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AT H L O N E Ι M O AT E L A N E S B O R O U G H Ι G A LWAY In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate DOLORES*GACQUIN – SOLICITOR fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie any award or settlement

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Working www.bccsolicitors.ie from Home and Tax Relief I have worked from home on a full-time basis since March of this year. My employer has indicated that I will be asked to continue to work from home for the rest for this year. A friend told me that I might qualify for some tax relief because I work from home. Is this correct? Many people are now working from home because of the COVID-19 situation. If you work from home for substantial periods of time on a fulltime or part-time basis then you may be able to claim tax relief against the cost of some home expenses such as electricity, heat and broadbands. In order to qualify for tax relief, you must work from home for substantial periods of time on a full-time or part-time basis. You are not entitled to claim tax relief if you bring work home from the office outside of normal working hours, for example in the evenings or at weekends. Your employer is not legally obliged to make a contribution to you in respect of additional electricity, heating or broadband costs incurred. However, if they choose to do so you may receive up to €3.20 per day from your employer without having to paying any tax, PRSI or USC on it. If your employer pays more than €3.20 per day to cover these expenses, you pay tax, PRSI and USC as normal on the amount above €3.20. If your employer does not pay you an allowance for your expenses, you may claim for tax relief at the end of the year from Revenue. Your tax refund will be based on the number of days you worked from home and your electricity, heating and broadband costs. Revenue currently applies a tax relief rate for the cost of running a home office at 10% of the total cost. Therefore, you may apply 10% of the cost of your electricity, heating and broadband costs against your taxes. Keeping copies of utility bills will be important to substantiate your claim.

‘A win that was welcomed throughout Ireland!’ So…a changing of the guard! A new era! I can’t argue with that… It was quite a finale in the end! Yeah… Dramatic! Agreed! A result that was welcomed throughout Ireland! I suppose… I just couldn’t see it coming… Oh come on! No, seriously! Mmnn… ACCIDENT CYCLING Slick stuff from the left wing! Eh…yeah! If you involved in in a cycling Anwere opponent left shock! accident THAT I agreecontact with! Byrnefoiled! Carolan A genius Cunningham That too! KindSolicitors of! High drama! I get it, I agree! Viewers enthralled! Okay, it was good! And you’d have to say, a great result for Mayo! Absolutely. Just amazing! Eh…kind of amazing. Fair play to Joe Biden! Huh? This notable victory…that sustained left wing attack on the Republicans…Mayo and Ireland happy…that genius – Trump – defeated! Oh, I thought you were on about Cork winning. That decisive left wing attack. Mayo and Ireland happy to see Kerry beaten. That genius – Clifford – stunned. No! I meant the US election! Yeah, I know that now! By the way, not that sure if it’s a new era. Don’t write off the Big T! You think Trump will be back? Maybe you don’t think he will go? No! The Big T! Tipperary! They can’t be written off in the Munster final!

Endangered Species

(They pause to count the exclamation marks in Donald Trump’s latest tweets) You were in a rush when I met you on Saturday… Yeah, I WAS in a hurry! I wanted to see the Roscommon-Mayo game live! Huh? I was trying to firm up on access for Sunday…I HAD TO GET TO TOWN! Couldn’t talk! Don’t tell me you were going to the County Board office to plead your case? No, I was going to Ward’s…to buy a ladder! You didn’t? In the end, I didn’t. But it had crossed my mind to set up a ladder to get a view of the action… And? I settled for the TV.

We may be on the verge of a sensational breakthrough with regard to production of a vaccine for Covid-19, with news that testing by US pharmaceutical company Pfizer and German company BioNtech has proven more than 90% effective.

What we didn’t like…

We were dismayed at Roscommon’s tame exit from the Connacht Senior Football Championship, with Mayo very comfortable winners at Dr. Hyde Park (1-16 to 0-13). For whatever reason, Roscommon never got going. Better luck next season, lads!

What PEOPLE are talking about ...

Byrne Carolan Cunningham info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

Do you miss the pub, my friend? I do. WHAT do you miss? Everything! It’s so bad now, I even miss the pub bore. Same here… At this stage, I’d be happy to be ‘trapped’ with him on a Tuesday evening for two hours. Really? Yes, I’d talk to him about anything… LISTEN to him, more likely… True. Remember the time he claimed to be an expert on sumo wrestling techniques… Yeah…and woodpeckers. Yeah…and crocodiles. Yeah…and do you remember the time he claimed he had been on the batter with Boris Johnson in London one night in the 1980’s? Yeah! What a chancer! In fairness, he got to be PM… Not Boris, the pub bore! Still, you’d miss him… Yeah, not a bad bloke after all. I’d just love an ordinary evening back at the bar. Yep! Elbow on the counter, telly on, pint settling, rain rattling the window, small talk with the barman, bit of banter with a few locals…even the pub bore! A place where his story and hype rhymes! Like it! Clever! Some day soon, good times will come again… Agreed! Meantime, stay safe! And, whatever about Trump, the Rossies will rise again!

What we liked…

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

SOLICITORS

(They pause to wonder how many more ladder references the Editor will allow)

The barstool boyos

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

Your verdict? A bad day! Mayo are still a few rungs ahead of us on the ladder!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Still smiling! Well-known publican (and Roscommon GAA great) Seamus Hayden greets photographer Mick McCormack in Roscommon town earlier this week.

Joe Biden’s victory in the US Presidential election; Mayo’s victory in the Connacht Football semi-final; Cork’s sensational last-gasp win over Kerry; rapid Covid testing in Lecarrow; Judges warring in public…and (apparently) Zig and Zag are back (see Frank Brandon’s column).

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

Drop in Covid-19 cases in County Roscommon < DAN DOONER

There was a significant drop in the number of Covid-19 cases in Roscommon yesterday (Wednesday) as the county recorded five or fewer for the first time since Sunday. Nationally, there were a further 362 cases recorded yesterday and two more deaths. One of the deaths took place in October while the other is currently under investigation by health officials. 280 people are being treated for the virus in hospital and 38 are in ICU, which was down two from Tuesday. There had been 21 additional hospitalisations in the previous 24 hours. There had been 18 new cases recorded in Roscommon on Tuesday and eight on Monday. This had led to concerns locally that the trend would continue to rise this week after the Department of health had announced that there had been five or fewer cases on Sunday and no new cases last Saturday. The drop in the number of cases in Roscommon

over the fourteen days from October 28th to November 10th means the county’s 14-day incidence rate is currently at 168.9 per 100,000 population. This is still higher than the national rate of 145.0 for the same period and the fourth highest rate overall. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said the profile of the disease was improving but urged the public not to become complacent. “I urge everyone to redouble their efforts, try and have fewer close contacts this week than you did last week, continue to social distance and follow the other vitally important public health guidelines,” he said. Dr. Holohan added: “I also want to thank those who have self-isolated after receiving a positive Covid-19 test result; or having been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case. “Self-isolating is a vital measure in our efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 and it is essential that all those asked to self-isolate continue to do so”.

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Out for a stroll in Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon earlier this week. Picture: Mick McCormack

Confidence in Leo? How our TDs voted…

There were mixed messages from local TDs on Tuesday night as Tánaiste Leo Varadkar won a vote of confidence in the Dáil following recent controversy over the leaking of Government a document to the National Association of General Practitioners. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice voted with the Government in supporting the motion, which was tabled to counteract Sinn Féin’s motion

of no confidence in the Tánaiste. Not surprisingly, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane followed her party in voting against the motion, as too did Independent TD Denis Naughten, who accused Mr. Varadkar of “setting a different bar as Tánaiste”. He said: “In the case of both Simon Harris and Maria Bailey, he allowed a report on the issues to be completed before making judgement, a right that

was denied to me... “I have no doubt that his intentions were honourable at all points, but I do believe he left himself open to allegations of double standards. “I made my position known to the Tánaiste in advance of last night’s vote and in fairness… he did take up my request to convene a special meeting of all State agencies to address the issue of job losses at Aptar in Ballinasloe”.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople Comhairle na nÓg AGM to be held online

The Comhairle na nÓg Annual General Meeting will be held online for the first time this Friday (13th) from 9.30 am with plenty of topics up for discussion during an event which will be opened by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon. Covid-19, mental health and substance misuse will be discussed by delegates of the Roscommon youth county council and over 100 students from schools all over the county are expected to take part in the half-day webinar. “Every year, our AGM focuses on a number of important topics, and this year we will hear presentations about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of attending to your mental health,” said Caoimhe Leonard, Chairperson, Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg. “We will have guest presentations from Yvonne Lowry of Jigsaw Roscommon and Nicole Ryan, Managing Director, Alex’s Adventure, whose brother Alex passed away in 2018 after taking a synthetic drug. Nicole won the 2018 Munster Humanitarian of the Year award for her work in creating awareness of the dangers of drugs. “Apart from their presentations, we will have group discussions, a raffle with some great prizes, including an Apple iPad, and a vote on the issues and topics that Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg will focus on in 2021,” Ms. Leonard added. Comhairle na nÓg are youth councils in the country’s 31 local authorities. They are designed to enable young people to make their views known on services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area. Invitations have been sent to all schools in the county. The event will be hosted online on the www.TheHoranStand.com platform due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Murphy: Biden will be good for Brexit talks! When Biden met Murphy: US President-elect Joe Biden pictured with Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy at the official sod-turning event for the Mayo Hospice back in 2017.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said he believes the Presidentelect of the United States of America, Joe Biden’s Irish roots, and support for the Good Friday Agreement will be an asset to Ireland during ongoing Brexit negotiations. Speaking this week about meeting Mr. Biden three

years ago, Senator Murphy said: “I was honoured to meet the now President-elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden, when he turned the first sod on the site of the MayoRoscommon Hospice back in 2017. “He is a man of integrity and honour and I was absolutely delighted

to see him elected as United States’ President in what was such an historic election. We are proud to celebrate Joe Biden’s strong Irish links and I believe that his victory will help in the Brexit negotiations as he is a strong supporter of the Good Friday Agreement”.

SITTING IT OUT! Action from the Roscommon-Sligo Christy Ring Cup match in Athleague last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

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Naughten: ‘Donnelly must explain missing flu vaccines’ < DAN DOONER

Local Independent TD Denis Naughten has demanded that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly appear before the Dáil in order to explain how 600,000 flu vaccine doses weren’t properly recorded after being administered to patients. Deputy Naughten’s comments came after it was reported yesterday morning (Wednesday) that a letter had been sent to doctors and pharmacists to inform them that of the approximately 1.3 million vaccines administered to date, only 700,000 had been recorded as administered. The HSE’s national clinical advisor, Dr. Colm Henry, has since denied these reports and said that the HSE had held back 50,000 doses of the vaccine in order to ascertain where there were gaps. Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, however, Deputy Naughten said according to reports there is currently less than 40% less flu vaccine in circulation. “This disclosure is bizarre considering that last Friday evening Paul Reid told the Taoiseach and party leaders in Government buildings that 1.35 million flu vaccine jabs had been distributed but we now find that 50,000 have been held back in ‘ransom’ because another 600,000 have just disappeared. “Last winter the HSE purchased 1.15 million Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine and this year its plan was to increase this to 1.35 million doses, just an extra 200,000 but we now find that there

are potentially 400,000 less flu jabs available,” he said. Denis Naughten added: “The only way our health service can manage Covid-19 infection this winter is if we can rule out the possibility that the patient has flu, as the symptoms are so similar. This can only be achieved by a population-wide vaccination programme against the flu virus and the public must be actively encouraged to have the flu jab, and children the flu drops, this winter. “However, if people go to the effort of protecting themselves, our older people and our health service by availing of the vaccine, the very thing we need to ensure is that people have access to the vaccine”.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

Thieves ‘steal pets, then return them for reward’

< PAUL HEALY

Local TD Denis Naughten says unscrupulous thieves are stealing family pets and then claiming a reward for their safe return. He said there has been a 33% increase in reports of the theft of pets to the Gardaí, but that under the current law, pets are considered property and their theft are treated the same way the theft of a mobile phone would. Deputy Naughten wants the Government to address the growth in instances of thefts of pets. “Pets are very much part of a family in homes across our country – sometimes the only friend to someone who is isolated or the guide for someone who is blind or has other sensory issues. This needs to be clearly reflected in much stronger legislation.

“Every day, Gardaí receive fourteen reports of an animal being lost or stolen, and with pets in high demand on the run-up to Christmas, there is a real fear that there will be a surge in such reports”. Deputy Naughten wants the Government to use a new law currently before the Oireachtas, the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Bill, as a legal mechanism to have this law changed quickly in advance of Christmas. He said that he wanted “the laws of this country to act as a real deterrent against this growing crime, and to make it clear that we will act to ensure that there are significant penalties for those who attempt to re-sell these pets”. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, responding to Deputy Naughten, gave a commitment to take the matter up directly with the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.

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Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Sunday It was, as we expected it would be, very strange at Hyde Park last Sunday. The government offices’ carpark at Golf Links Road had been set aside for those attending – I parked there in silence. I walked in with a Mayo journalist – we didn’t mention the war. There was a discarded mask on the approach into the stadium, a reminder of why there weren’t over 20,000 fans knocking about. I showed my press pass to the steward. He said “sound man” – which was nice. Somehow I found my way into the press box, which was silly, as we had been told we’d be in the stand. The radio chaps were in the press box (sockets). I got out of there fairly quickly, even before Willie Hegarty had a chance to say ‘Hello neighbour’. Down in the ‘new’ stand, a few dozen journalists sat, socially distancing of course. In front of me were the Mayo subs. Oddly, they made an awful lot more noise throughout the game than their Roscommon counterparts. That was disappointing. Mind you, who knew players shout so much? Certainly in the warm-up, there was lots of noise. The absence of spectators was crushing, but we are where we are. When we stood for the National Anthem, it was quite emotional…feeling the absence of the devoted fans. You’ll have heard what happened. Mayo pressed high, Roscommon never got going. The Mayo goal was superb – and a sickener. The atmosphere was surreal; there was probably a better atmosphere in Trump’s living room all weekend. I was perplexed as to why Anthony Cunningham didn’t make changes at half-time. It was odd too that Diarmuid Murtagh was sent for so late. It fizzled out, badly enough. Nine points down, Roscommon rallied to cut it to six. But Mayo had bossed us. Poor stuff from the Rossies. I couldn’t get out of the place quickly enough. I headed for the long march to freedom – this time flanked by two Mayo reporters. A day to forget!

Monday The RTE documentary on former FAI Chief Executive and all-round Arrogant Chap John Delaney was very watchable – but not particularly revealing. Like a movie we’ve seen many times before, we knew how this one was going to end. It’s a shambles with which we are familiar. It’s the same old story: boy meets flawed/

John got too big for his boots. He may have ‘looked after’ the grassroots soccer fraternity, but he was reckless with FAI money. That it all went to his head in a Haugheyesque manner was evident from the footage of his lavish and now notorious James Bond themed 50th birthday party. Alas, John was no Sean Connery – and diamonds (or euro) aren’t forever. The fall of John Delaney has been so complete, even Deputy Michael Healy-Rae (speaking on Tuesday) has disassociated himself from the former FAI supremo! Delaney’s fall is the subject of ‘Champagne Football’ a new book by Mark Tighe and Paul Rowan. It’s billed as “the inside story on John Delaney and the betrayal of Irish football” and is sure to be a Christmas bestseller.

Tuesday

Out for a stroll in Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon earlier this week. Picture: Mick McCormack

vulnerable soccer organisation, boy falls in love with said organisation, boy becomes man and takes key role in said organisation, man sees opportunity for some ego-massaging career advancement, man takes over organisation, man runs organisation with iron(ish) fist…man treats organisation as if it was his own plaything… whole episode ends in farce. The old footage of Mr. Delaney – featuring some dubious fashion choices – brought home to TV viewers just how greedy, crass and arrogant the now disgraced one-time golden boy was.

‘Quote of the programme’ award went to former Irish manager Brian Kerr, who was very anxious to insist that he never liked John Delaney. Kerr told the documentary makers that the only person he had ever seen behave like Delaney was Donald Trump, adding “that’s probably being unfair to Trump”. I’m sure John Delaney has his good points, and I’m also sure that he is passionate about Irish soccer. On a human level, I’d quite like to see him recover from this. He will need to go to the modesty bank and make a huge withdrawal. Our

Hey, we’re all for wishing US President-elect Joe Biden the very best as he prepares to take office, and we’re totally fine with his Mayo roots and with that amusing video footage in which he teased a BBC reporter with the words “I’m Irish!” So, after four tumultuous Donald Trumpdominated years, we’re generally buying in to the week’s feelgood vibes, with an Irish-American (with Ballina connections) emerging triumphant after an extraordinary election. Truth is, the whole world needs to draw breath after the chaotic Trump reign. So yes, go for it, Joe, with the Roscommon People’s blessing! There is, of course, a ‘but’. We’re happy for Biden – and we’re hopeful for the world – but we weren’t prepared for this section of a report (on the RTE website) into Mr. Biden’s phone conversation with Taoiseach Micheál Martin today. ‘Taoiseach Micheál Martin and US President-elect Joe Biden spoke for more than 20 minutes this evening…Mr. Biden said that he wants to create the conditions for a global economic recovery and he spoke too about his commitment to tackling climate change… Mr. Biden spoke at length about his Irish connections and he was aware of Mayo’s win against Roscommon in the Connacht Football Championship last Sunday’. No need to rub it in! We’re fine with them discussing climate change and the global economy, but did the incoming President of America really have to go on about Roscommon’s tame exit from the Connacht Football Championship? As far as I’m aware, Trump never once interfered/intervened with/in the Connacht Championship. And I presume Presidentelect Biden is aware that the Roscommon ladies and hurlers both won last weekend…

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A55

CASTLEREA RAILWAY MUSEUM

At a time when museums and heritage centres are closed to the public, Castlerea Railway Museum has been working hard behind the scenes to reach out to people unable to visit. This month, they have launched a new website and a short video series focusing on the museum and its vast collection of rail memorabilia celebrating the history of railway in Ireland. The new videos and website were created in collaboration with Scéal Heritage Consultancy, and were kindly supported by an Audience Engagement Grant by the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. Castlerea Railway Museum holds the largest private collection of rail memorabilia in Ireland, with a vast array of objects which tell the story of the development and importance of the railway system in Ireland. The museum was born from the boyhood dream of Sean Browne, a long-time railway enthusiast who devoted

his interest to the preservation of a disappearing part of Irish transport history. Sean’s interest in railway began as a child during trips with his uncle John Joe Quinn on his horse and cart, and from rail trips from Castlerea to visit his sister working in Dublin. Sean recalls gazing out of the window at Mullingar Station, feasting his eyes on the hundreds

A virtual visit to CASTLEREA RAILWAY MUSEUM

of steam engines ready for the scrapheap, and dreaming of one day owning his own train. That dream began to materialise when in 1994, Sean purchased a 1955 A55 diesel locomotive which had been withdrawn from service from CIE for scrap value. The 51 foot long, 14 foot high and 62 ton train made its final journey from

Dublin to Castlerea on 7th July 1998, where a Railway Museum was built to house it and a large collection of associated railway memorabilia. Since the opening of the museum, Sean has sought to encourage and enthuse others to share this unique heritage experience and travel with him back in time along the railway network.

Three newly-produced engaging videos provide visitors to the museum’s Facebook page and new website with mini ‘virtual tours’ guided by Sean himself. These tours offer the online visitor with an introduction to the unique and fascinating museum collection. The museum’s new website also provides lots of information and photographs of many of the highlights of the collection, giving online visitors a taster of what can be experienced in a physical visit to the museum. Castlerea Railway Museum hopes that their new online offerings will provide information and entertainment to people during the lockdown, and that they will encourage people to come and visit the museum in person in the future. Visit the museum’s new website at hellskitchenmuseum.com, and follow Castlerea Railway Museum on Facebook to see the new videos and to get your virtual fix of heritage during lockdown!

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

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TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its decision to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: L6024-0. Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted to N61 from its junction with L6024-0 to its junction with L60243-0, L60243-0 to its junction with L60242-0, L60242-0 to its junction with L6024-0 and vice versa. Period of Closure: The 23rd November 2020 until the 4th December 2020. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road as part of the Corracreigh Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Map showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Water Services Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

RCC student Katie Reddington is pictured creating her poster for RCC’s upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition.

OUR CURRENT OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm ( open through lunch)

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FREE COURSES - FULLY FUNDED – REGISTER NOW!

Are you looking to upskill or learn to drive?

Free Driver Training and Door Security Courses are now available Due to Covid restrictions courses are online with practical training elements running in Galway City and County and Roscommon. Learner Drivers: Delivery Driver courses starting on the 16/11/2020 and 10/05/2021 in Tuam and 25/01/2021 in Galway City. These 10-week courses offer learners the opportunity to obtain the full category ‘B’ car licence and gain the skills necessary to work as a Delivery Driver. A mandatory entry requirement is a learner permit for category ‘B’ car which must be at least 3 months old by the

start date of the course. Experienced drivers: Bus Driving Courses, HGV Rigid Truck and HGV Artic Truck Courses are scheduled over the coming months – See full advert for start dates. Forklift Employment Skills Courses are 5 weeks in duration. Certification includes; RTITB Counterbalance, Reach and Power Pallet Truck Certification, Manual Handling, Safe Pass and City and Guilds certification for Introduction to Health and Safety Awareness in the Workplace. Door Security and Guard-

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

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ing Skills This is a 10-week full time online Course and it offers learners the opportunity to obtain their PSA (Private Security Authority) Licence. The course includes QQI certification for Customer Service, Door Security Procedures and Guarding Skills. All courses adhere to the Government guidelines on Covid 19. For more information or to register for any of the above courses please visit www.fetchcourses.ie or call the GRETB Training Centre on 091 706288.

Delivery Driver Courses

Bus Driver Courses

(Get your Car licence)

(Driver CPC, Bus licence & First Aid Cert)

Tuam Starting 16/11/2020 Galway 25/01/2021 Tuam 10/05/2021

Galway 25/01/2021 Roscommon 08/03/2021 Galway 19/04/2021

HGV Rigid Truck Courses

HGV Artic Truck Course

(Safe Pass, Driver CPC, Rigid Truck & Forklift)

(Safe Pass, Driver CPC, Artic Truck & Forklift)

Galway 11/01/2021 Roscommon 01/03/2021

Galway 12/04/2021

Employment Skills Courses

Door Security & Guarding Skills Courses

(Get your Safe Pass & Forklift licence)

(Get your PSA licence)

Roscommon 18/01/2021 Galway 22/02/2021 Galway 29/03/2021

Ballinasloe 16/11/2020 Portumna 18/01/2021

Please register for the course you are interested in on www.fetchcourses.ie or call the GRETB on 091 706288 ALL COURSES ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE You need a learner permit for Driver Training Courses - follow the steps below: 1. Pass your theory test (Car, Truck or Bus) book it on www.theorytest.ie 2. Get a medical report completed by your doctor for Truck or Bus permits 3. Apply for your learner permit in your local NDLS centre

The above steps will take a few weeks to complete. Start early to avoid disappointment. Call Advance Drive on 091 524689, if you have questions on getting a learner permit. Courses will run subject to demand and start dates may be subject to change due to the guidelines issued by the Department of Education and Skills which will be in line with the Government roadmap for reopening society & business and plans for how the Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted.

Roscommon GAA issues fraud alert < DAN DOONER

Roscommon GAA was forced to issue an alert due to suspicious activity on the social media platform Facebook earlier this week. A Facebook account bearing the Roscommon GAA crest and the handle ‘Roscommon_GAA’ appeared to advertise hoodies in the Roscommon colours on the social media platform on Monday afternoon.

The clothing featured Roscommon GAA’s sponsors Ballymore, the Roscommon GAA crest, and a GAA crest in a style similar to that of sports brand O’Neill’s. In a statement issued on Monday evening, Roscommon GAA, however, issued a fraud alert: “There are only two Facebook accounts that are associated with Roscommon GAA. They are:

www.facebook.com/RoscommonGAA and www.facebook. com/ClubRossies. “No other account is an official Roscommon GAA account and nobody should ever buy anything from any Internet site that they are not sure of. “The only products that Roscommon GAA is selling online at the moment are tickets for the ‘Win A Home In London’ Draw’”.

Please phone my office for an appointment

KERRANE TD

Main  :Street, 087Ballaghaderreen. 194 5254 Tel. 094 9861688 Bridge St, Ballinasloe. Tel. 090 9644901  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie Email:

KEEP UP TO DATE ON Lots of space in the stands! Keeping a watching brief at the Roscommon-Mayo Connacht Senior Football semi-final in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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Maureen: ‘Age and Opportunity rocks!’

Roscommon woman, Maureen Murray, pictured at her Dublin home with her finished portrait which was drawn over Zoom by artist Andy Parsons.

Roscommon woman, Maureen Murray, now lives in Dublin having taken early retirement from her position in the Central Bank ten years ago when her husband became ill before he sadly passed away four years ago. In recent years the 66-year-old has become an active participant in Age and Opportunity’s Arts Programme initiatives. Age and Opportunity is a national development organisation aimed at improving the quality of life for people aged 50 to 100+. “I’m proud of my age. I’m still standing and I’m still as active as I physically can be and mentally, I’m 100% as active as I always have been,” Maureen said. “I don’t like the idea that if you retire, you retire from everything”. Maureen has attended Age and Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival workshops, and has also worked as a Bealtaine Festival volunteer.  “This is an organisation that I have found will listen and hear what people are saying rather than just token listening,” she added.  Maureen is currently par-

ticipating in a co-design group which aims to establish an Arts and Creative Charter for Older People.  Maureen has missed seeing her loved ones and friends during the period of the pandemic. After her husband’s death she felt like she couldn’t be in the house on her own but since lockdown she has learned that she can be quite happy in her own company. In May, Maureen took part in a Bealtaine At Home project – ‘Conversations in Portrait with

Andy Parsons’, which involved Maureen having her portrait painted by artist Andy Parsons. All sittings for the portrait were conducted online via Zoom. This was a perfect project for Maureen as she loves meeting new people and had a lot in common with Andy. Maureen said she really enjoyed the process and felt that it was a great distraction at a difficult time. Her portrait now sits proudly on her living room shelf!

Artist Andy Parsons draws Maureen Murray’s portrait over Zoom as part of Age and Opportunity’s ‘Bealtaine At Home’ project.

Boyle’s Donal O’Connor releases new album Boyle singer/songwriter, Donal O’Connor, has just released a new album called ‘black ‘n’ blue’. This is Donal’s third album of selfpenned songs, and fol-

lows previous albums ‘It’s About Time’ and ‘Live at the Moving Stairs’, which were lauded by artists such as Christy Moore, Tommy Sands and

Charlie McGettigan. While holding down a full-time job as an Environmental Health Officer, over the years Donal has managed to fit in numerous tours of British and German folk clubs, and, on a less regular basis, he has gigged in the USA, Spain and New Zealand. He also continues to be involved in various musical collaborations and even penned a song in support of his local soccer team Boyle Celtic after they reached the FAI Junior Cup semi-final in 2017. It was written, arranged, rehearsed, recorded, released and reached No. 1 in the iTune Charts all in a period of 10 days, knocking Ed Sheerin from the number one slot!

Donal’s latest album ‘black ‘n’ blue’ was produced by Paul Gurney and was recorded at Real World Studios, Longford and at Sheegora Sound, Boyle, a studio run by Donal’s lifelong friend Bernard Flaherty. Donal is joined by Paul Gurney (piano, guitars, bass), Matteo Cullen (piano), Tony Fitzgibbon (fiddle, mandolin), Padraig McCaul (saxophone). Backing vocals were provided by Danny Sheerin. On one particular song – ‘Love is Stronger than Stone’ – Donal was delighted to be joined by a large group of backing singers, most of whom are his colleagues from Boyle’s St. Joseph’s Church Choir. They are

Rhona McGrath, Valerie Casey, Mandy Toolan, Catherine Bolger, Lizi Hannon, Roisin Mullen, Kit O’Connor, Daithi O’Connor, Rory McDonnell, Frankie Simon and Bernard Flaherty. While Donal would consider himself very much a ‘folkie’, he admits that there are a few tracks on ‘black ‘n’ blue’ which would sit very comfortably in the country/bluegrass genre. Covid restrictions allowing, it is likely that a filmed launch gig, without an audience, will be presented on social media once the Level 5 restrictions lift. However the album is now available for sale at donaloconnor.ie.

Pictured are Dr. Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel.

Roscommon student receives €20,000 Scholarship Award Last week, Dr. Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel announced the winners of the 2020 Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards. County Roscommon student, Roddie McGuinness was awarded a scholarship worth €20,000. Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students, this Scholarship Award is an investment in the future of Ireland’s reputation as a country with outstanding graduates. Former student of CBS Roscommon, Roddie McGuinness has accepted a place at National University of Ireland, Maynooth studying Computational Thinking. Roddie joins thirty-five exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science, technology and maths. The scheme started in three counties and has continued to expand annually to become a nationwide scheme in 2016. There is one guaranteed scholarship (€20,000) for each participating county, with some counties awarded more than one scholarship. Each scholarship is worth €5,000 per annum for each year of a student’s three or four year undergraduate degree. More than 200 schools have also benefited from this prize to date with some schools receiving it on more than one occasion. Roddie McGuinness’s former secondary school, CBS Roscommon received a prize of €1,000 towards their school’s science facilities, for their support of these students. This is the second year in a row CBS Roscommon have had a student awarded a scholarship, with James Hayes being the County Roscommon recipient in 2019.

The Hyde and the big picture(s)…. primary school chilCongratulations to all the the hundreds of piecdren around the county for played at Dr. Hyde es of artwork that were dis game between RoPark last Sunday for the bigabsence of crowds, it scommon and Mayo. In theon the day! brightened up the stadium

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople newsbriefs Roscommon Transition Towns – online energy briefing

Take a holiday with a difference in 2021

Craic N Campers have the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas We have launched our 2020 Christmas Gift Certificates

Did you know that Roscommon Transition Towns is part of a national network of community teams leading local energy projects? The Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) network is made up of a growing national movement of over 450 communities. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are supporting these communities to learn, plan and complete energy projects to help Ireland transition to a low carbon future. We are inviting you to an online community briefing with our SEAI Energy Mentor which will help you understand more about energy use in your home, which energy upgrades suit your home, and what grant supports are available. This online community energy briefing will take place from7-8 pm via Zoom on Wednesday, November 18th. If you wish to attend, please email roscommontransitiontowns@gmail.com to receive a meeting link.

Knockcroghery roadworks to cause delays

Roscommon County Council has warned motorists to expect delays on the N61 as road resurfacing works continue in Knockcroghery village. The roadworks commenced on Tuesday morning (10th) and are expected to continue each weekday from 8 am to 6 pm for up to two weeks. Motorists using the route are advised to allow extra time for journeys as a stop-go system is in place in Knockcroghery.

Man (40s) charged after woman stabbed in Monksland

A man in his 40s appeared before Longford District Court on Monday (9th) charged in connection with the stabbing of a woman (40s) in Monksland, Athlone on Sunday. The man was detained in Athlone following the assault which occurred at approximately 7.30 pm on Sunday evening. It is understood emergency services were called to a house in the area after the man’s partner was stabbed. A woman in her 40s was treated at the scene by paramedics and her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. The man was arrested and detained at Athlone Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He has since been charged and appeared before Longford District Court on Monday.

€350,000 for North West Hospice

Minister of State at the Department of Health, Frank Feighan TD, left, has warmly welcomed the announcement from his colleague, Minister Stephen Donnelly, of an allocation of €350,000 to North West Hospice. This is part of a €10 million national package for palliative and endof-life care in 2020. The funding will support the voluntary palliative care sector to maintain critical and ongoing care services for adults and children in the context of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister Frank Feighan highlighted that the funding will benefit acute hospitals and community health services, including nursing homes, to meet the rising demand for palliative and end-of-life care associated with Covid-19.

These are an ideal gift for someone who you struggle to buy for!! A Covid-19 friendly holiday with your transport and accommodation all in one To avail of a Gift Certificate please call 0877959839 or email craicncampers@gmail.com

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ANOTHER WIN FOR MAYO! GMIT Science student, Tamara Jordan, has won a prestigious national award at this year’s Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network Awards for her research project examining the safety of daily-use cosmetics and for her communication skills in delivering her findings to a large virtual audience. Tamara’s presentation, titled ‘Chemical characterisation of finished cosmetic products using spectrophotometric methods and analytical techniques’, examines the ‘make-up’ of the products to determine the relative composition of the compounds, their importance in creating the desired aesthetic appearance,

while also ensuring the safety and quality of the products. Tamara, from Bohola, Co. Mayo, completed her final year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science in GMIT this year and will graduate in November. RIGHT: Pictured is Tamara Jordan from Bohola in Co. Mayo, a final year student studying Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science at GMIT (Bachelor of Science, Honours), who was awarded the SURE Network Award for ‘Best Oral Presentation’ in the Analytical, Environmental and Pharmaceutical Science category, for her research on the safety of daily use cosmetics.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

When table football was fabled football! Now that Zig & Zag are back, Frank wonders if Elvis can be far behind? And, while Roscommon’s woes and Cork’s late, late show may have dominated the sporting weekend, our man Frank has been renewing his passion for…table football!

It’s another Monday morning in lockdown, and my mind is on football. Not surprising, following a weekend in which David finally slayed Goliath, with Division Three side Cork knocking Division One champions Kerry out of the race for the Sam Maguire, and here in the west, Mayo showed me what a poor GAA pundit I am by easily putting paid to the hopes of my hotly-tipped Rossies. In my defence, I did say that the new knockout championship format would throw up some unusual results, especially considering the fact that this championship is being played in winter, with softer pitches and in some instances, almost monsoon-like conditions. That is certainly proving to be the case. Still, leaving conditions aside, Kerry’s performance on Sunday was abysmal. They are exactly where they deserve to be on this November Monday morning (as I write). The only downside of their defeat is the fact that it certainly removes a potential threat to the Dubs’ almost inevitable drive to the six-in-a-row, and no matter how you look at it now, it seems to me that although Galway and Padraig Joyce might surprise me, the big threat to Dublin will now come from Donegal and Mayo. In to-

day’s Independent, Monaghan’s Dick Clerkin says it’s a three-horse race between those three counties, and while Galway might (hopefully) shock Mayo, it’s hard to see it. Clerkin may well be right. However, at the end of all that, the big surprise is that it’s not Gaelic football that’s on my mind at all this morning, but rather so-called table football. After an absence of almost twenty years, we have rekindled our love affair with table football, and a new table has arrived into our house in Crosswell. Back in the days when our children were a lot younger than they are now, we had our first football table, and the competition between us all was legendary. It goes without saying that despite great challenges by every member of our household I was (a bit like Donald Trump) undefeated for a number of years, and have been the undisputed pool, golf, darts and table football champion since family records began. Funny enough, way back in the late 1960’s/early ‘70’s, a pub in Creggs known as ‘Mrs Tommy’s’ (despite being owned and run by Nicholas Kelly) had a table football table, and it was lessons learned there that gave me such a love of the game. Mrs Tommy’s was an old-style pub with wooden counters and open fires, but its most memorable feature was a pair of big swing wooden doors, a bit like you would see in old western saloons. When it came to the table football, we had our own versions of Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and Wild Bill Hickok. Many was the time that all hell would break loose, and while there were no Colt 45s or any other type of handguns, lots of the games were settled in an old-fashioned bout of fisticuffs out on the street, with the contestants roared on by an enthusiastic crowd. The football table was meant to be a moneymaking venture, taking either a threepenny bit or

a tanner (sixpenny piece), but some of the lads could work it with little washers. Those of us with no tanners or washers found that a strategically placed lump of paper kept the table open, and we could, almost surgically, remove the balls that way. The fact that Nicholas hadn’t great sight was a big help as well, but looking back now more than fifty years later, I’m curious if he ever wondered – as the table was almost constantly in use – how there were so many washers and so few tanners in it whenever he opened it. Anyway, I had some of the best fun of my life around that table in Mrs Tommy’s, and as with pool and darts, once you got on the table you kept it ‘till you got beaten. As my friend Jack The Lower (Jack Hegarty) reminded me, the table would oftentimes be lifted clean off the ground and tilted to help the ball move in a particular direction, thereby making it a lot easier to score. There are not that many major rules in table football, but spinning is not allowed. One player in particular kept spinning his players the whole time, and caused more rows than all the rest of us put together, undoubtedly being responsible for more street altercations than any one else. However it was all great craic, and no one ever got more than a black eye out of it. Eventually darts and pool took over as the favourite pub pastimes and the football table got phased out. Nearly fifty years later however, we are doing our bit to bring table football back to its rightful position. Our table is back in situ, and if Christmas does (hopefully) happen, we will once more have a big family tournament, and still following the inspiring of example big Donald, I simply will not be defeated.

In the rough… On this lovely, fine Monday (as I write), I am still finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that all the golf courses remain closed. No matter what reasons the powers that be come up with, it just doesn’t make any sense to me. If there is any better and safer place to be than on a golf course, I don’t know of it. In every way mentally and physically golf has to be the best sport for all of us elder lemons that are lucky enough to have made it to old age. I don’t want to be a whinger, but some of the lockdown regulations make no sense at all. How the likes of the big supermarkets had to stop selling certain clothes and other ‘special offer’ items, while continuing to sell as much alcohol as they like, beats me. Please God come December, things open up a little – and I might get to play a few holes in Castlerea.

Those were the days! Thinking back on Mrs. Tommy’s all those years ago, it is still hard to realise that at that time, retail businesses in Creggs supported several large families very well indeed. At any given time there were close to twenty people earning decent livings by working in those family-owned businesses. In fact, a number of them actually lived on the premises and contributed to the upkeep of the other shops and pubs. However, in the meantime, most of them have of course closed for one reason or another. I can’t deny that it is sad to think about them all, although I suppose progress made it inevitable. Consider the postmistress, three postmen, one sergeant, three guards, and several teachers (who, while not teaching in Creggs directly, did so in the parish with schools in Creggs, Friaryland, Kilbegnet, Gortnadieve, Toberoe, Sonnagh, and Ballincurry) and it is plain to see that back then rural Ireland

was in a much better place than it is now. Today we have one postmaster, one postman, one guard, and two schools, even though the (Dublin) politicians tell us we have not been neglected. We even had a daily bus service to Galway back then, another thing that is long gone. Even though we couldn’t use such a bus service in the present lockdown, how nice would it be in normal times to be able to hop on a bus in Creggs and head off to Galway for the day. Even better, the whole thing would be free of charge, compliments of the free travel. As nice as it is to have the free travel, it sort of defeats the purpose when there is no public service of any kind close to us. If we want to go anywhere, we first have to drive or be driven to Ballygar, Athleague, or Roscommon, where we may then get on some sort of public transport, and find our own way home again on our Pictured on the last day of business at Keany’s shop at Crosswell. Left to right: Chris White, John James Ward, Brid White, Bridie Raftery and Michael Keany. return.

And finally… Finally for this week, The Den is back. It was great to see Zig & Zag and Dustin (not so much Ray) on our screens again on Sunday night. I am nearly ashamed to admit that I enjoyed it! God knows, with table football and The Den back, what’s next? What are the odds on Elvis reappearing?

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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MABS 12 steps of Christmas Budgeting guide It’s that time of year again, when the evenings draw in early, frost in the air and glittery ads are on the telly. Yes, Christmas is coming…. if the thought of Christmas makes you shiver when you think of how much it’s going to cost, then take a breath and a moment to think. It is easy to get caught up in the festive feelings, but if you don’t want to have the January blues or postChristmas debt, then take some time now to plan your spending and your Christmas budget. Remember, if you are the person that keeps track of the money in your household, you deserve a Christmas too – make it one that’s free of stress and worry about debt. During the year many people have been in receipt of reduced incomes for a long period or lost their jobs. Spend wisely and within your means this Christmas. MABS encourages people to shop locally and support local businesses who have also suffered greatly during the year. This year has been difficult for many people in different ways. Therefore let us all make this Christmas extra special for everyone by simplifying the season and bringing back basic values; Forget about spend, spend, spend and worry, worry, worry! Simple gestures can mean so much more than what money can buy so be thoughtful and creative about gifts; Be creative - make and bake; Be caring, kind and cherish each other; Defeat loneliness and be with family, friends and neighbours by your presence - not expensive presents. Let us all make a huge effort and make a big difference this Christmas by making someone feel special with love, time and care which money can’t buy! If you are spending, please remember the MABS 12 steps of Christmas!

1. Make a list of what you need to buy for Christmas. Divide it into gifts, food, clothes and socialising. Contact MABS for a Christmas Planner and leaflet. 2. Prioritise – if you have a limited amount of money to spend, what do you need and what can you cut from the list? Work your way through, numbering items in order of importance. 3. Research the options. Where can you buy these items cheapest? Check online and in stores for the best price. Keep an eye on ads in the local paper, websites, apps and price comparison websites in Ireland for the best deals. 4. Add up the list. If it is more than you can afford look at each individual item again to see how you can reduce the cost. 5. Think of other ways to spread the Christmas cheer –suggest a ‘Secret Santa’ to family and friends or use your hobbies and interests to make homemade decorations, gifts and baked goods. 6. How many weeks from now until Christmas? Divide the total cost for your Christmas spending by the number of weeks. This is how much you need to save or put aside each week. 7. If you have been able to put aside some euros over the year to meet the cost of Christmas, well done. Will it be enough to cover the costs you planned for or do you need to save a bit more over the coming weeks? 8. If you have not saved enough, then you have two choices - either reduce the amount you intend to spend again, until your savings can cover it, or you may decide to borrow. 9. Try not to build your plans on the basis

of a bonus or overtime payment. Only include income that you are absolutely certain you will get before the Christmas holiday. 10. Shop smartly • Keep to your list and don’t be tempted by sales or special offers on other items • Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become popular days for in store or online sales – but sales often continue in your local shops up to and after December 8th. • Check delivery times for items bought online and return or exchange policies • Keep all receipts together – you may also need to create a folder in your Inbox to save all emailed receipts • Pay with cash where possible and avoid putting purchases on card or paying by instalment – they cost you more in the long run • Check out the terms and conditions on any items you purchase through ﬁnance or ‘ﬂexi-rent’ arrangements • Join Christmas saving clubs or save cashback vouchers from supermarkets to put towards Christmas food shopping • Remember most shops only close for one or two days over Christmas, so there is no need for the big shop. Buy small amounts of non-perishable items each week to add to the Christmas treats. Useful information: Consumer Helpline 1890 432 432 www.ccpc.ie 11. If you really believe borrowing is your only option, then consider these points: • Only borrow what you truly need and not one cent more • Try to make sure you can pay back this

loan before the middle of next year otherwise it makes it difﬁcult to save for next Christmas • Find out what the weekly or monthly repayments are going to be and see how this will affect your ongoing budget – can you afford that amount and still pay your regular bills and expenses? • When looking for a loan, try to get the best value you can. If you are in receipt of a social welfare payment check out the ‘It Makes Sense Loan’ from your local participating credit union or see www.itmakessenseloan. ie • Remember to read the terms and conditions of any credit application and make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. Get advice before you sign if you are uncertain. • Contact MABS before borrowing to see what options are available to you. • Before you borrow, look again at your list – is it worth it? Are you sure this is what you and your family need? 12. Cutting the cloth: When we struggle all year round, with little cash to spare, we often feel we need to splash out at Christmas – we want our children and loved ones to have the best. But that doesn’t always mean spending a fortune – particularly a fortune you don’t have. Think about the clothes, food and gifts you are buying – are they really needed? Talk to your extended family and friends and see how they feel about exchanging gifts and what other options you may have. Are there other ways to celebrate this occasion and maybe taking the time to be with those you love is all that is needed? Above all try not to over burden yourself with debt and make sure this Christmas period is one you will

enjoy and look back fondly on. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service has helpful information, budget sheets and sample letters available online at www.mabs.ie Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate. However, no responsibility is accepted by MABS Support Limited, its funders or the MABS for any errors, omissions or misleading statements on these pages. The information is of a condensed and general nature only and can change from time to time. Readers should, therefore, verify any information on which they rely by contacting the MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000 or check the MABS website on www.mabs.ie for updates.

MABS Contact Details MABS National Helpline: 0761 07 2000 Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm helpline@mabs.ie MABS Website: www.mabs.ie Local Office: Roscommon MABS, Tower Block A, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, ROSCOMMON. F42 TD98

TELEPHONE: 0761 07 2720 EMAIL: Roscommon@mabs.ie

MABS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

Happy Christmas from Roscommon MABS!

‘A proven track record in helping people’ Money Advice and Budgeting Service MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) guides people through dealing with problem debt, as we have done for more than twenty years. We have a proven track record in helping people get back on their feet. All kinds of people, for all kinds of reasons, with all kinds of debt, come to MABS. We are free, confidential and nonjudgemental. If you have problem debt in any area – including mortgage arrears, rent arrears, bank loans, overdrafts, utility debt, credit card debt, moneylenders – MABS will work with you to find a solution. MABS will look at your debt as a whole to find the best solution for your situation. With your authority, MABS can then negotiate with creditors, advise on budgeting or provide information on personal insolvency options. When you call our office, or our helpline, you will

be asked for information about your situation. This is done to help us determine how best to help you, and how urgent your situation is – the more information you can give us the better, and if you are in the middle of a crisis, you will not be left waiting. We know that most people want to pay what they owe, but sometimes, changes in circumstances that are out of your control just make that impossible. Your Money Adviser will help you to work out what you can afford to pay, and will then support you in negotiating repayments with your creditors. Voluntary arrangements Many people who come to MABS are assisted in reaching a voluntary arrangement with their creditors. This means that both you and your lenders are agreeing to a new arrangement – it is voluntary, and the particular details of the arrangement and its consequences will be discussed with your Money Adviser.

Personal Insolvency Since 2013, new statutory solutions are also available, as new law in insolvency was introduced. Such arrangements are approved through the courts, so accessing these is a little different. Again, your Money Adviser will explain these to you as they may suit your situation. One of the solutions under this insolvency legislation is a Debt

Relief Notice (DRN), which is available and processed through MABS – if necessary or relevant we will refer you to a qualified Approved Intermediary (who is also a MABS employee) to pursue this further. Mortgage Arrears While MABS has always provided advice on mortgage arrears, MABS now has a dedicated confidential, free, and

independent mortgage arrears service. Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Advisers (DMAs) are available throughout the region to give you mortgage arrears advice and refer you to other free professional services. We also have a Court Mentor and work with a Duty Solicitor at each of the County Registrar’s Possession Court to assist clients and speak on their behalf if required. If you are worrying about mortgage difficulties, please contact your Local MABS office or the National MABS Helpline and the DMA can outline all the options available to you based on your specific circumstances. MABS update – Covid 19 (Coronavirus) Many people have been affected financially by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In order to address the situation, the Government has engaged with many stakeholders, such as energy providers and the banking industry, to secure protections

for those who are experiencing difficulties at this time. While these protections are welcomed, MABS would encourage people to look beyond any payment breaks or the hold on disconnections. We recommend people to pay what they can and start budgeting now for when these protections are no longer available. MABS services are open to both new and existing clients. The free, independent, nonjudgemental and confidential nature of our service remains and we have Money Advisers waiting to take your call. Our website (mabs.ie) contains a list of telephone numbers, email addresses and locations of all MABS services countrywide. It also has updated links and information regarding Covid-19. You can also access MABS Messenger service via mabs. ie. For the latest information, follow MABSinfo on Twitter and Facebook. Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Mindfulness eating – who has the time? If you’re a time-poor parent who has stuffed their adult body into a tiny chair made for junior infants whilst frantically scribbling down lists of school trips, parent-teacher meetings and cake sales, a parent who ran a home and held down a full-time job – read on, because this is for you! I believe that as parents, we all want the absolute best for our children. However, back then when mine were small, I felt as I do now, that those so-called ‘parenting experts’ (zealots) placed way too much pressure on us multi-tasking mothers, desperate to provide a loving home environment, as well as putting a roof over our kids’ heads and food in their mouths. In fact, it’s this very

subject of kids and food that’s got me so riled up this week. I’m working from home, and as the TV’s on in the background, I couldn’t help but tune into that cringeworthy ITV show Loose Women, whose panel were discussing the pros and cons of teaching our kids’ mindfulness eating. Yes folks, apparently it’s no longer enough to provide a secure, happy, healthy environment for our kids, we now need to add ‘mindfulness eating’ into our busy day in order to help the little darlings develop a deeper connection with their food. I’m sorry, but what a load of bull! I mean, who has time for this? As a matter of fact, why are parents, (many of whom are already experiencing sleep deprivation due to

excessive worrying over Covid-19), now being burdened with a ridiculous fad that, since the likes of Oprah have hopped on board, has now gone mainstream! Don’t get me wrong – I’m not against mindfulness. I believe that having the ability to be fully present, aware of our feelings, thoughts and bodies, and be fully engaged in the moment, all have wonderful physical and mental benefits attached. However, what I do have a problem with is the way this practice is now being packaged and sold to anxious parents who are already at their wits’ end regarding their kids’ faddy eating habits. I mean, if you heard the way in which some so-called ‘experts’ peddle this practice,

you’d be forgiven for believing that rather than setting parents free of their worries, ‘mindfulness eating’ is actually doing the opposite, forcing them to adapt to a timeconstraining ‘must do’ routine. I don’t know much about mindfulness and meditation, but I believe there’s a need for more empirical research to be carried out before we force it down people’s necks as a perfect parenting tool. Perhaps your kid’s refusal to eat what’s on their plate is simply down to the fact that they hate it, and will never eat it. If that’s the case, no amount of making the poor sods stare and ‘connect’ with that pile of boiled sprouts or lump of black pudding is going to change their mind. Indeed, in my

view, all it’ll do is rob your child of their right to make their own choices. Believe me, I know. I’m a vegan who, as a child, was forced to sit at a table and stare at my burger until I agreed to eat it. It was never going to happen. I’d rather have starved. I used to sneak the meat on my plate to our dog Kimmie, then panic to such an extent I vomited, anticipating the hiding I’d get from my mother for refusing to consume an innocent animal. I’m no expert, but it’s my opinion as an experienced Irish mammy that parents have enough to worry about without forcing their kids to adapt to this model and all of the mealtime demands that go with it.

Joe, you’re hired! Trump, you’re fired It was a week of high drama, but at last, it’s time to strike up the band and join our Mayo neighbours in a socially-distant celebration as the world welcomes ‘proud Irishman’ Joe Biden’s win over the Tangerine Tornado to become the 46th president of the USA! Okay, I know Mr Spoiled-Brat-in-Chief is refusing to admit defeat, but hey, no amount of vitriol, tiny-hand gestures or contorted facial expressions can change the fact that Trump’s a loser, and Biden’s a winner. I’ve no doubt that over the next four years (please God), I’ll be commenting aplenty on President-elect Biden. However, for now let me say thank you to him and his wife Jill for taking the humane route of adding a beautiful, loyal family member in the form of German Shepherd Major to their household. As you know, I’m a huge animal welfare advocate, and the fact this couple adopted from the Delaware Humane Association animal shelter tells me that not only is Biden an empathetic man, he’s also a kind man. I’ve no doubt he’ll help to heal a nation starved of sensitivity, empathy and mercy during the reign of his petulant predecessor, who was a nasty egotist, caring for nobody but himself! Slán Donald.

Another first for the Rossies!

Well done to readers, (and non-readers, but seriously, who doesn’t read the Roscommon People?) from that delightful village of Lecarrow who took part in a series of Covid tests as part of Irish company ROQU Group’s Health Passport Ireland programme’s rapid testing pilot. A big thank you goes out to each and every one of the volunteers who took part in this initiative. Your commitment to subject yourselves to a weekly schedule of testing goes above and beyond an effort to help your fellow countrymen and women. It also shows the depth of character and kindness that’s clearly evident right across your community. Stay strong, and stay safe.

This year’s I’m A Celebrity contestants (Picture: ITV)

I’m a Celebrity’s a train-wreck, but I’ll still tune in! I’m not a fan of reality TV shows for a simple reason – having previously worked in the industry for over twenty years, I know these shows are about as far from ‘reality’ as you can get. In fact, they’re carefully curated, expertly produced and forensically edited in order to send viewers on an emotion-

ally charged rollercoaster, packed full of event-based complexities. That said, I’m looking forward to watching the annual train-wreck that is I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! However, given this year’s line-up, it’s clear the celebrity booker didn’t actually manage to sign up any real hard-hitters!

I mean, you can’t exactly count a retired athlete, an on-the-wane TV presenter, and a former girl-band member who’s probably only there for the bikini shots as ‘big names’ now can you? Then again, perhaps the fees weren’t large enough to tempt some has-been, yet fondly-remembered transatlantic curio out of retirement.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Come see our

Cosgrove/McGuinness Strokestown

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Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... NOTICE OF DRAFT ANNUAL BUDGET

Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Michael O’Regan @Michael_O_Regan Imagine the atmosphere in the White House these days. A bloated embittered man, gorging on cheeseburgers, surrounded by yes people. Woodward and Bernstein wrote a great book on Nixon’s final days. Book surely on Trump’s forced exit. – We like the cheeseburgers’ reference

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Annual Budget for Roscommon County Council, for the financial year ending on the 31st December, 2021, has been prepared and will be considered by the Council at the Annual Budget Meeting to be held at 10.00am. on Thursday 26th November 2020, in the Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. A copy of the Draft Budget shall be available at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon from Friday 13th November 2020 and may be inspected by any member of the public during normal office hours: 9.15am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public/bank holidays. Martin Lydon Director of Services - Housing, ICT (incl. Digital Transformation), Planning, Head of Finance and Roscommon MD Area Manager Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98 Dated this 9th November 2020

Joe Biden @JoeBiden Folks, the people of this nation have spoken. They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.” – Joe wins the White House Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump WE WILL WIN! – A citizen begs to differ…

COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETINGS WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE SUCK RIVER CATCHMENT? THE SUCK CATCHMENT NEEDS YOU! Good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters is a precious resource. The Local Authority Water Programme (LAWPRO) works to promote a healthy water environment by identifying water quality issues and finding ways to fix them. This is a new way of working to improve water quality and everyone can play their part. The Suck Catchment includes the rivers Ballyglass, Killeglan, Ahascragh, Deerpark, Culliaghbeg and the River Suck. These rivers flow through Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Dysart and Taughmaconnell.

Kamala Harris @KamalaHarris While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last – because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. – Kamala makes history Lise Hand @liseinthecity I’d say Hillary is locked – There is no suggestion that Hillary Clinton drank excessively on confirmation of Biden’s win; the Roscommon People is making no such inference (maybe a glass or two of wine?) Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump ...Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has

been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service. – Terminated? Terminated? Mick Caul @caulmick The #Dail is now suspended as Michael Healy Rae spent five minutes roaring at the Taoiseach, @MichealMartinTD – As opposed to the more customary three minutes… Joe Brolly @JoeBrolly1993 A younger generation are seeing for the first time the shocks and thrills of knockout football. Nothing matches it. We need to get rid of the qualifiers and go back to real championship football. – Yeah, we agree! Hold on, in light of Roscommon’s defeat, maybe not. Actually, it’s been fun…maybe knockout is the way to go in the future…

Kerrane to meet #STOP67 group Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane will this week meet with the #STOP67 Group, who have been established to fight against Government plans to increase the pension age to 66 years. Deputy Kerrane said: “#STOP67 consists of a number of organisations led by SIPTU, including Age Action Ireland and the National Women’s Council of Ireland who have come together with one common purpose – to stop the pension age increase to 67 years. The pension age is set to increase to 67 years in January 2021, a mere seven weeks away and the Government’s promise to suspend this increase is yet to be honoured. We are yet to see let alone pass

the legislation required to stop the pension age increase. “I have raised this matter again and again with the Minister and despite promises that the legislation is coming, time is running out. “Those approaching 66 years of age need certainty that they will get their State Pension. That is after a year on the dole, after in many cases, a lifetime of work. The disgraceful practice of forcing those retiring at 65 years onto a Jobseeker’s payment needs to end. That is why my party has called for the restoration of the State Pension Transition Payment”.

Funding boost for Ballintubber Waterways < DAN DOONER

This Catchment is one of 190 areas prioritised for focused water quality action by LAWPRO. We will be in the catchment at a later stage working with the public, state agency partners and the agricultural sector to address water quality issues. We encourage local people to get involved in the management of their local water bodies. Usually we hold face-to-face meetings with the local community to talk about water quality in their catchment and explain our work, however, to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, this Community Information Meeting will be held via Zoom. 30th of November at 7.30pm To register for the Zoom Meeting, visit: https://bit.ly/3kUkjNN or Facebook @LAWPROteam. For more information please contact Conor Ruane, Community Water Officer (085 8083059 cruane@lawaters.ie) or Noreen Shryane Catchment Scientist (085 8047635 nshryane@lawsat.ie ) If you wish to submit any information in advance of the meeting, please send by email to cruane@lawaters.ie.

The Ballintubber Waterways Project has received a funding boost of €7,995 from the Community Healthcare West National Lottery Fund which will go towards the development of an inlet and facilities on the River Suck near Ballintubber. Local councillor Anthony Waldron said a further €51,000 is needed for the project. “We are delighted to receive this funding of €7,995 from the HSE National Lottery Fund which will go towards the Ballintubber Waterways Project for the purchase of canoes and kayaks. “Planning permission has been sought for the development of an inlet at Shankoagh (near Frenchlawn on the River Suck). The project will cost in the region of €51,000 and it is hoped that further funding can be secured through Roscommon County Council’s Outdoor Recreation Fund. “This, I feel, will assist us to provide the equipment and facilities to enable visitors to sample the perfect medicine

Cllr. Anthony Waldron pictured at the site for ‘Treacy’s Musical Bridge’ at Shankoagh near Frenchlawn, Co. Roscommon.

and take to the waters and wild along the magical River Suck, meandering along the townlands of Roscommon and Galway borders. “In these current times this development will offer a safe social distancing exercise experience option which can offer holistic health benefits for both physical and mental health. “Andrew and Mary Treacy have kindly donated land in the area known as Shankoagh. The Treacys are synonymous with music and so ‘Treacys’ Musical Bridge’ will be constructed near their former home,” he said. The Ballintubber project will include

car parking spaces as well as stands for disabled fishing and other amenities. “There is huge potential for the development of walks and cycleways along the River Suck. This project isn’t just for the benefit of Ballintubber but for the entire region. We have received letters of support from Cloonfad to Athleague and the overall plan is to develop 133km of the River Suck Way from Ballinlough to the Shannon,” Cllr. Waldron said. Dr. Niall Brady, Project Director of the ‘Castles in Communities’ project, which attracts students from the United States to Ballintubber each summer, also welcomed the announcement. He said the funding was “the culmination of a lot of hard but enjoyable work at the local level to open up the possibilities of using the Suck Valley for kayaks, water-related activities and for walking”. He added that that those involved in the ‘Castles in Communities’ project had “had a useful experience in helping with this endeavour” and looked forward to returning to the village next year to continue the good work.

orting our porting h and Parents

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

Webinar on ‘Ways of Supporting our LGBTI+ Community’ A webinar called ‘Ways of Supporting our LGBTI+ Community’ will be held on Monday, November 16th from 11am to 12.30pm. This is an online event. The aim of the Webinar is to bring together services and members of the public to create awareness of recent findings and services to support our LGBTI+ Community. Speaking at the event will be TENI Transgender Equality Network Ireland - Family Support and Education. Belong To -

Findings of a national survey conducted by Belong To Youth Services during Covid – 19. TLC – Tuismitheori Le Cheile group Parents supporting parents to support their young people. For more information or to register for the webinar please contact Teresa O’Brien on 086 029 1215 or email teresa@ridc.ie. Prior booking is essential. This webinar is open to services, youth workers, parents, and members of the public.

Fitzmaurice welcomes Castleplunkett works

11am – 12.30pm online

more information please contact: Teresa O’Brien, LEADER Partnership Company 029 1215 orFáil email teresa@ridc.ie Fianna councillor Paschal Fitz-

maurice has this week welcomed the commencement of road safety works on the Ardeevin Road in Castleplunkett. Work will be carried out to widen the road and to install a new verge in order to make the route safer. Cllr. Fitzmaurice said: “I have worked very hard on getting this difficult project started and had many meetings with landowners and council staff to progress the works.

“At our roads meeting in March 2020 I brought forward a plan to finance the project and I was success-

ful in getting €25,000 funding. “I want to thank Cllr. Marty McDermott who seconded my proposal and supported me on it. I want to make it very clear that I have done the work on this project and the minutes of the meeting back this up. “I will ensure work to complete the project is allocated for in the roads budget. I realise delays to this project have frustrated many local people but we are in it for the long haul to get this project finished”.

Covid-related sports’ funding welcomed

Deputy Denis Naughten

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the €85 million that has been allocated for the sporting sector to offset the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with Gaelic games set to benefit most. Almost €31 million will go to Gaelic games under the scheme, with the IRFU

receiving €18 million and the FAI €13 million. Golf Ireland will receive €2.7 million, Cricket Ireland will get €1.5 million, and Gymnastic Ireland will receive €1.38 million. “It has been a very difficult year for sporting organisations, with their revenue sources having all but dried up. This funding is most welcome

and will protect the national sporting infrastructure and provide financial stability to the sector in the uncertain months ahead,” said Senator Murphy. Deputy Denis Naughten welcomed the allocation of €47,500 to thirty-nine local sports clubs across Roscommon and East Galway to help with the cost of complying with

St. Nathy’s (Ballaghaderreen) TY Horticulture Class pupils with their teacher, Karen Munnelly out for a nature walk on a crisp autumn evening.

Covid-19-related hygiene and social distancing protocols. “This scheme is designed to support clubs who do not have the finances to implement Covid-19 protocols, in order to ensure that people can continue to access these local sports clubs when open under the Living with Covid Plan. “The funding ranges from

€200 to €1,500 and was administered through the Roscommon and Galway Sports Partnerships. While the levels of funding are small, for many clubs this financial assistance is vital, particularly when their opportunity to fund-raise has been restricted,” stated Denis Naughten.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

‘The important thing is I lived to tell the tale and we’ll work everything out’ Community rallies to Tom’s aid after house fire < DAN DOONER

An entire community has rallied around a well-known Roscommon town man after he narrowly escaped injury when a fire caused substantial damage to his home on Circular Road/Henry Street last month. 74-year-old Tom, or T Hill, as he’s known to most of Roscommon town, was resting in his bedroom when a fire broke out in the kitchen next to it on Sunday evening, October 25th. The fire quickly engulfed the house and Tom was lucky to escape through the front door after being alerted by a neighbour. “I was in bed listening to the radio and thought I heard a noise coming from the kitchen,” Tom told the Roscommon People earlier this week. “It didn’t take long until there was smoke everywhere and I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. I felt like I was suffocating…I can still feel it and smell it. “I could hear a banging on the window. It was my next-door neighbour, Frank Beatty, and he was shouting into me that the house was on fire. If it wasn’t for him I would have been in big trouble. I left the house fairly quickly after that!” The Roscommon Fire Brigade were on the scene almost immediately and soon brought the fire under control before the whole house was engulfed. The kitchen and front living room were completely destroyed, however, and upstairs rooms were badly smokedamaged. The roof was saved due to the quick action of the local firefighters. Tom’s home was unfortunately uninsured and since the fire he has relied on his legion of friends in Roscommon town and beyond for support. “Money isn’t important but I lost a lot of memorial cards in the fire which is the worst thing. The house wasn’t insured…that would have been the sensible thing to do! “The important thing is I lived to tell

“

I have been as well looked after as any man has ever been since that fire. I have great friends and neighbours. If you travelled all over Ireland you wouldn’t find better

Local building contractor Gerry Dervin (left) is coordinating a restoration project to repair Tom Hill’s Henry Street home after it was extensively damaged by fire last month. Pic: Mick McCormack

the tale and we’ll work everything out. I have been as well looked after as any man has ever been since that fire. I have great friends and neighbours. If you travelled all over Ireland you wouldn’t find better,” he said. Those neighbours and friends have come to the fore since the incident. On the night of the fire, Tom stayed with Stephanie and Keith Donlon in Oldwood before moving to stay with Darren Hoare and family on Henry Street. He has been inundated with offers of help and support and a group of friends have now come together to help Tom return to his beloved home in time for Christmas. A local group has set up a Gofundme campaign, ‘The Tom Hill House Restoration Fund’, in order to raise the necessary funds to carry out restoration works. A bank account has also been set up at Permanent TSB in Roscommon for this purpose and details will be published in the near future. Those willing to help out financially are asked to contribute via the Gofundme page or directly to the bank account. Local building contractor and project coordinator, Gerry Dervin, is calling for help from tradespeople. The house was extensively damaged in the fire and needs rewiring, replumbing, new doors and windows, a new heating system, a new bathroom, walls and ceilings need to be sheeted and skimmed, new flooring needs to be installed and rooms need to be repainted. All of Tom’s furniture will also have to be replaced. Tradespeople willing to volunteer their time to help in any way are asked to contact Gerry on 086-2546467.

Roscommon town resident, Tom Hill, pictured outside his home which was extensively damaged by fire recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Committee: ‘Let’s get Tom home for Christmas!’ Following the devastating fire which destroyed Tom Hill’s home, a local group has set up a Gofundme campaign, ‘The Tom Hill House Restoration Fund’, in order to raise the necessary funds to carry out restoration works. The local committee includes Chairman Charlie Hunt (086-8330663); Secretary Gerry Browne (087-2808225); Treasurer James Hoare (087-2872055); Stephanie Donlon (086-1690384) Frank Beattie (086-8064475) and Project coordinator Gerry Dervin. The committee released a press statement: “What could have been a shocking and very sad tragedy can become a great story of neighbourhood solidarity and resilience.

The committee is asking the people of Roscommon and Tom’s friends everywhere to help them to get Tom back in his own house before Christmas. “The old Irish saying tells us that ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’ (People live in each others’ shadow) and ‘Ní neart go cur le cheile’ (We are only strong when we pull together). This project will demonstrate that the old ‘meithal’ mentality is alive and well in Ireland and particularly in Roscommon. The Gofundme target is €50,000, which should cover the cost of materials and fittings. All work is being carried out by volunteers”.

Keith Donlon and Tom Hill take a break at Tom’s temporary residence on Henry Street. Tom’s neighbours and friends have rallied to his side after his home was badly damaged by fire recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

DRAW DATE 30/12/20

wina home wina in london home in london London City Island

wina home in london Win A Home In London City Island worth £695,000 (€815,000) The winner of the “Win a Home in London” competition will receive the keys to number 502 Hercules House, 18 Botanic Square, London City Island E14 0LH. This is a breath-taking two-bedroom apartment, by Ballymore, and can be found in the most idyllic location London City has to offer. Dubbed a ‘mini-Manhattan,’ London City Island is situated a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf. It is home to some of the UK’s most important cultural institutions, including English National Ballet, London Film School and several leading art galleries. The property is valued at £695,000 (€815,000).

Roscommon is the hometown of Seán Mulryan, Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Ballymore, and Seán has long been a supporter of Roscommon GAA. Commenting on the Win a Home in London competition, Seán said “I am very pleased to be able to support the competition which will raise vital money for the redevelopment of Dr Hyde Park and the development of the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence in Roscommon. I wish all of the participants the best of luck.” See last year’s winner here www.winahomeinlondon.com

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Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

NewsPeople

Medical group, ROQU, carried out a pilot scheme for four weeks for rapid Covid testing in Lecarrow. Picture: Eoin Healy.

‘A woman in full PPE gear appeared from the testing tent…brandishing a swab’

People reporter Dan Dooner on taking part in the rapid Covid testing pilot scheme in Lecarrow… About six weeks ago I received a phone call from local councillor, Laurence Fallon. Medical group ROQU were carrying out a pilot scheme for rapid Covid testing in Lecarrow for four weeks and he wanted to know if our household wanted to take part. According to Cllr. Fallon, ROQU, led by CEO Robert Quirke, had developed a smartphone app which works alongside Covid-antigen testing machines and provides results in less than twenty minutes. On the following Saturday morning, we reported to St. John’s Church car park, which had been transformed into a tented test centre. Cllr. Fallon and other local volunteers were acting as stewards while staff from the ROQU Group carried out registration and testing. There was some apprehension as we waited in the queue of cars that first Saturday morning. There was talk of nasal swabs and the anxious wait for test results. When it was our turn we pulled up to the line and were greeted by a friendly woman with a clipboard. We went through the registration process and were asked to wait for the testers. Moments later a woman in full PPE gear appeared from the testing tent brandishing a swab. She politely asked

“

The weekly testing provided participants in Lecarrow with some much-needed peace of mind. Like everywhere else, there had been anxiety around Covid-19 in the area, particularly as cases continued to rise in October

me to blow my nose. “Sorry, I know this is uncomfortable but it will be over in just a few seconds,” she assured us. A sample was then taken using a shallow nasal swab, which isn’t as intrusive as the PCR test used to detect Covid-19. The whole procedure took less than ten seconds and my eyes didn’t water once. I swear. “You’re all done,” the PPE lady said. There were no further tests required so away we went. We were halfway to Roscommon town when I received a phone call from an unknown number. “Hi Dan, your test was negative. You’ll be sent a link for the Health Passport app by email. Once you download the app you will see that your status is ‘low risk’. Have a good weekend!” And that’s how the script played out on each of the following three Saturday mornings. The weekly testing provided participants in Lecarrow with some muchneeded peace of mind. Like everywhere else, there had been anxiety around Covid-19 in the area, particularly as cases continued to rise in October. Arriving at St. John’s Church each week, you couldn’t help but feel that you were taking back some measure of control. This is something the local parish priest, Fr. Ray Milton, who also took part in the pilot scheme, touched on earlier this week. “The testing was not very invasive. The rapid test result was fantastic, and having the results received within the Health Passport app was very reassuring. The testing had a good effect on people as it addressed their fears and anxieties about the test itself but more importantly, Covid-19 was not detected and there was no long delay between getting tested and getting the result. “It provided a safe environment for us and those that tested positive took the necessary steps, following all HSE guidelines. The trial has given a great degree of confidence back to people and the feedback has been wonderful,” he said. In total, over 1,000 rapid tests were carried out on 150 participants during the trial, which was part of the Health Passport Ireland pilot programme. There were seven positive cases over the six weeks, including one couple

Pictured at the rapid Covid testing pilot scheme in Lecarrow. Picture: Eoin Healy.

who had just left St. John’s and were on their way to a supermarket when they were alerted of their positive results. The phone call from an on-site doctor allowed them to head for home and be-

gin self-isolation immediately. Robert Quirke, CEO of ROQU Group, said the pilot scheme in Lecarrow shows that testing can be done on a larger scale.

Pictured at the rapid Covid testing pilot scheme in Lecarrow. Picture: Eoin Healy.

“By working with the Lecarrow community, we have been able to stress test how the screening system works in the real world and it has been very reassuring for the local families,” he said. While a report published in August by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) put the accuracy of nasopharyngeal swabs at anything from 76% to 100%, Mr. Quirke said machines used in rapid antigen testing were shown to have 96.7% accuracy in clinical tests in the United States. “It has shown that by combining rapid testing with technology, the Health Passport system is an efficient screening solution. The system has already detected many positive cases amongst asymptomatic people, not only in the village of Lecarrow but also with the rest of our trial partners who we are screening on a weekly basis,” he said. The ROQU Group is now hopeful that the pilot scheme can lead to rapid testing being made available to the general public and that in the absence of a vaccine, this level of screening would lead to fewer lockdowns and allow travel and sporting events to take place. “Having a positive case identified has meant that people can isolate and seek medical help at an early stage and prevent transmission. With the Lecarrow trial, the residents were protected, making it a safer place to live and it reduced any potential strain on the public health system,” Mr. Quirke concluded.

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce, Brendan Allen

‘#RoscommonTogether is about community!’ < DAN DOONER

The President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce, Brendan Allen, has said the #RoscommonTogether campaign is about Roscommon people taking action in order to offer much-needed support to their local community this Christmas. “I’m delighted to launch the #RoscommonTogether campaign at the end of what has been a hell of a year for local businesses,” he said. “I believe that as a business community we need to come together to acknowledge the wonderful support we have received from the public this year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“People have made the conscious decision to support their local economy in 2020 and have committed to shopping local. It is important that we continue this trend into the New Year because it is helping to keep Roscommon town businesses open and local people in employment,” he added. Like most rural towns in Ireland, Roscommon has been badly hit by business closures due to two Covid-19 ‘lockdowns’ this year, but Brendan believes local shoppers can play a big role in helping the town fight back. “Local businesses do not take their customers for granted and are willing to go that extra mile in order to make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.

“This difficult year is not over yet, however, and we need continued support. “It’s important to remember that purchasing essential items and Christmas presents in local shops has a much bigger impact than buying online (from outside Co. Roscommon). The money you spend locally helps families in your own community and supports local employment. “For our part, Roscommon Chamber and the local business community will do our utmost to make this another bright Christmas in Roscommon town and we look forward to working with the local community and the Roscommon People as we continue to move towards a safe and successful future,” he concluded.

#RoscommonTogether…how to stay updated with the campaign! Like the Roscommon Chamber on Facebook – www.facebook.com/roscommonchamber Follow the Roscommon Chamber on Twitter – www.twitter.com/ChamberRos Visit the Roscommon Chamber website – www.roscommonchamber.com Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Roscommon-People Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/RoscommonPeople Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/roscommonpeople Check out our website – www.roscommonpeople.ie

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Supporting one another… Today, the Roscommon People – your locallyowned community newspaper – partners with Roscommon Chamber of Commerce to launch a positive multimedia campaign in advance of Christmas 2020. #RoscommonTogether is a celebration of the wonderful spirit within our community, a spirit which has been much in evidence throughout this traumatic year. Because of Covid-19, 2020 has thus far been an incredibly challenging year for everybody…in terms of the health implications for society, the devastating economic fall-out, and the resulting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our people. We’ve had to be strong, disciplined, resilient. Just now, there are positive signs with regard to renewed efforts to curb the virus. Speculation about a possible major breakthrough in relation to developing a vaccine has lifted the mood of the nation – the world indeed – this week. Our #RoscommonTogether campaign is a collaboration between Roscommon Chamber and the Roscommon People. The campaign will run in the weekly edition of the Roscommon People newspaper and also across all our social media platforms, and those of the Chamber. Watch out for some eye-catching videos, photographs, interviews, and lots of positive posts about our county town, its businesses and its people. This has been an incredibly difficult year for our SMEs, as for society as a whole. We’re reminding our thousands of readers to please shop local over the coming weeks. Please avail of the many Click & Collect options being provided by local businesses. If shopping online, please do so with Roscommon businesses! Keep an eye on the social media platforms of the Roscommon People and Roscommon Chamber from today – every day – for more updates! Thank you, and stay safe. Paul Healy, Editor, Roscommon People

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

Cllr. Laurence

FALLON

CATHAOIRLEACH, ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ‘Please shop local. When shopping online, support local businesses’ Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 090 6488232 Mobile: 086 8575512 cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie

Pictured is Michelle Fallon of michellemadethis.com with her ‘Covid Bucket List’ of enjoyable things to fill the time during lockdown.

Michelle Fallon is pictured writing Christmas cards, one of the many suggestions she gives to help fill the time during lockdown.

Lockdown ideas to make you smile! OUR PLACE, OUR PEOPLE MICHELLE FALLON

Nothing is impossible – the word itself spells ‘I’m Possible’…! It’s hard not to feel the opposite in these current times when we are being bombarded on a daily basis with negative words through our TV screens, radio airwaves and social media. The repetition of the words ‘restricted’ and ‘lockdown’ are very powerful, and are arguably damaging people’s mental health. That and the lack of ‘any other craic’ or ‘any news’ during conversations with friends and family isn’t helping. The problem with this is that focus goes where energy flows, so instead of focussing on all the negatives of lockdown, try turning that around and focus on all the possibilities lockdown has given us and all the things we actually CAN do. It’s a domino effect – just try it, before you know it you’ll be feeling much more optimistic about it all. Not sure where to start? How about creating a Lockdown Bucket list and a Joy Jar. The Bucket list is a list of all the things you can think of that you can do within 5 km that are also going to give you a little focus and challenge over the next few weeks. What is it you’re always saying you would love to do but you just don’t have time? Well, they are the things to go on the list. You will soon see that we are not as restricted as you first thought. I shared this idea on my Instagram a few weeks ago and got a huge response, so here are some of the things people have added to their bucket lists to get you started…

out all the things you love to do that bring you joy: takeaway coffee, painting, a walk in the park, watching your favourite movie, taking a bath, dancing in the kitchen, phoning a friend, reading a magazine, playing board games with the kids, decluttering, cycling, swim and much more. Write all the things Lockdown bucket list ideas you love to do on pieces of paper and pop Trace your family tree, master the perfect them in the jar, then on days you just feel margarita or cocktail, recreate your a bit flat, dip into your joy jar and turn that favourite restaurant meal, host a ‘Come frown upside down! Dine With Me’ or ‘Bake Off’ at home or via zoom, learn to make a barista-style cof- Stay safe everyone, x. fee, get active, learn a new language, read * See more on michellemadethis.com five books, write letters, send cards, plant spring bulbs, become a wine buff, start #RoscommonTogether painting or any new hobby, start writing that book, do that DIY you keep putting off, reconnect with old friends – there are so many things we can actually do once we start thinking that way. Ask yourself what CAN I do rather than what can’t I do. It’s just a matter of changing your mindset. Once you start focusing on all the things you can do, you won’t feel so restricted by lockdown.

Joy jar

For some people, lockdown has hit them hard, and loneliness and depression are a huge concern. If you know someone that is struggling, why not suggest making a Joy Jar. This is a jar full of things you love to do, just little things that bring you joy. The idea is that you can dip into the jar, especially on those days where you hit a wall, and let’s face it – we all have had at least one of those days in the last few months. Once you start, it’s amazing how much more positive you will feel – and it’s contagious too. You will find yourself telling people about it and the domino effect starts. Michelle Fallon is pictured reading the Roscommon So what are you waiting for? Find your- Walks booklet, which is full of activities to help self a jar, a pen and paper, and start writing people keep busy and beat the Covid-19 blues.

Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

Bridgestone Award Winners

Health Food Store

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON

TELEPHONE: (090) 66 30492

Tattie Hoaker Directors: Maureen Brosnan, John Brennan and Aidan Gillan

Shop local, support local, stay local, stay safe!

Find us on facebook.com/TattieHoaker • Website: www.tattiehoaker.com

- Shop local this Christmas - Support local businesses - Stay local, stay safe!

Eugene Murphy

Senator

Scramogue, Strokestown

Mobile: 087 1668775

EMAIL: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Stay Local - Shop Local Support Local

Cllr Marty McDermott,

From

Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council

Tel. 087 3466064 Email: marty.mcdermott1@gmail.com /marty.mcdermott.184

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

We are privileged to live here… Town Thoughts PAUL HEALY

For the first 25 years of my life, I hardly knew Roscommon Town at all. Over the following 25 years (and more) I came to love it. Effortlessly… Growing up in Rooskey, we considered Longford to be the ‘go to’ big town. Back in the 1970’s and ‘80’s, Longford’s Main Street was thriving. The town always seemed to have a great atmosphere. Woods’ colourful, hypnotic shop on Main Street was a delight all year, but especially at Christmas. It was filled with tantalising toys, with wonder…even Santa always paid a visit! These days, most ‘high streets’ are changing…much of the shopping focus has switched to multinationals in business parks. The shadow of the superstores looms large! I kind of begrudge them their burgeoning domination of commercial life here (though they do provide substantial employment). We need to support home-grown SMEs. But I digress. Now, the growth in recent years of online shopping is itself accelerated by the pandemic. The changing face

China Palace

of shopping is such a huge challenge to our traditional main streets, we have no option but to think creatively, embrace the change and reimagine our town and city centres. I digress (again). It was only when my family moved to Strokestown (1985) that I began to discover Roscommon Town. I’d been to a few memorable Connacht finals in the Hyde, but I didn’t know the town. Now, I experienced the cultural revelation that involved six or seven hefty young men squeezing into a battered car and horsing up the road to Rockford’s most weekends. But I digress, again. In 1988, I began working in Roscommon Town (at the Roscommon Champion, then based in Church Street). 32 years on, I never take for granted the town’s friendliness, beauty, character, and the quality of life it offers. It’s easy to love it.

Contours of a town Think of the contours of the town, of what we see as our community ebbs

Thai & Asian Restaurant 11, Main Street, Roscommon

090 6626337 090 6630648

Tel.

Gift Vouchers available

and flows into each new day, new week, new year. Abbey Street, with its fine characterfilled buildings, winding into Church Street. The familiar turn into Main Street, brimming with friendly faces and familiar shop fronts. The Square, with its sense of history, of rolling centuries, of generations past. Volunteers erecting Christmas lights. The apparatus of another lamb festival being set up. The distinctive atmosphere and friendliness and heritage of each street, each with their own history. Our smaller churches are beautiful buildings, always to be admired. The main church, the catholic Sacred Heart Church, is magnificent; frequently stopping tourists as they marvel at its

beauty and reach for their cameras/ phones. This is a town that easily extends itself to meet social and sporting needs, to maintain and grow its position as a thriving town in the heart of Ireland… we have a top golf course, Hyde Park, Roscommon Gaels’ excellent facilities in Lisnamult, further sporting amenities including the community sports park, state-of-the-art schools, the beauty and serenity of Loughnaneane Park, the wonderful Mote Park nearby. There is too the sense of history…of historic buildings, fine archictecture, the whispers of an epic past. Roscommon’s great range of shops, hospitality outlets, service providers, etc. – so many of them deeply bruised by this pandemic, and restricted trade-

wise at the present time – are the beating heart of the town’s commercial life. Ultimately, it’s people who make the town. We should never take this town for granted. The warmth of the people is the key to the great quality of life here. Roscommon, our county town, is a great town. We are privileged to live here!

#RoscommonTogether As part of the Roscommon People/ Roscommon Chamber #RoscommonTogether campaign, readers are invited to submit ‘Town Thoughts’ for consideration for publication. Maybe a maximum of 500 words or so…you can email paul@roscommonpeople.ie

‘It’s great to be getting home-cooked meals!’ Generation Roscommon

Dan Dooner

Like many students across Ireland, Peter Gillooly is currently studying online back at home in Roscommon town due to Covid-19 restrictions. The 20-year-old St. Patrick’s DCU student has been forced to adapt to a new routine while studying for a degree in Primary School teaching. He said: “I’ve just gone into third year at St. Pat’s so this is a very different experience to what I’ve had so far. It’s been difficult because we had accommodation organised in Dublin and you would miss your friends. “On the plus side, it’s great to be getting the home-cooked meals again and to be back with the family. For people who are organised it’s

also good because the lectures are all in front of you and you can get quite a bit done as long as you say focussed because there are fewer distractions. “While there is definitely an attraction to being in the likes of Dublin or even Galway, it is nice being at home too. At the moment a lot of my friends from Roscommon town are at home too so you do get to see more of them. “Having said that, it would be great if there was more for young people to do in Roscommon especially if remote working and learning become the norm”. #RoscommonTogether

Roscommon town student, Peter Gillooly.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

THIS CHRISTMAS

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

RCC students hard at work creating posters RCC art teacher Serena Slevin-Joyce pictured with her class, who are busy creating for their upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition. posters for their upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition.

A multimedia Christmas campaign

RCC students Katie Reddington, Jorja Lyons and Amy Lannon pictured creating posters for their upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition.

Roscommon Community College TY walking art exhibition to promote shopping local The Transition year Art students of Roscommon Community College have teamed up with the Roscommon Chamber of Commerce to create a ‘Walking Art Exhibition’ in order to promote shopping local in the town. Twenty-five TY students from Roscommon Community College are each creating a graphic design poster promoting a shopping local ethos. The posters will be exhibited in shop windows throughout the town, thus creating a walking tour art gallery. The exhibition will be launched on this Monday, November 16th and will continue until January 10th, 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a direct, negative impact on local businesses, and it is hoped that this exhibition will create a positive vibe in town and help to attract people back to these businesses’ doors, and inspire a generation of people to put local businesses first. In other years, local businesses have supported Roscommon Community College’s annual student art exhibitions in the Aras an Chontae offices, so this year, the school wishes to use their art works to give back as a ‘Thank you’. The exhibition kicks off at 1 pm on Monday, November 16th. Students will start

SHALLY’S

RCC art teacher Serena Slevin-Joyce pictured with her class, who are busy creating posters for their upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition.

their walking exhibition at Roscommon Community College, forming a socially distanced ‘parade-line’, making their way

through the town carrying the posters, and leaving brightly coloured helium balloons to mark the location of each poster. The event will by filmed by Matthew Shally via a drone, which will allow for an aerial map/photo to be taken of the exhibition, which will be available to view online. The new set of laptops the students have been using for this project are as a result of the RCC Digital Strategy programme. Virtual Open Day

Keep an eye out on social media and in the Roscommon People for details of our upcoming Virtual Open Day at the end of November!

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Ph: 087 7149026

Email: matthewshally@gmail.com

A thank you… Art students of Roscom-

year eir teacher, The Transition College and thank Caitlin ity un m om C th mon oyce, wish to Serena Slevin-J r colleagues on Roscommon he McConn and r great support on this project. B, Matthew Chamber for thei anked the GRET Serena also th k with drone), and acknowlShally (for wor t of ETL, Roscommon. edged the suppor

Featured businesses Roscommon Community College ‘Walking Art Exhibition’… The following businesses will feature in the

• Oates Auctioneers • Casey’s Londis/Supermac’s Castlemine Farm Shop

• Comfy Café • Cormican’s Office, Art & School Supplies

• Donnellan’s Menswear • Fusion • George Bannon Sports Jakub Kirschke creating a poster on his iPad for RCC’s upcoming ‘Shop Local’ walking art exhibition.

• Sweet Treats Ice Cream

Parlour • Klassic Cleaners • Macklin’s Fish Shop • The Skincare & Hair Spa McGuinness totalhealth pharmacy • McNeill’s Foodstore • McNulty’s Furniture • Molloy’s Artisan Bakery

• Molloy’s Pharmacy • Rogue & Co  • Roscommon People • Mahon Sweeney Solicitors • The Good Place  • Timepieces  • Timothy’s Londis  • Madden’s Meats • Roscommon Credit Union

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

A multimedia Christmas campaign

‘Every night, I listen to Joe Dolan or Pavarotti’ Our place, our people Paul Healy

Once upon a time, Tom (‘T’) Hill and his late brother, Frank, got a new pet dog. They called the dog ‘Timmy’ after their favourite barman, the great Timmy Corcoran (now also deceased). Timmy was the genial head barman in The Central. Timmy the dog brought the brothers closer together, but the new living arrangements were not without pitfalls. There was the time that Timmy the dog inadvertently got drunk (he helped himself to some whiskey which had been left to one side in a glass). Tom recalled: “The dog was disorientated and staggering”. That (very) tipsy episode aside, Timmy was generally a well behaved and lovable dog, a welcome addition to life

Roscommon town resident, Tom Hill, chats with RTÉ reporter Ciaran Mullooly as restoration work continues on his home on Henry Street. Pic: Mick McCormack

at No. 1, Circular Road. It’s no surprise – yet still so heartwarming – to witness the Roscommon community’s response to the fire which set Tom Hill’s house ablaze last month. Led by neighbours and other likeminded locals, a campaign is now well underway, the aim being to try and get Tom back into his house for Christmas. The fire happened on the 25th of October, and while the house was badly damaged, one of the town’s great characters – thank God – escaped unharmed. The people of Roscommon Town – and thankfully this same spirit is evident in communities countywide – are never found wanting at times like this. The first reaction to the fire was one of

immense relief and gratitude that Tom Hill was safe and well. The second reaction was: let’s roll up our sleeves and ‘put this house back together again’. Just like its instantly recognisable occupant, it’s no ordinary house. It’s a bit of a landmark in the town, standing, as I observed in my book ‘Nothing About Sheep Stealing’, on both Henry Street and Circular Road. I’ve been in T. Hill’s house many times. You can rebuild wilted structures and clean up smoke-soiled walls, but a sad aspect of the events of October 25th is that Tom lost some valued momentos. On the walls of his kitchen were memoriam cards, newspaper cuttings, photographs. I know that Tom felt the company of absent friends (and family) through these now-lost mo-

mentos. You only had to point at one of them to prompt a detailed, affectionate story from the man himself. Tom Hill (as he acknowledges in an interview in this edition) is now the recipient of a community’s love and generosity. It could never be any other way. Tom is more than ‘a character’ – he’s a good, salt of the earth Roscommon man who is rightly valued in our community. It’s a joy to meet him. A painter by trade, he’s a bit of a philosopher too. He has some priceless stories about the old days, about the people he has met and known. More than that, I like his view of life…his optimism, his loyalty to the town, to people, to our traditions, to times past. Tom is loyal. Friends mean everything to him. That’s why

the loss of these momentos is significant, sad. But, knowing Tom, he will bounce back. During the summer, I asked Tom how he was managing with the lockdown(s). He was fine. “Every night, I listen to either Joe Dolan or Pavarotti” he said, “then I’m happy”. It’s no surprise to see the people of Roscommon rallying to him now. He is one of ours, he has given the town a lot, and the town will give back. His people will get him back into his house, back with Joe Dolan and Pavarotti, back amongst his neighbours and friends. Tom ‘T’ Hill will be back home again, ready to make new memories for years to come. * See page 18. #RoscommonTogether

‘You could be chatting about anything from Donald Trump to Roscommon GAA!’ What I do

Johnny O’Keeffe (An Post) What time does your day start? My day starts when the alarm goes off at 5.30 am. I try and be into work around 6.15 am. What’s the first thing you have to do? I go to my sorting bench, where the mail for my route is. I then sort it into order for delivery on my bike. Where does your day take you? My bike duty is one of three bike duties in Roscommon town. I cover the Athlone Road, including the housing estates, as far as Hannon’s Hotel. That’s around 350 houses and 13km a day, which is a nice cycle! What’s the best thing about your job? I work with a great bunch of people, and I also meet plenty of people on my route.

Each day you could be chatting about anything from Donald Trump to Roscommon GAA! Being a postman in the current climate also has a sense of importance about it. We pass people’s doors every day and if they’re in need of a carton of milk, or a good local, free newspaper we can help them out! What’s the worst thing about your job? The dogs! It must be the uniform or something, because they just don’t like us! What time do you clock off? When I finish my bike deliveries I have a few hours off until I go back in at 3.30 pm for collections. I start by collecting mail and parcels from the Post Office in The Square and then I head out to Castlecoote, Donamon, Creggs, Ballygar and Athleague and (have to be) back by 5.30 pm to The Square to close up. Once that’s done I head out to the depot to load the truck for

the Athlone Mail Centre. So I clock off around 6.15 pm. Who’s at home? I live in Donamon with my wife Vicky, sons Tristan, Jamie and Evan. My motherin-law Betty also lives in the house with us. How do you wind down in the evening? My way of winding down would be a night on the couch, a good fire on while watching Netflix or TV with the family. *Nine local postmen are taking part in a ‘Movember No Shave Challenge’ for the month of November. All proceeds raised are going towards Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. You can donate to this great cause on the Gofundme page ‘Roscommon Postmen November Challenge’. * Interview: Dan Dooner

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

PropertyPeople

PROPERTY PARTNERS

ipav

PSRA Licence No. 001481

FOR SALE A MOST ATTRACTIVE 3 B/R MID-TERRACE TOWNHOUSE PROPERTY OF APPROX. 1,500 SQ.FT

located at

Joint Selling Agents: Pat Hughes & Co, Auctioneers. 090 66 27003.

NEW TO THE MARKET

A PRIME COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OF APPROX. 3,360 SQ.FT located at

Price Guide: €100,000 ono to sell.

(holding development potential). Price Guide: €125,000 ono to sell.

(Holding potential for further development subject to the relevant planning permission) BER: F.

EARLEY

PATRICK STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON.

5 ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 EY94 A most attractive 1.5 storey townhouse property standing on a large site area. This character property is centrally located in a renowned residential district and offers spacious living accommodation throughout together with a range of useful out buildings and rear access. Altogether this is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the joint agents now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

A prime property with potential for business and residential development in the town centre convenient to the church and all local amenities. The said property offers approx. 1,660 sq.ft on the ground floor with approx. 1,700 sq.ft over two upper floors incorporating 6 number bedrooms etc. The property benefits from rear access with yardway and storage shed set thereon. Altoghether, this is a very solid building with potential and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER: F.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

Earley’s invite final offers for Fourmilehouse bungalow Commercial/residential property for development in Roscommon town centre

John Earley’s sale of the week

This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a prime commercial/residential property for development in the town centre for a “very satisfactory” price. John describes the property as being “a prime property, located in a selfadvertising location. The sale endorses the demand for commercial locations in Roscommon town, and we are actively

seeking other similar properties for disappointed underbidders. All replies in confidence to the auctioneer. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

Final offers invited for The Sportsman’s Inn This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is seeking final offers after €225,000 (the entire) for the established and renowned sevenday residential licensed premises known as The Sportsman’s Inn at Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. John says this represents “a rare opportunity to acquire one of the region’s most established and renowned seven-day licensed premises. “Located in the heart of Strokestown near all local amenities, the said property offers character commercial accommodation throughout with six bedrooms (three ensuite) over two upper floors,

and carries out a substantial turnover”. Standing to the side is a twostorey residential/investment property of approximately 2,130 square feet, of which part of the ground floor is presently let on favourable terms to a beauty salon with a passing rent of approximately €5,520 per annum. This is a must-view property and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and final offers after €225,000 to sell. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is inviting final offers after €60,000 for a primely located, threebedroomed bungalow at Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. John describes the lands as “a primely located threebedroomed countryside residence in a select residential area on the main N61 Roscommon/Boyle route. The residence, which is in need of renovation, stands on a site area of approximately 0.3 of an acre and is serviced by a garage area to the side and a fuel shed to the rear”. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and final offers after Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. €60,000 to sell. BER: G. For further details or Earley (FIPAV) of Legal: Billy Brandon, Property Partners Earley, Messers Patrick J Neilan & to arrange a viewing, please contact John Roscommon on 090 66 Co., 090 66 26245.

The Sportsman’s Inn at Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

26579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log on to propertypartners.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

PropertyPeople

‘Exquisite’ four-bedroomed residence near Athlone Carnagh East, Lecarrow – an exquisite four-bedroomed residence, standing on circa 11 acres, with American barn stables, floodlit sand arena and sand gallops.

On the market with Joe Naughton Auctioneers is this exquisite fourbedroomed residence, standing on circa 11 acres, with American barn stables, floodlit sand arena and sand gallops. The property is located in the geographical centre of Ireland, ten minutes from Athlone town and

the M6 Motorway, one hour from Galway, and an hour and a half from Dublin. This magnificent residence has outstanding views of the surrounding countryside from every aspect of the home. It is a well-constructed modern home, and yet it retains many of the original cottage-style features. It

comprises of four bedrooms (three ensuite), a sitting room, kitchen/ dining room with separate elevated seating area, utility, and guest WC. The American barn circa (300 square metres) has two large automatic roller doors, one large double sliding door and one pedestrian door. It includes four internal stables

Auctioneers & Chartered Surveyors Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664 Email: moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472

Kilmore, Ballygar

Market Square, Ballygar

Excellent location. Fully refurbished and ready for the new owner to fit out. Details from the auctioneers

Prime town centre location. Requires some work. Excellent opportunity for anyone seeking family home/investment

3. Bed. Bungalow For Sale

3. Bed. Two Storey

For Sale By Private Treaty – Coalpits, Creggs, Co. Galway Lands c. 12.1 acres together with Ruinous Stone Cottage, Stone Shed and Crush thereon The lands are laid out in three divisions; • c. 4.9 acres with ruinous stone cottage, stone shed and crush. • c. 5.06 acres of rough grazing. • c. 2.12 acres of bog. Excellent opportunity for anyone seeking small holding with site potential or to acquire additional lands. Convenient to Creggs, Ballygar and the renowned Hollygrove Lake. Full details from the auctioneers.

fitted by Pro-Am, with sliding doors. It has a wash bay, a tack room with sink, hot water, and storage. The John Ormonde-built fibre and sand arena with membrane is floodlit and fenced. The land, stables, etc. can be accessed directly from the roadway or via the residence. The circa 11

acres of free drainage land are laid out a well with sheltered paddocks with water troughs and stock proof fencing. Price: €500,000. BER: B3. Viewing of this excellent property is highly recommended. To contact the office, phone 090 449090 or email info@joenaughton.ie.

Three-bedroomed bungalow at Corramore, Kiltoom This three-bedroomed bungalow, sitting on a large site of circa 0.53 acres, is situated in an excellent location just a short distance from the Hodson Bay Hotel and Athlone Town centre, close to the M6 Dublin to Galway Motorway. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. In need of modernisation internally, this property represents excellent value and holds huge potential for future expansion and renovation. There is an array of outbuildings adjacent, with a large concrete yard to the front and ample road frontage. The property boasts a host of additional features, including laid lawns to the front and rear, six stables, a shed to rear (21`4” x 14`10”), an open shed to rear (17`5” x 12`3”) and another shed to front (15`3” x 13`2”). Services include mains water, electricity and septic tank. Accommodation includes a porch to the front, reception hallway, living room, kitchen/ dining room, utility room, back hallway, three bedrooms and a bathroom. This property is popular for viewing and has attracted keen interest since arriving on the market. In order to secure your ap-

Corramore, Kiltoom

pointment, contact the office on 09066 63700 or email info@ connaughtonauctioneers.

ie.Weekend, evening and bank holiday viewings are available by prior arrangement.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

PropertyPeople

NEW TO THE MARKET

Barrymore House, Barrymore Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 W5D9

Barrymore House is without doubt the most prestigious and innovative residence to be constructed in the Barrymore area for many years. Barrymore House is situated about 5km from Athlone town on the N61 road to Roscommon. The area offers peace, tranquillity and is close to all amenities. This prestigious house is spacious and well located and would be an ideal property for those seeking a family home of distinction which is pleasantly situated in a country setting yet not too far from the town centre.

Price Region: €725,000.

Ber Rating: B1

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NEW TO THE MARKET

5 The Fairways. Golf Links Road Roscommon. Co. Roscommon F42 XN59

Unique opportunity to acquire a detached bungalow residence in this popular residential area within walking distance to Roscommon town centre and all town amenities. Finished to a high standard by the present owners with no expense spared, this spacious residence comprises entrance hallway, bright open plan kitchen/dining/living room, sitting room, utility, 4 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom. Situated on a large corner site overlooking the green area, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a bungalow of this standard for which the auctioneers invites viewings and offers.

Price Region: €250,000

Ber Rating: C3

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NEW TO THE MARKET

53 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Co. Longford N39 WP20 Quality three- bedroom residence in good condition throughout offering spacious garden to rear. Lanesboro is a thriving town on the River Shannon, close to the regional centres of Athlone, Roscommon and Longford. Local amenities include historical and tourist attractions, schools, libraries and sports facilities together with world renowned fishing and water sports. Accommodation consists entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, downstairs W.C. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom.

Price Region: € 110,000

BER Rating: D1

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NEW TO THE MARKET

1 Oaklawn Drive, Racecourse Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 A252 Attractive 3 bedroom semi-detached house located on the Racecourse Road adjacent to local shop, restaurant, filling station and children’s playground. Within walking distance of Roscommon town centre and all amenities including railway station, this property would make a suitable starter home or investment property. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom.

Price Region: €159,500 BER Rating: C2

Church Street, Roscommon town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

Stunning 4-bedroom two-storey residence in Kilconnell Oates Auctioneers are please to offer for sale a stunning 4-bedroom twostorey residence at Cappagh Bridge, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 AY94. Approached via a curved driveway this luxurious residence is located in a quiet country setting two miles from Kilconnell village, 10 minutes to Ballinasloe 30 minutes to Athlone Town and only 40 minutes to Galway City. Built to a high standard and well maintained by its present owners, this residence comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, open plan kitchen/dining room

Stunning 4-bedroom two-storey residence at Cappagh Bridge, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

and utility. First floor - 4 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom. Outside a large detached garage, attractive

decking and large private garden. Price Region: € 279,500. BER Rating: C2. Please contact Oates Auctioneers for further

details, Church Street, Roscommon town, telephone: 090 6627878. Email info@oates.ie; Website: www.oates.ie.

Four-bedroomed house In Williamstown area New to the market on the fringe of Williamstown is this very spacious, fourbedroomed, two-storey residence, No. 6, Bealach Na Ceartan. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. The residence is built to a very high standard and has a very good energy rating of B1. First-time buyers can avail of a tax rebate of 10% of the purchase price for this property (see ‘Help to Buy Scheme for First Time Buyers’, or contact the office for information). The reception hallway is bright and spacious with high quality tiling and ceiling downlighters. The large sitting room is located to the left of the entrance, with bay window, new carpets and provision for gas fire if desired. The kitchen/ dining room, located at the rear of the property, overlooks the rear garden and is a large, open-plan space with tiled flooring, and downlighters in kitchen area. Double patio doors lead to the rear garden. The utility room is off the kitchen area with a Grant, indoor, oil-fired boiler and Beam, central vacuum system. The spacious guest WC features tiled flooring, wash hand basin and toilet.

No. 6, Bealach Na Ceartan, Williamstown.

On the first floor, this property does not disappoint. The stairs, landing and all four of the bedrooms (master ensuite) have been newly carpeted, and each room is very spacious. The master bedroom ensuite features tiled flooring, part-tiled walls, wash hand basin, toilet and power shower and enclosure. The main bathroom is off the landing area with floors and walls tiled, a wash hand basin, toilet, and separate shower and enclosure. This exceptional home boasts many excellent features, such as solar panels on the roof for consistent hot water, zoned central heating with heat recovery

system, Beam central vacuum system, beautiful cobblelocking on front drive and a large enclosed garden to rear. The residence, which is near completion with the exception of the installation of a fitted kitchen, is located in a much sought after area, convenient to Tuam, Ballyhaunis, Castlerea and Roscommon. Viewing comes highly recommended for this excellent property. For further information and to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 09066 63700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie Evening, weekend and bank holiday viewings are available by prior appointment.

Looking to sell? We have buyers! Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home! • Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

PSRA No. 001316

It can take time to prepare your home for sale. While lockdown has put many things on hold, your home-selling journey doesnâ€™t have to be one of them. Valuations and viewings will be continuing, so now is as good a time as any to start the process. Contact us on 090 662 7200 or visit sherryfitz.ie

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

OBITUARIES

The late Teresa Murray was in her 105th year

Teresa Murray (nee Melvin), who died on the 24th of October 2020

Teresa Murray (nee Melvin), who died on the 24th of October 2020, was formerly of the well-known Murray’s Bar in Castle Street, Roscommon. She led a remarkable, long life, and was in her 105th year. Formerly of Ballina, Co. Mayo, Teresa moved to Roscommon town in 1956 with her late husband Thomas Murray. The couple bought a premises in Castle Street, Roscommon – a thriving bar and grocery business. Teresa was born in the year of the 1916 Rising and lived through two World Wars, (The Emergency), Irish Civil War, the War of Independence, the Spanish Flu and the Covid-19 pandemic. She grew up overlooking the Moy River, where her father was the harbourmaster. Teresa recalled the Black and Tans breaking into her home and demanding the keys of the harbour store. Thomas (Tommy) and Teresa moved to Roscommon in 1956, after spending several years in business in Drumshanbo. They

‘The soul of his village’ The death notice for Sean Healy states that he died peacefully and that his funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Other than that, it says very little about the man whom everyone knew and loved, who was so much a part of life and living around Ballygar for most of his 91 years. Sean Healy was born in the heart of Muckinagh, a few miles to the south of Ballygar, in East County Galway, in an area known as An Boreen Cuach (The Cuckoos Boreen). It was there he grew up, and this was where he spent almost all of his 91 years – farming, working with his family and neighbours, and being a great person for the local community. In fact, over the years Sean became the soul of his own beloved village. He loved his own place, Muckinagh; his local townland, where he knew all the old local placenames and had a name for every hedge and every field and every stone – An Claí Mór, An Górt Mór, The Aughauns, Lochaí, Currach and Scoilt. The River Suck, along with its biggest tributary, the River Shiven (both of which encircle Muckinagh along with their associated callows) provided Sean with a giant playground, where he hunted trout and pike during the summer months and chased after Brent Geese during the winter with his old single-barreled shotgun. The wild geese around Currach will miss him. He rarely, if ever, left Muckinagh. Every day he would look across the great River Suck, which flowed just a few hundred metres in front of his home, but he never crossed it. Only once did he made the journey around to Cloonekillagh on the opposite ‘East Bank’ in County Roscommon, when he had to retrieve cattle that had crossed The Suck during a drought year. He was a proud Galway man, who never missed a Connacht final. Sean Healy grew up through a difficult time in Ireland. During his childhood years, he experienced the economic war of the 1930’s, and walked the two miles to Islandcase national school every day. Throughout the years of the Second World War, Sean sat with all his classmates as their teacher, Mrs. Martin, told them stories about German forces marching across Europe, frontier after frontier collapsing before them. Then, after the war, the ESB got going with their Rural Electrification Scheme throughout East Galway, and Sean got his first job working with them, which saw great poles being hauled into place manually all around

bought a premises in Castle Street, Roscommon and ran it as a thriving bar and grocery business throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. The bar – still Murray’s – continues to trade to this day. Teresa loved nothing more than to hear that Roscommon were playing Mayo in Hyde Park! She would always look forward to meeting up with her Mayo family and chatting about the old times. In fact two of her nephews played senior and minor football for Mayo. Her husband Thomas died on April 18th, 1987. Soon afterwards, Teresa moved to Dublin and resided at her daughter’s residence in Lucan. Teresa returned to Roscommon very often, and celebrated her 100th birthday in the family home on the Galway Road. Teresa Murray died peacefully on the 24th of October, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her daughters Marie, Margaret, and Stella, and her sons Joseph, Adrian and Oliver. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Obituary: The late Sean Healy

Roscommon-born Fr. Gerry O’Rourke (RIP) was invited to celebrate Mass with Pope Francis in Rome in 2015. The San Francisco-based priest passed away at the age of 95 on July 30th.

The late Fr Gerry O’Rourke leaves an impressive legacy The late Sean Healy (pictured attending Ballygar Carnival a few years ago).

Ballygar for the purpose of bringing electricity to rural Ireland. Meanwhile, back in Muckinagh, during night hours Sean Healy, along with his neighbour Pa Kelly, voluntarily crawled into the attics of the houses of all his neighbours, with wires and meter boards, bringing the new magic of electricity to everyone, without any pay. Stories of fun and laughter still survive about the nights Sean spent on house wiring work, bringing the fascination of electric light to local people for the very first time. Sean always loved working in the bog, especially in May; cutting and saving turf, ‘brewing up’ strong tea mixed with turf smoke, and the smell of freshly-cut turf over stories about turf-cutters who lived there ‘fadó fadó’. Like other young men in his area, during the 1950’s he worked on piecework, doing experimental projects with The Irish Sugar Company on Gowla Bog. The work involved growing sugar beet and grass on raised bog. It was during the 1950’s too that Sean decided to set up his own agriculture contract business. Over the following 30 years, he surely ploughed every field in his own local area several times over, and any he didn’t plough he cut meadows in. Every Friday, he moved cattle to Roscommon Mart, where he enjoyed the farming chat and excitement of the ‘ring’. In Ballygar, he became a local hero in the farming world.

He was a lifelong member of The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, but in a strange way, he loved going to traditional Irish pubs to be part of the atmosphere they created, especially traditional music and dancing. He loved Sean-Nós and old-time waltzing. Sean was a great community man. When someone was in trouble, he was the saviour for one and all. He was in charge of digging and making graves for everyone who died in Muckinagh for the past seventy years. Everyone got a traditional burial, as was the custom through the centuries. In a strange twist of fate, when it came to Sean Healy’s own funeral, his neighbours were unable to give him a similar traditional funeral and burial due to Covid-19. His funeral was restricted due to Government regulations and yet all his neighbours and many friends from near and far turned out in great numbers to give him a last salute by way of a local guard of honour before his funeral mass. Fr. Michael Breslin, PP of Ballygar, celebrated a very fitting Mass, his Homily touching all the key areas of Sean’s life. He will be missed, and there’s one thing for sure – Ní bheidh a leithéid aris ann. He is survived by his wife Anna, sister Mary and all his extended family, friends and neighbours. I Líonta Dé go gCastar Sinn. – Mattie Nolan

Roscommon-born priest, Fr. Gerry O’Rourke, passed away at the age of 95 on July 30th in San Francisco, where he had served in St. Catherine of Siena parish since 2011. Fr. Gerry was born to Denis and Elizabeth (nee McLoughlin) O’Rourke on May 27th, 1925. He was a native of Ballyfarnon, but spent his childhood in Abbey Street, Roscommon town. The oldest of eight children, he was predeceased by Josephine, Pascal, Seamus, and Rev. John O’Rourke, and survived by Nonie, Eucharia and Sr. Catherine O’Rourke. He attended Summerhill College, Sligo and studied for the priesthood at Maynooth University Seminary. Fr. O’Rourke was ordained by Archbishop John McQuaid on June 18th, 1950 for the Diocese of Elphin. He ministered as an associate pastor to the Diocese of Lacrosse, in Wisconsin. After studying at Fordham University in New York City, he then served with the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society in Brazil and in Northern California. Fr. O’Rourke spent eight years at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Mill Valley, California before taking up the position of director or RENEW, the Catholic Organisation for spiritual renewal. In 1991, he became full-time Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs. His engaging manner, deep faith, and remarkable ability to communicate were evident in the vast connections he developed with religious leaders in many parts of the world. In 2000, he was called to the White House to meet with President Bill Clinton in honour of his success at bringing people of different faiths together to communicate effectively and respectfully. Fr. O’Rourke served with enthusiasm at the parishes of St. Gabriel, St. Agnes, and St. Philip, before taking up residence at St. Catherine of Siena parish in 2011, where he was greatly loved. He continued to speak at conferences, to lead retreats, and to keep up a lively correspondence with many people across the country and abroad. A nephew of the legendary Dan O’Rourke, Fr. Gerry was very proud of his Roscommon roots. He remained close to his extended family and was a regular visitor to his native Roscommon (and Ireland in general) to meet with relatives and friends. In 2015, Fr. O’Rourke was invited to Rome to meet and celebrate Mass with Pope Francis, which he described as “an unbelievable honour” in an interview he gave to the Roscommon People at the time. In 2018, he was honoured at the Irish Consulate in San Francisco for his contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and to the empowerment of leaders in faith communities. Fr. O’Rourke was laid to rest following Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Friday, August 7th.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

FarmingPeople Number 002414

Elphin Mart Monday evening, 16th November Dry Cows at 6pm Annual Springer Heifer Sale for Pat Duffy - 13 Calf Heifers, Limousin X in-calf to A1 Limousin Bulls EBY and ZAG Calving November and December 20 other lots - Sale at 7.30pm Ring 2: Weanling Sale at 6.30pm Booking taken by phone. Usual Sheep Sale at 7.30pm Wednesday 18th November Special Heifer Sale including Special Breeding Heifer Sale 250 on offer - Sale at 11am All cattle will be sold on-line

New minister for OPW must act on flooding – IFA

Please contact: 071/9635061 IFA President Tim Cullinan

In a recent meeting with Minister Patrick O’Donovan, who has responsibility for the OPW, IFA President Tim Cullinan said that farmers want the OPW to manage the water levels on the Shannon by dropping the level from the end of the summer season, while ensuring that it doesn’t cause problems further downstream. “We need the new Minister to take control of the situation. Farmers are sick of excuses for inaction,” he said. “A number of key pinchpoints identified along the river need to be addressed.

Silt has been building up on the bed of the Shannon over the years, which has to be removed by dredging. These actions would help alleviate the flooding problem by lowering the water levels. It’s affecting farmers, who are suffering major losses, and it also causes disruption for businesses in the flooded areas”. IFA Connacht Regional Chairman Pat Murphy said that in south Galway, there is a huge flooding problem, with water rising in the turloughs. A proper drainage system would alleviate some of the problems here.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY WEEKLY:

BULLOCK SALE COVID 19 RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS

For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

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ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551 Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Castlerea MART WATCH Slightly smaller numbers presented for sale this week, but trade has held up well, especially for the quality lots on offer. The heifer ring reported a good clearance, with store heifers and breeding lots in strong demand, and prices topping out at €3.05 a kilo. In the weanling rings, quality was key, as the bulls peaked at €3.43 a kilo, and the heifer weanlings peaked at €3.26 a kilo. The dry cows have noticed a dip in prices this week with larger numbers presented for sale, while breeding stock remain a good trade. Overall, a good clearance took place. Heifers, sample prices: Ch 425kgs €1040, Lm 370kgs €1020, AA 405kgs €970, Sim 425kgs €1300, Lm 455kgs €1250, Ch 450kgs €1130, Lm 445kgs €1070, Ch 630kgs €1360, and AA 585kgs €1320. Dry cows, sample prices: Lm 830kgs €1500, Ch 845kgs €1525, Lm 760kgs €1345, Sim 740kgs €1150, Sh 745kgs €980, and Lm 745kgs €1200. Weanling bulls, sample prices: AA 195kgs €520, Ch 280kgs €950, Ch 265kgs €910, Lm 265kgs €690, Sim

245kgs €670, Ch 370kgs €1040, Ch 325kgs €870, and Lm 310kgs €850. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lmx 245kgs €800, Ch 285kgs €760, Ch 255kgs 4750, Ch 225kgs €640, Sim 355kgs €860, and Ch 300kgs €740. There were 200 bullocks on offer at our bullock sale on Monday, November 2nd, with the quality stores remaining a fine trade, in some cases €30-€40 better than the week before. Sample prices: Ch 475kgs €1170, Ch 495kgs €1160, AA 445kgs €1090, Lm 510kgs €1290, Ch 500kgs €1200, Lm 590kgs €1380, Ch 550kgs €1280, Ch 645kgs €1400, Lm 655kgs €1480, and Ch 665kgs €1420. Cows with calves at foot made from €1280 to €1690 per head, springers made from €770 to €1420 per head, and runners made from €350 to €680 for continental lots. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart with our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings on Thursday, November 12th. All sales commence at 11 am with Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions in place.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

Lowest price GUARANTEED

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Daily collection

KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

FarmingPeople

(Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Covid 19 Level 5 – Mart Restrictions

All Cattle sales shall be ONLINE ONLY on our LSL App Buyers must register to view stock prior to sale. Sellers must drop off their livestock and leave. Animals will be sold subject and Sellers will be informed of their prices by telephone. ----------------------

Winter Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, November 13th at 11.30 a.m. 65 pens on offer Also Heifers & Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m. All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. ----------------------

Special Cont X Sale of Heifers

Enjoying the mild weather! Out for a walk in Roscommon town earlier this week. Picture: Mick McCormack

Friday, November 20th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th Also Bullocks and Dry Cows ----------------------

Roscommon MART WATCH Dry cows, heifers and bullocks: The numbers on offer this week were similar to the previous week. There was firm trade for heifers with lots averaging from €2.24 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. Bullocks were also a good trade with nearly a full clearance and prices averaging from €2.16 per kilo up to €2.70. The trade for dry cows was easier, with lots fetching from an average of €1.58 per kilo up to €2.13 per kilo. There will be a special sale of bullocks on Friday, November 13th, with sixty pens on offer, as well as the sale of heifers and dry cows. Sales commence at 11 am with intake from 7.30-9.30 am. Viewing is by appointment from 1010.45 am. Our online bidding facility is available through LSL. Gates close at 9.45 am. On Friday, November 20th at 11 am we will have our mid-winter special sale of heifers and general sale of bullocks and dry cows. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, November 12th. Please note all customers must wear a facemask or a face covering.

Dry cows Dry cows ranged from €1.58 up to €2.13 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 78kgs €1550, Char X 830kgs €1490, Lim X 735kgs €1470, Lim X 690kgs €1430, Lim X 645kgs €1380, BAX 700kgs €1340, Lim X 700kgs €1260, AAX 720kgs €1200, Simm X 645kgs €1010, Lim

X 635kgs €1170, STX 500kgs €990, and Lim X 635kgs €1170. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.16 up to €2.70 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 580kgs €1370, Lim X 615kgs €1290, Lim X 470kgs €1270, Char X 465kgs €1250, Lim X 475kgs €1180, Char X 440kgs €1120, AAX 510kgs €1070, Lim X 425kgs €1070, Char X 430kgs €1040, Lim X 420kgs €980, and Lim X 370kgs €850. Heifers ranged from an average of €2.24 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 760kgs €1740, Char X 745kgs €1660, Char X 780kgs €1650, Char X 675kgs €1580, 2 Char X 700kgs €1550, Lim X 605kgs €1460, Lim X 495kgs €1400, Lim X 550kgs €1360, Char X 560kgs €1360, Lim X 495kgs €1330, Lim X 450kgs €1230, 2 Lim X 485kgs €1260, AAX 580kgs €1200, Lim X 432kgs €1200, 2 Char X 470kgs €1180, Lim X 400kgs €1150, Lim X 385kgs €1140, 2 Char X 420kgs €980, and AAX 380kgs €800. Weanlings and suckler cows: There was a large entry of top quality weanlings on offer at our show and sale on Tuesday, November 10th. Trade was brisk for weanling heifers, with averages of €2.64 per kilo. The top price went on a super Limousin X calf, weighing 330kgs and fetching €3200 (€9.70 per kilo). Prices for weanling bulls ranged from an average of €2.48 per kilo up to

End of Month Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, November 27th at 11 a.m. Also Heifers & Dry Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th ----------------------

Special Cont. X Sale of Weanlings

Champion weanling heifer weighing 330kgs fetches €3200 at Roscommon Mart’s weanling show and sale on Tuesday, November 10th.

a maximum of €3.69 per kilo with a good demand for quality lots, and plainer stock more difficult to sell. We will have a special sale of weanlings, as well as a special entry of nine in-calf cows (second, third, fourth and fifth calvers) on Tuesday, November 17th at 4 pm. Bookings will be accepted up to 5 pm on Thursday, November 12th. Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.64 per kilo up to €9.69 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 330kgs €3200 - €9.69 per kilo, BBX 415kgs €1410 – €3.39 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €1200 - €4.00 per kilo, BBX 300kgs €1190 - €3.96 per kilo, Lim X 305kgs €1190 - €3.90 per kilo Char X 375kgs €1150 - €3.06 per kilo, Lim X 365kgs €970 - €2.65 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €900 - €2.76 per kilo, Char X 290kgs €840 – €2.89 per kilo, Char 245kgs €760 –€3.10 per kilo, and BBX

325kgs €1190 -€3.66 per kilo. Weanling bulls made from an average of €2.48 per kilo up to €3.69 per kilo. Sample prices: Lim X 435kgs €1490 - €3.42 per kilo, Lim X 495kgs €1470 - €2.96 per kilo, Char X 365kgs €1350, Char X 425kgs €1260- €2.96 per kilo, Char X 345kgs €1200 - €3.47 per kilo, BBX 340kgs €1150 – €3.38 per kilo, Char X 310kgs €1030 - €3.32 per kilo, Char X 390kgs €1110- €2.84 per kilo, BBX 310kgs €980 - €3.16 per kilo, Char X 305kgs €910 - €2.98 per kilo, Char X 260kgs €900 - €3.46 per kilo, AAX 400kgs €860 – 2.15 per kilo, and Char X 285kgs €830 - €2.91 per kilo.

Sheep There were similar numbers on offer at our weekly sheep assembly on Wednesday, Novem-

ber 11th, with firm trade for both lambs and ewes. Finished lambs made up to €126.5 for 56.7kgs, and stag ewes made up to €122. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. Our next sheep assembly for lambs & cast ewes takes place at 11 am on Wednesday, November 18th. Sheep must be prebooked. The yard open at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Finished lambs, sample prices: 56.7kgs €126.5, 53kgs €125.5, 51.5kgs €124.5,51.5kgs €120, 48.9kgs €123.5, 52.3kgs €123.5, 50.8kgs €122.25, 48.9kgs €121.75, and 48.3kgs €121. Store lambs, sample prices: 39.7kgs €102, 37.8kgs €101, 36.4kgs €96, 35kgs €95, 38kgs €86, and 30kgs €73. Cast ewes made from €76 to €122 per lot.

Tuesday November 17th at 4 p.m. Also Springers/Suckler Cows Included in Sale – Special Entry of 9 in Calf Cows – 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Calvers Due Jan/Feb/March – photos on our Website/ Facebook Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th ----------------------

End of Month Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, November 24th at 4 p.m. Also Suckler/Springers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th ----------------------

Sheep Assembly for Lambs & Cast Ewes at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18th Sheep must be pre-booked Yard open at 8 a.m. Sheep must be penned by 10 a.m. ----------------------

Premier Sale of Pedigree Shorthorn Cattle Saturday, November 21st at 12 Noon ----------------------

Organic Cattle & Sheep Saturday, November 28th at 12 noon Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 19th

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

Find us on facebook

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Business

Application for Ballinasloe waste facility deemed invalid

Pictured at the announcement were Siobhan Curran, Sonas Nursing Home Innis Ree, residents Vera O’Sullivan from Lanesborough, Co. Longford and Teresa Fallon from Ballagh, Co. Roscommon, John Mangan, Director, Sonas Nursing Homes Group and Caroline O’Reilly, Person in Charge, Sonas Nursing Home Innis Ree. Photograph by Michael McCormack.

Sonas acquires Innis Ree nursing home in Roscommon Residential care home operator, Sonas, has acquired Innis Ree nursing home in Lanesborough, Ballyleague, County Roscommon. The acquisition means that Sonas now has two care homes in the county, the other being Cloverhill in Lisagallan, providing care to 111 residents. Sonas acquired both Innis Ree and a second home, Ashborough Lodge Nursing Home in Milltown, Co. Kerry, from the Allenfield Group. Sonas Nursing Home Innis Ree, as it will now be known, provides retirement, palliative, convalescent, dementia and respite care. Residents are encouraged to maintain their own independence as much as possible and most of the fifty-eight bedrooms come

with a kitchenette and private ensuite. The home employs sixty-one people. Sonas was founded in 2001 by Roscommon men Seamus Crawley, John Mangan and Gerry Jordan. With the construction of Cloverhill, Sonas now has eleven homes and four retirement villages across seven counties. It will add a twelfth home in the near future with the opening of a new home in Co. Tipperary. Seamus, who is the Chair of the company – and a qualified nurse like John – said they were delighted to welcome the residents and staff of Innis Ree into the Sonas family. “Innis Ree, like Sonas, has a well deserved reputation for providing

high-quality care to residents based on mutual respect and trust. We are really looking forward to getting to know the residents who have made the home their home, and to working closely with their families who give us such great support. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the dedicated team at Sonas Innis Ree, led by Caroline O’Reilly, for all their hard work at what is a very challenging time for everyone, but especially nursing homes”. John Mangan, Director at Sonas Nursing Homes Group said: “Enhancing the lives of our residents is our number one priority. All our care homes

are encouraged to maintain their own individual character based on their relationships and connections with the local community. Those relationships have never been more important and community solidarity will play a critical role in helping us to get through this challenging period. “By investing and enhancing our homes, and by working closely with residents’ families and the teams at Innis Ree, Cloverhill and our other care homes, our aim is always to provide the best care possible to residents”. For more information on Sonas Nursing Homes or to enquire about a career at Sonas go to sonas.ie.

An application which was submitted for a waste facility permit for a site in Ballinasloe has been deemed invalid by Galway County Council. The application for the facility at Pollboy, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway was submitted by Bruscar Bhearna Teoranta. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan, co-founder and secretary of the ‘Ballinasloe Says No’ group, warned that the applicant could return with a new permit application. However, she added: “It does mean that we will have more time to prepare and build the campaign especially to make it easier for community groups to come together – hopefully outside of lockdown”. Senator Dolan had previously described the site in Ballinasloe as an “inappropriate location for a waste transfer station” and claimed that it would result in increased heavy goods traffic through Ballinasloe town.

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

JobPath extension an appalling use of public funds – Kerrane Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said the decision to extend JobPath by a further twelve months is an “appalling” use of public funds which will not provide jobseekers with the support they need or taxpayers with value for money. Her comments come after the Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures released earlier this week show the number of people on the Live Register in Roscom-

mon fell to 1,962 for the month of October. It’s the first time the figure has fallen below 2,000 since November 2019. Deputy Kerrane said: “The two JobPath providers will be laughing all the way to the bank as Minister Humphreys has confirmed that JobPath will be extended again for a further twelve months,” Deputy Kerrane said. “Referrals were due to cease at the end of 2019

but continued for a further twelve months. Now, we have learned that it is now being extended yet again. The Minister has confirmed that JobPath will go out to contract in late 2021 or in 2022”. The Roscommon TD said the money could be better spent elsewhere. “Jobseekers are now being referred to JobPath for a second, third and fourth time with over 280,000 people referred to date.

Every time a person is referred the company is paid €311 just for the initial referral. They are getting that payment in some cases, for the same person four times. “For each individual who finds employment through JobPath which is sustained for one year, this costs the taxpayer €3,718. “We should be focusing on building up not-forprofit community-based schemes such as Community Employment and Tús.

Instead, these schemes struggle to fill places while referrals to JobPath skyrocket. “I have asked the Minister to look at reducing the extortionate fees paid to these private companies when they are being extended again. “I am urging the Minister to reconsider this decision and re-direct resources to community-based job activation models,” she concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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

CHIROPODIST

CHIMNEY CLEANING

PODIATRIST

Stephen Casey

Construction

For all foot ailments 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 • 20 years experience

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved

EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment

085 1503353 086 8538404

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Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor

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VHI and Laya Covered

CONSTRUCTION

General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l

Complete Chimney Services

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

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FENCING/GATES

< CAR FOR SALE: BMW Mini Cooper Diesel 2015, 4 door, 45,000 miles, one lady owner, service history. Black and white metallic, good clean car. Phone 071 9635361 or 087 2801282

Des Kelly Fencing

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.

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CAR FOR SALE

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COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY 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

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

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

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

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

< TO LET: 14 acres of grass to let for sheep. 3 months letting. Leonards, Donamon. Tel: 086 3977617

< FOR SALE: Gents bicycle for sale, Marisa, in perfect condition, Elphin area. Tel: 071 9630563 after 6pm. < FOR SALE: 8x4 cattle trailer, suitable for cattle or horses, in good condition, new lights and steel floor, €700 or nearest offer. Tel: 087 2325641

GARDENING GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

< ONLINE SPANISH TUITION/GRINDS: For 1st, 2nd and JC pupils. (small classes). Fully qualified teacher with 20+ years teaching 1st-Hons. Level L.C. Top results in state exams. Mobile: 083 0198884. Facebook: Miss McSpanish. Email:missmcspanish@ gmail.com

ROSCOMMON

087 2346364

FOR SALE

GRINDS

MATHS GRINDS

NOW ONLINE! - Weekly live classes - Highly interactive - Continuous assessment - Excellent results record Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Kenny 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy 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

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Classifieds PAINTING & DECORATING

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 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: 3 bedroom apartment to let in Donamon area, no pets allowed. All mod cons. Tel: 086 8655375

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Site Notice of Further Information I, Noel Simpson, have submitted revised information in relation to a planning application with reference PD/20/197 at Cloonyogan, Clashaganny, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. The development applied for consisted of the construction of a dwelling house, install septic tank, percolation area and all associated site development works.

Significant further information has been furnished to the planning authority in respect of this proposed development and is available for inspection or purchase 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 further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation. Signed: Noel Simpson

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

PLANNINGS

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, APK Architects & Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Gorthaganny Community Development Company Limited for planning permission for the following: Construction of a new car park, children’s playground and carry out all ancillary site works at Carrowbehy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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:

APK Architects & Engineers

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, The Board of Management of St Michael’s National School intend to apply for Permission and Permission for Retention for the following: i. Permission is sought to demolish an existing standalone annex building, porch and sensory garden wall enclosure and to construct a single storey, 2 Classrooms extension to the South-east of the existing school block, including extending site boundary into Castlerea Community School lands (zoned community and educational use) to North-East with bus set down area and new vehicular entrance to site. Together with connections to services and all other associated site works. ii. Permission for Retention is sought for a Garden Room, floor area 15 sqm (temporary structure), located to rear of existing school. At St. Michael’s National School, New Road, Castlereagh TD, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. F45 TR63

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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph: (090) 6634421 Fax: (090) 6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS OF IRELAND REGISTERED PRACTICE Roscommon Office - Cloonfower Castlerea, Co Roscommon. M: 087 2276769, E: pat@apk.ie

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER

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

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

TERESA BURKE BNS (Hons). M.Sc (Hons) (MNRRI)

Certified Reflexologist Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment. Through massage of the feet reflexology can • rebuild energy levels in the body • assist in relieving stress • encourage relaxation • improve general wellbeing Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. Contact TERESA for appointment at

087 9001212

Teresa Burke Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW 20

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477

USEFUL SERVICES

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.

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

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802.

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 < CLEANING: We do cleaning, painting, decorating, gardening. For more details call:. 089 9632912 or 083 3369829 We also do sewing.

CARPENTER AVAILABLE for all types of work, including maintenace, roof repairs.

Call 087 646 7322

USEFUL SERVICES

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Agricultural Powerwashing Services • Cow Sheds • Slatted Sheds • Sheep Sheds • Yards • Milking Parlours Contact Padraig today for a keen quote

086 6027509 WE CLEAN THE MESS YOU HAVE NO STRESS!

Plumbing & Maintenance • 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.

PEAT BEDDING

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

< TOP QUALITY TURF: 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone: 083 0684011

< TURF FOR SALE: In tonne bags, delivery to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Price €50. Bag and delivery also included in price. Tel: 086 8534011

< 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 < FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm. < HARDWOOD TIMBER FOR SALE: 8x4 trailer loads, tonne bags or red netted bags. Tel: 083 0204799 < FOR SALE: Large lorryloads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301 < TURF FOR SALE: Top quality black turf, tractor trailer or jeep trailer loads. Delivery to Roscommon, Athone and surounding areas. Phone Eamonn: 087 9784151

SITUATIONS VACANT < PART-TIME SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST: Required for busy G.P. Practice in North Roscommon. Apply with CV to PO Box No: 2038 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon before Friday, 20th November 2020. < EXPERIENCED FULLTIME PIG OPERATOR REQUIRED: Good stock person skills required along with committment and motivation to assist the team to continue to achieve high standards. Excellent sallary based on experience. Tel: 086 3751072 or 086 8524894

SITUATIONS WANTED < BABYSITTER AVAILABLE: Experienced babysitter available for busy parents. Weekdays 8am -10pm, weekends 9am - 10pm. For more information call Danielle. Tel: 083 0719227

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Liam Connor, intend to apply for Permission for the following; (a) To demolish an existing pump house (b) the construction of a single storey extension to the side and rear of an existing dwelling house including internal renovations & elevational changes of the existing dwelling (c) the decommissioning of an existing septic tank and percolation area and the installation of a new sewerage treatment unit and percolation area (d) along with connections to all site services and all other associated site works. At Cloonark Td, Cornafulla, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 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 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: Murtagh Engineering Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon. Ph: (086) 3490965 www.mbeprojects.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Laragan Dairies Ltd, intend to apply for permission for: i. Milking parlour including handling yard, feed storage silo and milk storage tank. ii. Agricultural shed consisting of cubicle area and concrete aprons. iii. Silage slab with concrete apron iv. Slurry lagoon and underground slatted slurry tank v. Connections to services and all other associated site works. At Lisduff Td. and Cregga Td. Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd. Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph: (090) 6634421 Fax: (090 )6634423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

APPOINTMENTS

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre

Mart Manager Elphin Co-operative Livestock Mart

Four Mile House Community Playgroup CLG FOUR MILE HOUSE, CO ROSCOMMON

Tel/Fax: 090 66 29844

CHY 12629

Email: cuanbhride@outlook.com

EARLY YEARS TEACHER FULL-TIME FIXED TERM CONTRACT 9.15-6PM ESSENTIAL CRITERIA: • Minimum QQI/Fetac V in ECCE • Ability to ensure the health and safety of children at all times • Experience planning child-centred activities • Experience working as part of a team • Good oral and written communication • Ability to work on own initiative, willing to work flexible hours • Garda Vetting required

Elphin Mart, one of the leading marts in the mid-west seeks to recruit a commercially focused

MART MANAGER To control the day-to-day management and development of the business, promoting existing activities to ensure the Mart maintains its current market position and expand its on line marketing of livestock. Candidates should be strategic thinkers, excellent leaders with the following: • Hands on management experience working within a mart or associated business, whilst desirable is not essential. • Knowledge and understanding of the livestock/agricultural industry, a minimum of five years’ experience. • Excellent delegation skills with the ability to effectively lead and manage a team.

Subject to Garda Clearance. Please call for a blank Garda Clearance Form. Job description available upon request. A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled, including relief work. Canvassing will disqualify. Interested applicants should send in completed Garda Clearance Form with letter of expression of interest and CV no later than Friday, 20 November 2020 5pm to:

• Proven ability to work on own initiative. • Excellent IT Skills required. Closing date for applications is Friday, 27th November 2020 and a competitive remuneration package is on offer for the right candidate.

The Manager, Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon F42W326 Telephone: 090 662 9844; cuanbhride@outlook.com

Application by means of no more than 3 typed A4 pages of Curriculum Vita All applications to be directed to:

Secretary Elphin Co-Operative Livestock Mart, Palace Road, Elphin, Co Roscommon or e-mail to elphincoopmart@gmail.com

Cuan Bhríde Childcare Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Further information. We, ESB Telecoms Ltd hereby give notice that significant further information has been submitted in relation to our planning application, planning reference 19/396, for the Construction of a 36 metre high free standing lattice communication structure and its associated antennae, communication dishes and ground equipment, within a 2.4m high palisade fence compound.at ESB’s existing Flagford 220kV substation, Townland of Culleenatreen or Flagford, Co. Roscommon. A submission or observation in relation to the “Further Information” may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/ observation.

ROSCOMMON Timothy’s award winning Deli require full-time

Deli Personnel

Please note candidates need to be fully flexible in their hours of work. The ideal candidate will have/be: l Excellent communication skills, fluent English. l Previous customer service experience is an advantage. l The ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, ability to multi task under pressure. l A passion for food and the ability to inspire shoppers. In this role you will be responsible for the preparation of high quality hot and cold deli products and for ensuring customer satisfaction is the number one priority.- Prepare customer orders across all fresh food areas i.e. make sandwiches and rolls, dish up hot food and slice meats using the store’s portion control measures Cook, prepare and display the foods sold throughout the day l Ensure that the counter displays across all fresh food departments are to the highest standards at all times throughout the day l Demonstrate your passion for quality food by sharing knowledge, recipes and personal recommendations with customers l Deal with all customer queries efficiently, professionally and in line with store policy l

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Email CV’s to annie@timothys-londis.com or Phone 086 2647568 or post to Annie Timothy. Abbeytown, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.

Forde Windows & Doors (Ballinlough) are looking for a

UPVC Window & Door Fitter For new and replacement work. Full driving licence required. Contact: 086 8120324 or email fordebrosltd@hotmail.com

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie LOCKSMITH

WINDOWS/DOORS

Chris’s Locksmith Service

Chimney Problems

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

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Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder replacement l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Lock replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

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FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Daily collection

086 6002721

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Castlerea Vehicle Recycling All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site l l

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S tephen H oare

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Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Classifieds

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES FINNERAN Eileen

KIRRANE Michael Joseph

Roxboro, Roscommon. (3rd Anniversary)

Forest Hill, London and Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

OWENS Thomas (Tommy) Ballybride, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

REMEMBERING

CONNOLLY Tomás The Acre, Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary) 28/01/1986 - 13/11/2010

• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com In loving memory of Eileen who passed away on 16th November 2017 R.I.P. A gentle reminder that We’re never far apart, My spirit will live on forever, there within your heart. And when you see a butterfly, here to brighten your day. Remember that I’m here with you, and there I’ll always stay.

Always loved and remembered by her family and friends. Anniversary Mass will be held in Four Mile House Church on Saturday, 14th November at 7pm and can be heard live on local Church Radio 95fm.

CONNOLLY Treasa

We, Michael’s family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the funeral, sent Mass and Sympathy Cards and sympathised with us on the loss of our dear Michael. Grateful appreciation is extended to Anthony Caffrey and David Gresty of Gresty Undertakers, Timperley, Cheshire, England and to Martin and Martina Gavin of Gavin’s Undertakers, Ballyhaunis and to Dara, Fiona and staff at Shannon Crematorium for their wonderful help, support and utmost professionalism. Thanks to Fr. Kieran Waldron, Ballyhaunis for the prayers at the Funeral Home, Fr. Donal Morris, Kilbegnet for the Funeral Mass and Carmel McLoughlin for the beautiful singing. Thanks to Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon for the lovely meal and to O’Rourke’s Bar, Creggs and those who provided refreshments. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KIRRANE Michael Joseph (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Michael, late of Forest Hill, London and Timperley, Cheshire. Who died on the 16th November 2019

(21st Anniversary)

Who died on 16th November 2019 May he Rest In Peace. A whisper on a November day, you heard a gentle call, you took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all. It’s now your anniversary, you would’t want a fuss, just to be remembered and prayed for by all of us.

Sadly missed by his wife Theresa, son’s Paul, David, Jonathan, Aiden, Clive and his daughter Eilísh all his daughters-in-law, Triona, Lynne, Tracey, Sam and son-in law Dale and his 14 grandchildren. Tommy’s Anniversary Mass will be said in The Sacred Heart Church, on Saturday, 14th November at 7pm. Due to Covid 19 restrictions Mass will be on Church TV.IE

HANLEY Mary In loving memory of Treasa, late of San Francisco, Glinsk, and Roscommon who died on the 15th November 1999 A silent thought, A quiet prayer, For someone special In God’s care.

Always remembered by Michael, Lisa, Shane and Marc and grandchildren Nathan, James, Pence and Tessa.

CARR Michael Mote Park, Roscommon (30th Anniversary)

R.I.P. For those who think of Michael today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Remembered by his brothers, John, Ultan, David, Francis, sisters Teresa and Ann and families.

He always had a smile to share, a laugh, a joke a time to care, a wonderful nature warm and kind, these are the memories he left behind.

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Missed always by his heartbroken sisters Sarah and Brigid and the extended Connolly and Cooper families. “We will miss you forever, like the stars miss the sun in the morning skies”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONNOLLY Tomás The Acre, Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

MAM The day God called you home A million times we’ve needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. Part of us went with you The day God called you home.

Loved and missed by Sonny, Dorothy, Paula, John all her grandchildren and friends.

DONOHUE Mary Kate

16 Plunkett Park, Ballygar, Co. Galway. (1st Anniversary)

Feevagh, Dysart (15th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Kate, who died on the 19th November 2005 Who died 2nd November 2019 Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words, we will never forget. When thoughts go back, as they alway do. We treasure the memories we have of you.

Always remembered by your loving family, wife Anne, daughter Aíne, son Ruhiri, girlfriend Carolyn and grandchild Eva. IN LOVING MEMORY

MORRIS (nee Coyle) Kathleen In memory of Tomás Connolly, Cloonakilleg, Mount Talbot, County Roscommon on his 10th anniversary.

THANKSGIVINGS

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

At peace with his loving Father Tommy & Mother Veronica.

9 St. Coman’s Park, Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

Loved and sadly missed by your son Darren, grandson Seán, sisters Frances and Mary, brother-in-law Allen, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Wednesday, 18th November at 7pm.

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

We cried when you passed away. We still cry today. Although we loved you dearly, We couldn’t make you stay. Your loving heart stopped beating, your beautiful soul at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

HARRINGTON Noel

May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear How much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.

Dearly loved and sadly missed, your Godmother Sheila, George, Hugh and Matt.

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. L.F.

Mount Plunkett, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Time unfolds another year, memories hold you very near. Simple words but very true, we will always love and remember you.

Your loving family.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (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. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. M.C.

In loving memory of Kathleen, who died 5th November 2018 Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and held so dear.

Sadly missed by her husband Micheal, son John and Sandra, her dear cousin Kathleen and Charlie in the USA. All relations, neighbours and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 13th November at 7pm. Mass private due to Covid 19.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie

or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

SportsPeople

Classifieds

Horses for Courses

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HEALY John Carrowreagh, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of John, who died on 13th November 2018 A whisper on a November day, you heard a gentle call you took the hand of Jesus and quietly left us all. It’s now your anniversary you wouldn’t want a fuss, just to be remembered and a prayer from all of us.

BRENNAN Bernard and Mary Highlake, Four Mile House. In loving memory of our dear parents, whose 10th and 4th Anniversaries occur at this time.

BRENNAN Today recalls the memories Bernard and Mary of two Highlake, loved ones gone to rest. Four Mile House. And who think of them today - In lovingthose memory of our dear parents, whose 10th and 4th anniversaries at this time. them best. are thoseoccur who loved Today recalls the memories The flowers we tolay upon their grave of two loved ones gone rest. And those may who think of themand todaydecay. wither are those who loved them best. The flowers we layfor uponthem their grave But the love who lie beneath may wither and decay never fade away. But the lovewill for them who lie beneath will never fade away.

Loved and -missed bymissed Miriam, Josephine, Caroline Loved and by Miriam, Josephine, CarolineAnn Ann and and Bernie, son-in-law Joe, grand-daughters and Bernie, son-in-law Joe, grand-daughters and Marian. Marian. Mass offered privately. Mass offered privately.

Loved and missed by your wife Margaret and family Mass offered privately due to Covid 19 restrictions.

SCANLON (nee Owens) Sharon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Sharon who died on 15th November 2018 Our lives go on without you but nothing is the same, we have to hide our heartache when someone speaks your name.

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

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surounding areas)

Sad are the hearts that love you silent are the tears that fall, living without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us your heart was kind and true, and when we needed someone we could always turn to you. The special years will not return when we were all together, but with the love in our hearts you walk with us forever.

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Missed, loved and remembered everyday by all her family. xxxx Email or call for Sample Pack

With the flat season over except for the allweather in Dundalk all meetings now are national hunt. There is only one meeting today in Clonmel starting at 12.15 pm. Tomorrow racing is at Fairyhouse in the afternoon starting at 11.55 am and on the all-weather at Dundalk off at 4.30 pm. On Saturday there is the first of a two-day national hunt meeting at Punchestown away at 11.45 am on Saturday and 12.05 pm on Sunday. On Sunday there is also a meeting at Cork at 11.45 am. In Fairyhouse on Saturday Farouk D’alene runs in the EBF Novice Hurdle and should win again for Elliott in a 5-horse race, worth a few bob at evens. There is a two-day meeting at Cheltenham this weekend with the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase on Friday where Easysland and Tiger Roll will cross swords. Trained in France by David Cottin for JP McManus Easyland beat Tiger Roll in the festival cross country race by 17l at level weights. Tiger Roll has the advantage of a recent run on the flat but the weights, 4lbs better off, favour Easyland. Last year’s Welsh National winner Potter’s Corner is not without a chance and is e/w value at around 9/1, he also won the virtual Grand National. Cottin also runs Vino Royale and Little Bruce, Kings Temptation, Beau De Brizais, Vivas and Kingswell Theatre complete the field, and all are running out of the handicap. On Saturday, Elliott runs the unbeaten Duffle Coat in the opener, the Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial, Henry de Bromhead has Zarkaeva in the Grade 2 Novices Chase, Ronan McNally turns out The Jam Man in the listed handicap hurdle which also contains Paul Nolan’s Mrs Milner. Mrs Milner is also entered in the Class 3 intermediate handicap hurdle along with Francis Flood’s Millen To One. Duffle Coat and possibly The Jam Man should win but it is hard to make a strong case for the rest. At the Keenland Breeders Cup meeting last weekend, Aidan O’Brien had to settle for runnerup spot with both Battleground, in the Juvenile Turf, and Mother Earth, in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, both Group 1 races. In the Group 2 Juvenile Turf Sprint his Lipizzaner finished fourth and all

by Tom Red

Order Of Australia wins in Keenland beating Circus Maximus and Lope Y Fernandez.

three were ridden by Ryan Moore. Saturday was more successful for the Irish and O’Brien trained a 1, 2, 3 in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile on the turf with Pierre-Charles Boudot aboard Order Of Australia getting the better of the Ryan Moore ridden Circus Maximus by a neck with Lope Y Fernandez with Frankie Dettori in the saddle ¾l back in third. Siskin Bridge and Colin Keane were in 9th. In the 1m 4f Group 1 Breeders’ Cup, Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa beat O’Brien’s Magical, her final race, by 1l with Channel Maker a nose away in third, O’Brien’s Mogul finished in fifth. Tarnawa was Weld’s first Breeders Cup winner. Unlucky French jockey Christophe Soumillon, retained jockey to the Aga Khan, missed the ride on both winners due to a failed Coronavirus test. English trainers Kevin Ryan with Glass Slippers and James Fanshaw with Audarya also won Group 1 races.

Racing News Colin Keane is champion jockey with 100 winners and champion apprentice is Gavin Ryan with 51 after riding a treble in Dundalk on Friday. Keane rode his first two Classic winners on Siskin and Even So and crowned the season with his first Breeders Cup success on Tarnawa at Keenland. Ryan, who rode out his 3lb claim on Friday, also won his first Group race on Shale in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown in August. Leading trainer was Aidan O’Brien with 100 winners. Kerryman Oisin Murphy, on 142 winners, retained the British Flat Jockey Championship ahead of William Buick. Buick closed the gap to eight with a winner at Kempton on Wednesday and a double there at Thursday’s before the meeting was abandoned due to fog after three races. Like Murphy, Cieren Fallon is also a success-

ful defending champion becoming the first jockey to retain the apprentice title in 32 years. Fallon, 21, who finished the campaign on 48 wins, including a first Group One triumph, aboard Oxted in the July Cup, repeats the achievement of Gary Bardwell who won consecutive apprentice titles in 1987 and 1988. John Gosden was top of the trainers list on money won with nearly £3 million and 157 winners. Mark Johnson topped the list of races won with 157 winners.

Point to Point Corner Saturday’s racing is in the north at Loughbrickland with 81 entries. On Sunday, there are two meetings scheduled, one at Tinahely in Co. Wicklow with 71 and at Tortulla in Co. Tipperary with 111 entries. All three meetings are scheduled for a 12.30 pm start.

Colin Keane on Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa after winning at the Breeders Cup in Keenland.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

Sports PEOPLE Ladies eye semi-final spot TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC (Round 2) Roscommon v Offaly on Sunday in Kinnegad at 1 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon ladies face one of the biggest games in their recent history when they face Offaly in a ‘do or die’ clash in Kinnegad on Sunday. The winners will go through to the All-Ireland semi-final where they will face either Louth or Westmeath. Offaly were defeated by Wexford by 3-10 to 1-8 in the opening round of games. Then last Sunday Roscommon turned in an outstanding performance when they beat Wexford by 1-15 to 2-9 to set up Sunday’s match. Roscommon manager Michael Finneran spoke to the Roscommon People on Monday and began by reflecting on that excellent win against Wexford.

“It was a great win for us, one of the best since I started with this team. Our general play and shooting was top class and we defended well from the front, which is always good to see. “We got off to a great start, which was crucial, and although they got it back to within two points, we were able to secure the win. We were very pleased with the way we played against a very good team and thankfully we have no injuries to report after the match. “It’s a dangerous game for us. The players are on a high after beating Wexford and will have to re-focus for the Offaly match. They have some very good players so we will have to be very careful. They were thinking that Wexford would beat us and they would be out, but they are back in it now and will certainly be there to give it a go. “It’s a very tricky match for us but the prize for the winners is huge and

we want to get to the AllIreland semi-final. If we play to our ability we will be in with a good chance. A win of any kind will do and that’s what we will be

Roscommon burst from the starting blocks with Sinead Glennon scoring a super goal in the first minute, setting them on their way. Points from Aoife Gavin and Laura Fleming added to Roscommon’s early tally. Wexford scored a fine goal from the boot of Aisling Murphy midway through the half, but points from Laura Fleming, Aimee O’Connor and Joanne Cregg ensured that Roscommon led by 1-10 to 1-4 at half time. Roscommon held on to their lead throughout the second half, although when Catriona Murray scored a second Wexford goal direct from a free, the margin was down to the bare minimum. The sides exchanged points, with Laura Fleming and Joanne Cregg on target for Roscommon to keep them

ahead. In the final seconds, sub Louise Brady pointed for Roscommon to secure the win. Best for Roscommon on the day were Sinead Kenny, Ellen Irwin, Laura Fleming, Joanne Cregg, Aoife Gavin and Aimee O’Connor. A win against Offaly next Sunday will see the team into the AllIreland semi-finals. Roscommon: Helena Cummins, Honor Ennis, Sinead Kenny, Elaine Murren, Niamh Watson, Ellen Irwin, Roisin Wynne, Caroline Conway, Jenny Higgins, Laura Fleming (0-4, frees), Natalie McHugh, Joanne Cregg (0-2), Aimee O’Connor (0-5, 2 frees), Aoife Gavin (0-3), Sinead Glennon (1-0). Subs: Rachel Fitzmaurice, Sarah McVeigh, Kate Nolan, Louise Brady (0-1).

going for,” he concluded. The introduction of several of the successful minor team from last year has brought about a real freshness to the Roscommon

panel this year and hopes are high that the blend of youth and the older guard can spur them on to another win this weekend. Roscommon have a good

record against Offaly in the league over the past few years but the ‘Faithful County’ will come to Kinnegad in determined mood. Roscommon

should be good enough to prevail by a few points and qualify for that big semifinal date at the end of the month. Prediction: Roscommon.

Pictured is the 2020 panel. Missing from photo: Rachel Fitzmaurice and Sara McVeigh. Photograph by Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ladies reign in Clane

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football IFC (Round 1) Roscommon 1-15 Wexford 2-9 Roscommon ladies recorded one of their best championship wins in recent years when they overcame a fancied Wexford team at Clane last Sunday. Wexford had been plying their trade in Division Two in recent seasons and were favourites to advance, so this was a significant win for Roscommon. With several young players on board, Michael Finneran’s team made an explosive start to the game and then held out for a dramatic win, which gives them a great chance of reaching an All-Ireland semi-final.

Pictured is Wexford’s Aoife Tormey trying to prevent Aoife Gavin’s shot from going over. Photograph by Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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New bridge for hurlers to cross! Christy Ring Cup SHC semi-final Roscommon v Kildare at St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge on Saturday at 1.30 pm

The Lilywhites had six points to spare against Wicklow two weeks ago, having been given a walkover in round one by a Covid-19-stricken Offaly, and they will start favourites on Saturday. Two years ago, Roscommon were on

the end of a heavy defeat (4-26 to 1-9) at the hands of Saturday’s opposition, but less than twelve months later, Roscommon turned the tables and defeated Kildare by two points in Athleague before being knocked out by Down at the semi-final stage.

In the match against Wicklow a couple of weeks ago, Roscommon only really played for the final thirty minutes of the game after going fifteen points down. They ran Wicklow to two points in the end. Cathal Dolan has been in terrific form

from the placed ball, and Roscommon will need that on Saturday. It would be a huge result to travel to Newbridge and overturn the home side. Kildare might just be too strong, but Roscommon will give it everything. Prediction: Kildare.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Following last Sunday’s hard-fought three-point win against Sligo, Roscommon hurlers will be attempting to reach the final of the Christy Ring Cup when they face Kildare in the semi-final this Saturday. Roscommon manager Johnny Keane told People Sport on Monday night that while they are looking forward to the game, they are wary of the fact that they will have to improve. “We were delighted to beat Sligo, but we know that we are up against it this weekend. However, Sligo were a good test; they have a number of fine hurlers and we had to dig deep to beat them. “We will be trying to see if we can get Mickey Joe Egan to play this week. We are looking into his red card from Sunday. That will be decided by the GAA. Eamon Flanagan is doubtful at this stage too with an injury, but we are hoping that he will be able to play. We have plenty of players on the panel who are well fit to come in and do a job for us. We might be able to call on Padraig Kelly too. He is due back this week. We are not sure of his status but we hope to have him on the panel. “Look, we are under no illusions here. Kildare are a very good side and at home they have a very good record. If we play the way we did against Sligo, it would not be good enough to win on Saturday, but if we can tighten up a bit in a few areas, we have a good chance. We are still in the competition, and we are looking forward to travelling on Saturday,” he concluded.

Action from the Roscommon-Sligo Christy Ring Cup match in Athleague last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Deadly Dolan scuppers Sligo! Christy Ring Cup (2nd Round) Roscommon 0-20 Sligo 0-17 < ROBERT MCCONN

Action from the Roscommon-Sligo Christy Ring Cup match in Athleague last Sunday, which Roscommon won by 0-20 to 0-17. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon hurlers advanced to the semi-finals of the Christy Ring Cup with a hard-fought win against Sligo in Athleague on Sunday last. The weather conditions were almost perfect for the match; it was dry with little or no breeze. Sligo had the better start, with two frees scored by the impressive Gerard O’Kelly Lynch. Roscommon opened their account on ten minutes with a free scored by Cathal Dolan. Then the Four Roads man went on to score three more frees. Eamon Flanagan weighed in with a great point from well inside his own half. Roscommon led 0-5 to 0-3 at the first water break. When the action resumed,

the sides exchanged points. Roscommon attacker Johnny Coyne scored two good points from play and Conor Mulry added another. With Cathal Dolan very accurate from frees, the Rossies went in at half-time leading 0-11 to 0-8. Sligo were the better team on the resumption, scoring six points to Roscommon’s four in the opening fifteen minutes of the half. Cathal Dolan was on target with two frees, and Oisin Kelly and Conor Mulry got a point apiece from play. Roscommon held a slender lead of one point going into the second water break. Sligo got the equaliser shortly after the restart. Another free from O’KellyLynch led to a tense finish. But the Roscommon lads dug deep, with scores from play by Eoghan Costello and Cathal Dolan. Mickey Joe Egan of Roscommon got what looked like a harsh red card with five minutes to go, which

added to the drama. But Roscommon held out to win with the subs they brought on having a crucial influence on the result. Best for Roscommon on the day were Johnny Coyne, Cathal Dolan (who scored 0-13), and Peter Kellehan. Best for Sligo were Gerard O’Kelly Lynch (who scored 0-12), his brother Tony, and Conor Griffin. Roscommon: Naos Connaughton, Pat Nolan, Peter Kellehan, Hugh Rooney, Paul Kenny, Eamon Flanagan (0-1, free), Padraic Brennan, Shane Curley, Michael Byrne, Cathal Dolan (0-13, 11 frees), Eoghan Coyle, Paul Dolan, Conor Mulry (0-2), Johnny Coyne (0-2), Cillian Egan. Subs used: Oisin Kelly (01) for Eoghan Coyle, Eamon Kenny for Paul Kenny, Mickey Joe Egan for Hugh Rooney, Cormac Coyle for Pat Nolan, Eoghan Costello for Cillian Egan.

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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‘Mayo are at the level we want to get to’ < SEAMUS DUKE

A poker-faced Cillian O’Connor speaks to the media after the game…with his colleagues in ‘warm down’ mode in the background. Picture: Mick McCormack

Good start was more than half the battle! < SEAMUS DUKE

High up in the stand at Dr. Hyde Park, a very satisfied Mayo manager, James Horan, addressed the media and pointed to his team’s very strong start to the match as being the key to their handsome victory. “We started very well and dominated key areas. If we had our shooting boots on in the second quarter we could have been even more ahead, but overall our energy and work-rate was very strong”. Horan says that his players were really looking forward to the challenge of playing Roscommon. “Roscommon are a very good team and they had a few very good wins under their belt. Coming here, and playing on a very good pitch, we knew it would not be easy – but the players were really up for it and we performed well”. The Mayo manager agreed that the game

against Leitrim the previous week was important for his squad. “We got to introduce a few new players last week and every game is valuable. There were things we didn’t do well last week that we improved upon today. But there is plenty for us to improve on after today and we will work on that this week”. He agreed that the timing of the goal (18th minute) was key, but was more impressed with the work ethic of his players. “The goal was crucial, yes – as Roscommon had not been conceding goals – but it was our application all around the field that was the key factor today. “We have two championship games under our belt now. We are learning all the time and we are happy going forward. We will get down to work during the week and concentrate on the challenge of playing Galway now” Horan concluded.

After such a positive resumption to the season with two good league wins and promotion to Division One, it was a very disappointed Roscommon manager who faced the media after the match. Anthony Cunningham told journalists: “It was very disappointing. We never got to the pitch of the game. Having said that, it was a funny game and it was there for us

Anthony Cunningham

right up to the end. We matched Mayo well in the second half but we just didn’t do that in the first half”. The Roscommon manager said his players did not take their scoring chances on the day and that was a big factor in the defeat. “We missed a lot of chances and we didn’t show the energy levels that we needed to. I am very disappointed for the lads. They put in a massive effort in training and we are all very disap-

pointed. The players will be gutted with that performance today, but they will bounce back”. Cunningham disagreed with a perception that Roscommon were beaten in the middle third of the field. “I thought that Cathal (Compton) and Tadhg (O’Rourke) did quite well and won a lot of possession…it was further up the field that we didn’t put enough pressure on the Mayo defence. That wasn’t our tactics. We wanted to put pace and energy into our attack but it just didn’t happen today”. He agreed that Roscommon never looked like scoring a goal at any stage. “We definitely needed a goal to get right back into the game after half-time. I can’t put my finger on why we played the way we did, whether it was the lack of the home support or too long of a season, but it is definitely very disappointing. There were some sparks out there today but you need to flow consistently at this level”. The Roscommon manager was very impressed with Mayo. “You would have to be impressed with Mayo. They are a very hard-

working team and the young players they are bringing through are very good. Look at the O’Connors, they are probably among the top five forwards in the country. They were excellent today. But I thought we matched Mayo in a lot of aspects, except of course on the scoreboard”. Did the manager think that the raised expectations in Roscommon this year played any part in the defeat? “Not at all” was the emphatic reply. “The focus was always on preparation and since we resumed training the panel that we had have worked tirelessly for the cause. “We had two good wins in the league, training went well – and we had a full bill of health – so it’s just a bad day for us. I wish Mayo well. They are at the level we want to get to”. Anthony Cunningham says that for Roscommon to progress they will have to remain in Division One. “If Roscommon want to get to the very top they will have to spend a number of years in Division One. You have to play at that level. It’s something we are looking forward to”.

Short, sharp shock for ragged Rossies < DAN DOONER

It was quiet enough to hear the ping around Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Like the noise a microwave makes to let you know the food is done, the sound of Diarmuid O’Connor’s strike hitting the net after clipping Colm Lavin’s far post suggested the same of Roscommon’s championship. Seven points down on the stroke of the first water break, the hosts already looked a beaten ticket, Mayo proving once again that they are at their most dangerous on the high wire without a safety net. James Horan’s charges were quicker, stronger, and more

clinical and the 2019 Connacht champions just couldn’t live with them. On Sunday’s evidence, it’s hard to believe Mayo will now be making their first Connacht final appearance since 2015, the year they completed the provincial five-in-a-row. Their direct, off the shoulder runs carved Roscommon open, while their take-noprisoners tackling kept them at arm’s length. It was Division One conditioning and football from the side that won’t be playing there next year. For their part, Roscommon never really threatened to make this a contest. Conor Cox was tag-teamed while Enda Smith’s trademark rampaging

runs were never allowed to gather momentum. The decision to play the first half against a slight breeze quickly becomes a moot point when you can’t even get hold of the ball. The Rossies needed a spark of inspiration at half-time or in the early stages of the second half, but none was forthcoming. The backroom team and substitutes’ bench seemed subdued when compared to that of the visitors’. The cavalry, in the form of Diarmuid Murtagh and Ciaran Lennon, arrived late to the battle but by then the Roscommon supporters watching at home had reached the acceptance stage of the grieving process.

Stewards, complete with face coverings, keep a watching brief at the RoscommonMayo Connacht Senior Football semi-final in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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An eerie early exit All quiet on western front as Mayo sweep past off-colour Rossies Connacht SFC semi-final Mayo 1-16 Roscommon 0-13 < SEAMUS DUKE

‘It’s the hope that kills you’ is a famous old sporting quote, and it certainly applies to Roscommon football supporters this week as they ponder on a very disappointing day at Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday when Mayo swept past Anthony Cunningham’s men and into the Connacht final. Following two excellent league displays against Armagh and Cavan, resulting in promotion to Division One, and with almost a full panel to call on, expectations were high that Roscommon could repeat last year’s championship win against Mayo and take

their place in another Connacht decider. But in truth, Roscommon never got going on the day. Their performance was as flat as the atmosphere in Dr. Hyde Park as Mayo easily dealt with the disappointing home challenge. In fact this game was over as a contest once Diarmuid O’Connor burst through in the 18th minute and arrowed a brilliant low shot past Colm Lavin to open up a 1-6 to 0-2 lead. Mayo led by six points at the break (1-8 to 0-5) but it could have been at least ten as the visitors had shot a number of bad wides in the second quarter. In fact Mayo had a whopping 32 shots on goal over the course of the game, a tally which is an indication of the control they exerted on proceedings throughout. The second half was very frustrating from a Roscommon point of view. Mayo

Teams & scorers Mayo: David Clarke; Oisin Mullin, Chris Barrett, Lee Keegan; Paddy Durcan (0-2), Stephen Coen, Eoghan McLaughlin; Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus (0-1); Kevin McLoughlin (0-1), Ryan O’Donoghue, Diarmuid O’Connor (1-1); Tommy Conroy (0-1), Aidan O’Shea (0-1), Cillian O’Connor (0-9, 6 frees). Subs: Mark Moran for O’Donoghue (47); Jordan Flynn for D O’Connor (60); Rory Brickenden for Ruane (67); James Carr for Conroy (68); Michael Plunkett for Coen (70). Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Conor Daly, Sean Mullooly; Ronan Daly, Brian Stack, Niall Daly (0-1); Cathal Compton, Tadhg O’Rourke (0-1); Niall Kilroy, Enda Smith, Cian McKeon (0-3, 2 frees); Donie Smith (0-3, 1 free), Conor Cox (0-3, 2 frees 1 mark), Cathal Cregg. Subs: Conor Devanney for Cregg (41); Conor Hussey for O’Rourke (50); Ciaran Lennon for Cox (60); Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2) for D Smith (63). It’s a point! Tense goalmouth action during the Roscommon-Mayo Connacht Senior Football semi-final in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon v Mayo in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday: Cian McKeon manages to get his shot away. Picture: Mick McCormack

Referee: D Gough (Meath).

tightened their grip in the third quarter and by the 47th minute they led by nine points (1-12 to 0-6). Roscommon did respond with three unanswered points, but at that stage Mayo were already planning their trip to Salthill to face Galway this Sunday. In no sector of the field did Roscommon match the intensity shown by their opponents. The O’Connor brothers – Cillian and Diarmuid – were outstanding, and always a threat. Chris Barrett and Lee Keegan comfortably dealt with the threat of Conor Cox and Cathal Cregg, and Kevin McLoughlin (a late call-up) showed his guile and experience throughout. The key to the Mayo victory was the performance of their two wing-backs Eoghan McLaughlin and Paddy Durcan, who were the platform for almost every attack. Roscommon could not deal with their threat at any stage. Durcan in particular had another fantastic game. He linked brilliantly between defence and attack and scored two inspirational points. It was a desperately frustrating day for Roscommon. Donie Smith was by far Roscommon’s best performer and it was puzzling to see him taken off. Cian McKeon also did well with a limited supply of the ball, while Sean Mullooly battled well against Aidan O’Shea. The Strokestown man was operating in a defence that was under pressure all through. Sub Diarmuid Murtagh scored a couple of excellent points

Roscommon v Mayo in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday: Enda Smith assesses his options as colleague Conor Daly looks on. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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late on, but it was all too little too late. Roscommon were struggling in the middle of the field all through the game and as a consequence the attack had to survive on scraps. It is an indication of how the game went that David Clarke’s goal was not threatened even once. Roscommon needed a goal, particulary at the start of the second half, but the home attack never even got a sniff of a chance. At the final whistle, Mayo must have been as surprised as everyone else that they had won the match with so much to spare. With a gentle breeze blowing towards the grave-

yard end, the teams traded points in the opening three minutes (Cillian O’Connor and Conor Cox). A tremendous point from Paddy Durcan and a second O’Connor free extended Mayo’s lead before Tadhg O’Rourke rounded off a good Roscommon move to narrow the gap to one in the 8th minute. Thereafter, the signs were not good for Roscommon as Mayo began to dominate possession and attacked in numbers. Diarmuid O’Connor, Kevin McLoughlin and Cillian O’Connor all kicked points from play by the 15th minute. Three minutes later, Diarmuid O’Connor struck

for that brilliant goal and already Roscommon were in trouble. After the first water break Mayo continued to dominate, but they shot some bad wides. A couple of points from Donie Smith and another from Cian McKeon by the interval put a bit more respectability on the scoreboard from a Roscommon point of view (1-6 to 0-5). It was clear that Roscommon needed to up the ante significantly on the resumption, but it was Mayo who continued to dominate. Four points, all from the boot of Cillian O’Connor (two frees), got James Horan’s men back

on track, while Roscommon’s only reply was a converted free by Donie Smith. Now there were nine points between the teams. To their credit Roscommon kept up their challenge, but for the final quarter there was never any suggestion that the home side could make any serious impression on the Mayo lead. Sub Diarmuid Murtagh did kick a couple of good points from play in the final five minutes and Cian McKeon completed the scoring in injury-time with a fine score. They merely had the effect of reducing the margin of defeat.

It was bizarre to see Roscommon and Mayo take the field for a Connacht semi-final in almost total silence, with none of the atmosphere and razzmatazz that is usually associated with these big games. It’s hard to know if the presence of a ‘home’ crowd would have lifted Roscommon sufficiently (and lead to a closer contest) but on the day they were very much second best to a good Mayo team who have rediscovered their mojo after their recent relegation in the league. The harsh reality is that Roscommon were not at the races in this match – and Mayo won easily.

(Above) Roscommon v Mayo in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday: Roscommon forward Donie Smith is surrounded by five Mayo men! Showing greater intensity throughout, James Horan’s team comfortably defeated Roscommon to advance to the Connacht final. Picture: Mick McCormack

Stat attack on 8 (4, first Wides: Mayo 12 (8, first half); Roscomm half) Red cards: 0 Black cards: 0 2 (Conor Cox, Yellow cards: Mayo 0; Roscommon ) looly Mul Sean on 0-9 Scores from play: Mayo 1-10; Roscomm o) Man of the Match: Paddy Durcan (May

quick questions!

So…a season of sorrows?

Seamus Duke: Far from it. It’s not all doom and gloom for Roscommon. Roscommon won promotion as Division Two champions and can now look forward to playing in Division One next year. This welcome return to the top flight will surely bring the players on again. The panel put in a phenomenal effort in preparation for last Sunday’s game in this unique championship format of 2020. They will bounce back. It’s just a pity that the year had to end with such a poor display. I was one of those who was convinced that this match represented an excellent chance for Roscommon to beat Mayo and go on and claim another Connacht title. But it seems whenever there are raised expectations in Roscommon they are quickly lowered again.

What happens now?

Given the Covid situation, it’s anyone’s guess as to when Roscommon will be back in competitive

action. The team and management will have to get up off the canvas and go again in 2021. Even with a full panel Roscommon have to play at close to 100% of their ability if they are to beat Galway or Mayo in the championship in any given year. That’s just a fact; it’s the way it has always been. If Roscommon are below par to any degree they will suffer – that was clear once again for all to see last Sunday. But here’s to next season! Meanwhile, Mayo meet Galway in the Connacht final in Salthill this Sunday.

Mayo for Sam?

If Mayo can beat Galway in the Connacht final (which I expect they will do) they will face Cork or Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. On paper, it’s a great chance for perennial challengers Mayo to reach another All-Ireland final. Still, with every passing week, the shadow of Dublin is growing bigger behind the pretenders that remain in contention. It will be fascinating to see how this unique and rapid-fire championship evolves.

Roscommon v Mayo in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday: Niall Daly retains possession during this phase of play. Picture: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 13 November 2020

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