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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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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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I am aware of a news report about a legal case brought by a family of a child who they believe developed autism as a result of the mother having been prescribed Epilim whilst pregnant. I was also prescribed Epilim when I was pregnant, and I wonder if this explains my child’s autism diagnosis. There is no history of autism in my family. I would appreciate your thoughts. I expect that the case you refer to relates to a situation where it was alleged that a neurologist failed to properly inform the child’s mother about the risks of taking an epilepsy treatment drug, Epilim, during pregnancy. Epilim is a brand name for a medication called sodium valproate (also known as valproic acid), which is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, heart defects, limb abnormalities, and developmental delays. In 2018, an investigation by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) found that over 1,200 children in Ireland may have been affected by sodium valproate since the 1970s. The investigation also found that there were significant gaps in the information provided to patients and Consultant Neurologists about the risks associated with the drug during pregnancy. In Ireland, there have been a number of legal cases involving the use of Epilim (sodium valproate) during pregnancy. If you have concerns regarding your son’s diagnosis please feel free to contact this firm for further advice. Our experienced and specialist Medical Negligence Solicitors will be happy to give you advice specific to your own situation.
e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY
It’s a long and winding road… as Beatles return to the top! Endangered Species
I see the Beatles are back in the UK charts! Woo hoo! That’s impossible! It’s not! I’m serious… in fact, the Beatles are not just back in the UK charts, they’ve gone to number 1! Never! CYCLING ACCIDENT Yes, a song which John Lennon started in 1978 has just gone to number 1! If youWow! were involved in a acycling Talk about long and winding road… Er,accident yeah! contact Byrne Carolan But hey… Cunningham Solicitors Jude? What? Hey Jude? No, just hey… hey, what do you mean John Lennon started this in 1978? Well, John Lennon started writing this song, did a recording, but didn’t finish it. Now, the surviving Beatles have just completed it – with the help of AI – and it’s gone to number 1! Yesterday! Yesterday? But ‘Yesterday’ was finished long before 1978! I’m not falling for this! What? ‘Yesterday’ came out before 1978. Huh? … as in ‘all my troubles seemed so far away’… so, I put it to you that your 1978 reference is wrong! ARE YOU ACTUALLY OKAY? I feel fine! ‘Baby’s good to me…’
The barstool boyos
(Editor: I can’t, I just can’t…) Look, it’s quite simple. The Beatles went back to the top of the charts… yesterday. With ‘Yesterday?’… So, NOT with a song from 1978? No, NOT with Yesterday! With their new song…
NEW? I thought it was a song from 1978? Well, yes, I mean with their new old song. The unfinished song. Which is now finished. Now and Then. Huh? It’s Now and Then. Number 1! Ah, they were number 1 then… and now! With Yesterday? NO! They’re number 1 NOW, with the unfinished song, which they recently finished… From 1978? YES, YES! It’s called ‘Now and Then’. The song is Now and Then! And it’s gone to NUMBER 1. It went to number 1 in the charts YESTERDAY. As in, the day before today. Nothing to do with their classic song, YESTERDAY. OKAY! I never heard! When did you hear this? TODAY! Any word on the Rolling Stones? What? Sorry! But seriously, this is all so… It’s REALLY not that complicated! ‘Now and Then’ – the new Beatles song – went to number 1 yesterday, and I only heard that news today! Okay? Sorry, still confused. Can you explain one more time? Surely, er… ‘We can work it out’? Oh just… LET IT BE!
It’s been a GOOD week for…
☺
The Beatles, who are back at No. 1 for the first time in 54 years, this after a song started by the late John Lennon in 1978 was recently completed by the surviving members of the band (‘Now and Then’ topped the UK charts this week) 91-year-old Fred Corcoran, who, having saved a girl from drowning in 1947, received a rather belated (but welcome) National Bravery Award from the State at a ceremony in Dublin on Friday The community in Creggs, with the local Development Company being announced as overall winners of the Climate Action and Biodiversity category at the Pride of Place Awards
This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.
St Patrick’s Athletic, who won Sunday’s FAI Cup final, defeating Bohemians in front of an all-time record crowd for that fixture
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
It’s been a BAD week for…
Byrne Carolan Cunningham
Householders and businesses nationwide, this after Storm Debi led to long power outrages and widespread disruption and damage
SOLICITORS
Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie
PIC OF THE WEEK: Feet of the dancer! This superb action shot of St Brigid’s and Roscommon star Ben O’Carroll shows him in full flight for his club during their Connacht Club SFC quarter-final win over Coolera-Strandhill in Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
☹
Suella Braverman, who was sacked as Home Secretary by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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Lanesboro student is first ever female Apprentice of the Year winner Munster Technological Student (MTU) student Hazel Johnston, from Lanesboro in Co. Longford, is the first ever female winner of the Apprentice of the Year. Hazel Johnston, a Year 3 Manufacturing Engineering student in MTU, beat over 200 apprentices to become Apprentice of the Year. The award solidifies the exceptionally robust partnership between MTU and industry collaborators. The County Longford student said she hopes her award will inspire more female students to pursue apprenticeships. Hazel, a Year 3 MTU Manufacturing Engineering student, was crowned Apprentice of the Year at a gala awards ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House on Friday, October 20th. More than 220 apprentice award nominees attended the awards ceremony, with 14 finalists from eight different industry categories collecting awards including in Hospitality, Food and Healthcare, Hairdressing, Finance and Insurance, ICT, Property Services, Recruitment and Sales, Manufac-
Lanesboro student and Apprentice of the Year Hazel Johnson (middle) pictured with the Chair of the National Apprenticeship Alliance Pat Doherty and NAO Director Dr Mary Liz Trant at the recent National Apprenticeship Awards. Pic: Apprenticeship Ireland
turing Engineering, Biopharma, Logistics and Motor, Electrical and Construction. Congratulating Hazel, Simon Harris, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said, “I especially want to congratulate Hazel on her fantastic achievement. As a Department, we are working hard to increase the
number of females taking up apprenticeships and, while it is heartening to see the numbers increase every year, we know much more needs to be done. “Hazel, and the many other female apprentices pursuing their dream careers across Ireland, should act as an inspiration to others considering the path they want to take in life”.
Lanesboro student Hazel Johnson pictured holding her award after winning the title of National Apprentice of the Year 2023. Pic: Apprenticeship Ireland
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople
Creggs community wins at Pride of Place 2023
Representatives of Creggs Rural Development Group and Galway County Council pictured at the Pride of Place 2023 awards ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel.
Pictured at the IPB Pride of Place awards ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel were Alan Farrell (Director of Services, Galway County Council), Sheila Beirne (Creggs Rural Development Group), Carmel Rourke, Sean Beirne, Fiona Brandon, Mary Kelly (Creggs Rural Development Group), and Cllr Evelyn Parsons (Leas-Cathaoirleach, Galway County Council) accepting the Climate Action and Biodiversity category award alongside IPB Pride of Place 2023 judges.
County Galway has continued its trend of being successful in the IPB Pride of Place competition, with Creggs Rural Development Group being named winner in its category at an awards ceremony held in the Armagh City Hotel on Monday, November 10th. Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development efforts. This year marked the 21st anniversary of the awards, and the event was hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine. Nominated by Galway County Council, Creggs Rural Development Group was named overall winner of Climate Action and Biodiversity category in recognition of its commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity within the north Galway village. The community joins Lawrencetown (2022), Inis Méain (2018), Clonbur Community Council (2016) and Clifden (2012) as an overall winner of the prestigious annual competition. County Galway’s other participant in this year’s competition Gort River Walk Group was nominated in the Community Wellbeing category in recognition of their continued development of a 3km looped walk that encompasses biodiversity, rest areas, and a new footbridge in the south Galway town.
The communities of Creggs and Gort in County Galway were visited by judges from IPB Pride of Place during August when representatives of both groups made a formal presentation to adjudicators before hosting tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud. Dr Evelyn Parsons (Leas Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council) commented, “This award win is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community. It is an enormous achievement for the community of Creggs Rural Development Group to receive official recognition for their work in front of the 800 people from communities across the island of Ireland that gathered for the award ceremony”. Liam Conneally (Chief Executive of Galway County Council) stated, “County Galway has always performed well in this competition which is an acknowledgement of the valuable and often unseen work carried out by our communities. “Galway County Council is proud to be able to support communities like Creggs and Gort and to recognise the unique value and contributions made at community level by voluntary and community groups across the county”.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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Contact Martina on 086 384 6302 for bookings and further information Loughglynn Senior Citizens annual Christmas Party
Loughglynn Senior Citizens annual Christmas Party will take place in Creaton’s Lounge, Loughglynn on Sunday, 17th of December at 1 pm. The committee extends a warm welcome to all our senior citizens. A hot meal will be served, followed by live music, dancing and entertainment. Please leave your name with Katie in Creaton’s or Tina in The Village Inn if you can join us for the party. Alternatively you can contact Una on 086 8526805 or Mamie on 087 7857285.
Ballinaheglish community meeting
There will be a meeting of Ballinaheglish Community Centre and Development Association in the community centre next Monday, November 20th, at 8.30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to show how Pobal Community Centre funding has been spent and to discuss the future use of the centre. The committee asks that all groups who use or would like to use the facility be represented and new ideas would be most welcome. *This is not a meeting to elect new officers. Following the success of the recent Halloween walk fundraiser, the Ballymurray National School Parents Association donated money to Mote Park Conservation Group to thank them for the amazing work they do daily in protecting Mote Park to ensure it stays open to the people of Roscommon and beyond. Pictured are Declan Heneghan (Parents Association), Theresa Finnegan (Parents Association), Aine Cooke (Parents Association), Susan Gannon (Parents Association), Martha Rose (Parents Association), Theresa Lynch (Mote Park Conservation Group), Eilish Feeley (Mote Park Conservation Group), Mary Murray (Mote Park Conservation Group), Caitriona Melia (Parents Association), and Ashling Clarke (Parents Association).
Plans outlined for new wind farm in South Roscommon A wind farm consisting of up to five turbines is being proposed for a location in South Roscommon. The company behind the project says it will apply for planning permission in the New Year with a view to the wind farm being operational by 2028. EDF Renewables Ireland says it plans to develop the circa 30MW wind farm approximately 14km northwest of Athlone town, in the townlands of Kilmass, Rahara, Longfield, Grange and Corralea. The company says the proposed Carrowkeel Wind Farm could power more than 20,000 homes. EDF Renewables’ project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site, which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental
studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape, and visual assessments. The project could consist of up to five wind turbines with tip heights of up to 180m, however the results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines. EDF Renewables Ireland says it intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support of the project in late 2024. Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2028. The company moved to assure local people that a Community Benefit Fund commensurate with the size of the final project will be
established to provide funding for local community initiatives and activities. EDF Renewables Ireland says it is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects, and information about the project is being distributed to all homes within two kilometres of the site. Further public consultation, including a public exhibition, will take place as plans for Carrowkeel Wind Farm progress. Commenting on the announcement, Jenny Howard (Head of Development at EDF Renewables Ireland) said, “We’re delighted to be announcing our plans for Carrowkeel Wind Farm, which if constructed will power the equivalent of over 20,000 Irish homes with low-carbon, renewable electricity. “After a summer where we’ve
seen the effects of climate change on weather systems across Europe, and last winter where Irish consumers faced massive hikes in their domestic electricity bills, the need for new renewable energy sources has never been more urgent. “Projects like Carrowkeel Wind Farm are essential if Ireland is to increase its security of supply, lower energy costs and meet its target of delivering 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. “We will be consulting closely with members of the local community at all stages of the project to keep them updated on its progress, and if the project is consented and constructed, we look forward to supporting local initiatives through the creation of a Community Benefit Fund”.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor
paul@roscommonpeople.ie
THURSDAY/FRIDAY Can Rishi stop Keir?
Watching Question Time (BBC One), I’m wondering if the Conservative Party – in power since 2010 – has an election death wish or, more likely, is just going for broke by pitching their upcoming battle against Labour on a largely right-wing, anti-immigration platform. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made pledges on the economy and health, but it is Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s controversial hard-line approach to stopping people entering the UK on small boats from claiming asylum that points to the ‘all or nothing’ mindset of the Conservatives. Faced with the onerous task of trying to clear the wreckage after the scandal-hit Boris Johnson premiership and the chaotic Liz Truss cameo, Sunak is in ‘uphill struggle’ territory. Labour leader Keir Starmer may lack charisma, but he is odds-on to be next Prime Minister. Sunak is trying to marshal disjointed, dispirited and disgraced troops, so it’s perhaps no surprise that the Tories are steadfastly pursuing radical anti-immigration policies. It’s last throw of the dice territory. After all, concern over immigration was a major driver behind the 2017 Brexit vote. Braverman – consistently accused of stoking divisions with far-right rhetoric and hard-line policies – has caused more uproar today, this after she accused the police of bias, saying they’ve largely ignored “pro-Palestine mobs”. But Sunak is currently resisting calls to sack her. It seems that in the upcoming contest with Labour, Suella Braverman – no international political pun intended – may still be considered the Tories’ ‘trump card’.
SATURDAY Bye to Biddy!
I keep newspapers, often for weeks,
MONDAY Thanks, Rishi…
sometimes even months. Then I do a browsing blitz, perusing articles I think will interest me: reading some, while leaving others unread (and forever a mystery) due to the old maxim that there (apparently) ‘aren’t enough hours in the day’. Thus, only today have I discovered that on the 22nd of October last the somewhat quirky Brighid McLaughlin informed readers of her popular Irish Independent column that she was calling it a day. Brighid (‘Biddy’) arrived into the Roscommon Champion office one day in the early 1990s – and explained that she was researching a notorious murder in South Roscommon from decades’ earlier. Being fellow newspaper folk, but also mindful of local sensitivities, we gave her one or two half-leads; Brighid duly set off to track down the few locals we had mentioned as possible ‘sources’. When the ebullient journalist returned to Roscommon that night, a number of Champion staff (Fiona and I included) enjoyed a good night out with her in the Lyons Den. Her feature article on how a murder and the scandal it exposed had impacted on a small community subsequently
appeared in the Sunday Independent; I suspect it didn’t go down well with all readers in these parts. Fast-forward to three years ago, and ‘Brighid’s Diary’ debuts. I quickly discovered it was often hilarious; at times, I wondered if the escapades she described could really have happened as outlined (but I’m sure they did). Often, I wondered if Brighid was being a touch indiscreet. Overall, I considered her column to generally be very amusing. It will certainly be missed by many readers. Signing off, she wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to untangle the comic narrative of this small village (Dalkey). Sure it mightn’t be too long until I’m back, enriched and full of even more mischief”. I wish Brighid (‘Biddy’) well.
SUNDAY Super soccer!
I must join in all the positivity surrounding today’s FAI Cup final, which attracted a record-breaking crowd (just under 44,000) to the Aviva Stadium. The atmosphere was fantastic, and there was much to ad-
mire about the football too. St Patrick’s Athletic defeated Bohemians 3-1. Later, Manchester City and Chelsea produced a classic 4-4 draw in pouring rain at Stamford Bridge. This was wonderful entertainment.
MONDAY Storm Debi
Storm Debi – the latest big ‘weather event’ in a grimly fascinating and long-running series – certainly hasn’t left forecasters red-faced. Storm Debi delivered. Indeed, after three or four ferocious hours, it might reasonably have been renamed Storm Debris. Shortly after 2 am, I awoke to hear it raging. For once, Roscommon really was in the eye of the storm. It was ferocious. On the drive into town this morning, bits of broken branches were scattered all over the road. In Abbey Street, overturned bins and fluttering leaves reflected the night’s mayhem. Thousands of homes and businesses are without power, some roads are closed, but thankfully there have been no reports of injuries to people.
It annoys me when the sitting UK Prime Minister disrupts my column (see ‘Thursday/Friday’). Boris Johnson was always making hasty decisions and U-turns which threatened to render my column out of date. I was going to raise my displeasure with Dominic Cummings, but didn’t fancy receiving a WhatsApp reply or email brimming with expletives. Well, I’m not allowing Rishi Sunak to disrupt my ramblings, so the views I held on the Suella Braverman controversy last week remain in this column, reflecting as they do my thoughts at the time (and Ms. Braverman’s status at the time). Of course, just like Johnson before him, Sunak has now threatened to make some of my column appear out of date, perhaps not realising that its diary-style format, er, saves me. All of which is my way of saying that the PM has just bowed to pressure and sacked his Home Secretary, Ms. Braverman. It appears that Storm Suella has been quelled – for now at least.
TUESDAY Irish jungle line-up?
Now that controversial British politician Nigel Farage has signed up to take part in the latest series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (ITV & Virgin Media One), I’m prepared to offer my consultancy services on launching an Irish version (Spike Island, anyone?). Here’s my line-up for a truly dynamic dozen (it’s subject to change, depending on my whims, that and their appearance fee demands): Vincent Browne; Joan Burton; Michael Fitzmaurice; Kellie Harrington; Danny Healy-Rae; Katie McCabe; Mary Lou McDonald; Conor McGregor; Brendan O’Carroll; Daniel O’Donnell; Vera Pauw; Ryan Tubridy. Now I’m off to negotiate my fee via Noel Kelly…
Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople
Civic Reception to honour county’s achievers Roscommon County Council will honour many of the men and women who have excelled in the worlds of sport and culture when they host a Civic Reception in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Thursday, November 23rd, beginning at 6.30 pm. Twenty-one representatives will be honoured for excelling in a wide variety of endeavours, bringing honour not alone to themselves but also to their families, communities and the county as a whole. Cathaoirleach Cllr John Keogh will present a Certificate of Recognition to each of the nominees on the night. Chief
Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan, and members of the local authority, will also attend on the night. The full list of nominees are: Rás Tailteann National Cycling winner 2022 Daire Feeley; National Junk Kouture winners 2023/World finalists 2024, Elphin Community College and their students Vanessa Kielty, Martha Nugent and Mary McNulty; National Student Enterprise Programme (SEP) award winners and RCC students Joshua McCormack and Evan McNeill; International U-10 Intermediate Irish Dancing champion, Emily Donnelly (Lecarrow);
International Premiership U-11 primary Irish Dancing championship winner, Eva Rose Beattie (Rahara); Senior Handball ‘Wallball Nationals Open’ Champion Fiona Tully (Kilbride); AllIreland 60 x 30 Ladies Minor Handball champion Carragh Kennedy (St Coman’s Handball Club); US Junior National Handball Champion Rory Carthy (St Coman’s Handball Club); Masters All-Ireland ‘B’ doubles handball winners, Paul Kelly (St Brigid’s Handball Club) and Glen Walsh (St Coman’s Handball Club); All-Ireland Community Games winners 2022, St John’s Knockcroghery U-11 Mixed
Chess team (represented by Clodagh Fergus, Keshav Rohila, Charlie Casey, Anna Casey, Joachim Dineen and Jonah Dineen); International Leonardo Da Vinci Arts award winner, Avril Egan (Curraghboy); All-Ireland ‘B’ Minor Camogie champions, Roscommon Minor Camogie squad; All-Ireland U-16 ‘C’ winners, Roscommon camogie team; All-Ireland Junior C Camogie winners, Roscommon Convent of Mercy Junior Camogie team; All-Ireland Post Primary Schools ‘B’ football winners, Roscommon Convent of Mercy Ladies Football team; All-Ireland Schools Golf champions, Roscommon
Convent of Mercy Ladies Golf team; All-Ireland Ladies Senior Foursomes champions 2023, Roscommon Ladies Golf Club; SFAI All-Ireland winners, St Joseph’s U-15 soccer team; Connacht Clay Pigeon shooting Interprovincial team champions, Ronan Morris (Roscommon) and Fred Jaeger (Boyle); and Scór na nÓg All-Ireland winners –Gemma Casey (St Dominic’s GAA Club) for Solo Singing and Novelty Act All-Ireland winners, Jane Casey, Euan Hanley, Joe McDermott, Amy Murray, Amy Reynolds, Ben O’Connor, Chloe O’Connor and Hannah O’Connor (St Dominic’s GAA Club).
newsbriefs Ballintubber Christmas parish celebration A Christmas parish celebration will take place in Ballintubber at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3rd. The celebration will kick off with the turning on of the Christmas Village lights, followed by lighting of the Hospice Tree, blessing of the crib and carol singing. Santa will arrive in style and have treats for all the children, and there will be complimentary teas and festive bites in Kenny’s, followed by the Development Association’s Sustainable Living draw. There’s sure to be something for everyone, so come along and enjoy!
Activities at Cloonycolgan Community Centre
The following are activities taking place in the Cloonycolgan Community Centre for the coming period. On Mondays, Bingo will take place at 8.30 pm. On Tuesdays, there will be ‘Primary School Ceili Dancing’ with Ethna Fahy from 2 pm to 4 pm, ‘Arts and Crafts’ with Ann McCormack from 7 pm to 8.30 pm, and ‘Ceili Dancing’ from 8.30 pm to 10 pm. On Wednesdays, there will be Pilates with Eimear Foxe (Beginners at 6 pm, and Advanced at 7 pm). On Thursdays, the ‘Progressive Card Drive’ will be held from 8.30 pm, and on Fridays ‘Keep Fit’ will take place from 11 am. The Christmas Craft Fair will take place early in December, with Christmas Bingo kicking off on Monday, December 18th, followed by the Annual Christmas Bazaar with lots of prizes. Local people are urged to please come out and support these activities in your centre.
Healing Mass in Curraghboy
A Special Family Tree Healing Mass and Mass for the Holy Souls in Purgatory will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Monday, November 20th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh. Confessions will be available from 7 pm, and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Individual Blessings for Healing will take place after Mass. All are most welcome. The eircode is N37W704. For more information, contact 086 4054489.
Members of Men’s Sheds from around Roscommon and Leitrim pictured at a Men’s Shed meeting which took place in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Roscommon and Leitrim Men’s Sheds gather in Hannon’s Hotel A Men’s Shed cluster meeting took place in Hannon’s Hotel on October 25th, and was a great success. This event was organised by Roscommon and Leitrim Sheds Networks
and saw all the sheds in these two counties come together. The purpose of networks like Roscommon and Leitrim Sheds Networks, which were created by The
Irish Men’s Sheds Association, is to bring supports to the sheds at a local level. The support networks are of high value to the sheds in terms of sharing information with each other and recruiting new members. The recent meeting also saw Men’s Sheds members being informed about
the pre-Budget submission made for the Sheds for 2024 and which was submitted to the Government on their behalf. The men were also encouraged to attend the upcoming National Conference for Men’s Sheds, which is taking place in the Virginia Show Centre
in Cavan on the 20th of November. Local barber Paddy Joe Burke took the time out of his day to have a chat with the men on embracing positive mental health every day, and special guest Vincent Pierce brought some humour to the event with his storytelling.
THE BRIDGE CLUB The following are the most recent results from the local bridge clubs Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Mary & Pearse Mellett; 2nd: Carmel Plunkett & Joan O’Shea; Gross: Larry Shine & Larry Curley. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine; 2nd: Joan Donnellan & Margaret Gillen; Gross: Mary & Vincent Brennan. St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Ann Shine & Mary Naughton; 2nd: Martha & Steve Gregory; Gross: Rita Roughneen & Josephine Devaney. Ballymurray Bridge Club (North/South) – 1st: Marie McSharry & Pauric Brennan; 2nd: Kitty Blighe & Fiona Neilan; Gross: Evelyn Curley & Judy Adamson. (East/ West) – 1st: Mary Raftery & Fred Kelly Henry; 2nd: Michael McSharry & Tony McManus; Gross: Valere & Pat Finneran. Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Pauline Leonard & Margaret Mullen; 2nd: Phil Murray-O’Brien & Bernie Fallon; 3rd: Myra Farrell & Eileen Dowling.
Paddy-Joe Burke speaking to attendees of the Roscommon and Leitrim Men’s Shed meeting which took place in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Members of Men’s Sheds from around Roscommon and Leitrim pictured at a Men’s Shed meeting which took place in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon town recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Contact us: 089 219 9930 / 089 400 8332 info@volunteerroscommon.ie
Roscommon Volunteer Awards The Roscommon Volunteer Awards is held in recognition of volunteers and organisations that generously give their time and energy to make Roscommon a vibrant and thriving county.
Nominations Now Open! Organisations
Volunteers
Social Inclusion Initiative School Champions Arts and Culture Organisation Community Centre 2023
Board Member 2023 Health and Well-being Volunteer Community Cause Champion Spirited Volunteer
Nomination forms available at www.volunteerroscommon.ie
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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Over 20,000 people attended Galway Science and Technology Festival’s annual Exhibition Day on the University of Galway campus recently, making it the biggest event in Ireland for Science Week. Pictured having beenrecognised for winning third place in the ReelLIFE Science Video Competition are students from Abbey Primary School, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Pic: Andrew Downes/xposure.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Ahead of a public meeting being hosted by ‘Roscommon for Life and Dignity’ in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon, at 8 pm on this Friday, November 17th, reader TOM FLANAGAN submitted this ‘Letter to the Editor’…
‘Equality, diversity and inclusivity are values… but not absolute values’ Convent Court, Roscommon town Dear Editor, The most famous slogan of the French Revolution proclaims the words ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’, which were seen as fundamental values of society. In our culture today, we have something similar with equality, diversity and inclusivity. Especially in Ireland where our Government and media are ever-eager to keep abreast of global wokeism. Our departments (government) are charged with implementing these three things (equality, diversity and inclusivity). They are promoted as morally fundamental. They are certainly values, but they are not absolute values. An absolute value has to be valuable at all times and in all circumstances. These criteria do not apply when it comes to equality, diversity and inclusion. When we treat them as fundamental, we harm our society. Equality is certainly a value: we are all equally children of God. We should all be equal before the law and have equal opportunities. In some circumstances, equality, especially a compelled equality, could be a bad thing. It is natural that there is inequality among us. We are all unequal in beauty, skills, intelligence, and these are reflected in the way outcomes occur. Sometimes inequality arises from injustice and then it should be opposed. Many inequalities of outcome are the result of natural ine-
qualities among us and if we try to impose equality of outcome across our society we are creating a totalitarian system of governance, one that would be completely unjust. Diversity is a good thing. One of the oldest problems in philosophy is the problem of the One and the Many. The assumption is that the universe is one thing and because there is one thing there must be one unifying aspect behind everything. How to think through unity and diversity at all levels of being then becomes problematic. Philosophers always recognised that diversity is a good thing and applies at all levels of reality. Attempts to eliminate diversity, to impose a tyrannical unity, would be totalitarian. There is always a variety of viewpoint and personal style. Again, diversity is not an absolute value. If we obdurately stress diversity we get a permanently divided society and we would have lost any sense of the values that unite us. We think of Aristotle’s idea of the Transcendent Third, which is that we come together most forcefully when together we fall in love with a Transcendent Good and are thereby dedicated to a Good which we commonly accept. If that dimension of reality is minimised what we are left with is bickering individuals with each one clamouring for his or her rights and prerogatives. John Henry Newman points to the imagery of river banks. What gives a river its energy is the firmness
of its banks. But if, in the name of freedom or diversity, we want to knock down the river banks or boundaries, we are left with a lazy lake having no purpose or energy. We have that danger in our society that we are so preoccupied with each individual having his/her own distinctive prerogatives that we are like a people floating on air mattresses in the lake having no common sense of shared purpose. Inclusivity also is good. Although people in history have been unjustly excluded sometimes exclusion can be an expression of justice. To seek inclusion into a society or team means inclusion into a society that has a defined form. It is for certain things and against certain things. Universal and absolute inclusivity is not possible because inclusivity is based on the reality of a certain exclusivity into the society into which we seek to gain entry. Equality, diversity and inclusivity can be valuable in the measure that they participate in things that are in fact fundamental such as justice and love. Justice and love are fundamental values because they are always valuable at all times and in all circumstances. The moral life of our society today would do well to get that right. I look forward to hearing Senators Sharon Keogan and Ronan Mullen speaking to the vast topics of Life and Dignity in Hannon’s Hotel on Friday night, November 17th. Yours sincerely, Tom Flanagan
Senator Sharon Keogan
Senator Ronan Mullen
A wider perspective on war and peace in the Middle East
Leitrim Village, Co Leitrim Dear Editor, I refer to the opinion piece in the ‘Let’s Talk About’ column in the Roscommon People, in relation to the current situation in Gaza (Friday 10th inst.). While one must condemn the excessive response and horrific attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), one must also condemn the barbaric attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas. Indeed, this conflict did not begin on the 7th of October last, as stated in the headline of the aforementioned article. As a recent pilgrim to the Holy Land (this time last year), I witnessed first-hand the illegal Jewish ‘settlements’ in the Palestinian West Bank with their unscalable ‘walls’. I also noted the stark contrast between the standards of living enjoyed by the Israeli citizens and those in the Palestinian areas. While I cannot condone the actions by Hamas, I am, nonetheless, not surprised at the eruption of violence. The lack of parity of esteem in the Holy Land is shocking. We are all entitled to defend ourselves, but were we, as individual citizens, to use ‘excessive force’ in the execution of that defence, we would find ourselves before the courts for the harm we perpetrate. Similarly with the state of Israel, and its IDF; both they and their government are now before the court of public opinion and indeed may find themselves before the international courts for war crime. Many quote the Indian independence movement leader, Mahatma Gandhi, when commenting on this conflict, when he succinctly summarised his pacifist views by famously saying: “An eye for an eye, leaves the whole world blind”. May I quote another world famous Albanian-Indian, who devoted her life to ministering to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying, i.e. the most vulnerable in society. St Teresa of Calcutta, during her acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, said “The greatest destroyer of love and peace today is the cry of the innocent unborn child. For if a mother can murder her own child in her own womb, what is left for you and for me, but to kill each other”. How prophetic. We would do well to reflect on the wisdom of this great lady. There will be no peace in Israel or Palestine, or indeed in the world at large, until the inherent value of every human life is recognised by all. Yours sincerely, Ciarán Tracey
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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NEW LOCAL HISTORY BOOK
THE ELUSIVE MRS. WALCOTT An 18th century Entrepreneur and the Rookwood Estate
Aughagad Aghagower
Athleague West District Electoral Division (D.E.D.)
ROSCOMMON CIVIL PARISH (37)
FUERTY CIVIL PARISH (36)
Corderryhugh
Creggs Village
KILBEGNET CIVIL PARISH COUNTY GALWAY (43)
(Half-Barony Ballymoe, Galway)
Lisnatea Tobberavaddy
Farranykelly
Cloonyourish
Bellanacarrow
Rocksavage Demense
Knockadangan
Mount Mary
Slievemurry
Coalpits
Mallyree
Attifarry
Gorteenclough or Corramore
Easterfield or Cornacask
Gorteenruckaun
Monsternalea or Abbeygrey
Killeroran D.E.D.
ATHLEAGUE CIVIL PARISH COUNTY GALWAY (16)
ATHLEAGUE CIVIL PARISH COUNTY ROSCOMMON (33)
Araghty
Barony Athlone
Aghrane or Castlekelly
Killeroran Parish
Toberkeagh or Blindwell Carrowreagh
Keenagh (Clanrickard) Corra Beg
Clooncannon
land Athleague Parish
town
Clooneen
Athleague Village
Athleague West District Athleague Electoral Division (D.E.D.)
Coolaspaddaun
Curraghbaghla
Knockaunarainy
Split
Cloonykelly Glebe
Rookwood or Bellagad
Ballaghdacker
Hollygrove
Barony Killyan
TISRARA CIVIL PARISH (30)
Cloonruff
Aghrane or Castlekelly
KILLERORAN CIVIL PARISH (37) Srahaunnagort or Thornfield Garreer
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ATHLEAGUE BINGO – NEXT BINGO – TUESDAY 21st NOV. at 8.30pm Eircode: F42 P440
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Launch of Roscommon Christmas nd Festival on 22 of November Roscommon Town Team are excited to officially launch their Roscommon Christmas Festival 2023. Step into a world of magic and wonder at the annual Roscommon Christmas Festival this December 9th-10th. From illuminated landscapes to bustling markets, and from Santa’s grotto to street entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Roscommon Christmas Festival this year, including: Experience Christmas magic with Chef Sham Chef Sham will officially
launch the Roscommon Christmas Festival with a live festive cooking demonstration at the Roscommon Arts Centre on Wednesday, the 22nd of November at 8 pm. Come join us for a mouth-watering Christmas culinary experience using locally sourced produce! Join renowned Shamzuri (Sham) Hanifa, a multiaward-winning chef, businessman and broadcaster. Sham can be seen on our screens since 2019 with regular appearances on Virgin Media One’s Six o’clock Show. Currently he is the chef/owner of The Cottage Restaurant;
owner of Synergy Café; Director and Chef Consultant for Buffalo Boy Steakhouse and chef/ owner of the ‘Chef Sham Sauces’ range. Special MC on the night is Willie Hegarty, well-known commentator with Shannonside FM and Roscommon Herald columnist. Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly on the night. Discover delightful festive recipes and embrace the holiday spirit. Tickets costing €10 per person can be booked online at roscommonartscentre.ie or by contacting the Roscommon Arts
Centre +353 (0)90 66 25 824. Bustling Market in the Town Square The town square becomes a hub of activity
during the festival with over 50 market stalls showcasing a delightful array of goods and products. From beautifully crafted items to locally sourced produce and tempting festive treats, visitors will find something to suit every taste. The market will also feature live entertainment, including carols, dance acts, street performances, a captivating dinosaur display, and of course Santa’s Grotto at the Harrison Centre, creating a vibrant and joyous experience for all.
Enchanting Light Displays & theatre at Loughnaneane Park One of the festival highlights, in association with the Roscommon Lights Committee, and brand new for 2023, is a mesmerising display of lights at Loughnaneane Park. The park’s sculpture trail, nestled along the picturesque pond, offers breathtaking views of the historic landscape. During the Christmas Festival, the park will be transformed into a winter wonderland as trees are adorned with twinkling lights, Christmas scenes creating a magical ambience. Grand Finale: Fireworks Display As the festival draws to
Experience Christmas Magic with award-winning Chef
Sham’s Festive Flavours Live Cooking Demonstration Wednesday, 22nd November at 8 pm Roscommon Arts Centre
Experience Christmas magic with award-winning Chef Sham’s Festive Flavours live cooking demonstration which will take place at 8pm on Wednesday, 22nd November at Roscommon Arts Centre.
a close, Sunday evening culminates in breathtaking fireworks display behind the castle. The sky will be illuminated with vibrant colours and sparkling lights, providing a dazzling spectacle to leave visitors mesmerised and filled with the spirit of the season.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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FRANK
BRANDON
FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...
My experience as part of ‘10,000-strong’ Irish exodus to Old Trafford! Our man Frank on a memorable trip to Manchester, where he joined TV personality Martin Logan, attended a game at Old Trafford, and enjoyed the city nightlife; Celebrating a big win for Creggs’ community… and Johnny’s big night
It’s 26 years since I last visited Old Trafford, which was on the occasion of Paulo Wanchope’s wonder goal for Derby County against the Reds (still
available on all social media sites), when the visitors beat United by 3 goals to 2. The United team of that day had all their biggest names – including Keano, Beckham, Giggs, Cantona and Schmeichel – and the away team were given no chance against them. As history will record, Derby won, and included in their line-up was the Irish and former United legend Paul McGrath. The other thing I remember about the game was the respect the Old Trafford crowd showed McGrath, applauding him long and loudly after the game. Anyway, it was a very different scenario last Saturday. United are a long way removed from the team of the
1990s, and Luton Town, while struggling in the league, certainly fancied their chances. Luton were right to have expectations of getting a good result, because despite a number of decent chances, we were lucky enough to sneak home with a 1-0 victory. The game itself was pretty mediocre, but the atmosphere was really good, and the Luton supporters had great fun singing songs about Erik ten Hag getting the sack, and about how embarrassing the United team is! We had seats so close to the pitch that we could nearly have played. At least, unlike against Derby all those years ago, we actually got a win. Speaking of the seats, they are so tight
Pride of Place… Creggs in the spotlight! It’s Thursday evening of last week, and as usual I am tuning into the ‘Irish in the UK’ programme on Channel 186 on Sky TV. The programme is presented by our own Martin Logan, who I was delighted to see at the 60th anniversary celebration dinner dance of the London Galway Association. Another Creggs man, Seamus O’Grady, is President of the London Galway Association, a group that does Trojan work for various charities in the London area, and which also tries its best to help the ‘forgotten Irish’ – Irish people who for one reason or another have fallen on hard times. A special guest on the night was Liam Sammon, an All-Ireland
medal winner from 1966, and in the course of his interview with Martin he paid tribute to another man who had a long association with Creggs, the legend that is Mattie McDonagh. Mattie is still the only Connacht man to have won four senior All-Ireland medals, and the way things are going, his record is as safe as your money in the bank – not exactly sure how safe that is anymore, but you know what I mean. Anyway, as I watched, I can’t deny that I felt a great sense of pride about the fact that on a hugely popular Sky TV programme, our little village had the honour of having such a large representation – Martin himself, Mattie, and Seamus. I said to
and small that (thankfully) no one sat in them – everyone stood up for the duration instead. After the match we hit for the city centre, which was outrageously busy, with queues everywhere for restaurants and pubs. After fantastic food in the Hard Rock Cafe, we were fortunate to get into Mulligan’s Irish pub after queueing for about 20 minutes. All the people who had told us the Guinness there is top class were right, and we had a few pints of the very best black stuff. Taxi drivers we spoke with reckoned about 10,000 Irish come over for every United game – and we met most of them in Mulligan’s on Saturday
night and O’Shea’s on Friday night! There were lads from every part of Ireland, from Cork to Donegal and everywhere in between, and we also met a host of Norwegians who were desperately sad that their countryman Haaland is playing for Manchester City. Thankfully we had an early flight home on Sunday morning, so – much against our will – we called a halt at a respectable hour on Saturday night and bade farewell to the lovely, lively crowd in Mulligan’s. It took me 26 years to make it back to Old Trafford, but hopefully I will return before too long – and with a bit of luck they might increase the size of the seats!
Johnny’s big night (in aid of charity) Johnny Carroll, the Man with the Golden Trumpet, is celebrating 66 years in showbusiness, as well as his 80th birthday, with a massive musical extravaganza in the Clayton Hotel in Galway on Tuesday, November 28th. Fr Brian D’Arcy is a special guest, and the list of performers on the night is so long you would need an extra page to write them all down! Some of the biggest names on the Irish entertainment scene will be there, meaning it promises to be one of those really special nights. Doors open at 6 pm (show starts at 7 pm sharp), with all proceeds going towards Galway Hospice. Johnny Carroll is a true legend of the entertainment world, so mark the date – get your tickets and head for the Clayton Hotel on Tuesday, November 28th to celebrate his 80th birthday and a wonderful career!
myself, ‘Who would ever have believed it?’. Talking of pride in our village, up in Armagh on Friday night, Creggs, representing County Galway, won the Pride of Place Climate Action and Biodiversity category, a huge national honour, bestowed in recognition of its commitment to promote, educate, raise awareness, and enhance biodiversity around our little village. Our representatives were more than delighted to accept the award, and it is something that is more than deserved by a very hard-working voluntary community group. Congratulations to everyone involved – it’s another All-Ireland victory!
Up close and personal with Martin It’s funny how things can overlap, because the day after I watched the ‘Irish in the UK’ programme (see separate item), I flew out of Ireland West (Knock) Airport to Manchester, to see (for my sins) the Premier League game between Manchester United and Luton, where I was delighted to meet up with TV personality Martin Logan. Myself and my son Paul spent a number of highly delightful hours in his company. His love of Creggs and its surrounds is genuine and heartfelt, and for someone who left the area at eleven years of age, his interest in everyone and everything around the place is most inspiring. We had a most enjoyable evening of chatting and reminiscing. Martin still has several relations around the west, from Cong to Ballygar, and is a first cousin of the late Mattie McDonagh’s wife Kathleen, and of our old rugby teammate, Mick Brennan. As we sat and chatted in the relatively humble surrounds of our Manchester hotel, it was hard
to believe that the previous night Martin had recorded his show at the prestigious black tie Irish Post Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, where more than 1,200 people attended, and where he was mixing with the cream of Irish and international entertainment stars. Eamonn Holmes and Lisa McHugh were the hosts, and among the attendees were actor Jeremy Irons and singers Nathan Carter, Imelda May, Finbar Furey and Nadine Coyle, while the almost forgotten Ryan Tubridy did a bit of guest presenting. As we talked, we spoke about people who have allowed material success to ‘go to their heads’ and change them (and forget their roots), while others stay the same, and take their success in their stride. If ever a man represents the latter, it is Martin Logan, who remains so down to earth despite the huge popularity of his Sky programme. We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening with him in Manchester.
And finally… It’s Monday morning, just after Storm Debi. Apart from a few minor issues, we escaped pretty well out our way. I just wish that the electricity would come back and I could have the obligatory morning coffee, and that the phone, on which we are now so dependent, would start working again! Our columnist Frank Brandon and his son, Paul, pictured at Old Trafford last Saturday.
for now ’Til next week, bye
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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3 -9
Roscommon family to battle it out this weekend on Ireland’s Fittest Family The action kicks off again on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Sunday, November 19th, as the McNamara family from Boyle, Co. Roscommon join the Penny Taylors (Meath), the Stratfords (Cavan), and the Mahers (Offaly) as they all take on some brand-new challenges in Ireland’s Fittest Family! Roscommon family the McNamaras are a competitive bunch, with interests like boxing, marathon running, GAA, soccer… the list goes on! Among their competitors are the Mahers, who bring a unique blend of talents to the competition, with farmers, electricians, and county footballers and hurlers among their ranks; the Stratfords, who are no strangers to challenges as they thrive in mountain running, kayaking, and the pursuit of “absolute hardship”; and the Penny Taylor family, who are all about pushing their physical limits, with a passion for CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, show jumping, and competitive swimming. These fearless families will battle it out for two coveted places in the next round of the competition at a brand-new location – The Farm. New presenter Laura Fox is on the hunt to find the nation’s Fittest Family. She’s not the only new kid on the block, as legendary athlete Sonia O’Sullivan will be joining Nina Carberry, Davy Fitzgerald and Donncha O’Callaghan to push the families to their limits and over the finish line for the coveted title and €15,000. The McNamara family will be coached by Nina, while Sonia will coach the Mahers, Davy the Penny Taylors, and Donncha the Stratfords. Don’t miss a moment of this thrilling season as families fight for glory and the coveted title of Ireland’s Fittest Family, broadcasting on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, at 6.30 pm on Sunday, November 19th.
Pictured with coach Nina Carberry (middle) is the McNamara family from Roscommon, who will be competing in Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this Sunday, November 19th.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Call for Proposals to Assist Roscommon Volunteer Centre in Developing a Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 1. Introduction
3. Key Deliverables
Roscommon Volunteer Centre (RVC) is an independent organisation affiliated to Volunteer Ireland and was established in 2020. It is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. RVC provides a county-wide service to people who wish to volunteer some of their time to non-profit organisations, and to non-profits in sourcing volunteers to help them pursue their aims.
A finalised Strategic Plan, which should be included in the tender response: 1. Initial fortnight, scoping exercise, and reporting back on same. 2. In close consultation with RVC, conducting the strategic planning process and documenting, reporting mid-way and when nearing completion, sending a draft of the plan to RVC and its board for final consultations, and on approval of the final draft, sending the finalised plan to RVC and its board. 3. Development of a consultation process to reach a wide range of relevant stakeholders such as VIOs, other Volunteer Centres, Volunteer Ireland, volunteers, as well as organisations that engage with RVC such as Roscommon Leader Partnership, Roscommon County Council and Roscommon libraries; 5. Geographic spread and representation of external stakeholders across the following regions of Roscommon: Strokestown, Castlerea, Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen, Monksland, Boyle. May include streetside interviews, focus groups and/or one-to-one conversations. 6. The Plan should take into account the DRCD’s National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025 and Volunteer Ireland’s latest strategic plan and should take stock of changes in volunteering trends locally, nationally and internationally.
Our Vision: to support the people of Roscommon in further enhancing its places and ways of living as flourishing, vibrant communities, with volunteering at its heart. Our Mission: to promote the value of volunteering and to increase the range and quality for the benefit of the people of County Roscommon. Our Values: Respect, Belonging, Empowerment, Courage, Transparency, Equality and Diversity, and Collaboration. RVC works with a network of other volunteer centres across Ireland to implement a robust local volunteering service which supports the actions outlined in the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Our aim is to support community groups and to ensure that everyone who wants to volunteer, can volunteer. We do this in a variety of ways: a) Volunteers and volunteering We promote and celebrate volunteering in Roscommon by participating in campaigns such as National Volunteering Week and hosting a local Roscommon Volunteer Awards Ceremony. We utilise I-VOL, the national volunteering database, to connect volunteers to volunteering opportunities hosted by community groups. b) Charities and not for profit organisations We support regional volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) through training, resources, advice and consultancy. We help these organisations think through their volunteering programme, identify where volunteers can be a resource, and support them in drafting and posting volunteering roles. c) Garda Vetting RVC is registered with the National Vetting Bureau and has trained staff to act as Vetting Liaison Officers to support community groups in processing their Garda Vetting applications using the e-vetting platform. d) The national volunteer network We liaise with 28 other Volunteer Centres across the country and utilise our network for information-sharing and best practice on volunteer management. e) The national volunteer network We work closely with Volunteer Ireland who provides support to all 29 regionally-based volunteer centres in areas such as branding, campaigns, policy development, and implementing programmes such as the Community Volunteers Programme.
2. Background and Methodology Roscommon Volunteer Centre works to implement the Roscommon Volunteer Centre Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 which is due to come to an end in December 2023. We are now looking to develop a new strategy plan for 2024 – 2030. We are inviting proposals from suitably qualified individuals to help us to develop a strategic plan for the next six years. The successful candidate(s) will have relevant experience, excellent research and engagement skills, sectoral expertise, tried and tested methodologies, group facilitation skills and a willingness to challenge the status quo and assumptions. The new strategic plan will be based on a review of the current strategic plan, consultations with board and staff members and interviews with key stakeholders including the public, volunteers, volunteer involving organisations, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and other strategic partners.
4. Duration of the Project The project should commence in early 2024 and be completed preferably by Spring 2024. In order to ensure the best possible strategic plan, we can exercise a degree of flexibility with this timeline.
5. Submission of Tenders Experienced facilitators are asked to submit a proposal that should include the following: 1. Background information with C.V.; 2. Evidence of prior experience in delivery of similar projects with particular emphasis on experience of working with the community sector; 3. Relevant references; 4. An outline of the proposed methodology; 5. Quotation in Euros and inclusive of VAT, showing a timetable with breakdown of days required to deliver the project and including all costs associated with the work such as preparation time, travel expenses and any other expenses as required. Roscommon Volunteer Centre shall not accept any responsibility for any expenses or loss, which may be incurred in the preparation of a Tender.
6. Selection Criteria Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria: Criterion
Max. Score Available
Qualification, Relevant Experience, Track Record
30%
Methodology, Understanding of the Brief: accuracy, focus, interpretation
50%
Cost of successful project delivery and value for money
20%
Total Maximum Score Available 100% Failure to comply with the above selection criteria will result in disqualification from the tendering process.
7. Submissions Interested parties should submit a brief, fully costed proposal to deliver the work outlined above, by 5 p.m. on Friday, 15th December 2023. Please submit proposals electronically to: manager@volunteerroscommon.ie Please note that late submission of tenders will not be accepted.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople newsbriefs Kilbride Active Age Kilbride Active Age meet each Tuesday at 2 pm in the Community Building. New members are welcome as always, and transport is available.
We are currently looking to recruit
FULL-TIME DELI STAFF
Community College Parents Association quiz
A table quiz hosted by the Parents Association of Roscommon Community College will be held on Friday night, the 17th of November, at 8.30 pm in Foxe’s Bar, Athlone Road, Roscommon. All support appreciated.
Echoes of Ballaghaderreen
The editorial committee of ‘Echoes of Ballaghaderreen’ has commenced work on this year’s paper and welcomes articles, notices, reports, poetry, photographs and advertisements for inclusion. Please email articles as word documents and photographs in jpg format to echoesballaghaderreen@ gmail.com. Material for the paper may also be handed into The Presbytery or to Towey’s, Main Street. You can contact us by email or by phone on 087 6765508.
Social Strollers & Walking group news
The Social Strollers/Social Walking group is meeting every Thursday at 2.30 pm at the entrance to the Demesne in Castlerea, adjacent to St Kevin’s GAA grounds, for approximately an hour. All are welcome to come along and join in. Contact Ronan on 086 1765381 for more information.
Social Readers group
The Social Readers group is meeting on the last Wednesday of each month in Roscommon Library at 2.30 pm for approximately an hour. All are welcome to come along and join in. Contact Ronan on 086 1765381 for more information.
Narcotics Anonymous
Roscommon Town Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings are taking place on Tuesday and Saturday nights at St Coman’s Club, Abbey Street, Roscommon from 8-9 pm in Room 18 (upstairs). All welcome.
to joing our award-winning team
Congratulations to Shannon Beades, of Fuerty, Co. Roscommon, who is pictured on the occasion of her recent graduation from Griffith College Dublin with a BA in Interior Design. Sharon is daughter of Tommy and Marguerite Beades.
Remembrance Mass for Council deceased
A Mass for deceased Roscommon County Council staff and members has been arranged for Friday, November 17th, at 6 pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served in the canteen, Áras an Chonate, Roscommon, after Mass.
Must be available to work during the week and some weekend work. TO APPLY: Drop in a CV to: Jim McCausland Casey’s Auto Centre Ltd., Athlone Road, Roscommon town
New tarmacadam surface in Tarmonbarry
Roscommon County Council will commence laying a new tarmacadam surface in the village of Tarmonbarry on Monday next, according to Independent councillor, Tom Crosby. Cllr. Crosby, who said the works are in response to his representations, says the project will begin on Monday, 20th of November and works will be carried out during night-time hours to avoid disruption as much as possible. The new tarmacadam surface will extend from the bridge past ‘The Lodge’ premises.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople
A large tree down on the Williamstown to Castlerea road on Monday morning caused a lot of travel disruption for road users. Pic: Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice Facebook
Roscommon in eye of the storm as businesses and homes feel brunt of ‘Debi’ < PAUL HEALY
Storm Debi caused huge disruption in County Roscommon earlier this week, with thousands of houses, businesses and facilities (including schools) impacted by power outages that continued into midweek. Winds of up to 130 kilometres an hour raged during the height of the storm, which peaked between 2 am and 6 am on Monday morning, impacting the entire country. Large parts of County Roscommon were badly affected by power outages including Boyle, Elphin, and parts of West and South Roscommon. Many areas of Roscommon Town were also affected by outages, forcing some businesses and facilities (including Roscommon CBS) to close through Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, a further “major electri-
Storm Debi caused damage to trees in the village of Cloontuskert on Monday morning as strong winds swept over the county. Pic: Cloontuskert Tidy Towns
cal fault” led to unexpected further power outages in the centre of the county town. It
is understood that ESB crews succeeded in restoring power to the vast majority of those
affected by Tuesday evening/ night. The first indication that
Storm Debi was going to impact significantly on County Roscommon had come on Sunday with confirmation that south Roscommon had been issued with a Status Red wind warning. When the storm struck some hours later, it caused disruption (to varying degrees) in most parts of the county. Where Roscommon has often escaped the brunt of so-called extreme weather events in recent years, on this occasion the county was in the eye of the storm. Storm Debi felled trees and branches, led to road closures, caused power outages that affected thousands of homes and businesses, damaged properties, and impacted on services across the board. Roads around the county were badly affected, with road closures being reported in many areas early on Monday. The main AthleagueRoscommon road was closed
due to a fallen tree. Roscommon County Council crews worked hard and swiftly to clear fallen trees and debris to reduce the disruption to road users and ensure that blocked roads could be made accessible again. ESB crews were deployed to begin the task of restoring power. Throughout Monday, the strict advice to motorists in Roscommon was to drive with extreme caution due to ongoing hazardous conditions in some parts of the county. On Monday, schools in all parts of the county delayed their opening until 10 am to ensure safer travelling conditions, with some schools closing for the day – such as Roscommon CBS and Abbey Community College in Boyle. Roscommon CBS was also unable to open on Tuesday, due to the fact that power had not been restored. It reopened on Wednesday.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
NewsPeople
Major power outage in Roscommon town on Tuesday < PAUL HEALY
36 hours after Storm Debi peaked, houses and businesses in the Roscommon town area were hit by a sudden power outage. At around 4 pm on Tuesday
afternoon, entire sections of the town – including most of Main Street – were cast into darkness. While some businesses were able to activate generators, a number of retail stores and service providers were without power and had no
Storm Debi Timeline
In preparation for the arrival of Storm Debi, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met on Sunday afternoon. While a Yellow wind and rain warning was issued for the entire country, South Roscommon was one of a smaller group of regions to which a Status Red weather warning applied. On Sunday afternoon, Met Éireann advised that a Status Red weather warning has been issued for Clare, East Galway and Roscommon between 2-5 am on Monday morning, and for Westmeath and Offaly between 5-7 am on Monday morning. Later, the Red weather warning was extended to 7 am overnight. The public was advised that severe and damaging gusts were expected on Sunday night and Monday and that potential impacts included damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to services and damage to power lines. The storm peaked from around 2 am onwards, and South and West Roscommon – and the rest of the county – felt its full force. On Monday morning, local emergency crews were busy dealing with road closures, power outages and the process of clearing debris. A Status Yellow warning for all counties was in place until 3 pm on Monday.
option but to close immediately. The sudden loss of power, a blow to businesses and householders alike, was reported to the ESB at 4.17 pm. Within minutes, the ESB informed the public that a major electricity fault had been
experienced in Roscommon town, and that approximately 833 customers had been affected. ESB Networks indicated on Tuesday that it could be 6 pm on Wednesday before the issue was resolved. While it is understood that
the majority of affected clients had their power restored by Tuesday evening, there were reports of isolated but significant outages still affecting areas of the county town and its environs on Wednesday afternoon.
Roscommon County Council staff were in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town on Monday and Tuesday clearing the debris from Storm Debi’s aftermath. Pic: Kieran Croghan
Council crews were busy! Damage to a construction site in Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday after Storm Debi. Pic: Keith Nolan Twitter
Roscommon County Council issued updates in the aftermath of Storm Debi, which it said that been particularly felt in the West of the county (although it had been predicted to impact more in the South). In a statement issued on Monday, the Council said its crews were working extensively throughout the county, responding to incidents where trees have fallen. Its crews were prioritising
ESB: ‘All available ‘resources deployed’
In a statement on Monday, the ESB said storm force winds associated with Storm Debi caused considerable damage to the electricity network overnight, predominantly in the West, Midwest, Midlands and Northeast. The damage was mainly attributable to lightning and fallen trees on overhead lines as a result of the high winds. The ESB said that all available resources were deployed in response to Storm Debi. “ESB Networks crews are currently in the process of assessing damage, making the network safe and repairing electricity supply where safe to do so”. As to when customers would have power restored, the ESB update on Monday was as follows: “Crews expect to restore power to the majority of impacted customers through Monday. However, due to the scale of the damage to the electricity network, some customers in localised areas will remain without supply overnight (i.e. Monday night)”.
areas most in need and clearing trees and debris in the areas most affected, including where roads had been blocked. In its update on Monday, the Council noted the following impacts/Council actions (which is just a sample of some of the damage): *Trees had been cleared from the R284 at Drumboylan and the L1015 at Drumdoe.
*The R362 at Curraghboy was closed on Monday morning, with crews at the scene. *There were reports of exposed electrical wires at Arm on the Williamstown road from Castlerea. The road was blocked and motorists were advised to avoid the area on Monday. *The Frenchpark to Boyle R361 had been cleared. *A tree that fell on the N5 near
Tulsk had been cleared. *A tree was reported down on the L1812 at Lisdrum. *The Scramoge to Rooskey R367 stretch had been blocked but crews were at the scene. *A tree was down on the N60 at Cloverhill but had been cleared. *A tree was also down on the Strokestown to Longford stretch of the N5 but the road has been cleared.
Famine Museum affected on Monday
Strokestown Park House and the National Famine Museum were closed on Monday due to a power outage caused by Storm Debi. Pic: Strokestown Park
One of the county’s most famous landmarks, Strokestown Park House and National Famine Museum, had to close on Monday due to a power outage caused by the storm. In a Facebook post, Strokestown Park said: “Due to Storm Debi and the power outage it has caused at Strokestown Park, please be aware we will remain closed until the electricity returns due to health and safety”.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Entertainment, Culture & Arts
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Elphin and Kilglass Gaels to contest All Ireland Scór Sinsir Finals Roscommon will have strong representation at this Saturday’s GAA All Ireland Scór Sinsir Final in the INEC, Killarney. Having contested strongly in all eight disciplines at Connacht level and winning the Cormac McGill Cup for the county with best participation and victories, the Rossies will look to complete a wonderful Scór campaign with national silverware. Our first competitors making the long trip south are from Kilglass Gaels. The team of Eddie Conboy, Cian Diffley, Seán Hall and Cormac Tighe, will contest the initial Tráth na gCeisteanna Boird (Table Quiz), which sees three qualifiers from each province battle it out to win one of three spots on the stage final later in the evening. The Kilglass men have enjoyed a terrific season to date, overcoming top class opposition within Roscommon and Connacht. This is a maiden voyage for the Rooskey club in Senior Scór, despite their outstanding underage national success in Scór na nÓg
(All Ireland champions 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008). It is fantastic to see Kilglass reap the rewards of their consistent Scór participation and enjoy the fruits of such notable underage prowess. The Elphin club are no strangers to national Scór finals and there is little doubt that this proud tradition will continue on Saturday next in the Kingdom. First up for club and county will be Sarah Keane, in the Amhránaíocht Aonair. A beautiful singer from a highly musical family, Sarah has been competing in Scór since she was very young, in the figure, set, music and singing competitions. Her flawless rendition of ‘Bríd Óg Ní Mháille’ made her a very popular Connacht champion, an accolade never won by the Elphin club before. Sarah will be joined by her teammates Eric Murray, Vinnie Gleeson, Peadar McCaffrey, Evan Gunn, Emily Keane, Michael and Annemarie Gunn, as the club contest their second event of the night in the Novelty Act section.
Pictured is the Elphin group who will be competing in the national Scór finals in the Novelty Act section.
Elphin’s hilarious sketch, has improved with each performance and given audiences wonderful entertainment over the past few weeks. The actors from
Orchard Park will be making a sixth national final appearance in the Novelty Act and hoping to add to the three All Ireland Senior Scór titles they already
have (Tráth na gCeist 1972, Rince Seit 1998 & 2001). Coiste Scór agus Cultúir, CLG Ros Comáin, extend their best wishes to all of the county’s representa-
St Dominic’s Eileen Fallon to receive Scór Long Service Award Coiste Scór Ros Comáin would like to congratulate one of our former stalwart members, Eileen Fallon from St Dominic’s, on her selection as the Connacht recipient of the GAA Scór Long Service Award. Eileen served as a club delegate and committee member of Roscommon Scór for four decades. She oversaw the consistent and strong participation of her beloved St Dominic’s in all Scór activities in the county, a noted tradition and culture that was the envy
of many. As a result of Eileen’s passion, love and work, St. Dominic’s have accumulated eight All Ireland Scór titles, appeared in 45 national finals and amassed a huge number of Roscommon wins. All this rich participation has undoubtedly set St Dominic’s apart as a club synonymous with the GAA’s wonderful Scór movement and earned them a reputation as one the best Scór clubs in Ireland. Eileen’s selection for the Long Ser-
vice Award is just recognition of her dedicated work over the years and the proud legacy of Scór participation that continues in the Knockcroghery area to this day. Eileen will receive her award from GAA President, Larry McCarthy, on stage in Killarney this Saturday. We wish Eileen and her family a wonderful weekend in the Gleneagle. Comhghairdeas Eileen, is seirbhíseach dílis dúthrachtach thú agus táimid anbhródúil asat.
tives as they fly the flag for us in Killarney. To have such a strong Roscommon presence at the finals is a wonderful achievement in itself. Na Rosaithe Abú!
Pictured is Eileen Fallon from St Dominic’s, who has been selected as the Connacht recipient of the GAA Scór Long Service Award.
Radio documentary about Roscommon hangwoman ‘The Ballad of Lady Betty’, a documentary about the infamous Roscommon executioner, will be premiered on Athlone Community Radio at 6 pm on Saturday, 18th of November, and replayed at 1 pm on the 20th of November. Being accused of murdering her own son, Elizabeth Sugrue, better known as Lady Betty, saved her own life at the gallows by offering to hang people on a day when the regular hangman was sick. She stayed on in that position for decades in the late 18th century. The documentary features the original ballad written and performed by Declan Coyne, Bard of Roscommon Singers Circle. Among the contributors in this programme are Padraig Walshe (a personal behaviour psychologist and broadcaster with strong family ties in Roscommon Town), Bairbre Ní Fhloinn (an associate professor of folklore and ethnology at the Department of Irish Celtic Studies and Folklore at University College Dublin), Albert Siggins (a native of Roscommon Town and a local historian, artist and writer), Dympna Molloy (nationally acclaimed sculptor and poet), Noel Molloy (an internationally known visual and performance artist based outside Roscommon Town), and John Kerrigan (a highly regarded local historian and writer). Music is performed by local musician Patsy Hanly. The programme is supported by Coimisiun na Mean with the television licence fee.
Upcoming launch of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen Members of Ballaghaderreen community are invited to the launch of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen at the Square One Café in Durkin’s on Saturday, November 25th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Poetry, a film screening, and music, with light refreshments, will be provided. Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is a one-year research and development arts project funded by the Arts Council. Rhona McGrath (Arts Officer with Roscommon County Council) said that
her office, together with local partners, are delighted to have been successful in receiving the project funding, ahead of the launch. “We are working as part of a diverse group of committed partners to consider investment in community-focused arts research”, she said. “This funding will help address the current lack of arts infrastructure and provision in Ballaghaderreen. Our vision is to ‘Build a Better Ballaghader-
reen,’ where the arts and creativity are central to a vibrant, diverse and proud community”. Ballaghaderreen is at the initial phase of development. The project will involve artists Nollaig Molloy, Julie Sharkey and Anna King using socially engaged art practices to explore how local businesses, community groups and individuals can develop an inclusive, sustainable arts programme for the local area.
The artists will work closely with Mary Smyth, who will coordinate the project on behalf of Roscommon County Council Arts Office. The team are keen to meet professional and nonprofessional artists from all disciplines as well as members of the general public who are interested in how the arts can contribute to building a strong local economy and community. Ahead of the event, Nollaig, Julie and Anna invited anyone interested in do-
ing so to please come along and “share their dreams and creative aspirations… over a cuppa”. Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is supported by Roscommon County Council in association with a steering committee made up of local groups from the area. More details can be found on the Roscommon County Council website under the services section of the community and arts section.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
GOING OUT
To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Marie Barlow, Glinsk Ladies’ Club, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Photographic Exhibition showcases GRETB at its best On Monday, 6th of November, crowds gathered in the Roscommon County Library for the launch of the Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB) Community Education photo exhibition. The exhibition showcased the variety of community education courses undertaken by different community groups in their local areas within counties Galway and Roscommon. Representatives from some of the community groups who have availed of the support offered by GRETB attended the official opening. The exhibition is also on display digitally in the local libraries in Boyle and Strokestown. Community Education is adult learning that takes place in local settings. GRETB works in partnership with community groups, voluntary groups and networks of agencies such as Galway Rural Development and Roscommon LEADER Partnership to plan, develop and deliver courses based on the needs identified by the community groups.
Rachel Feeney and Sabrina Kenny, GRETB Roscommon, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Gertie McDermott, Orla Connaughton, Majella Hunt and Jill Farrell pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Catherine Guckian and Christine Henry, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Vice-Chairperson, GRETB; Helen McGinty, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, and Dolores McSharry, Community Education Facilitator GRETB, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Photographer Martin McDonnell pictured with GRETB members Sinéad Morgan, Sheila Holland-Fox, Dolores McSharry and Donal Walsh, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Stacey King, Karen Towey and Jacqueline Dowd, Roscommon Training Centre, Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Ruairí Ó Haodha, Roscommon Co Library; Dolores McSharry, Community Education Facilitator, GRETB; Martin McDonnell, photographer; Sinéad Morgan, Director for Further Education and Training GRETB; Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Vice-Chairperson, GRETB and Ray Whelehan, Roscommon County Library pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Declan Briscoe, Jim Reynolds, Triona Larkin, Anne Daly, Bernie Carr, Loretta Mulhaire, Maria Curley and John McDermott from Lisnamult Work Skills GRETB, pictured at a photographic exhibition in Roscommon County Library recently, showcasing GRETB Community Education at its best. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249
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THURSDAY WEEKLY:
SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY WEEKLY:
BULLOCK SALE ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED. VIEWING AT 10 A.M. - 10.50 A.M.
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
Castlerea MART WATCH There were over 700 lots presented for sale on Thursday, November 9th, with the recent inclement weather conditions resulting in bigger numbers being presented. Quality lots remain a good trade, but plainer-type lots are tending to be a little harder sold. The heifer ring reported a good clearance. Quality stores were in strong demand with €2300 paid for breeding-type heifers while heavier lots made up to €1980. The weanling rings witnessed the bulls peak at €4.28 a kilo and the weanling heifers made up to €3.92 a kilo. Dry cows peaked at €2.20 a kilo while cows with calves at foot made up to €2210, and the runner ring reported an excellent trade as farmers replaced recently sold stock. Heifers, sample prices: Lm 390kgs €1430, Ch 360kgs €1270, Lm 405kgs €1390, Lm 480kgs €1600, Ch 480kgs €1410, BBx 570kgs €2300, Sim 740kgs €1980, Ch 705kgs €1980, Ch 730kgs €1980, and Lm 635kgs €1860. Dry cows, sample prices: AAx 890kgs €2120, Sim 870kgs €2060, Lm 815kgs €1970, Ch 805kgs €1930, Hex 875kgs €1890, Shx 760kgs €1700, Fr 493kgs €450, and Ch 475kgs €830. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Chx 295kgs €1180, Ch 240kgs €1010, Ch 250kgs €1000, Lm 290kgs €940, Ch 350kgs €1500, Ch 315kgs €1220, Lm 325kgs €1280, and Ch 475kgs €1480. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Chx 275kgs €1070, Ch 255kgs €1000, BBx 280kgs €980, Ch 275kgs €960, Lm 355kgs €1100, Ch 310kgs €1040, Lm 455kgs €1520, and BAx 410kgs €1280. Cows with calves at foot made from €1160 to €2210 for a Limousin cow and her Blonde D’Aquitane bull calf at foot. Springers made from €920 to €2000, and runner lots made from €300 to €930 for continental lots. At the bullock sale on Monday, November 6th, there were 300 bullocks presented for sale. Top quality stores made up to €3.14 a kilo while the heavier lots made up to €1920. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday, November 16th, when we have our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.
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Urgent response needed on delays to farm payments – Deputy Kerrane Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has called for an immediate response from Minister McConalogue on delays to farm payments. Many farmers are still awaiting their payments for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC), following delays to the payments being made this year. Minister McConalogue announced delays of up to a month for BISS and ANC payments this year, with payments usually received in September. The minister confirmed that payments had begun issuing to farmers from the last week of October. However, it is being reported that many farmers
have not yet received their BISS or ANC payments as of mid-November. Speaking this week, Deputy Kerrane said, “I have raised the issue of delays to much-needed farm payments for months now, and highlighted to the minister the serious pressure that farmers would be under by delaying BISS and ANC payments by a month. “Despite these concerns, which were echoed by farmers and representative organisations, the payments began issuing several weeks ago in late October. “Yet, if these delays weren’t bad enough, I understand that many farmers are still awaiting their BISS and ANC payments.
This delay to already delayed payments is not good enough. I understand that, to add insult to injury, many farmers received no forewarning about these additional delays. They have been left in limbo waiting for the Department to respond. “I have been contacted by farmers who are increasingly frustrated with the Department. Farmers have bills to pay and cannot wait any longer for these much-needed and heavily relied upon payments. “I have now contacted the minister to find out how many farmers are affected by further delays to their BISS and ANC payments, and to clarify what he intends to do to resolve the matter immediately”.
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD
IFA reaction to move by China on Irish beef imports IFA Livestock Chairperson Brendan Golden said the suspension of access to the Chinese market was disappointing and that it must be resolved quickly. “Given that we had only recently regained access, it’s a setback that we could do without,” he said. Brendan Golden said returning to the Chinese market as soon as possible is important. Demand for beef in our key export markets – the UK and EU – is strong. Supplies of suitable in-spec cattle is tightening and there should be no negative impact on beef price. He said beef prices are rising
as factories build stocks for the lucrative Christmas trade. The gap with Prime Export Benchmark is still over 30c/kg, showing the capacity in these markets. It must be closed with higher beef prices. “The move by China is a technical issue resulting from the discovery of a case of ATypical BSE in a ten-year old cow in this country. Under the protocol, Ireland is required to submit a detailed epidemiological report,” he said. “Given the nature of this case, once the report is reviewed by the Chinese authorities, there should be no delay in regaining access,” he said.
Roscommon MART WATCH Sale on Friday, November 10th: There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special heifer sale with just over 400 on offer. Heifers fetched an average of €2.74 per kilo up to €3.52 per kilo. There was also a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.07 per kilo up to €2.65 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active. Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.07 per kilo up to €2.65 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 635 kg €1,680, BBX 630 kg €1,670, Lim X 700 kg €1,840, Lim X 735 kg €1,800, Lim X 770 kg €1,800, Char X 755 kg €1,760, Lim X 680 kg €1,650, Lim X 720 kg €1,600, SIX 710 kg €1,570. Bullocks ranged from an average of €2.74 per kilo up to €3.52
per kilo. Lim X 480 kg €1,690, Lim X 570 kg €2,000, Lim X 505 kg €1,780, Char X 480 kg €1,680, Char X 550 kg €1,880, Char X 505 kg €1,700, Lim X 605 kg €1,960, Lim X 566 kg €1,870, Lim X 555 kg €1,860, Lim X 535 kg €1,760, Char X 545 kg €1,840, Lim X 520 kg €1,750, Lim X 515 kg €1,700, Lim X 510 kg €1,670, Char X 440 kg €1,450, Char X 390 kg €1,230, Char X 380 kg €1,140, Char X 380 kg €1,170. Sale of weanlings on Tuesday, November 14th: There was a large entry of top quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last with a very strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €2.99 per kilo up to €4.43 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.76 per kilo up to €3.65.
There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online buyers also active. Heifer weanlings ranged from an average of 2.76 per kilo up to €3.65 per kilo. Bull weanlings ranged from an average of 2.99 per kilo up to 4.43 per kilo. Sample prices: Char X 300 kg €1,330 €4.43 Per KG, Char X 270 kg €1,140 €4.22 Per KG, Char X 300 kg €1,270 €4.23 Per KG, Char X 320 kg €1,140 €3.56 Per KG, Lim X 340 kg €1,140 €3.35 Per KG, Char X 335 kg €1,150 €3.43 Per KG, Char X 365 kg €1,210 €3.32 Per KG, Lim X 280 kg €1,040 €3.71 Per KG, Char X 280 kg €980 €3.50 Per KG, Char X 260 kg €940 €3.62 per KG. Sheep Sale, Wednesday, November 15th: We had a similar number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and cast
ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €159. The tops for stag ewes fetched €150. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next Sale of Lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, November 22nd at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestocklive.com. Sample prices – finished lambs: 51.3kgs €159, 53.3kgs €155, 55kgs €155, 51kgs €155, 50.3kgs €153, 50.2kgs €151, 47.6kgs €150, 47.7kgs €146, 47.4kgs €141, 46 kgs €140. Store lambs: 40kgs €119, 39.5kgs €113, 35.5kgs €110, 36.7kgs €109, 40kgs €109, 34.2kgs €95, 35kgs €80, 32.3kgs €80, 28.3kgs €65. Cast ewes made from €50 to €150 per lot.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
FarmingPeople
IFA meet Environment Commissioner on Nitrates An IFA delegation led by IFA President Tim Cullinan met with EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius in Brussels recently. Speaking after the meeting, Tim Cullinan said that the meeting had been forthright but constructive. The Com-
missioner confirmed he would visit Ireland on November 23rd on foot of the invitation from An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, following his meeting with IFA at the Fine Gael party ‘think-in’ in Limerick in September. “It was clear at the meeting that the Commissioner wants to be helpful to
(Proudly serving farmers for over 64 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373
Friday, 17th November at 11 a.m.
Special Sale of Bullocks Special Sale of Heifers
Also Dry Cows and Bullocks Bookings accepted until Monday, 20th November at 5 p.m. -------------------------Tuesday, 21st November at 4 p.m.
Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted until Thursday, 16th November at 5 p.m. --------------------------
Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.
-------------------------Saturday, 18th November
Irish Shorthorn Society Premier Sale 2023 Show 9 a.m. | Sale 12 p.m.
ENQUIRIES 090 6626352
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE
TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection
Find us on facebook
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact
TOM ROGERS
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344
Your LOCAL Collector GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE
KEEP YOUR FARM SAFE
the basis for our derogation. The midterm review mechanism agreed by our Department was unfair and did not give any time for the measures farmers are already carrying out to have a positive effect on water quality. “The reality is that reducing the upper limit of the derogation from 250kg of or-
ganic nitrogen per ha to 220kg will have little impact on water quality, but it will have huge consequences for the farmers directly impacted and for thousands more farmers indirectly impacted, as it will further increase the cost of rented land. We stressed this very strongly to the Commissioner,” he said.
Teagasc Beef Conference takes place next week in Ballinasloe < CHARLIE DEVANEY (BEEF ADVISOR, TEAGASC CASTLEREA)
Also Dry Cows and Heifers -------------------------Friday, 24th November at 11 a.m.
Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie
Irish farmers on the issue. It is vital that our Minister and his Department have proper engagement with the Commissioner and his officials to explore possible compromises,” he said. “We were very clear with the Commissioner that we are very proud of our grass-based production system which is
The Teagasc Beef Conference is set to take place on Tuesday, November 21st in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Improving the Beef Sectors Green Credentials’, to reflect the changing environmental landscape in which farmers play a key role. The conference will commence at 5 pm with the keynote address, which will be delivered by Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara. Session I will be chaired by MJ Cleary from Midlands 103 and will focus on ‘Implementing Sustainable Technologies on Beef Farms’. Dr Paul Crosson (Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange) will outline the recent changes to the Eurostar Breeding Index and how the new Carbon Index could change our breeding policy at farm level. Ellen Fitzpatrick from Johnstown Castle will describe how to make the most of a low Input/ High Output Dairy beef system, and Dr Maria Guelbenzu from AHI will discusse the prevalence of IBR and why Ireland needs to move towards a national eradication programme. There will then be an interval with refreshments before we begin Session II at 7.15 pm, where the theme will be ‘Increasing our Competitive Advantage on the Global Stage’. This promises to be a very interesting and informative session with several international speakers and will be chaired by Margaret Donnelly, editor of the Farming Independent. In this session, Dr Siobhan Kavanagh from the Teagasc Signpost Programme will examine the main drivers of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) on beef farmers and how to reduce them. Anais
L’Hote from the French Livestock Institute will discusse how farmers can be paid for reducing their carbon footprint based on the experience in France, and Rupert Claxton Livestock Director from GIRA Consultancy (UK) will give an overview of the Global Beef Market and highlight the likely trend for input prices as we move into 2024. The conference will conclude at 8.45 pm and we will have local Teagasc advisers on hand if you want to discuss any scheme or technical issues. On the night there will also be an opportunity for farmers to meet with member of the Teagasc forestry and organic team to discuss any queries they have. The Teagasc Future Beef and DairyBeef500 teams will also be in at-
tendance at the conference with updates from both programmes. Announcing details of this year’s conference, Pearse Kelly (Teagasc Head of Drystock) commented, “This year at the National Beef Conference we have focused on providing the latest research and best advice for beef farmers on ways to implement sustainable technologies on beef farms and how we can take advantage of these drivers globally. “We hope that the conference will offer an opportunity for constructive discussion of these issues. On the night, attendees will have an opportunity to meet and talk with members of staff from a number of departments in Teagasc. The conference is free for to all and will be well worth attending”.
Pictured is Charlie Devaney (Beef Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea).
National Beef Conference 2023 Improving our Beef Sectors Green Credentials
Tuesday, 21st November | 5pm Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 F5P9 Scan the QR code to register or visit:
www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23
Visit information stands on the night for the Signpost Programme, ASSAP, Organics, Forestry & your local advisory office
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
PropertyPeople
Cormac 086 3519492
PSRA Licence No. 004420
NEW TO THE MARKET 53.5 ACRE RESIDENTIAL ROADSIDE FARM
RAVEEGE, CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON
FOR SALE VIA ONLINE AUCTION (LSL PLATFORM) ON FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 12 PM 15 ACRES APPROX OF TOP QUALITY ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT
CRANNAGH BEG, DRUM, CO. ROSCOMMON
F45 XW77
AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION
AMV: €165,000
Keith 086 0848590
Cathal 086 1409158
FOR SALE VIA ONLINE AUCTION (LSL PLATFORM) ON FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 12 PM 19 ACRES APPROX OF ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT
RINNAGAN, LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON
AMV: €145,000
Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 • Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie
Five-bedroomed residence at The Walk new to market with Remax Team Earley Keith McLoughlin of Remax Team Earley is delighted to present to the market an exquisite five-bedroomed, detached property located on the charming outskirts of Roscommon town at 14 Sliabh Ban View, The Walk, Roscommon (F42FW99). This remarkable residence boasts an inviting entrance with cast-iron gates and a meticulously laid tarmacadam driveway, setting the stage for the beauty that lies within. The property is embraced by generous, well tended gardens, both at the front and rear, offering a splendid outdoor space that includes a delightful patio area at the back. A striking feature of this home is the abundance of natural light that gracefully floods through the large windows, creating a welcoming and airy ambience throughout. Nestled within the established and beautifully maintained Sliabh Ban development, this home exudes an undeniable sense of community and charm. As you step inside, a welcoming front porch greets you, leading to a bright and spacious hallway where an elegant oak staircase gracefully ascends to the upper level. The kitchen is a true masterpiece, adorned with top quality finishes, ample cabinet space, and a well-appointed countertop area with tasteful tiled splashbacks. It seamlessly connects to the dining room through French doors, creating a perfect space for gatherings.
The property offers not one but two spacious sitting rooms to cater to different moods and occasions. The first sitting room is graced with an ‘open fire’ marble fireplace, adding a touch of elegance to the space. The second sitting room is a cosy retreat, featuring an insert fire for those snug, relaxing evenings. Additional conveniences come in the form of a large utility room, fitted
with practical units and extra countertop space, and a conveniently located downstairs bathroom on the first floor. Upstairs, you’ll find five well-proportioned bedrooms, with two of them enjoying the luxury of ensuite bathrooms. The upstairs accommodation also includes a bathroom adorned with floor-to-ceiling tiling, adding a touch of sophistication and ease of maintenance.
The icing on the cake is the breathtaking views of Sliabh Ban and the picturesque countryside that surround this property, offering a daily serving of serenity and tranquillity. The BER rating is C2. This exceptional property offers an unmatched combination of style, comfort, and a warm sense of community. Don’t miss the opportunity to make it your own and enjoy the beauty and
tranquillity it has to offer. The auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go-property. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer directly Keith on 0860848590.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Business
Monksland-based Sidero wins double at Athlone Business Awards
Pictured is Christopher O’Toole, Collins McNicholas’s new Senior Manager for the West and North West region.
Collins McNicholas makes new appointment Collins McNicholas, the national recruitment agency, is integrating its Galway and Sligo offices to streamline its operations and offer an enhanced regional service in the West and North West region, which covers Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Donegal. Collins McNicholas will maintain its offices in both Galway and Sligo, acting as a hub for team collaboration and innovation across the region. The new arrangement will see Galway Manager Christopher O’Toole assume the new role of Senior Manager for the region. Christopher O’Toole, a Galway native and graduate of University of Galway, has spent almost a decade with Collins McNicholas since joining the company as a recruitment consultant, and will now lead this exciting transition.
€145m scheme to promote economic growth – Calleary Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary has reminded small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enterprise organisations and third level institutions that the first call for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme is open for applications with a closing date of March 31 2024. The aim of the scheme is to accelerate economic growth across all regions with a focus on enterprise development and support the development of innovative services through local infrastructure, innovation clusters, services to SMEs and early-stage feasibility and priming research. The scheme, with a total value of €145.3m, is co-funded by the Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will be administered by Enterprise Ireland. Minister Calleary said, “There is €35 million available under this call to assist the regions to collaborate with other partners to embrace digitisation, green economy and other new opportunities”. Further information on the scheme, the application process, and how to register for related webinars can be found at enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/ Smart-Region-Enterprise-Innovation-Scheme/.
Monksland-based software and cloud specialist Sidero has announced that it has been honoured with two awards at the annual Athlone Business Awards 2023, which took place recently during a blacktie gala ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. Hosted by the Athlone Chamber of Commerce, the Athlone Business Awards celebrate locally and regionally based companies that have demonstrated significant achievement and success over the past year. At this year’s awards, Sidero CEO Carmel Owens was named Businessperson of the Year for her commitment to the growth and success of the business over the past number of years. Earlier this year, Carmel led the acquisition of Sidero by global digital engineering leader GlobalLogic (a Hitachi Group Company). The companies’ combined strengths will bring increased value to the respective customer bases, and Sidero’s expertise and competencies are a clear complement to
Pictured at the presentation of Businessperson of the Year Award at the recent Athlone Business Awards were Tommy Hogan (CEO, Athlone Chamber), Carmel Owens (CEO, Sidero), and Joe Cleary (Managing Partner of category sponsor RBK).
GlobalLogic’s deep engineering portfolio. Meanwhile, Sidero received the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion award for its dedication to promoting diversity within Sidero and
the wider tech industry. The company is proud to be culturally diverse with a team of 25 nationalities, while the senior management team comprises a 50/50 male/female split.
Carmel Owens (CEO, Sidero) said, “I am thrilled to win the Businessperson of the Year award, which is also a testament to the hard work of the entire team. Our focus is on growth and
development, continuous regional investment, and commitment to our people, and we’re passionate about bringing employment to Athlone and the midlands area”.
Forthcoming Roscommon Public Participation Network Expo
Roscommon Public Participation Network will be hosting their County Plenary and Community Expo on Wednesday evening, November 29th, from 7-9 pm in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town. On the night, there will be an impressive line-up of speakers, a panel discussion on emerging funding opportunities and the launch of our ‘County Vision for Community Wellbeing’ document based on recent community consultations.
The theme of this year’s plenary is ‘Enhancing Community Wellbeing’, which has the aim of providing communities with a wealth of knowledge on key local supports along with exciting updates from the PPN on recent developments in the community sector. The event will culminate with an informative networking showcase where attendees will receive an array of information from local supports including Community
Finance Providers, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the Roscommon Volunteer Centre. Supports will also be available on the night from An Garda Síochána, Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg, local Family Resource Centres and many more. The biannual event is an appropriate platform to bring communities together to network, learn and share information. Refreshments will be served and
all potential new members are encouraged to attend the free event. Those in attendance will also be entered into a draw to win a €500 Training bursary for their group or organisation. Registration for the event is essential and can be completed online via Eventbrite or by contacting the PPN Team on 0860478616 or emailing info@roscommonppn.ie. More details to follow in next week’s paper.
Over 800 Roscommon vehicles added to national fleet database – MIBI and RSA 822 fleet or motor trader vehicles in Roscommon have so far been added to the National Fleet Database (NFD), according to figures released by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The MIBI and the RSA is also encouraging all fleet owners/managers and motor traders in Roscommon to prioritise
ensuring their vehicle details have been added to the database, or they risk facing legal penalties. Under the recently enacted Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023), the details for all vehicles operating under flexible motor insurance policies – usually used for fleet vehicles and motor traders – must be uploaded to the national database by No-
vember 30th. This is the legal responsibility of the relevant fleet owner/manager or motor trader. Often these flexible motor insurance policies are used by garages and motor traders who sell vehicles, and fleets of trucks, buses, coaches, taxis, construction vehicles, hire cars, delivery vans, utility vehicles, transport and logistic providers,
service vehicles as well as the vehicles operated by retailers, service providers, semi-state operations and more. Roscommon fleet owners/managers and motor traders who do not fulfil their obligation to upload their vehicle registrations to the NFD by the 30th of November may face legal sanctions. This includes having their vehicles identified as
being uninsured by the Gardaí, as well as additional penalties for non-compliance, such as potentially facing prosecution in the District Court and being subjected to fines of up to €500 per vehicle. Fleet owners/managers and motor traders who use fleet-style flexible insurance policies can upload their details to the NFD on nfd.mtpl.ie.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS < ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
CHIROPRACTOR
ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:
• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN
Telephone: 086 8433433
Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor
BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland
Complete Chimney Services
• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:
087 2798704
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Creighton Chimney Cleaning
Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc. Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required. Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on
085 8888833
DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts.
NO FIX NO FEE
PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie
CONSTRUCTION
Stephen Casey
Construction
Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare
Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.
l General Building
l Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV
Inspections l Chimney Repair
- Insurance Claims
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com
FARMING
COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY
< FOR SALE: Fodder Beet, washed and delivered. Phone: 087 2781024
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
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
Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie
COUNSELLING
DRIVING LESSONS
VHI and Laya Covered
Chimney Cleaning
• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires
COMPUTERS
This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
COUNSELLING
COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?
Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?
Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394 Vouchers available email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com
FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 161 Ford Transit Connect, 145,000km, white, very clean van,162 Toyota Corolla saloon, petrol 44,000km. Call: 086 2650994
• Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers
Over 30 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on
087 2346364
GARDENING
• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped
gmail.com
Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165
Reg No: EI000083
FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD
Tree Services • Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured Phone:
087 2721193 GATELY GARDENING
Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496
GARDENING SERVICES Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available
Phone John on
Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.
D.A.F.M. Approved
JOE HEALY
Des Kelly Fencing
All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@
GARDENING
FENCING/GATES
FARMING
BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE
GARDENING
www.parklaw treeservices.com
087 2860428
CORBETT
TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING
General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on l
l
087 6558597
www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com
l l
For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail l
Tel: 087 2172281 GRINDS < GERMAN GRINDS: For Junior and Leaving Cert. Years of teaching experience, based in Roscommon, grinds focused on exam requirements, 4 one-hour sessions per month online, €120. Email: michael@germangrinds.ie or call Michael on 085 745 3472 < MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536
Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
...
ity
26
Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Irish Tar and Bitumen Supplies Limited, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Monksland/ Bellanamullia, Athlone, County Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a 972 sq.m Light Industrial/ Warehouse incorporating a two storey office at 118 sq.m per floor totalling 1208 sq.m, a service yard for truck turning and storage of construction products for use in Civil Engineering projects. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Roscommon County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to Roscommon County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the application. ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Ailbhe Hanmore, of Knockavroe, Boyle, County Roscommon, F52 Y566 intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for: (A) Part demolition of existing bungalow and (B) Build new storey and a half extension onto existing bungalow C/W associated site works as required. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the Application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:
Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Designs Tel: 086 83 72 933
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Moore South, Ballydangan, County Roscommon. I hereby apply to the above authority on behalf of Martina Grenham for planning permission to construct a machinery/ storage shed to include all associated site works at the above location. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Ruane Survey, Design and Planning Ltd. Phone: (087) 8188596 Web: www.oliverruane.com
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Colin and Sarah Compton intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct two storey dwelling, domestic garage, waste water treatment system and percolation area, associated site development works and services at Clooncah, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974. Mobile: 086 8115449
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
PLANNINGS
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Ross Engineering Ltd. are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to retain and consolidate existing industrial development as follows: 1. Retain as Constructed Industrial Storage Unit which was granted planning permission under PD/03/846 and change of use to light industrial use along with construction of a single storey extension to include reception area, office space, staff welfare facilities and plant room and upgrade elevations with new cladding, new windows and signage (Eircode F42PY26). 2. Retain as Constructed Light Industrial Unit which was granted planning permission under PD/97/229 and upgrade elevations with new cladding, new windows and signage (Eircode F42XF54). 3. Construction of a new machinery storage shed to rear of site. 4. Install new proprietary treatment system and polishing filter in lieu of malfunctioning septic tank and treatment system (which are both for decommissioning and removal). 5. Removing one entrance and upgrading existing entrance and boundary treatments, landscaping and all ancillary site works, carparking and surface finishes at Roxborough Td, Roscommon.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION Applicant: Board of Management of Tarmon National School, Planning Reference Number: PD/23/53, Location: Tarmon National School, Ballinphuill Td and Termon Beg Td, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The development applied for consisted of: Permission for Retention and Permission for the following: (1) Permission for Retention is sought for existing Temporary Car Park (2) Permission is sought for the construction of a single storey extension to the rear (north-east) of existing school consisting of 1 Classroom SEN Base, Early intervention Classroom, Multisensory Room, 3 Mainstream Classrooms, Office, Storage Area and necessary circulation areas, demolition of existing storage areas, provision of additional car parking spaces, upgrading of foul and surface water treatment systems, together with all associated site works.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, John and Anne Flanagan, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission of dwelling house as built on revised location and retention permission of garage and site entrance and Planning Permission to upgrade existing septic tank and percolation area all as per drawing documentation submitted together with all ancillary site works and services at Gorteenacammadil, Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon. F35 C864. 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 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 submission 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 the application.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Cumann Gaeil Cill Ghlaise, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: Kilglass Gaels, Knockhall, Roosky, Co. Roscommon. N41 YC44. The development will consist of the widening of the existing entrance gate, and the provision of 3no. new pedestrian gates along the south boundary wall, and the erection of 2no. new external lighting columns in the existing car park. Together with all associated signage, lighting and ancillary site works. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Sinead Conry intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission to retain as constructed renovations to existing vacant dwelling including extension to the rear and to upgrade existing wastewater treatment system together with all associated site works at Steill T.d., Tulsk, 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:
Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers
To have your advert seen by over 70,000 people every week advertise with us!
THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper! OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Significant Further Information in relation to this application has been furnished to the Planning Authority 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 it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I Enda Doran intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to retain an agricultural building containing a machinery shed, slatted shed, a milking parlour, a dairy unit, plant room, office, rainwater storage tank, a dungstead and a grain silo, a second agricultural building containing a machinery store, calving shed, calf pens and cattle handling unit and all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Kilbegly, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Enda Doran
Signed: BK Engineering Design Ltd Chartered Engineers and Architectural Services Abbey Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo www.BkEngineeringDesign.com bkengineeringdesign@gmail.com PH: 087-7743327 / 0949630030
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Peter Kirwan, am applying for permission for construction of wastewater treatment system and all associated site works at Mullymucks Co. Roscommon. F42 YP97. The primary alterations to the site as constructed consist of: 1. Site Works to allow access for install of foul wastewater system. 2. Installation of foul wastewater system. 3. Groundworks to landscape site post installation. This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Brandon O’Brien Ltd. (Agent) Consulting Engineers Church Street, Roscommon Tel: 090 6625005
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Patrick Hughes and Caitriona Pimley are applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to demolish rear annex and shed and construct new extension to rear of existing house which is a protected structure RPS No. 03900499 at Saint Anne’s, Abbey Street, Roscommon, F42 DH21. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:
James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd, Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architects – Consulting Engineers
Locally owned ... in the heart of the community
Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy,Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 2328484
Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural
086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com
facebook.com/moleskinarch
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
27
Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
AtYourServiceEXTRA
USEFUL SERVICES
USEFUL SERVICES
ROOFING
TAXIS
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE
Padraig Healy Wheelchair Accessible
Call car direct
(086) 2714879
FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING
KEEN RATES
Tried & Trusted Since 1993
Phone JOHN
083 8838022
CAREERS
Vita House Family Centre, Abbey Street, Roscommon Appointments: Tel: 085 7322261
Providing Professional Career Guidance and Counselling to those aged 16+ Assessment of interests and aptitudes. l Career Planning - CAO options, Guidance with Subject Choice for Leaving Cert and Career Implications. l Career change/development – supporting decision making, exploring additional training/educational requirements. l Job applications, CV’s, Cover Letters, Presentations, Interview skills. l Support for adults returning to education, college course applications, study skills, academic writing, career progression. l Support with assistive technology requirements in educational and workplace settings for individuals with a disability.
Camargo - 087 293 4756
TOP QUALITY TURF 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone:
083 0684011
WANTED:
Mobile: 086 8874576 Email: info@alpharoofing.ie Web: www.alpharoofing.ie
RCS SERVICES GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY
Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured.
l Slate roofs l Tiled roofs l Flat roofs, using all type of materials l Roof windows l Lead replacing l Pointing work l Leak detection l All roofing repair work
ROOFING
CLEANING
TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD
< FIREWOOD + TURF: High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Turf also available in bulk tonne bags. Call 086 3312411
ALPHA ROOFING
Eithne Jarrett
M.Ed. Adult Guidance & Counselling Cert. Psychology. Cert. Assistive Technology. Cert. Psychometric Assessment Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors
Roof Repairs
Our Services: • Sealing all Gutters • Replacing Slates • General Roof Repairs (Leaks) • Sealing and Cleaning Gutters and Facia, Soffits and Timber in Roofs l Free Callout l Good Rates
Phone:
089 9899912 24 Hour Emergency Call Out Service l New roofs, all roofing & flatroofs repairs l Gutters/Facia & Soffitts l Demolition work & new builds l Chimney repairs l All major ground works, driveway insulation, footpaths, tarmacadam & drain services l Plastering & Skimming l Painting & Decorating l Patio Services & Powerwashing l Renovation, extension, porches, walls & garden design
Tel: 087 6117326
RECYCLING < 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.
ROOFING
ROOFING
NASHVILLE ROOFING Company website
nashvilleroofing.ie
Our Services: • Roof cleaning • Roof repair • New roofs • Lead valleys • New pvc gutters fascia soffit • Gutter repairs • Chimney repairs Contact Liam at
TILING
PAINTING
GARDENING
POWER WASH
email: roofingcontractors96@gmail.com
Phone: 083 1479301
Phone:
086 2437376 < TURF: Bags of good black turf, can be delivered. Tel: 087 2360838
Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
Alan O’Toole
WINDOW CLEANING
Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone
087 9795226
CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION
Richie Dooner Carpentry & Construction Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon
1st and 2nd fix Panelling l Sliding Wardrobes l All general construction l Media wall units sprayed painted or skimmed l l
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN
086 4679798
Phone: 083 1628531 Email: richarddooner@yahoo.ie
PLUMBING & CONSTRUCTION
McCormack Plumbing & Construction Ltd. Registered Heating & Plumbing Contractor l SEAI Registered Air To Water Heap Pump Installer l €6,500 SEAI Grants available for Heat Pump Upgrades l Registered Gas Installer l New Builds and Renovations l
Contact Pat: 086 8115339
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!
Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
28
Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring:
087 9657933
or 090 66 33084
TILER
Professional Tiler available Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at
Kilroe Tiling
or email michaelkilroe123@gmail.com for all your tiling needs.
TREE SHEARING
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
PODIATRIST
Tullys Podiatrist/Chiropodist
Sarah Fleming
094 9620009 For all foot ailments
POWERWASHING
Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.
• 20 years experience
Call Owen on
086 895 3884 Call Padraic on
085 226 4664
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The most read newspaper in County Roscommon!
By Appointment Only –
087 2982214 Tel:
Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology Marina Furey B. Sc. (MNRRI) (Hons)
Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Reflexology works by applying gentle pressure to the reflex points of the feet/hand to trigger the natural healing power of the body
• Fertility Reflexology • Antenatal Reflexology • Baby/Child Reflexology • Special Needs Reflexology • Menopause Reflexology • Cancer Care Reflexology
Benefits:
• Relaxation • Stress & Pain relief • Improves circulation, digestion, sleep • Lowers blood pressure
Gift Vouchers Available
The local paper!
Tel: 087 2264951
10%
Discount with this advert.
• Cleaning & Painting Roofs of Houses, Sheds and Barns • Roofs Repairs • Cleaning & Sealing of Driveways/Tarmac • Fully Insured and work guaranteed for 5 years
Contact Luke on
085 7359120 PHYSICAL THERAPY
Hydraulic Cylinder Repair and Testing l Hydraulic Hose Repair l Oil/Grease Lubricants l OEM Hydraulic Components and Spares l
• Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION
SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK
(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed
Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166
Painting Contractors
Plumbing & Maintenance
FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY
Tree Shearing Available
PMC
Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320
089 966 1849
Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233 • Home visits
PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS
Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic
Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business
CAN’T FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ...
Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477
GROUND WORKS
www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01
COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815
GF Ground Works l Landscaping l Paving & Kerbing l Foundations l Footpaths l Drainage & Septic tanks l Driveways l Fully insured l References available
Christmas Maths Revision Courses
Telephone Ger: 086 8745180
Junior Cert HL Tuesday, 2nd January Leaving Cert HL Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th January Jacksons, The Square, Roscommon
Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes
Tar & Chip Driveways
Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Call Owen for ground work
086 895 3884 Call Padraic for concreting
085 226 4664
To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!
The local paper!
Electrician Available
Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315 @gmail.com
From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy
GRINDS
20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.
Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902
Tyres - Car, Van and 4x4 l Wheel Balancing l 4-Wheel Alignment l Batteries l Adblue l Accessories l
WE DO ANYTHING
Movement Matters
Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009
USEFUL SERVICES
Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd
CALL MICHAEL ON
Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.
USEFUL SERVICES
HOME MAINTENANCE
CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays. l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available For any of your foot issues call:
PODIATRIST
USEFUL SERVICES
USEFUL SERVICES
Contact by phone/text:
Lorraine 086 3688302
EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com
OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY
We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:
090 66 34633
advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
AtYourService BLINDS
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE
DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE
Chris’s Window Service
SHOWROOM:
Racecourse Road, Roscommon F42 W294
BRENDAN DOOLIN
Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Mobile:
We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories
WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE
Telephone: 090 66 33026
086 8115928
W: roscommonwindowsanddoors.com E: roscommonwindows@hotmail.com
CHIMNEY REPAIRS
CARS
Chimney Problems
INSURANCE CLAIMS
Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder and lock supplied l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.
l
Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4
email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com
Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA
Martin Mountbellew, Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Co.Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co. Galway
info@mhla.ie info@mhla.ie info@mhla.ie 091 380900Mountbellew, | 087 9818153 Co. Galway 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153 091 380900 | 087
www.mhla.ie
www.mhla.ie
www.mhla.ie 091 380900 |Approved 087 9818153 Product
Certified Dip in Loss Certified in Certified Dip DipAdjusting in Loss Loss
Advisor Product Approved Approved Product Advisor Loss Assessor Services Advisor Member of the Insurance
Adjusting Adjusting Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services Loss
FARMING
www.mhla.ie Institute of Ireland
Member of of the the Insurance Insurance Member Institute Institute of of Ireland Ireland
info@mhla.ie
Member of the PSAB-GI
Member of Member of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland Regulated by the Central
Certified Dip in Loss Approved Product Adjusting Advisor WELDING & FABRICATON
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Loss Assessor Services Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE
Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland
Regulated by the Central Bank of of Ireland Ireland Bank
Member of the PSAB-GI Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651
Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection
Cathal Dooley 087 6579064
20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed
Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal
Tel: 087 0944027
CARPENTRY & FITTED FURNITURE
Aodhgan Cashin
Ballybride, Roscommon F42 EC59
- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed
- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:
Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie
INSULATION
• Fitted Kitchens • Bedroom Units • Sitting Room Units • Timber Flooring • General Carpentry
Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Cavity & Wall Insulation NewBead Buildings Retrofit Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free
andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial €1,214 to Estate, Galway
€3,500
091 768 768
Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie
091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie
www.ecowise.ie
David Duffy 087 9662678 Alan Duffy 086 3992382
www.westsidegardening.ie GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal. CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations
PROPERTY
VETERINARY
Tel: 086 6082597 E: aodhgan.cashin@gmail.com
ALL CREATURES
CLEANING
S tephen H oare
Veterinary Clinic & Shop
Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES
Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation
GARDENING
M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892
DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE
DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE
Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows
Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish
REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT Contact Pat Hanley on
086 6002721
to discuss your requirements NO CALL OUT CHARGE
Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com
Lanesboro Street, Roscommon
Tel: 090 662 6898 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE
Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.
Tel: 090 6621220
AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY
087 2596055
For the best care for your animal, large and small.
LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
APPOINTMENTS Brothers of Charity Services Ireland – West region
t Z ,/Z/E'
J KEANE & SONS (ROS) LTD
Permanent Full-Time
are recruiting for the following role:
(Care Assistant ID salary grade)
SALES SUPPORT & MARKETING PROFESSIONAL
STAFF NURSES Ref: SN/ROSC SOCIAL CARE WORKERS Ref: SCW/ROSC SUPPORT WORKERS Ref: SW/ROSC
ŽƵŶƚLJ ZŽƐĐŽŵŵŽŶ ĚƵůƚ Permanent Part-Time ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ COMMUNITY FACILITATORS Ref: CF/ROSC (Instructor/Supervisor salary grade) ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ďĂƐĞĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ We also have Permanent Part-Time, ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĚĂLJ͕ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚŝĂů Temporary Part-Time & locum relief contracts for the ƌĞƐƉŝƚĞ͕ Θ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ above roles ŽƵƚƌĞĂĐŚ͘ Permanent Part-Time SENIOR COMMUNITY FACILITATOR
Ref:260/2023 – closing date ĨŽƌ ƌĞĐĞŝƉƚ ŽĨ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚ application forms/CV’s online is: 5pm, 22nd November 2023
(Senior Instructor salary grade)
Competitive Rates of Pay & Excellent working conditions, including family friendly leave arrangements & flexible working hours. Opportunities for further career development. Exceptional Training and Development. Pension Scheme. Employee Assistance Program.
We currently have an opening for an energetic and enthusiastic candidate to join our team in a sales support and marketing position with excellent career progression opportunities. Key responsibilities include: • Working closely with the sales team to maintain a high standard of presentation. • Handover of both new and used vehicles to customers. • Maintain POS material. • Advertising of used cars. • Maintain excellent product knowledge. • Look after all aspects of dealership marketing to Volkswagen approved standard incl print, online and social media. • General duties in support of the sales team. Requirements: • Excellent communication skills. • Excellent attention to detail. • Well presented, professional appearance and approach. • Full clean driver’s licence. • No qualifications necessary as training will be given however a genuine interest in cars would be a distinct advantage. Please forward a CV and cover letter to
micheal.keane@vwjk.ie Closing date for applications is Friday, 24th November 2023
For further information on our vacancies log on to:
ĐĂƌĞĞƌƐ͘ďƌŽƚŚĞƌƐŽĨĐŚĂƌŝƚLJ͘ŝĞ
www.brothersofcharity.ie/recruitment.php OR alternatively please scan QR code below which will bring you to our careers page Tel: 021 4556221/ 4556222/4556223/4556218
SITUATIONS VACANT <CHILDMINDER REQUIRED: In the Williamstown/ Ballymoe area, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Child 1 year old. For further information call Fiona on: 085 1650678
Greenfields Childcare Centre have a vacancy for
Part Time Cook
Submit your Classified online
This is a morning position (10am- 2pm) Monday – Friday l Knowledge of HACCP is desired l Knowledge of preparing healthy home cooked meals for children is desired l Training can be provided Garda clearance is a requirement for this post Closing date is Friday, November 24th Canvassing will disqualify
Send your Classified advertisement to
Apply with a cover letter and CV via email to :
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manager@greenfieldschildcare.com
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Chef Vacancy We are currently seeking a Chef to join our team in a busy restaurant located in Roscommon Town. The position is part-time, min 20hrs per week. Daytime hours, Monday to Saturday. Candidate Requirements: • Responsible for maintaining high levels of quality, service, presentation, and cleanliness. • Responsible for all aspects of food preparation and service. • Be able to perform under pressure in a high volume fast paced environment. • Be self-motivated and creative and be committed to quality in presentation of food. • Have a thorough understanding of and commitment to HACCP and kitchen hygiene. • Have a strong work ethic and customer focus. • Must be qualified and have a minimum of 2 years previous experience. Please send your CV and cover letter to: PO Box No 3093 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for nonpublication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McDERMOTT Nancy & Peter
DOYLE Clare
Cloonart Beg, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon
11 St. Ciaran’s Park, Roscommon Town.
Nancy who passed away on the 19th November 2020.
Peter who passed away on the 27th December 2016
Will those who think of them today a little prayer to Jesus say. Loved and remembered by all your family, neighbours and friends. Anniversary Mass will be held in Tulsk Parish Church, Tulsk on Sunday, 19th November at 11.30am.
MURRAY John Joe Oran, Donamon, Roscommon Who died on the 25th November 2019 (4th Anniversary)
Loving memories never die as years roll on sad days pass by. In our hearts a memory is kept of ones we loved and will never forget. Loved and very sadly missed by his wife Anne and extended family members. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Cloverhill Church on Thursday, 23rd November at 10am.
TARPEY Lilly Scrine, Rahara (16th Anniversary)
SCANLON (nee Owens) Sharon Limerick & formerly Lisnamult Roscommon (5th Anniversary)
Forever in my thoughts, your loving friend Teresa. Mass will be offered at a later date.
Crosswell, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Who died 23rd November 2022 (1st Anniversary)
In loving memory of Sharon who passed away on the 15th November 2018.
Time can never take away the memories we have, you may be unseen and unheard, but you are always in my heart where I hold you tight, always. You were such a good mother and always did what you could for me, you can only have one mother to cherish, I was lucky to have you as mine.
HUNT Leo Golf Links Road, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary) Who passed away on 24th November 2020.
Missed, loved and remembered every day by all her family. xxxxx A Mass will be offered in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 18th November at 10am.
We, Eileen’s husband Tommie, her children Mairead, Rachel, Emma and Joseph, her siblings Michael, Patricia, Paddy, Anne and Gerard together with all the extended family wish to sincerely thank all those who sympathised with us following the sad passing of Eileen. We want to say a special thank you to all our relatives, friends and neighbours, who were so kind and supportive during Eileen’s illness and throughout the days of the Funeral. Thank you to all who travelled long distances, provided food, sent Mass cards, posted online condolences and sympathised in person. Thank you to Fr. Donal and all those who contributed to the beautiful Mass. Thank you to those who partook in the Guard of Honour, the local Gardai for the escort, all those involved in the traffic management arrangements and those involved in organising refreshments after the Funeral. Thank you to our neighbours who prepared Eileen’s resting place in such a thoughtful and caring way. We would also like to say a special thank you to Pat and Caroline Coneran of Coneran Funeral Undertakers for the amazing support, kindness and professionalism at the time of and since the Funeral. We would like to express sincere thanks to those involved in caring for Eileen during her illness, Dr. Elizabeth Sweeney McSharry and the team at Family Care Practice, Prof Paul Donnellan and his team at Galway Clinic, Roscommon Palliative Care and Home Care, in particular Teresa and Maureen. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as an expression of our sincere thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. We miss Eileen’s calming presence and wonderful wit on a daily basis. May her gentle soul Rest In Peace. Eileen’s Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 26th November at 11.30 at St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs.
FINNERAN Eileen
They say that time’s a healer, but as the times goes on, we seem to find it just as hard to face the fact you’ve gone. And today it’s the Anniversary of the day you went away, and we’re standing here at your graveside and believe us when we say,
HALLIDAY Jack Circular Road, Roscommon Who passed away on 20th November, 2022. (1st Anniversary)
KEANE Gerry (Ger) Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (formerly Ballyglass) (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Ger who passed away on the 22nd November 2022
In loving memory of my dear Mother who died on the 22nd November 1965 R.I.P.
I love you always mum sadly missed always by your loving daughter Bridie, grandson James and great grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wednesday, 22nd November at 11am. Mam I have always loved you.
you’ll never be forgotten and every year we’ll shed a tear, but its only because we love you and wish you were still here. A quiet thought, a silent prayer for someone special in God’s care
MORGAN (née O’Neill) Eileen
Roxboro, Roscommon. (6th Anniversary)
How quickly time has gone by, another year since we said goodbye, often thought of with lots of love, keep watching over us from up above. Always loved and remembered by his wife Kathleen, Orla, Damian, Michelle and Alan, their partners and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday, 24th November at 11am.
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 Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 18th November at 7pm.
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DAD What I’d give if I could say, “Hi Dad” in the same old way, to hear your voice, see your smile, to sit with you and chat a while. So, you who have your Father, cherish him with care, for you’ll never know the heartache, till you see his empty chair. Always remembered by your daughter Karen.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Always loved and sadly missed by his sisters Phil and Mary, and all his nieces and nephews. Mass offered.
FARRELL Thomas (Tommy) Carrowkeel, Dysart Who died 17th November 2022 (1st Anniversary)
A sadness still comes over us, tears in silence often flow, memory keeps you ever near us, though you died one year ago. On the first anniversary of Tommy’s passing, we his family, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us during a very sad time, including those who called to the house, attended the Funeral, offered cards, flowers and condolences. A special thanks to Rev. Francis M. Beirne and Rev. Iomar Daniels for a lovely service. Thanks to Dempsey’s Funeral Services for their support and guidance. Thanks also to the volunteer’s from Dysart Community Centre who provided refreshments and to the gravediggers for preparing Tommy’s final resting place. Always missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass on Friday, 15th December in Dysart Church at 7pm.
FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds
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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CUMMINS Noreen Aughmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 15th November 2021
COYLE Anne (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Anne who passed away 14th November 2022. R.I.P.
KELLY Paddy, Martin, Nan, Padraig Mullymux, Co. Roscommon
BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added
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087 6758874
www.brianmuraystone.com Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com
A wife, a mother, a grandmother too, this is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, you gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, and in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, not just as a wife not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep. Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.
A wife, a mother, a grandma too, this is the legacy we have from you. You taught us love and how to fight, you gave us strength, you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, and in your heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, not just as a wife not just as a mother. For all of us you gave your best, now the time has come for you to rest. So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep, your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.
Sadly missed by your loving husband Billy and family. Noreen’s Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 26th November in Kilteevan Church at 10am.
Loved, remembered and sadly missed each day by her family.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Anniversary Mass will take place in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Sunday, 19th November at 11am.
FOX Michael (Snr)
MULRENNAN John Joe and Anna
Ballymurry, Roscommon Who passed away 17th October 2023
Cloonakilla, Strokestown. (4th Anniversaries) Who died on November 5th and November 19th, 2019. R.I.P.
In loving memory of Paddy, late of Mullymux, who died on 21st November 2002, his wife Anna Marie (Nan), who died on 16th June 1985, their son Martin, who died on 11th December 1985 and their son Padraig who passed away on the 9th February 2022.
Time passes, memories stay, quietly remembered every day. Will those who think of them today, a little prayer to Jesus say. Loved and remembered by all the family. Masses offered.
McGOVERN Noel Tully, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon
We the Fox family wish to express our sincere gratitude for the sympathy and kindness shown to us on our difficult loss. We would like to thank all those who called to our home and attended the Removal from Smyth’s, the Funeral Mass and Burial. To those that sent cards, text messages and online condolences we are truly thankful. We would like to thank Fr. Kevin Fallon, Fr. Ray Milton and Fr. Seán Beirne for celebrating the Funeral Mass and Burial. A special word of heartfelt gratitude to Fr. John Cullen for your support, guidance, prayers and care during Michael’s illness and passing. Thank you Pat, Gillian and John from Smyth’s Funeral Home for the professionalism, kindness and advice during that very challenging time. A sincere thank you to the Hannon family and the staff at Hannon’s Hotel for the beautiful food put on after the Burial. To the Casey family, Jim McCausland and the staff of Casey’s Supermac’s we are truly grateful for the friendship and care shown to Michael over the years, we are so thankful for the food, boilers and tea that was brought to the house when Michael passed, your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you to Enya Reilly for the beautiful music and to the grave diggers. A special word of heartfelt thanks to Michael’s former Irish Army colleagues from Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE) for the tribute, Guard of Honor and the Last Post and Reveille played at the graveside, we are so grateful. Thank you to the all of the medical professionals that tended to Michael in the community and various hospitals, especially to the nursing staff of the Dunlo Ward, Portiuncula University Hospital. Thank you to David Hynes and the staff at Hynes Pharmacy for the kindness and support to Michael over the years and also to the staff of the Family Care Practice. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude. Michael’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 19th November at 9am.
Always a smile, instead of a frown, always a hand, when someone was down, always true, thoughtful and kind, wonderful memories you have both left behind.
Forever remembered by your loving family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in memory of Anna and John Joe on Sunday, November 19th in Sts. Eithne & Fidelma Church, Tulsk at 11.30am.
FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance
Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
In loving memory of Noel McGovern who died on 15th November 2003. We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. So Rest In Peace dear daddy and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you the Crown you’ve truly won. Our Lady of Knock Pray for us. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Mary, sons John, Joe, Michael, Noel, Anthony, Patrick, Martin and Francis, daughters Mary and Michelle, his sister Mary, daughter-in-law Helena, grandchildren Iarla, Senan and Naoise and all his extended family. Anniversary Mass will take place in Frenchpark Church on Sunday, 19th November at 10am.
TIGHE (née Reynolds) Maura Cloonfad, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon. (Formerly Tooman, Co. Leitrim) Who passed away on 22nd November, 2022 (1st Anniversary)
As we lovingly remember Maura on her first anniversary, her husband Vincent, sons Seamus and Vincent, daughters Assumpta, Marie, Kathleen, Angela, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, wish to express their sincere thanks and deepest gratitude for the kindness, sympathy and support received following Maura’s passing. Our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful extended family, neighbours and many friends for their support at the time and throughout the year. To Edel and the staff and management of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home, we truly appreciate all the kindness, care and devotion shown to Maura during her stay with you. A sincere thank you to Dr. Annette Rogers, Dr. Nuala Hardiman and Dr. Eugene Hardiman for the excellent care and kindness shown to Maura down through the years. We would like to thank all those who called to the house, travelled long distances to attend Maura’s wake, funeral and burial, those who sent floral tributes, text messages, letters and cards of condolence, posted online condolences and made charitable donations. You provided much strength and comfort during this time. We very much want to acknowledge our neighbours and friends who erected lights and managed the traffic at the house, brought food and helped with refreshments. Thanks to Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan and Fr. Evaristus Nkede for their spiritual guidance during this difficult time. Thanks also to Fr. James McKiernan and Fr. Gerry O’Brien for concelebrating Maura’s Funeral Mass. The Funeral Mass was enhanced by Eimear and Andrew Reynolds who provided the beautiful music. Thanks to Cox’s Steakhouse for the lovely meal after the Burial. A special word of thanks to Joe Rogers, Funeral Director, for his professionalism and guidance throughout and to the gravedigger, Noel Ward who prepared a beautiful final resting place for Maura. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our sincere appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched …… For nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much. Maura’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Rooskey on Sunday, 19th November at 11.30am.
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONTH’S MIND MASS MULROONEY Liam Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway In loving memory of Liam who passed away on the 16th of October 2023.
MONTH’S MIND MASS GERAGHTY Martin Philip Abbey Street, Roscommon 17th November 2023
Close to our hearts your memory is kept, to treasure, to love and never forget.
On the Month’s Mind of Liam’s passing, we his family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all our extended family, friends and neighbours who supported us throughout our immense loss. We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all those that called to the house, provided food, help and support around the house in order to make Liam’s farewell so special. Thanks to all those who sent cards, posted on line condolences and to those who travelled long distances. We are so grateful to you all. A special word of thanks to all the amazing staff who looked after Liam so well on St. Patrick’s Ward in University Hospital Galway. We would also like to thank the Palliative Care Team, Dr. Martin and Miriam Daly and Glenda Doherty PHN for the exceptional care that they provided to Liam in his final days. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff in Mulrooney’s Pharmacy, Mountbellew, Ballygar Health Center, Majella and Catherine in the Health Shop Ballygar, Dr. Sri and all the staff in the Urgent Care Center in Roscommon University Hospital for all their incredible help and support looking after Liam over the last few years. We are so grateful to Fr. Douglas Zaggi for all his support and compassion towards Liam and us as a family during those tough days. Thank you so much for celebrating a truly special Funeral Mass for Liam. We would like to express how grateful we are to Bernie Moran for her beautiful singing at Liam’s Mass. Liam was Bernie’s Uncle and biggest supporter. We know he would have been so proud of her amazing songs bidding him farewell. We are eternally thankful to you Bernie. We wish to convey our heartfelt appreciation also to David Moran Funeral Director for all his support and expertise as he guided us through the Funeral. Your help and support meant so much to us. As a family we will always be so grateful to all the gravediggers who did such a wonderful job of Liam’s final resting place in Ballygar Cemetery. We would like to thank John and Noeleen Fallon for the beautiful meal after Liam’s Funeral. As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our gratitude. Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Liam’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Saturday, 25th of November at 12pm in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar, Co. Galway.
THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for 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 favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Many thanks. E.F. 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.V.
Martin will always be remembered by his loving wife Elaine, son Richard, daughter-in-law Jessica, grandchildren Ellie and Senan, sister, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Month’s Mind Mass on Sunday, 26th November in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 11.30am.
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.
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NewsPeople
Portiuncula Hospital welcomes publication of HIQA report following inspection Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) has welcomed the publication by Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) of its report into its inspection of the Emergency Department, St Joseph’s Ward and St Francis’s Ward at the hospital. An announced inspection was carried out in PUH on May 9th and 10th 2023, the focus of which was to monitor compliance with the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. HIQA’s inspection focused in particular on four key areas of known harm: infection prevention and control, medication safety, the deteriorating patient (including sepsis) and transitions of care. Of the 14 National Standards against which Portiuncula University Hospital was inspected, the hospital was found to be compliant with one National Standard, substantially compliant with eight National Standards, partially compliant with four National Standards and non-compliant with one National Standard. The hospital said that significant work has been carried out in all areas where compliance issues were highlighted by HIQA. In a statement, the hospital said: “We continue to prioritise safeguarding patient care and the promotion of our patients’ dignity, privacy and autonomy in the hospital”. In terms of physical environment, the HIQA report notes that at the time of in-
spection PUH was challenged by outdated infrastructure, in particular in the distinct lack of single rooms and ensuite facilities in the hospital. HIQA said it is deeply regrettable that the hospital was found to be non-compliant with Standard 2.7: i.e. Healthcare is provided in a physical environment which supports the delivery of high quality, safe, reliable care and protects the health and welfare of service users. However, significant progress has been made in this area since the inspection took place.
Dunlo Ward In September 2023, a major infrastructure project was completed in PUH with the opening of the Dunlo Ward. This is a newbuild 12-bed ward comprising of eight single ensuite rooms and two double ensuite rooms. It is providing additional bed capacity, improved accommodation for patients and easing patient flow from the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital, while delivering enhanced quality care to patients. Portiuncula Hospital says that the 50-bedded replacement ward block will further alleviate the infrastructure and capacity challenges at the hospital. This build is currently progressing, with an expected completion date of August 2024. The new unit will provide single room accommodation with ensuites.
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Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
St Brigid’s eyeing place in final AIB Connacht Club SFC semi-final: St Brigid’s v Mohill on Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 1.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE
Sean Trundle of St Brigid’s keeps the ball in play during the Connacht Club SFC quarter-final against Coolera-Strandhill last Sunday in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Having easily dealt with the challenge of Coolera/Strandhill last weekend, St Brigid’s meet Leitrim champions Mohill in the Connacht semi-final this Sunday in Dr Hyde Park. At first glance this would seem to be a fairly straightforward tie for the Roscommon champions, but Mohill could prove very sticky opponents for Jerome Stack’s men. There is a lot of experience in the Mohill dressing room. This is a side managed by former Sligo great Eamonn O’Hara, who will surely have them highly motivated to pull off a shock result. Mohill have been in the last four Leitrim county senior fi-
nals – winning two (2020 and 2023). This year, they edged out St Mary’s in a thrilling match by two points (2-10 to 0-14). The Leitrim champions have plenty of talented players in their ranks. Their talisman is county player Keith Beirne who leads the side from his position at full-forward. Shane Quinn, David Mitchell, Keith Keegan, Domhnaill Flynn and Ronan Kennedy have all been playing well this year and Mohill have put up some impressive scores in this season’s championship. If Brian Stack misses out through injury, his absence would be a huge blow to St Brigid’s. In that eventuality I presume that Pearse Frost or Brian’s brother Ronan will be asked to fill in at full-back. Shane Cunnane and Eddie Nolan will have a huge responsibility to win the territorial battle in the midfield sector. Up front, Ben O’Carroll will be a marked man as usual,
and St Brigid’s will hope that the likes of Conor Hand, Paul McGrath, Ciaran Sugrue and Bobby Nugent can weigh in with the required scores. St Brigid’s will be the favourites to advance, but they were certainly not impressive in that second half against Coolera/ Strandhill last Sunday. I know that the game was over as a contest by that stage, but the Kiltoom men didn’t kick on and win with the ease that one might have expected. When Ruaidhri Fallon and Brian Stack went off, the Sligo side got a few scores, a development that may concern the Roscommon champions’ management. I am still expecting Brigid’s to win, but this could be a tight game. If Brian Stack is not playing there may only be a point or two in it at the final whistle, but their overall quality should see St Brigid’s through. Prediction: St Brigid’s.
No ‘Easkey’ task as Castlerea look to dream further AIB Connacht Club IFC semi-final: Easkey v Castlerea St Kevin’s on Saturday in Markievicz Park, Sligo at 1.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE
Castlerea St Kevin’s will park the celebrations following their recent dramatic county final win against Éire Óg when they face Easkey in a Connacht semi-final this Saturday. On their best form, Castlerea have every chance of progressing to the decider. However, the Sligo champions will also have ambitions to advance, and have the advantage of this game having been fixed on their home (Sligo) soil. Easkey are very much a dual club. Not only did they win the Sligo Intermediate football championship in 2023, they also completed a senior hurling four-in-a-row! In fact Easkey battled all the way to the All-Ireland junior club hurling final earlier in the year where they were defeated by Cork side Ballygiblin. Andrew Kilcullen is the star name. Also a top class hurler, he lines out at full-forward. Watch out too for Niall Kilcullen, Rossa
Sloyan and Bernard Feeney in defence, while Jack Scott and captain Rory McHugh form a solid midfield partnership. Joe McHugh and Mikey Gordan provide good support for Kilcullen in attack. Castlerea will be relying once again on the men who brought that intermediate title back to the town three weeks ago. David Farrell between the posts and Jack Keane, Sean Joyce and David Quinn will expect to be prominent in defence. Jonathan Hester and Michael Conroy will start at midfield, but don’t be surprised to see Hester on the edge of the square where he was so effective in the county final. The three McDermotts – Aaron, Darren and Adam – will be expected to do the bulk of the scoring for Dara Bruen’s men and you can be sure that Easkey will have a plan to try to curb Adam McDermott in particular, as he is an established match-winner for Castlerea. On past form a Roscommon club would always have at least an even money chance against the Sligo champions of the day. I am hoping that the spirit and never-say-die attitude that we saw from Castlerea in the county final will be evident again on Saturday. If it is, Castlerea’s Shane Keenan (pictured in action against Jason Doory of Éire Óg during then they should advance. the recent county final) will be a key player for his team this weekend. Prediction: Castlerea St Kevin’s. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
GAA results RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC Final Boyle 1-10 St Brigid’s 0-10 AIB Connacht Club JFC Quarter-Final Menlough 1-13 St Michael’s 0-10 AIB Connacht Club SFC Quarter-Final St Brigid’s 0-13 Coolera-Strandhill 1-3
GAA fixtures Saturday, November 18th AIB Club IFC Connacht Semi-Final At Markievicz Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Easkey. 1.30 pm
Sunday, November 19th AIB Club SFC Connacht Semi-Final At Dr Hyde Park: St Brigid’s v Mohill. 1.30 pm
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report
THE GAIN LINE
Action from last Saturday’s Bank of Ireland J1A League match between Creggs RFC and Connemara RFC in Creggs. The game finished 21-10 in favour of Connemara. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Creggs lose to Connemara in J1A League Creggs RFC first team played at home to Connemara on Saturday evening. Having beaten Connemara in the last three engagements, Creggs went into this game in a positive light but left with it well quenched as the game finished 21-10 in favour of Connemara. The All-Blacks started fast and within 10 minutes Creggs found themselves 10-0 down. For the next 10 minutes Creggs took over possession but soft mistakes and good defensive work by Connemara kept Creggs scoreless until the 20-minute mark when a penalty was converted by Shane Purcell. Another penalty for Connemara left the score at 13-3 going in at the break. The second half continued in similar fashion and within minutes Connemara scored another try. Creggs bounced back, scoring a try midway through the second half – but the All-Blacks held on, scoring one final penalty which left the final score 21-10. Boys U-16s: Friday night saw Creggs U-16s boys team visit Galwegians. The game, which was played under lights, got off to a bright start for our lads with Creggs scoring a converted try in the first two minutes and pushing on from there. An excellent performance from the young Creggs team gave them a very convincing 29-5 victory over Galwegians. Boys U-14s: On Saturday, Creggs U-14s took on Sligo RFC in Creggs in the U-14 Boys League. Creggs got off to a very strong start and dominated the game throughout. The final score was Creggs 38 Sligo 10. Boys U-13s: After the facile victory last week, Creggs U-13s were put to the test this week by an excellent Corinthians side in Galway. It was a tightly contested game throughout but the young, resilient Creggs team hung on for a 27-24 victory. Next week is a rest week, followed by a trip to Westport RFC on the 25th of November. Girls U-14s: Creggs U-14s girls travelled to
Club Secretary Sarah Best pictured with her sons Jack and Gavin during her graduation ceremony in TUS Athlone recently.
Westport on Sunday where they put up a great fight but came up short in the end, losing the game 17-12. Well done to all the girls and parents for their attendance. Girls U-16s: The Creggs U-16s girls put in a brave performance away to Ballinasloe last weekend in the U-16 Girls League Division One but ended up in a narrow 19-17 loss for the Creggs girls. Girls U-18s: The Creggs U-18s girls had a very impressive victory in their league match against Ballinasloe last weekend. The game, which was played in Creggs, finished 45-5. Congratulations: Congratulations to Creggs
Club Secretary Sarah Best who recently graduated with a 1st Class BA Honours in Law from TUS, Athlone. Sarah, who is in full-time employment, took on this challenge with great gusto and was joined at her graduation by her sons Jack and Gavin. The club wish Sarah good luck in the future. Lotto: The Club lotto jackpot was not won. Next week’s jackpot is €10,700. Please support the club by joining the lotto. Members of the club get a reduction of 30% annually once they pay membership. Membership is now open and can be purchased online on https://creggsrfc.clubforce.com/products/membership
The Creggs U-18s girls team who comfortably defeated Ballinasloe in the league last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey
BUCCANEERS RFC
First league win of the season
Buccaneers recorded their first victory of this season’s Energia All-Ireland League when they came from behind to defeat Queen’s University 21-16 at The Dub in Belfast last Saturday. Buccs put in their best sustained performance to date and emerged worthy winners of this Division 1B joust. Buccs U-20s narrowly lose to Corinthians: For the second week in a row Buccaneers U20s looked the better outfit, yet contrived to lose again, as Corinthians held on for a dramatic 23-22 win in their JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier Two clash at Dubarry Park on Sunday. The young Athlone men played a fantastic game of rugby but just could not apply the finishing touch to several chances and, at the end of a terrific contest, had to settle for a losing bonus point. Buccs seconds beat Corinthians: Buccaneers seconds and their Corinthians counterparts served up a feisty affair in their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1B League match played under the Dubarry Park floodlights on Saturday. The contest was at boiling point on a number of occasions during the first half before Buccs made the visitors pay for a red card as they overhauled the westerners to win 20-16. Buccs now sit in second place in the league table. U-15s: Buccaneers U-15s continued their winning ways when they overcame a stubborn Sligo at Dubarry Park on Saturday last on a 21-10 scoreline. Double for Buccs U-16s: Both Buccaneers U-16 teams were in action at the weekend with the ‘black’ team (back at full strength) overcoming Ballina 52-0. Meanwhile, the ‘yellow’ team excelled against Tuam and won 38-15. U-17s: Buccaneers U-17s continue to set the pace in the Connacht League following their 38-24 victory over Loughrea at Dubarry Park last Sunday. Fixtures (home team listed first) – Saturday: Buccs 1sts v Old Wesley. 2.30 pm. Sunday: Buccs 2nds v Monivea. 2.30 pm; UCD U-20s v Buccs U-20s. 2.30 pm
DARTS
Roscommon Darts League update
The Creggs 1st team who played Connemara in the J1A League last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey
The Creggs U-16s girls team who played Ballinasloe in the U-16 Girls League Division One last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey
Round four of the Hannon’s Hotel-sponsored Roscommon Darts League continued last weekend. The results were: Village Inn 3 McDermott’s 4; Hollywood 6 Sportsman’s 1 (7-2 on bonus points); Flanagan’s 5 Dalton’s 2 (7-2 on bonus points); Holly Tree 4 An Bothar Rua 3; Spells 3 Cosy Bar 4 (4-4 on bonus points). Round five of the league takes place this weekend, with the following fixtures: McDermott’s v Holly Tree; Sportsman’s v Cosy Bar; An Bothar Rua v Flanagan’s; The Village Inn v Dalton’s; The Hollywood v Spells. The Annual John Kearney Cup has been set for Sunday, November 26th. Held in Flanagan’s of Castleplunkett, the Kearney Cup is one of the highlights of the Roscommon Darts calendar. The draw is at 4.30 pm and first darts at 5 pm. Entry is €10 and the competition is confined to Roscommon players only. Contact Padraig on 086 3880083 for more details.
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Oran and Athleague in Connacht camogie finals The Connacht Camogie finals take place on Saturday and Sunday in the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan and it is going to be an exciting weekend for two clubs from Co. Roscommon as Oran and Athleague compete in the Pat Barrett Cup final and the Fr. Vincent Lawless Cup final respectively. Oran take on Liam Mellows of Galway in the Pat Barrett Cup final on Saturday evening at 5 pm. Oran were 12-point winners over Four Roads in the Roscommon Senior B final after a wonderful second-half display that saw them score 3-7 to take the title and book their place in this Saturday’s final.
Standing in their way will be Galway’s Liam Mellows who were one of the stand-out teams in this year’s Galway Junior A Championship, and who will really want to add the Pat Barrett Connacht title to their roll of honour for 2023. There is likely to be very little between the sides with plenty of scoring threats on both teams. On Sunday, Athleague take on Shamrocks from Galway in the Fr Vincent Lawless Cup final at 12 pm. Athleague are back in the Connacht final for the first time since 2021 after they overcame 2022 Roscommon Senior A champions, St Dominic’s in
this year’s final on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-6, followed that win with a comfortable victory over Tooreen in the Fr Vincent Lawless Cup semi-final. Facing Athleague will be Galway side Shamrocks. They were one of the best teams in this year’s Galway intermediate camogie championship, but needed to dig deep in the final in order to overcome MountbellewMoylough. Shamrocks are a youthful side, while Athleague have plenty of experience in this competition. Both teams can finish out games strongly so a close and competitive final is expected this Sunday.
Coolera/Strandhill’s Ross O’Doherty makes an attempt to stop Robbie Dolan’s charge during last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
C’mon The Town
s t t u p t r o h S
(News from local golf clubs)
ATHLONE
BOYLE
Well done to Carol McGetrick (26) who won the Captain’s Charity 15hole Stableford Competition, held recently (with 32 pts). Lily O’Sullivan (9) won the Captain’s Charity 9-hole Stableford Competition with 17 pts. Congratulations to Yvonne Walsh who won Golfer of the Year after a great year on the golf course. Yvonne is the incoming captain of the Women’s Club and we wish her every success in the year ahead.
Liam Whyte had a very successful Captain’s Outing on the weekend of November 11th and 12th. Saturday’s venue was Esker Hills Golf Club (followed by an overnight stay in Tullamore) while Sunday’s venue was Mount Temple. The Ladies AGM took place on the 12th of November in the clubhouse and included the election of the incoming year’s committee with Aisling Gaughran succeeding Maura O’Farrell as Lady Captain. The overall Club Management AGM takes place on the 5th of December at 5 pm in the clubhouse.
BALLAGHADERREEN A very successful and enjoyable weekend was spent by the Ballaghaderreen Ladies at Westport Golf Course. For some members this was their first golfing experience outside the club and while conditions were challenging all golfers completed either nine or eighteen holes on the day. Results of 18-hole Stableford competition: 1st Sarah McDonagh; 2nd Maura Madden. Results of 9-hole Stableford competition: 1st Tina Surlis; 2nd Jean Towey. If any lady would like more information about re-joining or taking up golf, please call 087 1463628 for further information.
CARRICK-ONSHANNON Congratulations to Paul Reid who won the recent Men’s 9-hole Stableford Competition with 21 pts. The following are the dates for the club’s remaining AGMs. The gents one is on the 24th of November and the management AGM is on the 1st of December. The overall winner of last week’s senior competition was Chris Lowe with 39 pts. Golf as usual this Thursday.
Sarah McDonagh, the incoming Ballaghaderreen Ladies Captain, pictured with Eithne McGarry, the incoming Ballaghaderreen Ladies ViceCaptain, enjoying a round of golf at Westport Golf Club recently.
In association with the
Friday, November 17th
(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)
Thank you A sincere word of thanks toour parents, coaches, committee members and sponsors who have done so much to enable our young people to participate, grow and to express themselves on the pitch this season. Many of our teams have won silverware. However, it is important to note that a successful season is about much more than the silverware won. We also thank League Secretary Padraic Clarke for his cooperation, communication and coordination of youth soccer in the county.
Cup success Our boys U-18s team defeated a gallant Moylough side in the Divisional Cup Final under the lights in Lecarrow last weekend. Town were dominant in the first half but were denied on numerous occasions by the Moylough ‘keeper. In the second half, Leo Anic netted a brace to set Town on their way. Zawyal Khan slotted home a third before birthday
boy Enzo Bueno hit two more to seal the win. Well done to this young team and to Mick, John Hannon and Robert who managed them this season.
Become a referee
Wise words
No ref. No game. Play your part. Become a ref. More details on becomearef.ie
You will face many defeats in life but never let yourself be defeated – Maya Angelou
In November we remember
RDFL North Kilkerrin Utd v Ballymoe. 8 pm Saturday, November 18th RDFL Women’s League Boyle Celtic v Kilkerrin Utd. 8 pm
We remember deceased club members, family and friends during this month. May they rest in eternal peace.
Sunday, November 19th
Obrigado Our friends in Nations Futbol Club played our U-14s Atletico team in a challenge match in Lisnamult recently. Thanks to the players for an enjoyable game and to Atila and Alastair for managing the teams.
Girls’ soccer Despite scoring six goals, our U-16s girls team exited the Divisional Cup at the semi-final stage. Thanks to Olímpia and Paul for managing the team this season.
Soccer fixtures
The Roscommon Town U-18s team that defeated Moylough in the Divisional Cup final in Lecarrow last weekend.
RDFL South St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh v Rahara Rovers. 11 am Cam/Dysart v Roscommon Utd. 11 am RDFL Women’s League Ballaghaderreen v St Cuan’s Utd/ Ahascragh. 11 am Ballinasloe Town v Cam Celtic. 11 am
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Navan Racing Festival this weekend Horses for Courses Racing this weekend begins this afternoon (Thursday) over the jumps at Punchestown, with tapes away for the first at 12.20 pm. Tomorrow afternoon (Friday) there is a national hunt meeting at Wexford off at 12.20 pm and there is evening racing on the all-weather at Dundalk at 4.40 pm. The going at Wexford is heavy and with more rain forecast. While there is no inspection planned, check that the meeting is on if you are planning to go. On Saturday and Sunday, racing is at Proudstown Park outside Navan with an 11.50 pm start on Saturday (the meeting features two Grade 2 races, the Lisnmullen Hurdle and Fortria Chase) and at 11.45 pm on Sunday with the Grade C Troytown Handicap Chase and the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle. This weekend sees the first Navan Racing Festival with Facile Vaga set to make his chasing debut for Willie Mullins in the Beginners
by Tom Red
Chase on Saturday. There are 24 still in Sunday’s feature, the Troytown Chase, 17 of them trained by Gordon Elliott, three by Henry de Bromhead, two by Noel Meade and one each by Gavin Cromwell and Ciaran Murphy. Place your faith in what Jack Kennedy rides. Gordon Elliott ruled supreme at Down Royal’s meeting last weekend, winning 11 of the 14 races over the two days. He won six on Friday including both Grade 3 races, the Feathard Lady Nov. Hurdle with Brighterdaysahead and the Bottlegreen Hurdle with Irish Point, both ridden by Jack Kennedy. His Irish Blaze was 3rd in the 2m handicap chase. He won five on Saturday including the four-runner Grade 1 Champion Chase with Gerri Colombe and the two-runner Grade 2 racingtv.com Chase with Ash Tree Meadow, both ridden by Kennedy. His Cleatus Poolaw was 2nd in the bumper and Reddys Island was 3rd in the 3m Handicap Chase.
Now and then ... It seemed like an obvious question to ask when I met an old friend down Rooskey way last Friday. “How are Dynamo doing?” But I received an answer I hadn’t expected. ‘Dynamo’ aren’t doing anything. In fact, I was informed that the club has been out of action for a couple of seasons. My late brother, Gerard, was a founder member of Rooskey’s resilient (and wonderful) junior soccer club. It was 1978. My brother was instrumental in calling the new team ‘Dynamo’. Seemingly Dynamo Kiev were in vogue at the time. Great years followed in the decades after. At times, we seemed to be a standing joke, with local, middle-aged ‘GAA first’ types mercilessly slagging us when we returned back to the village after another heavy away defeat. But I think we earned everyone’s respect in the end. Playing in the Longford & District League, we lost a lot, but we won our share too. And there were some notable cup scalps taken over the years. On hearing that Dynamo is sadly no longer going, it struck me that with the death of my parents (who lived in Rooskey) – that and Covid – I had lost touch a little with life in the village where I grew up. Driving back to Roscommon later on Friday, the memories flooded back. I remembered how proud I felt, as a young boy, that my brother was a stylish defender with the newly-formed club in ’78. A year later, he died in a drowning accident. A few years on, I too was playing for Dynamo, a most undistinguished full-back (though I had the odd good day). Good days on the pitch for Dynamo were few enough, but they were great times. We lost lots of games, which made our relatively rare victories all the more memorable. But junior soccer – mirroring the GAA and rugby – is not just about the actual game. It’s bigger than that. Socially, the Dynamo journey was wonderful. This was togetherness, friendship… life-affirming experiences. These were amongst the happiest days of our lives. Win, lose or draw, we had a few bonding pints after games, that and the seemingly requisite toasted ham and cheese sandwiches (Haute cuisine hadn’t entered our lives). The best of times. One year, we won a cup. Actually won a cup competition outright. I even scored a goal in Abbeycarton, then the home of Longford Town in the League of Ireland (but I digress!). For many years, a Dynamo team photograph took pride of place on a wall in the now long closed Crew’s Inn Bar in Rooskey, timelessly capturing us forever young. Last Saturday, I brought my son to Lisnamult in Roscommon, where he was playing in a friendly match against an all-Brazilian team. Aged 13, he’s a few years younger than I was when I first lined out for Dynamo Rooskey. Like me, he usually plays in the full-back position (much more assured in the role than I was, I note proudly). Buzz words of the past week are ‘Now and Then’ – the name of the Beatles’ new number one. Now and then. Last Friday, I heard that Dynamo Rooskey’s football boots no longer grace local pitches (I hope it’s not permanent). Last Saturday, I stood
Allaho’s winning return
Allaho made a winning return in the Clonmel Oil Chase last Thursday, beating his stable mate Janidil and Mouse Morris’s French Dynamite. The 9-Y-O showed he has not lost any of his class in winning by 9l and 66l at odds-on of 1/4. Terrestrial television coverage this week starts on Friday with four races from Cheltenham and coverage of four more races from the Cotswold’s Winter Festival on Saturday and Sunday. There is also coverage of two races from the all-weather at Lingfield on Saturday and one race from Fontwell on Sunday on ITV.
Racing news Galway native Graham Lee, a leading rider over jumps and then on the flat, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious neck injuries after he was unseated from his mount Ben Macdui as the stalls opened for a sprint handicap at Newcastle on Friday. He is still in intensive care. He is most associated with his win in the Grand National in 2004 on Ginger
Gerri Colombe and Jack Kennedy win at Down Royal.
McCain’s Amberleigh House. On the flat he won two Group 1 races, the 2015 Ascot Gold Cup with Trip To Paris and the 2018 Nunthorpe on Alpha Delphini. Fairyhouse’s meeting on Tuesday was cancelled due to waterlog-
ging and Horse Racing Ireland has scheduled a replacement National Hunt meeting on Friday, November 24th. Weather continued to affect British racing with the abandonment of Carlisle on Monday and Ayr and Bangor in midweek.
SPORTS DESK Paul Healy on a soggy sideline in Roscommon and watched my 13-year-old, Arsenal-obsessed son battle gamely with his teammates against an all-Brazilian side at a venue which is far superior to those we toiled on in the 1980s. Now and Then. Now and Then indeed. The years flit by, but the love of junior/youth soccer burns brightly, passing from generation to generation. Fathers and sons, dreams and dramas, Saturdays defined by magic, mud and memories. Roscommon and Rooskey. Now and Then.
St Brigid’s have momentum… for Mohill! St Brigid’s were comfortable winners over Sligo champions Coolera/ Strandhill in last weekend’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final, the Roscommon side advancing to a semi-final date with Mohill this Sunday. St Brigid’s may not have been at their very best last Sunday, but in fairness it was ‘mission accomplished’ by half-time, with the Roscommon champions 0-9 to 0-0 ahead by then. Mohill have excellent championship pedigree, and they will be hugely motivated going in as underdogs against the formidable Kiltoom club. St Brigid’s have more gears to engage and I expect them to advance to the provincial final, maybe even with quite a bit to spare.
St Michael’s can reflect on brilliant year St Michael’s bowed out of the Connacht JFC campaign when losing to Menlough in Tuam last Saturday. This was a very respectable performance by the Cootehall club, but they just couldn’t get the upperhand against an impressive Galway side, winners in the end by 1-13 to 0-10. It has of course been a brilliant season for St Michael’s, who can now bask in the glory of a great county title win, and look forward to stepping up to the intermediate ranks next season.
Boyle’s Junior B success Congratulations to Boyle, who defeated St Brigid’s in last Saturday’s County Junior B Football Final, the northern club winning by 1-10 to 0-10. Crucial score in the game was a goal by Boyle hero Gavin O’Connor.
Eddie Nolan of St Brigid’s in action during the Connacht Club SFC quarter-final against Coolera-Strandhill last Sunday in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Local GAA stars taking part in Kenya trip Four Roscommon GAA stars are Africa-bound this weekend, as part of an initiative to plant a million trees and raise awareness of the impact that climate change is having on some of the world’s most vulnerable people. The week-long trip to Kenya by 50 Irish GAA stars will include a showpiece ‘Plant the Planet’ game between the visiting GAA players and Kenyan Premier League football team, AFC Leopards, as well as visits to Self Help Africa projects, a programme of tree planting activities, and a reception hosted by the Irish Ambassador to Kenya. The Roscommon players involved are footballers Neil Collins, Ciarain Murtagh, Laura Fleming and Roisin Wynne. Participants aren’t just raising awareness about climate change, as they are collectively aiming to raise more than €350,000 in sponsorship support, to plant a million trees in Africa and support the efforts of Irish development charity Self Help Africa to combat the effects of climate change amongst small-scale farming communities. The event is being organised for its second successive year by former Galway dual-player Alan Kerins of ‘Warriors for Humanity,’ the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), and Self Help Africa. To find out more or make a donation, visit selfhelpafrica.org.
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Stack hoping for divine intervention on key injuries! < SEAMUS DUKE
While St Brigid’s manager Jerome Stack was overall a satisfied man when he spoke to the local media after the match, he was understandably worried about the injuries to Ruaidhri Fallon and Brian Stack. “We have concerns about the injuries. We don’t know exactly what is entailed in those so we’d be hoping for a small bit of luck on that (front). Brian and Ruaidhri are integral to an awful lot of what we are doing. A bit of work and maybe a bit of Holy water! (is required). They are two integral players and two fellas that lead by example in every aspect for Roscommon and Brigid’s. With the help of God
they’ll get a bit of luck” he said. A feature of the St Brigid’s performance was their excellent tackling, especially in the first half, which saw Brigid’s players dispossessing their opponents without giving away frees. That was an aspect of their play that really pleased the manager. “I have been saying this all year. St Brigid’s might be known for a lot of things – including playing a lot of positive football – and that’s fantastic and the way it should be, but the cornerstone of a lot of what we have done is that fellas are working very, very hard for the team. They tackle, they chase, they track runners… that is part of the modern game. Every player in the team is doing it and that is why it is a team
Out, but not down after ‘wonderful year’ < SEAMUS DUKE
After what has been a wonderful year for the St Michael’s GAA Club, it was a philosophical manager Ciaran Kennedy who spoke to the local media after the game. “It’s been a wonderful year for the club and we won’t worry too much about today’s defeat. We came up here today full of hope. We really expected to put up a serious battle, and at half-time we were four points down. We thought that we had it in our legs to get back into it but they got a couple of points shortly after half-time and it gave them the cushion they needed. “But I am so proud of our team. We have had 40 lads training since last January and they drove everything on and they got their rewards”. While the manager revealed that their talisman Fiachra Henry (and Alan O’Hara) were both affected by injury since the county final, he was not making excuses. “Fiachra and Alan O’Hara have not trained since the county final. They both went through the pain barrier to be on the field today and all credit to them for playing. “It was touch and go all week whether Fiachra would be able to tog out at all, so fair play to him for putting in the effort, but you could see out there that he wasn’t himself. Still, he scored six points carrying one leg – which was superb”. Finally, Ciaran paid tribute to their conquerors, Menlough. “They are an impressive outfit. They are very physically strong and they wore us down over the hour. They are a serious side and will go a long way in Connacht – and even further I would imagine” he concluded.
game now”. With the challenge of the Sligo champions out of the way, Jerome is now looking forward to the clash with Mohill this Sunday in the Connacht semi-final. “I knew if we won today it would be Mohill, but I don’t like going ahead until you have jumped the fence in front of you. We’ll start preparations for that tonight (last Sunday) and I’m sure the players will as well. That’s another thing about this group of players, they take their football very seriously and they’ll blend in the work that needs to be done for that game... it’s a partnership between management and players and it’s working out well so far” he concluded.
St Brigid’s’ manager Jerome Stack and some members of his backroom staff pictured after last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final against Coolera-Strandhill in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Hughes the hero as Menlough advance AIB Connacht Club JFC quarter-final Menlough 1-13 St Michael’s 0-10 < SEAMUS DUKE
A memorable year for St Michael’s came to an end in Tuam Stadium last Saturday when they were defeated by six points by the Galway champions Menlough who now progress to a semi-final meeting with Mayo champions Lahardane this weekend. It is important to state at the
outset that Menlough thoroughly deserved to win this tie on the balance of play, but it emerged afterwards that Fiachra Henry, the St Michael’s talisman and scorer of 2-12 in the county final, had not trained since that memorable outing and was carrying an injury into this game. This setback may not have changed the result, but one wonders how the Roscommon champions would have got on if Henry was fully fit. As it was, Henry played at corner-forward and scored 0-6 (5 frees), but he was nowhere near as influential as in that great county final win against
Teams & scorers Menlough: Jason O’Neill; Padraig Glynn, Barry Laheen (0-1), Kieran Dowd; Michael Ryan, Kevin Reilly (0-1), Liam Gormally; Robert Hughes (0-5, frees), Tomas Mannion; Colm O’Brien, Niall Carty (0-2), Sean Hansberry (1-0); Brian Monaghan, Hugh Keeley, Donal Loftus (0-2). Subs: Michael Glynn (0-1) for Gormally (8), Jason Fahy-Hansberry (0-1) for Monaghan (44), Robert Lally for Keeley (52), Sean Naughton for Carty (61), Brian Naughton for Ryan (63). St Michael’s: Luca Hill; Neil Cox, Michael King, Niall McDermott; Niall Sheerin (0-1), Diarmuid Regan, Jim Harte; Cathal Guckian, Brian Reynolds; Alan O’Connor, Fiachra Henry (0-6, 5 frees), Tomas Regan; Alan O’Hara (0-2), Liam Conlon, Jack Lane (0-1). Subs: Sean Farrell for Regan (24), Brian O’Dowd for McDermott (40), Sean Moran for N Cox (55), Brian O’Connor for F Henry (56), Nathan Doherty for Conlon (60). Referee: Shane Corcoran (Mayo). Man of the Match: Robert Hughes (Menlough)
Clann na nGael. On a cold, dry day, the sides were evenly matched for most of the first quarter. It was 0-3 apiece after 12 minutes, with the St Michael’s scores coming from a fine Alan O’Hara point and two converted frees from Fiachra Henry. This Galway side are a big, strong, physical outfit, and they looked very dangerous going forward. In the 13th minute Sean Hansberry burst through and his looping shot from 25 metres deceived Luca Hill and flew into the roof of the net. Points from Niall Glynn and Niall Carty shortly afterwards opened up a five-point gap, and Menlough never looked back after that. They led by 1-6 to 0-5 at the break, with Niall Sheerin scoring a fine point for St Michael’s on the stroke of half-time. On the resumption the sides traded points, with Henry showing a glimpse of his class with a superb point from play in the 34th minute. However, the Galway side were in control, and their midfielder Robert Hughes put on an exhibition of long-range free-taking as he landed five superb points in that second period. St Michael’s battled away, but it was an uphill task. Mick King was magnificent at fullback, while Cathal Guckian, Niall Sheerin and Alan O’Hara
Niall McDermott lined out for St Michael’s against Menlough in the AIB Connacht Club JFC quarter-final last Saturday. File photo: Bernie O’Farrell
(also not fully fit) were very prominent for the Roscommon champions. Menlough could always get the scores to keep them comfortably ahead, and two of their subs pointed from play in the final quarter as the game petered out as a contest. Menlough look a very good team who could go a long way in
this competition. This defeat will not take anything away from what was a magnificent year for St Michael’s, with the club lifting the junior championship for the first time in 30 years, meaning they can now they look forward to competing in the Roscommon intermediate championship in 2024.
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Brigid’s breeze into last four It’s Mohill next with place in final at stake AIB Connacht Club SFC quarter-final St Brigid’s 0-13 Coolera/Strandhill 1-3 < SEAMUS DUKE
St Brigid’s easily accounted for a very disappointing Coolera/ Strandhill side at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday to qualify for a Connacht semi-final clash with Leitrim champions Mohill. St Brigid’s will face Mohill this Sunday at Dr Hyde Park. The biggest worry that Brigid’s have this week will relate to injuries sustained last Sunday by Ruaidhri Fallon, and especially Brian Stack, who hobbled off in the 42nd minute after picking up a potentially serious knee injury. The hope will be that the injury is not a significant as initially feared, as the absence of the AllStar nominee for any period of time would be a huge blow to his team and to Stack personally. Stack’s worth to club and county was shown again here as he kept the talented Niall Murphy out of the game – and it was only after the St Brigid’s warrior went off that Coolera/Strandhill made any inroads on the scoreboard. As to this very comfortable win, the Roscommon champions did the damage in a very im-
Teams & scorers
St Brigid’s: Cormac Sheehy; Sean Trundle, Brian Stack, Pearse Frost; Ruaidhri Fallon, Ronan Stack, Paul McGrath (0-1); Eddie Nolan (0-1), Shane Cunnane; Conor Hand (0-2), Ciaran Sugrue, Robbie Dolan; Ben O’Carroll (0-6, 2 frees), Alan Daly, Bobby Nugent (0-2). Subs: Michael Sugrue for Trundle (h/t), Luke Grisleain for B Stack (42), Brian Derwin for Hand (47), Eoin Sheehy for Fallon (51), John Cunningham (0-1) for Dolan (56).
pressive first-half performance when they held their Sligo opponents scoreless. St Brigid’s eased through what was a very poor second half to secure their place in the last four. On a sunny and calm day, St Brigid’s set about their task with relish from the first whistle, dominating the exchanges in the first half. Their tackling and work rate was top drawer. On numerous occasions they dispossessed their Sligo opponents without fouling, meaning that the St Brigid’s attack saw lots of ball in that opening half. After a relatively quiet county final, Ben O’Carroll was back to his very best, tormenting the Coolera/Strandhill defence with some outstanding scores and sublime skills. The county senior star opened the scoring with a free in the 5th minute and followed up two minutes later with a superb point from play. The Sligo side were struggling to get their hands on the ball as Brigid’s quickly broke up any would-be attacks and swept downfield time after time. Further points from Eddie Nolan, O’Carroll (3), Conor Hand (2) and Bobby Nugent (all from play) ensured that the Kiltoom men went into the break leading by 0-9 to no score. On the resumption, Ben O’Carroll was once again on
target and it took the Sligo men until the 40th minute before they registered their first point of the game, a score from play from Adam Higgins. The second half was a hard watch as Brigid’s eased their way to victory without extending themselves. There was some consolation for Coolera/Strandhill in the 54th minute when Leo Doherty’s low shot beat Cormac Sheehy in the Brigid’s goal. But it was far too little too late and Brigid’s sealed their win with late points from sub John Cunningham (it should have been a goal) and joint captain Paul McGrath. It was a very, very comfortable victory for Brigid’s. They will of course certainly meet tougher opposition than this, and will be concerned now about the availability of Brian Stack going forward. They will want him to be 100% fit ahead of a tilt at Connacht club success. St Brigid’s were best served on Sunday by the outstanding Ben O’Carroll, Brian Stack, Ronan Stack, Eddie Nolan, Conor Hand and Bobby Nugent. They may well be able to deal with the challenge of Mohill this Sunday while short one or two key players, but will need a full deck of cards if they get through to a Connacht final and what would be a formidable date with Ballina or Corofin.
(Above) St. Brigid’s’ Shane Nugent goes up against Coolera/ Strandhill’s captain Peter Laffey for the high ball while Sean Trundle is hopeful of gathering the breaking ball during last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Stat Attack
Shane Cunnane of St Brigid’s gets his shot away as Coolera/Strandhill’s captain Peter Laffey attempts a block during last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Coolera/Strandhill: Keelan Harte; Jonathan Cassidy, Sean Taylor (0-1), Luke Bree; Keelan Cawley (0-1), Ross O’Carroll, Sean Murphy; Kevin Banks, Peter Laffey; Adam Higgins (0-1), Ross Doherty, Jamie Walsh; Leo Doherty (1-0), Niall Murphy, Oran McDonagh. Subs: Conor Burke for Walsh (h/t), Donagh Flynn for McDonagh (45), Kevin Harte for Higgins (60), Eoin Comerford for Doherty (60), Ben Cawley for Bree (62). Referee: Thomas Murphy (Galway).
Wides: St Brigid’s 5 (2, first half ); Coolera/Strandhill 6 (3, first half ) Red cards: St Brigid’s 0; Coolera/ Strandhill 1 (Lee Doherty, 60) Black cards: St Brigid’s 0; Coolera/Strandhill 0 Yellow cards: St Brigid’s 1 (Shane Cunnane); Coolera/ Strandhill 3 (Peter Laffey, Lee Doherty x 2)
Bobby Nugent of St Brigid’s gets his shot away as Kevin Banks from Coolera-Strandhill closes in during last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Coolera/Strandhill’s Ross O’Carroll leaps into the air in an effort to stop Conor Hand’s shot during last Sunday’s Connacht Club SFC quarter-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell
Man of the Match: Ben O’Carroll (St Brigid’s) Attendance: Approx. 1500
An Evening with Jim Gavin and Special Guests Brochure Advert for programme.qxp_Layout 1 10/10/2023 08:19 Page 1
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Roscommon People Friday 17 November 2023
AN EVENING WITH
JIM GAVIN AND SPECIAL GUESTS
TALKING CULTURE, INNOVATION & SUCCESS
H O D S O N B AY H OT E L , AT H LO N E
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, 6:30PM
To purchase a table (€1500) for this hugely exciting event please contact Aidan at aidanpatrickbrady@gmail.com