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The Editor and staff of Roscommon People wish everyone a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas and sincere best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year The offices of Roscommon People at Abbey Street, Roscommon, will be closed from 2pm on Friday, 22nd December, 2023 and will re-open on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024. The first issue of 2024 will be circulated on Thursday 4th January

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 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

090 647 8433 HAPPY CHRISTMAS! www.bccsolicitors.ie

It was coming up to Christmas and Thomas asked his mum if he could have a new bike. So, she told him that the best idea would be to write to Santa Claus. But Thomas, having just played a vital role in the school nativity play, said he would prefer to write to the baby Jesus. Thomas went to his room and wrote ‘ Dear Jesus, I have been a very good boy and would like to have a bike for Christmas.’ But he wasn’t very happy when he read it over. So he decided to try again and this time he wrote ‘Dear Jesus, I’m a good boy most of the time and would like a bike for Christmas.’ He read it back and wasn’t happy with that one either. He tried a third version. ‘Dear Jesus, I could be a good boy if I tried hard and especially if I had a new bike.’ He read that one too, but he still wasn’t satisfied. So, he decided to go out for a walk while he thought about a better approach. After a short time, he passed a house with a small statue of the Virgin Mary in the front garden. He crept in, stuffed the statue under his coat, hurried home and hid it under the bed. Then he wrote this letter. ‘Dear Jesus, if you want to see your mother again, you’d better send me a new bike!’ Wishing all our valued clients a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. At this special time of year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for entrusting us and our team at Byrne Carolan Cunnigham Solicitors with your legal matters. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent you. We extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and happiness. We look forward to continuing our relationship and representing you in 2024.

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

Introducing… the Barstool Boyos’ inaugural end of year awards! After many hours’ careful consideration (and scribbling on beer mats), the Barstool Boyos – tongues firmly in cheek – have come up with the first (Editor: ‘… and probably last’) Boyos’ annual awards. This is a heavily edited transcript of their late-night ramblings. We present… their end of year awards CYCLING ACCIDENT

Endangered Species

BRAVEST POLITICIAN

The barstool boyos

If you were involved in a cycling accident contact It has to be Bertie Ahern… for being

COLUMNISTS OF THE YEAR

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SOAP OPERA…

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick in said Oireachtas hearings… comedy gold!

No contest! “We’d like to thank our families, the pub bore, ourselves…” AND THE EDITOR!

TOP NAME-DROPPER

Both: That Joe Brolly! Licking up to President Biden in Ballina!

FASTEST MOVER

Stephen Kenny, as Irish manager

That Rhasidat Adeleke is amazing… It’s a novelty award… and it goes to Marty Morrissey, for returning that car to Renault with admirable haste… Oh stop it!

LEAST PREDICTABLE EXIT

TOP CORONATION

MOST PREDICTABLE EXIT

Ryan Tubridy, as RTE golden boy

JENNIFER ZAMPARELLI VISIBILITY AWARD

To someone who’s suddenly on our TV screens as often as Ms Zamparelli? Yes! Has to be Baz? Nah! The award goes to Angela Scanlon!

Obviously King Charles… No! Patrick Kielty!

BEST COMEDY DOUBLE ACT

They’re on TV at least once a week. Rural superstars! The 2… NO! PLEASE, NO! Not the 2… … as I was saying, the 2 that spring

☺

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

The GAA, with JP McManus and family donating €1m to every county board on the island

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433

Rhys McClenaghan, this after the Irish gymnast was named Sportsperson of the Year at the RTE Sports Awards

info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

LEAST EFFECTIVE COLUMNIST AWARD

Just thought I’d add in this final, er, random one… Great idea! Both: It has to be Joe Br… Barman: Boyos! This has gone on too long! Ye’ve left a trail of torn beer mats! Off with ye! (Boyos read over notes before submitting. They’re ecstatic. Boyo 1: ‘Do you think these inaugural awards will be enough to convince the Editor to keep us on?’ Boyo 2: ‘Keep us on? This is the end of the Joe Brolly takeover threat! We’re back in control! As Del Boy used to say, this time next year we’ll be millionaires!’ They finish their drinks and trudge home, stopping to admire various window displays, while singing ‘Fairytale of New York…’… they haven’t been this optimistic or happy since Roscommon beat Mayo in Castlebar)

Happy Christmas to everyone who even occasionally reads the Barstool Boyos (and to the Editor!)

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

SOLICITORS

Eh, Piers Morgan? Hardly! Deirdre O’Kane? Brolly? Brian Kennedy? We can have fun with this one! The award goes to… Francis Brennan!

A ‘home’ call here… Enda Smith! Come on the Rossies!

I say Nigel Farage… for taking on those terrifying trials in the jungle! (Farage gets the award)

WORST PERFORMANCE IN A SOAP OPERA…

MOST MEDIA-SHY

GAA PLAYER OF YEAR

Byrneenough Carolanto step back into the brazen Cunningham spotlight! Solicitors

Well, that lady in EastEnders played a blinder, so… Nah! It has to be Ryan Tubridy in those Oireachtas hearings, at the height of the RTEgate soap opera!

to mind are the Healy-Raes… Phew!

Eileen Gleeson, who has been appointed head coach of the Republic of Ireland women’s soccer team, succeeding Vera Pauw

It’s been a BAD week for…

☹

Piers Morgan, who is on the back foot (sort of) this week after a High Court judge said that he accepted evidence (submitted by journalists) that the controversial broadcaster knew about phone hacking going on during his time as editor of the Daily Mirror (Morgan disputes this) Former Mayor of New York and Donald Trump supporter/ally Rudy Guilani, after he was ordered by a US jury to pay a staggering $148m in damages for defaming two poll workers, having falsely claimed they engaged in election fraud (Guilani is appealing the verdict)

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

Alkermes PLC announces agreement to sell Monksland facility for $92.5 million

Alkermes PLC recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its development and manufacturing facility in Monksland, County Roscommon to Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company. The company insists the development will offer its employees at the “world class” County Roscommon plant near Athlone an “exciting opportunity for growth”. Under the terms of the agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, Alkermes will be entitled to a one-time

cash payment of $92.5 million for the facility and related assets, subject to customary adjustments in accordance with the agreement. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2024, subject to certain closing conditions. “As we prepare to enter 2024 as a pureplay neuroscience company, we have continued our focus on aligning our infrastructure and cost structure with the projected needs of the business. Upon closing, we expect this transaction to drive operational efficiencies and enhance profitability over the long-term,”

said Richard Pops, Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. “I am particularly pleased to enter this agreement with Novo Nordisk as it offers our employees at this world class, state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility in Athlone an exciting opportunity for growth. “The acquisition of the Athlone facility represents an expansion of Novo Nordisk’s global manufacturing set-up and will provide Novo Nordisk with additional development and manufacturing capacity for current and future

oral products,” said Thilde G Hummel Bøgebjerg, Senior Vice President of Product Supply Emerging Technologies with Novo Nordisk. “With this acquisition, we are excited to soon welcome approximately 400 highly skilled colleagues currently employed by Alkermes with valuable capabilities within oral drug development and manufacturing who will play a key role in serving even more patients with oral products”. Alkermes and Novo Nordisk also plan to enter into subcontracting ar-

rangements to continue certain work currently performed at the facility for a period of time after closing of the transaction, which may continue through the end of 2025. This transaction is expected to be operating cost-neutral to Alkermes over the subcontracting period and thereafter, the transaction is expected to yield significant operating cost benefit and contribute to enhanced profitability. Alkermes will continue to retain all royalty revenues associated with products currently manufactured at the facility.

Finding good hearts in a hard time

In the hard times we are living in, it can be very uplifting to receive a present that is given from one heart to another. That was the thought behind the HeArt4U project of Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen. Inspired by a similar project from Dutch artist Claudia ten Hoeve, they made small canvases with all kinds of images, but always with a heart on them. These artworks were launched during the BallaghDream Festival last August. Since then, members of the group have distributed their hearts, wrapped in cellophane, in public places for people to find and take home for free. A lot of the canvases were left in Ballaghaderreen, but they also went to Lisacul, Kilmovee, Castlerea and several towns outside of County Roscommon. Some even went as far as the Netherlands, England, Spain, and Ecuador. Several lucky finders put a message on the Facebook page of Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen, expressing their delight and confirming that it certainly put a smile on their face. Almost all canvases have found a home now, but the art group will keep making new ones, to be distributed next year.

Turkey plucking underway earlier this week at the Nolan farm in Roscommon.

SHOP LOCAL

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year

SUPPORT LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS

Calendar for a good cause In the meantime, everyone is able to enjoy the hearts for themselves and their loved ones. More than 90 of them have been put in a calendar for 2024. This calendar is still for sale in eight shops in Ballaghaderreen: BB Hair, Brian Mulligan’s, First Office/School Supplies, Imelda Towey’s, Michael Mulligan’s, Molloy’s Pharmacy, Newsround, and SuperValu. The cost of the calendar is €8 and all proceeds go to the Irish Cancer Society. It’s a great gift for Christmas or any other occasion, supporting the fight against cancer.

CLAIRE KERRANE TD WORKING HARD FOR YOU

 claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie  Main Street, Ballaghaderreen  094 9861688  Bridge Street, Ballinasloe  090 9644901

This is a piece of artwork (‘December’) by the late Kathleen Harford (RIP). Kathleen was a member of Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen and a lot of her work features in the calendar. The Irish Cancer Society was her chosen charity.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

THURSDAY Man gives money away News of JP McManus’s remarkable ‘€1m for every GAA county board in the audience’ gesture broke today. When the news outlets began to report on the soft-spoken tycoon’s early Christmas gift to GAA grassroots, it barely seemed believable. Even allowing for the Limerick man’s long track record of philanthrophy, this sounded extraordinary. Could it be true that McManus was actually planning to donate €1m to every single GAA county board in the island (€32m, to be distributed evenly between all clubs and all codes)? True it was. Roscommon County Board received a cheque for said €1m today. As the public digested the news of JP’s €32m offload, we made the now (almost) obligatory trip to social media, where the reaction wasn’t unanimously positive. The fact that McManus is a tax resident in Switzerland – essentially deemed a tax exile – was highlighted by many. Roscommon’s MidlandsNorth-West MEP, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, was amongst those not volunteering to organise a ‘thank you party’ for McManus. ‘Ming’ tweeted: ‘If only there was another system whereby he could contribute. He wouldn’t have to deal with all the pesky publicity either’. I tend to agree with those who view the gesture on a stand-alone basis: the McManus family have donated a massive amount of money to the GAA (when they didn’t have to). This

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

is something which I think should be welcomed. I agree too with those who make the point that there are many other very wealthy Irish people who have ‘moved their tax affairs abroad’ and haven’t chosen to make donations on anything like the scale the McManus family/ Foundation regularly does. This is a great gesture, and a good story.

MONDAY Words you will hear…

FRIDAY Piers & the Prince While Piers Morgan wasn’t actually in the dock today, the outspoken broadcaster was very much on the wrong end of a judgement in the High Court in London, where Justice Timothy Fancourt ruled in favour of Prince Harry in his action against Mirror Group Newspapers. I sometimes agree with pugnacious Piers – occasionally I am even impressed with his chutzpah – but he has taken a credibility hit here, with the High Court Judge making it clear that he believes Morgan was aware of the use of phone tapping during his time as editor of the Daily Mirror. I remember a time – it must have been before the phenomenon of the Trump presidency – when one (however reluctantly) accepted the word of a judge. But Donal Trump has now normalised dissing the verdicts of judges. Moments after today’s ruling, a nervous but bullish Morgan was reading a statement to the media, in which he again denied any knowledge of phone hacking under his Mirror stewardship, thus rejecting the judge’s

view. Morgan also launched what for him was a customary attack on Prince Harry, describing his foe as someone who “wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped him around his California-tanned face”. It was a bad day for Piers Morgan, but such is his mastery of social media, I expect him to remain as both a divisive and popular force in public life in the UK.

SATURDAY RTE Sports Awards I didn’t watch tonight’s RTE Sports Awards (RTÉ One), as I find such shows very tedious – mainly because of the dull, and sometimes fawning interviews with winners/ nominees. After all, the Dublin footballers are hardly going to spill secrets to Marty, are they? Rhys McClenaghan was overall winner on the night. Few, if any, of us ever ex-

pected to see a gymnast winning sportsperson of the year in Ireland. Congratulations to McClenaghan, a supremely accomplished sportsperson, who is currently a World and European Champion. Young Sportsperson of the Year is promising Republic of Ireland and Brighton footballer, Evan Ferguson, while the awesome four-in-a-row winning Limerick senior hurlers won ‘Team of the Year’. Andy Farrell – in a decision which divided our friends on Twitter – was awarded Manager of the Year (John Kiely advocates were not impressed, helpfully pointing out that Ireland, ranked number one in the world, only reached the last eight of the Rugby World Cup). I guess one of the many reasons we love sport is its capacity to stir debate.

SUNDAY

New crib An impressive new crib

was installed in the heart of Roscommon Town yesterday, courtesy of our tireless Christmas Lights committee, now 30 years voluntarily lighting up our county town each festive season. A lot of preparatory work went into bringing this project to fruition, so well done to all involved (see report on page 16). The beautiful crib, with life-sized figurines, is located to the right of the front of ETL Giftware (overlooking the Square). It so happens that a popular local resident popped into our office last week and – in the old tradition whereby people would call into the local newspaper with an item of news or to voice an opinion – good-humouredly observed: “There’s no sign of any cribs in any of the shop windows!” Well, alleged window woes aside, our friend will at least be pleased to see this fantastic new crib arriving in town!

Are the Christmas clichés in full flow yet? I presume at least some of the following are dominating conversations this week… ‘Sure in a week’s time, it will nearly all be over’. ‘… people running around the shops as if there was no tomorrow’. ‘Sure it’s really only for the kids’. ‘Have you many for the Christmas Dinner/Are ye having Dinner at home?’ ‘Well, have you all done/ all got?’ ‘I’m just looking forward to a few quiet days, putting the feet up and…’ ‘Do ye do a Secret Santa?’ Meanwhile, I understand that bookies have the following two clichés as joint favourites to be ‘most used’ on St Stephen’s Day: ‘That’s it over for another year… a lot of fuss about one day’ and ‘There was absolutely NOTHING on the telly!’

TUESDAY Ring a bell? There’s an ad on TV at the moment which features an extremely authentic ringing of a doorbell. So much so that one could mistakenly rise from one’s sofa and head for the front door (I didn’t, but it almost catches me out every time). If you did go to your front door, on returning you would then see that the ad was for ‘Quality Street’. Talk about torment on top of embarrassment.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

INTERIORS • www.alderfordinteriors.ie • BALLYFARNON, CO. ROSCOMMON (beside Kilronan Castle Hotel)

Sale starts Dec. 28th

TELEPHONE: 071 – 9647016

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 to 6pm. Sundays, 2pm to 6pm. Closed every Monday including Bank Holidays

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

COMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN

CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS

SOCRUITHE NA NOLLAG

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL OFFICES AT ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, ROSCOMMON TOWN AND MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OFFICES

OIFIGÍ CHOMHAIRLE CONTAE ROS COMÁIN AG ÁRAS AN CHONTAE, BAILE ROS COMÁIN AGUS OIFIGÍ CEANTAIR BHARDASACHA

• Closed from 3.00pm on Friday 22nd December 2023 from 3pm to Monday 1st January 2024 inclusive . • Motor Tax Offices will close from 1.00pm on Friday 22nd December. • Offices will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2024 o Public Hours are 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday o Motor Tax Office open from 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday o Phone Service available from 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday • For Emergencies please contact 090 66 37100.

LIBRARIES

• Dúnta ó 3pm Dé hAoine 22ú Nollaig ó 3pm go dtí

Dé Luain 1ú Eanáir 2024, an dá lá sin san áireamh.

• Dúnfar Oifigí Mótarchánach ó 1.00pm Dé hAoine 22ú Nollaig. • Osclóidh na hoifigí arís Dé Máirt 2ú Eanáir 2024 o Is iad Uaireanta Poiblí 9.30am go 1.00pm agus 2.00pm go 3.30pm, Luan go hAoine o Oifig Mótarchánach oscailte ó 9.30am go 1.00pm ó Luan go hAoine amháin o Seirbhís Teileafóin ar fáil ó 9.30am go 1.00pm agus 2.00pm go 5.00pm, Luan go hAoine • Le haghaidh Éigeandálaí déan teagmháil le do thoil ar 090 66 37100.

LEABHARLANNA

• All branches of Roscommon County Library will close on Friday 22nd December 2023 at 4pm until Monday 1st January 2024 inclusive.

• Dúnfar gach brainse de Leabharlann Chontae Ros Comáin Dé hAoine 22 Nollaig 2023 ag 4pm go dtí Dé Luain 1 Eanáir 2024, an dá lá sin san áireamh.

• Roscommon, Castlerea, Boyle and Strokestown Libraries will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January 2024 with regular opening hours in operation.

• Athosclófar Leabharlanna Ros Comáin, an Chaisleáin Riabhaigh, Mhainistir na Búille agus Bhéal na mBuillí Dé Máirt an 2 Eanáir 2024 agus beidh uaireanta oscailte rialta i bhfeidhm.

• The mobile library will resume service from Wednesday, 3rd January 2024.

• Beidh an leabharlann taistil ar ais i bhfeidhm ón gCéadaoin, 3ú Eanáir 2024. 2024.

• Library Services will continue to be available online. Visit https://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/services/ community/library/ict_resources_in_libraries_/

• Leanfaidh Seirbhísí Leabharlainne de bheith ar fáil ar líne. Tabhair cuairt ar https://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/services/ community/library/ict_resources_in_libraries_/

CIVIC AMENITY SITES • Open Friday 22nd December 2023 & Saturday 23rd December 2023 • Also open Friday 29th December & Saturday 30th December 2023 from 8.00am to 4.00pm • Open Friday 5th January, Saturday 6th January and Monday 8th January from 8.00am to 4.00pm • Ballaghaderreen, Boyle and Castlerea Civic Amenity Sites closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 1.30pm • Roscommon Civic Amenity Site open through lunch

IONAID FÓNTAS POIBLÍ • Oscailte Dé hAoine 22ú Nollaig 2023 agus Dé Sathairn 23ú Nollaig 2023 • Ar oscailt freisin Dé hAoine 29ú Nollaig & Dé Sathairn 30ú Nollaig 2023 ó 8.00am go 4.00pm • Oscailte Dé hAoine 5ú Eanáir, Dé Sathairn 6ú Eanáir agus Dé Luain 8ú Eanáir ó 8.00am go 4.00pm • Ionaid Fóntas Poiblí Bhealach an Doirín, Mhainistir na Búille, an Chaisleáin Riabhaigh dúnta don lón ó 1.00pm go 1.30pm • Ionad Fóntas Poiblí Ros Comáin oscailte trí am lóin

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

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Shots discharged at property in Ballinasloe

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Wishing all our customers a very

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Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the discharge of a firearm at a residential property in Ballinasloe in the early hours of Friday morning last. Gardaí said that at approximately 3 am on the morning of Friday, 15th of December last, a number of shots were discharged at a residential property in Garbally Oaks, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Criminal damage occurred at the property. No persons were injured during the incident. Investigating Gardaí in Ballinasloe Garda Station are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them. Any person who was the area of Garbally Oaks between 3 am and 4 am on the morning of Wednesday, 15th of December, 2023 and who may have mobile phone or dash cam footage, is asked to make this available to Gardaí. Any person who may have information or footage is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 963 1890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Investigations are ongoing this week.

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ABBEY HOTEL

This promotion starts in store on 28.11.22 and ends on 23.12.22. Winners will be notiﬁed each Friday evening.

ROSCOMMON

Invitation to all ne wly engaged couples to join us for a glass of bubb ly and complimentary ref reshments. Special discounts on wedding packages on the da y.

ADVERTORIAL

Romance at Christmas at the Abbey Hotel Celebrate a romantic civil ceremony marriage union at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon during the festive season. A number of key December 2024 dates are available, with special offers on select dates for a limited time only. Also, remember a date for your diary – Sunday, January 14th, when the Abbey will be holding their much-anticipated Wedding Fair. Viewings, by appointment, can be made by phoning 090 6666211 or emailing weddings@abbeyhotel.ie. For updates, follow the Abbey on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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Crosby: ‘Keep your local community in business’ Councillor Tom Crosby

Councillor Tom Crosby has appealed to people to “shop local for Christmas” as consumers hurry to get the last-minute essentials for the big day next week. Councillor Crosby said it was “all too convenient to go to the nearest major retailer for the Christmas shopping but much more important to support your local store, greengrocer and butcher”. He added: “We have all seen the sad de-

mise of local businesses and small communities, especially during Covid times, and it has taken a long time for those retailers to get back on their feet in many cases”. Cllr. Crosby concluded: “It is my belief that keeping your business in your local communities in fact keeps your community in business and by doing that you are doing your part in keeping the future alive in your local community”.

RWN Manager Nora Fahy, Minister Joe O’Brien, and RWN CycleUp Co-ordinator Martina Hourigan pictured at the announcement of the CSP contract awardees at the ChildVision Conference Centre in Dublin on Wednesday, December 13th.

Big boost for Roscommon Women’s Network

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Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) are honoured and delighted to be one of fourteen organisations to have been recently awarded a Community Services Programme (CSP) contract by the Department of Rural and Community Development for their CycleUp Social Enterprise. This funding will enable RWN to recruit a full-time manager and two full-time operational staff to grow and develop their Circular Economy Social Enterprise.

The group are very thankful to every individual and organisation, locally, regionally and nationally who supported them on this journey over the last four years. The CSP aims to provide employment opportunities and local services to disadvantaged communities. Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities Joe O’Brien, TD for Dublin Fingal, announced the awarding of contracts to fourteen new entrants to the Community Services Programme (CSP)

following an open call for applications in March of this year. The minister said, “I am delighted to say that the additional funding of €1 million made available for this new open call for applications under the CSP during 2023, will allow for these additional 14 communitybased organisations to be supported under the programme”. For more information on RWN, visit rwn.ie. Check out the group’s online shop at cycleup.ie.

Weekends 1-4pm

w w w. a t h l o n e t o w n c e n t r e . c o m Nora Fahy, Manager of Roscommon Women’s Network pictured with Intercultural Art Project participant Nai Lemoshira during the recent launch of the RWN’s Intercultural Art Project in Áras an Chontae. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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Republican Social Night in An Bóthar Rua A pre-Christmas social will be held in the Bóthar Rua pub in Elphin on this Saturday night, December 23rd. There will be a feast of live music, songs and craic. A raffle for spot prizes and a draw for cash prizes will take place on the night. The proceeds

from the function are in aid the maintenance of the County Roscommon War of Independence Memorial at Shankhill. Come along and get into the Christmas spirit at An Bóthar Rua, Elphin. Admission is optional.

Happy Christmas! Diana, Poppy, Wayne, Willow, Lola, Kaza and Darcie Auchmuty pictured attending Athlone Castle’s Christmas Event last weekend.

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VIEW OUR STUNNING WEDDING WING, MEET ERICA & OUR DEDICATED TEAM To book an appointment please contact Erica on 090 644 2000 or email weddings@hodsonbayhotel.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Thinking of loved ones: impact of emigration will be felt in many homes this Christmas Our man Frank on thinking of the Irish diaspora at Christmas; JP McManus’ €1m donation to every GAA county board; And some musings on a sporting weekend which was elevated by hurling thrillers… ‘The curse of emigration, which had vanished here for years Has come back to haunt our nation, bringing broken hearts and tears And yes our hearts were broken, as our children they had flown And not a word was spoken on that lonely journey home’ Those were the words of a verse of a song that I wrote some years ago, called Dublin Airport, which Lecarrow singer Paschal Brennan recorded. I had forgotten all about it until we were clearing out an old sideboard recently (as we had to move it to paint the room). At the bottom of one of the draw-

ers I discovered a couple of Paschal’s CDs. Not having heard the song for a few years, I decided to listen to it once more. The funny thing is that as I listened to the words, I realised that despite the upturn in our economy in the last few years, the story of the song is still very much the same now as it was when I wrote it. For those of you who have never heard the song (and that would be a lot), it was about the sad journey that a father and mother undertook to Dublin Airport, from where their two children, a son and daughter, were emigrating to Australia. In the words of the song, on the way home they realised they “might never see their darling kids again”. As I thought about it, I began to see that our kids are heading off once again, mostly to Australia, but also to many other places around the world, and while this emigration may actually be by choice (as opposed to economic necessity) it still doesn’t change the fact that a lot of Irish homes will be missing some of their family this Christmas. Out here in Creggs, at least a half dozen of the lads who played rugby with us last year are now living and working in Australia,

while only a couple of weeks ago Carol’s nephew, Dylan, headed for Melbourne and for what is for him a new adventure. As I write this, younger members of both mine and Carol’s families are in different places, including Melbourne, Vietnam, Sydney, America and London (and probably other locations too). While all are happily working and undoubtedly enjoying life, there is no doubt a lot of our youth will not be at home for Christmas and will be greatly missed. And so, as a nation which has had so much experience of emigration – including some suffering – maybe we should try to welcome all of those who, for no fault of their own, through circumstances of war, terrorism or extreme poverty, find themselves relying on countries like Ireland to try to help them pick up the pieces of their broken lives. After all, I often think, particularly in relation to our Ukrainian visitors, how would we cope if we were in their shoes? If you lost your home, your job, all your worldly possessions, and even your family, and had to go to a country where you didn’t know the culture or the language, how well would you survive?

JP McManus

Sporting highs and lows Our neighbours, Athleague, were unfortunate in losing their All-Ireland camogie final on Saturday against Armagh’s Granemore in Kinnegad. Hard luck to all involved. Congrats to Laura Fleming who got married on Friday to Jonathan Mannion in Kilbegnet Church and then togged out and played for Athleague on Saturday. No such problems for the girls from Kilkerrin/Clonberne as they won the All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football

final for the third year in a row when they outclassed Ballymacarbry with an absolutely delightful display of all-out attacking football. It reminded me of what a good game Gaelic football is when all the negative stuff is left to one side – inter-county men’s teams please copy! It’s hard to believe it’s almost Christmas, because later on Saturday evening the hurlers of St. Thomas’ and Waterford’s Ballygunner served up a fantastic game of hurling which

the Galway lads won on penalties. The sheer ferocity of the exchanges had to be seen to be believed and I have to admit that the hangover I was suffering from disappeared totally when watching the enthralling action. I don’t like to single out Premier League soccer, but I wish some of the superstars of that environment would attend an odd game of hurling and see what putting your body on the line really means. I can’t see too many of them swapping sports!

Without the help and support of the local people, you wouldn’t have a hope – so surely we have a duty to help our unfortunate visitors make the most of their now very different lives. Hopefully the airports here will be very busy over the coming days and a lot of our exiles will come home, but it’s safe to say a lot of them won’t make it home for Christmas. Indeed some might permanently base themselves overseas. A few years ago I was in Hounslow in London where I met a couple of old men from Mayo who had gone to London in the early 1970s, intending to stay for a few years, save enough money to go home and buy a place to settle down in. Almost 50 years later, neither had ever made it back, but they still clung to the dream of returning to their native sod before they passed on. We all knew it would never happen – which was very sad – but for them, the dream never died. I hope none of today’s emigrants will ever experience the same awful sense of hopelessness – here’s hoping that sooner or later all will make it home some day.

JP’s big gesture

It’s a very Happy Christmas for every GAA county board around the country, as they all come to terms with the €1 million donation received from JP McManus and his foundation. Of course, as with all good things Irish, there are several Scrooges out there who don’t share the feeling of goodwill. Their argument is that McManus uses a completely legal loophole to avoid paying taxes here by basing the headquarters of his foundation in Switzerland, and providing he doesn’t live in Ireland for more than something like 160 days each year he effectively doesn’t have to pay any tax in this country. Now as someone who paid tax on very small earnings down through the years, I can understand the annoyance felt over the fact that one of our richest men can avoid paying any here, but it’s not his fault that the loophole exists. Despite all the pontification, I have no doubt that a lot of other extremely wealthy people do the same thing on the tax front. However, none of them that I know of give as much money as McManus does to all kinds of charities, and none of them have donated €32 million to the GAA. I hope the distribution is done fairly and equitably and I guarantee that when Creggs GAA Club, and every GAA club in the country, receive their share of the windfall, no one will give a damn about JP’s tax affairs.

It’s easy to criticise him, but not many do anything resembling what the Limerick man has done this Christmas, and to many clubs all over Ireland he really is Father Christmas just now. Well done JP, every GAA club is indebted to you. For small rural clubs, the struggle to keep going financially in 2024 now doesn’t look as hard a challenge as it did a mere week ago.

And finally… It’s now Monday evening as I write – and only a week to the big day! As this is my last column for 2023 (thank God, says you) I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful, happy but above all, healthy New Year. I hope to talk to you again in the New Year, but if Joe Brolly takes over from the Barstool Boyos on page 2, then maybe all of our days will be numbered – although after St. Brigid’s did a job on Joe’s dearly beloved guardians of positive football, Corofin, he might indefinitely postpone his imminent arrival to the People! Until next year, peace, happiness and love to all.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

‘Ballagh House’ Community Hub to welcome public on Christmas Eve As part of a community initiative, the former parish priest’s house in Ballagh, Kilrooskey has over the past 12 months seen major works undertaken on it to transform the property into a Community Hub. Situated between Kilrooskey,

Doughill and Curraghroe, ‘Ballagh House’ Community Hub will open its doors this Sunday evening to the community after the 8.30 pm Christmas Eve Mass in Ballagh Church. The transformation of this iconic building has been made possible through funding

from the Sliabh Bawn Windfarm Community Fund and Clár 22. It will be open to all community groups in the area as meeting and training rooms. Stage 2 of the project will see facilities being made available for remote working as a digital hub

and the refurbishment of outlying buildings being repurposed for Men’s and Women’s Shed projects. Parishioners are invited to drop in after Mass on Christmas Eve for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat to view the ongoing works.

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS OPENING HOURS CHRISTMAS

Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Saturday Dec 16th th th 10pm - Deliveries No Deliveries Sunday Dec Open 11am - 11pm 3pm - 10pm Saturday Dec1716 MondayDec Dec17 18thth Open 11am - 10pm - No Deliveries Sunday Open 11am - 10pm - No Deliveries TuesdayDec Dec18 19thth Monday 11pm - No Deliveries Wednesday Tuesday DecDec 19th20th Open 11am - 10pm thst th Open 11am - 11pm - No 3pm Thursday Dec 2120 Deliveries Wednesday Dec Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries Deliveries 3pm--10pm 10pm Saturday Dec 16 nd st th Open 3pm--10pm 10pm Friday 22 3pm Thursday Dec Open 11am 11am -- 11pm 10pm -- Deliveries No Deliveries SundayDec Dec 1721 nd rd Saturday Dec 23th Open 3pm - 10pm Friday Dec 22 Open 11am 11am -- 11pm 10pm -- Deliveries No Deliveries Monday Dec 18 th rd 8pm Sunday Dec 24 Open Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Saturday Dec 23 Open 11am 11am -- 11pm 10pm- --No NoDeliveries Deliveries Tuesday Dec 19th thth CLOSED Monday Dec 25 Sunday Dec 24 Open 11am 11am -- 8pm 11pm- -NoNoDeliveries Deliveries Wednesday Dec 20th Open thth Open Deliveries3pm - 10pm Tuesday Dec 26 Monday Dec 25 Open 12am 11am -- 9pm 11pm- -NoDeliveries Thursday Dec 21st CLOSED th th Open 11am - 11pm - No Deliveries Wednesday Dec Deliveries3pm - 10pm Tuesday Dec 26 nd 27 Open 12am 11am - 9pm 11pm- -NoDeliveries Friday Dec 22 th th Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Thursday Dec 2827 Open 11am - 11pm - No Deliveries Wednesday Dec rd Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Saturday Dec 23 th th Friday DecDec 29 28 Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Thursday Open 11am - 8pm - No Deliveries Sunday Dec 24th th th Saturday Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Friday DecDec 29 30 CLOSED Monday Dec 25th st th 9pm - -No Deliveries3pm - 10pm Sunday Dec Open 11am - 11pm Deliveries Saturday Dec3130th Open 12am 9pm No Deliveries Tuesday Dec 26 stst Open 11am 12pm - 9pm 10pm- -NoNoDeliveries Deliveries MondayDec Dec31 1 Sunday th Wednesday Dec 27 Open 11am - 11pm - No Deliveries st Monday Dec 1 th Open 12pm - 10pm - No Deliveries Open 11am - 11pm - Deliveries 3pm - 10pm Thursday Dec 28

OPENING HOURS

Wishing all my customers and friends a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year. I would like to thank everyone for their support in 2023 and look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Sajjad Hussain 086 191 3569

newsbriefs Ballymoe FC Christmas fundraising events Ballymoe FC will be holding a walk/run (5K, 7K or 10K) on St Stephen’s Day, December 26th, at 12 noon. Registration will take place at Ballymoe Community Centre from 11.15 am, and the cost is €10 or €5 for U-16s. All proceeds will be going 50/50 towards Ballymoe FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Please come along and join in the fun! Meanwhile, Ballymoe FC will be holding its annual fundraising auction on Friday, December 29th, in Mahon’s Bar, Ballymoe. Organisers would welcome any donations of items for auction, no matter how big or small – turf, timber, bales of silage, straw or hay, bottles of wine or spirits, tools, vouchers, hampers, etc. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, as would your support on the night.

Cloonycolgan Centre Craft Fair success Cloonycolgan Community Centre committee extends a sincere thanks to Phil McLaughlin who organised a very successful craft fair for Christmas in Cloonycolgan Community Centre on Saturday last. Thanks also to those who prepared the centre, those who presented tables and particularly those who attended and purchased items. €900 was raised by Phil for the centre. Winner of the hamper was Caitlin Conneally. Thanks also to those who organised the annual Christmas Bazaar on Monday night, in aid of the centre. We wish all our patrons a Happy Christmas and we look forward to your continued support in the New Year.

Keadue Fun Run/Walk on New Year’s Day The annual Keadue 5k Fun Run/Walk will be held on New Year’s Day, January 1st 2024. Registration is at 12 noon, with the event starting at 12.30. Vouchers for prizes. All support much appreciated.

THE BRIDGE CLUB The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows. Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Kitty Blighe & Mary McDermott; 2nd: Kitty Dowd & Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; Gross: Judy Adamson & Larry Shine. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Mary & Terry O’Keeffe; 2nd: Tresina & Tommie Murphy; Gross: June Halliday & Larry Shine. St Coman’s Bridge Club – (Christmas prizes) 1st: Martha & Steve Gregory; 2nd: Peggy Neilan & Mary Jo Riordan; Gross: Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro; 3rd: Agnes Murray & Kitty Gately. Ballymurray Bridge Club – (Christmas prizes) 1st: Peggy Kelly & Patricia Callaghan; 2nd: Ann Shine & Kathleen Corcoran; Gross: Kitty Blighe & Fiona Neilan; 3rd: Gertie Spillane & Josephine Devaney. Kilbride Bridge Club – (Christmas prizes) 1st: Margaret Mullen & Pauline Leonard; 2nd: Sheila Macken & Margaret Scott; 3rd: Brid Gillooly & Frances Keane.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

2024 is going to be Slimming World’s most exciting year yet! ADVERTORIAL

2024 is set to be Slimming World’s most exciting year yet, building on the very successful year the group had in 2023. Pauline Bliss, who runs the group in Hannon’s Hotel in Roscommon and in St Joseph’s Resource Centre in Boyle, explained: “Here in Slimming World, we’ve over 50 years’ experience in food, building a physically active lifestyle, and the psychology of mindset and behaviour change for lasting weight loss. “This year, we redesigned our New Member Packs. They are packed with insights, inspiration, and ignition! Knowledge is power and we’ve tapped into the results from months of research gained from our member and potential member insight programme. Using what we’ve learned, we’ve created a supereffective, visually gorgeous rocket-pack that – together with a wealth of ideas and support from each one of us Slimming World consultants and our amazing groups – will blast each and every member to weight loss success!” Trish Keegan, who runs the groups in Gleeson’s in Roscommon and in the GAA Centre in Castlerea, says, “We’ve made sure that for 2024, everything relating to food optimising is together in

one place – the Food Optimising book! “A quick welcome from our founding CEO Margaret is on the opening page and it is packed with reassurance and empathy. Margaret’s message talks about the simplicity of eating in or out, personalising our plan, and fitting it around family life. Then it’s straight into the three extra easy steps and the Free Food, Healthy Extra and Syns pages – essential knowledge for new members’ early success, which we know sets them up for lifelong success, too. “We’ve taken a similar approach in Choose Success – getting almost straight into the journal pages – inspiring members to do some powerful thinking and make valuable plans from day one, and for those all-important first six weeks. We’ve also

placed QR codes throughout the books, starting from page 4, to encourage members to download the Slimming World app and get instant access to a wealth of betweengroups support”. Aishling Anderson, who runs the group in The Fiddlers Elbow in Ballaghaderreen, added, “Across all of our books, we’ve simplified some of our messages, moved pages, created new sections, and included key learning in a way that will help members get started quickly and find the information they need to succeed. Two examples are the Weightwise points throughout the Free Food and Healthy Extras pages, and Steps to Success in the Syns section – deliberately succinct but powerful. They’re written to give our members a clear, straightforward and accurate

way to build and understand essential food optimising know-how… with more ‘how it works’ later in the book for anyone who loves to get into the detail”. Breanne Farrell, who runs the group in the Sports and Community Centre in Strokestown, elaborated, saying, “They’re there to build knowledge and confidence around food optimising that will help members make powerful swaps, form lasting habits and bring great weight losses – in their early weeks, and every week. “Many members aren’t aware of just how much additional support Slimming World offers to people at different life stages, such as pregnancy or menopause, or for those members with particular dietary needs and health conditions. We have expert support for everyone – we have special support and resources for all members . Food Optimising is healthy, enjoyable and easy to follow for the long-term”. All Slimming World members (existing and new) will get one of these fabulous, newly redesigned New Member Packs when they attend group from the 26th of December onwards. For more information, visit slimmingworld.ie.

ly slimmingg- frboielnd spa g- friendly in m m li s Slimming World spag bSlimming World ol BALLAGHADERREEN BOYLE The Fiddlers Elbow, Ballaghaderreen

St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle

Tuesdays, 5.30pm Call Aisling 086 3622924 Slimming World Ballaghaderreen

slimmingworld.ie slimmingworld.ie

Tuesdays, 6pm Call Pauline 087 1878701 Slimming World Boyle

Slimming World’s Baileys chocolate cheesecake

It’s hard to turn down a slice of cheesecake at the best of times, but add the flavour of the ever-popular tipple and it’s almost impossible! This Christmas, Slimming World is inviting you to try out their recipe for a delicious Baileys chocolate cheesecake. With a preparation time of 35 minutes (plus three hours for chilling), this tasty recipe contains ten servings, each containing six ‘Syns’. Ingredients • Low-calorie cooking spray • 10 ginger biscuits • 3 egg whites • 4 tsp powdered gelatine • 450g plain quark • 500g fat-free natural fromage frais, plus 4 tbsp with a little sweetener stirred in to taste, to serve • 4 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream liqueur • 3-4 level tbsp sweetener granules • 25g chocolate curls, to decorate (or use grated milk chocolate) Method Pre-heat your oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/gas 5 and spray a 20cm spring-clip cake tin with low-calorie cooking spray and line with baking paper. Put the biscuits in a polythene bag and crush with a rolling pin. In a bowl, lightly beat 1 egg white, add the biscuit crumbs and mix well. Press evenly over the base of the cake tin and bake for 15 minutes, or until firm and golden. Leave to cool. Dissolve the gelatine in 4 tbsp boiling water. Mix the quark with the fromage frais, liqueur and sweetener. Whisk the remaining egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the quark mixture along with the gelatine. Pour onto the biscuit base, smooth the top and chill for three hours or until set. Release the cheesecake from the tin and pile the extra fromage frais into the middle. Crumble over the chocolate curls to decorate and slice to serve. Enjoy!

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!

Slimming World ROSCOMMON Gleeson’s Restaurant

Wednesdays, 7:30am & 9:30am Trish 087 8581325 Slimming World Castlerea and Roscommon

Slimming World Slimming World Slimming World CASTLEREA ROSCOMMON STROKESTOWN Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and O’Rourke GAA Hannon’s Hotel Strokestown Sports and join aCentre, friendly and super-supportive group today! Community Centre Castlerea Thursdays,

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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Christmas 2023

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Christmas Lights Committee unveil new ‘life-size’ crib

Last Saturday, the Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee held an official unveiling in The Square, Roscommon Town, to showcase the town’s new Christmas Crib. The crib, which will be situated beside ETL Giftware in The Square for the entire festive season, features life-sized figures, making it one of the first lifesize cribs in Ireland. Meanwhile, the old Nativity set it replaces has not been retired, but has found a new home in the local Hospice. At the official unveiling on Saturday, those present were welcomed by Gerry Dervin, chairperson of the Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee. During his speech, Mr Dervin thanked everyone who has contributed to this very positive project. He extended special thanks to main sponsors Roscommon County Council. Mr Dervin then thanked Sean and Una Doyle and family of Sean Doyle & Sons, Eamonn and Mary Gleeson and the Gleeson family, the Tesco Ireland Community Fund, Mark, John and David Gannon, Joe and Caroline McNamara, and Johnny McCourt, alluding to their valued financial support and practical assistance. Shauna Keenan from Donamon, who is based in Hong Kong, was thanked for her assistance in sourcing the Nativ-

The new crib which is located beside ETL Giftware on the Square in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

ity Set, as well as for following up the various stages of production and keeping the committee posted every step of the way. Mary Seymour and the secondary school students of the Convent of Mercy were also thanked for providing a key finishing touch by creating a back-

drop to accompany the set, which was described as “a magnificent and fitting finale to the scene”. Mr Dervin also thanked his colleagues on the Christmas Lights Committee and all their volunteers for making the entire project possible, with Johnny McCourt, Jimmy Servis, the Doyle family, Enda

Hoban and Stephen Reynolds given particular mention. Johnny McCourt was commended for his “mammoth contribution” to the project, having carried out all of the engineering works to produce the crib enclosure, which put considerable time demands on Johnny and his business.

The input of Jimmy Servis was also highlighted, given the time and dedication he had devoted to the project, and for initially coming up with the idea of trying to source a life-size crib two years ago. Mr Dervin also extended the committee’s thanks to all the volunteers, local businesses and associates who have worked with them throughout the years and who continue to support the Lights Committee, in this, its 30th year. Again acknowledging the work of the Lights’ volunteers, their chairperson said: “We have a small number of volunteers who are still involved with us that were in that original group 30 years ago. I want to say that I am very proud to be associated with the Christmas Lights Committee. Their commitment and dedication would be the envy of many a community”. Following his speech, Mr Dervin introduced Fr Kevin Fallon, PP, Roscommon, who blessed the new crib. *Due to significant costs associated with decorating the town annually and making upgrades and additions such as purchasing the new crib, the committee are asking as many ‘Rossies’ as possible – both at home and abroad – to make a small contribution by donating on idonate.ie/fundraiser/RoscommonChristmasLights2023.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

Bingo for Hospice in Atheague on St Stephen’s Day

Bingo in aid of Roscommon Mayo Hospice will be held in Athleague Community Centre (F42 P440) on St Stephen’s Day at 4 pm. The bingo is being organised by the Community Centre Committee. The committee designate a bingo session annually for a worthy

cause and are delighted to choose Roscommon Mayo Hospice Foundation on this occasion. All proceeds will be donated to the Hospice and a raffle will also be held on the day. Anyone wishing to donate a spot prize can bring it along

on the day or contact Shirley Whyte on 087-4903667/athleaguecommunitycentre@gmail. com. Bingo books will be the normal price (€10 for singles, €15 for doubles and €2 for flyers). The weekly Jackpot will return on the 2nd of January.

Please come along on St Stephen’s Day for a few hours of enjoyment and support a very worthy cause. Bingo starts at 4 pm and will be over at 6 pm. Live music afterwards in both village pubs (Hamrock’s & Bridge House). All welcome.

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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

Mallyree

Attifarry

Coalpits

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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HSE roll out mobile x-ray service in Roscommon, Galway and Mayo HSE Community Healthcare West are the latest area to roll out a mobile x-ray service, in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. This service will help older people avoid having to attend Emergency Departments for an x-ray. The HSE is expanding the free, community-based service to older patients in both public and private nursing homes, community facilities and in their homes on a phased basis. With a GP referral, people will be able to have x-rays taken in their nursing home or facility where they reside instead of having to travel to a hospital. All types of x-rays will be facilitated, including chest, hip/pelvis, knee, wrist and shoulder. Patients do not need a medical card to avail of the service.

Pictured are Des Mulligan (Head of Older Person’s Services, HSE Community Healthcare West), Mary Warde (Head of Primary Care Services, HSE Community Healthcare West), John Fitzmaurice (Chief Officer, HSE Community Healthcare West), Paul Flynn (Mobile Medical Diagnostics), and Richard Broderick (Primary Care Unit Manager, HSE Community Healthcare West).

If someone has a fall or requires a chest x-ray, the diagnostic team will arrive to their residence and an

x-ray exam will take place in their own room. A report will then be shared with the referring doctor within four

hours. John Fitzmaurice (Chief Officer, Community Healthcare West) wel-

comed the initiative, which was launched across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon on December 6th: “This mobile x-ray service will offer an enhanced service to older people in the community, avoid attendance at our busy Emergency Departments and ultimately bring services closer to the patient in line with the key aims of Sláintecare”. According to the HSE, over 5,200 patients in Ireland have been referred to the service across more than 245 nursing homes, with over 4,800 hospital transfers avoided for patients up to the end of September. The HSE has engaged Mobile Medical Diagnostics to provide the service following a public tender process.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople A very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from

GANNONS Bar CREGGS, GALWAY, F42 K802

Sat. 23rd December

St. Stephen’s Night:

New Year’s Eve

Saturday 23rd December:

St. Stephen’s Night:

31st December New Year’s Eve:

Paul Watchorn from 10.30pm

Jason Travers from 7pm, followed by Live Music from 9.30pm.

Live Music from 10.30pm

Kilteevan Choir concert in Sacred Heart Hospital The Kilteevan Church Choir are performing a concert in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon this evening

(Thursday, December 21st) from 5.30 pm. All are welcome, so be sure to come along and show your support.

ROBERT FLYNN

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMON TEL: 094 9620028 Offer you again the best value in town this Christmas 700ml Jameson ............................€23.00 See the best selection in town of 12 x 1 Pint Bottle Smithwicks ........................... €35.00 COUGHS COLDS Christmas Cakes,OR Plum Puddings, 700ml Hennessy...........................€24.99 12 x 1 pint Bottles Guinness ............................. €35.00 Try ourof new seasons Castlerea Honey Boxes Chocolates, Tins of Local Biscuits, 1lt Smirnoff Vodka ........................€24.99 Christmas (limited Lights, Fibre Optic Trees, 4 x 500ml Dutch Gold ............................................ €5.99 amount). 700ml Dunphy’s Whiskey ..............€17.99 Long Red Christmas Candles 6 Italian Bottles of Red/White Wine Also try our special cough bottle and selection ofGripe Rabbit Hutches, 12 x 1THE Pint Bottles Smithwick’sROSCOMMON ....€29.99 Premier Estates ...................................................... €29.99 TEL: See Woodwards Water & TCP. Bird SQUARE, CASTLEREA, 094 our 9620028 Cages, Aquariums, Dog Collars, Dog Leads, OfferBottles you again the best value in town this Christmas Bottle Wine .......................................... €5.99 12x 1Red/White Pint Guinness .........€29.99 Old time strong Iodine Dog Cushions, Dog Flea Collars, Pony & Horse 24 CocaDutch Cola 330ml €14.99 700ml Jameson ............................€23.00 See the best selection in town of Large Range of Shoe and Fabric Dyes. 4 Cans x 500ml Gold.................................. .....................€4.99 Collars. Wormers and Flea treatments Christmas Head Cakes, Plum Puddings, 700ml Hennessy...........................€24.99 Cadburys Selection Boxes .................................... €1.99 Boxes of Chocolates, Tins of Biscuits, Jackets, Jumpers. Camouflage 6 Smirnoff Italian Vodka Bottles of Red/ cats and dogs 1lt ........................€24.99 Christmas Lights, Fibre Opticfor Trees, 100 Dog Chews..................................€29.99 ........................................................ €5.99 700ml Dunphy’s Whiskey ..............€17.99 Work Shirts only €16.99. Long Red Christmas Candles White Wine See our selection of Rabbit COUGHS Hutches, Bird OR COLDS 12 1 Pint Bottles Smithwick’s ....€29.99 50 xDaffodil Bulbs Guinness only ............................................. €4.99 Cages, Aquariums, DogRainwear, Collars, DogSocks, Leads, Boot Socks, Waders, 12x 1 Pint Bottles .........€29.99 Try our new season Bottle Red/ White Wine Cushions, Dog Flea Collars, Pony & Horse Castlerea local Tulips ...................................... buy.................€5.99 2 bags get Dog one and Leather Hats. 4 x 500ml Dutch Gold.....................€4.99 HeadFree Collars. Wormers and Wellingtons Flea treatments Honey (Limited Amount). 2x2lt. Cider ..................................€10.99 6 Italian Bottles ofpure Red/Honey ................................ €3.99 for cats and dogs 1lb Jar of 100% ARCHERY: Childrens andCough adultsBottle Archery Also try our Special & Bows, White WineTHE ..................................€29.99 COUGHS OR COLDS SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMONWoodwards TEL: 094 9620028 24 Cans Coca Cola.................€5.99 .........................€9.99 Rashers perWhite lb ........................................................... €2.99 Targets andWater. Strings. Try our new season Castlerea localArrows Gripe Bottle Red/ Wine Honey (Limited Amount). 2x2lt. Cider ..................................€10.99 Offer youBoxes again the best value in town this Christmas 18 Eggs ............................................................ Only €1.99 Cadburys Selection ..............€1.99 Bird Feed: Chicken, Duck, Hen feed Also try our Special Cough Bottle & Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyesetc, 24 Cans Coca Cola .........................€9.99 WoodwardsLarge Water. 60 Firelighters ........................................................... €3.99 birdGripe seed in bulk, Canary, Budgie, Wildbird 100 Dog Chews ..............................€3.99 Cadburys Selection Boxes ..............€1.99 700ml Jameson ............................€23.00 See the best in town of etc. Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Large Range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes selection 100 Dog Chews ..............................€3.99 Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, Christmas Cakes, Puddings, Empty Jam & Honey...........................€24.99 Jars in Stock Peanuts 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Hamster etc. 700ml Hennessy Cotton Work ShirtsPlum Only €16.99, Tins Roses/ Cotton Work Shirts Onlyof €16.99, Tins of of Roses/ Boxes Chocolates, Tins of Biscuits, Rainwear, Boot Socks, Socks, Waders, 25kg ofStreet. Peanuts only ................................................. €57 Socks,Rainwear, Boot Socks, Waders, 1lt Smirnoff Vodka ........................€24.99 Wildbird Feeders, Moth Balls (Old Time) Quality ........................2 for €9.99 for €9.99 Christmas Lights, Fibre Optic Trees, Quality Street. ........................2 Wellingtons, Hats. Tins of USA Biscuits Whiskey ..............€17.99 Wellingtons, Hats. 700ml Dunphy’s LongFrisky Red Christmas ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, Golden by the Bag orCandles by the Pound Targets, Arrows and Childrens Strings &Tins Afternoon Tea .............................€9.99 ofPint USA Biscuits ARCHERY: and Adults Archery Bows, See our selection of Rabbit Hutches, Bird 12 x 1 Bottles Smithwick’s ....€29.99 Large selection of gemts watches from €25, Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc. 1lb Jar of 100% pure Honey .............€3.99 Aquariums, Dogand Collars, Dog Leads, Targets, Arrows Strings Bird Seed inCages, bulk, Canary, Budgie, & Afternoon Tea .............................€9.99 12x 1 Pint Guinness .........€29.99 Rashers - per lbBottles ..............................€1.99 wall, cuckoo, wind bell alarm clocks and Wildbird, etc. Dog Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Cushions, Dog Flea Collars, Pony & Horse 18 ................................ ONLY €1.69 41lb xEggs 500ml Dutch Gold .....................€4.99 Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc. Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Jar of 100% pure Honey .............€3.99 Head Collars. Wormers and Flea treatments mantle clocks at affordable prices. Moth Balls (Old Time), 60 Firelighters................................€2.99 Bird Seed incats bulk,and Canary, 6 Italian Bottles of of Red/ for dogsBudgie, IDEAL GIFTS Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag Large selection watches, wall, Rashers - per lb ..............................€1.99 or by the Poundetc. Peanuts, 25kg, Rabbit Feed, Wildbird, Whitecuckoo, Wine ..................................€29.99 wind bell alarm clocks and COUGHS ORRechargeable COLDS Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Lamps, HomeatCured Bacon 18 Eggs ................................ ONLY €1.69 mantle clocks affordable prices IDEAL GIFTS Hamster etc. Fox Repellent, Wildbird Feeders, Try our new season Castlerea local Bottle Red/ White Wine .................€5.99 Fishing Rods, Rechargeable Lamps, Peterson Pipes,(Old Binoculars etc, CuredofBacon Honey (Limited Amount). OldHome Time Rings Black Pudding, Aquariums, Peterson Pipes, Binoculars, etc. Maglites, Moth Balls Time), 60 Firelighters................................€2.99 2x2lt. Cider ..................................€10.99 Sausages €1.99 Victorinox Knives, Led Also Lensor,try Indur Ladies & our Special Cough Bottle Maglites, Victorinox Knives, Olde Time Caraways, Rings of Black Pudding Whole Whole Cloves. Gents Golden Frisky Maverick by the bag& Wallets, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton 24 Cans Coca Cola .........................€9.99 Large selection watches, wall, Whole Caraways, Whole of Cloves, Woodwards Shirts only €14.99, Pajamas, Tights buy 2 get 1 Gripe Water. LED Lensor, Indur ladies and gents wallets, Fresh Duck and Hen Farm Eggseggs. by the Pound watches at reasonable prices.or Fiddles Fresh duck and hen farm Cadburys Selection Boxes ..............€1.99 cuckoo, wind bell alarm clocksfree and of Shoe & Fabric Dyes (Violins) Half, ThreeLarge Quarter Range & Full size. HIGH GRADE CLEAR PARAFFIN, OIL HEATERS, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton Shirts only Ideal present for children. Full selection of Blue 100 Chews ..............................€3.99 High grade clear paraffin oil heaters, Camouflage Jackets, Jumpers, TABLEDog LAMPS AND LANTERNS FROM €12.99 Willow Delph. Epsom salts for feet IDEAL or baths mantle clocks at affordable prices GIFTS Cotton Work Shirts Only 2€16.99, €1.99 per lb, Briquettes, Firelogs (4 for €5), Coal, Tins of Roses/ €14.99, Pyjamas, TightsRechargeable (buy get one free) Table Lamps and TREES lanterns from €12.99 CHRISTMAS Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Lamps, Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps & Repair Kits in-store Rainwear, Socks, Boot Socks, Waders, Home Cured Bacon QualityFreshly Street. ........................2 for €9.99 cut, all sizes. PetersonFiddles Pipes, Binoculars, etc. Maglites, Wicks and Mantels and Violins (half ), SOME UNWELCOME Wellingtons, Hats. Sausages €1.99 FRESH HOLLY AND CHRISTMAS Tins of USA Biscuits Victorinox Knives, Led Lensor, Indur Ladies & CHRISTMAS VISITORS? ARCHERY: Childrens and Adults Archery Bows, three quarter and full size WREATHS AVAILABLE Olde Time RingsALSO of Black Pudding Rats and mice - tryWallets, our one dose Targets, ArrowsAlmanac, and Strings Gents Old bait Moores 100% Cotton & Afternoon Tea .............................€9.99 BLUESTONE FOR SOOT IN RANGES Rat Traps, Mouse Traps. Mink Traps, Purse CHRISTMAS TREES Whole Caraways, Whole Cloves, Ideal present for children. Shirts only €14.99, Pajamas, Tights buy 2 get 1 Nets, Goose Grease, Sulpher Chicken Duck Hen Feed etc. AND NOWHoney IN STOCK 1lb JarCHIMNEYS of 100% pure .............€3.99 Fresh Duck Hen Farm Eggs Recyclingfree Centre Tickets Freshly cut,and all sizes. Bird Seed bulk, Canary, Budgie, watches atinreasonable prices. Fiddles Full selection of Blue Willow Delph. Rashers - perLotto lb ..............................€1.99 25kg Gritting Salt etc. 25kg,&Rabbit Feed, (Violins) Half,Peanuts, Three Quarter Full size. 25kg GranularWildbird, Salt for Dishwashers Fresh Holly and OIL Epsom Salts for feetWildbird or baths 18 Eggs ................................ ONLY €1.69 HIGH GRADE CLEAR PARAFFIN, HEATERS, Hamster etc. Foxchildren. Repellent, Feeders, 25kg Cube Salt for Watersoftners Laminating, Fax, Stamps, Ideal present for Full selection of Blue and Iron Cast Frypans Colour Photocopying Service Christmas available. Moth Balls (Old Time), TABLE LAMPS ANDWreaths LANTERNS FROM €12.99 60 Firelighters................................€2.99 (€1.99 per pound). Epsom salts for feet or bag baths Watch Batteries, Watch Straps and Shotguns, RiflesWillow and Air Delph. RiflesFrisky In Stock Golden Maverick by the selection of watches, wall, Also Bluestone for soot in ranges and chimneys Car Large Key Batteries Replaced Shot Gun Cartridges, - Eley, €1.99 perBullets lb, Briquettes, Firelogs (4 for €5), Coal, Firelogs and coal. or by the Pound - all top brands stocked. 25% OFFcuckoo, ALL Fishing Tackle, Pike Rods, clocksRemmington CHRISTMAS TREES wind alarm and Belts, INbell STOCK Cartridge Decoys, Cleaning Kits Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps & Repair Kits in-store Spinning Rods, Fly NOW Rods, Reels, Spinners, Bicycle Tyres, Tubes, Pumps and Repair Kits in mantle clocks affordable prices IDEAL GIFTS Flys - Largest Selection in Co. at Roscommon Inland Fisheries Ireland Permits Available Freshly cut, all sizes. Aquariums, Fishing Rods, Rechargeable Lamps, UNWELCOME KEY CUTTING SERVICE - Bacon store. Adult bicycle €250. Licenced Firearms SOME Dealer Home Cured Peterson Pipes, Binoculars, etc. Maglites, FRESH HOLLY AND CHRISTMAS LOTTO No Longer Want To Licence Your Firearm? HOUSE KEYS, LOCKER KEYS Sausages €1.99 leather mens belts, tin whistles, Knives, Led Indurstanley Ladies flasks & CHRISTMAS VISITORS? We Can Store It Real OrVictorinox Destroy It For A Small Fee Lensor, MORTICE, CAR ETC.of Black Olde Time Rings Pudding WREATHS AVAILABLE ALSO Gents Wallets, Old Moores Almanac, 100% Cotton See our Whole selectionCaraways, of House Safes until December 14th Rats and mice -Pajamas, try warranty). our one dose bait Whole Cloves, All prices valid (lifetime Shirts only €14.99, Tights buy 2 get 1 Laminating, fax,and stamps, colour BLUESTONE FOR SOOT RANGES Fresh Duck HenIN Farm Eggs Rat Traps, Mouse Traps. Mink Traps, Purse free watches at reasonable prices. Fiddles photocopying service. Watch batteries (Violins) Half, Three Quarter & Full size. Nets, Goose Grease, Sulpher SOME UNWELCOME CHRISTMAS VISITORS? AND CHIMNEYS IN STOCK HIGH GRADE CLEAR PARAFFIN, OIL HEATERS, May weNOW thank you our Customers Ideal present for children. Full selection of Blue TABLE ANDcar LANTERNS FROM €12.99 watchLAMPS straps and key, batteries replaced. Recycling Centre Willow Delph. Epsom for feet baths Rats and Mice; trysalts our Tickets one doseorbait. for your business during the year €1.99 per lb, Briquettes, Firelogs (4 for €5), Coal, 7ft Rod, line & Reel €30 25kg Pumps Gritting Salt CHRISTMAS TREES Rat Traps, Mouse Mink Traps, Kits Pursein-store Nets, Bicycle Tyres, Tubes,Traps, &Dishwashers Repair and we wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas 25kg Granular Salt for Fishing tackle, Pike Rods, spinning rods, fly Freshly cut, all sizes. Goose Grease, Sulphur UNWELCOME 25kgSOME Cube Salt for Watersoftners Laminating, Fax, Stamps, Rods, Reels, Spinners,AND Flys – CHRISTMAS largest selection in FRESH HOLLY and Iron Cast Frypans CHRISTMAS VISITORS? Colour Photocopying Service Recycling Centre Tickets WREATHS AVAILABLE ALSO County Roscommon. Rats andRifles mice -and try our one dose bait Watch Batteries, and Shotguns, Rifles In Stock 25kg Mouse Granular SaltAir for Dishwashers BLUESTONE FOR Watch SOOTStraps IN RANGES Rat Traps, Traps. Mink Traps, Purse Car Key Batteries Replaced Shot Gun Cartridges, Bullets - Eley, Nets, Goose Grease, Sulpher AND CHIMNEYS NOW INkeys, STOCK 25kg cube salt for Water Softeners KEY CUTTING SERVICE – house locker Remmington all top brands stocked. Recycling Centre Tickets 25% OFF ALL Fishing Tackle, Pike Rods, Shotguns, Rifles and Air Rifles in stock. Keys,Lotto mortice, etc. Spinners, Cartridge Belts, Cleaning Kits 25kg Decoys, Gritting Salt Spinning Rods, Fly Rods,car Reels, 25kg Granular Salt for Dishwashers Shotgun Cartridges, See ourSelection selection ofin house Flys - Largest Co. safes. Roscommon 25kg Cube Salt for Watersoftners Laminating, Fax, Stamps, Inland Fisheries Ireland Permits Available and Iron Cast Frypans Colour Photocopying Service Bullets – Eley, Remmington Boxes of chocolates, KEYBatteries, CUTTING SERVICE Licenced Firearms DealerIn Stock Watch Watch Straps and Shotguns, Rifles and Airstocked. Rifles –Want allCartridges, top tins of biscuits, Christmas lights, fibreKEYS optic trees, Car Key Batteries Replaced No Shot Longer Tobrands Licence Your Firearm? Gun Bullets - Eley, HOUSE KEYS, LOCKER Remmington all top brands Cartridge Belts, Decoys and Cleaning long Christmas candles. 25% OFFMORTICE, ALLred Fishing Tackle, Pike Rods, WeCartridge Can StoreBelts, It Or Destroy It For Astocked. SmallKits Fee CAR ETC. Decoys, Cleaning Kits Spinning Rods, Fly Rods, Reels, Spinners, Inland Fisheries Ireland Permits available PETS See our selection of Rabbit Hutches, Bird our selection Safes AllFisheries prices validIreland until December Flys - See Largest Selectionof inHouse Co. Roscommon Inland Permits14th Available cages,KEY Aquariums, dog collars, Dog Leads, Dog Licenced Firearms Dealer CUTTING SERVICE Licenced Firearms Dealer Cushions, Dog Flea Collars. longer wantTotoLicence licence your NoNo Longer Want Your firearm? Firearm? HOUSE KEYS, LOCKER KEYS WeWe Can Store For aAsmall Smallfee. Fee WormersMORTICE, and flea treatments cats and dogs. can storeItitOr orDestroy destroy It it for CARfor ETC.

ROBERT FLYNN

Max, Mark, Emma and Declan Molloy pictured at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Kepak partners with RWN to aid families this Christmas Kepak Athleague has partnered with Roscommon Women’s Network Cycle Up programme to provide support to 110 families within the local community with food and gifts this Christmas. Kepak Athleague has sponsored the making and delivery of food and gift bags by Roscommon Women’s Network to South Roscommon Family Resource Centre and Castlerea Family Resource Centre

to families in need. The bags were made by members of the Roscommon Women’s Network Cycle Up programme. Speaking about the initiative, Kepak Athleague Purchasing Manager, Lorna Kennedy said: “Over the last couple of years, we have had a very successful and rewarding partnership with Roscommon Women’s Network as part of Kepak Athleague’s annual Christmas gifting initiative for 2023.

“We are very conscious of the support we have received from the people of Roscommon over the last number of years so it is particularly important for us to have this opportunity to give back to the community. “We are acutely aware that Christmas can be a challenging time of year for many families and we hope that this initiative can go a small way to bringing some Christmas cheer to those in need”.

Lotto

May we thank you our Customers for your business during the year May we thank you our Customers and wefor wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas your business during the year

See our selection of House Safes

All prices valid until December 14th

and we wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas

Pictured are Ahmad Abo Haileh, Clare Murray, Emer Giblin, Martina Hourigan, Lorna Kennedy (Kepak Athleague Purchasing Manager) and Alena Gurn.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Energy supports are available With colder months bringing a drop in temperatures, energy bills can put households under increased pressure. If you are older, have a disability or long-term illness, the colder weather may be a particular issue. It’s important everyone stays warm this winter. To help, the Government has put in place a range of supports to ease the burden of energy costs. Where needed, keep the rooms you use at home warm and continue to use any appliances or devices that keep you safe and comfortable.

Supports If you are experiencing diﬃculty paying energy bills and/or are worried about being disconnected, please talk to your supplier. For advice and information on consumer rights, call CRU 1800 404 404 If you are over 60 and worried about energy bills or facing other diﬃculties, call Alone 0818 222 014 If you are struggling with other debts on top of energy bills and need help with repayment plans, call MABS 0818 07 2000 For grants related to home energy upgrades for those at risk, visit seai.ie/reduceyouruse

Tips and advice on staying warm while saving energy, plus information on all supports available can be found at gov.ie/ReduceYourUse

Y UR USE

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

Kilbride GAA

WITH KILBRIDE GAA

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW ON

win50k.ie

Kerrane presses Council on Ballaghaderreen Library works Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said it is “absolutely essential” that the timeline for both the works on and the reopening of Ballaghaderreen Library be strictly adhered to. She was speaking following a meeting with the Chief Executive and Director of Services in Roscommon County Council.

Deputy Kerrane said, “It is absolutely essential now that planned works and the reopening date of Q4, 2024 be stuck to. “The library has been closed now for years and planned timelines for works have come and gone. The reopening date has been moved several times and it is now abso-

lutely essential that the latest date of next year is stuck to. “I am assured by the Director of Services that the timeline will be maintained. I will continue to pursue this until the library reopens”. Deputy Kerrane said that she had been assured that the tender will

stipulate that the contractor must be ready to commence works no later than March 2024, and the proposed works are scheduled as requiring 32 weeks to complete. Meanwhile, a temporary library is due to open up near SuperValu in Ballaghaderreen early in the New Year.

newsbriefs

Ann Gunning and Anna Doyle from Beachwood Blues pictured at the Castlerea Christmas Markets held in The Hub in Castlerea recently. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Ring in the New Year in Kilbride!

On Sunday, December 31st, TR Dallas will be playing in Kilbride Community Centre from 10 pm to 12.30 am to ring in the New Year. The event is free and refreshments will be served. Kilbride Community and Leisure Centre are holding this event as a thank you to all their supporters and customers and are asking all community groups to encourage their members to join us on this special occasion!

Oran Parish Walk

A fundraising walk for the three churches in the parish will take place on St. Stephen’s Day. The walk will start at 12 noon at Ballinaheglish Community Centre and finish with refreshments in the centre. Please come along and support the parish as well as catching up with neighbours and friends. €10 per adult/€20 per family.

Christmas Bingo

Ballinaheglish Christmas bingo is on Friday, 22nd of December at 8.30 pm. There will be lots of raffle and spot prizes. The community is asked to please support, as profit from the night is used for the running costs of the centre. New players always welcome!

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

‘Our situation is dire’ claims family of eight living in small caravan second smaller bed and my eldest lad sleeps on the floor. “We’ve put down roots here. The kids are in school. The only caveat we have at this stage is that we can stay in and around Ballinasloe”.

< EMMETT CORCORAN

A family of eight who are facing Christmas living in a small caravan say they are desperate to secure housing from Galway County Council in order to have “basic human dignity” and bring an end to a saga that is taking a great toll on a couple and their six children, ranging in age from 16 down to 5. Martin and Margaret Corcoran, along with their six children, had a home in Ballinasloe until February of this year when they say they were served a termination notice because their landlord wanted to sell the property which they were renting. According to the Residential Tenancy Board, once a termination notice is deemed to be correctly served on this basis, the tenant must comply and leave the property.

Added complexity

Background The result of losing their long-term home in rented private accommodation in Riverview, Ballinasloe was that the family were forced to take desperate action and move into a one-room caravan, which they borrowed from a family member. Initially, the family pitched the caravan on private property near their previous home. However, they were advised that a court order was being sought for their removal. To avoid enduring the humiliation of such a development, the family moved the borrowed caravan to the parking lot of a council-owned estate in Meadowbrook, Ballinasloe, where they have lived since May of this year.

Predicament “The council keep telling us that due to the ages of our children, they will only consider housing us in a five-bedroom house. We don’t want a five-bedroom house, all we want is basic human dignity. A home that has running water and proper sewerage facilities” explained Martin Corcoran. “As it is, we’re all living and sleeping in one room. It is soul-destroying. “They (Galway Co Co) say that due to the ages of our children, they’ll only consider housing us in a five-bedroom house if one becomes available. But

the reality is that the council are not building or buying five-bedroom houses. I can’t see how it makes sense to leave us in a one-room caravan but not consider us for a two or three or four-bedroom house? “We have tried everything with the council (Galway Co Co). A few weeks ago (December 6th) we went to the council offices in Galway City. We brought our sleeping bags with us. We were at our wits’ end”. Of being approached on that occasion by Gardaí, Martin said: “… to be fair, the Gardaí were sound, they appreciated our situation but they had to move us on”. Martin says that the eldest son (16)

Margaret and Martin Corcoran pictured with the caravan they are living in along with their six children.

of the Corcoran family has a medical condition. “My wife and I sleep in one bed along with my 12-year-old son,

eight-year-old daughter, and five-yearold son. Then, my 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old daughter sleep in the

Adding a dimension of complexity to the situation the Corcoran family faces is that while they are pitching their caravan on council property “no offer of housing will be made”. That is according to a response received by Eamonn O’Cuiv (Fianna Fáil TD) from Galway County Council officials. The email, which the Roscommon People has had sight of, says: “This family have a 5 bed need and are currently occupying a caravan in a Council estate. The family remain on the list, however should a suitable property come available our Director of Services has explained that no offer will be made whilst there is a caravan in a council estate, I understand that other elected members have indeed explained this to the family on occasions”. Martin explained that he simply doesn’t know what to do: “If I stay here on council property, I’m being penalised. If I move to the roadside, I’ll be moved on. I don’t own any land to pitch it on myself. I’m a broken man”. Despite the family trying to make the best of what is a self-evidently terrible situation, the level of physical, mental and emotional trauma on the faces of Margaret and Martin was plain to be seen. “The bed sheets are damp, we have no running water” Martin says, adding that due to the ongoing stress and the living conditions they have to contend with, the parents felt they weren’t in a position to send their children to school over the past three weeks. “I’m trying to keep my family together as best as I can but I’ve tried everything and going to the media was the last thing we wanted to do. But we were getting nowhere going any other way”. *Shortly before we went to press, Galway County Council acknowledged receipt of our queries but was not in a position to submit a response at this point.

Charity’s call for a homeless prevention budget

< EMMETT CORCORAN

The Corcoran family told the Roscommon People that they have a path worn to local (Galway) councillors and Oireachtas members looking for a solution. Deputy Claire Kerrane (Sinn Féin, RoscommonGalway) who the family say has advocated on their behalf, told the Roscommon People that she couldn’t comment on an individual case. According to Galway County Council’s website: “The qualifying criteria for

social housing in the county is as follows: If you are in need of housing and unable to provide it from your own resources, you may apply for Local Authority housing, by completing and submitting the Local Authority Housing Application Form”. The article in the housing section of the council’s website continues: “The income limits applicable to social housing are as follows: Maximum income threshold for single person applying to Galway County Council is €35,000. The

maximum income threshold for households applying to Galway County Council is €35,000 (this is the single-person allowance with an additional 5% for each adult (maximum 10%) and 2.5% for each child (maximum 10%)”. Concerning the allocation scheme for social housing, the galway.ie website also states: “Should you refuse two offers of housing within a twelve month period your application will be suspended for twelve months. The Council employ a Traveller Liaison

Officer & 3 Social Workers, who are available to assist Travellers in relation to their housing needs”. According to the Corcoran family, they haven’t had any offer of accommodation in Ballinasloe, or anywhere, and if they were to receive a reasonable offer of accommodation they “certainly wouldn’t be refusing it”. Threshold, the national housing charity providing frontline advice and support services to private renters facing problems in their tenancies, made

the following observation in their most recent preBudget submission to the Government: “The current reality is that many private renters are grap-

pling with precarious living conditions, a constant fear of eviction and rent increases. These struggles can have a profound effect on individuals and families, disrupting their financial stability, mental well-being, and overall quality of life – while putting them at risk of homelessness”. In one section of their submission, Threshold called for a dedicated homeless prevention budget which they claim would cost €43 million. In the submission, Threshold called on the

Government to “... allocate a budget specifically for homeless prevention, amounting to 20% of all homeless expenditure. In Ireland, everyone should be able to live with dignity in a home that is safe and secure. Living without this basic human right, through living in emergency or insecure accommodation, undermines a person’s ability to fully participate in society, in education, or in work, preventing them from fulfilling their potential and contributing to society”.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS IN THE OLD DAYS As you walk through the doors of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey, County Roscommon you can instantly sense you are in a home away from home. Earlier this week, the Roscommon People team had a lovely opportunity to speak with some residents of ‘Shannon Lodge’ about their memories of Christmases long, long ago….

Eileen’s memories of Irish in UK The first lady I was greeted by in Shannon Lodge was Mrs Eileen O’Neill. Born in 1939 near Keshcarrigan, Co Leitrim, Eileen spent a good portion of her working life in the UK. Eileen began recalling the Christmases of her childhood – back in the 1940s – when Ireland was a very different place to now. Eileen regaled me with the tale of her red coat, a Christmas gift from her mother. But it wasn’t just any red coat, it was a beautiful red coat that she coveted for some time, such finery being a rare thing around Keshcarrigan in those years. The coat was owned by a neighbour and was passed on to Eileen’s mother who

turned it inside out, putting her alteration skills to good use and turning the red coat into a beautiful present that Eileen thought was “worth its weight in gold”. Of her time over the years in Birmingham, London and Wales, Eileen had great admiration for the solidarity of the working Irish in the UK. In particular, she had great admiration for the support offered to the Irish in Birmingham by Saint Chad’s Cathedral, especially at Christmas. “It was a home away from home for the Irish in England, particularly for working men and women who perhaps fell on hard times, but even if they hadn’t they were always welcome for Christmas Dinner

at St Chad’s”. Three weeks: that’s how long it would take a letter to make it home for Christmas. “One year I posted home, I think it was seven pounds, for the Christmas” recalls Eileen. The amount of money she described was “...like a millionaire’s wage to those back home”. Every second week throughout her working life in England and Wales, Eileen would send home five pounds to Ireland, a story that will resonate with many people who lived through the impoverished decades of the first half of the 20th century, and indeed into the 1980s. Working in hospitality most of her life, Eileen told me there

Patricia Keeley, a resident of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Patricia ‘happy and healthy at 94’ My next chat was with one Mrs Patricia Keeley, in the beautifully appointed dining room. Patricia was born and raised in Cloonaufill Towland, Rooskey. When I asked if she went to National School in Rooskey, I was greeted with a direct honesty: “Sure where else would I have gone!” Her charm and wit were matched by her mischievous grin. Feeling as though I probably already knew the answer, I asked Patricia: “So, tell me, Patricia, did Santa Claus bring plenty of presents at Christmas time when you were a bit younger than you are today?” She was quick-witted enough to say: “Aye, lots!” It was said with a heartwarming tone, followed by an endearing chuckle. In talking about the Christmas gifts Patricia received from Santa as a child, the one that stood out for her was a baby doll. Curious to know, and forgoing the general chivalry associated with never asking a lady her age, I plucked up the courage to ask Patricia her’s. As we worked backwards from 2023 to 1929, I think we were both equally shocked to realise Patricia

will be celebrating her 94th Christmas this year. As to that pending 94th birthday, Patricia joked about “making the 100” and how great it is to be “happy and healthy at 94”. Patricia recalled watching the first ever broadcast of the Late Late Show on July 6th, 1962, a show which was hosted by the late and no doubt great, Gay Byrne. That was her earliest recollection of having a television in the house. Before television was mainstream, it was all about the wireless (radio): “I used to love listening to Irish music playing on what was then Radio Éireann”. As we wrapped up our lovely chat, Patricia couldn’t let me go without reminding me that she was a local of Rooskey and that she knew the Reynolds family well, including former Taoiseach Albert and his brothers Jim and Joe. There was great banter between the caregivers and residents throughout my visit. I asked Patricia how the staff were looking after her. She said they were “very nice and lovely”. Patricia’s heartwarming smile, ladylike manner, and her charming wit would put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

was many a morning, at 6 am, that she’d come along and put her hands into the cold, icy waters of the sink, preparing for the day’s work ahead. “On occasion there’d be a supervisor looking over your shoulder at you”. I asked Eileen: “Would they ever roll up their sleeves and help out?” “No,” she said: “They wouldn’t lower themselves to that!” If you asked me to sum up Eileen after our brief chat, which I’m sure we could have continued for many hours more, hand on heart I’d have to say she was one of the sharpest, wittiest and most pleasant ladies I ever had the pleasure of meeting.

REPORT:

PHOTOS:

EMMETT CORCORAN

KIERAN CROGHAN

Eileen O’Neill, a resident of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Rosaleen’s Declan Nerney connection

My next fireside chat was with Mrs Rosaleen Cullen, from Drumlish, Co. Longford, and I got an expert lesson in the economics of rearing and selling turkeys in times long since gone by. “My mother would raise thirteen turkeys for Christmas. A baker’s dozen” began Rosaleen. “It would take four weeks to the day from an egg being laid to the day they’d hatch. And we’d feed them up to Christmas. “We’d only keep hen turkeys at home. I think it would be about 2 and 6 to have the hen covered by a stag turkey, some would call them toms,” explained Rosaleen. And yet again my ignorance was exposed: “And why would you pay another family 2 and 6 to cover a hen when you could

have a stag hen of your own?” “Sure that would be inbreeding. The pedigree mattered in the rearing of good turkeys,” explained Rosaleen. “There’d be one or two families we’d bring the hens to have them covered maybe once or twice a year”. “Do you remember who you’d bring them to, the families, I mean?” I asked next. “Oh, I do, of course, Nerney’s were only up the road. Declan was a lovely nice lad”. It took me a few seconds to put one and two together and realise we were talking about none other than the famous country singer Declan Nerney. “He’s still a fine nice lad” Rosaleen assured me. “Would you like to see him again soon?”

Rosaleen Cullen, a resident of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey. Pic: Kieran Croghan

“Arra, I suppose I would,” said Rosaleen, before asking: “Do you think he’d come for a visit?” I told her I wasn’t sure if Joe Finnegan had any sway with him but if he did we’d try to get in contact with him. Rosaleen recalls that as a child there was always great excitement in waiting for Santa to come: “We wouldn’t get as much as we’d asked for and we certainly wouldn’t get as much as they’d get today. But we always got something and were glad of whatever we got”. Biscuits and tea arrived for the residents who had gathered in the dining room for our chat, prompting me to ask Rosaleen: “What would you get in the line of sweets on Christmas Day?” “You’d be glad to get a caramel sweet, very glad of it”. Curious about the changes over time, I asked Rosaleen if she remembered any informal traditions that have died out over the years. She recalled the postmen of old would be greatly delayed if they had deliveries on Christmas Eve: “They’d be as drunk as a Lord on Christmas Eve, going from house to house. It was a tradition that the postman would come in off his bike and share a glass of whiskey on Christmas Eve”.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS IN THE OLD DAYS

Sean’s vivid memories of Christmases past At this stage, I was privileged to get the opportunity to sit and speak one-to-one with a great friend, mentor and gentleman of the highest order, former Fine Gael councillor, Sean Beirne. Before we got into his personal experiences of Christmas, and memories from childhood, we began our chat by continuing the economics lesson. I was transported back to my youth as Sean reminded me that the selling of turkeys at Christmas would often be how farming families would pay their bills which accrued during the year with local merchants. (As an aside, growing up in Strokestown in the 1990s, we had a book in every shop. There was a book in Beirne’s, in Hanly’s, in Spar and in Strokestown Hardware). Continuing in an economic frame of mind, Sean advised me that the Strokestown Christmas Fair/Market would be held on the last Friday before Christmas. “The town would be mighty busy” he recalled. “Strokestown was a fantastic market town in those days” he said, before adding that it remains a good trading town to this day. The former county councillor explained: “For a lot of farming families the turkeys that would be sold before the Christmas would pay off whatever was on

the books with local shopkeepers and merchants”. A great conversation then developed with Sean who told me he was born in 1944 and was raised in Derryfadden, Strokestown. Sean was the eldest of five, his sister Mary being the youngest. He recalled there always being great excitement and a sense of joy in the build-up to the Yuletide festivities. “I distinctly remember receiving the board game Snakes & Ladders as a young boy, as a gift from Santa Claus. On another occasion, I received a spinning top. They were the types of gifts you could expect back in the 1940s and ‘50s”. Sean said that for the most part, young girls would receive dolls: “Some were made of wood, others more lifelike. If there was a few extra pounds in the house a young girl would be lucky to get a doll’s house along with their doll”. Christmas morning Mass would be the first thing on the agenda on a day which was strictly to be celebrated with family: “I don’t recall a midnight Mass when I was a boy. But there would be two Masses on Christmas Day. “My home place was four and a half miles to Tulsk and four and a half miles to Strokestown, I was equidistant

between the two churches”. I asked would the family have had a car at the time – again a question exposing my own ignorance of the day-to-day reality of rural living in the 1940s and 50s! Sean replied: “We’d travel to Mass on a horse and trap, which was a lovely way to travel in those days. It really was”. Sean said you’d fast from midnight the night before receiving communion, and it would be very strictly observed. Again being a mischievous elf, given the time of year and craic that was being had, I put it to Sean that we understand that pubs were strictly always closed on Christmas Day. “But were there any local haunts that might let one or two in for a drink after Mass?” I asked. “No,” Sean said, “it was always very strictly observed as a family day”. St Stephen’s Day was the beginning of the end of the Christmas season: “It was always a day of celebration, the weeks and months of work and stress and build-up were over and everyone could unwind. And just as the churches would be thronged on Christmas Day, the local pubs would be filled on St Stephen’s Day and night”. “Now, many a one would have done the Wrenboys,” Sean recalled.

Staff from Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey pictured on Tuesday. Pic: Kieran Croghan

“Did you ever do it yourself, Sean?” And with a jolly chuckle, he said: “I think I did it once, but I don’t remember having much to offer in terms of singing and dancing. So, I don’t think there was much got out of it”. I asked Sean if he feels that Christmas has changed for the

better or worse over the years? Stopping and thinking, presumably to get his words right, as Sean has always done throughout his life, he delivered a most sincere response to my arguably pointed question. “Well, I’ve always loved the build-up to Christmas. In recent times, I suppose, there is more

of a sort of magic in young children nowadays that’s nice and probably wasn’t around when I was a child. Or maybe it just wasn’t the same. So in that sense, it’s probably changed for the better. Children can probably enjoy it more, but we also have to remember those who have less at this time of year”.

Family-run nursing home with focus on health and happiness < EMMETT CORCORAN

I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with the various residents of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home earlier this week. It’s no wonder that the residential nursing home is often the recipient of high praise by HIQA for their standard of resident care. At Shannon Lodge the residents decorate their rooms the way they want to, the rooms are personalised, and they are assisted with their activities of daily living with things as simple as having their hair brushed to regular snacks and a good varied menu tailored to each resident’s dietary needs. “Our home is surviving on the goodwill of our family, and in particular my wife Edel, who is the Director of Nursing”, explained Adrian Cox, the Registered Provider and Managing Director of Shannon Lodge Nursing Home. “Making sure that our residents are safe, happy and healthy is at the forefront of what we do. “Every single member of staff, resident

and family member who visits us is an extension of the Cox family, as far as we are concerned,” explained Adrian, continuing: “And speaking of extensions, in another context, our goal for 2024 is to extend the nursing home from a current 36-bed home to a 51-bed home for which we recently secured planning permission. “Provided we can keep the bills paid, we’ll keep this nursing home open as a nursing home and it will be a family-run nursing home because that is the only way you can guarantee not just the health of residents but their happiness, which in my book is of paramount importance”. Thanking the Roscommon People for visiting, Adrian concluded: “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone… including our staff, our residents, their families, our suppliers and the wider community for all the support they offer us here, throughout the year. Merry Christmas to one and all and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year”. Shannon Lodge Nursing Home in Rooskey. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

WHAT IS ROSCOMMON? The Gaelic Chieftain in Boyle.

By Paul Healy

What is Roscommon?

Maureen O’Sullivan. Jimmy Murray. Dermot Earley.

What was Roscommon in the days that have passed…

But we have giants everywhere.

What is Roscommon now… in OUR time

What is Roscommon in 2023?

What will Roscommon be… as we nurture it for new generations?

It is a county defined – as ever – by its people.

Roscommon gets its name from a 6th century saint – Coman – of whom relatively little is known.

Giants everywhere… ordinary people building monuments every day without really realising it.

A distinguished first page in the first chapter of the Roscommon story.

Who are we? We are the woman who chats to her daughter in Canada by Zoom, separated by thousands of miles, bonded by love…

What is this story, this place, this county, these people? Can we press pause in our fastmoving lives and appreciate who we are… Founded by a saint.

We are the elderly farmers at the mart discussing the price of cattle, that and the ways of the world. The volunteers who seamlessly, silently gather to organise lighting, parking, refreshments, at rural funerals.

Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle.

Ros-Coman. Built on a rock of faith.

We are children in the playground…

A good start.

Families, the bedrock of our society.

Roscommon is steeped in a history and heritage of spellbinding significance.

Our youth, in whom we will entrust everything… our culture, our heritage, our decency, our spirit, our resilience and our values.

Look at our castles, our sites of major archaeological importance, our abbeys, our churches, our Great Houses…

Roscommon’s young people embracing the Information & Digital Age, still respectful of maintaining traditions… a vibrant generation writing new pages of history for themselves, their parishes, their place.

Rathcroghan, the home of Queen Maeve, the seat of the High Kings of Connacht and later the High Kings of Ireland.

Following in footsteps… and mapping a route at the same time.

Do we cherish our beautiful county? Think of our history and heritage, of Roscommon’s natural beauty. Lough Key Forest Park. Gateway to magical childhood memories… of happy family gatherings. Historic buildings. Beautiful lakes. Wonderful parks. Towns, villages and rural countryside that sometimes seem to almost stop time itself, seducing you into a world for which the term ‘quality of life’ might have been coined. Serenity waiting to be savoured.

Look around you.

An aerial view of Roscommon Castle and Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon Town.

Never underestimate how special our county is. Part of the world famous West of Ireland… Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. At its centre, at its heart… and happy to shed ‘hidden’ and embrace ‘unhidden’… … a process that needs the ongoing support of all government and agency stakeholders…

…our great, voluntary-driven communities willing, as always, to sow the seeds of what can be.

Down the centuries, through the decades, linking the generations… our people prevailed.

What gives our beautiful county its soul?

Resourceful. Hard-working. Talented. Proud of their culture. Proud of their place. Giants, often defined by their spirit. Some of our giants have their names embedded in the history pages.

Our people. Look around you. There are giants everywhere. Our people were true to St Coman, to their faith.

Percy French. Douglas Hyde. Fr. Edward Flanagan.

Look at our people, our giants… The heroes we need… … and the unsung authors of the small print that is the Roscommon story. 2013 was a challenging time. As the Gathering embraced returning Roscommon people, it was impossible not to feel the emotional backdrop then, with many amongst our young generation travelling the opposite way. Emigration, as ever, part of our national narrative.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople In 2013, the year of The Gathering, the newly-formed Roscommon Solstice Choir asked Roscommon People Editor Paul Healy to try to capture the ‘Gathering mood’ by penning a special celebration of County Roscommon, its people and heritage, for inclusion in their three summer concerts that year. The subsequent piece, ‘What is Roscommon?’was read by Paul and selected special guests as part of the Choir’s three concerts that year. At the Solstice Choir’s recent magnificent, uplifting 10th anniversary concert in Roscommon Town, Paul performed a slightly updated version of ‘What is Roscommon?’ On foot of this recent reading, we have been asked by Roscommon Solstice Choir and by several people who attended the concert to consider publishing the piece at some stage in the Roscommon People. Here goes…

Members of the Bueno family pictured at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Strokestown House on a winter’s evening.

We knew then that, midst the challenges and economic uncertainty, those pursuing career opportunities, adventures and tantalising dreams were taking the spirit of Roscommon with them, and sprinkling it around the world.

The decade since 2013 brought more change… We embraced the stricken people of Ukraine.

Most of all, these recent years, we stood together – well, we stood apart, but you know what I mean – during the Covid-19 pandemic. We were socially distanced – but bonded in every other sense.

10 years on, a familiar trend now.

We oiled the wheels of our communities.

Some of today’s youth, maybe even most, will travel the world. Some may anchor abroad, but they will return.

Our writers and poets and actors and artists and musicians excelling in the arts.

All will bring Roscommon with them, until Roscommon draws most or all back.

A sports-mad county punching above its weight, in so many sports.

We lost loved ones, in the most harrowing and poignant circumstances.

Our businesses, farmers and communities striving to stay afloat in often choppy waters, through innovation and resilience.

We remember them, then AND now AND always.

POETRY CORNER

Ravaged by the storm, we reached the shore.

A Pebble Thrown

What Would Have Been

By Fr. Cornelius A Mullaney

By Matthew Loftus

A pebble, thrown on a placid pool, though small, indeed, is quick to stir unruffled calm. Likewise, a fool may agitate, and guilt incur.

Half of your Mom and half of your Dad, You would have been kind, you would have been mad.

The 10 years have passed quickly. From Arigna towards Athlone, and from Boyle towards Ballinasloe, the days, weeks, months and years of our lives are threaded by living and love, laughter and grief, loss and the wonder of recurring new life…

Our people loyal to our people. The winds of change can be scary, but change brings opportunity too.

Softly steeled against uncertainty. Covid showcased our greatest strength: our sense of community.

Together. You do not need to be in Roscommon to be of Roscommon. Wherever we are, and whenever it is… Then… now… in the future… … it is defined and it is done. The characters may change, but the great Roscommon story won’t. It is our county. Our people. Our community, our culture. Our pride. Our time. We salute Roscommon people everywhere. We are Roscommon, then, now and always.

The picturesque Demesne in Castlerea.

We are Roscommon.

Miah Cook pictured with her grandmother Yvonne White at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

A little word with malice meant may reach some heart and poison all The gentle poise: The soul’s content: ‘Til death from death the spirit call. A shoulder’s shrug may sometimes speak of cold regard for one’s best friend And calumny abroad may leak, To bring red blush – but die, condemned. And, so, the petty slight is born, And daily creeps to magnitude: Where first did shine the sun at morn By eve there sets sore solitude. The weight of words is with their worth; and each will pain, or edify. Be careful, friend, and ne’er unearth man’s hidden fall – His praise will die!

Inside your Mom for eight weeks you grew, I know you loved her and I know she loved you. Only God knows why you couldn’t stay, But we trust in His plan and we accept His ways. It hurts so much to have not got to know you, Your Mom would have given her life just to hold you. But you are not alone up there, you have your older sister, And when you get to play together, please tell her that we miss her. We are a family of four who just haven’t all met, Half of us down here and in Heaven, the rest. But soon we will all be together, a family as one, So take care of each other until Mom & Dad get Home.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

Christmas songs and music create special communal atmosphere over festive season Let’s talk about ... Christmas music and festivity

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

Despite living in Galway for several years now and being an annual frequenter of the Christmas Markets in Eyre Square, somehow, in all that time, I had never managed a visit to the Galway Beer Tent. By contrast, each and every other aspect of the markets I have indeed become well acquainted with over the years, and there’s little I’m not a fan of. I insist on going on the Ferris Wheel each visit. I habitually waste (too much) money on the little carnival games that everyone says are probably rigged – and for my poor success rate’s sake, I hope they are. I have to stop and look at each knickknack-y stall that catches my eye, and compare the wares to what was up for grabs last year (up until recently there used to be, among all the stalls selling tree ornaments and kitschy festive crafts – the expected Christmassy stuff – a stall that exclusively sold shower heads! So there really is something for everyone I guess). I love a good market on a regular day, never mind when imbued with the atmosphere created by the cheery spirit, colourful lights, and music this time of year brings. And so I’ve come to know the markets quite well. I know the best route to take to see everything without doubling back. I know which food stalls are worth the visit. I am, at this stage, probably able to tell you off the top of my head which decorations go where and exactly which songs they play on loop over the speakers. But the beer tent is where my accumulated familiarity with the markets begins to dry up. For all my visits, and for all my willingness to spend money on overpriced goods for the sake of indulging in the festive spirit, that little popup pub that forms the centre of the city’s annual markets has remained a bit of a mystery to me. This was not done intentionally. It’s just the way it happened. I could cite the usual culprit (Covid) for doing rid with a couple of the opportunities to visit, but it probably also

has a lot to do with coincidence, the perpetually long queues, and the fact that the going price of a mulled wine in there isn’t very sustainable on a student’s budget. Nevertheless, it’s the type of place you feel you have to go to at least once – even if only just for the sake of being able to say you have. And so this year, I finally got around to visiting it, dropping in with a few friends a couple of weeks ago… for about an hour that is, before we were politely ushered out to make room for whoever had had the foresight to book a table. And as much as it had built itself a bit of mythology in my head the longer I forewent a visit, after all that vague anticipation, the Galway Christmas Beer Tent ended up being (apologies for spoilers) exactly what you’d expect: a host of tables, some music, and a lot of overpriced drink… and also, of course, a generally lively atmosphere. Oddly, the one thing that surprised me was the music. I guess it was my expectation that like the rest of the markets outside, the beer tent would be playing holiday music on repeat. However – and perhaps I visited on an atypical night or at an atypical time – in the short time I was there, the ratio of our regular pub songs to Christmas tunes was unmistakably skewed in favour of the former. I think I recall only two Christmas songs being played, and between the two that did, I can only recall the name of one – Fairytale of New York. Like presumably the entire country, Fairytale is a favourite of mine when it comes to festive tunes – a sentiment so universal it sometimes feels like

Creggs Charity Walk on St Stephen’s Day The hardy walkers of the region will be out in force in Creggs on St Stephen’s Day – Tuesday, December 26th – for the annual trek ‘up, down, and around the Mountain’ in aid of local charities. Four charities have been chosen for this year’s walk, and they are the two local hospice groups (Mayo Roscommon and Galway), Pieta, and the Sunshine Room in Creggs NS. This year, organisers are hoping that once again the people of the region will opt to walk off the turkey and Christmas excess with the 9-mile walk – of course not forgetting the traditional stop-off at Mary Devaney’s house in Friaryland for a cup of tea, some refreshments, and maybe even a song! For further information, contact Michael O’Roarke at O’Roarke’s Spar, Creggs.

the most generic possible answer to “What’s your favourite Christmas song?”. But this was not the main reason it’s the only tune I can definitively name as having played during that visit. The main reason, as many of you will have guessed, is because of the song’s lead singer Shane MacGowan, or more specifically, because of his recent passing. As it happens, the evening I visited the beer tent for the first time was actually the very same day of his passing. At the Fairytale’s opening notes, you could see members at each table turn to each other to break the news – “Didja know he died today?” – before such conversations died away as the crowd all joined in to sing it together, in the collective, slightly off-pitch, camaraderie-tinged way a crowd always does when it comes on in a pub. This is a phenomenon we are all familiar with – the start of a popular song causing little renditions to break out among the people gathered until the whole place has become a de facto, impromptu, amateur choir. It’s a practice born of good spirits and shared enthusiasm, and it’s something that’s hard not to be fond of (especially considering the fact that there’s usually a few drinks involved when it happens; ‘good spirits’ can be taken literally or figuratively). It’s also something we come across a lot more at Christmas, a time when we tend to have more opportunities to share a few drinks and even just to gather around. That’s where a good sing-song thrives.

I know myself that in our family, a sing-song is often an inevitability at any big or late enough family gathering, but especially at this time of the year. The practice of singing together is something that feels tied not just to the holidays – in both the aforementioned sense and also because of carolling and the wren – but specifically to Ireland as well. The sing-song is one of our longest standing traditions, one that helped create our reputation as a musical people, our expansive discography of traditional music, and even the way we sing, if you consider how stylings like sean-ós came about. Like a good market, I will take a good sing-song any day. I love an excuse for a song. I love the communal atmosphere it creates. I like the way each person gets a turn to do a piece, the way everyone is convinced to eventually whether they’re initially eager to or not (it’s like offering someone a biscuit – “Ah no, I couldn’t possibly”, “Ah go on you will”, “No, no”, “You will”, “Ah sure feck it I will”). And like a good market, in my view a good singsong is one of those things that is only enhanced at this time of year – everyone knows the songs, everyone’s feeling merry, and everyone is gathered together; something that doesn’t get a chance to happen often enough, and something that is so important to savour as the years go on and we find the Christmas table ever-becoming a few loved ones short. Whether it’s a bit of Bing Crosby played low as you put up the baubles, some Dean Martin in the background as you prep the big dinner, or joining in on a few tunes at the pub on the 27th, while carolling/on the Wren, or at a gathering with loved ones, it’s probably safe to assume that for all of us, music is part and parcel of the yearly festivities. The familiar sound of your favourite Christmas song no doubt is one of the things that instantly puts you in the holiday mood, like the smell of cinnamon or the sight of a box of Cadbury Roses. As the year wraps up and we all (hopefully) get the opportunity to spend some quality time with our loved ones, fingers crossed we each will have as many chances as possible to experience the same joyful, communal feeling felt through simple things like a Christmas singsong, sharing a dinner, or having a few drinks with friends. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and here’s to a great year for us all in 2024.

St Patrick’s Church announce return of Live Crib this Saturday

Locals admire ‘The Live Crib’ during preparations earlier this week.

St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy, is delighted to announce the return of its much-anticipated Live Crib on Saturday, December 23rd, after 7.30 pm Mass. St Patrick’s Church is inviting people to immerse themselves in the true spirit of the Christmas season. The Live Crib showcases a life-size representation of the traditional Bethlehem nativity scene, complemented by the presence of real farm animals. Glenamaddy parishioners, no strangers to the arts/drama, take on the roles of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the shepherds, while Christmas carols will be sung by Glenamaddy Church Senior Choir. In the midst of wintry gloom, the crib and its profound symbolism affirm life, illuminate our surroundings, and instill hope in the hearts of people of goodwill throughout our parish. Fr Anthaiah Pudota (Parish Priest) said, “We eagerly anticipate the arrival of individuals of all ages and faiths to partake in the sights, sounds, and scents of that inaugural Christmas night”. The Live Crib will commence immediately after 7.30 pm Mass on Saturday, December 23rd, and admission is free. Bring the whole family along, and come embrace the true spirit of Christmas! A huge thanks is extended to the Live Crib committee for all their enthusiasm and hard work over the past few weeks.

#Roscommon Together Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

€1,000

TEN €100 * VOUCHERS to be won by ten lucky readers!

n o m m o c s o R ‘ o t Entries er h c u o V r e b m a h C n o n o o n 2 1 y b ’ competition 3 2 0 2 , d n 2 2 r e b Friday, Decem Roscommon Chamber & Roscommon People

VOUCHER COMPETITION ENTRY FORM Find the Roscommon Chamber Crest The crest appeared in following advertisements:

Week One 1: ___________________________________________ 2: ___________________________________________

Courtesy of the Roscommon People & Roscommon Chamber of Commerce

Week Two 1: ___________________________________________ 2: ___________________________________________

How to enter

The #RoscommonTogether promotion will be published in the Roscommon People between now and Christmas. That’s four issues, including this one! Each week of the campaign we’ll ‘hide’ the Roscommon Chamber crest in TWO of the advertisements published as part of the #RoscommonTogether promotion.

Find the Crest

To enter, name all eight advertisements in which the Chamber crest is ‘hidden’ – that’s two each week. Only submit your entry after Week 4 of the campaign (Roscommon People issue dated December 22nd, 2023). Entries to ‘Roscommon Chamber Voucher competition’ by 12 noon on Friday, December 22nd, 2023. Please make sure to include your name, address and contact number – and all eight answers (see entry coupon)! Entries by post or hand to the Roscommon People, People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. We will accept entries by email to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie * Ten winners will be selected, with each winner receiving a €100 voucher

Week Three 1: ___________________________________________ 2: ___________________________________________ Week Four 1: ___________________________________________ 2: ___________________________________________

ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON -------------------------------

Name: ________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ ______________________________________________ Tel. no: _______________________________________

* Vouchers redeemable with businesses that are members of Roscommon Chamber.

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and New Year and thank you for all your support in 2023

Crystal Clear • Soft wash Red+Green Algae removal • Power Washing Driveway/footpaths • Window Cleaning • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Tel. 086 4087492 or 086 3645037 You Call – we clean it all!

Festival-goers pictured at the recent Roscommon Christmas Festival in Roscommon Town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

ROSCOMMON - CHARTRETTES

@;;m/t; @w� 1998-2023

This year is the 25th anniversary of the twinning of Roscommon Town and Chartrettes in France. In the second article of a new Roscommon People series, CORMAC FLEMING writes about Christmas in France. It is hoped that through these articles, more people in Roscommon will get the opportunity to connect with the twinning experience.

TOWN TWINNING THOUGHTS

Le Noël en France < CORMAC FLEMING

Christmas in France is a magical time, filled with unique customs and traditions. At the heart of these celebrations is the ‘Réveillon de Noël,’ an extravagant feast held on Christmas Eve. Families gather to share a sumptuous meal featuring culinary delights such as roast turkey, foie gras, and the quintessential Yule log dessert, all accompanied by the finest wines and champagne. The art of decorating plays a significant role in creating the festive atmosphere. Streets and homes are adorned with twinkling lights, festive garlands, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Christmas markets offer an array of handmade crafts, treats and unique gifts, adding to the enchantment of the season. Music plays a very small role in the country’s holiday celebration and, while you might hear an English language tune or two in stores, the French

are decidedly not that interested in binging on Christmas carols. Religious traditions are however integral to the French Christmas experience. Many families attend Midnight Mass, a solemn occasion that brings communities together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Afterwards, families return home to exchange gifts and enjoy quality time with their loved ones. Crèche is the French word for nativity scene, and you’ll find one in most French homes where the holiday is celebrated. The displays tend to be elaborate, featuring village scenes and many figurines in addition to Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus. No French Christmas would be complete without the iconic figure of ‘Père Noël’, or Santa Claus. On the night of December 24th, children eagerly place their shoes by the fireplace, hoping to find them filled with gifts from the jolly old man. Wishes of ‘Joyeux Noël’ and ‘Bonne Année’ resonate throughout the sea-

son, embodying the spirit of goodwill and hope. The French approach to Christmas is not just a day of festivities; it’s a celebration of tradition, generosity, and the joy of sharing special moments with family and friends. KEY WORDS AND PHRASES YOU CAN LEARN! Joyeux Noël – Merry Christmas Bonne Année – Happy New Year Réveillon de Noël - Christmas Eve feast Bûche de Noël – Yule log (traditional Christmas dessert) Marché de Noël – Christmas market Messe de minuit – Midnight Mass Père Noël – Santa Claus Cadeaux – Gifts Décoration – Decoration Sapin de Noël – Christmas tree If you’re interested in finding out more about the Roscommon-Chartrettes twinning, please contact us at rostwinning@gmail.com

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

090 6626334 l www.donnellan.ie

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and New Year from

CHRISTY TULLY BAR & CATERING SUPPLIES

Laura, Michael and Fergal Tully pictured with children Caoimhe, Holly and Tommy at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Seamus and Joan Mulhern pictured with their children Mikey, Chloe and TJ at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Happy Christmas!

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l Paper & Hygiene

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Mella Stephens pictured with Oonagh, Ruairi and Saoirse McGreevy at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Equipment l Bar Furniture Tinfoil & Cling film etc.

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Anna and her daughter Ava pictured at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights in Roscommon town. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mops & Buckets l Squeegees l Signs l Refuse sacks l Channel blocks l Drain openers l Pallet wrap

CONTACT: CHRISTY ON 086 2209338

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Newsround GLEESONS

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Service of Holy Communion

St Coman’s Church of Ireland, Henry Street, Roscommon, will host a Service of Holy Communion on Christmas Day at 11.30 am. Wishing all a blessed and peaceful Christmas and New Year!

Alzheimers (Roscommon) St Stephen’s Day Walk

The Western Alzheimers voluntary committee in Roscommon are hosting their annual St Stephen’s Day Charity Walk (5k/10k). The event will take place at 12 noon on December 26th, taking off from Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Entry is €10 per person, or €20 per family. The Castlerea Brass & Reed Band will be in attendance before the walk and Paula McNamara will cut the ribbon to start the race. All proceeds will be in aid of Western Alzheimers Roscommon day care. This is an event organised by a voluntary committee, and your support would be greatly appreciated.

Also: Newspapers/magazines; greeting cards; gifts; toys; stationery & school books Thank you to all our customers for their support throughtout the year. Wishing you all a very happy and safe Christmas and every good wish for the New Year

29/11/2023 15:11:34

CHRISTMAS IN THE KITCHEN

Gluten-free Vegan Mince Pies Ingredients Crust: 63g rice flour (brown or white) 63g almond flour 4 tbsp almond butter 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ tsp pure orange extract ¼ tsp salt Mince: 113g apricot jam 55g dried fruit mix (mostly raisins, but can include dried cherries, dried currants, dried cranberries, etc.) 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ tsp pure orange extract ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp of each: nutmeg, cloves, ground ginger ¼ tsp salt

Source: unconventionalbaker.com

What to do… Pre-heat the oven to 175°C and grease a mini muffin tray with vegan spread. Mix all crust ingredients in a food processor into a uniform sticky mixture. Remove a quarter of the mixture and set aside. Grab a bit less than a tablespoon’s-worth of the remaining mixture with your hands and roll into a little ball, then flatten into a disk, place inside one of the muffin tray cups and shape into a crust along the base and edges with your fingers. Repeat with remaining mixture until all the cups are lined. Use a fork to press in a ribbed edge all around the top of each crust. Mix all mince filling ingredi-

ents into a uniform mixture in a food processor. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each mini-pie (you should have about 1-2 tablespoons remaining as extra to add to any which need more at the end). Roll out the remaining tiny bit of crust dough remaining between two sheets of parchment into a 1/16” thickness (or even a bit thinner). Use a tiny cookie cutter to make little star cut-outs (or any other shape), top each pie with a star, gather any remaining dough and repeat until you have enough to top each mini pie. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, dust with dairy-free coconut milk powder (optional) and enjoy!

#Roscommon RoscommonTogether Together

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

MOLLOY’S White Chocolate Main St., Roscommon. Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net Cranberry Cheesecake (Vegan and gluten-free) SEASONAL TIPPLES Car Park at rear CHRISTMAS IN THE KITCHEN

Valid December 21st to 26th

Source: nirvanacakery.com

Ingredients Crust Layer 150g mix of almonds & walnuts 120g mix of dates, figs & raisins ¼ orange, zest 1½tsp ground ginger 1tsp cinnamon A pinch of ground cloves A pinch of sea salt 1tsp maple syrup Cranberry Layer 120g cashews, soaked for 4 hours 100g fresh cranberries ¼ orange, zest ½tsp cinnamon A pinch of sea salt 60ml maple syrup 60ml orange juice 1tbsp lemon juice 120ml melted coconut butter White Chocolate Layer 120g cashews, soaked for 4 hours 60ml maple syrup 60ml almond milk 1tbsp lemon juice 2tsp vanilla extract 80ml melted cacao butter

Crust Layer Prepare 7” square cake tin with removable base. Place almonds and walnuts into a food processor and pulse few times until they are coarsely ground. Add pitted dates, figs, raisins, orange zest, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Blend until the mixture starts coming together when pressed. Add maple syrup if needed and blend until the mixture sticks together. Spoon the mix into the tin. Press tightly and evenly onto the base and place into a fridge.

Cranberry Layer In a double boiler gently melt coconut butter and set aside. Rinse the soaked cashews for the cranberry layer under running water and place into a high-speed blender. Add cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, orange juice and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Slowly add melted coconut butter and blend until incorporated. Spoon the mixture onto the crust layer and smooth out the top. Cover the cake with a layer of baking paper and cling film on top and place into a freezer for about an hour until set enough for the white chocolate layer.

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White Chocolate Layer In a double boiler gently melt cacao butter and set aside. Rinse the soaked cashews for the white chocolate layer under running water and place into a high-speed blender. Add maple syrup, almond milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Slowly add melted cacao butter and blend until incorporated. Spoon the mixture onto the cranberry layer and smooth out the top. Cranberry Swirl To make the cranberry swirl blend the cranberries with maple syrup and orange juice until completely smooth and dollop on top of your white chocolate layer. Now use a toothpick to gently swirl it around. Cover the cake with a layer of baking paper and cling film on top and place into a freezer overnight until completely set. Once set, carefully remove from the tin and with a sharp knife cut into 8 or 16 bars. Leave to thaw before serving. Store in a fridge or freezer.

NEW YEAR BELTERS

Valid December 29th to 1st January

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

s g n i t e e r g Season’s from Local Representatives Cllr. John

KEOGH

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council

Rose Cottage, Cloongowna, Bealnamullia, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 6440534

Your Proud Representative For Roscommon-Galway The Square, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon T: 087 9400383

cllrjkeogh@roscommoncoco.ie

Cllr. Laurence FALLON

Society Street, Ballinasloe, County Galway E: aisling.dolan@oireachtas.ie W: www.aislingdolan.org

Ballagh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Senator Eugene Murphy

M: 086 8575512 E: cllrlfallon@roscommoncoco.ie SHOP LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL, STAY LOCAL

Seanad Spokesperson CommunityAffairs Rural and the Islands Clinics available at all times. Tel. 087 1668775 Email: eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Cllr. Tony

WARD

Tel: (090) 64 88294 or Mobile: (087) 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net Independent member of Roscommon County Council and a full time public representative.

Councillor Joe Murphy Scramogue, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 0861052197 Email: cllrjmurphy@roscommoncoco.ie

Tom Crosby Strokestown/Boyle Electoral Area

MOBILE:

086 6005530 www.tomcrosby.ie

facebook.com/ tomcrosby twitter.com/cllrtomcrosby

Cllr. John

Cummins Abbeytown, Boyle (086) 8234050 (071) 96 63354

Cllr

John Naughten

ARDKEENAN, DRUM, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON

(090) 6437928 / (087) 9019334

E.: cllrjnaughten@roscommoncoco.ie

Independent Community Councillor

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723

Cllr. Kathleen

SHANAGHER Ard Aoibhinn, Athlone Road, Roscommon

T: 090 6627138 M: 086 3726743 • email: cllrkshanagher@roscommoncoco.ie Shop Local, Strengthen Your Local Economy and Invest in Your Community.

Cllr. Valerie Byrne Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Tel.: 071 9635384 Mobile: 086 8887897 cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Season’s greetings from

Local Representatives

Cllr. ORLA

LEYDEN Mobile:

087 2819918 “Working with the Community”

Cllr Emer

KELLY

Phone: 087 0664568 Email: cllrekelly@roscommoncoco.ie Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: Cllr Emer Kelly

CLLR. LIAM CALLAGHAN YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie

Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment, tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice@oireachtas.ie

Michael

Business

Varadkar briefed on obstacles to regional development and proposals for economic growth The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) recently held a special meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and outlined a priority list of major projects, which it says are urgently needed to address some of the region’s key development challenges. The NWRA outlined that the region’s infrastructure deficits are seriously undermining the development of the Northern and Western Region’s economy – and called for greater investment in the motorway, higher education and rail networks of Ireland’s most rural-oriented region. The Assembly’s region, which encompasses the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Monaghan, and Cavan, is officially classified as a ‘Transition Region’ by the European Commission. The title is given to regions in which the GDP per capita is between 75% and 100% of the EU27 average. The Northern and Western Region is the only region in Ireland to hold such a status, with development challenges ranging from lower productivity and educational attainment and a weaker skills base and business environment. At the meeting, held in the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan last Friday, the Taoiseach was told that disposable income in the Northern and Western Region is just 84% of the State average – which is

much lower compared to previous years – and that the region’s share of Ireland’s population has been in decline since 2011. The NWRA, represented by county councillors from its member counties and Director Denis Kelly, set out a series of specific priorities which it wants the Taoiseach to advance. These include: addressing regional imbalances by providing more than half of funding under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to the Northern and Western Region for the next EU funding period (2028-2035), prioritising the delivery of a series of key infrastructure projects (including ATU infrastructure and roads and rail infrastructure within/linking urban centres of scale), removing the match-funding requirements for projects under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in the Northern and Western region (which local authorities say is restricting funding applications for these schemes and undermining efforts to support regional development), and enhancing governance mechanisms around the delivery of the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) and the strategic plans of Letterkenny, Sligo town and Athlone, ensuring some level of regional autonomy is provided to the regions. In a pre-Budget submission earlier this year, the

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (centre) pictured with NWRA Director Denis Kelly and Councillor John Naughten, Cathaoirleach of the NWRA. Pic: Suzanne Toal

NWRA called on the Government to provide a stimulus package worth at least €570m to the Northern and Western Region in order to stem growing regional inequality and deliver balanced regional development in Ireland. The NWRA has urged the adoption of a policy of “positive discrimination” to develop infrastructure projects of scale. It also wants a Citizens Assembly to examine how greater levels of regional autonomy can be delivered.

What they said… Speaking after the meeting with the Varadkar said, “My thanks to The NortNWRA, Taoiseach Leo Regional Assembly for outlining the hern and Western made in creating stronger, safer comprogress they have munities in the Northern and Western Region. “Balanced regional development is country and this region is more com good for the whole jobs, access to broadband and acce petitive in creating ss to third level education. Many important infrastruc been built in the region in recent yearsture projects have advancing, and I was pleased to voice , many more are my strong support for the Galway Ring Road project. “It is a challenge for any country to away from the capital and other big spread development cities, but it is something we are committed to, whic the Department of Rural and Communh is why I set up in 2017 with a fund of €1bn to inves ity Development t in rural areas. The positive benefits are there for everyone to see in towns and villages all over Ireland”. Councillor John Naughten, Cathaoirl said, “There is an urgent need to revereach of the NWRA, decline in our region. As the Taoiseachse the economic has heard firsthand from our members, the unde rinvestment in critical enabling infrastructure has hampere d development in our Northern and Western counties. economic stimulus to give our youn It’s time for an g people hope for a better future, in this region”.

Fitzmaurice TD Mobile: 086 1914565

Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured during a recent meeting with representatives of the NWRA in Monaghan.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

NewsPeople

Our top tips for films to stream this Christmas < DONATA L ROBERTO

While on work experience with the Roscommon People, RCC Transition Year student Donata L Roberto wrote about her top picks for the best holiday films which arrived to streaming services for the first time this Christmas… Candy Cane Lane Candy Cane Lane was released on Amazon Prime Video on December 1st 2023. The story is based on a man who is determined to win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a deal with a mischievous elf and attempts to win the contest. The elf casts a magic spell which brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, and unexpectedly causes chaos throughout the town. It promises to be an enjoyable family movie for this Christmas, guaranteed to get a laugh.

Dashing Through the Snow ‘Dashing Through the Snow’ began streaming on November 17th 2023, exclusively on Disney+. It is a story about a divorced social worker who remembers the joy and magic of Christmas time after a journey on Christmas Eve with his nineyear-old daughter. This magical film is starring Kevin Hart, Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris.

Best. Christmas. Ever! ‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’ was released on Netflix on November 16th 2023. Every year at Christmas, Jackie sends a boastful newsletter to her old college friend Charlotte. After reading these newsletters, Charlotte always ends up feeling like a lump of coal, but fate brings Charlotte to Jackie’s doorstep. As a result,

Charlotte tries to prove that her friend’s life is not so perfect!

Your Christmas or Mine 2 ‘Your Christmas or Mine 2’ was released on Amazon Prime on December 8th 2023. This movie is the sequel to Amazon Prime Video’s hit movie ‘Your Christmas or Mine’ from 2022. In this new film, Hayley and James’ relationship is tested by another turbulent family Christmas. It is promised to be a light-hearted, enjoyable romcom.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever ‘Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever’ debuted on December 8th 2023, exclusively on Disney+. The winter holidays are turning out to be especially stressful for Greg Heffley this year. After accidentally damaging a snowplough while making a snowman with his best friend Rowley Jefferson, Greg worries he won’t get the new video game console he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, he gets snowed in with his family, including his grumpy older brother Rodrick and annoying younger brother Manny. This animated film is a hilarious and heartfelt holiday tale, based on Jeff Kinney’s wildly successful book series, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’.

Classic Christmas movies for all the family While on work experience with the Roscommon People, RCC Transition Year student Sarah Kilroe wrote about her top picks for the four best holiday movies to sit down and watch with the family this Christmas… How the Grinch Stole Christmas

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ is a Christmas tale based on the book by Dr Seuss, which tells the story of the Grinch, a cranky old green creature played by Jim Carrey. The Grinch hates Christmas due to his painful and shameful childhood and has spent most of his life isolating himself and living at Mt Crumpit with his pet dog Max on the mountains of Whoville. Nothing changes until one night, the night of Christmas Eve, when he meets a little girl named Cindy Lou Who. She completely changes the Grinch’s perspective of Christmas, and eventually the people of the town change their perspective of the Grinch. It’s a great movie with a central message, which is how Christmas can really make people happy and bring them together.

Home Alone

The movie ‘Home Alone’ is a 1990s comedy classic which was directed by Chris Columbus. It’s about a young boy named Kevin McCallister who gets left at home (and forgotten about) while his family goes off on holidays. Kevin is ‘home alone’ for two days – and having a blast – while his family desperately try to return and make sure

Elf

he’s okay. The house ends up being broken into by two dumb robbers but Kevin manages to scare them off (initially) by setting traps around the house. When the robbers finally have a hold of Kevin, the police (thankfully) arrive to arrest them. Best of all, Kevin’s parents never found out about the robbery. It’s a nice, entertaining and funny film that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Jack Frost

‘Jack Frost’ is a 1998 American Christmas fantasy comedy film which was directed by Troy Miller. The film is about a father named Jack Frost who

is the lead singer in a rock band. He pays most of his attention to his band, instead of his family. One day he’s building a snowman with his 11-yearold son Charlie, and as a gift, Jack gives Charlie his best harmonica, which he got when Charlie was born. He jokingly tells Charlie that the harmonica is magical. On Christmas Eve, Jack is on his way to Charlie’s hockey game, which he promised his wife Gabby he would attend, but he’s rushing, having been distracted while making a new song for his band. On the way there, he crashes the car and is killed.

A year later, Charlie goes outside and builds a snowman that looks exactly like his dad. Before he goes to sleep, Charlie plays the harmonica his dad gave him, and in the morning, Charlie finds out that the harmonica really does possess magic powers and has brought his dad back to life – but as a snowman. Charlie tries to take Jack to a colder spot to keep him safe. Once Gabby finds out, she goes to the mountains to see Jack. But after that he has to go back to the afterlife. It’s a nice, heartwarming film which I would recommend as a family Christmas watch.

‘Elf’ is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau. The movie is about a kid that was put up for adoption by his mother before she died, who ends up being raised by elves (and named Buddy). Buddy grew up thinking he was an elf himself even though he did not resemble an elf at all. He then overheard from someone that he was in fact not an elf, he was a human. It was then explained to him by Papa Elf that his mother was dead and his father didn’t even know about his existence. Buddy was told that his father, Walter Hobbs, was on the naughty list due to his selfishness – but that Buddy was free to try and help him. Therefore, Buddy travels all the way to New York to find his father. On meeting him, Buddy struggles to get him to believe he’s his son. After Walter finally accepts that Buddy is his son (following a DNA test), he ends up bringing Buddy back to meet his wife and kid. After a few little accidents, with Buddy messing up Walters’ company, and then Buddy running away, and also Santa’s sleigh crashing and losing its engine, it all gets resolved in the end and they live happily as a family. It’s a nice, funny film that everyone can enjoy at Christmas time.

GOING OUT

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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

Pat and Marian Naughton pictured in the Abbey Hotel last Thursday for Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Robert and Dara Sadowski pictured at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Donal Hanly and Laura Mullooly pictured at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Rebecca Scahill and Helen Naughton pictured at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Gerry and Mary Casey and Johnny and Bernie Jordan pictured in the Abbey Hotel last Thursday for Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Andrea Alibrandi and Oliva Smith pictured in the Abbey Hotel last Thursday for Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Martin and Geraldine Conboy pictured at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Emma Donnelly and Therese Hanley pictured performing at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary Keegan from Creggs and Joe Coyne from Roscommon pictured at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Members of Ukephoric, the Knockcroghery Ukulele Collective, pictured performing at Festival Folk, a concert in aid of Vita House, which was held last Thursday in the Abbey Hotel. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

FarmingPeople Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

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

Lowest price GUARANTEED

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Daily collection

Castlerea MART WATCH Over 700 lots presented for sale on Thursday last. Trade and prices finished on a high note with a good attendance of buyers present as well as online activity, resulting in a good clearance for all classes on offer. Bullocks made up to €2260 while heifers topped out at €2180. The weanling rings finished on a bright note also, with the bulls making up to €4.09 a kilo while the heifer weanlings peaked at €4.66 a kilo, or €1400 for a 9-month-old Charolais weanling heifer. Dry cows topped out at €2280 while springers made up to €1910. The runner ring, with increased numbers on offer, witnessed strong farmer buying and a very good trade.

Sample prices Bullocks: AAx 485kgs €1560 Ch 435kgs €1450 AA 440kgs €1400 Lm 525kgs €1580 Lm 560kgs €1730 Ch 640kgs €1790 AA 625kgs €1700 AA 600kgs €2260 Chx 665kgs €1800 Ch 665kgs €1750 AA 555kgs €1590. Heifers: Chx 395kgs €1330 Ch 405kgs €1300 Lm 375kgs €1280 Lm 385kgs €1270 Ch 490kgs €1660 Lm 480kgs €1600 Lm 440kg €1530 Ch 625kgs €2180 Ch 640kgs €2070 Lm 580kgs €1880 Ch 600kgs €1900. Dry cows: Ch 885kgs €2280 Lm 735kgs €2000 AA 785kgs €1970 AA 725kgs €1940 Her 460kgs €790 Her 495kgs €950 Fr 475kgs €600 AA 465kgs €830 Fr 630kgs €1130. Cows with calves at foot made up to €1760 with springers making up to €1910. Runners: Lots made from €280 to €930 for the continental lots. Weaning bulls: Lm 195kgs €670 Lm 185kgs €580 Lmx 285kgs €990 Ch 280kgs €900 Lm 270kgs €860 BBx 490kgs €1700 Lm 415kgs €1700 Lm 405kgs €1290. Weaning heifers: Chx 275kgs €960 LM 290kgs €950 Lm 265kgs €900 Chx 340kgs €1410 Ch 300kgs €1400 Lm 335kgs €1240 Lm 315kgs €1120 Ch 300kgs €1120. Castlerea Mart will hold its next sale on Thursday, 11th of January 2024 with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. In the meantime, all at Castlerea Mart wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Learn to drive with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Anthony Dockery, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Aoife Moore, Climate Action Coordinator, Roscommon County Council and Kyle Flynn, Roscommon LEADER Partnership pictured at the recent launch of ‘The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’ in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Peggy Kearney and Kathleen Leonard from Ballintubber pictured at the recent launch of ‘The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’ in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Launch of The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’ launched in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon last week aims to understand and address the challenges facing farmers. Kieran Harrahill, a researcher with TASC – the think tank for action on social change – launched ‘The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’. The aim of this report was to understand the challenges facing farmers in the county alongside actions which could address these challenges – while also supporting climate justice. In total, the authors of the report engaged with 95 farmers. There were a number of common themes discussed, including: The importance of farming to the economic and social life in Roscommon; The financial challenges facing farmers; The lack of power

which farmers have over the price they receive for their produce; The challenge of keeping young people on the farm; The perception that farmers are disproportionately blamed for climate change; The lack of support provided to farmers from decisionmakers. In terms of solutions, the report presents the development of a wool processing hub and a grass biorefinery co-op as two solutions which could address challenges identified by farmers. *The report can be downloaded (free) on https://www.tasc.ie/ publications/ and https:// www.tasc.ie/publications/ the-peoples-transitionroscommon-farmersimplementation-of-c/

The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers project leader, Kieran Harrahill, pictured with Martina Earley, CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Carmel Reilly, AIB Roscommon branch manager, and Nicola Fetherstone, Agri Advisor with AIB, at the recent launch in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

(Above) The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers project leader, Kieran Harrahill, pictured with Martina Earley, CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, at the recent launch in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell (Top left) Cllr Orla Leyden pictured at the recent launch of ‘The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’ in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon with members of Ui Maine Kingdom (designers of the publication cover), Nicola Bowe and Louise Whelan, and National Herdwatch Biodiversity Farmer of the Year, Liam Kildea. Pic: Brian Farrell (Bottom left) Nicola Fetherstone, Agri Advisor, AIB; Kelsey Daly, Roscommon Macra chairperson and sheep farmer Matthew Carroll were the panel members at the recent launch of ‘The People’s Transition for Roscommon Farmers’ in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and correspondents a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year

The local paper! Abbey Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 34633

E.: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

www.roscommonpeople.ie

• Please note that a contribution is being made to a local charity in lieu of Christmas Cards and Gifts.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

NEW TO THE MARKET 5 B/R DETACHED RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

14 SLIABH BAN VIEW, THE WALK, ROSCOMMON F42 FW99

AMV: €400,000 NEW TO THE MARKET 7 ACRES APPROX OF PRIME AGRICULTURAL LANDS LOCATED AT

BALLINAGARE, CO. ROSCOMMON (Folio RN1502F)

NEW TO THE MARKET 3 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

20 CONVENT COURT, ROSCOMMON TOWN F42XE89

AMV: €240,000 NEW TO THE MARKET 4 B/R 2 STOREY TOWN HOUSE IN SPECTACULAR CONDITION

BALLINAGARE VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 RX00

Cathal 086 1409158

Keith 086 0848590

NEW TO THE MARKET 5 B/R DORMER STYLE BUNGALOW LOCATED AT

CRUBY HILL, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON F42 Y959

AMV: €340,000

We would like to Take this opportunity to thank all our clients for their support during the past year and wish one and all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year OUR OFFICES WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY, 22ND DECEMBER AND RE-OPEN ON TUESDAY, 2ND JANUARY

AMV: €50,000

AMV: €185,000

For viewing over the Christmas period, please contact our Auctioneers Cormac 086 3519492-Cathal 086 1409158 or Keith 086 0848590

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

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople

Remax Team Earley on a year of thriving growth and expansion: 2023 in review As we reflect on the year 2023, at Remax Team Earley we’re excited to share the fantastic strides we’ve made in the real estate landscape. Our business has experienced a substantial uptick in property buyers – not only from locals but from those in Dublin and beyond, testament to the appeal of our fantastic region. Despite challenges like rising interest rates, we’re pleased to report a continued surge in both house and land prices. This reflects the enduring value of properties in our community and the trust placed in our services. In our commitment to providing top-notch

service, we’ve added key professionals to our team. We’ve been thrilled to welcome Amanda McDermott from Fourmilehouse to our Roscommon office, and her expertise has already enhanced our operations. Our growth extends to a new local office with the acquisition of auctioneer Michael McCullagh’s long-standing business. This move reinforces our commitment to the community and broadens our reach when allied with our offices in Limerick, Galway, and Athlone. As we celebrate the successes of 2023, we extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and

the community. Your trust and support drive our success, and we look forward to continued growth together in the promising future. If you are thinking of selling or letting properties in 2024, do not hesitate to contact us today to explore your options and start the ball rolling with confidence. Here’s to another year of thriving growth and shared achievements!

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

Remax Team Earley close sale on Castle Manor residence

This week, Cathal Meares of Remax Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of No. 30 Castle Manor on the outskirts of Roscommon town, a beautiful detached property. Located in the highly sought after Castle Manor development in Roscommon, this property is ideally situated within easy reach of local amenities,

schools, and transport links. This was a fantastic opportunity to acquire a beautiful home in a highly desirable location, and unsurprisingly, it has now been purchased. Remax Team Earley are now looking for similar-type properties in the Roscommon Town area for disappointed underbidders who are cash clients or mortgage-approved.

Palace Road, Bishop Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

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

Merry Christmas r from & Happy New Yea Kelly Auctioneers

FOR SALE

SALE AGREED

Castle St., Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Cloonkeen, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Tel: +353 71 96 30533 Mob: +353 86 817 3791

Chapel St., Elphin, Co. Roscommon

SALE AGREED

FOR SALE

Pictured at the annual IPAV President’s (charity) lunch, held recently in the Westbury Hotel in Dublin, were local auctioneers Eamon O’Flaherty (left) and Sean Naughton (right) with Cllr. Daithí de Róiste, Lord Mayor of Dublin.

Palace Road, Bishop Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

Lishugh, Elphin, Co. Roscommon

Email. john@johnkellyauctioneers.ie

PRSA 004622

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from all at Bradley Homes

ROSCOMMON & GALWAY Built on Experience & Trust PSRA Licence No: 004430

SOLD

4-Bed Detached, Croaghill, Williamstown, Co. Galway

3-Bed Detached, Cloverhill, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

4-Bed Detached, Church St, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

C. 0.5 Acre Site, Newbridge, Co. Galway

4 - Bed Detached, Main St, Williamstown, Co. Galway

SOLD

2-Bed Detached, Castlefield, Williamstown, Co. Galway

4-Bed Detached, Summerhill, Newbridge, Co. Galway

3-Bed Detached, Longford Hill, Mountbellew, Co. Galway

4-Bed Semi, 130 Boyne Meadows, Edenderry, Co. Offaly

SOLD

3- Bed Detached, Killadangan, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

3-Bed Semi, 13 Cairn Hill View, Drumlish, Co. Longford

4 Bed Semi, Willow Green, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

SOLD

2- Bed Detached, Carrowbehy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

5 Bed Detached, Killian, Newbridge, Co. Galway

3 Bed Detached, Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

SOLD

C. 0.25 Acre Site, Creggs Road, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

SOLD

SALE AGREED

C. 0.9 Acre Site, Ballinamore Bridge, Co. Galway

4 Bed Bungalow, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

3 Bed Detached, Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Galway

C. 3.87 Acres, Ross, Killala, Co. Mayo

SALE AGREED

3- Bed Detached, Corgarve, Glinsk, Co. Galway

3 Bed Detached, Cultiafadda, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

5 Bed Detached, Leitra, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

SALE AGREED

4 Bed Detached, Lisquell East, Ballygar, Co. Galway

2 Bed Detached, Kilmore, Lecarrow, Co. Galway

Thinking of Selling in 2024 Contact Deirdre on 086 171 3417 or sales@bradleyhomes.ie for a FREE VALUATION

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople E-MAIL: ldowdproperties@gmail.com WEB: www.lorettadowdpropertylettings.com

SOLD

10 Abbeyville, Roscommon Town

SOLD

Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

14 Fairlands, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

SOLD

136 Abbeyville, Co. Roscommon

Cherry Drive, Roscommon Town

Antogher Road, Roscommon Town

SOLD

48 Cnoc na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Co. Longford

SOLD

15 Stonecourt, Roscommon Town

Auctioneer Loretta Dowd.

86 Abbeyville, Roscommon Town

12 Meadow Brook, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

SOLD

Kinvara, Co. Galway

SOLD Bridewell, Co. Roscommon

The Walk, Roscommon Town

SOLD 92 Abbeyville, Roscommon Town

Cloontuskert, Co. Roscommon

SOLD Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon

Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and Peaceful year ahead and Thank you all for your continued support.

17 Castle Manor, Roscommon Town

No.5 The Rookery, Scramogue, Co. Roscommon

URGENTLY SEEKING PROPERTIES IN ALL AREAS: Loretta Dowd Properties is urgently seeking residential properties and land in all areas. For a no obligation and confidential appraisal - Please contact Loretta Dowd on 087 2233223

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople PropertyPeople GERRY COFFEY AUCTIONEER | VALUER | ESTATE AGENT

Main Street, Williamstown, Co. Galway

Telephone: 094 964 3600 Mobile: 086 385 6050

Email: info@gerrycoffey.ie

A SELECTION OF PROPERTIES SOLD BY GERRY COFFEY IN 2023

D L O S

Tullaghaune, Ballyhaunis

Main Street, Williamstown

SAL

D E E R E AG

SOLD

SALE

D E E R AG

Loughpark, Glenamaddy

SAL

D E E R E AG

E L A S OR

LANDS SOLD IN 2023 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

Tullaghaune, Ballyhaunis

For Lease 3000 sq ft commercial unit with secure lock-up yard

For Sale

0.96 ACRE Site with OPP Ardeevin, Glenamaddy Gurrane, Ballyhaunis

2 Lakeview, Glenamaddy

Glenamaddy Williamstown Moylough Ballyhaunis Granlahan Ballinlough Garrafraunes Dunmore

Main Street, Williamstown

FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR PROPERTIES CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.gerrycoffey.ie

Williamstown-based auctioneer Gerry Coffey reviews another successful year 2023 proved to be another busy year of selling for Williamstown-based auctioneer, Gerry Coffey. Many sales were achieved, and many properties were sold in excess of their asking price. “In the past year we have sold properties in the following areas: Ballinlough, Ballyhaunis, Granlahan, Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Dunmore, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Kilkerrin, Cloonfad, Clonberne and Moylough”. Some properties have even sold above the asking price which is testament to the excellent value the region has to offer. Gerry also points out that houses in rural areas have almost sold out due to their price – you can buy a house now for substantially less than it would cost to build, claims Gerry, adding: “In fact we have a shortage of stock of houses on our books at present”.

property portfolio. In the last 12 months, he has overseen the sale of a number of important parcels of farmlands, again at record prices achieved for the area. Currently the demand for good quality lands is outstripping supply according to Gerry. “If you are thinking of selling lands, please contact us in confidence for a valuation of your lands”.

Overview of the property market

Commercial sales & pub licences

Land sales

A large part of our business is valuations, Gerry says. “I am available for all types of valuations including probate, property transfer, expert court witness, insurance, accounting valuations, marital separation, mortgage lending and fair deal”.

In the last year Gerry sold many farms and in recent months achieved the €10,000€12,000 per acre for different parcels of land. As a rural-based auctioneer land sales constitute a strong part of Gerry Coffey’s

Gerry has recently sold some commercial properties in Williamstown & Glenamaddy and has a 3000 sq. ft. commercial unit with a secure yard to lease. He also trades in pub licences and has a steady demand for licences.

Valuations

Ireland continues to have major supply issues, particularly in the capital and urban areas. While the Government has made some efforts to get property building moving, an awful lot more needs to be done to meet the huge demand for our growing population in the years ahead according to Gerry.

Due to unprecedented sales in the last few months from first-time buyers and increased enquiries, Gerry Coffey Auctioneers now require the following types of properties: Rural bungalows, country cottages, farms for sale, rent or lease, lands for planting and existing forestry and commercial properties. Talk to Gerry on 094 9643600 or 086 3856050.

Christmas Greetings Gerry & Anne Coffey would like to extend a sincere Happy Christmas and a prosperous & healthy 2024 to all our loyal clients and customers.

Williamstown-based auctioneer Gerry Coffey

Christmas Greetings Gerry & Anne Coffey would like to extend a sincere Happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy 2024 to all our loyal clients and customers. We thank you for your support.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople

Cox & Walsh: navigating a dynamic property market in 2024 As we reflect on the bustling year of 2023, Cox & Walsh, renowned estate agents based in Dromod, Co. Leitrim and serving Roscommon, Longford, and Leitrim, anticipate an even more active 2024. “We’ve seen sales agreed across residential, commercial and agricultural sectors well in excess of €1,500,000, which we don’t think is too bad for our first year trading under the Cox & Walsh brand. TP, of course, has been in the trade since the late 1970s. But we are very grateful for everyone who took a leap of faith with us as a new firm, this year”. According to the Head of Property Services at Cox & Walsh, TP Walsh, the past year saw significant movement in derelict and turnkey properties, largely fuelled by the government’s refurbishment grants: “This trend not only showcased our adaptability but also highlighted a potential shortage of derelict properties coming on stream, suggesting a need for further governmental action to sustain this market momentum. Even the speed of approvals by local authorities under the current programmes would see the market move more briskly”. Head of Client Relations at the firm, Adrian Cox said: “An intriguing development has been the influx of cash buyers, eager for turnkey houses. From one-off

rural dwellings to urban/sub-urban homes in Rooskey, Tarmonbarry, Dromod, and beyond, demand remains robust. Although it must be said, prices have begun to level off in recent months. But it is a natural correction in our opinion”. According to the property experts at Cox & Walsh, as the year concluded, there was a surge in interest for “serviced sites with full planning permission”, indicating a clear shift in market direction.

ations for developers at reasonable costs. “We meticulously examine every element of a development, including site purchase, valuation, development and building costs, professional and legal fees, and borrowing costs. “We advise all prospective developers to consult with us before making any moves. Even if you’re not buying from us, our independent, expert advice is a reliable foundation for seeking bank finance or deciding the viability of a project”.

Looking ahead Looking ahead to 2024, Cox & Walsh predict a rise in higher density planning permissions in the Shannonside regions of Roscommon, Leitrim, and Longford. This shift from conservative to progressive planning policies is exemplified best by a recent case in Dromod, whereby planners sought to have a site which had been granted planning for two dwellings to reapply for six units, marking a pivotal change in local planning strategies. Cox & Walsh says: “However, developers face a significant challenge: soaring building costs against the backdrop of low residual site values. Despite these costs, there’s a vibrant market for one-off housing and long-term family residences”. Given these dynamics, Cox & Walsh’s recommendation for prospective

In the spirit of giving (free and valuable advice) homeowners is to act swiftly: “The anticipated demand on construction resources and tradespeople in 2024 and 2025 makes it imperative to start building sooner rather than later. “For smaller developers, the focus should be on clusters of fully permitted and serviced sites, offering a practical approach amidst the evolving market landscape”.

Independent advice Cox & Walsh, with over 40 years of experience in the local property market and a history of managing multi-million euro developments, offer expert residual valu-

And in the spirit of good tidings, Cox & Walsh offer the public at large some free advice: “Many home insurance policies are up for review in the New Year. Our advice is to read the small print. “With so many changes in building costs over the recent months and years it has never been more important to have your house properly valued for reinstatement value. “What was a rough estimate and probably not a million miles off the mark in 2018, could plausibly have doubled in the meantime. “Talk to an estate agent or valuer and get a reinstatement valuation done. We work

closely with many builders and engineers to ensure as much accuracy as possible in terms of valuing your home for insurance. “Remember, many insurance companies will apply the principle of proportional reinstatement value and indemnity when a property ‘underinsured’: this means, for example, if a house is insured for €100,000 and the reinstatement value ends up being €150,000, the insurers may seek to only pay out two-thirds of the insured value (€66,666) toward the reinstatement costs of the insured property. This would be devastating for many homeowners, particularly when the difference in premiums would generally be quite small. This also applies to commercial properties. “Make 2024 the year where you finally get around to dotting those i’s crossing those t’s in the fine print of your insurance policy. If you need help, feel free to call us on 0719658600 or email us at office@ coxandwalsh.ie”. Concluding their remarks to the Roscommon People, Cox & Walsh extended a Merry Christmas to one and all and a prosperous New Year, especially to all their clients, both vendors and buyers whom they have been “…delighted to work with this year and look forward to working with for many years to come”.

Longford Co. Longford N39 R766` `

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

PropertyPeople 25 Cnoc Na Gaoithe Lanesborough Longford Co. Longford ` N39 R766`

SOL

25 Cnoc Na Gaoithe Lanesborough, Longford Co. Longford N39 R766

5 The Fairways, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 XN59

SOL

5 The Fairways Roscommon LD O S Co. Roscommon F42 XN59

Candlefield, Trien, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 DC96

5 The Fairways Roscommon Co. Roscommon D L F42 XN59 SO

Brackloon, Fuerty Co. Roscommon F42 YY43

25 Cnoc Na Gaoithe Lanesborough LD O Longford S Co. Longford ` N39 R766`

60 Oldwood, Ardsallagh, Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 EH99

Candlefield Trien CastlereaLD SO Co. Roscommon F45 DC96

D SOL

Lakeside Property, Mount Plunkett, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

D SOL

F45 DC9

Candlefield 60 Oldwo 5 The Fairways Trien Ardsalla Roscommon Castlerea Roscomm Wishing you all a very Co. Roscommon Co. Roscommon Co. Roscom F42 XN59 Happy Christmas F45 DC96 and a F42 EH

Prosperous New Year

Candlefield Trien D Castlerea SOL Co. Roscommon F45 DC96

60 Oldwood D Ardsallagh SOL Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 EH99

15 River Meadow, Dromod, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 YK51

15 River M Dromo Carrick-On-S Co. Leitr N41 YK

Moneymore, Knockcroghery, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 KX94

15 River Meadow ` 60 Oldwood Dromod D D Carrick-On-Shannon Ardsallagh SOL SOL Co. Leitrim Roscommon N41 YK51 Co. Roscommon

F42 EH99

Moneymor Knockcrog Roscomm Co. Roscom F42 KX9

Aghmagree, Kilteevan, Candlefield 1 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon Ballinwully, Curraghroe, Ballymurray, Roscommon, Co. Longford N39 Co. Roscommon F42 RH28 Trien Co. Roscommon F42 HW08 ` PY22Moneymore F42 XC78 Castlerea 15 River Meadow Knockcroghery 60 Oldwood Co. Roscommon Dromod Roscommon Ardsallagh F45 DC96 LD D D D Co. Roscommon Carrick-On-Shannon Roscommon SOL SOL SO SOL F42 KX94 Co. Leitrim Co. Roscommon

24 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Longford Co. Longford N39 X652

SOL

N41 YK51

F42 EH99

Antogher Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 W638

Roscommon Co. Roscommon F42 XN59

The Willows, Correenbeg, Oldtown, 6 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, 38 Oldwood, Ardsallagh, 60 Oldwood Athlone, Co. Westmeath Cherry Drive, Roscommon, Longford, Co. Longford Roscommon, Co. Roscommon N37 X302 Co. Roscommon F42 TX04 N39 EC44 F42 ED36 Ardsallagh 15 River Meadow ` Moneymore Roscommon Dromod Co. Roscommon D Knockcroghery LD D L LD Carrick-On-Shannon L O O O S O S S F42 EH99 S Roscommon

Co. Leitrim N41 YK51

D SOL

SOL

Roscommon OLD S Co. Roscommon F42 KX94

Moneymore Emlagh, Castleplunket, Knockcroghery Castlerea, Co. Roscommon 10 The Spinney, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 E778 Roscommon F45 PN30 Co. Roscommon F42 KX94

SOL

Co. Roscommon F42 KX94

15 River Meadow 131 Abbeyville, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon 60 Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon, Dromod F42 CX48 Co. Roscommon F42 D635 Carrick-On-Shannon ` Moneymore Co. Leitrim Knockcroghery N41 YK51

15 Glenview, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 FY23

Lakeside Property, Hollygrove, Ballygar, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 D393

Attiknockan, Mount Talbot, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 XW94

SOL

Commercial Property, Main Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon F45 TH22

SOL

Clooncoundra, Ballymurray, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 H634

SOL

Southpark , Demesne, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 XV80

SOL

52 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Longford, Co. Longford N39 YD54

SOL

128 Abbeyville, Galway Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 VE86

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

Abbeytown, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 YV18

SOL

Lisnageeragh, Ballymoe, Castlerea, Co. Galway F45 DW98

27 Shannon Grove, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Longford Co. Longford N39 EK51

SOL

23 Abbeyville, Galway Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 WY92

144 Abbeyville, Galway Road Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 Y195

SOL

11 Ard RÍ, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 WC96

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

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 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

ACCOUNTS

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Creighton Chimney Cleaning

McGowan Accountancy Services “Your Success is Our Business” Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders • Partnerships Specialising in: • Payroll • PAYE & PRSI • VAT • Annual Accounts • Start Ups • Business Mentoring FREE First Consultation

Web: www.mcgowanacconutancy.com Email: nuala@mcgowanaccountancy.com Office: 090 66 25818 Mobile: 086 0352849

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

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

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

VHI and Laya Covered

Complete Chimney Services

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

• 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

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 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

Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

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

FENCING/GATES

GARDENING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Des Kelly Fencing

JOE HEALY

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www psychotherapy glynisdowney.com

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

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

Telephone:

• 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

Tel: 087 2172281

087 2860428

094 96 20099

086 8936012

Mobile:

Tree Services

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

EDT Lessons Available

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

COUNSELLING

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

COUNSELLING

DRIVING LESSONS

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

BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

Chimney Cleaning

COMPUTERS

Phone John on

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

GARDENING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

GRINDS < MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536

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!

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Simon Beale + Associates, are applying to Roscommon County Council, on behalf of Ms. Marie Grady for Full Planning Permission for a change of House Type to that as previously granted under planning reference number PD/22/608, together with connection to services and all associated site works at Carrowgarve Td., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public office 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 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: Paul Thewlis c/o Simon Beale + Associates. Millstream House, Williamstown Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Tel: (094) 96 25952 www. sbassociates.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Aidan Dolan, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to construct slatted shed together with all associated site works at Grange, Four Mile House, 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.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the retention of a wastewater sewerage treatment system with polishing filter servicing an existing single storey dwelling house and all ancillary works at Mullaghmacormick, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon For David Larkin. 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 it’s 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: Cunningham Design & Planning Limited Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Paul Colleran hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to Construct two Semi detached two story dwelling houses, Retention of existing structure as a domestic garage, connection to services and all ancillary site works at Station View, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that 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 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 Paul Colleran BEng Tel: 087:7637846 E: info@colleranconstruction.ie

Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086 2328484

TO RENT < HOUSE TO RENT: 2 miles from Lanesboro Town. 4 bed detached bungalow with private gardens in quiet rural setting. Semi furnished. Oil heating. Recently refurbished. References required. Strictly no pets allowed. Would suit working couple or family. €1,000 per month. Viewings by appointment. Tel: 086 3276584

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Emily Naughton intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Creemully and Aghagad Beg, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect Trihill, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 090 6624681 / 087 635 8949 / stephen@sbarchitect.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Gerard Greene and Bernadette Shortall would like to apply for planning permission and outline permission for proposed development at Barry More, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon. Planning permission is sought for construction of 4no. 5-bed, 2 storey detached dwellings and all associated ancillary site works to include new vehicular and pedestrian site entrance, widening of existing approach road, and connection to the existing services. Outline permission is sought for construction of 17 detached dwellings, 1no. detached guest house and all associated ancillary site works together with a new woodland walkway/ cycleway adjacent to the existing public road. 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 and that 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 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: Gerard Greene and Bernadette Shortall

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle Ltd. intend to apply for 1) Planning Permission to Retain. a) Open covered retail and display area with a floor area of 145m2 b) Open covered retail and display area with a floor area of 275m2 and c) Extension as constructed used for retail and display with a floor area of 103m2. 2) Planning Permission to construct an extension with a floor area of 134m2. to the existing garden centre incorporating a kitchen, store, staff dining room and toilet together with other associated works at Ballyardan Td., Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52RY61.

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Signed: D. Clancy, Design & Planning Consultant, Surveyor, Brickeen, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. Phone: 087 417 0455.

This planning application may be inspected , or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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 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, David McDermottroe, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to create new agricultural entrance onto the L1028 (Felton Rd) together with all associated site works at Ballinphuill Td, Boyle, 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.

Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Phone: 086 2328484

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

www.lookitup.ie

Christmas Arrangements The first issue of 2024 will be circulated on Thursday 4th January The offices of Roscommon People at Abbey Street, Roscommon, will be closed from 2pm on Friday, 22nd December and will re-open on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Classifieds 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

USEFUL SERVICES TAXIS

Padraig Healy

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

USEFUL SERVICES PLANNINGS

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

Call car direct

Plumbing & Maintenance

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

• Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone:

083 0684011

PLUMBING

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

HEALTH CARE

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

What do your eyes say about you?

For all foot ailments

Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214 Tel:

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology works by applying gentle pressure to the reflex points of the feet/hand to trigger the natural healing power of the body

Phone:

< THIS WEEKS SPECIAL OFFER: 20kg bags of coal suitable for stoves, range, open fires only @14 per bag. Tonne bags of seasoned black turf €50 per bag. Tonne bags of seasoned firewood €50 per bag. Contact: 086 2628439

PODIATRIST

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured.

Tar & Chip Driveways

Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Call Owen for ground work

086 895 3884 Call Padraic for concreting

085 226 4664

USEFUL SERVICES

Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320

Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

Hydraulic Cylinder Repair and Testing l Hydraulic Hose Repair l Oil/Grease Lubricants l OEM Hydraulic Components and Spares

Tyres - Car, Van and 4x4 l Wheel Balancing l 4-Wheel Alignment l Batteries l Adblue l Accessories

094 9620009

Marina Furey B. Sc. (MNRRI) (Hons)

WANTED:

086 2437376

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:

Reflexology

< FIREWOOD + TURF: High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Turf also available in bulk tonne bags. Call 086 3312411

USEFUL SERVICES

Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd

Sarah Fleming

facebook.com/moleskinarch

TOP QUALITY TURF

Tullys Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Wheelchair Accessible

(086) 2714879

USEFUL SERVICES

PODIATRIST

• 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

Tel: 087 2264951

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER

Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.

From €90

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315 @gmail.com

SERVICE

Appointments available locally Denise Coyle Iridologist, Honor Member IIPA Mobile

083 377 7204 Email

denisegcoyle@ gmail.com PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 9373445 087 9100477

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

087 9657933

GRINDS

TILER

Christmas Maths Revision Courses

Professional Tiler available

Junior Cert HL Tuesday, 2nd January Leaving Cert HL Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th January Jacksons, The Square, Roscommon

Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

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

The local paper!

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: or 090 66 33084

Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries.

Electrician Available

Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe Tiling

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL:

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie TREE SHEARING

or email michaelkilroe123@gmail.com for all your tiling needs.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

EMAIL:

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

l Tree Shearing l Tree Felling

l Dangerous Tree Removed

(Commercial & Domestic)

Harpur Bros, Castlecole,

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Classifieds To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 AtYourServiceEXTRA USEFUL SERVICES

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

KEEN RATES

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022

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

GF Ground Works

l Landscaping l Paving & Kerbing l Foundations l Footpaths l Drainage & Septic tanks l Driveways l Fully insured l References available

Phone: 083 1628531 Email: richarddooner@yahoo.ie

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

Carpenter Available Doors l Floors l Stairs l Wall Panelling Glenamaddy/ l

Roscommon area Over 30 years experience

Phone Tommy

086 8934576

DRIVING LESSONS

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

KITCHENS < 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.

ROSCOMMON Driving School Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

VETERINARY

ALL CREATURES

Veterinary Clinic & Shop

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

Focus360 KITCHENS • SUPPLY AND FIT • REMODEL/UPGRADE • 3D PLAN • KITCHENS TO SUIT EVERY BUDGET

Alan O’Toole

RECYCLING

Richie Dooner

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

GROUND WORKS

Call/WhatsApp DAVID 083 069 5820

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

For the best care for your animal, large and small.

Christmas Arrangements The offices of Roscommon People at Abbey Street, Roscommon, will be closed from 2pm on Friday, 22nd December and will re-open on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2024 The first issue of 2024 will be circulated on Thursday 4th January

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

Locally owned and in the of the community

💙

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

AtYourService BLINDS

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

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

LIFE COACHING

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.

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

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

Tel: 090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Daily collection

CARPENTRY & FITTED FURNITURE

INSULATION

Aodhgan Cashin

Ballybride, Roscommon F42 EC59

• Fitted Kitchens • Bedroom Units • Sitting Room Units • Timber Flooring • General Carpentry

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation 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

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

Tel: 086 6082597 E: aodhgan.cashin@gmail.com

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

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

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP

Martin Mountbellew, Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Co.Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co. Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 || 087 info@mhla.ie 091 380900 380900Mountbellew, 087 9818153 9818153 Co. Galway www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie 091 380900 |Approved 087 9818153 Certified Dip in Loss Product

info@mhla.ie

Member of the PSAB-GI

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DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MURRAY Patricia Marian Crescent, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town Who died on the 24th December 2019. (4th Anniversary)

HANLEY Peg Mount Cashel, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon.

LYNCH Thomas (Tommy) & Bernadette Bredagh, Dysart, Roscommon.

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

(7th Anniversary)

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

www.brianmuraystone.com Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com

We lost a Mother with a heart of gold, how much we miss her can never be told. She shared our troubles and helped us along, if we follow in her footsteps, we will never go wrong. She was a mother so very rare, content in her home and always there. On earth, she toiled, in Heaven, she rests, God bless you mother, you were one of the best. We miss you from your fireside chair, your loving smile and gentle air, your vacant place no one can fill, we miss you mother and always will. Also remembering our father Martin who passed away on 9th September 2023.

In loving memory of our dear mother Peg Hanley who died on St. Stephen’s Day 26th December 2016

Also remembering our uncle

Michéal O Neill Cullenoira Who passed away on the 23rd December 2018 (5th Anniversary)

Lovingly remembered by all the family.

Thomas who passed away on December 24th 2017 (6th Anniversary)

Bernadette, who passed away on the 3rd November 1994 (29th Anniversary)

R.I.P. A smile for all, a heart of gold, two of the best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, these are the memories you left behind.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart on Sunday, 21st January 2024 at 10am.

KELLY Jennie In loving memory of Jennie who died on 22nd December, 2022

Will those who think of them today a little prayer to Jesus say. From Gerard, Majella, Joe and Emma. Mass has been offered.

RYAN Philip Roscommon Town (35th Anniversary) Our thoughts are ever with you, though you have passed away and those who loved you dearly are thinking of you today. The family of the late Mary Mullen would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who offered their sympathies and support following her passing. We thank those who attended the Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon especially those who travelled long distances. We also thank those who sent messages of condolences, phone calls, Mass cards, online messages and support, these have provided us with strength and consolation. A very special thanks to Fr. Raul for celebrating Mary’s Funeral Mass. Thank you to Pat Smyth and family for the professionalism, guidance and kindness provided to us. Sincere appreciation to the grave diggers who prepared Mary’s final resting place. A special thanks to Dr. Valerie Morris, Dr. Gerry O’Mara and his team and the Alzheimer’s Association in Roscommon. Thank you most sincerely to Sligo University Hospital that cared for Mary in her final days. Thanks also to Hannon’s Hotel for providing refreshments after the Burial. As it is not possible to thank every individual person, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our sincere gratitude. Mary’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday the 23rd of December 2023 at 7pm.

Kilbegnet, Creggs Died 24th November 2023

Kinnity, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon

MULLEN (née Murphy) Mary 4 St. Theresa’s Terrace, Roscommon

KILCOMMONS Bridie

Loved and missed by sons Thomas and Gerard and daughters Yvonne and Valerie.

(1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary who passed away on the 23rd December 2022. (1st Anniversary)

MONTH’S MIND MASS

In loving memory of Philip, who passed away on the 26th December 1988 R.I.P. Many memories keep you near as time unfolds another year. Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you will always live on.

Loved and remembered always by Margaret and family. Anniversary Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Wednesday, 27th December at 11am.

The family of the late Jennie Kelly would like to thank all those that sympathised with or sent messages of sympathy to the family, on the occasion of Jennie’s death. Thank you all who sent Mass cards and those of you that travelled long distances to attend the Funeral. We would like to most sincerely thank the Home Help Team, most especially Jennie’s carers Orla and Nickie and the staff of Roscommon University Hospital and all who cared for Jennie throughout her illness. A special thank you to Gillian and Pat Smyth for your professionalism and kindness shown to the family at this difficult time. A sincere thank you to Fr. Conaty who celebrated Jennie’s Mass and to Fr. Pravin. Thanks also for the beautiful music in the church. We would also like to thank the gravediggers for preparing Jennie’s place of rest. Thanks to the staff of the Peppermill for providing the refreshments and to Bernie Kearney and Staff of the Community Centre for their help after the Funeral. Thank you also to David and Eimear Flynn for such kind words in their Eulogies. The special words you spoke about Jennie will remain forever in our hearts. We would most especially like to thank extended family, friends and neighbours for all your support to the family during and since Jennie’s passing. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this acknowledgement conveys our sincere thanks and gratitude. Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her husband Eddie, sons (Enda and Larry), grandchildren and extended family. Jennie’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 24th December at 11am in Fourmilehouse Church.

We the family of the late Bridie Kilcommons, Kilbegnet, Creggs would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our great loss. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many family members, friends and great neighbours who visited our home, prepared food, brought refreshments, attended the Funeral Home and/or Burial Mass and who provided emotional and practical support for us at such a difficult time. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff from St Teresa’s Ward in Roscommon Hospital, Public Health Nurses, Palliative Care Team in Roscommon Hospital and Dr Cunningham for their care and respect shown. A sincere thank you to all those who participated in the Funeral Mass including our parish priest Fr. Donal Morris, the Senior Choir led by Mary Devaney, the grave diggers mainly made up of nephews and family and the Funeral Directors – Pat Coneran for his sensitive and professional handling of arrangements. Niall Flanagan for the use of his funeral home, Aidan and his team at Delicious Catering & Dowd’s Pub Glinsk for catering for the family and friends afterwards. To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. Mam, Nanny & Great Nanny will be greatly missed by the entire family. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Month’s Mind Mass for Bridie will be held in St. Mary’s Church Kilbegnet, Creggs on Sunday, December 31st at 11:30am.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. G.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES GRADY Padraig

NAUGHTON Jack

Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

Cloghan, Mount Talbot, Roscommon.

(8th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 27th December 2020

FLANAGAN Gerry Leitrim, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon May Gerry Rest in Peace (22nd Anniversary)

BRENNAN Trevor Knockskehan, Lecarrow. In loving memory of our dear son Trevor who passed away on the 31st December 2018. (5th Anniversary)

Rogers Funeral Directors Who passed away on the 27th December 2015 Padraig you left us quietly your thoughts unknown, you left us a memory, we are proud to own. So treasure him, Lord, in your garden of rest for when on earth Padraig was one of the best. Loving you always and missing you more each day Padraig. From your heartbroken wife Eileen. ~~~~~~~~~~~ In our hearts, your memory lingers, sweetly tender, fond and true, there is not a day Daddy that we do not think of you. From your heartbroken children Maireád, Gearóid and Shóna. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, Padraig will always be here. Always remembered never forgotten by your brothers Willie and Joe and the extended Grady and Whyte families. Padraig’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 31st December 2023 at 11.30am.

KELLY Kenneth Lanesborough/Boston USA (8th Anniversary)

Who died on the 23rd December 2015 Loved and remembered by family and friends, Lanesboro and Boston. Mass has been offered.

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.

Sadly missed and loved by your wife Maura, daughters Siobhan, Claire, son-in-law Brendan and grandchildren Molly and Jack. Mass will be offered. First Christmas in Heaven

CUNNINGHAM Michael Meelick, Boyounagh, Glenamaddy

In loving memory of Gerry, who passed away on the 25th December 2001 Twenty two years have passed since that sad day you closed your eyes and went away. You left us so suddenly without a fuss and broke the hearts of all of us. You’re not just a memory or part of the past, you are ours to remember as long as life lasts. You always had a smile to share time to give and time to care. Your memory is our greatest treasure, to have, to hold, to keep forever. You taught us so many things, you were loving kind and true. But you never taught us how to cope, with the pain of losing you.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family. Masses offered. Christmas in Heaven, what do they do? They come down to Earth to spend it with you. So save them a seat, just one empty chair. You may not see them, but they will always be there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grandad, when Robins appear We know you are near. Our minds still talk to you, our hearts still look for you, our souls know you are at peace, every single day we miss you.

From your wife Bridie, son Alan, daughters Christina, Breeda and grandchildren.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

GALLAGHER Alan Ballinagard Road, Roscommon (15th Anniversary)

A ray of sunshine came and went, a beautiful treasure only lent, In God’s keep quietly sleeps this wonderful son and brother we loved so much but could not keep. Remembered by his devoted mother Maura, his father Peter, sister Olive, brothers Brian and Kevin, nephews and nieces. Mass offered.

Rooskey

Trevor, as we reach your 5th Anniversary we often sit and think about the years that have passed, remembering the happiness and joy that was shared by you and us. They say it gets easier the more time passes but we don’t know if we feel the same way. We think of all the laughter, smiles and fun and before we know it the tears have just begun. For although it brings us comfort to walk down memory lane, it reminds us how life without you has never been the same. You are always in our hearts until we see each other again someday, somehow, one smile, one happy memory at a time. Loved and sadly missed, Mammy and Daddy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brother Missed in the morning of every day, missed in the evening as light fades away, missed in a thousand and one little ways, around every corner a memory stays. No one knows the pain we bear, when we all meet, and you’re not there, we talk, we laugh, we play our part, but behind it all lie broken hearts. You gave us years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears, you left us lovely memories, we will treasure through the years.

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

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

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Loved and sadly missed always, Sonya, Ciaran, Senan and Caoimhe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget. Loved and sadly missed, Declan, Edel and Fionn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just a prayer from the family that loved you, Just a memory fond and true, in our hearts you will live forever because we thought the world of you. Loved and missed by Granny Brennan, aunts Margaret, Ann, Elizabeth and Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows, with tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget, you will never be forgotten Trevor.

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723

Deeply regretted every day, Nanna and the Cunninghams. Anniversary Mass at 11.30am on Sunday, 7th January 2024 in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KIERNAN Mona and Felix Jnr Who died 27th December 2008 and 4th June 2006 (15th and 17th Anniversaries)

God bless you mother and father in your graves God keep you in His care, and may He listen to my heart and hear my fervent prayer. May you have peace and rest at last, from every care and woe, and may you sleep in comfort from the winds and rains and snow.

Sadly missed and always loved by your sons Joe, Martin and Declan, daughter Fiona, grandchildren and family. Anniversary Mass has been offered in Knock.

GILLERAN Martin

HANNON James (Sonny)

St. Joseph’s, Kilteevan

Cloverhill, Roscommon

(26th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 29th December 2019. (4th Anniversary)

Will those who think of Martin today a little prayer to Jesus say. Lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Monday, 25th December, (Christmas Day), at 10am.

REILLY Michael Creevy, Roscommon (20th Anniversary)

Time passes memories stay, quietly remembered every day. Will those who think of James today, a little prayer to Jesus say. Fondly remembered by his wife and family.

FEELEY Tom Kilmore, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on 19th December 1973 (50th Anniversary)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of our dear father and mother, Pat and Angela Rogers, who passed away on the 3rd January 1999 and the 19th December 2008 Loving memories never die as years roll on and days pass by, in our hearts a memory is kept of the ones we love and will never forget. Always remembered by Pat, Marie and family, Kevin, Mairead and family, Jackie, Willie and family, Niall and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 30th December at 7pm.

In loving memory of

DALY Marie Lisnamult, Roscommon (11th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 28th December 2012

We have you in our hearts, your hand we cannot touch. Still we have so many memories, of the one we loved so much. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

Loved and missed by Niall, Martina, James, Daire, Leah, Mikey, Ian and Jon. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 30th December at 10am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

In loving memory of Michael who passed away on 3rd January 2004 As each day dawns we think of you as each night falls we pray for you. And throughout our lives no matter where in our hearts you are always there. Lovingly remembered by his wife Eilish and family.

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

Remembered by his sisters Marion, Rita, Doris, Martina and Phil. 50th Anniversary Mass has been offered.

LEONARD Patrick, Elizabeth and Mary

ROGERS Pat & Angela

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

KELLY Vincent Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon Who passed away on the 21st December 2005 (18th Anniversary)

One of the best this world could hold, never selfish, always kind. Deep are the memories precious they stay, no passing of time can take them away. A silent thought, a quiet prayer for a special person in God’s care. Will those who think of him today a little prayer to Jesus say. Loved and always remembered by your sons Noel and Des, daughter Frances, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bracklin, Donamon, Co. Roscommon

( Patrick 40th Anniversary) 11th September 1983

(Elizabeth 15th Anniversary) 24th December 2008

Mary Leonard Moody (7th Anniversary) 19th August 2016

Treasured memories of our dear parents, Paddy and Elizabeth and our sister Mary (Moody) who have gone to their eternal home in Heaven. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still, in our hearts you hold a special place, that only you can fill. Merry Christmas to those we have lost, but nerver forgotten. We also remember Michelle Moody, 14th May 1998 and John Colfer 17th August 2017 and deceased members of the Carroll, Quigley and Leonard families. Loved and remembered always by your family. xxxxx

CASLIN Albert (7th Anniversary) - Treasured memories of dear Albert, late of Lisroyan, Strokestown, who passed away on Christmas Day 2016.

“In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be remembered”

Loved and missed every day by your loving wife Vera and children David, Sinéad, Dermot, Aoife and Siobhán, sons-in-law Martin and Neil, daughters-in-law Rosemary and Leeanne and adored grandchildren Helena, Samuel Alannah and Cillian. Anniversary Mass on Wednesday, 27th December at 9.30am in Strokestown Parish Church.

DOWD Thomas (Joseph)

GATELY (née Mullooly) MARY

Corrspark, Glinsk, Ballymoe, Co. Galway

Gailey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

(7th Anniversary)

(2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Mary whose Second Anniversary occurs on 3rd January 2024.

In memory of Thomas (Joseph) who passed away on 22nd December 2016. A smile for all, a heart of gold one of the best, this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind these are the memories you left behind. Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your loving wife Celia, son Tom, daughters Marian, Sandra and Martina, grandchildren and extended family. May he Rest in Peace.

FAMILY NOTICES

A smile for all, a heart of gold one of the best this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind these are the memories you left behind. Remembered with love by all your family. Mary’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, 1st January 2024 at 11am.

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CREAN Annie

SUTTON Peter

Lisnamult, Roscommon

(1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Peter, who passed away on 22nd December 2022.

Who passed away on the 26th December 2022 (1st Anniversary)

CARTY Frank and Una Ballyleague, Roscommon (10th and 17th Anniversaries)

MULDOON Michael (Snr) and Kitty In loving memory of a dear father Michael, who died on 20th December 1986 and mother Kitty, who died on 18th December 2006 R.I.P. (37th and 17th Anniversaries) Also remembering at this time our sister

Mary O’Toole (née Muldoon) We Annie’s son’s Michael and John our wives Alison, Rachel and Annie’s three adored grandchildren Laura, Emma and Anna would like to thank and express our sincere gratitude to all who supported and sympathised with us on our recent loss. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass, and Burial. We would like to thank all those who sent messages, Mass Cards, condolences on RiP.ie and those who travelled long distances to be with us. We want to sincerely thank her fellow residents, doctors, nurses, carers and support staff of The Sacred Heart Hospital for all their kindness, care and friendship shown to her during her short stay there. We will always be indebted to the Community Care staff, District Nurses and particularly the carers who cared for Annie so well in her own home over the years. Thank you so much Anne, Sharon, Mary, Claire, Theresa, Nadine and Mary. A heartfelt thank you to the Roscommon Branch of Multiple Sclerosis who provided such wonderful support, kindness and great friendship to Annie throughout her long illness. We are eternally grateful for the support given by Roscommon Wheelchair Association throughout. Annie would have been so delighted with the Guard of Honour provided by Roscommon Wheelchair Association for her last journey to the Sacred Heart Church. We also want to acknowledge the invaluable services and support provided at the RSG Disability Support Centre Derrane and Cuisle Respite Centre, Donamon. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for celebrating the Funeral Mass and thank him for being there with us late on St. Stephen’s night for his prayers and support at the time of her death. A big thank you to Fred Mulryan for the beautiful singing and music during the Mass. A special thank you to our very kind neighbours who brought wonderful hot food and refreshments to our home on the morning of the Funeral. A special word of thanks to Annie’s lifelong friends and neighbours whose loyalty, kindness and friendship was really appreciated throughout her life. Thanks to Pat and Gillian Smyth Funeral Directors for their professionalism, guidance and support throughout. Thanks to Sean for preparing our mother’s final resting place with great care where she now is reunited with her beloved husband Michael. Thanks to the management and staff of the Abbey Hotel for providing a lovely meal after the Funeral. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest and sincere gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intensions. Annie’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 7th January 2024 at 11.30am. In this month of December as we approach the First Anniversary of our beloved mother Annie, we also want to pray for and remember our father Michael who died on 13th December 1969 (aged 28 years). No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. A prayer from the family who loved you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts, nor ever dim the shining thoughts our cherished past imparts, for the memories of the ones we loved still cast a gentle glow. To grace our days and light our paths, wherever we may go.

Loved, remembered and sadly missed by his loving wife Monica, children Len, Anita, Ray, Peter, Dermot and Andrew and his extended family. Anniversary Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, 31st December at 11.30am.

DOWD Susan Lisroyan, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Who died on 29th May 1987 (36th Anniversary) and our brother

Always in our thoughts, loving husband Michael, daughter Annemaire, son-inlaw Niall, grand daughters Isabelle and Kara. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Dublin on Monday, 1st January 2024

Also remembering their son

Michael Muldoon (Jnr)

Dermot Carty

Who died on 10th December 1990 (33rd Anniversary)

Who died on 22nd September 2023

Cloverhill, Roscommon

Sally Ann Hanley (née Muldoon) Who died on 13th January 2017 (7th Anniversary) Time and years slip gently by, but love and memories never die. In our hearts ye will always stay, forever and ever, every day. Will those who think of them today, a little prayer to Jesus say. Sadly missed, loved and remembered always by your loving family. Anniversary Mass will take place in Cloverhill Church on Friday, 23rd December at 7pm.

KEAVENY (Nee Mullaney) Margaret Church St., Glenamaddy Who passed away on 29th December 2015 (8th Anniversary)

(20th Anniversary) In loving memory of Susan who died on 1st January 2004

If tears could build a stairway to Heaven and memories a lane. I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.

In loving memory of Frank, who passed away on the 19th December 2013 and his wife Una, who passed away on 4th January 2007

Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget. Dearly missed by Donnie, Vernon, Macrina, Coman and their families. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Sunday, 31st December 2023 at 10.30am.

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You know that we will always be with you, even if we don’t see each other for months or years. Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in thee. Sometimes our lives are touched by people who are so special that we are happier just because we know them, and you were both very special people.

Sadly missed by family and friends. Anniversary Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 31st December 2023 at 7pm.

BYRNE Malachy & Margaret (Peggy) Ballyglass, Rahara, Co. Roscommon

Malachy who died on 28th December 2017 (6th Anniversary)

Margaret who died on 4th February 2018 (6th Anniversary February 2024)

Will those who think of Malachy and Margaret today, A little prayer to Jesus say. Always remembered, loved and never forgotten by all your family. Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday, 11th February 2024 at 10am.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

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SportsExtra

APPOINTMENTS WESTWARD SCANIA Scania Importer - Ireland

Westward Scania the sole distributor of Scania products in the Republic of Ireland since 1976. In advance of the opening of our new modern facility in Strokestown, we are for the following: WE ARE WErecruiting ARERECRUITING! RECRUITING!

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Accounts Assistant

Westward Scania Scania the in the Republic of Ireland sincesince Westward the sole soledistributor distributorofofScania Scaniaproducts products in the Republic of Ireland

stward Scania the sole distributor of Scania products in the Republic of Ireland since

1976.InInadvance advance of the facility in Strokestown, we we are are recruiting 1976. the opening openingofofour ournew newmodern modern facility in Strokestown, recruiting

. In advance theof opening of our Team new modern facility intoStrokestown, we areAccountant, recruiting the Asof part our Finance and reporting the Management for forthe thefollowing: following:

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d. A technical understanding of heavy goods vehicles would be desirable, but not essential, as aining will be provided. This is a roleand that could provide a springboard into management. Essential Qualifications Skills Essential Qualifications and Skills

Duties will include:

tial Qualifications and••Skills Qualification Engineering, Business • Bookkeeping andin Ledger maintenance. Qualification inGeneral Engineering, Businessor orsimilar similar Confidence to to communicate and at at all all levels •• Confidence communicate anddeal dealwith withpeople people levels • Purchase/Sales Ledger postings. Qualification in Engineering, or strong similar AttentionBusiness to detail detail with •• Attention to with stronganalytical analyticalskills skills Creditors Account reconciliations. Confidence •toMonthly communicate and including deal with people at all levels knowledge Microsoft, Word and Excel •• ITITknowledge including Microsoft, Word and Excel

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• Payroll experience would be an advantage but not essential.

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As a Technical Supportwill Engineer, you will provide guidance to our dealer network on technical issues TheSUPPORT ideal candidate have: Ø TECHNICAL ENGINEER and use your skills to keep our customer uptime at maximum levels. To be successful in this role you and use your skills to keep our customer uptime at maximum levels. To be successful in this role you

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have a good technical understanding of heavy goods vehicles, be proactive, have tenacity and echnical Support should Engineer, you will provideissues. guidance to our dealer network on technical issues useyour your initiative to help use initiative to help solve solve issues.Word, Outlook. • Must have expertise in Excel, se your skills to keep our customer uptime at maximum levels. To be successful in this role you Ability to multi task and provide support tobe team members. d have a good •technical understanding of heavy goods vehicles, proactive, have tenacity and Essential Qualifications and Essential Qualifications and Skills Skills our initiative to• Strong help solve issues. attention to detail and organisational skills.

Qualification in engineering (Level 8 preferred) •• Qualification in automotive, automotive,transport transportorormechanical mechanical engineering (Level 8 preferred) • Self-motivated ability toand meet deadlines. • Confidence Confidenceand to communicate deal at at all all levels tial Qualifications and •Skills to communicateand dealwith withpeople people levels Ability to analyse analyse business requirements define them intointo technical requirements • Excellent communication •• Ability to businessskills. requirementsand and define them technical requirements Strong analytical analytical skills Qualification in automotive, transport •• Strong skillsor mechanical engineering (Level 8 preferred) Please forward CV and cover letter to knowledge including Microsoft, Word and Excel Confidence to communicate and deal with people at all levels •• ITITknowledge including Microsoft, Word and Excel Technical Report writing skills •• Technical Report writingand skillsdefine them into technical requirements Ability to caroline.creighton@westwardscania.com analyse business requirements

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< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon senior footballers went down by six points to Donegal, 2-12 to 2-6, in a charity challenge game played in Ballyshannon last Sunday. Roscommon manager Davy Burke fielded an experimental team which featured several new faces. Donegal led by 0-9 to 0-2 at halftime with Roscommon’s only first-half scores coming from the

boot of Diarmuid Murtagh. With the aid of the elements in the second half, Roscommon were much better. Conor Cox scored a goal after 10 minutes but shortly afterwards Jamie Brennan replied with a similar score for Donegal. Roscommon sub Donie Smith converted a late penalty with five minutes to go, reducing the margin to three points at that stage. However, a late Donegal goal restored their lead to six points by

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the final whistle. Roscommon: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Evan Flynn, Niall Higgins; Niall Daly, Conor Hussey, Senan Lambe; Dylan Ruane, Eoin McCormack; Daire Cregg, Ciaran Lennon, James Fitzpatrick; Cian Connolly, Conor Cox (1-2), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-4, 2 frees). Subs: Keith Doyle, Colin Walsh, Donie Smith (1-0, pen), Paddy Gavin, Adam McDermott, Ronan Daly, Luke Glennon.

Castlerea Community School win Connacht Final Castlerea Community School 5-10

The local paper!

Submit your Classified online

Roscommon lose to Donegal in charity game

Conor Cox netted a goal for the Rossies. File pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Ballymote Community School 2-6 Castlerea Community School defeated Ballymote Community School in the Connacht Colleges Division D Junior Championship Final in the Dome at the Centre of Excellence, Bekan, on Monday, December 11th, on a scoreline of 5-10 to 2-6. While the scoreline might suggest that this was a one-sided game, it was far from it. This was a fine game of football all through, with both teams serving up a high standard. There was great movement off the ball by both teams and some well-taken scores. Castlerea were well deserved winners on the day, playing good open football and playing better as a team. Castlerea got off to a great start, scoring a goal after two minutes of play, and adding a further 2-5 to lead at half-time by 3-5 to 1-4. Both teams found scores hard to come by in the second half, due to tight marking by both sets of defenders, and sometimes taking the wrong option. Castlerea added a further 2-5 to their opponents’ 1-2, leaving them deserved winners on a final scoreline

of 5-10 to 2-6. Abdul Sattar in the Castlerea goal made some great saves, and his kick-outs were perfect. The fullback line of Cian Fitzmaurice, Shane Larkin and Alan Joyce were solid. The half-back line of James Hawkshaw, Liam Finneran (captain) and Ross Flynn played very well throughout. At centrefield, Jamie Dowd and Dylan Keane were on top at all times. The half-forward line of Eddie Finneran, Kevin Hester and Dara Curran, along with the full-forward line of Kalum Curran, Sean Vaughan and Jack Dolan, combined well and took some fine scores. Substitute Sean Donlon, who replaced Eddie Finneran, also played his part. Castlerea: Abdul Sattar; Cian Fitzmaurice, Shane Larkin, Alan Joyce; James Hawkshaw, Liam Finneran (Captain, 0-1), Ross Flynn; Jamie Donlon (1-1), Dylan Keane; Eddie Finneran, Kevin Hester, Dara Curran (1-3); Jack Dolan (0-2), Sean Vaughan (2-1), Kalum Curran (1-2). Sub: Sean Donlon for Eddie Finneran. Management team: Conor Hussey, James Reidy and Danny Burke. Team sponsor: Dermot Lyons (Mace). Referee: John Finn (Mayo).

Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Thrills, f o Z o t A tension, sport in 3 2 0 2 and titles! s ’ e k u D s u Seam

is for Andy Farrell, the Englishman who has proven to be a world class coach in his tenure with Ireland. However, once again the team didn’t get past the quarter-finals in the World Cup. Farrell recently signed a new deal and will get a chance to make more progress in the 2027 World Cup. The 2023 draw proved just too difficult for Ireland.

is for Evan Ferguson, the most exciting young Irish soccer player we have seen for many years. He did the sensible thing and signed a long-term contract with Brighton where he can continue to learn his trade. He looks to have everything in terms of strength, skill and determination, and is already one of the top strikers in the Premier League.

is for gymnastics, not a sport often featured here, but in new RTE Sportsperson of the Year Rhys McCleneghan, Ireland has a real live contender for a gold medal in the Olympics in Paris.

is for St Brigid’s who were back with a bang in 2023. They blitzed Roscommon Gaels in the senior semi-final but found it tough going against Boyle in the county final. However, having secured the Fahey Cup, they went on to win the Connacht title in style with a superb performance against Corofin. They have a fine young team and the sky is the limit for them over the next few years.

is for Castlebar. Having waited over 30 years to win there in the Connacht SFC up to 2019, Roscommon did it again in April of this year. Goals from the Smith brothers (Enda and Donie) in the first half saw Roscommon sow the seeds of victory, and an exceptional team performance saw the Rossies home by 2-8 to 0-10 against the then recently crowned National League champions. Another very sweet win.

H Castlerea Olympic boxer Aoife O’Rourke

is for Davy Burke. The Kildare man came to Roscommon as a relative unknown and had a very good year. The youngest county team manager in the country oversaw Roscommon retaining their Division One status,

beating Mayo in the championship and drawing with Dublin. However, the loss to Galway in Connacht and one-point defeats to Kildare and Cork meant the season finished in disappointment.

is for Enda Smith, Roscommon’s first All-Star footballer in 22 years. He was magnificent throughout both the league and championship and thoroughly deserves his award. An inspirational player, and a magnificent ambassador for our county.

is for Dr Hyde Park. There was a time when the pitch in Hyde Park was a bit of a laughing stock. A few showers of rain could mean the pitch was unplayable. But the surface is now magnificent and one of the best in the country. Meanwhile, a major upgrade of the facilities at the ground began during 2023. Hopefully it will all be finished in time to welcome Mayo for the championship in April.

is for the Intermediate Football Championship which provided more high drama in 2023 with Castlerea St Kevin’s scoring a point in injury-time to pip Éire Óg in a thrilling county final. Dara Bruen’s

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

SportsPeople

St Brigid’s defeated Corofin in the Connacht SFC Final

men have since gone on to win the Connacht Championship and are now looking forward to an AllIreland semi-final in January.

social media of sports stars and voluntary GAA players and officials in particular is very unfair and often very nasty. But it is the world that we live in unfortunately.

is for JP McManus who decided to give every GAA county board in the country a million euro for distribution amongst their clubs. The hope will be that the money is used wisely. I was lucky enough to have attended his ProAm in Adare earlier in the year and got to meet some of the greatest golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods. It was one of the best sporting events that I have been at.

is for Stephen Kenny who was probably a ‘dead man walking’ at the start of the year, eventually falling on his sword in the autumn. He may not have been the right man for the job but the standard of player that he had to deal with was not good. The next appointment will be a big one for the FAI. They have to get it right.

is for victory and one of the sweetest of 2023 came to Katie Taylor who avenged her defeat to Chantelle Cameron earlier in the year with a vintage display at the 3Arena in what the experts called the fight of the year. The third bout in this rivalry could well be staged in Croke Park in 2024. Enda Smith won a GAA All-Star award last month

Roscommon senior football manager Davy Burke

is for Ladies football. We saw one of the best county senior finals in many years as Boyle upset the odds to defeat Clann na nGael in Ballyforan. One of the best individual performances that I saw this year in any sport came from Saoirse Wynne in that final. She was phenomenal.

is for Mick as in Mick McCormack, freelance photographer. It is still hard to believe that Mick is no longer around the place. He was some character and will be missed on the sidelines in 2024. May he rest in peace.

is for the New Year and new expectations. Roscommon footballers have another year in Division One, there’s renewed hope in ladies football, and a new manager for our senior hurlers. Meanwhile, the Olympics could feature both Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke, and there is so much more to look forward to across so many sports.

is for Olivia Costello. The Roscommon Town girl is already a phenomenal talent at just 15 years of age, and 2024

is for the winners’ enclosure. Four Roads returned there in style in 2023 under Shane Curley. It was a pity that they didn’t perform to expectations against Tooreen in the Connacht Championship, but they are county kingpins again. A big mention too for St Michael’s who won their first junior football title in 30 years in some style, with Fiachra Henry scoring an astounding 2-12 in the final.

is for the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence which has got the go-ahead from Roscommon County Council. It will transform the way our county teams are prepared into the future. A real good news story in sport.

Fiachra Henry from St Michael’s helped lead his team to their first junior county title in 30 years this year

Roscommon golfing sensation Olivia Costello

will surely see her continue her rise up the women’s golf rankings. A superstar in the making.

the Philedelphia Eagles by 38 to 35 in one of the greatest finals of all time.

is for peerless. That describes the displays of the likes of David Clifford, Aaron Gillane, Katie Taylor, Evan Ferguson, Rory McIlroy and the true superstars of sport (local, national and international). It’s why we watch and get excited about sport in general.

is for Jon Rahm, surely the winner of the biggest sporting hypocrite of the year award. He swore blind as recently as last April that he wouldn’t touch the LIV Golf Tour with a barge pole (well, words to that effect). Yet when the Saudis came waving a cheque for a reported 500 million dollars, Rahm changed his mind. Good luck to him.

is for quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes turned in a sensational performance in the Super Bowl in Arizona as his team came from 24-14 down at half-time to pip

R S

is for six minutes. The most publicised six minutes of the year as Roscommon held on to the ball against Dublin in Croke

Park in the championship for that period of time. Not only that, but they scored a point at the end of it too. It generated much heated debate and argument in the days and weeks afterwards.

is for the treble. Manchester City finally won all three major trophies in 2023, confirming their status as the number one football club in the European game. Pep Guardiola is a fantastic manager but the Middle East billions has helped them along the way too.

is for unfair criticism. We all have our bugbears and things in sport that annoy us, but some of the criticism on

is for young sports stars. We have seen some superb performances over the year from our young stars and we are hoping for more in 2024 from the O’Rourke sisters, Olivia Costello, Holly Kilroe, our young footballers and hurlers, ladies footballers, camogie players, and many more. There will be more great young sporting prospects emerging as the year goes on. Bring it on!

is for ZZZZZZZ which is what watching a lot of Gaelic football games was like in 2023. There were a few exceptions, but the possession-based game has led to far too much hand passing and negative football. It is a huge headache for the powers that be who will have to do something to improve the game as a spectacle.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

SportsPeople

Christmas racing festivals almost upon us Horses for Courses There are only five days left until St Stephen’s Day and the start of the Christmas racing festivals. There is only one Irish race meeting until then on the all-weather at Dundalk tomorrow night (Friday), starting at 5 pm. The festival racing starts at Leopardstown, Limerick and the traditional Boxing Day meeting in Down Royal on Tuesday. No racing on Saturday with 2023 racing seen out at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve. The traditional New Year’s Day meetings takes place at Fairyhouse and Tramore. Cross-channel the traditional King George VI meeting takes place at Kempton. On St Stephen’s Day at Leopardstown the feature is the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase backed up with the Grade 2 Leopardstown Juvenile hurdle – first race at 12 noon. On Wednesday, Paddy Power Day, there are two Grade 1 contests, the Rewards Club Chase, and the Future Champions Novice Hurdle with the Listed Handicap Chase worth €200,000 with a 12.05 pm start. Thursday’s card again has two Grade 1 races, The Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle and the Savills Chase, with tapes away at 12.05 pm. Friday’s card features two more Grade 1 races in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase and the Matheson Hurdle, backed up with the Grade 3 Irish EBF Mares Hurdle. In Limerick there is also a 4-day racing festival starting at 12.25 pm with the St

Stephen’s Day feature being the Grade 2 Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle. Wednesday sees the Grade 2 Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase as the centre of the card, off at 12.19 pm. The Grade 1 Guinness Faugheen Novice Chase, moved from St Stephen’s Day, forms the centre of Wednesday’s card, backed up by the Listed Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase and starts at 12.20 pm. The Listed Sporting Limerick Handicap Hurdle is the feature on Thursday, the final day of the festival. The feature of the Down Royal on Boxing Day is the Connolly Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle with the Irish EBF also backing the Beginners Chase. Racing starts at 11.40 pm. At Kempton, the Grade 1 King George VI Chase has eight runners headed by the Willie Mullins-trained Allaho. Other Irish runners are Elliott’s Gerri Colombe, Patrick Neville’s the Real Whacker, and Shark Hanlon’s Hewick.

by Tom Red

Bravemansgame heads the home team along with Frodon. It is very hard to oppose Mullins’ selection especially if Townend bypasses Leopardstown. There are two more Grade 1 races on the card. The Kauto Star Novice Chase is wide open with nine runners, three of them Irish, Mullins with Grangeclare West and Klassical Dream and Elliott has Imagine taking on a home team favourite Giovinco and the Christmas Hurdle has only six with no Irish challengers to long odds-on Constitution Hill at 1/10.

Racing on TV TV coverage of racing starts on Saturday on ITV 4 with four races from Ascot including the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle and two from Haydock. There is racing from Leopardstown on RTE on St Stephen’s Day, and it continues on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Terrestrial TV on Tuesday has ITV covering six races with four

Constitution Hill and Nico de Boinville.

Short putts BOYLE 30 golfers turned out to participate in the annual Boyle Golf Club Christmas Bonanza recently and the presentation of prizes took place in the clubhouse on Sunday evening last. The overall winner was Lee McKillen while Dermot Hayden was also presented with his trophy as winner of this year’s Committee Cup. The annual Christmas Scramble takes place on Wednesday, 27th of December. Names to be in for a draw at 12 noon, with shotgun start of 12.30 pm. All members welcome, as are any golfers visiting family in the area over Christmas.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON The officers of Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club would like to wish all members, their families and club sponsors a very Happy

The Leopardstown parade ring as the jockeys enter.

from Kempton including three Grade 1 races, one Grade 1, the Tolworth Novice Hurdle from Aintree, and also one from Weatherby. In the Grade 1 Novice Chase at Leopardstown, eleven are set to run, five trained by WP Mullins, three by Gordon Elliott, two by WP Mullins and one each by Henry de Bromhead, Gavin Cromwell and Sean Thomas Doyle. Mullins’ Facile Vega will take beating, while the best of the rest could be de Bromhead’s Inthepocket. Now that he has finally got his head in front at Navan, Elliott’s American Mike is an outsider with a live e/w chance who could put a good run together. In the Savills Chase on Thursday, Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs is set to meet Sean Mulryan’s Fastorslow who has beaten him twice since Cheltenham. Gordon Elliott has last year’s winner Conflated, Henry de Bromhead has A Plus Tard and Envoi Allen to ensure it is not

a two-horse race, but the heart rules the head and Fastorslow is the pick. Goldinthemountains finished fourth at Punchestown Festival for PMJ Doyle before Mulryan transferred him to Martin Brassil and, with a little improvement, he appears well capable of winning the bumper at maybe a decent price.

Racing news The Coral Welsh Grand National is the highlight of the card at Chepstow on Wednesday with only two Irish-trained runners entered, Stuart Crawford’s Dorking Cockand Gordon Elliott’s Dunboyne. Jockeys Frankie Dettori and Davy Russell announced their intention to retire at this time last year and having done so later in the season both made comebacks. Will we see any retirements this year?

Murphy wins in Mumbai Irish jockey Oisin Murphy made up for the disappointment

of missing his first ride over hurdles at Wincanton recently by winning the Indian 1000 Guineas at Mumbai on the locally trained Jendayi and is now off to America later this month.

Roscommon has just the ticket Stuck for a present for a racing aficionado? Well, Roscommon Racecourse offers you its season tickets, now available for only €85 for the 2024 season – he/she can access all 10 meetings next year. If they are an OAP or a student, you can get an even better deal with a season ticket for only €55. Roscommon Racecourse season tickets are the perfect Christmas present for your racing relations or friends. They are available from https://roscommonracecourse.ie/tickets/. All that is left to do is wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Happy punting everybody, I’ll be back on the 4th of January.

(News from local golf clubs)

Christmas and prosperous New Year. Last Thursday, 14th of December, saw the final outing of the year which took place over nine holes at Carrick-on-Shannon golf course. Overall winner was Robbie Donaldson with 20 pts. End of year prizes were presented recently with Golfer of the Year going to Gerry Emmett with an excellent score of 380 pts over ten days (38 pts per day). Captain Seán Martin thanked all present for their continued support and attendance. He also welcomed the incoming captain, Barry Donnellan. The lotto jackpot is now €1,750. This week’s winner of €30 was Martina Molloy-Gallagher. If you would like to join the lotto please contact Sheila Carney or Ann Cox. Carrick Golf Club New Year’s Party takes place on Saturday, January 6th in the clubhouse. Drinks Reception starts at 6.30 pm with the meal being served at 7 pm. Price is €25 per person. To book your place, please confirm with Brenda in the Clubhouse by Friday, December 22nd.

(Above) Boyle Golf Club Golfer of the Year, Gabriel Lavin, receiving his trophy from men’s captain, Liam Whyte. (Top left) Boyle Golf Club men’s captain Liam Whyte presenting Lee McKillen with first prize in the Christmas Bonanza competition. (Bottom left) Boyle Golf Club men’s captain Liam Whyte presenting the Committee Cup to this year’s winner, Dermot Hayden.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

SportsPeople

SPORTS DESK Paul Healy

Fond memories of peak era of ‘A Question of Sport’ Raised in the black and white TV era, we were grateful enough for RTE, but there was only so much satisfaction one could get from Wanderly Wagon, Sesame Street, and Little House on the Prairie. By the time I was aged 15 or 16, and still without ITV, I had taken to calling to a friend’s house on a Sunday to see glimpses of The Big Match (with Brian Moore). When we finally had access to BBC and ITV, it was like winning the lotto. For young sports fans in Ireland, there was now an exotic new world: Grandstand on BBC, ITV’s World of Sport (with Dickie Davies), Sportsnight in midweek, and more besides. These programmes had a glamour and sophistication which RTE could not match in those days. Then there was A Question of Sport (BBC). This quiz show – later imaginatively renamed Question of Sport – was unmissable. The show launched in 1970. By the time I became a regular viewer, David Coleman had taken over as presenter from David Vine. Emlyn Hughes and Gareth Edwards were team captains; Willie Carson had a stint in the saddle too, but the dynamic I most fondly remember was the one between the late Emlyn Hughes (the former Liverpool and England football star) and Bill Beaumont, the England rugby great. The show had a lovely light touch, a winning format, celebrity sporting guests every week, and a live audience. A big part of its great appeal was the banter between the rival captains. Other notable team leaders over the decades include John Parrott, Ally McCoist, Ian Botham and Phil Tufnell (I was never too keen on Matt Dawson, but I suppose he was a good foil for ‘Tuffers’). It could be a bit laddish, but we loved it. In 1997, Sue Barker succeeded Coleman in the presenter’s chair, and many would see her as the show’s best ever host. The Barker era was generally excellent, but the 1980s was the peak decade for this much-loved show. It was an era when there were so few TV channels, and when it was so rare to see sporting superstars in informal, light-hearted settings. After the strange decision to drop Barker as host in 2021, the show’s decline accelerated, and millions of viewers abandoned it. The magic of old was gone. This week, the BBC called time on the world’s longest running TV sports quiz. While there is some speculation that it could re-

Athleague’s Niamh Conway and Éala Ni Chumhaill are consoled by selector Caoilfhionn Ni Chuinn after last Saturday’s AIB Junior Club AllIreland Camogie Championship Final defeat to Granemore. Pic: ©INPHO/ Ryan Byrne

emerge in the future, as of now, Question of Sport is, to paraphrase the guys in Monty Python, an ex-quiz show. It is no more. It has ceased to be. After over 50 years, the BBC has axed it. Now we finally know what happened next…

The GAA… where the ordinary is extraordinary

On another dark and wet Monday morning, Morning Ireland (RTE Radio 1) is taking us through the familiar menu of grim news. Then, as the school run continues, there are welcome sparks of light, in the form of the sports bulletin. The round-up includes an excerpt from a routine ‘Roy Keane blast’ after the Pundit with Responsibility for Feeding Social Media had a verbal swipe at Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on Sunday. But it’s the clips from post-match interviews with two GAA players that brought some welcome joy on this dour morning. A member of the St Thomas’ hurling team speaks with passion and humility as he reflects on his club’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Ballygunner in Saturday’s AIB All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final. It was one of two memorable semi-finals played at the weekend (O’Loughlin Gaels defeated Cushendall in the second one). But it was the snippet from an interview with a veteran Dicksboro player after her team’s All-Ireland Club senior camogie title win that summed up what the GAA means to people, while also reminding us of the remarkable determination, pride and loyalty which drives our amateur players. Orla Hanrick was speaking to RTE moments after the Kilkenny club won their first ever senior camogie title, ending the three-in-arow hopes of Sarsfields of Galway. Recalling that her own playing career with Dicksboro extended back to playing in the junior grade, Hanrick said: “This is just beyond what we could ever dream of. I wrote a little text into the

players’ group last night and I just said ‘this is the match we have been dreaming of since we first picked up a hurl at the age of four or five’. “Year in, year out we’re watching this on telly at home, feet up on the couch – this year we got to be on the screen, this year we got to cross over the white line at Croke Park and just gave it our all”. The snippet played on Morning Ireland finished with a memorable line from Hanrick: “I can believe we’re All-Ireland champions because we’re that good but, my God, we’re living the dream right here, right now”. It’s probably unfair to dredge up the slightly lazy comparison between GAA stars and the proverbial ‘overpaid and pampered’ Premier League players, but it’s hard not to think in those terms when observing the heroics, passion and ‘parish pride’ exhibited by the former. Listening to Hanrick’s joy at the realisation of a dream, and to her emotional hailing of the family-like bonds within the Dicksboro squad, it was impossible not to feel great pride in the uniqueness of the GAA, an organisation defined by its grassroots, and the ordinariness that makes it extraordinary.

Dowd takes Gaels’ reins

Mark Dowd is the new manager of the Roscommon Gaels senior football team. Associated with Strokestown GAA Club, and with a successful stint as part of the Roscommon county minor management a few years back, he succeeds Frankie Dolan, who led the Gaels to the county semi-final last season. Dowd will be joined by selectors John Nolan and David Kelly.

Missing Murtagh

While Roscommon senior team management and supporters will be fully understanding of Ciaráin Murtagh’s decision to not make himself available for the 2024 season, there’s no denying it is a significant blow to the county team. The St. Faithleach’s star is one of the most gifted forwards in the country. Last week it was reported that Murtagh, who can destroy defences on his day, is opting out for the upcoming season (due to the various demands on his time). Ciaráin has been a dynamic star for Roscommon, a player who has had supporters off their seats, their hands in the air, adrenaline pumping with pride. We wish him the very best, and look forward to his return in the Roscommon colours in the not-too-distant future.

Caulry calling … for Pat

Former Padraig Pearses manager Pat Flanagan is taking over the reins at Caulry in County Westmeath. The club tweeted: ‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of Pat Flanagan as our senior football manager for the 2024 season. Pat comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience and we are excited to welcome him into our club’. Flanagan, most recently manager of Sarsfields in Kildare, succeeds former Roscommon inter-county star Shane Curran in the management hot seat at Caulry. We wish him every success.

THE GAIN LINE Creggs defeat Tuam in J1C League Creggs RFC Report

Creggs overcame a determined Tuam side in last Sunday’s J1C League encounter played in difficult conditions on the 4G pitch in Creggs. The win leaves the team well positioned for a postChristmas challenge for a top three spot with difficult games against league leaders Galwegians, Ballina and Carrick-on-Shannon scheduled for January. U-14 Girls: Creggs U-14 girls played Gort/Monivea on Sunday in tough weather conditions. Some good handling skills and tackling was on display from both teams. The game didn’t go as planned in what was

a very tight encounter, but well done to the girls. U-16 Girls: Creggs U-16 girls travelled to Ballina last Saturday for a refixed league game. Both teams had already secured a league semi-final spot and Creggs travelled with 16 girls unavailable. Creggs still managed to field a team and started the game well. But Ballina began to dominate and although Creggs managed to get some points on the board, Ballina ran out winners on a scoreline of 50-15. The girls now go into the league semi-finals in midJanuary. U-14 Boys: Creggs played

at home against Galwegians on Saturday afternoon in round nine of the U-14 boys league. Creggs dominated the first half and went in at the break 10-0 ahead. Creggs started the second half strongly, scoring another try from the kick-off, and pushing on from there. Although Galwegians got a try back midway through the half, Creggs finished the game with one final try, leaving the score 24-7 at full-time. Mini-rugby: Creggs RFC mini-section ran another successful blitz last Saturday morning in great ‘rugby weather’. This week’s guests were Dunmore and

Buccaneers. Almost 400 children played, with both girls and boys teams playing matches. The mini-sec-

tion will now take a wellearned break until January the 6th. Lotto: The Jackpot was

The Creggs J1C League team that defeated Tuam last Sunday.

not won and now stands at €11,300 in next week’s Christmas Eve draw. Please support by joining online

or contacting a committee member. Congrats to last week’s lucky dip winner, Kevin Henry.

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

SportsPeople

‘Merry’ Christmas for Granemore as gallant Athleague fall at final hurdle LETHAL MERRY ENDS ATHLEAGUE DREAM AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Camogie final Granemore (Armagh) 3-9 Athleague 2-5 < SEAMUS DUKE

A heroic second-half display from Athleague wasn’t enough to deny Armagh champions Granemore victory in this exciting All-Ireland final played at the Coralstown-Kinnegad club grounds on Saturday last. It was a superb effort from Liam Gordon’s side in that second period, but when they reflect on the match over the coming weeks Athleague will rue their very slow start, with Granemore dominating the first-half exchanges. The Roscommon club had simply too much to do after the half-time break. That said, they certainly gave it a real go, keeping the outcome in some doubt entering the closing stages. Ultimately, it was a very noteworthy effort after that sluggish start. On a cloudy, breezy day, Granemore dominated the firsthalf exchanges. Disaster struck for Athleague as early as the second minute. Rachael Merry’s longrange shot was deflected on its way towards goal, Paula Daly misjudged the flight of the ball and it ended up over the line for what was a fortuitous goal. With Athleague struggling to get their hands on the ball, the Armagh ladies extended their lead with points from Ellen Lavery and a free from Rachael Merry, the latter going on to be the game’s dominant personality with a superb display. Rebecca Brennan got Athleague off the mark with a good point in the 20th minute, but it was to be their only score of the half. Merry (free) and Corinna Doyle pointed for the leaders to leave Granemore 1-4 to 0-1 ahead at half-time, one hand arguably on the silverware. Athleague were a side transformed in the second half, taking the game to Granemore from the first whistle. Kelley Hopkins pointed a free within 60 seconds and Rachel Fitzmaurice scored a fine point on the run a minute later. Merry pointed a free in the 36th minute for Granemore, but Athleague were now on top. On 39 minutes, the Roscommon side

scored a magnificent team goal. Elaine Daly-Donnelly’s long free was caught by Rebecca Brennan who set Laura Fleming off on a solo run. Fleming passed to Tara Naughton who drilled the ball into the top corner of the Granemore net. Now it was game on, with only two points between the sides (1-5 to 1-3). Athleague were now within distance, but it has to be said that Granemore’s reply was emphatic. Merry pointed another free in the 42nd minute, then a minute later the prolific full-forward was at her lethal best again. This time she scored a magnificent goal after a superb pass from Fiadhna Loughran. It was clinical, and it meant the gap had very quickly been restored to six. Undeterred, Athleague continued to have plenty of possession, seeking out scores. In the 44th minute they missed a glorious goal chance when the ball was worked into the unmarked Tara Naughton, but unfortunately she lost possession at the vital moment and the chance was lost. In the 52nd minute there was fresh hope for the gallant Roscommon team. After Rachel Fitzmaurice was fouled on her way towards goal, Kelley Hopkins blasted the resultant penalty to the net, reducing the margin to four (2-8 to 2-4). A converted Hopkins free left just

Athleague’s Aideen O’Brien in action during last Saturday’s AIB Junior Club All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final against Granemore in Kinnegad. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

three points between the sides with five minutes to go, evidence of just how competitive Athleague were in that second half. Could they draw level? It was not to be. Granemore struck the final decisive blow in the 56th minute, and what a goal it was. Corinna Doyle won possession in the middle of the field before setting off on a mazy solo run and then striking the ball into the top corner for a fantastic individual score. Athleague had been magnificent in that second half but, with time running out, this wonder goal was one blow too many.

There was a chance of a consolation goal in the second minute of injury-time when Rachel Fitzmaurice was again fouled in the large square. However, this time Kerry Devlin was equal to Kelley Hopkins’ penalty strike, the Granemore ‘keeper saving well and clearing the ball to safety. Granemore had some superb performers on the day, in particular their full-forward Rachael Merry. Her personal haul of 2-7 made the ‘Player of the Match’ choice a very easy one. For Athleague, who will regret

that they didn’t get into the game sooner, all their big performances came in the second half. Eala Ni Chumhaill, Laura Fleming, Kelley Hopkins, Rachel Fitzmaurice and Tara Naughton all did well, while Annette McDermott made a big difference when she came on as a sub in the 40th minute. It was a disappointing day for Athleague, but they could leave the stage with their heads held high, and with the knowledge – as their manager said – that it has been a memorable season, and the future is bright for the club. Teams & scorers

Athleague’s Laura Fleming breaks away from Aileen Doyle of Granemore during last Saturday’s AIB Junior Club All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final in Kinnegad. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Granemore: Kerry Devlin; Clodagh McClelland, Coleen O’Hare, Aine Keenan; Alisha McVeigh, Grainne McWilliams, Saoirse McClelland; Aileen Doyle, Ellen Lavery (0-1); Laura Carr, Fiodhna Loughran, Jordan Carr; Corinna Doyle (1-1), Rachael Merry (2-7, 5 frees), Ciara Hill. Subs: Karen Smyth for Carr (41). Athleague: Paula Daly; Chloe Whyte-Lennon, Elaine DalyDonnelly, Eala Ni Cumhaill; Eala Dowd, Maeve Tiernan, Aideen O’Brien; Laura Fleming, Kelley Hopkins (1-3, 1-0 pen, 3 frees); Niamh Conway, Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1), Ciara Dowd; Rebecca Brennan (0-1), Tara Naughton (1-0), Tara O’Brien. Subs: Annette McDermott for Conway (40), N Farrell for C Dowd (52). Referee: Jerome McAllister (Antrim).

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

SportsPeople

Gordon: ‘First-half display was costly’

The Athleague camogie team and subs/panel members pictured ahead of their AIB Junior Club All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final against Granemore last Saturday: Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Proud Athleague manager Liam Gordon hails campaign, says future is bright < SEAMUS DUKE

Athleague’s joint captains Rachel Fitzmaurice and Chloe Whyte-Lennon pictured with Ciarrai Devlin of Granemore and referee Jerome McAllister ahead of the AIB Junior Club All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final last Saturday: Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

A philosophical Athleague manager Liam Gordon agreed after Saturday’s AllIreland Junior Camogie Club final that his team’s relatively

poor first-half display proved costly. “We just didn’t perform in the first half. When you’re down seven points in a game like this, an All-Ireland final, then weather comes into it as well, so a lot of things come into play. We were playing catch-up and we just didn’t have enough. “We did rally in the second half really well – and I’m very proud of the girls and the way they responded – but the first half was the killer”. Gordon stressed that while

defeat in an All-Ireland final is obviously very disappointing, it has been a very good year for the club. “We started the year with the aim to get back to the county final… that was the first target. Then when we got there, thankfully we got over the line. “The Connacht (intermediate) final didn’t happen for us, but we played a really good Shamrocks team and although it was a tough day, we came back well from it. “In the All-Ireland semi-

final we played a really good team from Clare and that was a great win which gave us this opportunity here today. “Overall, it was a good year. It was great to get girls back out on the pitch. We had a panel or 32 or 33 players so that’s a bonus in itself, it can be very hard to get players out. “The squad is good, there’s a lot of good players coming through, so the signs are good and the future is good for Athleague”.

Athleague’s Rebecca Brennan gets through a tackle from Ellen Lavery of Granemore during last Saturday’s AIB Junior Club All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final in Kinnegad. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Roscommon People Friday 22 December 2023

Christmas Christmas Gift Gift Ideas Ideas 3 Large selection of TVs available at unbeatable prices 3 Philips Projectors 3 Shark, Henry and Miele Vacuum Cleaners 3 Washing Machines 3 Dryers 3 Cookers & Hobs 3 Large selection of Airfryers 3 Fridge Freezers 3 Gaming Tables 3 Gaming Chairs 3 Laptops 3 Printers 3 Tablets 3 Fitbits 3 Apple Watches & iPads 3 Bluetooth Speakers

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* All offers valid until December 24th 2023, subject to availability. E&OE apply.

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year