over us and we are expecting a really tough game on Sunday. They beat Down away and they are a much improved team this year,” she told People Sport this week. Diane says that despite the fine win against Down last weekend it was only
39
in the last fifteen minutes that Roscommon really showed their mettle. “It was a great win but it was only when we brought on our subs that we pulled away. Rachel Fitzmaurice made a huge difference when she came on and the stronger the panel we have, the better it will be going forward,” she added. It was the resilience of the Roscommon players after the controversial water break incident which resulted in Down scoring an uncontested goal that most impressed the manager. “Our reaction to that Down goal was super and a great credit to the players. It was a bizarre thing to do and I am certain that we would not have done the same thing given the opportunity,” she said. The Roscommon manager hinted that there would be a few tweaks in the starting team for Sunday’s game.
“It’s horses for courses and we will be picking a team especially to face Sligo. It’s another huge challenge for us but we are settling down as a team and we are looking forward to it,” she concluded. This could be a cracking encounter. Sligo are under new manager Anthony Brennan and they have also won their opening two matches (against Fermanagh and Down) so they will be coming into this clash confident of maintaining their unbeaten record at home. However, Roscommon are improving all the time and will relish this challenge on Sunday. Knowing that they are in the semi-finals already will mean that they can play with added freedom. Another win would be a huge boost ahead of the league knockout stages and the championship and that is well within the capabilities of this team. Prediction: Roscommon
using our last two league games (Sunday, and away to Derry) to look at what our best team is ahead of the championship and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he concluded. Roscommon’s record against Kildare over the past few years would not inspire confidence ahead of Sunday’s game but the low expectations will gave the Roscommon players a chance to play with more freedom. It’s almost certain that it will be a contest between Roscommon and Derry for relegation from this division so the focus is now turning to the championship and the Christy Ring Cup. A Roscommon win is probably not on, but all eyes will be on the display of the home side. Prediction: Kildare Megan Kelly pictured in action during the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Three match between Roscommon and Down at Kiltoom on Sunday last. Roscommon face Sligo this Sunday at Markievicz Park. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
40
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
SportsPeople
Horses for Courses
Shor t putts
by Tom Red
This weekend’s action Weekend racing starts this afternoon on the level at Leopardstown, off at 1.20 pm. Two meetings tomorrow evening on the flat at Down Royal at 4.45 pm and the first of two days racing at Tramore over the sticks off at 5.15 pm with Saturday’s meeting at 1.05 pm. The first of a three-day meeting takes place at Listowel starting with a flat card at 1.45 pm and on Sunday another flat card at 1.10 pm. Listowel finishes on Monday with a jumping card at 1.35 pm. Kilbeggan features the jumping action on Sunday away at 1.20 pm and Gowran Park the flat on Monday at 1.50 pm. Roscommon race again on Tuesday with a jump card featuring the Connaught National Handicap Chase with the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Novice Hurdle and Connolly Red Mills Pro/Am Bumper first race 1.15 pm. Cross channel this weekend the main meeting is at Epsom on Friday and Saturday. The feature races on Friday’s card are the Oaks and the Coronation Cup, both Group 1 races. The Epsom Derby takes pride of place on Saturday. There are 14 runners in Friday’s Classic including five from Ballydoyle headed by Ryan Moore’s choice Santa Barbara and Snowfall with Frankie Detorri up backed up with Divinely Seamie Heffernan, La Joconde William Buick and Willow with Wayne Lordan. The best of the English looks to be the Roger Varian pair of Teona who will be ridden by David Egan and Zeyaadah with Jim Crowley in the plate. Pretty Polly winner Mystery Angel who runs for the in-form George Boughey stable was supplemented earlier in the week and might be worth a small e/w or place bet. Ryan Moore’s choice to repeat Loves win in 2020 and give O’Brien his ninth Oaks. In the Coronation Cup, Jim Crowley rides William Hag-
gas’s favourite Al Aasy who will be taken on by the Aidan O’Brien pair of Japan with Ryan Moore and Mogul with Seamie Heffernan and four others. Home win. The Derby on Saturday sees support for Ballydoyle’s Bolshoi Ballet who is as low as 5/4 with stable-mate High Definition and Jim Bolger’s Irish 2000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney both drifting slightly yesterday. The best of the home side looks to be John Leeper and Mohaafeth, but both may lack class. O’Brien to have a classic double. On Sunday, the Prix du Jockey Club takes place at Chantilly with Ballydoyle’s St. Mark’s Bascillica, the 9/4 ante post favourite, heading the 20 runners, 6/1 bar. Ballydoyle also have Van Gogh in the line-up. Vincent O’Brien trained the last Irish winner of the race when Caerleon won in 1983. Aidan O’Brien has never trained the winner of this race. Donegal born Martin Harley is quarantining in a hotel in Chantilly so he can ride John and Thady Gosden’s Derab. Olivier Peslier has been booked to ride Gosdens’ other runner Anthony Oppenheimer’s Megallan. ITV and Virgin Media 1 will cover five races each day. Monday’s card in Roscommon opened with a double for trainer Ger Lyons and champion jockey Colin Keane who won the 3-Y-O claiming maiden with Thunder Rain and the Irish EBF Auction Maiden with the favourite Elzaam Tales. The apprentice handicap was won by the favourite I That Love trained by Adrian McGuinness and ridden by Cian McRedmond. The Peggy Guerin Handicap was divided with Division 1 going to Cisco Disco trained by Jack Davison in Dunboyne and ridded by Ronan Whelan. The Shelia Lavery trained Robbie Colgan ridden New Hill won Division 2. The Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Maiden for 3-YO+ was won by Prairie Dancer ridden by Shane Crosse
(News from local golf clubs) Roscommon
Ryan Moore on Bolshoi Ballet comes home to win the Ballysax Stakes.
for Joseph O’Brien. The penultimate EBF Handicap for 3-Y-O+ fillies was won by the father and son team of Andrew Slattery Sr. and Jr. with Pineapple Express. In the closing 1m 3f handicap for 4-Y-O+, apprentice Annalise Cullen lost her 10lb claim when repeating last Friday’s win at Fairyhouse on Loingseoir for Michael Grassick. Lenebane race again next Tuesday with a national hunt card.
Racing News It was announced on Wednesday that owners will be permitted to attend meetings at Irish racetracks on Monday next, June 7th. This is a very welcome move. Rider Eoin Mahon sustained a number of fractures following a fall at Grennan last Sunday afternoon. The Galway native’s mount Leading Babe fell at the second fence two in Division 2 of the mares’ maiden at the Co. Kilkenny venue. Mahon was treated on track before being transferred from the course by air ambulance to Tallaght University Hospital. Dr. Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Senior Medical Officer, has confirmed that Mahon is clinically stable and will remain in hospital for
further observation. A decision was taken at 5.45 pm to abandon the last four races of the Grennan card. On Saturday, Cork rider James Murphy sustained a hip injury when Struell Duke at the first in the Kirkistown finale.
Point-to-Point News The season came to a close last Sunday at Grennan and once again Barry O’Neill is champion rider with 54 winners, his fifth championship award in a row. He created his own little piece of history winning all four regional titles, the Northern, Eastern and Southern titles outright and sharing the western title with Rob James and James Kenny. The leading lady is Maxine O’Sullivan for the fifth time and U-21 table was headed by Pearse Rogan. Wexford’s Colin Bowe finished well clear in the handlers or trainers table on 44 winners. David Christie sent Vaucelet cross channel from his Derrylin yard to run in the £18,500 Champion Novice Hunter Chase at the big hunter chase meeting at Stratford last Friday and the 6-Y-O, following his Down Royal win on May 3rd, duly obliged in the hands of Irish rider Ben Harvey banking over £9,000 for connections.
Things are returning to some sort of normality at golf clubs across the county and Roscommon will host its annual Captain’s Drive In on Monday next (June 7th) at 3 pm. This will be followed by a 9-hole Scramble. We wish President John Cunningham, Captain John Walker and Ladies’ Captain Mary O’Connor the best of luck. The men’s competition last Sunday was won by Clement McCormack with 41 points. Peter Brady (41 points) was second and Brian Keane (40) was third. Cian O’Connor (41) took the gross prize. Patrick Farnon took first place in the competition on May 23rd with 42 points. The Ladies’ 18-hole competition on Tuesday, May 25th was won by Carmel Walker (37 points) while Anne Quirke finished second on 34. Tresina Smyth won the 9-hole competition with 20 points with Deirdre Judge in second place on 15. Joan Moran was best of the Senior Ladies on May 27th while Tresina Smyth and Gertie Spillane finished second and third respectively.
Boyle The Holmpatrick Cup tees off in Boyle this Sunday (3rd). The all-island competition raises funds for the National Council for the Blind in Ireland and the winners in each province will play for the cup at St. Andrew’s in Scotland. Tadhg Lowe won this year’s Voucher competition with a fantastic score of 59 nett. Fellow young gun Marc O’Connor finished second with 63 and Cillian Conboy was third with 65. Lorcan Egan has the best gross score. Aisling Gaughran took first place in the Ladies’ competition with 71 nett, Regina McLoughlin was second, Moira Egan was third and Patricia Perry took the gross prize. The Captain’s Drive In 18-hole Stableford was won by David Wynee with 24 points, Jim Suffin was second with 41, Jim Mooney was third (37) and John McGuinn took gross. Meanwhile, Adam Daly, Conor Hamill, and Lee McKillen took first, second and third respectively in the men’s 12-hole on Thursday last.
Athlone The men’s competition on Wednesday last was won by Rory Grenham with 40 points, Eamonn Farrell (40) was second, and Jim Fitzgibbon (40) was third. Last weekend’s Singles Stableford was won by Paul Walsh with 42 points, Ned Broughall (42) was second and Eoin Egan (38) was third. Niall Carroll took gross with 35 points and the over-55s competition was won by Michael Cleary with 39. The Captain’s Drive In takes place on Sunday, June 20th at 4 pm, preceded by a 3-person team Scramble. The Connacht Women’s and Girls’ Championship is on Thursday and Friday, June 24th and 25th. The Ladies’ 18-hole Stableford on Tuesday and Saturday last was won by Rhona Fitzgerald with 37 points, Imelda Sheeran (37), Lily O’Sullivan (36) and Bernie Watson (36) were second, third and fourth respectively. The Ladies’ Get Into Golf programme tees off on Thursday, June 10th at 7 pm. Athlone Golf Club was saddened to hear of the death of esteemed member, Patsy Mullen. The club extends heartfelt sympathies to his wife Maureen and family.
BUCCANEERS Rugby Football Club Luke Carty named in USA squad Luke Carty has been named in an extended USA squad ahead of fixtures against England on July 4th and Ireland on July 10th. This marks a major upturn in fortunes for the 23-year-old Athlonian, who transferred from Buccaneers to the new Los Angeles rugby franchise LA Giltinis just before Christmas. Carty had been released by Connacht shortly prior to that. That is surely a step up from Con-
nacht’s Eagles, and the province will now ponder their decision to release the promising flyhalf from their ranks. Luke was Buccaneers’ top points scorer in his final full season at Dubarry Park, where his elder brothers Jack and Ben were also top-class players. His father Ted is a staunch supporter of the club pf which he is a past president. He is also a recent president of Connacht Rugby. Luke represented Ireland at U-18 grade and was Buccaneers Senior Player of the Year 2019. He is a past
pupil of Marist College and played GAA with St. Brigid’s.
Rugby Summer Camp Buccaneers Rugby Summer Camp will take place in August at Dubarry Park. The camp is for boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years and will be held on Monday 9th to Friday 13th from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm daily. The camp will be compliant with all IRFU Covid-19 regulations. Cost is €70 euro and every participant will receive a free rugby
ball and T-shirt. Contact the club’s Administrator Geraldine at 086-1732711 or email her at rugby@dubarrypark. com for more information.
are welcome to participate including those with no rugby experience. Further details are available on the IRFU website at irfu.ie.
Tag Rugby Summer League
Buccs duo in Ireland U-20s
The 2021 Tag Rugby Summer League kicks off on Friday, June 11th. Tag is played by seven-a-side mixed teams with at least three females on pitch at all times. Squads consist of 12/14 players. Players of all standards
Buccaneers duo Darragh Murray and Oisin McCormack have been included in Ireland U-20s provisional squad ahead of the forthcoming Six Nations fixtures. We wish them the best of luck.
41
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
SportsPeople
‘Water under the bridge’ as Rossies advance Ladies overcome goal controversy to beat Down
Lidl Ladies NFL Division Three North
Roscommon 5-15 Down 3-12 < DAN DOONER
By her own admission, Roscommon manager Diane O’Hora was “much happier” after watching her charges see off a gutsy Down display at sunny Kiltoom last Sunday afternoon. Indeed, she had every right to be proud of her players as they showed enough steel to overcome both the Mourne County and a truly bizarre setback just after the first-half water break which saw Down’s Natasha Ferris walk the ball into an empty goal. Referee Ciaran Groome certainly wasn’t waiting around when he blew the whistle to restart the match, and neither were the Ulsterwomen. Aisling Burns took a quick kickout as the hosts took one last swig on their water bottles and Down were off and running unopposed towards the Roscommon goal. The home side could have been forgiven for expecting the Offaly whistler to put a stop to the visitors’ cheeky raid, but before Helena Cummins and her defenders could get back to mind the house, Ferris had made off with a green flag. That moment could have had an impact on the final result as Down cut Roscommon’s lead to three points after two Aisling Hanly goals had put the hosts in firm control. “You’d have to be really proud of them for holding themselves
Jenny Higgins of Roscommon and Ciara Byrne of Down grapple for the ball during the Lidl Ladies National Football League match between Roscommon and Down at Kiltoom on Sunday last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
in the utmost responsible fashion,” O’Hora said of her “inspirational” players afterwards. “It was hard to figure out what happened there, I had never seen it before. Sometimes you say to your team that if you’re not ten points better than the opposition then you may as well throw your hat at it. We’re in Division Three and at this level you just don’t know what, in terms of officiating, you might get. You have to hand it to the players; they really held themselves well,” she added. Rather than feel sorry for themselves, O’Hora’s side regained control and had almost restored their six-point lead by the halftime break, leading 2-7 to 1-5. The third quarter was endto-end as Jenny Higgins and
half-time substitute Rachel Fitzmaurice provided forward momentum for the Rossies and Aoife Keown pulled the strings for Down. In fact, it was a controversial Keown goal which dragged the visitors back to within a point. Her high, looping ball went all the way to the net as Jessica Foy made a nuisance of herself suspiciously close to the small square. Nevertheless, Roscommon weren’t for turning and a Higgins’ point was followed by goals from the impressive Laura Fleming and Rebecca Finan as the hosts took a seven-point lead into the second water break of the afternoon. While they were quicker out of the blocks this time around, Roscommon struggled to keep
Aisling Hanly of Roscommon in action against Niamh Scullion of Down during the Lidl Ladies National Football League match at Kiltoom on Sunday last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
up the momentum and an Orla Swail point and Meghan Doherty’s smart goal reduced the gap to three heading into the closing stages. Just when it looked like the hosts may have run out of answers, up stepped sub Rachel Fitzmaurice to shimmy her way through the Down rearguard before slamming an unstoppable shot past Burns. It was then very much ‘water break under the bridge’ as late points from Finan and Fleming sealed Roscommon’s semi-final place against Kildare, Longford or Laois. “I’m satisfied to a point but there’s loads of things we need to work on. We certainly need to work on our communication and how we defend. When the ball
is turned over, we need to be a bit quicker,” said O’Hora, who refused to look beyond the final league game against Sligo on Sunday next. “Sligo are a completely different animal this year to what they have been in the last few years. They’ve new management, they’re highly organised, and there’s incredible strength in depth in their panel as well. It’s going to be a really tough obstacle for us so we just have to get on with and get rested this week and see what we can do”. Roscommon: H Cummins; R Wynne, S Kenny, M Kelly; S Wynne, S McVeigh, R Brady; C Conway, L Fleming (1-6, 0-6 frees); N McHugh (0-2), R. Finan (1-3, 0-1 free), E Irwin; A Hanly (2-1), J Higgins (0-3), M
Rowe leads Lilywhite demolition job
Littlewoods National Camogie League Division Four (Round 3) Roscommon 2-18 Kildare 0-4
Roscommon Ladies manager, Diane O’Hora, and Robbie Walsh, owner of JTW Transport. Roscommon LGFA are delighted to have JTW Transport on board as the association’s new fuel partner for the season ahead. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh
McHugh. Subs used: R Fitzmaurice (1-0) for Conway (half-time), J Cregg for Brady (half-time), S Glennon for E Irwin (60 mins). Down: A Burns; C Cunningham, C Byrne, K White; O Duffy, M Doherty (1-1), O Lavery; A Keown (1-2), C Fitzpatrick; N Scullion, J Foy (0-2, 0-2 frees), M Kavanagh (0-1); A Laverty (0-1), N Ferris (1-1), S Dougherty. Subs used: O Kelly for Fitzpatrick (26 mins), E Martin for Cunningham (30 mins), A Cull (0-2, 1 free) for Ferris (30 mins), L Duffy (01) for Kavanagh (half-time), O Swail (0-1) for Dougherty (41 mins), N McKibbin for Laverty (46 mins), A Magee for Scullion (50 mins), K McCay for Doherty (60 mins), E Fitzpatrick for White (60 mins). Referee: C. Groome (Offaly).
Roscommon eased into the league semi-finals when they easily overcame the challenge of Kildare at Hawkfield last Saturday. The Rossies set about their task early with a goal from Leah Rowe and when the same player was on the end of a flowing move a few minutes later, the tone for the game was set. Roscommon led by 2-10 to 0-1 at the break. Roscommon used a number of subs in the second half as manager Frank Browne and his selectors looked at their options of the bench. Shona
Hanly, Niamh Farrell, Rachel Dolan, Shauna Hanley and Leah Rowe were outstanding for Roscommon on the day and now preparations can begin ahead of the league semi-final match against Tyrone on Saturday, June 12th. Roscommon: Michaela Fallon; Rachel Dolan, Niamh Farrell; Eimear McNally, Shona Hanly, Joanne Beattie; Áine O’Meara, Rachel Fitzmaurice; Niamh Watson (0-3), Niamh Coyle, Rebecca Brennan (04); Shauna Fallon (0-6), Leah Rowe (2-4), Nicola Crean, Leah Gacquin. Subs: Kelley Hopkins (0-1), Meabh Tiernan, Éala Coyle, Sinéad O’Brien,Jade McCormack, Lisa Mullen, Laura Keenan.
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Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 3): Kerry 2-15 Roscommon 1-12
Cunningham embraces positive points
AFTER GALLANT DEFEAT TO KERRY, SPIRITS LIFTED FOR ARMAGH SHOWDOWN
< SEAMUS DUKE
It was a much happier Anthony Cunningham that faced the media following Sunday’s spirited defeat to Kerry at Dr. Hyde Park as he looked to the positives now emerging ahead of a busy few weeks for his charges. “Any day you play Kerry you learn plenty but in a lot of the play today we matched them and had them on the back foot. We were disappointed with the last quarter, you can’t dress it up any other way,” he said at the full-time whistle. “In any game you need to play for 70 to 80 minutes… but the bench is so important. When you play teams like Kerry you have to take most of the chances when you get them and we have to improve in that regard”. Behind the six-point losing margin was a gutsy display from the home side who never looked overawed by their highly-rated opponents. Following the insipid display against Galway in Salthill, this was just what was needed from the Rossies ahead of the relegation play-off against Armagh on Sunday week and the Connacht showdown with the Tribesmen on July 4th. Cunningham said the recent league defeat in Galway spurred his players on ahead of Kerry’s visit. “Last Sunday (week) was poor and the lads had to take that on the chin. It wasn’t acceptable, but that’s team sport and you have to be honest. The
Action from last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One South match between Roscommon and Kerry at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack
lads were honest during the week and trained hard, but just because we played well today doesn’t give us any right to think we will do the same in two weeks’ time,” he said. “That (performance against Kerry) will give confidence to the players and when we are back training on Wednesday night we will be working on a lot of the positive points from today. We really want to stay in Division One and it will be a savage battle against Armagh now”. Indeed, there were improvements across the pitch last Sunday, particularly in de-
fence against a much-vaunted Kerry attack containing the likes of the Clifford brothers, Stephen O’Brien and Paul Geaney. There were impressive performances from Brian Stack and David Murray, and Richard Hughes had a superb
game in the half-back line, while Conor Hussey was effective all through. Kerry’s Diarmuid O’Connor was the deserved man of the match but Roscommon’s midfield performed admirably. Up front, Ciaráin Murtagh was
outstanding once again with Shane Killoran not far behind in what was an entertaining game. After 21 minutes the sides were level at 0-5 each and there were some quality scores to be seen from both
Teams and Scorers
Kerry: Kieran Fitzgibbon; Graham O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Gavin Crowley, Mike Breen; David Moran, Diarmuid O’Connor (0-3); Stephen O’Brien, Ronan Buckley (0-1), Paul Geaney (0-3, 1 mark, 0-1 free); David Clifford (1-4, 2 frees), Tony Brosnan (0-2), Paudie Clifford (0-2). Subs: Seán O’Shea for Buckley (47), Paul Murphy for G O’Sullivan (47), Tommy Walsh for Brosnan (52), Tadhg Morley for T O’Sullivan (52), Gavin White for Geaney (55), Jack Sherwood for Moran (65), Joe O’Connor (1-0) for O’Brien (70). Roscommon: Colm Lavin; Conor Daly, David Murray, Brian Stack; Ronan Daly, Conor Hussey, Richard Hughes (0-1); Enda Smith (0-1, mark), Tadhg O’Rourke; Niall Kilroy, Ciaráin Murtagh (0-3), Shane Killoran; Diarmuid Murtagh (0-3, 1 mark), Donie Smith (0-2, 1 free), Conor Cox (0-2). Subs: Cian McKeon for D Smith (50), Peter Gillooly for Cox (55), Hubert Darcy for Kilroy (55), Eddie Nolan for O’Rourke (63), Seán Mullooly for R Daly (63), Conor Devaney (1-0) for Killoran (65), Dylan Ruane for D Murtagh (65). Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).
Stat Attack
Wides: Kerry 3 (0 in first half); Roscommon 8 (3 in first half) Red cards: Kerry 1 (Tadgh Morley 52); Roscommon 1 (Enda Smith 73, 2 yellows) Black cards: 0 Yellow cards: Kerry 1 (Tony Brosnan); Roscommon 4 (David Murray, Brian Stack, Enda Smith x 2) Scores from play: Kerry 2-8; Roscommon 1-9 Man of the Match: Diarmuid O’Connor (Kerry)
Action from last Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One South match between Roscommon and Kerry at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack
teams including strikes from Conor Cox and Ciaráin Murtagh from the home side and Paudie Clifford and Paul Geaney for The Kingdom. The previously subdued David Clifford started to come into the game in the second quarter, and he kicked two points (one free) to help his side into a 0-10 to 0-7 lead at half-time. Roscommon could well have been on level terms but a number of bad misses proved costly. The hosts played their best football in the third quarter. They took the game to Kerry and the scores began to flow. Ciaráin Murtagh kicked three super points, Diarmuid Murtagh added two, and Enda Smith was on target with a mark, and by the 50th minute it was 0-12 each. Then, just before the second water break, Kerry’s Tadhg Morley was given a straight red card by referee Joe McQuillan for a tackle on Ciaráin Murtagh just 30 seconds after he’d come on as a substitute. The red card was the right decision but it seemed to rally the Kerrymen. In the 51st minute a searing run from Paudie Clifford ended with his brother David fisting home a Kerry goal, and points from O’Connor and the goalscorer saw the margin out to six by the 65th minute (1-15 to 0-12). But all credit to Roscommon, they stuck to their guns and in the final minute of normal time Peter Gillooly’s superb pass found Conor Devaney and the Kilbride man finished with aplomb for a great goal. Then in the dying embers of the game, Enda Smith received his marching orders following a second yellow card, and just before the final whistle Kerry sub Joe O’Connor finished off a flowing move for Kerry’s second goal of the game. It gave them a six-point winning margin that was harsh on Roscommon given the effort that they had put into the game. Next on the list is an eminently winnable game against Armagh on Sunday week at the Athletic Grounds in the quest to remain in Division One, and of course on the horizon is the Connacht semifinal against Galway in Dr. Hyde Park on July 4th. Last Sunday’s display was much better in terms of effort, intensity, determination in the tackle, the right tactics and the will to win. There is plenty of work to do but there are plenty of positives to work on too.
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
Allianz National Football League Division One South (Round 3): Kerry 2-15 Roscommon 1-12
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Conor Devaney scores a brilliant late goal which brought Roscommon to within three points of Kerry. Pic: Mick McCormack
‘Clifford wriggled with his marker, like a fish trying to free itself from an angler’s hook’ Paul Healy VIEW FROM THE STAND This was a cracking game of football, one that bore the scent of summers past. I don’t mind admitting that I walked into the Hyde with little faith (though no lack of loyalty). I feared a bad beating, a moralecrusher. Kerry have electrified the league. Roscommon, quite impressive against Dublin, were still well beaten by the serial champs. But Anthony Cunningham’s team underperformed badly against Galway in Salthill. That performance really worried supporters. I was walking behind the goal on the town side, as the players warmed up. There were balls flying everywhere. One landed in front of me. I returned it to a steward. “Give that back to Clifford” I said. “It’s the first one he’s missed” the steward joked back. At least I think he was joking. Clifford. Even before throw-in, his name, reputation, fame, shadow, they all dominated. I feared a Clifford-inspired romp, even though I fully expected an honest and skilled Roscommon performance, especially after our team’s failure to do itself justice in Salthill. Kerry won in the end, but Roscommon were much improved on that lacklustre display against Galway. On Sunday, Roscommon played
intelligent, quality football and were competitive for the entire game. A fourth-quarter dip which coincided with Kerry moving up a gear ended hopes of a surprise win for Roscommon. A little earlier, the sides had been level at 0-12 each, game seemingly in melting pot. Even Kerry’s ultra-shrewd manager, Yerra King Peter Keane, looked a bit concerned below me. Oddly, given how fertile much of their earlier play had been, Roscommon had a very barren fourth quarter. Sub Conor Devaney scored a beauty of a goal, but we didn’t claim a single point in the last 26 minutes. Maybe that was Kerry ruthlessly moving up the gears. Certainly they finished very strongly, despite having a man less for quite a period. But much of what had gone before was positive and encouraging from a Roscommon perspective. No question, Kerry deserved their win, although the six-point margin was a touch flattering. Clifford was brilliantly played by Roscommon on the day, but he broke free for the decisive play of the game. Roscommon started brightly and matched Kerry for well over 50 minutes. Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh kicked some classy points, while Conor Cox, starting for the first time this year, got a confidenceboosting double. Kerry led by three after an enjoyable first half. Between Clifford being well marked and Kerry not getting enough ball to him, the superstar was largely frustrated and unable to impact on the game (his
Conor Cox fires over a point during Sunday’s Allianz NFL Division One South match between Roscommon and Kerry at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack
first score came on 30 minutes). It was like Peter Kay being invited to a dinner party only to have little to say/not be spoken to. Could it last? Not quite. It was fascinating watching Clifford in the build-up to the decisive goal. When Paudie Clifford attacked down the right, you feared this was a move with particular intent. Further up, to Paudie’s left, his brother David looked like a man who could see a crock of gold in the distance. He just had to work out how to
get to it. As Paudie danced, David wriggled with his marker, like a fish desperately trying to free itself from an angler’s hook. Suddenly, he was free. The pass hung briefly in the air, and the predator’s gaze never left the ball. Seeing your team concede a realtime goal in slow motion is no fun. That sense of foreboding…it’s like a juror giving an accused man a sly thumbs-down as the jury returns. Devaney responded with his own terrific goal, thundering it to the net
just as two Kerry man arrived to formally object to his audacity. Kerry made a three-point win into a dubious enough six-pointer with a last-kick-of-the-game goal. Still, there was lots to admire about this Roscommon performance against what is probably the second best team in the country. Build on this mature, heartening performance against Armagh (league relegation play-off) and Galway (championship), and the scent of summers past may well linger.
Roscommon People Friday 04 June 2021
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