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< PAUL HEALY

In a week which saw two-term councillor Kathleen Shanagher opting out of next year’s local elections, Fine Gael will tonight unveil two first-time candidates in the Roscommon Municipal District. Well-known community figures Robbie McConn (Athleague) and Gareth Scahill (Castlerea) are due to be selected unopposed at Thursday evening’s Fine Gael Selection Convention in Kilbride Community Centre. Their entry into the race intensifies the competition in the main urban electoral area, where sitting councillors Orla Leyden and Kathleen Shanagher are both stepping down. Mr McConn, a retired member of An Garda Síochána, is particularly well-known in sporting circles, including in the GAA and as a director of Roscommon Racecourse. Mr Scahill, a Castlerea-based businessman, is a member of Castlerea Town Team and

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is widely involved in community life in the town. Meanwhile, Fine Gael will hold its Boyle Convention on Monday evening next (27th). Sitting councillor Liam Callaghan, and newcomer Dympna Daly-Finn will be selected unopposed. Fine Gael Constituency Organiser Pat Tully told the Roscommon People that no date has yet been set for the Athlone Convention, where John Naughten is a sitting Fine Gael councillor. See page 8.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT www.bccsolicitors.ie - DO’S AND DON’T’S If I am involved in a road traffic accident with another motorist what should I do or not do. Please advise.

DO 1. Ensure that you and the other people involved in the accident are not injured. If anyone is injured call an ambulance. Be courteous and polite to others involved in the accident regardless of who is at fault. 2. Call the Gardai. Depending on the seriousness of the accident they may or may not attend the scene. 3. If it is a serious accident do not move your vehicle and ask the other motorist involved in the accident not to move their vehicle either until the Gardai arrive. If it is a minor accident and if it is not possible to leave the vehicles in the crash position due to the fact that the crashed vehicles are obstructing the road and holding up traffic then simply move the vehicles to the left of the road in a safe position. Try to take good photographs of the accident scene noting the position of and damage done to the crashed vehicles. 4. Take details of all vehicles involved in the accident to include: insurance details; vehicle registration numbers; names, addresses and phone numbers for all drivers. 5. Take names, addresses and phone numbers of independent witnesses who witnessed the accident. 6. Take note of the name and station of the Garda who attends the accident scene.

e l p o e WATCHING P With PAUL HEALY

All-Star Enda, ill-fated tips for Jim Gavin, and right-winger in the jungle Oh… that weekend TV nightmare! Huh? It’s such a disjointed camp! They’re all at sea! Oh yeah… They arrived, cameras flashing, got kitted out… Yeah… CYCLING But it wasACCIDENT like some of them had never even met before! If youActually… were involved in a cycling Dunno how some of those guys got accident contact through trials… Byrne their Carolan Well… Cunningham Solicitors As for that right-winger, he’s just wandering around in the wilderness! Look, they’re professional footballers, so naturally they came through football trials over the years. As for our wingers, they were never going to get much ball away from home… Huh? Ireland v the Netherlands on Saturday? No! I’m talking about the return of ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ and that bloody right-winger, Nigel Farage! (They pause to watch ‘I’m a Celebrity’ highlights online, but quickly resume their chat on realising they’re warming, just a little, to the controversial Farage) What a weekend for Roscommon GAA! Yes! All Ireland Scór success for Elphin’s Sarah Keane!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

…and wins for Castlerea and St Brigid’s! Great! Both: Best of all, Enda Smith won a well deserved All-Star! Congrats, Enda! Speaking of big weekends for Roscommon GAA, isn’t Jim Gavin the special guest at the Club Rossie event in the Hodson Bay Hotel this Friday night? Er, yes… Don’t you and Jim have… history? Please!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

1. Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident. It is a condition of many insurance policies not to admit liability following an accident. If you are obviously at fault it is simply best to exchange insurance details and tell the other party that you will report the matter to your insurance company. 2. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until particulars have been exchanged. 3. If the other motorist tells you that he is going to move his vehicle and return to the scene, don’t believe him. Make sure that all details are exchanged before anyone leaves the scene.

Sarah Keane, with the Elphin GAA club representative winning the All Ireland Scór Sinsir Solo Singing title in Killarney last weekend Athlone Town, who won Sunday’s Women’s FAI Cup final, defeating Shelbourne in a penalty shootout after the game ended 2-2 26-year-old lawyer Jordan Sangha, winner of the latest series of reality show ‘Big Brother’ St Brigid’s and Castlerea GAA clubs, both of whom advanced to provincial finals, St Brigid’s defeating Mohill in the Connacht Club SFC semi-final, and Castlerea getting the better of Easkey in the Connacht Club IFC semi-final

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

It’s been a BAD week for…

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Boyle GAA star Enda Smith, who became Roscommon’s 12th ever All-Star – and our first since 2001 – when he was selected on the 2023 All-Star Football Team on Friday

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Remind me about those emails… The readers don’t need to know! They could submit a Freedom of Information request… Look, all I did was devise 100 management tips for Jim Gavin… It was around 2013/14, wasn’t it? You weren’t sure Jim was the right man to bring success to Dublin. Right? STOP! Come clean! Okay, so I had just coached our local U-14s with great success… … eh, into a county quarter-final… The ref was terrible! Please, no ref-bashing! So, you’re cocky about your own, er, GAA management career… YES! So I sent a number of detailed emails for the attention of Gavin… With your tips on how he could succeed as Dublin manager? Yes! And the rest is history! I’m sorry? Well, Dublin won six-in-a-row! Eh, are you all set for Christmas? We’re not switching subjects! Jim Gavin never got those emails, did he? You got your addresses mixed up, didn’t you? You fool! Ok, I admit it! They went to that dragon, Gavin Duffy by mistake! Ha ha! Anyways, what a week! Enda Smith is Boyle’s new Gaelic Chieftain! By the way, Gavin Duffy has never looked back!

PIC OF THE WEEK: Caoimhe Murray, aged 6, pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Christmas Festival (9th-10th of December) in Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon recently. Pic: Brian Farrell

☹

Stephen Kenny and his Republic of Ireland team, with defeat to the Netherlands representing a tame finale to a disastrous Euro 2024 campaign, a parting of the ways with the manager now looking a certainty

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople newsbriefs Loughglynn Senior Citizens annual Christmas Party Loughglynn Senior Citizens annual Christmas Party will take place in Creaton’s Lounge, Loughglynn on Sunday, 17th of December at 1 pm. The committee extends a warm welcome to all our senior citizens. A hot meal will be served, followed by live music, dancing and entertainment. Please leave your name with Katie in Creaton’s or Tina in The Village Inn if you can join us for the party. Alternatively you can contact Una on 086 8526805 or Mamie on 087 7857285.

Ballintubber Christmas parish celebration A Christmas parish celebration will take place in Ballintubber at 5 pm on Sunday, December 3rd. The celebration will kick off with the turning on of the Christmas lights, followed by lighting of the Hospice Tree, blessing of the crib and carol singing. Santa will arrive in style and have treats for all the children, and there will be complimentary teas and festive bites in Kenny’s, followed by the Development Association’s Sustainable Living draw. There’s sure to be something for everyone, so come along and enjoy!

Christmas Carols at St Coman’s Church of Ireland Christmas Carols with the Athlone Choral Society and Special Guest Daren Lane will be presented in St Coman’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon Town on Sunday, 3rd of December at 6 pm. Donations at the door, if desired. All welcome.

Rahara Community Christmas Lighting Party All are welcome to the turning on of the Rahara Community Christmas Lights at Rahara Old Church (beside Rahara NS) on Sunday, 3rd of December at 4.30 pm. This will include children singing Christmas songs and will be followed by festive refreshments and a Big Christmas Raffle in Rahara NS. Raffle tickets can be purchased on the night or via Revolut. Text Orla at (086) 6036432 for more information. All welcome.

Christmas lights switch-on in Roscommon this Sunday The Christmas lights in Roscommon Town will be switched on by Santa Claus and his helpers at a public ceremony as dusk falls on this Sunday, 26th of November (5 pm). This is the traditional start of the festive season in Roscommon and a wonderful community event as the twinkling lights are switched on and transform the town core. This year, the Roscommon Lights Committee is celebrating its 30th year erecting and maintaining the Christmas lights for the town. The Lights Committee are advising that in the interest of safety all children and parents are advised to arrive early in the Square to help Santa switch on the lights at 5 pm. Unlike in previous years, Santa will not be departing from

the courthouse but will arrive in town directly from his North Pole residence. Everyone in the family enjoys this feelgood, traditional Christmas ritual and the Christmas Lights Committee invite everyone to come along and enjoy the experience on Sunday. It is all about making memories! In a statement to the Roscommon People, the Christmas Lights Committee said: “We are proud that our Roscommon is renowned for an amazing festive display of Christmas Lights that would not look out of place in any major city. This is only possible because of the dedicated volunteers who make it all happen. “The joy and cheer the Christmas Lights bring to us all, both adults

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and children, cannot be underestimated and it truly transforms our town for the festive season. “We are delighted that we have made huge strides in making our Christmas Lights eco-friendly, using LED bulbs to reduce our carbon footprint. This is yet another strong and positive message to send out about our town. “We expect the festive display to draw shoppers in from a wide hinterland to enjoy the yuletide atmosphere. “However, between upgrades to the lights, new features, and ongoing repair, it still costs a lot to put the Christmas lights in place for the season. The committee are asking as many ‘Rossies’ as possible to make a small contribution for the greater

good of our town and county. It is easy to do for anyone, anywhere in the world who wants to share a little goodwill this Christmas. Will you rise to the challenge and donate today on https://www.idonate. ie/fundraiser/RoscommonChristmasLights2023?” Meanwhile, Gerry Dervin, Chairperson of the Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee, said: “This is a really rewarding committee to be involved with. It is a great bunch of people and their enthusiasm is infectious. We are always looking for new members and volunteers to get involved so please get in contact if you would like to help”. The Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee wishes everyone a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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‘Festival Folk’ – a celebration Please support of national and local talent on yourKLdoorstep OF LAVITSEF IN AID OF

L E T O H

Y E B B A

‘Festival Folk’ is coming to Roscommon town this December, with a celebration of national and local talent on your doorstep. This indoor music festival will get your Christmas started when it takes place in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Thursday, the 2023. F O D I14th AFestival NofIDecember Folk is delighted to announce a lineup of excellent music acts who will deliver a programme of celebration and fun, with performances from local artists as well as artists of international renown. Festival Folk headliners include Sean Keane and Eleanor Shanley, Rig the Jig, Michael Banahan & Friends, Lady Betty, Vincent Pierce, Noel Carberry IN AID OF and the Ukulele Collective, Emma Donnelly & Therese Hanley. Expect some surprises too! This special live gig is being run in aid of Roscommon Cancer Support Services at Vita House. The Roscommon Cancer Sean Keane Support Centre provides excellent support services Y E L N A H S R O N A E L E to individuals and families whileEthey NA EK NAES are AID OF undergoing their IN cancer journey. The invaluable and critical support and the services provided have enhanced recovery from cancer for individuals. This concert will be a special opportunity for people to meet up with friends and enjoy an evening of magical music, tunes, and stories that will live on in your memory. ELEANOR SHANLEY Roscommon Cancer Support Services are partfunded by ICS and NCCP, with the majority of funding from donations, fundraising events and grants for specific services. Festival Folk will offer you the best of Ireland’s folk and traditional talent, under the roof of the Abbey Eleanor Shanley Hotel, Roscommon for a celebration of music, local SEAN KEANE ELEANOR SHANLEY talent, songs, stories and :ECIFFO XOB LETOH YEBBA great craic. The line-up includes the stunning folk sing04262 66090 ers Sean Keane and Eleanor Shanley, together with members of the critically acclaimed traditional folk band Rig The Jig and local 89852 66090 :ESUOH ATIV contemporary folk artists, Michael Banahan, Therese Hanley, Emma Donnelly, Tom Coakley, Vincent Pierce, Patricia Lane, Anthony McDermott and Noel Carberry. ETIRBTNEVE :ENIL NO The night’s entertainment will also feature the amazing musical talent of the wonderful ABBEY HOTEL BOX OFFICE: Ukulele Collective. 09066 26240 Take this opportunity to meet up with family and friends as we move into the Christmas holiday season, while at the same time supporting Roscommon Cancer Support Services VITA HOUSE: 09066 25898 and the wonderful work that they do within our community. Tickets (€25) are available from the Abbey ON LINE: EVENTBRITE Hotel Box Office (090 6626240) or from Vita House (090 6625898). You can buy online from Eventbrite – look for Festival Folk. You can also email info@vitahouse.org for tickets.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie pay for a major redecoration of my pub! He insisted. He arranged for a team of tradesmen to get to work… wallpaper, paint, carpet, he paid for the lot”. I know it sounds bizarre, but clearly that’s who Ben Dunne was at the time: an enormously wealthy, flamboyant and eccentric individual who was capable of making such gestures on a whim. (We were friends with that now deceased Dublin publican for many years, and I have no doubt about the veracity of his Ben Dunne story). Ben Dunne was a giant of Irish business. There is one common theme running through the vast majority of the tributes to him; that he was a very generous man, and extremely well liked. This is a very sad time for his family. May he rest in peace.

THURSDAY Radio daze

So, in one (long) bound, our hero is free. Ryan Tubridy is away from all that turmoil, re-launched now in London with Virgin Radio. All very fine, I suppose. Tubridy is a good broadcaster, and an entirely decent man (if slightly greedy of late). He’s entitled to relaunch himself. Mind you, the fact that his new career move was announced a day or so after RTE confirmed a redundancy plan probably wasn’t ideal. Which brings me to The Photo. On announcing details of his career move, Tubridy posed with Virgin Radio star Chris Evans. Standing between Ryan and Chris was a (now) familiar individual: a grinning Noel Kelly, agent extraordinaire. Did Ryan and Noel really think it wise to pose for this photo? If they did it from a position of naivety, it was bad judgement. If they did it as a ‘two fingers’ to critics/detractors/ Oireachtas committees, it was a poor call. It wasn’t the time to publicly roll out the Ryan and Noel grinheavy double act again. Too soon.

FRIDAY Enda’s All-Star

I’m thrilled for Enda Smith, who received an All-Star tonight. On page 41, I have the following (and more) to say… ‘It’s long past being Roscommon’s secret; the Enda moments – those remarkable, swashbuckling runs from deep – now have GAA supporters the length and breadth of the country looking on in admiration. In the end, Smith’s driving runs, his range of goals and points, the breadth of his skills, his leadership and calmness under pressure, all combined to make Gaelic football fans across the country sit up, take notice, and applaud. ‘As for the All-Stars experts, faced last week with serial champions, the safety net of eyeing the superpow-

MONDAY Not right, said Fred ers, the persuasive statistics… well, this time they could not avert their gaze’. To read more of my views on Enda’s All-Star, see page 41. Read Seamus Duke’s comment piece, page 39.

SATURDAY Over and out

It says something about the poor status of the Republic of Ireland soccer team that I forgot they were playing the Netherlands (in the Euro 2024 qualifiers) this evening. Normally this would be a glamour tie, but these are dull times for the boys in green, and interest in the game has been limited all week. We were watching Lupin (a farfetched thriller) on Netflix, when I remembered that Stephen Kenny’s team were involved in their own farfetched pursuit of lost football status. We only lost 1-0, but reports indicate that the minimal margin was largely down to our opponents’ wastefulness. On the RTE website, the headline read

‘Ireland end campaign with limp defeat to Dutch’, while the Irish Mirror said it was a ‘dismal defeat’. We switched back to Lupin, where the main character (a gentleman thief) is consumed with the past – successstarved Republic of Ireland football supporters might identify with that.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY Ben’s generosity

Tributes continue to be paid to businessman Ben Dunne, who sadly passed away on Saturday, aged just 74. He certainly lived a life less ordinary. When it emerged at a tribunal in the early 1990s that Dunne had made a number of huge payments to politicians, the revelation gripped the country and dominated the news agenda for months. There was almost £500,000 to Michael Lowry, then a further £390,000 to the brazen Tipperary politician to pay for an extension at his house, not to mention the day Dunne

personally handed Charlie Haughey cheques totalling £220k (Ben: “There’s something for yourself…” Charlie: “Thanks, Big fella”). Around that time, my family lived in Dublin. We were chatting to a publican friend one night, and the subject of Dunne’s extraordinary relationship with senior politicians came up. That Dunne had made the payments wasn’t in dispute. But did it follow that he was looking for favours, that the businessman was corrupt? Well, I’m not naïve, but I’ve never forgotten that Dublin publican’s remarkable anecdote about Dunne. It went something like this… “A couple of years ago, this man came into the pub, and I recognised him as Ben Dunne. He stayed for ages, had a nice few drinks, enjoyed the craic with the locals, and was larger than life. The pub was in poor enough condition at the time, and in need of a facelift. Ben chatted with me about the business at some length. A week later, he arrived back in, and without any fuss, announced that he wanted to

Home from a late evening in the office, to be greeted (on TV, not in person, I hasten to add) by Nigel Farage engaged in quite a tense Brexit post-mortem with… Fred, the (very nice) guy who runs the First Dates restaurant. They’re in the jungle of course, taking part in the phenomenon that is I’m a Celebrity, and currently discussing the Brexit fallout, that and how best to cook kangaroo. Meanwhile, Britney Spears’ sister (Jamie Lynn) looks on, doubtlessly wondering if it’s too late to ask her agent to renegotiate her fee. I’m definitely missing Monday Night Football…

TUESDAY Final whistle

I see the Republic of Ireland are playing in an all-black kit tonight in their international soccer friendly against New Zealand. It makes sense I suppose, being suitably funereal for the night that’s in it (Stephen Kenny’s swansong as manager).

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

‘Tree of Light’ illumination in Knockcroghery The community of Knockcroghery and surrounding areas will gather on this Sunday, 26th of November for the annual ‘Tree of Light’ illumination in the village in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. The event will begin with carol singing in the Knockcroghery Community Centre at 5 pm before the lights are switched on at 6 pm on the village green. Santa Claus will make a special preChristmas visit to Knockcroghery on the evening! The committee has called on the people of Knockcroghery and surrounding ar-

eas to give the gift of love this Christmas while supporting the Mayo Roscommon Hospice – you can do so by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light in Knockcroghery for a friend, family member, someone you know or in memory of a loved one. Organiser Jackie Doyle said: “We are asking for your support for the Palliative Care services in our area. You can purchase a light for €5 for your family, friends, or in memory of a loved one. The light will shine over the Christmas period and it can be for people who are living or deceased”.

A special Mass for all will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery at 7 pm on Thursday, the 28th of December. Cards are available from Jackie on 0868756797 and Patricia on 087-1252304. A number of Christmas cards are also available and all proceeds go towards Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Meanwhile, the ‘Cór Comáin Choir’ will perform a Christmas Concert in St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 15th of December at 8 pm. Tickets (€10) are available from Jackie on 086-8756797 and Patricia on 087-1252304.

newsbriefs Almost €1k raised for Roscommon SPCA Roscommon SPCA would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual church gate collections in Ballaghaderreen, Croghan, and Drumlion. A total of €919.49 was raised. All the money raised will go directly to animal welfare in the county.

Roscommon Garden Club Gala Night Roscommon Garden Club will hosts its Gala Night on Thursday, 7th of December at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. Patricia McCallog will give a Christmas-themed floral demonstration. Proceeds from the night will go to Roscommon Hospice. Tickets are available from Pat on 086 0774017/090 6625694, Hannon’s Hotel, Total Health Pharmacy, Roscommon or members of the committee.

NOVEMBER

Upcoming fundraisers for St Ronan’s Hall At a recent meeting of St Ronan’s Hall fundraising committee, it was decided to organise two fundraisers in order to match funding for the ‘Community Centres Grant’ to insulate, rewire, and build a porch/foyer at front of hall. It was decided to have a Carol Service at the erection of the crib at O’Carolan Heritage Park at 3.30 pm on the 3rd of December, followed by a cake sale, raffle, visit by Santa Claus, and children’s disco in St Ronan’s Hall. Tea and coffee will be served. Also, the annual 5k Fun Run/Walk will be held at 12.30 pm on New Year’s Day (January 1st 2024) with registration starting at noon. All support greatly appreciated.

FOOD & CRAFT FAIR IN AID OF ROSCOMMON CANCER SUPPORT

ABBEY HOTEL ROSCOMMON 11AM-3PM Free Entrance

1 Pictured is John Cullen from Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon who recently graduated from TUS Midlands with a Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Business and Law.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

McConn and Scahill to run for Fine Gael in Roscommon District Daly-Finn a new face in Boyle < PAUL HEALY

Fine Gael will formally choose three first-time candidates for next year’s local elections in Roscommon when two of the party’s three selection conventions take place over the coming days. Robbie McConn (Athleague) and Gareth Scahill (Castlerea) have been nominated to run for Fine Gael in the Roscommon Municipal District, while another first-time candidate, Dympna Daly-Finn (Arigna) has been nomi-

Telephone: 071 966 8366 www.croghanns.scoilnet.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF DRAFT ANNUAL BUDGET Notice is hereby given that the Draft Annual Budget for Roscommon County Council, for the financial year ending on the 31st December, 2024, has been prepared and will be considered by the Council at the Annual Budget Meeting to be held at 10.30am. on Thursday 30th November 2023, in the Council Chamber, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. A copy of the Draft Budget shall be available at the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon from Thursday 23 November 2023 and may be inspected by any member of the public during normal office hours: 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public/ bank holidays. Dated this 9th November 2023 Seán Mullarkey Head of Finance, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98

Locally owned and in the heart of the community!

nated to run alongside sitting councillor Liam Callaghan in the Boyle area. The Roscommon Municipal District Fine Gael Convention will be held in Kilbride Community Centre this evening, Thursday, 23rd of November (7.30 pm). Constituency Organiser Pat Tully has confirmed to the Roscommon People that Robbie McConn and Gareth Scahill are the only two candidates nominated (as such, they will be selected unopposed). Gerry Coffey, the party’s sole candidate in Roscommon Municipal District in the last local elections (2019) announced last month that

Gareth Scahill

Robbie McConn

he will not be seeking a nomination on this occasion. Mr. McConn, from Athleague, is a well-known community figure who is prominent in sporting circles. Active in the GAA at club and county level, he is a member of Roscommon

GAA County Board. Also a director of Roscommon Racecourse, he was recently elected vice-captain of Roscommon Golf Club for 2024. Mr Scahill, a Castlereabased businessman, has been a prominent and active member of Castlerea

Town Team, and is widely involved in community life in the town. The Fine Gael Selection Convention for Boyle Municipal District will be held on Monday next, 27th of November, in An Bóthar Rua, Elphin (8.30 pm). Two candidates have been nominated, namely sitting councillor Liam Callaghan, and newcomer Dympna Daly-Finn, from Arigna. As nominations have now closed, both candidates will be selected unopposed. Mr Tully said that no date has yet been set for the Athlone Convention, where John Naughten is a sitting Fine Gael councillor.

Shanagher will not contest 2024 local elections Cllr Kathleen Shanagher has announced that she will not be a candidate in next year’s local elections, saying it is time for a “new chapter” in her life. Her decision to opt out means that two of the sitting six councillors in the Roscommon Municipal District have now declared they won’t be running in 2024. Cllr. Orla Leyden had previously announced that she would not be a candidate. In a press statement released on Friday last, Cllr. Shanagher said: “This week ten years ago, I announced my intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2014 local elections. With the support of my husband Ray, son Cathal, daughter Caoimhe, extended family and

Pictured at the launch of the RWN’s Intercultural Art Project in Áras an Chontae last Thursday evening were (l-r) Cllr Orla Leyden; Nora Fahy, Manager, Roscommon Women’s Network; Cllr John Cummins, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council; Cllr Emer Kelly, Cllr Kathleen Shanagher. Pic: Kieran Croghan

great friends, I successfully secured a seat to represent the people of the Roscommon Municipal Area, and in 2019, I was delighted to be re-elected. “I was privileged to be elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Chairperson of the GRETB, Chairperson of the Roscommon Municipal Area, a member

of committees and to represent Roscommon County Council at many events. “As a Board Member of the GRETB, and current Vice Chairperson, I have seen first-hand the funding spent in the county to provide accommodation and resources for students and staff to avail of. I have been an advocate of apprenticeships for many years and ADVERTISEMENT

sincerely hope to see my efforts in this regard rewarded in the near future”. Cllr. Shanagher said it has been an honour to have served as a councillor since 2014, adding that she has taken great pride in representing the people of Roscommon to the best of her ability. She continued: “However, I have now decided it is

time for a new chapter in my life and I will not be contesting the local elections in 2024. I will continue to work with my colleagues as a councillor and represent the people of the Roscommon Municipal Area until the elections”. Thanking everyone who has voted for her and supported her over the years, Cllr. Shanagher also thanked her fellow councillors and all the staff of Roscommon County Council for their help and support. She added: “I am very proud of the many projects which were successfully completed in this area since 2014. Finally, I wish all the candidates contesting the local elections in 2024 the very best of luck”.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

Midlands-North West constituency to gain seat The Midlands-North West constituency is set to gain a seat in next year’s European Elections, with counties Laois and Offaly being transferred from the South to Midlands-North West. Making its recommendations to the Oireachtas on the make-up of Ireland’s electoral constituencies for next June’s European Parliament elections, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, has recommended that an additional (14th) MEP be al-

Pictured on the occasion of her graduation from National College of Ireland is Ann Marie Dennigan, daughter of Agnes Carley and the late Paddy Carley, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon. Photo: Lafayette Photography

THE BRIDGE CLUB The following are the most recent results from the local bridge clubs. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Mary Fallon & Goretti Kenny; 2nd: Mary McDermott & Ann Kilduff; Gross: Mary & Vincent Brennan. Ballymurray Bridge Club – (Harvest Competition) 1st: Kevin Moran & Ivan Moran; 2nd: Patricia O’Gara & Una Gleeson; Gross: Mary Naughton & Kitty Gately; 3rd: Michael Dolan & Kevin Coyle. Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Phil Murray-O’Brien & Bernie Fallon; 2nd: Bridie & Tom Moran; 3rd: Eileen Dowling & Moira Farrell.

Midlands-North West constituency, making it a five-seater and bringing in the counties of Offaly and Laois into that constituency from the South. The Dublin constituency remains unchanged. “As Ireland’s independent electoral commission, we have worked quickly to ensure this recommendation is brought forward ahead of the statutory schedule. It is now for the Oireachtas to consider and legislate appropriately”.

Spotlight now falls on possible runners < PAUL HEALY

Confirmation that the MidlandsNorth West constituency is set to gain a seat ahead of next year’s European Parliament elections will lead to intensive speculation over what candidates will be in the field. The current MEPs in the Midlands-North West constituency are Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (Independent); Chris MacManus (Sinn Féin), who replaced party colleague Matt Carthy when the latter opted to run in the General Election of 2020; Colm Markey of Fine Gael (who replaced party colleague Mairead McGuinness when she became Eu-

YOUR JOURNEY COUNTS The Government’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is rolling out more public transport options in rural communities across the country. This year, 36 new and enhanced TFI Local Link bus services and 4 Bus Éireann routes have launched, with 22 more to come before the year ends. That's more than one a week. Rail services are also being upgraded with a greener, cleaner ﬂeet. Fares are now lower nationwide. Each time you choose public transport, it helps reduce Ireland’s transport emissions. Wherever you’re going, your journey counts. Bus it, walk it, bike it, train it. gov.ie/YourJourneyCounts

located to Ireland to the Midlands-North West constituency, and that the counties of Laois and Offaly transfer from the South constituency into the Midlands. The recommendations follow a month-long public consultation with submissions received from political parties, elected representatives and interested individuals. The commission stated: “Our recommendation is to allocate this additional seat to the

ropean Commissioner); and Maria Walsh (Fine Gael). Fianna Fáil, currently without a seat in Midlands-North West, will run at least two candidates. It is widely expected that Laois-Offaly TD Barry Cowen will now seek a nomination, given the transfer of both those counties into the constituency. There is speculation too that Seanad Leader Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fáil) could run – a ticket with Cowen and Chambers on it would be seen as a strong one. Their party colleague, Senator Niall Blaney, has already confirmed that he will seek a nomination. The proposed changes are of

course being closely assessed by all parties, and by prospective independent candidates. Sitting Roscommon-Galway in-

dependent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is seen as a possible candidate. He has yet to declare his intentions, but is known to be giving the option serious consideration. Ciaran Mullooly, the former RTE Midlands Correspondent – now working in the community development/social enterprise area – has remained tight-lipped as to his intentions amidst speculation over recent months that he may enter the political fray. Mr Mullooly has been approached to run by Fianna Fáil in the past, but there is also speculation in local political circles that he could consider running as an independent candidate in the European elections.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

Elderly woman injured in carjacking incident in Castlerea Gardaí following definite line of enquiry A carjacking incident in Castlerea which led to an elderly woman being hospitalised with injuries to her face,

arms and legs is being investigated by Gardaí. The shocking incident occurred in a carpark in Castlerea at approximately 5.30 pm on Tuesday evening. The woman – understood to be in her early 70s – was driving from the Lidl

carpark onto the Williamstown Road when a man approached her car. The man, believed to be in his late 40s, flagged her down and claimed that he had a flat tire. The man then bundled the woman out of the car and drove off. The woman

was dragged along the road for a short period because she had her hand on her car door. She sustained some injuries and was taken to Sligo Hospital where she is in a stable condition. The man whom Gardaí want to speak to is described as middle-aged, of strong

Unique ALONE event in Ballintubber An event promoting the services of ALONE, a charity which helps people living in isolation, will take place on Sunday, the 10th of December in Ballintubber. The day’s activities will begin with an Ecumenical Prayer Service which will be held at 2 pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber. This will be followed by a ‘Rambling House’ event in Garvey’s Bar from 3 pm, featuring local musicians and storytellers. Cllr. Anthony Waldron, who has been instrumental in organising it, says everyone is welcome to attend this great community event. More details in our next issue.

build, with dark hair. He was wearing a black coat, blue jeans, and brown shoes. Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry in relation to the incident. The stolen car is described as a red Volkswagen Fox, with a registration starting with 08 RN.

Callaghan optimistic on major N5 works

Sarah Keane of Ail Finn, Roscommon, is presented with the cup by Gearóid Ó Riain, Teachtaireacht ó Chathaoirleach Chomhairle na Mumhan and Tomás Ó Muiri, Teachtaireacht ó Chathaoirleach Choiste Náisiúnta Scór, after winning the Amhránaíocht Aonair category during the Scór Sinsir 2023 All-Ireland Finals at the INEC Arena in Killarney last Saturday. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Cllr Liam Callaghan has said there are further positive indications that work on the N5 bypass is set to commence in early 2024. Cllr Callaghan said he is aware the main contract has being awarded and office sites are being set in place. Also, a major employment drive for workers locally has been advertised and this all suggests that the N5 project is set to recommence soon. Cllr. Callaghan said that the project will be a major boost to road safety in the area. He added that from a commercial point a view the project will offer a great economic stimulus from both a business and employment perspective for the next six years or so, given that it is anticipated that the works will be completed by 2029.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

‘Full House’ is evidence that numbers are far from up for thriving bingo scene Our man Frank on another eyebrow-raising (for him) trip to the bingo; Taking health advice with a (tiny) pinch of salt; A new granddaughter arrives… and the slightly dreaded M50 It’s just coming up to 8 pm on Friday evening last, and as I sit into my car to go to the bingo in the local school hall the rain is absolutely pelting down – and I think to myself that there’s un-

likely to be much of a crowd in tonight. And so, when I got to the school, I couldn’t believe my eyes – there were cars parked all along the street. There was no place to park near the school, and so I had to settle for a place halfway up the village. I had been so sure that the crowd would be small that I didn’t bother to bring a coat, and so after struggling a couple of hundred yards through the wind and rain it was a good impersonation of a drowned rat that made its way into the bingo hall. By the time I got there, the number caller, Conor Rabbitte, was already through the first game, and the huge crowd were totally engrossed in their

single books, their double books, and their flyers. Sadly, there were ‘checks’ coming from all round the place but nothing was forthcoming from the table I had joined – between all the single lines, double lines and full houses, together with the tickets I bought for the raffle, nothing came my way. As I left, I wondered if non-bingo players have any idea as to how popular the game is. I told you before of my late aunt, Bridie Brandon, who used go to bingo nearly every night of the week! However, that was a good few years ago, and I foolishly thought that bingo’s popularity had almost vanished.

I can honestly tell you that I must have been very wrong, as after seeing all the people who braved the horrible weather of last Friday night to take part in their favourite game, I now admit to not having had a clue about it at all. It seems it’s back bigger and better than ever, and big crowds are going all over the country to take part. I fully expect Olivia Harris, who organises our game, to make sure we have lots of bingo to play in the coming weeks, months, and years. I will keep you up to date with all new dates, and wish you well when the time comes – and hope you have better luck and more success than I had!

Also, I must say the ladies committee excelled themselves with lovely hot teas and coffee, along with a huge selection of biscuits, buns, and cakes. And even though my numbers didn’t come up, I thoroughly enjoyed the craic and the banter – and I probably got my entrance fee back in the number of sweet things and teas that I had! If, like me, you were, or are, a bingo sceptic, the next time you see it anywhere near you, take a chance, play the game, and maybe, just maybe, you might actually enjoy it – and even win some prize. I will definitely be back for the next one in Creggs, and hopefully the weather will be more favourable.

M50 musings – and a happy event

It’s Monday evening and Carol and myself are in Dublin, where we are excitedly meeting our new granddaughter Hayley for the very first time, after she was born to our daughter Lisa and husband Brian last Thursday. I drove up earlier in the day, and as I told you before I do not look forward to the actual journey, but especially the final part of it, which brings us out past the airport on the infamous M50. It being Monday afternoon, traffic wasn’t that awfully bad, but as we just about reached the airport I saw a poor driver pulled up on the hard shoulder with, of all things, a puncture. As we drove out towards the airport, the big, well lit up overhead signs were informing us of a breakdown on the slip road between the M50 and the M1, and when I saw the poor lady in question in distress my heart went out to her. The motorways are a fantastic addition to our infrastructure, but they are an unforgiving place for breakdowns, and always in the back of my mind is the fear that I might be the next one to suffer. Thankfully we made it safe and sound on Monday, and acquainted ourselves with Hayley, who had weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 7ozs and who has (so far) been happily welcomed by two and a half year old big sister, Riley. I am writing this on Monday evening, with the return journey to Creggs in the morning, so I hope I don’t jinx myself and that we have an uneventful trip home!

And finally…

Cereal offender! For a few years now I have lived my life with stents to keep my heart valves open, and the medical advice would be to stay away from salt, and – as a result of my long-standing relationship with diabetes – to ease up on the sugar as well. I confess that I am not the best patient of all time, and (forgive the worst pun ever) I tend to take medical advice with a pinch of salt. And so, I have

been known to sprinkle the odd bit of salt on my dinner, and likewise with the sugar on my cereals, and only for Professor Luke O’Neill I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. However, Professor O’Neill tells us that too much salt is as bad for a person as smoking, and while a lot of what he said went straight over the top of my head, I did get the fact that over in Uruguay they have taken all

salt dispensers off the tables in restaurants. As it happens, three-quarters of our salt intake comes from processed foods, including ‘innocent’ items like bread, cereals and tomato sauce, while fast food and takeaways are well endowed with the little white stuff (salt, not cocaine). So while removing the dispensers from restaurant tables won’t totally solve the problem, it does show

they are taking the matter seriously. After all, studies show that people on a low salt diet are less likely to experience strokes, heart disease, and other causes of death. As for me, I would miss the sachets that come with almost every ‘fast food’ meal, and until the change is actually made I will continue to sneak a little bit of salt, and sugar, into my not so healthy diet.

As we struggle on through the never-ending wind and accompanying rain, spare a thought for the folk in Rio de Janeiro where red-hot temperatures caused the death of a young Taylor Swift fan as she waited for a concert by the superstar, and forced the cancellation of Swift’s concert on the following night. Footage of the first night’s show apparently shows Miss Swift struggling to sing in the intense heat as she gasped for air, and the star had no choice but to cancel the following night’s concert in the same open-air stadium. I have often said that despite our constant giving out about our weather, the truth is that we – to paraphrase the famous Carlsberg ad – might just have ‘probably the best weather in the world’. It will be some time before a Daniel O’Donnell concert in Ireland will have to be cancelled! Unless of course it’s due to the wind and rain…

for now ’Til next week, bye

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

Information session and family event promoting Irish language in Roscommon this Saturday An information session and family event aimed at enabling discussion on the promotion of the Irish language across County Roscommon is being held on Saturday, November 25th, by Glór na nGael. The event will take place in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town, with the information session taking place from 10 am to 12 pm, followed by a puppet show at 1 pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Glór na nGael hope this will be an opportunity for people in the county who are involved with the Irish language, and people who are interested in the Irish language, to come together. This event will be bilingual and you don’t need to be fluent in Irish to take part. Local organisations will have an opportunity to share information on events that are currently promoting Irish in Roscommon. There will also be representatives from Irish language organisations on the day, sharing information about resources, funding and other supports that are available to community organisations, GAA clubs, Comhaltas branches, schools, individual families, etc., to help promote the Irish language in the county. The puppet show taking place later in the afternoon is called ‘Maggie’, and is being performed by Little Gem Puppets. This show will be entirely in Irish and is a family event, therefore parents must stay with their children throughout. Maggie is a friendly puppet who has a very special friend called Rexy. One day when they meet up, Rexy has a big question and the two go on a big adventure to find the answer to the question and they come across a witch along the way. This is an interactive show aimed at children aged 6-9 primarily, but families with children of all ages are welcome to come along and enjoy the show. Sinéad, who works in the family department of Glór na nGael, would like to develop an Irish Language Family Network for families in Roscommon who speak Irish in the home. There will be an opportunity for families to share ideas and give suggestions on the day.

Register early and don’t miss out! To register for this free event or find out more information about the day, contact Sinéad Ní Mhearnóg on 0834497443/ sinead@ glornangael.ie or Honora Ní Mháille on 0861655237/ honoria@glornangael.ie.

Timetable The timetable on the day will be as follows: at 10 am, there’s a formal welcome and refreshments. From 10.15 am there will be speakers from local and national Irish language groups, with time for questions after. At 11.30 pm, attendees will get the opportunity to talk to speakers, view the stands, and mingle, with the morning activities ending at 12.30 pm. The afternoon activities will kick off at 1 pm with a welcome for families, with the puppet show beginning at 1.15 pm and lasting for approximately 40 minutes. Around 2 pm, there will be refreshments and a chance to talk to families, etc, before the event wraps up around 2.30 pm.

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Call for Proposals to Assist Roscommon Volunteer Centre in Developing a Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 1. Introduction

3. Key Deliverables

Roscommon Volunteer Centre (RVC) is an independent organisation affiliated to Volunteer Ireland and was established in 2020. It is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. RVC provides a county-wide service to people who wish to volunteer some of their time to non-profit organisations, and to non-profits in sourcing volunteers to help them pursue their aims.

A finalised Strategic Plan, which should be included in the tender response: 1. Initial fortnight, scoping exercise, and reporting back on same. 2. In close consultation with RVC, conducting the strategic planning process and documenting, reporting mid-way and when nearing completion, sending a draft of the plan to RVC and its board for final consultations, and on approval of the final draft, sending the finalised plan to RVC and its board. 3. Development of a consultation process to reach a wide range of relevant stakeholders such as VIOs, other Volunteer Centres, Volunteer Ireland, volunteers, as well as organisations that engage with RVC such as Roscommon Leader Partnership, Roscommon County Council and Roscommon libraries; 5. Geographic spread and representation of external stakeholders across the following regions of Roscommon: Strokestown, Castlerea, Roscommon Town, Ballaghaderreen, Monksland, Boyle. May include streetside interviews, focus groups and/or one-to-one conversations. 6. The Plan should take into account the DRCD’s National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025 and Volunteer Ireland’s latest strategic plan and should take stock of changes in volunteering trends locally, nationally and internationally.

Our Vision: to support the people of Roscommon in further enhancing its places and ways of living as flourishing, vibrant communities, with volunteering at its heart. Our Mission: to promote the value of volunteering and to increase the range and quality for the benefit of the people of County Roscommon. Our Values: Respect, Belonging, Empowerment, Courage, Transparency, Equality and Diversity, and Collaboration. RVC works with a network of other volunteer centres across Ireland to implement a robust local volunteering service which supports the actions outlined in the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025 of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Our aim is to support community groups and to ensure that everyone who wants to volunteer, can volunteer. We do this in a variety of ways: a) Volunteers and volunteering We promote and celebrate volunteering in Roscommon by participating in campaigns such as National Volunteering Week and hosting a local Roscommon Volunteer Awards Ceremony. We utilise I-VOL, the national volunteering database, to connect volunteers to volunteering opportunities hosted by community groups. b) Charities and not for profit organisations We support regional volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) through training, resources, advice and consultancy. We help these organisations think through their volunteering programme, identify where volunteers can be a resource, and support them in drafting and posting volunteering roles. c) Garda Vetting RVC is registered with the National Vetting Bureau and has trained staff to act as Vetting Liaison Officers to support community groups in processing their Garda Vetting applications using the e-vetting platform. d) The national volunteer network We liaise with 28 other Volunteer Centres across the country and utilise our network for information-sharing and best practice on volunteer management. e) The national volunteer network We work closely with Volunteer Ireland who provides support to all 29 regionally-based volunteer centres in areas such as branding, campaigns, policy development, and implementing programmes such as the Community Volunteers Programme.

2. Background and Methodology Roscommon Volunteer Centre works to implement the Roscommon Volunteer Centre Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 which is due to come to an end in December 2023. We are now looking to develop a new strategy plan for 2024 – 2030. We are inviting proposals from suitably qualified individuals to help us to develop a strategic plan for the next six years. The successful candidate(s) will have relevant experience, excellent research and engagement skills, sectoral expertise, tried and tested methodologies, group facilitation skills and a willingness to challenge the status quo and assumptions. The new strategic plan will be based on a review of the current strategic plan, consultations with board and staff members and interviews with key stakeholders including the public, volunteers, volunteer involving organisations, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and other strategic partners.

4. Duration of the Project The project should commence in early 2024 and be completed preferably by Spring 2024. In order to ensure the best possible strategic plan, we can exercise a degree of flexibility with this timeline.

5. Submission of Tenders Experienced facilitators are asked to submit a proposal that should include the following: 1. Background information with C.V.; 2. Evidence of prior experience in delivery of similar projects with particular emphasis on experience of working with the community sector; 3. Relevant references; 4. An outline of the proposed methodology; 5. Quotation in Euros and inclusive of VAT, showing a timetable with breakdown of days required to deliver the project and including all costs associated with the work such as preparation time, travel expenses and any other expenses as required. Roscommon Volunteer Centre shall not accept any responsibility for any expenses or loss, which may be incurred in the preparation of a Tender.

6. Selection Criteria Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria: Criterion

Max. Score Available

Qualification, Relevant Experience, Track Record

30%

Methodology, Understanding of the Brief: accuracy, focus, interpretation

50%

Cost of successful project delivery and value for money

20%

Total Maximum Score Available 100% Failure to comply with the above selection criteria will result in disqualification from the tendering process.

7. Submissions Interested parties should submit a brief, fully costed proposal to deliver the work outlined above, by 5 p.m. on Friday, 15th December 2023. Please submit proposals electronically to: manager@volunteerroscommon.ie Please note that late submission of tenders will not be accepted.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

MOLLOY’S

NEW LOCAL HISTORY BOOK

THE ELUSIVE MRS. WALCOTT An 18th century Entrepreneur and the Rookwood Estate

Aughagad Aghagower

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON. Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net

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 Coalpits

Mallyree

Mount Mary

Slievemurry

Attifarry

Gorteenclough or Corramore

Easterfield or Cornacask

Gorteenruckaun

Monsternalea or Abbeygrey

Killeroran D.E.D.

ATHLEAGUE CIVIL PARISH COUNTY GALWAY (16)

ATHLEAGUE CIVIL PARISH COUNTY ROSCOMMON (33)

Araghty

Barony Athlone

Aghrane or Castlekelly

Killeroran Parish

Toberkeagh or Blindwell Carrowreagh

Keenagh (Clanrickard) Corra Beg

Clooncannon

land Athleague Parish

town

Clooneen

Athleague Village

Athleague West District Athleague Electoral Division (D.E.D.)

Coolaspaddaun

Curraghbaghla

Knockaunarainy

Split

Cloonykelly Glebe

Rookwood or Bellagad

Ballaghdacker

Hollygrove

Barony Killyan

TISRARA CIVIL PARISH (30)

Cloonruff

Aghrane or Castlekelly

KILLERORAN CIVIL PARISH (37) Srahaunnagort or Thornfield Garreer

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Celebration this Saturday in Creggs to mark Pride of Place win Celebrations will be held in Creggs on this Saturday evening, November 25th, to mark the recent winning of a national award for Climate Action and Biodiversity in the All-Ireland Pride of Place Awards. Judges visited the village in mid-August and were impressed by the array of work undertaken in the village, including by Creggs Rural Development which launched a Biodiversity Action Plan in August, by the local Glinsk Creggs Group Water Scheme which has a number of initiatives underway to safeguard water supplies in the region, and the buy-in from local clubs such as Creggs GAA Club and Creggs Rugby Club and the multiple actions undertaken by the local school to promote both climate action and biodiversity, including an active travel initiative, growing their own vegetables in a polytunnel, Green Flag project and much more. The judges also visited Creggs Wildlife Garden adjacent to the school and heard about plans to establish an ‘edible woodland’ area in the gar-

den, to include fruit trees, nut trees and other edible woodland plants. At the awards ceremony in Armagh, judges commended the people of the area for the level of inclusivity in the village and said that this was very apparent during their visit and the actions in

Creggs could be replicated in many other small rural communities across Ireland. Chairperson of Creggs Rural Development, Seán Beirne thanked all involved for their efforts, saying, “Thanks are due to Galway County Council for nominating us for this award and to all of the local residents, businesses, clubs and societies, the school and school children who came on board and displayed great enthusiasm to the judges on the day of their visit. “A lot of work has been done in the area of biodiversity over many years but there was a great community effort to ensure that this work was showcased to its best advantage on judging day”. Locals will gather in the school hall at 7 pm on this Saturday evening for some light refreshments as a thank you from the local development group for the buy-in of the entire community into the Pride of Place efforts. Everybody in the community is invited.

Castlecoote Lodge Bar & Lounge

Irish Trad Session Friday November 24th from 9pm All welcome to join in/ enjoy Refreshments served

––––Also Friday night ––––

Launch of Fabulous Christmas Hamper Draw All proceeds to Roscommon Alzheimer’s Day Centre

Have your staff Christmas Party Drinks at Castlecoote Lodge Great venue, warm welcome, food platters free to all groups booked

Tel: 0876335511; 0871929932

Is proud to be the first law firm in Ireland to join the four-day working week

STEM student Laura receives scholarship Laura Finan from Knockcroghery is amongst 62 students from across five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards at the first ever national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick. Laura is studying Biomedical Engineering at University of Galway. The awards recognise outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design. 62 students from Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University of Galway and Munster Technology University have received scholarships as part of the programme. Each scholarship recipient is set to embark on an inspiring journey, gaining access to a student award, industry mentorship, leadership training, career workshops, Johnson & Johnson site visits, and participation in WiSTEM2D events aimed at bolstering their future in STEM careers.

Pictured is Laura Finan from Knockcroghery, who was amongst 62 students from across five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D).

LOCALLY OWNED AND IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY!

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

PPN to host Funding & Community Supports Expo in Abbey Hotel Roscommon Public Participation Network will be hosting their County Plenary & Community Expo on Wednesday evening, November 29th from 7-9 pm in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town. In addition to traditional plenary formalities, there will be an illustrious line-up of speakers, a panel discussion on emerging funding opportunities and the launch of their ‘County Vision for Community Wellbeing’ based on recent

community consultations (see accompanying advert for full line-up). The theme of this year’s event is ‘Enhancing Community Wellbeing’ with the aim of providing community organisations an opportunity to Network with key local support providers, learn about the latest funding available and hear updates from the PPN. Notable contributions on the night will include a panel discussion on new funding available for local community

groups and sports clubs with speakers from Roscommon County Council, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Roscommon Sports Partnership. In addition, Louise Weir, guest speaker and University of Galway Lecturer with expertise in Rural Development Policy, Rural Regeneration and Town Planning will launch the PPN’s County Vision for Community Wellbeing. The event will conclude with an

informative Networking Showcase where attendees will receive an array of information from local supports and agencies including Community Finance Providers, Roscommon Volunteer Centre, An Garda Síochána, HSE, Foróige, Roscommon Comhairle Na nÓg and many more. The event is a great platform to bring community groups together to network, learn and share information. Those in attendance will also be entered into a

draw for a chance to win a €500 Training bursary for their group/club/organisation (T&Cs will apply). Refreshments will be served and all potential new network members are encouraged to attend this FREE Event. Please note that registration in advance of the event is recommended. You can register for the event online via Eventbrite, via email on info@ roscommonppn.ie or by calling 086 0478616.

ADVERTORIAL

Cloontuskert National School now accepting applications for school year 2024-2025 Cloontuskert National School is now accepting applications for admission for the school year 2024-2025. Our application form is available to download at www. cloontuskertns.ie or on request by emailing cloontuskertns63@ gmail.com. The school will cease accepting applications on 14th December 2023. Our school is a co-educational, Catholic primary school, located in the village of Cloontuskert, approximately 4km from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. A private bus service is available to transport the children to and from the school or to the local after-school study service in Lanesboro. Our school facilities have recent-

ly been upgraded and we are now in a position to cater for students with a wider range of mobility and care needs. The Principal of Cloontuskert National School, Therese Concannon states: “We are a small school which works diligently to provide a broad and holistic education in a nurturing and caring environment. We take great pride in knowing all our students personally and strive toward assisting each of them in reaching their full potential. There is a strong sense of community spirit here and a high level of cooperation between staff, pupils and parents”. Cloontuskert N.S. is a DEIS school which provides an opportunity to access additional supports

and a greater degree of government funding. One example of this is that students have access to free hot school lunches. “In our school, we embrace the Aistear framework and have adapted it for use throughout the school. Children are encouraged to develop their skills of oral language, writing, reading and numeracy through playful and positive interactions in a well planned and focussed learning environment. We are fully equipped for this approach with the latest resources available to all teachers to ensure its success within the school”. ICT is an integral part of everyday life in the school. Students enjoy the use of the most

up to date devices and software. Teachers actively encourage the children to integrate IT into their learning and presentations where appropriate. The children are very competent in this regard. Cloontuskert National School is a hive of activity, with the children participating in a broad range of educational endeavours such as debating, Junior Entrepreneur, history trails, art competitions, poetry and essay competitions, computer classes, wellbeing classes, school concerts and plays, to name but a few. A statement on behalf of the school outlined: “Sport plays a central role in Cloontuskert N.S. and we have experienced much success in this area. Most recently we celebrated winning the B Final at the LCC/Ballyboro schools soccer competition. Our sporting facilities include an all-weather astroturf pitch, a basketball court, a pitch and a purpose-built playground. “We have excellent soccer, GAA and rugby coaches and the children also participate in golf, Hip Hop dancing, swimming lessons and athletics. The children regularly attend rugby, football and soccer blitzes and we also take part in cross-country and basketball competitions. “The arts are also well catered for in our school. This year the children from 2nd to 6th class will be taking part in the Peace Proms concert with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. Peace Proms is recognised as one of Ireland’s most valuable, dynamic, engaging and fun Music Education initiatives. “We will also be taking part in the Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme later this year. The aim of this scheme is to give our students the opportunity to work with a professional artist on a unique project which will be planned and developed between the artist, the teachers, and the children”. For further insight into school life at Cloontuskert N.S., check out their Facebook page or website at www.cloontuskertns.ie.

Students from Cloontuskert National School pictured with shoeboxes which they collected for the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

Cloontuskert National School students who recently won the final of the LCC/Ballyboro schools soccer competition.

Students having fun at Cloontuskert National School.

Students from Cloontuskert National School pictured during their recent Halloween fancy dress party.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SCHEDULE

The event will include: • Panel Discussion on the latest Community Funding Opportunities • Launch of our “County Vision for community Wellbeing • Major Showcase of Key Local Supports One PPN Member in attendnce will win a €500 Training Bursary for their Group

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Pictured are members of Strokestown LGFA, who were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Pictured are members of Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association, who were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm opens €100,000+ Community Benefit Fund for Applications November 2023: Sliabh Bawn Power DAC is pleased to announce the opening of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm 2023 Community Benefit Fund. Community and voluntary groups, non-profit groups, or organisations with a charitable status are encouraged to apply for Funding. The Fund aims to support local projects that make a positive contribution to communities adjacent to the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm with applications encouraged across six categories including Recreation, Social Sustainability, Culture and Heritage, Environmental Sustainability and Tourism. The application window will remain open until Tuesday, 30th January. Making the announcement on behalf of Sliabh Bawn DAC today, Stakeholder and Advocacy Manager Karina Dennigan outlined: “We are delighted to launch the 2023 Community Benefit Fund for the local community adjacent to the wind farm. The Fund aims to support many community organisations and locally led projects in continuing to provide valuable services to people in the local community. This year the Fund is valued at over €100,000 and is open until the 30th of January 2024 for applications. Half of this year’s fund is committed to local projects such as the Ballagh Parish Community Hub and Scramogue Graveyard Restoration Group which previously secured multi-annual funding from previous rounds of the Fund. We would strongly urge all community groups to ensure they apply before the deadline. We look forward to continuing to support local organisations and initiatives adjacent to the wind farm”. Elaine Barrett, Community Benefit Fund Coordinator on behalf of SECAD Partnership, stated: “SECAD Partnership as fund administrator, are looking forward to supporting the communities near Sliabh Bawn, for any assistance they may need with their projects and applications. We look forward to seeing the continued benefit of the Sliabh Bawn Community Benefit Fund to the local communities, ensuring the funding has a positive and lasting impact.” Approximately half of this year’s Fund value has already been committed to projects in the community through multi annual awards made through previous funding rounds. These projects include: Ballagh Parish Community Hub, Lough Ree Access For ALL, St Faithleachs GAA Club, Cloontuskert National School, Strokestown GAA, Scramogue Graveyard Restoration Group, Lanesborough Primary School, Strokes-

The 2023 Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund (the “Fund”) opened for applications on Tuesday 21st November 2023. The Fund is open to community and voluntary groups, not for profit groups and organisations with charitable status. The Fund will prioritise projects and initiatives that will benefit the area surrounding Sliabh Bawn, subject to them meeting the Fund criterion. The Fund Guidelines and Application Form are available on: https://www.communitybenefitfunds.ie/sliabhbawn. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30th January 2024.

Pictured are members of Strokestown GAA Club, who were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Should you have any queries please contact SECAD Partnership CLG on 021 461 3432.

town Golf Club and Board of Management Ballyfeeney National School. Among the groups supported by the overall Fund in the past are local Schools, Sports Clubs, Development Associations, First Responder Schemes, Community Facilities, Scout Groups, local Athletic Clubs and Community Support Services and Outreach Programmes. A full list of previous recipients of the Fund can be viewed on the Sliabh Bawn website: https://www. sliabhbawnwindfarm.ie/community-benefit/. Applications will be reviewed, assessed,

and scored by both Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm DAC and a local committee consisting of representatives from the communities adjacent to the wind farm. For further information on the Community Benefit Fund (including Fund Guidelines) and how to apply for funding, please visit: https://www.communitybenefitfunds. ie/sliabhbawn. Should you have any queries please contact SECAD on 021 461 3432. Closing date for receipt of entries to the 2023 Fund is Tuesday 30th January 2024.

St. Faithleach’s GAA Club were among the recipients of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

Open public AA meeting to be held in Roscommon There is an open public AA meeting, hosted by the Roscommon South Leitrim Athlone area of Alcoholics Anonymous, on Saturday, November 25th at 6 pm in Hannon’s Hotel on the Athlone Road, Roscommon. There will be addresses by AA speakers, a speaker from Al Anon, a professional counsellor, and by a young persons’ liaison officer.

Moore, head of St. Patrick’s Hospital, and gave him a copy of the book ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ (Big Book). One of his patients, Richard P., showed an interest. After their first meeting, the two men engaged positively and Richard P. was released from hospital. Conor gave an interview

to the Evening Mail. Subsequently, seven people attended the first ever meeting of AA in Ireland (and indeed in Europe), held in a house in Rathmines on 18th November 1946. A public meeting on 25th November 1946 followed, at which 12 people joined. That meeting, according to Conor’s memoirs, was fol-

lowed by a closed meeting of AA on 30th November 1946. ‘Sackville’ joined the group in 1947. A military careerist and devout Roman Catholic, he devised a plan to get in touch with the Theologians in Maynooth and had an article printed in their magazine (called The Furrow). From

Roscommon link with AA arrival in Ireland

Alcoholics Anonymous started in Akron, Ohio in 1935. It spread to Australia in 1943 and an AA group was formed in Sydney. In the same year, Conor F., originally from Co. Roscommon, joined AA in Philadelphia and he would become instrumental in bringing AA to Ireland. Fr. Tom Dunlea, an Irish priest working in Australia, had noticed, and been impressed with the gradual growth and success of the Sydney group. In 1946 he came back to Ireland on holiday and while in Dublin, was asked by the Dublin Evening Mail to give an interview. Not alone did Fr. Tom give an account of his project, but he also spoke at some length on the success of the Sydney AA group. At about the same time, Roscommon native Conor F., who was about three years sober, travelled to Ireland on holidays with his wife. They read the Evening Mail article and decided to do something about getting AA started in Ireland. It wasn’t an easy task at the start but eventually Conor met Dr. Norman

ZŽƐĐŽŵŵŽŶ͕ ^ƚŚ >Ğŝƚƌŝŵ͕ ƚŚůŽŶĞ ƌĞĂ ŝŶǀŝƚĞ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ

Open Public Meeting ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂǇ ϮϱƚŚ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϯ Ăƚ ϲ͗ϬϬ Ɖŵ Hannon’s Hotel, ZŽƐĐŽŵŵŽŶ ŝƌĐŽĚĞ͗ &ϰϮ W,ϯϯ

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ůů ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ KƉĞŶ WƵďůŝĐ DĞĞƚŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭϴ͗ϬϬƉŵ dĞĂƐ͕ ŽĨĨĞĞ Θ ŝƐĐƵŝƚƐ

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ǁǁǁ͘ĂůĐŽŚŽůŝĐƐĂŶŽŶǇŵŽƵƐ͘ŝĞ

Connaught Intergroup

then on, when a parish priest was dubious about supporting the formation of an AA group in his parish, he could be referred to Maynooth College and its approval of AA. Bill Wilson (co-founder of AA in 1935) remarked that Sackville’s initiative really lit the fire under the movement. Wilson and his wife visited Ireland in 1950, which was a landmark for AA in Ireland. He attended meetings in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Limerick. Everywhere he visited, the press was eager to meet him. By the end of 1950, AA was firmly established here. Sackville started the Road Back, a bi-monthly group newsletter celebrating birthdays, group news and recovery-sharing in a simple 5-page format. He edited it for more than 28 years. Subsequently, the General Service Board of AA took over as its editor and the Road Back is still published today. Realising that the fellowship was growing, the need for unity became apparent. Sir Frank Harrison QC, a non-alcoholic Trustee in Belfast, played a huge role in setting up the legal framework for an All-Ireland Alcoholics Anonymous. Ulster established a local office in Belfast years later to help with administration. Alcoholics and their families are forever grateful to the founding members of AA for their dedication and willingness to help the still-suffering alcoholic over the past 75 years. They helped set the foundation for Alcoholics Anonymous to become the incredible success that it now is in our small country.

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National Heritage Award presentation in Williamstown The presentation of the National Heritage Award to Williamstown Tidy Towns, awarded recently for the development of Templetogher Area in the National Tidy Towns competition, will take place at Templetogher (eircode F45PH32) this Sunday, November 26th, at approximately 1 pm. Williamstown Heritage Society and Williamstown Tidy Towns jointly invite members of the public to this event. The award will be jointly presented by Cllr Liam Carroll (Cathaoirleach, Galway County Council), Cllr Declan Geraghty (Chairperson, Ballinasloe Municipal District), and Lorcán Scott (Wildlife Officer, the Heritage Council). The afternoon’s timetable is as follows – 1 pm: Assembly/refreshments, etc; 1.15 pm: Traditional music session; 1.30 pm: Presentation, Acknowledgement and Celebration of the National Heritage Award by relevant speakers. *There will be a bus service to Templetogher on Sunday. The bus will make two trips, at 12.20 pm and 12.40 pm, from Williamstown Square to Templetogher. The return trips will be at 2.10 pm and 2.30 pm respectively.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

Roscommon County Council plans for new community hub in Monksland Public to have their say at public consultation Roscommon County Council has stated that it is committed to developing and significantly enhancing the public realm and community facilities in Monksland. With a significant population growth and a strong industrial sector, Monksland continues to be an attractive place for people to live and work. Improvement plans for the public realm in Monksland are already in development. Construction on the new central park is planned for 2024. This will be delivered by Roscommon County Council, funded through the Town & Village Renewal Scheme from the Department of Rural and Community Development. As a further commitment to Monksland, Rural Regeneration

Castlerea Christmas Craft and Food Fair

and Development funding has been secured by Roscommon County Council for the development of plans to further enhance the social and community provision within Monksland. To this effect, a public consultation event on a planned new community hub for the locality is being held on Wednesday, November 29th, in the Athlone Springs Hotel. This is the opportunity for all individuals and groups who live and work in the Monksland area to have a direct say in the plans for their Community Hub. Open walk-in sessions are planned in the morning from 7 am to 12 noon, and again in the afternoon and evening from 4 pm to 8 pm. These times are designed to suit as many people as possible throughout the day. In the early afternoon, clinic sessions are available for any interested community group, sports or social organisation, that wish to have a specific meeting on their needs and requirements. If you or your group wish to avail of these, please contact re-

Castlerea Enterprise Hub will once again host the annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair, on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023. This year, craft and food producers are coming from all over Roscommon and the neighbouring counties to showcase their wares. Come along to the Food and Craft Fair any time between 10 am and 4 pm on the day and browse through the 70+ stands. There will be paintings and photographs, knitwear and jewellery, ceramics and sculptures, candles and soaps. You can purchase or order your Christmas Wreaths or handmade decorations. There will be hot food and lots of baked goods available to have with your coffee. The Christmas Craft and Food Fair is also a fundraiser, with all money raised going to the future development of the Hub. So please call down to The Hub (eircode: F45AC96) on Sunday, December 3rd, and keep your local business in business. Entry is free!

generation@roscommoncoco.ie to arrange. Speaking ahead of the public consultation, Shane Tiernan (Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council) remarked, “Monksland has a fast-growing population and business sector as part of the wider expansion of Athlone. “Roscommon County Council

is delighted to invest and support continued development of infrastructure, facilities and services to ensure a thriving Monksland, as a district centre of one of the midlands’ biggest towns. “These are exciting developments for the community of Monksland. The creation of new vibrant social spaces, both indoors and outdoors, will sig-

nificantly enhance the facilities available to the residents, workers and visitors in the greater Monksland area. “The new life sciences hub is currently near completion, and the new central park is due to start construction in 2024, subject to planning. As the next phase in our plans, this consultation on a new community hub

‘Benny never forgot his Athleague roots’ Tributes paid to late Benny Connaughton Bernard ‘Benny’ Connaughton, who died in New York on the 31st of October last, was a successful businessman who never forgot his roots in Athleague, Co. Roscommon. The late Benny Connaughton, a member of a very well-known and respected family, made his mark in New York over many decades in business, sporting and social circles. Born on March 27th 1930, he was the oldest child of Peter and Dorothy Connaughton from Athleague, County Roscommon, where he attended the local national school. Growing up, he had a great passion for the GAA, and played for Roscommon hurlers at minor level in 1948. In 1949, he left Ireland for the USA. In New York, Mr Connaughton went on to become a successful businessman, and a key figure in GAA circles in the city. He was the proprietor of a number of premises’ in the hospitality industry over the years, including Galway Bay Tavern, Gary’s Barleycorn, The Dockside, and MacMenamin’s Irish Pub. Very prominent on the New York GAA scene, in both hurling and football, he managed the Clare hurling team in New York in the 1960s. Like his brother Terry (also New York-based), he was hugely supportive of Roscommon GAA, and indeed of players from all over Ireland when they arrived in America. This week, former Roscommon county councillor Martin Connaughton (no relation) paid tribute to his late friend. Martin Connaughton: “Benny Con-

naughton was an exceptional man. He was a proud family man, a successful businessman, a great GAA supporter and a great character too. As a businessman, he had great vision. “When he settled in New York, he married a Clare woman (Ann) and became involved with Clare GAA. Along with his love for the GAA, he was a very keen horse racing enthusiast too. “In fact one of his horses – Pakiefromathleague – won at the Roscommon Races. It was named after Benny’s great friend, Pakie Naughton”. Martin recalled how he had been friends with Benny Connaughton for over half a century. “He rang me the morning of the 9/11 attack. In fact he rang me every week, and often twice a week, for many years. I went out to New York nine times over the years and Benny would always look after me”. Martin added that Benny’s brother, Terry – of Riverdale Steakhouse and New York GAA renown – had returned to his beloved County Roscommon recently to celebrate his 90th birthday. “Both these men have never forgotten Athleague or Roscommon, and have been so supportive of this area over the years”. Martin, a former Mayor of Roscommon, said he was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of “a great Athleague man”. He extended his sympathy to the Connaughton family members on their great loss. Athleague Hurling Club also paid tribute to the late Benny Connaughton. ‘Athleague Hurling Club was saddened to hear of the passing of Benny Connaughton, New York… Benny was always a great supporter of Athleague

The late Benny Connaughton, R.I.P.

Hurling Club and was greatly helpful in the organisation of the team trip to New York in 2008 following county final wins in 2006 and 2007. ‘He was always welcoming and a huge help to anyone from Athleague, Roscommon and Ireland in general making the move to the US. ‘We would like to extend our condolences to Benny’s children Maureen and Kevin, and the wider Connaughton family’. The late Benny Connaughton, who was in his early 90s, is mourned by his children Maureen and Kevin, brother Terence (Terry), grandchildren, further relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Ann, sons Peter and Brian, brothers Rory and Albert and sister Dorothy. Following Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 6th 2023 at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, interment took place at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Bronx, New York. May he rest in peace.

further demonstrates our continued commitment and investment in the Monksland area”. Members of the Monksland design team will be present on the day to speak to members of the public, and welcome inputs and advice on what is needed for Monksland. If people are not available to attend the consultation event, Roscommon County Council have a survey on their website to enable feedback to be captured. This questionnaire is available to access until Monday, December 4th. Visit roscommoncoco.ie/en/ services/community/regeneration/ for direct access. Further information on the project can also be found at roscommoncoco.ie/coco/en/services/community/regeneration/monkslandcommunity-hub/. The community hub will be designed around the feedback and needs of the people of Monksland, so this is the public’s opportunity to have their say on the future development of their local community.

Gospel Reflection Sunday November 26

The Church year ends today with a vision of the end of time. The scene in the Gospel is stark and resounds with Old Testament echoes. The Son of Man is enthroned over all nations and peoples of every language (see Daniel 7:13-14). The nations have been gathered to see His glory and receive His judgment (see Isaiah 66:18; Zephaniah 3:8). The King is the divine shepherd Ezekiel foresees in today’s First Reading, judging as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Each of us will be judged upon our performance of the simple works of mercy we hear in the Gospel today. These works, as Jesus explains today, are reflections or measures of our love for Him, our faithfulness to His commandment that we love God with all our might and our neighbour as ourselves (see Matthew 22:36-40). Our faith is dead, lifeless, unless it is expressed in works of love (see James 2:20; Galatians 5:6). And we cannot say we truly love God, whom we cannot see, if we don’t love our neighbour, whom we can (see 1 John 4:20). The Lord is our shepherd, as we sing in today’s Psalm. And we are to follow His lead, to imitate His example (see 1 Peter 2:21; Ephesians 5:1). He healed our sickness (see Luke 6:19), freed us from the prison of sin and death (see Romans 8:2, 21), welcomed us who were once strangers to His covenant (see Ephesians 2:12, 19). He clothed us in Baptism (see Revelation 3:5; 2 Corinthians 5:3-4), and feeds us with the food and drink of His own Body and Blood. At “the end,” He will come again to hand over His kingdom to His Father, as Paul says in today’s Epistle. Let us strive to be following Him in right paths, that this kingdom might be our inheritance, that we might enter into the eternal rest promised for the people of God (see Hebrews 4:1, 9-11).

-Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Monksland Community Hub Public Consultation Event - Have Your Say

Complete our Questionnaire here:

Walk-in Sessions: Wednesday 29th November 07:00-12:00 & 16:00-20:00 Athlone Springs Hotel

CRECHE

Roscommon County Council is committed to develop and significantly enhance the public realm and community facilities in Monksland. Come along and speak with a member of the design team on what is important to you in the development of a community hub for Monksland.

RETAIL

PUBLIC REALM

WORK

Details of the project are available at www.roscommoncoco.ie

ART

COMMUNITY OPEN LIBRARY ANCILLARY SPACES DANCE

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

Damien Dempsey and Ash to headline Night and Day 2024 The County Roscommon-based Night and Day music festival, which is now entering its third year, announced their initial line-up for the 2024 festival last Friday. The organisers took to social media to announce that Damien Dempsey, Ash and The Undertones will be headlining next year’s event alongside The Frank & Walters, Susan O’Neill, The 4 of Us, Gemma Hayes, I Have a Tribe and one of Europe’s leading Beatles tribute acts, The Mersey Beatles. The inaugural Night and Day Festival was held on the grounds of Clonalis House in Castlerea on the 24th and 25th of September 2022 and was a great success, but the organisers made the decision to change the date and the venue for the 2023 festival, deciding to host it on the 24th and 25th of June in Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. They are returning there again for next year’s festival from the 28th to the 30th of June 2024. Early bird tickets are on sale now from www. nightandday.ie.

Glenamaddy Church to host Solstice Choir concert Johnny Carroll. There will also be contributions from Glenamaddy Church Senior Choir together with Glenamaddy Church Junior Choir. The money raised from this concert will go towards necessary works in St Patrick’s Church. The Glenamaddy church fundraising committee have put a huge amount of effort into organising this event. The choir, together with Johnny, will be performing many familiar Christmas Carols. We are extreme-

Members of Ballaghaderreen community are invited to the launch of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen at the Square One Café in Durkin’s on this Saturday, November 25th, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Poetry, a film screening, and music, with light refreshments, will be provided. Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is a one-year research and development arts project funded by the Arts Council. Ballaghaderreen is at the initial phase of development. The project will involve artists Nollaig Molloy, Julie Sharkey and Anna King using socially engaged art practices to explore how local businesses, community groups and individuals can develop an inclusive, sustainable arts programme for the local area. The artists will work closely with Mary Smyth, who will coordinate the project on behalf of Roscommon County Council Arts Office. The team are keen to meet professional and non-professional artists from all disciplines as well as members of the general public who are interested in how the arts can contribute to building a strong local economy and community. More details can be found on the Roscommon County Council website under the services section of the community and arts section.

Bealnamulla director part of comedy line-up in Athlone Little Theatre

Pictured is the Glenamaddy church fundraising committee: (front) Grace Brosnan, Kathleen Ward, Colette Connaughton, Fr Anthaiah Pudota PP, David Burke, Marie Keaveny, and Breda Keaveney, and (back) Frances Keaveney, Pat Glavey, Sean Reilly, Margaret Keaveny, and Karen Trayers. Missing from photo: Tommy Mannion and Jim Donlon.

On Sunday, December 3rd, all roads will lead to St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy, which is delighted to host the Roscommon Solstice Choir for a fundraising concert (7 pm). Local man PJ Davis, a familiar voice in Glenamaddy church, will also be performing as a member of the choir, which consists of approximately 100 members. Special guest will be the man with the Golden Trumpet – the great

Launch of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen this Saturday

ly grateful to the performers for participating. There will also be a raffle, with some very nice prizes to be won. Thanks are extended to all who have generously donated raffle prizes. Tickets are now on sale for €15, plus a booking fee, and can be purchased online from Eventbrite. Bookings can be made by searching ‘Roscommon Solstice Choir’ on Eventbrite or through Glenama-

ddy Church Facebook page. Tickets are also available in the Parish Office on 094 9659962. They will also be on sale after Mass over coming weekends. St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy almost entirely relies on voluntary donations and thanks are extended to all those who contribute to our church annually and also to the people and businesses who have already donated so generously to this fundraiser.

It may be dark and dreary outside, but Athlone Little Theatre is determined to bring some much-needed fun and laughter in the run-up to Christmas. The busy theatre troupe, based in St Mary’s Place, is preparing to present three fantastic one-act comedies, directed by Hélène Lepaon, Bealnamulla’s Clive Darling, and Paddy Martin, from November 29th to December 6th. Shows will take place at 8 pm, but as part of this run there is also a Sunday matinee taking place at 3 pm on December 3rd. The first production is ‘Dear Diva’ by Jan Harris and directed by Hélène Lepaon, in which middle-aged Frances (Linda Butler) is ecstatically awaiting the arrival of legendary megastar of stage and screen Ezzlie Harlow (Michelle Kelly) to her humble home. Both the fan and the big star are in for shocks, betrayal, and a reversal of fortune, as they learn from each other to be careful what you wish for. Ronan McGrane completes the cast as the taxi driver. In the second production, ‘Louie’s Daughter’ by Frederick Stroppel, which is being directed by Bealnamulla’s Clive Darling, the action centres around a typical corner bar, where regulars AG (Martin Kelleher) and Woody (Brian Foy) enjoy the male camaraderie of friendly insults, unsolicited opinions, and pointless conversation. But their comfortable everyday routine is disrupted by the unexpected presence of a pretty female bartender, Donna, played by Ekiñe Azcárate. Finally, there is ‘Melody’ by Deirdre Kinahan, directed by Paddy Martin, which is a quirky play focusing on the peculiar passions shared by bachelor Mr Kane (Ronan Flynn) and widow Kathleen (Gráinne Moore). These two lonely souls realise they share many common interests including classical music, ham and cheese sandwiches, and much, much more. For a great night of laughs and fun, book your tickets now on athlonelittletheatre.ie.

Pictured are the directors of the three one-act comedies running in Athlone Little Theatre from November 29th to December 6th: Paddy Martin, Hélène Lepaon, and Bealnamulla’s Clive Darling.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

NewsPeople

New €7m Community Library for Boyle As part of Roscommon County Council’s overall vision for the regeneration of Boyle Town – and working with its partners – the local authority has secured funding for the development of a new €7m Community Library for the town. The facility is expected to open in the summer of 2026. The Department of Rural and Community Development has allocated €5.6 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This will be matched by €1.4 million from the Council’s own resources. The development of the €7m Boyle Community Library which is located in an Architectural Conservation Area to the rear of the Royal Hotel redevelopment will include the construction of a new twostorey building developed to current library standards with an approximate area of 500 square metres.

The development will also comprise a modern energyefficient design with a triple ‘A’ pitched roof, to include timber cladding and large glazed windows, and the construction of a sensory garden – while the facility will also be ‘My Open Library’ enabled. The new Boyle Community Library will offer services and facilities which include dedicated areas for children, general leisure reading, computer and study areas, meeting rooms and exhibition areas. Welcoming the appointment of Rhatigan Architects Ltd., Chief Executive Shane Tiernan said: “This project, when complete, will provide a modern library facility in the heart of Boyle with ‘My Open Library’ technology facilitating extended hours of access for the people of Boyle and County Roscommon to enjoy for years to come. “This is an exciting time for Boyle with a new

Pictured at the signing of contact documents for the €7m Community Library in Boyle last Friday were: back row (l-r): Gary O’Connor, Project Architect, Rhatigan Architects; Kieran Shaughnessy, Executive Librarian, Roscommon County Council; Neal Geraghty, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, and Enda Mulryan, Acting Senior Engineer, Regeneration section, Roscommon County Council. Front row (l-r): Mark Keaveney, Director of Services; Trevor James, Lead Director, Rhatigan Architects; Cllr. John Keogh, Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council; Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, and Fiona Ní Chuinn, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council.

state-of-the-art library. In addition, the development includes the completion of

landscaping works and the development of a pedestrian link between the new

Boyle Community Library and Boyle Car Park. The new library facility is ex-

pected to open in summer 2026”, concluded the Chief Executive.

Deputy Feighan welcomes project Local TD Frank Feighan warmly welcomed the signing of contract documents for the new €7m Boyle Community Library. The project brings the projected spend in this area of Boyle to over €10m and will play a lead role in breathing new life into the town, the SligoLeitrim TD said. Deputy Feighan praised Minister Heather Humphreys’ Department of Rural and Community Development for their support after a further €1.2m was provided to ensure there was no shortfalls in funding. “This is another significant day for Boyle with completion of the project set for around summer 2026. There are significant funding opportunities both through the Department under other schemes and the Government’s ‘Croi na Conaithe’ scheme that I hope many property owners may look at as an option to provide more opportunities for living in the town centre”, commented Deputy Feighan.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

GOING OUT

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

Members of the cast and crew of Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls pictured before the show last Friday evening at the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Eileen Fahey and Majella Flanagan pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Charlotte Walton, Therese Kenny and Mags McGrath pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Grainne Lawless and Sharon Harrington pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary and Jarlath Croghan pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Ben Scully, Ben McGahon and Sean McGahon pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Mary Kelly and Una Healy pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Laoise and Síofra Mahon, Ena Furey, Sean Mahon, Nora Murphy and Yvonne Nolan pictured at the Roscommon Drama Group’s production of Calendar Girls last Friday evening in the Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon Drama Group committee members (l-r) Joe Nally, Aidan Flanagan, Majella Flanagan, Tom Holian, Dermot Cox and Steven Gregory pictured at the Roscommon Arts Centre last Friday night. Pic: Kieran Croghan

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

PropertyPeople

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

NEW TO THE MARKET 53.5 ACRE RESIDENTIAL ROADSIDE FARM

RAVEEGE, CASTLEPLUNKETT, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 XW77

AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

NEW TO THE MARKET 3 B/R SEMI DETACHED RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

8 STONE CRESCENT, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 H799

AMV: €150,000

Keith 086 0848590

Cathal 086 1409158

FOR SALE VIA ONLINE AUCTION (LSL PLATFORM) ON FRIDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 12 PM 19 ACRES APPROX OF ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT

RINNAGAN, LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON

AMV: €145,000

Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 • Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

Residential Castleplunkett farm new to market with Remax Team This week, Remax Team Earley are pleased to bring to the market a 53.5acre residential roadside farm located at Raveege, Castleplunkett, Roscommon (F45XW77). The well maintained, four-bedroomed bungalow, discreetly set back from the road, guarantees a haven of tranquillity and security, and is equipped with oil-fired central heating and a solid fuel stove to ensure comfort year-round. Its BER rating is D1. Resting on approximately two acres of land, the property includes a private driveway, practical storage sheds (incorporating a three-bay barn with lean-tos off and storage shed), and beautifully landscaped

lawns, providing an inviting setting. With around 53 acres of fertile land, this property holds boundless potential for agricultural endeavours, whether you envision farming, livestock, or future development projects. The sale of these said lands must offer all buyers a great opportunity to acquire a prime farm for finishing and fattening livestock just off the R367 between Ballintubber and Castleplunkett villages. Services include OFCH, mains water and ESB. The advisable lots are as follows: Lot 1 – Entire (residence and 53.5 acres); Lot 2 – 52.3 acres; Lot 3 – residence on 2 acres; Lot 4 – resi-

dence on 5.6 acres with sheds and yard; Lot 5 – residence on 9.6 acres with sheds and yard; Lot 6 – 33.65 acres; Lot 7 – 37.44 acres; Lot 8 – 10.13 acres. Legals: Marie McCahill Solicitor (071) 964 4004. Folio: RN20767 and RN10274F. Property for sale by private treaty or auction later. The auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go property. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact auctioneer or Cathal directly on 086 1409158.

Majestic house on landscaped grounds Oates Auctioneers are offering this majestic five-bedroomed (three ensuite) house set on c. 1.5 acres of landscaped grounds with mature trees and hedging located in a quiet countryside cul-desac, just three miles from Lanesboro town, at Gortgallon, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon, N39 DH56. Lanesboro is a very popular town on the River Shannon with excellent water facilities including two large marinas, excellent schools, shops, bars and restaurants; Athlone, Longford and Roscommon town are readily accessible.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase an exemplary house comprising five bedrooms, three of which are ensuite, large open plan kitchen/dining room with conservatory off, a spacious utility room, two large bathrooms and attractive sitting room. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with the sole selling agents. Price region: €425,000. BER rating: C1. For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Oates Auctioneers on 090-6627878 or email info@oates.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

PropertyPeople

NewsPeople

€100k for outdoor projects in Athleague and Castlerea NEW TO THE MARKET

Hodson Bay, Athlone, Co. Roscommon N37 Y992 This superb 4-bedroom bungalow is situated in Hodson Bay, the highly regarded and sought after residential address in Roscommon. The property measures 124.58 sq. m. / 1,341 sq. ft. approximately and stands on a 0.62-acre site, fronting onto the Hodson Bay road and leading to hotel and lake. It is situated in a lovely countryside setting, with mature trees and hedging giving the garden a delightful and tranquil ambience. The location makes for an ideal family home: it is close to schools, church, shops - by car or on foot and is within 5 minutes walk, (footpath and street lighting), to Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone Golf Club, Bay Sports and the beautiful Lough Ree shoreline. This is a property that will afford its owners a home of truly lasting appeal and of increasing value. Price Region: €600,000 BER: D2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

Traditional old cottage on c. 6.54 acres

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Galway Old stone cottage with c. 6.54 acres of top-quality lands together with newly constructed stables. The lands are of top quality set out in 3 fenced paddocks with high quality equine fencing. The stables are state of the art construction with all modern doors and drinkers. There a number of cut stone outbuildings to the side. This property may qualify for the vacant property grant (up to €75,000 available). Additionally, there is a site with full planning granted for a two-storey residence ref Galway Co. Co. 211111. Folio No. GY131632F Price Region: €100,000

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NEW TO THE MARKET

Barnacullen, Knockcroghery Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 Y430 Charming residence on a large c. 1 acre site situated in a quiet countryside setting located between the villages of Knockcroghery and Lecarrow being only 15 minutes to Athlone Town centre and 10 minutes to Roscommon Town. The residence has been substantially renovated and boasts old world charm with many unique features including natural stone and featured brick interiors. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, living room, kitchen, sitting room/dining room, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. (Total floor area 70.3 sq.m.) Outside numerous outbuildings and sheds together with large site area, fruit trees and private water supply. Price Region: € 175,000 BER Rating: G

Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed the announcement of Outdoor Recreational feasibility funding under the ORIS programme for Athleague and Castlerea this week by Minister Heather Humphreys. Total funding of €2.3 million under the Department of Rural and Community Development supports the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan stated, “This is a fantastic boost for the voluntary committees behind these projects. In Athleague, funding of €50,000 for Athleague Village Looped Walk will be crucial in providing more safe spaces for walking and hiking linked to the

Members of the public are being invited to have their say on Roscommon County Council’s Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-29 in respect of public submissions until Wednesday, December 13th. Full particulars of how the public can engage in the process are available on roscommoncoco.ie. A series of consultations will take place in the county this month. One was held in King House, Boyle on Tuesday. A further consultation will be held in Monksland Community Centre from 7 pm to 8.30 pm on Thursday, November 23rd. A further consultation will take place in the offices of Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae from 6 pm to 7 pm on Friday, November 24th, with

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

more walking routes to the town. “This feasibility investment will help groups working with Roscommon County Council to plan ahead and design projects for the next stage of funding”.

the final consultation on Tuesday, November 28th, in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea from 7 pm to 8 pm. The draft Plan is a roadmap for the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy, supported by communities and individuals throughout County Roscommon, which will feed into national and Government targets. Submissions can be made before Wednesday, December 13th, and full details are available on roscommoncoco.ie. It is expected that the Climate Action Plan will be adopted by Roscommon County Council in February 2024.

Roscommon teen takes to the stage for Child Talks

NEW TO THE MARKET

Charming 3 bedroom residence situated in the picturesque village of Kilteevan adjacent to local school, church, pub, GAA fields etc. The Old School House comprises Victorian style residence which has been tastefully renovated and modernised by its present owners. The property lies on c. 0.5 acres of manicured grounds with large fully serviced work sheds to the rear. Roscommon Town is 3 miles away and Athlone Town 20 minutes drive. This property offers a real sense of old world charm. Viewing is a must. Price Region: € 260,000 BER Rating: E1

Suck Valley & Beara Breifne Way. “Also, €50,000 is being provided for a Castlerea Riverside Boardwalk and on working with the Castlerea Town Trust to add

Public consultations for Climate Action Plan

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Cloontogher, Kilteevan, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 FE42

Minister Heather Humphreys and Senator Aisling Dolan pictured in Ballaghaderreen recently.

Ruth Cunningham (16) from Kilteevan pictured at the Helix in Dublin on Tuesday, November 7th, for Child Talks 2023.

Ruth Cunningham (16) from Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon was one of six young speakers to take to the stage at the Helix in Dublin on Tuesday, November 7th, for Child Talks 2023, the annual World Children’s Day event hosted by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. Almost 1,000 schoolchildren from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow, Cork, Westmeath, Mayo, Roscommon and Meath attended Child Talks 2023, now in its sixth year. This year’s speakers ranged in age from 10-17 years and their

chosen topics included mental health, being LGBTQ+ in Ireland, vaping, neurodiversity in schools, and access to STEM subjects for girls. For her talk, Ruth spoke about girls’ participation in STEM subjects at school. “I’m interested in all things ‘social justice’ such as mental health, climate change, but most of all gender equality. My topic for Child Talk was girls’ participation in STEM – or lack thereof. It’s so exciting to share my experiences of being a STEM student at OCO Child Talks this year!”.

Local Link services growing in popularity – Cllr Callaghan The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

Cllr Liam Callaghan, who was recently reappointed Chairperson of the Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath Local Link board, has said that the Local Link service is becoming very popular throughout the region and in particular in County Roscommon. “The services are opening new boundaries to villages, towns, and counties in the region. Local communities are now becoming familiar with the

regular timetable and the local area routes. Services are connecting regularly throughout the region”, Cllr Callaghan said. “We have recently restructured our board of management and we can now concentrate on developing and improving services throughout the region. We strive to ensure all buses are modern and passenger-friendly for the general public”, concluded Cllr Callaghan.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

FarmingPeople Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

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

BULLOCK SALE ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. VIEWING AT 10 A.M. -10.50 A.M.

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Castlerea MART WATCH Over 600 lots were presented for sale on Thursday, November 16th, with trade and prices holding extremely well as we enter the last month of mart trading. The heifer trade remained very strong as feeders, farmers and agents, along with northern customers, were trying to source stock. Quality stores made up to €3.50 a kilo while heavier lots made up to €2190. The weanling trade also remains strong at the moment. Bulls made up to €4.33 a kilo while the heifers made up to €4.87 a kilo. A price of €1560 was paid for a 320kgs, seven-month-old Limousin weanling heifer. There are also good numbers of dry cows and runners hitting the sales ring at the moment with a good clearance reported. Heifers, sample prices: Lm 400kgs €1350, Lm 405kgs €1310, Lm 480kgs €1680, Lm 470kgs €1420, Ch 725kgs €2190, Ch 685kgs €2050, Ch 610kgs €1820, Lm 535kgs €1810, and Ch 575kgs €1760. Dry cows, sample prices: Chx 795kgs €1790, Lm 665kgs €1790, Lm 720kgs €1750, Lm 745kgs €1640, Lm 710kgs €1510, Her 570kgs €1070, Fr 690kgs €1100, and Sax 595kgs €1250. Cows with calves at foot made from €1500 to €1600, springers made from €1070 to €1510, and for calves/ runners, lots made from €260 to €980 for continental lots. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Ch 265kgs €1150, Ch 220kgs €880, AA 295kgs €970, Ch 275kgs €1000, Ch 270kgs €1030, Ch 225kgs €820, Ch 310kgs €1150, Lm 390kgs €1200, Lm 350kgs €1150, Ch 310kgs €1150, and Lm 350kgs €1150. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lmx 265kgs €1220, Ch 295kgs €1000, Lm 275kgs €960, AA 290kgs €930, Chx 310kgs €1080, Ch 345kgs €1220, Lm 320kgs €1560, and Ch 345kgs €1170. Meanwhile, at our bullock sale on Monday, November 13th, there were 280 lots on offer, with the top quality store lots making up to €3.17 a kilo while heavier lots made up to €2030. A good attendance of customers and northern interest resulted in a good clearance. Sample prices: Lm 495kgs €1410, Lm 485kgs €1400, Lm 545kgs €1680, Lm 520kgs €1650, Ch 505kgs €1590, Lm 590kgs €1790, Lm 555kgs €1700, Ch 630kgs €1920, AA 600kgs €1570, Ch 780kgs €2030, and Lm 680kgs €1900. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on this Thursday, the 23rd of November, when we have our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

Learn to drive with

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Revised ICBF beef indexes discussed at IFA National Council At a recent meeting of IFA National Council, a number of county chairs and members of the Council raised concerns about the revisions to the beef indexes. The issue was referred to the IFA National Livestock Committee which has invited the Chief Executive of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) to address their next meeting. IFA President Tim Cullinan said genetic improvement based both

on science and ever-changing economics was vital to improve the profitability of all farming sectors, but that it must have the general support of farmers. “ICBF have committed to attend our Livestock Committee and other meetings around the country in the coming weeks. This will improve the understanding of the changes amongst farmers. After this the National Council will revisit the issue,” he said.

In the interim, assurances have been given that changes to the beef indexes will not impact on farmers who have just entered the Suckler Cow Efficiency Scheme (SCEP). Cows that currently have a 4 or 5-star rating under the existing beef indexes will retain this rating throughout the scheme once they remain within their current herd. Farmers with cows and heifers over 16-month that increase to 4

or 5-star because of the revised indexes will benefit from the new index for this year in SCEP. Tim Cullinan said no farmer in SCEP can be negatively impacted for the duration of the scheme from changes to the indices that have occurred since the scheme commenced. The next relevant date for farmers in SCEP to meet the replacement requirements is not for two years, on October 31st, 2025.

Three Roscommon finalists in upcoming Better Farming Awards Roscommon has three finalists in this year’s FBD Better Farming Awards which recognise the highest levels of achievement made in the industry’s move towards a more sustainable sector. The awards reward initiatives, research and practices that are helping Irish agriculture meet its economic, social and environmental challenges. They go beyond the headlines

to recognise the real difference achieved by those who have excelled in various areas of agriculture. The Roscommon finalists are Peadar and Aoife Coyle (Curraghboy) for Germinal Sustainable Pasture Farmer of the Year, Uí Maine Kingdom, (Karst Farming) for Cormac Tagging Community/Discussion Group Incentive Scheme, and Liam Kildea for Herdwatch Biodiver-

Pictured are Peadar and Aoife Coyle (Curraghboy) who are finalists for Germinal Sustainable Pasture Farmer of the Year in this year’s Better Farming Awards.

Pictured is Liam Kildea who is a finalist for Herdwatch Biodiversity Farmer of the Year in this year’s Better Farming Awards.

sity Farmer of the Year. For Peadar and Aoife Coyle, maintaining optimal grazing infrastructure is a key element to their farm system enabling good grassland management and reducing the labour requirement. Optimum soil fertility provides the foundation for positive grass growth on the farm through regular soil testing to monitor key indicators. Ui Maine Kingdom highlights the very valu-

able South Roscommon karst landscape in terms of agricultural, biodiversity and social practices in the area. The group are raising awareness for their sustainable farming practices aimed at preserving the unique and valuable native grassland and turlough habitats of South Roscommon. Liam and his family have farmed in South Roscommon for several generations. Over the last five

years, Liam has become a leader in the local community by co-ordinating biodiversity and ecological surveys of the rocks, raising awareness of the habitats with politicians (local, national and European) and among farmers and the general community. The inaugural Better Farming Awards gala evening presentations will take place in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Laois on Thursday, November 30th, 2023.

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s Special Bullock Sale with 400 on offer. Bullocks fetched an average of €2.80 per kilo up to €3.75 per kilo. There was also a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €1.91 per kilo up to €2.40 per kilo. There was a large entry of top quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening with a very strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.07 per kilo up to €4.24 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.98 per kilo up to €3.74. There

was a very good attendance of customers ringside for both sales with online buyers also active. We had a similar number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €152. The tops for stag ewes fetched €142. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday, November 29th at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com. Sample prices for dry cows: Char

X 695 kg €1,670, Lim X 745 kg €1,780, Char X 870 kg €2,010, AAX 920 kg €2,110, Char X 870 kg €2,010, Char X 755 kg €1,640, Lim X 650 kg €1,520, Lim X 620 kg €1,400, Lim X 605 kg €1,280. Bullocks: Lim X 570 kg €2,140, Char X 590 kg €2,210, Char X 815 kg €2,240, Char X 670 kg €2,380, BBX 650 kg €2,410, Char X 660 kg €2,070, Char X 530 kg €1,880, Char X 535 kg €1,820, Char X 520 kg €1,880. Heifer weanlings: Char X 235 kg €880, Char X 240 kg €870, Char X 260 kg €930, Char X 280 kg €960, Char X 295 kg €1,050, Char X 300 kg €1,120.

Bull weanlings: Char X 255 kg €1,080, Char X 270 kg €1,090, Char X 365 kg €1,470, Char X 305 kg €1,220, Char X 290 kg €1,160, Char X 235 kg €940. Finished lambs: 54.6kgs €152, 54.8kgs €152, 52.5kgs €152, 54kgs €151, 53.7kgs €150, 50.5kgs €150, 49.2kgs €146, 48kgs €144, 49.7kgs €142, 46.3 kgs €140. Store lambs: 39.8kgs €119, 42kgs €118, 10.1kgs €115, 38.4kgs €115, 36.7kgs €112, 38.1kgs €110, 33.7kgs €108, 36.6kgs 106, 35.3kgs €94. Cast ewes made from €20 to €142 per lot.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Business

FarmingPeople (Proudly serving farmers for over 64 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Friday, 24th November at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers 64 pens of Heifers on offer Also Dry Cows and Bullocks -------------------------Friday, 1st December at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows and Heifers Bookings accepted until Monday, 27th November at 5 p.m. -------------------------Tuesday 28th November at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 23rd November at 5 p.m. --------------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. Gates close at 10 a.m. ---------------------Friday 1st December

Western Region Texel Club

Female Show and Sale Show at 6pm. Sale at 7pm. ---------------------Also Friday, 1st December

Dispersal Sale of the entire Lisgobbin Flock of Pedigree Registered Blue Texels At Roscommon Mart Sale will commence at 9pm approx. (Immediately after West Region Texel Club Female sale)

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price GUARANTEED Daily collection

Find us on facebook

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

Your LOCAL Collector GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE

Work on upgrade of Boyle streetscape begins Work on the upgrade of the streetscape in Boyle town centre has commenced this week. The work will involve a transformation and upgrade of Bridge Street and Shop Street along with the former Royal Car Park off Shop Street. Footpaths will be widened, cabling laid underground – including ducting for fibre broadband – new decorative street lighting installed, high quality paving with granite kerbs (supplied locally by Feelystone) will also be laid, and the carriageway will be resurfaced. Car parking will be restricted on

each side of the bridge to assist the extension of the footpaths and provide better visibility in that important area. The existing former Royal Hotel car park will be totally remodelled and laid out to provide 78 car parking spaces including a number for disabled access, resulting in an increase in car parking spaces overall. Ducting will also be provided for additional car charging points in the car park. The current pedestrian crossings at Bridge Street and Shop Street will be widened and upgraded to improve functionality by extending build-outs to improve visibili-

ty with upgraded flashing beacons installed at each crossing. Traffic management restrictions will be in operation for the duration of the works with an anticipated completion date (weatherdependent) of early summer 2024. Chairperson of Boyle Town Team Ciaran Sheerin said: “These works, which are several years in the making, aim to create a pedestrian-friendly town centre with attractive low maintenance paving and decorative lighting. “The public realm works increase the uniform appearance of our streetscape from King House through Bridge Street to Shop

Street and will be a good linkage with the works already completed this year at An Rioga. “The Town Team have been working for some time with Roscommon County Council on this project and appreciate the consultation the Council has had with stakeholders including Active Age and Boyle Town Team. “There is also a commitment to closely consult with businesses and property owners over the duration of this significant development which we believe is vitally important and will make our town centre much more visually attractive once completed”.

‘Triest’ is a Disability Participation and Awareness Fund awardee

Co. Roscommon company Triest Press has been named as an awardee in a Disability Participation and Awareness Fund created by Rethink Ireland, in partnership with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund is a €3 million, 1-year fund, the goal of which is to support innovative projects or organisations across Ireland to build skills and remove barriers to help people with disabilities take part in their communities, provide valuable employment experience to people with disabilities, and support the overall participation of people with disabilities in local activities, in line with the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in communities. The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund will support 20 innovative projects across Ireland, building skills and removing barriers to help people with disabilities take part in their communities. Triest Press is one of only two awardees in the Connacht region. Triest Press is a print and design social enterprise based in County Roscommon. Their main objective is to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for

Pictured at the launch of Rethink Ireland’s Disability Participation and Awareness fund are Anne Rabbitte TD (Minister for State with special responsibility for Disability at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth), Abbie Mannion (Ballintubber, Peer Support Staff, Triest Press), Shane Tuohy (Manager, Café Link Galway), Caolinn Bruen (Project Lead, Triest Press) and Deirdre Mortell (CEO, Rethink Ireland). Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

people with intellectual disabilities, to raise awareness of the lack of available meaningful employment routes and supports for people with ID in Ireland, and to mentor their

staff and trainees to allow them to seek employment with other organisations. Manager Noel Strange said that this award is a “game-changer” for

Triest Press and underpins their resolution to be a very effective and productive social enterprise that is committed to remaining innovative in their field.

Funding available for tourism SMEs to transform digital presence Fáilte Ireland is inviting private and communitybased micro-enterprises and SMEs to register their interest in the EU Just Transition Digital Transformation Programme, which will help businesses improve their online presence, build their digital capability, unlock greater productivity and drive increased revenue for their company. Part of Fáilte Ireland’s

Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private and Community SMEs, the Digital Transformation programme is tailored to support tourism businesses on their digital journey. One-to-one expert support is provided to assess each business’s digital needs, build a digital roadmap tailored to their specific business, with training provided to increase their digital skills and deliver key digi-

tal projects to grow online sales. This programme is open to visitor experiences and attractions, activities and day tour operators, accommodation providers, golf courses and destination marketing organisations located within the EU Just Transition territory. The Digital Transformation Programme is open for Expressions of Interest until 30th of November 2023.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

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

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

Chimney Cleaning

• 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

FARMING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

< FOR SALE: Fodder Beet, washed and delivered. Phone: 087 2781024

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

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

Complete Chimney Services

COMPUTERS

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.

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test

085 2514394

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@

web: www psychotherapy Vouchers glynisdowney.com

D.A.F.M. Approved

Please call Glynis on

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk available

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 3 Flush doors, 1 timber holder. Call: 086 2200520 < FOR SALE: Lovely brown, fresh Free Range Eggs, collected daily. Call: 089 4342541 < FOR SALE: 161 Ford Transit Connect, 145,000km, white, very clean van,162 Toyota Corolla saloon, petrol 44,000km. Call: 086 2650994 < FOR SALE: Grey Metal frame 3 person Bunk Beds. €170. Excellent condition. Buyer collects. Ballinagare area. Brand New Pirelli Emergency Tyre (max.50mph) with a 5 nut fixing hub. Radial T 125/85R16 99m. € 100. Tel: 089 4523876

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing 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

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

Tree Services • Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured Phone:

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

l l

GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Phone John on

087 2860428

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

Tel: 087 2172281

CORBETT

087 2721193

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com GARDEN MAINTENANCE Hedges cutting & trimming l Strimming l Garden shed & fence painting l General garden maintenance ... l

Reasonable rates Roscommon/ Lanesboro/ Strokestown area.

087 2346364

gmail.com

Reg No: EI000083

GARDENING

• 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

Call John 085 108 6215 GRINDS < GERMAN GRINDS: For Junior and Leaving Cert. Years of teaching experience, based in Roscommon, grinds focused on exam requirements, 4 one-hour sessions per month online, €120. Email: michael@germangrinds.ie or call Michael on 085 745 3472 < MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Aaron Feehily and Shauna Finnerty intend to apply for permission for development at Culliaghmore, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention planning of a Septic Tank System installed in accordance with EPA Code of Practice, Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems, Population Equivalent ≤ 10. This septic tank system was installed as a replacement for the derelict tank at the rear of cottage at No. 1 Cloghnashade, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon. F42 XY02.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Full Planning Permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the proposed construction of a bungalow type dwelling house with detached garage, entrance and driveway, boundary wall/fence, septic tank with percolation area and all ancillary site works at Ballylion, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Gortamarle, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, Co. Roscommon. F35 DK02. We intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for (1) Permission to demolish existing dilapidated 2-storey dwellinghouse (currently used for storage) and adjoining lean-to together with detached boiler house /shed, all to north east side of existing single storey dwelling house, (2) construct 2 number 2 storey extensions, to include granny flat, to front and side of existing single storey dwellinghouse mentioned at (1) above, (3) construct replacement boiler house / shed to rear of existing dwelling house, (4) necessary structural alterations and changes to elevations of existing dwelling house and all ancillary site works and services including revised site circulation and boundary, on this site at the above address in accordance with documents lodged.

Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. 2 Cherryside Business Park, Castle St, Roscommon. Ph: (087) 2222874 The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Further information. Applicant: Simon Coyle. Location: Carricknagat, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon. Planning reference Number. PD/23/206 Significant “Further Information/Revised plans” in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the “Further Information or revised plan” may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the pre-scribed fee of €20 not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and the site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation. Signed: Magliocco Creative Design Ltd Architects Phone: 083 4265825

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Betty Keaveney, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to retain glazed porch extension to front elevation and all associated site works at No. 70 Greenfield Road, Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45 P088 Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835

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

To have your advert seen by over 70,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in county roscommon!

The local paper! OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 6PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS I, Colin Glynn wish to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission to construct 01 no. Dwelling, garage, waste water treatment system and polishing filter and new entrance onto public road and all associated site works at Garrynagawna, Athlone, Co.Roscommon. Planning reference number: PD/23/20

Significant further information in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/ observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation. Signed: Colin Glynn

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Dennis Cogavin intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect a vegetable preparation/ storage shed and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Tonalig, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Dennis Cogavin

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Planning Permission on behalf of Angela Reynolds, to construct extension to rear of existing dwelling, and upgrade existing waste water treatment system, together with all associated site works at Lissacurkia Td, Tibohine, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of re-ceipt 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 Mobile: 086 2328484

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Doon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. We, Donal Tansey and Danielle McCarron, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for development at this site, Doon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a proposed new detached dwelling house, separate garage, upgrade to the existing entrance, new boundary treatments, new waste water treatment system, connections to site services, and all associated site works and landscaping at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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: (Agent) Patrick Broderick MRIAI, Prof Dip Arch, M.Arch, Dip Arch, BA IntArch Broderick Architects Courthouse Road, Claremorris, Co. Mayo info@broderickarchitects.ie www.broderickarchitects.ie 094 93 62729

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Siobhan Cox Carlos, intend to apply for Permission for the construction of a new single storey dwelling house, installation of a septic tank and percolation area, along with connections to all services and all other associated site works at Curry Td., Strokestown, Co. Roscommon The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Siobhán Cox-Carlos

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Roscommon Racecourse Ltd, are applying for Planning Permission to construct the boring of a water well, a 4546 cubic meter water storage Lagoon and a pumping station to supply an upgraded irrigation system for the racetrack, and all associated site development works at Roscommon Racecourse, Carrownabrickna Td, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile: (086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasona-ble cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or ob-servations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the applica-tion. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

USEFUL SERVICES TAXIS

Padraig Healy Wheelchair Accessible

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

083 0684011

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

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

086 2437376 < 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

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED < TO RENT: 4 bed bungalow to rent in Loughglynn area, beside the lake. Fully furnished. Tel: 087 2548872 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

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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

AtYourServiceEXTRA

USEFUL SERVICES

ROOFING

CAREERS

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING

KEEN RATES

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022

Eithne Jarrett

M.Ed. Adult Guidance & Counselling Cert. Psychology. Cert. Assistive Technology. Cert. Psychometric Assessment Member of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Vita House Family Centre, Abbey Street, Roscommon Appointments: Tel: 085 7322261

Providing Professional Career Guidance and Counselling to those aged 16+ Assessment of interests and aptitudes. l Career Planning - CAO options, Guidance with Subject Choice for Leaving Cert and Career Implications. l Career change/development – supporting decision making, exploring additional training/educational requirements. l Job applications, CV’s, Cover Letters, Presentations, Interview skills. l Support for adults returning to education, college course applications, study skills, academic writing, career progression. l Support with assistive technology requirements in educational and workplace settings for individuals with a disability.

CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION

RECYCLING

ALPHA ROOFING

l Slate roofs l Tiled roofs l Flat roofs, using all type of materials l Roof windows l Lead replacing l Pointing work l Leak detection l All roofing repair work

Mobile: 086 8874576 Email: info@alpharoofing.ie Web: www.alpharoofing.ie ROOFING

Richie Dooner Carpentry & Construction Slatta, Kilglass, Roscommon

1st and 2nd fix Panelling l Sliding Wardrobes l All general construction l Media wall units sprayed painted or skimmed

VETERINARY

l l

Phone: 083 1628531 Email: richarddooner@yahoo.ie

24 Hour Emergency Call Out Service l New roofs, all roofing & flatroofs repairs l Gutters/Facia & Soffitts l Demolition work & new builds l Chimney repairs l All major ground works, driveway insulation, footpaths, tarmacadam & drain services l Plastering & Skimming l Painting & Decorating l Patio Services & Powerwashing l Renovation, extension, porches, walls & garden design

Tel: 087 6117326

< 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.

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone

087 9795226

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

086 4679798

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

ROOFING

NASHVILLE ROOFING

Roof Repairs

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!

Veterinary Clinic & Shop

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

Company website

nashvilleroofing.ie

The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

ALL CREATURES

Our Services: • Roof cleaning • Roof repair • New roofs • Lead valleys • New pvc gutters fascia soffit • Gutter repairs • Chimney repairs Contact Liam at

email: roofingcontractors96@gmail.com

Phone: 083 1479301

Our Services: • Sealing all Gutters • Replacing Slates • General Roof Repairs (Leaks) • Sealing and Cleaning Gutters and Facia, Soffits and Timber in Roofs l Free Callout l Good Rates

Phone:

089 9899912

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

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

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The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring:

087 9657933

or 090 66 33084

TILER

Professional Tiler available Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe Tiling

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

TREE SHEARING

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

PODIATRIST

Tullys Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

094 9620009 For all foot ailments

POWERWASHING

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

• 20 years experience

l Tree Felling

l Dangerous Tree Removed

(Commercial & Domestic)

Harpur Bros, Castlecole,

Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214 Tel:

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

REFLEXOLOGY

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The most read newspaper in County Roscommon!

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

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

• Fertility Reflexology • Antenatal Reflexology • Baby/Child Reflexology • Special Needs Reflexology • Menopause Reflexology • Cancer Care Reflexology

Benefits:

• Relaxation • Stress & Pain relief • Improves circulation, digestion, sleep • Lowers blood pressure

Gift Vouchers Available

The local paper!

Tel: 087 2264951

10%

Discount with this advert.

• Cleaning & Painting Roofs of Houses, Sheds and Barns • Roofs Repairs • Cleaning & Sealing of Driveways/Tarmac • Fully Insured and work guaranteed for 5 years

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

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

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

(Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

Painting Contractors

Plumbing & Maintenance

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

l Tree Shearing

PMC

Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320

089 966 1849

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

PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

From €90

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

SERVICE

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

Christmas Maths Revision Courses

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

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

Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

Tar & Chip Driveways

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

086 895 3884 Call Padraic for concreting

085 226 4664

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

The local paper!

Electrician Available

OIL BOILER

GRINDS

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

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

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

Movement Matters

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009

USEFUL SERVICES

Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd

CALL MICHAEL ON

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

USEFUL SERVICES

HOME MAINTENANCE

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays. l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available For any of your foot issues call:

PODIATRIST

USEFUL SERVICES

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

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

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

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

Roscommon area Over 30 years experience

Phone Tommy

086 8934576

GROUND WORKS

Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Telephone Ger: 086 8745180

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

AtYourService BLINDS

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

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

DOORS/ WINDOWS 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

PLUMBING & CONSTRUCTION

Chris’s Window Service

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway l 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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

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

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal

Tel: 087 0944027

CARPENTRY & FITTED FURNITURE

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

DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School

Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

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

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

David Duffy 087 9662678 Alan Duffy 086 3992382

www.westsidegardening.ie GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal. CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering DIGGER: Foundations, Land Drainage, Ditch and Hedge removal STEEL: Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

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

Advisor Product Approved Product Member of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Approved Member of Regulated by the Central Adjusting Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Advisor Advisor Regulated www.mhla.ie Regulated by by the the Central Central Institute of Ireland Loss Member Bank Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services Member of of the the Insurance Insurance Bank of of Ireland Ireland Institute of of Ireland Ireland Institute

Certified Dip in Loss Approved Product PROPERTY Advisor Adjusting Loss Assessor Services

Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

CAROLINE BURKE 086 8229606 www.carolineburke.ie

CAREER & LIFE Coaching

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * APPLICATIONS - PUBLIC/CIVIL and PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETENCY BASED APP FORMS

* EDUCATION & PERSONAL COACHING For more details check www.carolineburke.ie

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com (FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS)

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090 6621220

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

to discuss your requirements NO CALL OUT CHARGE

LIFE COACHING

* INTERVIEW MASTERING (including competency-based questions)

GARDENING

Cleaning Services • Roscommon Certified Certified Dip DipAdjusting in Loss Loss in • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’

Registered Heating & Plumbing Contractor l SEAI Registered Air To Water Heap Pump Installer l €6,500 SEAI Grants available for Heat Pump Upgrades l Registered Gas Installer l New Builds and Renovations l

Contact Pat: 086 8115339

TEL: (090) 96 88606 - Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

McCormack Plumbing & Construction Ltd.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

WELDING & FABRICATON

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES EARLEY Patrick (Paddy) and Kathleen

KEANE Gerry

Donamon, Co. Roscommon

(1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Gerry Keane, Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon who died on the 22nd of November 2022 R.I.P.

Who passed away on 28/10/2022 (1st Anniversary)

Who passed away on 23/12/2022 (1st Anniversary)

McDERMOTT Ronnie Cloonslanor, Strokestown Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) In loving memory of Ronnie who died on 23rd November 2022. R.I.P.

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

It’s lonely here without ye, we miss ye more each day, for life is not the same to us since ye were called away. To your resting place we visit, put flowers there with care, but no one knows our heartache, when we turn and leave ye there.

Forever in our hearts Mary, Brian, Patricia and Martin. First Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday, 26th November at 9.30am.

DINEEN BREEGE (née Cahill) Cloonbard, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, - In loving memory of our wonderful wife and mother whose Second Anniversary occurs on November 25th 2023.

MORRIS Thomas and Noreen

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So rest in peace dear loved one, and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Remembered with love every day by his wife Una, son Seamus, daughter Niamh, daughter-in-law Diana, grandchildren, sisters, brothers-in-law, family, friends and neighbours. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Saturday, 25th November at 8pm.

Mother Our mum so gentle, kind and warm, you give us shelter from any storm. You give us love and tender care, and best of all you are always there. We thank you mum for all you have done, for all the laughter and the fun. For all the meals, for all your time, I thank the Lord that you were mine. Serenity Prayer Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. We Make This Prayer Through Christ Our Lord Amen. Always loved and fondly remembered by Christy, Lisa, Nigel, Lorraine, Olivia, Baby Vanessa, Cathal, Danielle, Christopher and Declan. Breege’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 26th November at 10am in St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurray. May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves.

FAMILY NOTICES • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

GANNON Oliver Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon Who died 1st December 2010 (13th Anniversary)

The family of the late Ronnie McDermott would like to thank all those that sympathised with or sent messages of sympathy to the family, on the occasion of Ronnie’s death. Thank you all of you who sent Mass Cards, Perpetual Enrolments and those of you that travelled long distances to attend the Funeral. We would like to most sincerely thank Dr. O’Donnell and his team in Strokestown Medical Centre, the Public Health Nurses, the Home Help Team, most especially Ronnie’s carer Sharon and the staff of Roscommon University Hospital and all who cared for Ronnie throughout his illness. A special thank you to Pat, Marian and John McHugh for your professionalism and kindness shown to the family at a difficult time. To all who concelebrated Ronnie’s Funeral Mass a sincere thank you especially to Fr. O’Connor, Fr. Whitney and Fr Vincent. A special mention to Norma and Katie Egan for the beautiful music. We would also like to thank the gravediggers for preparing Ronnie’s place of rest. To the staff of the Percy French Hotel thank you for providing refreshments and to Mary of Ivy Rose Florists, thank you for the beautiful flowers. We would like to most especially thank our extended family, friends and neighbours for all your support to the family during and since Ronnie’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 his wife Mary, sons, daughters, grandchildren and extended family. Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there. Ronnies First Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, November 26th at 11.30am in Strokestown Parish Church.

CURLEY Peter and Molly Thomastown, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Peter who passed away on 19th October 2008 and Molly who passed away on 24th November 2018 (15th and 5th Anniversaries)

We miss your smile, your joking ways, we miss the things you used to say. Thinking of you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache, that never goes away.

Missing you always, from your loving wife Eileen and family Olivia, Declan, Darach, Kieran, Evelyn and Jason, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Masses offered.

I hide my tears, when I say your name, but the pain in my heart is still the same. Although I smile and seem carefree, there’s no one who misses you more than me.

Always lovingly remembered by your daughter Mary. Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Friday, 24th November at 7pm.

Carrowroe, Roscommon In loving memory of Tom, who died on October 13th, 2019 and Noreen, who died on January 5th, 2020.

In our hearts you will always stay, loved and missed every day. Thomas and Noreen’s Fourth Anniversary Mass will be celebrated with others in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town at 10 o’clock on the morning of Saturday, November 25th.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask you for this special one. (mention favour). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your broken heart so that your father sees it, it will become your own favour, not mine. Repeat three times daily, for three days, promise publication. M.L.C. 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. M.L.C. UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. M.L.C.

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

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES LYONS Frank Runnamoat, Roscommon 15th Anniversary on 26th November

DOLAN Leo & Delia

RAFTERY Michael (Buddy) (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Buddy, late of Bracklin, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon who passed away on 30th November 2021.

Munsboro House, Sligo Road, Roscommon In loving memory of Leo and Delia Dolan. Leo who passed away on 4th June, 2009 and Delia who passed away 1st December 2016 R.I.P.

MONTH’S MIND MASS CORMICAN Tadhg Thornfield, Ballygar, Galway / Mount Talbot, Roscommon In loving memory of Tadhg who died on November 3rd, 2023

McCROSSAN Danny & Josephine Celtic Avenue, Roscommon In loving memory of our dear father Danny who died on the 25th November 2019 and our dear mother Josephine who died on the 30th January 2021. R.I.P.

(14th Anniversary)

No matter how life changes no matter what we do a special place within our hearts is always kept for you. Loved and missed by Breda, Mary, Ann and Kathy, extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass for Frank in Ballinaheglish Church, on Sunday, 26th November at 11am.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

HANLEY Padraic 6 Shannon Heights Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon

Too dearly loved to be forgotten, cherished memories of Padraic. Always remembered by his mother Kathleen, father Patsy, sister Marie and brother Alan.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. So Rest in Peace Dad and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

(7th Anniversary)

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his sons Donal and Adrian, daughter Martina, grandchildren Rian, Olwen, Darragh, Robyn and Ruth, extended family, neighbours and friends. Mass has been offered.

HAUGHEY Noel

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and still very dear. Missed and remembered by all their family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 2nd December at 10am.

McHUGH (nee Lennon) Lena & Denny

Correal, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Elphin Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (Lena 6th Anniversary) (Denny 32nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Noel who died on 23rd November, 2015.

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

What he suffered he told but few, he did not deserve what he went through, tired and weary he made no fuss, but tried so hard to stay with us.

Loved and remembered by Margaret and family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 25th November at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague

On the Month’s Mind of Tadhg Cormican’s passing, we his family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all our extended family, friends and neighbours who supported us throughout our immense loss. We would like to offer our thanks to all those that called to the house, provided food, help and support around the house. We gratefully thank those that made the road and parking safe during the Wake. It made Tadhg’s farewell so special, thanks again to all concerned. Thanks to the many people who sent Mass Cards, posted online condolences and those who travelled long distances to be with us and share in our loss. Many thanks to Dr. Daly, Ballygar and to Catherine and Majella in Ballygar Pharmacy. We are very grateful to Rev. Fr. Christopher Edebianga P.P. Athleague, Rev. Fr. Douglas Zaggi P.P. Ballygar and Canon Eugene McLoughlin for all their support and compassion towards Tadhg and us as a family during those tough days. Thank you all so much for celebrating a truly special Funeral Mass for our beloved Tadhg. We are extremely thankful to Bernie Moran for the beautiful singing at Tadhg’s Mass. We wish to convey thanks to David Moran for all his support and expertise as he guided us through the Funeral preparations and his professional duties throughout, his help and support meant so much to us as a family. As a family we would like to thank Garda Pat Regan and the Smith family on their excellent traffic control expertise which was both peace of mind for us and meant that drivers and mourners were kept safe. To all the gravediggers who did such a wonderful job on Tadhg’s final resting place in Athleague Cemetery. Many thanks to John and Noleen Fallon, Fallon’s Bar, Ballygar for their splendid catering and the delicious meal after the Funeral. We would like to express gratitude to Tadhg’s workmates and employers at Milands Garden Centre, Mountbellew for the beautiful display of flowers, their Guard of Honour on the day and their support through a time that was difficult for them as well. We as a family would like to thank Mount Talbot Handball Club and Mount Talbot National School for the Guard of Honour at the Handball Alley, Mount Talbot. We would also like to thank those who donated to Epilepsy Ireland as a mark of respect. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude. Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Tadhg’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Friday, 1st of December at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

FAMILY NOTICES In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived, and a heart so deeply loved. Loved and remembered by all the family.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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. Always remembered and sadly missed by their daughters Roseanne, Philomena, sons Willie, John and Paul and all of the family.

MONTH’S MIND MASS SHERLOCK Mary The Walk Road, Roscommon

The family of the late Mary Sherlock, The Walk Road, Roscommon would like to thank most sincerely all who attended the Removal and Funeral Mass, especially those who travelled long distances. We are so grateful to Mary’s wonderful neighbours and friends who supported her throughout her life. To Fr. Raul who called to the house to visit Mary and for to Fr. Joe for celebrating the Mass and Enya for her beautiful singing. To an Garda Siochana, Dr. Sweeney and Pat Smyth Undertakers for their professionalism and support. To the grave diggers for preparing Mary’s final resting place. It is impossible to thank everyone individually. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude. Mary’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place this Sunday, 26th November at 9am in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

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

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES TIMOTHY (née Foley) Teresa (Tessie)

County Roscommon business requires an

Rosmoylan, Creggs, Roscommon / Creggs, Galway (1st Anniversary) Who died on 28th November 2022

Rogers Funeral Directors The nephew and niece of the late Teresa Timothy wish to express our thanks to her neighbours and friends. To the doctors and nurses and Care Staff of Portiuncula Hospital who looked after her in her short illness. Thanks to her doctor, David Harrison and staff and the staff of RosMed Pharmacy. Thanks also to the grave diggers who prepared Teresa’s final resting place. To Pat and Gillian Smyth, Smyth‘s Funeral Directors, we are very thankful. A special word of thanks to Fr. Donal Morris for the lovely Funeral Mass for Teresa. We want to thank Michael Rourke and family for the lovely food served after the Funeral. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Sadly missed by her niece Mary Beattie (Rahara), nephew Michael Tyrrell (Rahara), grandniece, grandnephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. Teresa’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on the Sunday, 7th January 2024 at 11.30am.

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Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

Congrats, Enda!

Roscommon’s Enda Smith pictured with his PwC GAA/GPA All-Star Award during the 2023 All-Star Awards at the RDS in Dublin last Friday. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

ENDA’S ALL-STAR JOY Boyle’s Enda Smith has become Roscommon’s 12th ever football All-Star and the county’s first in 22 years. His inclusion on the 2023 All-Star Football Team was confirmed at

a gala All-Star Awards ceremony in Dublin on Friday night. Enda was selected in the left-half forward position and was the only player from Con-

nacht to receive a football All-Star this year. He is the first Roscommon All-Star recipient since Francie Grehan was honoured back in 2001.

The Boyle clubman had been nominated alongside Roscommon captain Brian Stack, while Roscommon goalkeeper Conor Carroll was nominated for Young player of the Year.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SportsPeople

The 2023 PwC GAA/GPA All-Star Awards football team: back row (l-r) Gareth McKinless of Derry, Conor McCarthy of Monaghan, Paudie Clifford of Kerry, Seán O’Shea of Kerry, Brian Fenton of Dublin, Brendan Rogers of Derry, James McCarthy of Dublin, Enda Smith of Roscommon, Conor McCluskey of Derry, Tom O’Sullivan of Kerry. Front row (l-r) Stephen Cluxton of Dublin, Michael Fitzsimons of Dublin, David Clifford of Kerry, Enda McDonagh, PwC Managing Partner; Larry McCarthy, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael; Tom Parsons, Gaelic Players Association CEO; Colm Basquel of Dublin, and Shane McGuigan of Derry pictured during the 2023 PwC GAA/GPA All-Star Awards at the RDS in Dublin last Friday. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

A richly deserved award, as the football Gods smile on Enda Enda Smith is not only a great player, he is a great guy too – and a fantastic ambassador for Roscommon football. I am personally aware of several acts of kindness and compassion that Enda has been responsible for over the years. These don’t ever get mentioned. He just gets on with it. Enda comes from a great family and there were no prouder people in the RDS last weekend than his dad Mike and mother Mary. Big brothers Donie and Cian and Enda himself have been standard-bearers for Roscommon and Boyle football over the years. I know how much this honour means not only to the Smiths, but to the people of Boyle and to the people of the entire county. We can all share in the reflected glory from this superb achievement. The award was so well deserved. In fact it’s been far too long coming. But the recognition has arrived now, and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

COMMENT < SEAMUS DUKE

When referee Aaron Clogher blew the final whistle in the recent County Senior final between Boyle and St Brigid’s, I watched Enda Smith. He had played superbly, but now had to look on as his team missed out again on winning the Fahey Cup – after losing by a single point for the second year in a row. Smith, like all his teammates, was distraught. Roscommon’s championship year had also ended with two agonising one-point defeats, against Kildare and Cork. That evening in Dr Hyde Park (after Boyle’s defeat), Enda would have been forgiven if he had concluded that the football Gods were not on his side. But last Friday night, the Gods smiled. The All-Star award that Smith so richly deserved came his way. The All-Star selectors don’t usually choose players from teams that don’t at least reach the championship quarter-finals. But they couldn’t resist the arguments in favour of recognising Enda this year. What a season he had. He was superb as Roscommon easily retained their Division One status in the league. When it came to the championship, ‘Man of the Match’ displays in three televised matches had to be very persuasive, a massive performance against Mayo the pick of the bunch. Enda Smith is a decade playing senior

A DEVASTATING DOZEN! Roscommon’s All-Star winners Mickey Freyne (1972) Dermot Earley (1974, 1979) Pat Lindsay (1977) Harry Keegan (1978, 1980, 1986) Tom Heneghan (1979) Danny Murray (1979, 1980) Gerry Connellan (1980) Paul Earley (1985) Tony McManus (1989) Enon Gavin (1991) Francie Grehan (2001) Enda Smith (2023)

Murphy applauds duo

Roscommon’s Enda Smith and Jean Flanagan pictured on arrival at the 2023 PwC GAA/GPA All-Star Awards at the RDS in Dublin last Friday night. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

football for Roscommon, following his stellar third-level career with DCU. He has become a talisman for Roscommon under the respective management terms of Kevin McStay, Anthony Cunningham and Davy Burke. The Boyle man can play at midfield or up front. His brilliant fielding, lungbursting runs and ability to score all mark him out as a very special player indeed. It is no coincidence that Roscommon’s most successful period in some considerable time can be traced to Enda joining the senior squad. His two Connacht titles (2017 and 2019), the retention of Division One status, and now his AllStar award all underline that with the likes of Enda on board, Roscommon are currently operating with the elite of the game.

Senator Eugene Murphy paid tribute to Enda Smith on his success in receiving an All-Star Football Award. He also congratulated Sarah Keane from Elphin on winning the All-Ireland Scòr Sinsir competition. “I am delighted for Enda and the Smith family. This award is truly deserved and a great shot in the arm for Roscommon football” said Senator Murphy. “Enda gives it all on the football team and he is hugely respected by Roscommon people”. Senator Murphy also had special praise for Sarah Keane from Elphin after she won an All-Ireland Scòr title at the national finals in Killarney last Saturday. “Sarah is a brilliant young lady and I am delighted that she has landed the top award. My congratulations also to Elphin GAA and others involved in supporting and encouraging Sarah. This is truly a great honour for Sarah and family”. Senator Murphy concluded: “People like Sarah and Enda are bringing great pride to our county and are to be highly commended”.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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Short putts

(News from local golf clubs)

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON On Wednesday, 15th of November the ladies held their AGM in the clubhouse. The ladies thanked outgoing Captain Sheila Carney and her committee for the excellent work over the past year, and everyone present wished the incoming lady captain, Anne Cox, and her team good luck for 2024. The following officers were elected – Lady Captain: Anne Cox; Vice Lady Captain: Frances Molloy; Secretary: Nova Farris; Treasurer: Attracta O’Connor; Competitions Secretary: Monica Shannon; Handicap Secretary: Patricia O’Hara; Junior Convenor: Siobhan Talbot; PRO: Dolores Mulvey; Ladies Committee: Eta King, Helen O’Malley, Margaret Killoran, Melissa Collins, Phil McWeeney and Sheila Carney (ex officio). The lotto jackpot is €1,450. If you would like to join the lotto please contact Sheila Carney or Ann Cox. The Men’s AGM is on the 24th of November and the parent AGM is on the 1st of December. All club members are urged to attend.

ROSCOMMON Unfortunately due to the weather last week most of the weekly competitions were postponed. The Men’s AGM was held on Friday, November 17th in the clubhouse. The captain for 2024 will be Seamus Duke, with Robert McConn as vice-captain. The Ladies’ AGM was held on Sunday, 19th of November. Phil Murray-O’Brien was named as 2024 Lady Captain with Una Gleeson as vicecaptain. The Club President for 2024 will be Tom Costello. The club would like to wish our incoming officers the best of luck for 2024 and to thank outgoing officers Mary Cunningham, PJ Moran and Paula Miley for making 2023 such a successful golfing year for the club. Thanks also to all outgoing committee members who have served on various committees over the years.

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs Seconds victorious over Ballina Creggs J1C team secured a bonus point in last Saturday evening’s league game with a 24-14 victory over Ballina on Ballina’s 4G pitch, aptly located on Creggs Road in Ballina. After an evenly matched first half the teams went in tied 7-7 at the break which put Creggs into a commanding position having played into a strong wind. Creggs started the second half well and after going ahead in the 48th minute with an impressive team try they pushed on from there. Aside from allowing Ballina in for their only try of the second half, Creggs put together some wonderful scoring moves and finished the game 24-14 victors. This was an impressive performance by the Creggs team with the introduction of underage stars Cormac Dolan, Eoin Kelly and Jack Fleming providing fresh impetus to a squad backboned by several players with first-team experience. The J1C league continues with a home game next Saturday on the Creggs 4G pitch against Our Lady’s Boys Club. Boys U-14s: Creggs U-14s boys team played round six of the league against Claremorris Colts in Creggs last Saturday. The home team were dominant throughout and finished with a very convincing 22-0 victory. Boys U-15s: Creggs boys’ U-15s league campaign came to a disappointing end last Saturday when Westport travelled to Creggs and came away with a 12-7 win. That completes the league fixtures and now they have a bit of a wait for the cup after Christmas. The club want to wish Cathal Mulry well after he picked up an arm injury at half-time. Boys U-13s: Creggs Boys U-13s took on Virginia RFC from Cavan in a friendly last Saturday afternoon. It was a great workout for the lads and the game was played with great spirit.

Boys U-14s in action against Claremorris Colts last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey

The U-13s now move on to play Westport away this weekend. Girls U-16s: Creggs U-16s girls suffered a disappointing 19-12 league defeat at home to Westport RFC last Saturday afternoon in Creggs. A large squad togged out and there is plenty to work on for the remaining league games for the girls. Boys U-16s: Creggs U-16s boys travelled to Ballina last Sunday for a tier one league game and came away with a hard-fought 19-15 victory. Creggs were delighted to leave Ballina with the four points extra on the league table. This squad have this weekend off and then play Corinthians the following weekend. Boys U-17s: The fourth round of the Division

One league saw Creggs U-17s boys travel to Galwegians last Sunday. After a very entertaining game the Creggs boys won 31-19. A huge team commitment, belief and simple rugby finally saw this Creggs side get reward for their efforts. Creggs travel to Ballina in two weeks’ time for the next round. Lotto: The Club lotto jackpot was not won. Our lucky dip winner was Seamus Ward. Next week’s jackpot is €10,900. Please support the club by joining the lotto. Members of the club get a reduction of 30% annually once they pay membership. Membership is now open and can be done online on https://creggsrfc.clubforce.com/products/ membership

Soccer fixtures Friday, November 24th RDFL Women’s League Shiven Rovers v Boyle Celtic. 8 pm Castlerea Celtic v St Cuan’s Utd/Ahascragh. 8 pm Kilkerrin Utd v Cam Celtic. 8 pm RDFL North Ballymoe v Ballinagare Manor. 8 pm Cloonfad v Glen Celtic. 8 pm Saturday, November 25th RDFL Reserve League Ballinagare Manor v Dunmore Town. 11 am Shiven Rovers v Moore Utd. 11 am Roscommon Utd v Skyvalley Rovers. 11 am Boyle Celtic v CP Ajax. 8 pm Sunday, November 26th Norio’s RDFL Premier Division Shiven Rovers v Boyle Celtic. 2 pm Ballaghaderreen v Moore Utd. 2 pm RDFL North Dunmore Town v Ballaghaderreen B. 11 am RDFL South St John’s Athletic B v Moylough ’79. 11 am RDFL Women’s League Ballaghaderreen v Ballinasloe Town. 11 am

The U-14s Boys team who played Claremorris Colts last weekend. Pic: Steve Fahey

BUCCANEERS RFC

Buccaneers defeat Old Wesley

Putting in a hugely committed and sustained effort, Buccaneers held off Old Wesley to forge a richly deserved 9-3 Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B victory at Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Saturday. Three converted penalties and some ferocious defending by Buccs meant that went in 9-0 up at the break, despite ending the first half with two players in the sin-bin. The second half saw more wonderful defending by the Athlone men, leaving the final score 9-3 in favour of Buccs. This was a sterling all-round effort by the young squad, giving them their first win of the season. Buccs U-20s: Having blown their recent two JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier Two fixtures, Buccaneers U-20s almost did it for a third time on

Sunday at Belfield where, despite being reduced to 13 players for the closing stages, they showed sufficient resolve to hang on for a 10-5 victory against UCD. Buccs Seconds: A blistering opening-half performance ensured that Buccaneers Seconds’ winning run in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1B League would continue when they entertained Monivea at Dubarry Park last Saturday night. Buccs had a bonus point in the bag by the end of the opening quarter as they overran the visitors on their way to a 40-17 win. Buccaneers U-20s to face Trinity: Buccaneers U-20s entertain Trinity College in the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier Two at Dubarry Park on Saturday with kick-off at 12 noon. Seconds away to Loughrea: Buccaneers Sec-

onds make the short trip west to Loughrea on Saturday night where they face Loughrea in the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1B League with kick-off at 7.30 pm. Buccs U-15s: Buccs travelled to Galway on Saturday to play Galwegians. Although not their best performance, Buccs won 17-10. Buccs’ rucking has improved noticeably and their recycling was excellent. Girls Rugby at Buccs: The Buccaneers U-12s Girls took on Mullingar at Mullingar RFC last Saturday morning. It was a stellar performance by all the Buccs girls in such wet conditions. Buccs Girls Table Quiz: Buccaneers U-14s girls squad are holding a table quiz in The Bounty on Thursday, November 30th at 8 pm. Entry is €10 per person or €40 for a table of four.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SportsPeople

Jockey Denis O’Regan calls it a day Horses for Courses Corkonian Denis O’Regan (41), who rode a winner at every UK and Irish National Hunt track, announced his retirement from the saddle in Navan on Saturday. The highlight of his career was winning the 2008 World Hurdle on Inglis Drever, having also won the Arkle Chase on Tidal Bay. Thanks for the memories Denis and best of luck in the future.

More racing news

Dundalk Stadium celebrates its 20th anniversary next Wednesday. The Co. Louth venue is Ireland’s only allweather track and raced for the first time on the 29th of November 2003. It also features a greyhound racing track and has had several dual fixtures where horseracing starts at 3.20 pm and the greyhound racing follows at approximately 7.30 pm. Congratulations to all involved. Galway native Graham Lee continues to make progress in hospital and has spoken to his family. He was un-

Enda’s day in the sun

Enda Smith is never less than effective, and usually he’s excellent… a consummate footballer, one of the finest of his generation, routinely imposing himself on games, linking midfield and attack by calling on his array of skills, that and his football intelligence. So, never less than effective, usually excellent… but there’s a third ‘Smith style’ – I refer to the times when he’s simply breathtaking. Every now and again – on a good day it could happen several times in the one game – Enda brings his performance to a level that copperfastens his status as one of the most exciting Gaelic footballers in the country (year after year). In these thrilling phases of play, the Boyle warrior takes personal control of a game. These are the ‘Enda interventions’ we’ve become so used to, the defence-splitting runs that can almost take the breath away. And it’s long past being Roscommon’s secret; the Enda moments – those remarkable, swashbuckling runs from deep – now have GAA supporters the length and breadth of the country looking on in admiration. In the end, Smith’s driving runs, his range of goals and points, the breadth of his skills, his leadership and calmness under pressure, all combined to make Gaelic football fans across the country sit up, take notice, and applaud. As for the All-Stars experts, faced last week with serial champions, the safety net of eyeing the superpowers, the persuasive statistics… well, this time they could not avert

by Tom Red

seated as his mount Ben Macdui left the stalls at Newcastle on Friday, 10th of November.

This weekend

Racing this weekend begins this afternoon (Thursday) over the jumps at Thurles in Tipperary. Tapes away for the first at 12.10 pm. Tomorrow afternoon (Friday) there is a national hunt meeting at Fairyhouse, rescheduled from the 14th of this month, off at 11.50 am – and evening racing on the all-weather at Dundalk, starting at 5 pm. Racing is at Punchestown with a 11.40 am start on Saturday featuring the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle and the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase, and starts at 11.40 am again on Sunday with the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase and the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase. There is also racing at Cork on Sunday with a 12 noon start. Nine horses are still in the John Durkan Memorial Chase in Punches-

their gaze. In making their selections, they felt they had to challenge convention. And so Enda Smith, despite Roscommon not reaching the 2023 championship last eight, deservedly met his All-Star destiny, and took his place on the team of the year. His award is worthy reward for a standout season, acknowledgment too of the outstanding impact he has made in recent years. It’s hard to win All-Irelands, hard enough to even break into quarter-finals or semifinals. Enda’s club, Boyle, has experienced heartbreak of late in the club championship in Roscommon. As a team player – and he is certainly that – Roscommon’s latest All-Star has experienced cruel defeat, disappointment, joy too. So it’s good to see a big personal accolade come his way. There will be more career twists and turns, joys and setbacks probably, and hopefully a few more seasons in the sun. God knows, we don’t want it to stop any time soon. In the meantime, what’s great about Enda Smith’s All-Star accolade is its permanence. This is for the 2023 season, this is for recent years, this is for now, this is for the future, this is legacy stuff. This reminds one of the relief (with joy too) that we felt when Tony McManus was finally feted in 1989. This is the award – the enthusiastic national recognition – that gives permanent, sparkling endorsement to what our eyes and hearts and emotions know… that Enda Smith is one of the best footballers in the country, and one of Roscommon’s finest in living memory. This is just right. Now, play on…

town on Sunday, headed up by Willie Mullins’ Gold Cup hero, Galopin Des Champs, where he will meet Sean Mulryan’s Fastorslow, trained by Martin Brassil. Brassil’s horse beat Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup last April, but the betting suggests a reversal of that form; Galopin is currently 2/5 and Fastorslow is 4/1. While it looks a two-horse race, Mullins also runs Blue Lord and Appreciate It, while Gordon Elliott, the man in form, runs Conflated which – on the basis of two recent runs – has been supported from 25s to 12s. The favourite will be hard to beat.

UK racing

Terrestrial television coverage on Saturday is from Ascot, with three races including a pair of Grade 2 races, the 1965 Chase and the Ascot Hurdle, and four from Haydock, including the Grade 1 Lancashire Chase on ITV.

Another seven winners for Elliott

Last weekend Gordon Elliott continued his good run at the Navan Racing

Foxy Jacks and Gavin Brouder in winning action at Prestbury Park.

Festival with seven winners, three on Saturday and four on Sunday. Stellar Story, Fortunedefortunata, both ridden by Jack Kennedy, and Whats Up Darling in the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle ridden by Sam Ewing, won on Saturday. On Sunday, Kali Conti and Croke Park in the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle and American Mike all won, with Coco Beach, another Elliotttrained runner, victorious in the Grade 3 Troytown Chase under Athenry claimer Danny Gilligan. Gilligan’s brother Jack combined

SPORTS DESK Paul Healy

Napoleon would have frowned on Kenny era

It’s obvious that the Stephen Kenny era will formally come to an end over the coming days, with the Republic of Ireland manager’s contract now up, and a notably unsuccessful reign meaning there will be no offer of renewal. The results under Kenny were so poor that the manager – a gentleman, by the way – had

to resort in the final weeks of his reign to pointing to all the new players he has capped as ‘evidence’ of his achievements/ legacy. It’s a weak argument. After all, Kenny could have capped the driver of the team bus. It would have added to the list of new recruits! What point is Kenny trying to prove? Sure, a few talented young players got the nod under his management, but they probably would have come through under any manager, and the bottom line is

with the consistent Buddy One, trained by his father Paul, to win the Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle in Cheltenham on Saturday, on what was a great weekend for the Craughwell family. There were two other Irish-trained winners on Saturday when Gavin Cromwell’s Hascoeur Clermont and Willie Mullins’ Baby Kate won. On Friday, Foxy Jacks, second in the Connaught National in Roscommon in June, won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase for Mouse Morris and Gavin Brouder.

that results were pretty disastrous. Disappointing The French leader Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly said that what weekend for he wanted most (in battle) was camogie clubs ‘a lucky General’. Kenny didn’t have much luck, and I feel for him There was no joy for Roscommon’s representathis week. tives who were engaged in provincial camogie action McHugh out, last weekend, with an unexheavy defeat for our Harney and Daly in pectedly senior champions, Athleague Roscommon GAA announced on Sunday, this after Oran on Sunday that Mark McHugh had been defeated in their has left the Roscommon senior final the previous day. football team management due to On Saturday, the Oran the amount of travelling that was camogie team lost 2-9 to involved. 1-17 to Liam Mellows from Manager Davy Burke will now Galway in the Pat Barrett look for a replacement over the Cup final, in a game played coming weeks. at the Connacht GAA Air It was also announced that Ultan Dome in Bekan. Harney and Ronan Daly will On Sunday, Athleague met re-join the panel for the comGalway side Shamrocks in mencement of training this week. the Fr Vincent Lawless Cup Meanwhile, Cian McKeon and final, in a game which was Conor Daly have opted out of the also played in the Connacht panel for the moment as both are GAA Air Dome in Bekan. away. It was an uncharacteristically difficult outing for the Roscommon champions, with a goal-hungry Shamrocks running out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 7-17 to 1-11.

French (goal) connections

Young Castlerea St Kevin’s fans cheering on their team during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final against Easkey in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

An odd aspect of the extraordinary France-Gibraltar Euro 2024 qualifying game – the French won 14-0 – is that there was no goal from the 36th minute to the 63rd, a circa 27-minute scoreless span. That means the French scored their 14 goals in the other (approximate) 64 minutes of play, i.e. a goal, on average, every four and a half minutes in over an hour of play.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SportsPeople

Sean Trundle of St Brigid’s tries to block the shot of Mohill’s Jordan Reynolds during the AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semi-final in Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Sugrue is sweet for Brigid’s Stack’s men advance to final, but major step up needed against Corofin Teams & scorers

AIB Connacht Club SFC semi-final St Brigid’s 1-7 Mohill 0-8

St Brigid’s: Cormac Sheehy; Luke Griselain, Pearse Frost, Sean Trundle; Ruaidhri Fallon, Ronan Stack (0-1), Paul McGrath; Eddie Nolan, Shane Cunnane; Conor Hand, Ciaran Sugrue (1-0), Robbie Dolan; Ben O’Carroll (0-1, free), Alan Daly, Bobby Nugent (0-3, frees). Subs: Brian Derwin (0-1) for Trundle (h/t), John Cunningham (0-1) for Hand (50), Mark Daly for Sugrue (55), Brian Stack for Nugent (63).

< SEAMUS DUKE

Mohill: Padraig Tighe; James Mitchell, Sean Harkin, Ryan Bohan; Alan Tuthill, Shane Quinn, David Mitchell; Domhnaill Flynn (0-1), Conor Quinn (0-1); Keith Keegan, Keith Beirne (0-4, 1 free), Ronan Gordon; Ronan Kennedy (0-1), Jordan Reynolds (0-1), Evan Harkin. Subs: Alan Armstrong for Mitchell (35), Eanna Madden for Gordon (41), Tadhg Mulligan for E Harkin (50), Caillin Canning for Tuthill (50. Referee: James Molloy (Galway).

Stat Attack Wides: St Brigid’s 6 (1, first half ); Mohill 10 (5, first half ) Red cards: 0 Black cards: St Brigid’s 1 (Luke Griselain, 63); Mohill 1 (Domhnaill Flynn, 15) Yellow cards: St Brigid’s 2 (Shane Cunnane, Robbie Dolan); Mohill: 1 (Sean Harkin) Attendance: Approx. 1200 Man of the Match: Ruaidhri Fallon (St Brigid’s)

Paul McGrath, joint captain of St Brigid’s, in action during the AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semi-final against Mohill in Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Semi-finals are all about winning, and Roscommon champions St Brigid’s did just that at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday as a Ciaran Sugrue goal proved to be the key score in a narrow win against Leitrim champions Mohill. However, they will need to play better than this if they are to have a chance against Corofin in the provincial decider in Dr Hyde Park on Sunday week. At the end of an emotional week for the club following the untimely passing of stalwart Tommy Dolan, St Brigid’s made hard work of defeating a gritty Mohill side, the Leitrim champions well set up under the guidance of former Sligo star Eamonn O’Hara. Indeed Mohill shot some bad wides over the hour, misses which cost them dearly in the final analysis. With Mohill making a late surge and reducing the margin to two points in injury-time, a worried Brigid’s management brought on the injured Brian Stack as the Leitrim team went in search of a potential winning goal. It was a measure of the concern that Jerome Stack and his selectors had in those final tense moments. As it was, Brigid’s had done enough to squeeze through. With wind, and frequent rain showers too, the conditions were poor. Mohill played with the elements at their backs in the opening half. Possession was the name of

the game and scores were few and far between. The sides shared four points in the opening 13 minutes. The impressive Keith Beirne scored Mohill’s two (one a free), while Bobby Nugent pointed two frees for St Brigid’s. After Beirne had put Mohill ahead in the 15th minute, the Leitrim champions were down to 14 men two minutes later when Domhnaill Flynn was black-carded for a foul on Alan Daly. Most of the second quarter was turgid stuff, and we saw only two more scores before the break, with Jordan Reynolds on target for Mohill and Ben O’Carroll converting a close-range free for the Roscommon champions. Half-time score: Mohill 0-4 St Brigid’s 0-3. With the wind at their backs, most observers were expecting Brigid’s to kick on and win well, but Mohill made it very difficult for them. Ruaidhri Fallon was outstanding for St Brigid’s, leading the charge with Eddie Nolan, Ciaran Sugrue and Bobby Nugent. Ronan Stack levelled the scores with a smart point in the 36th minute (their first score from play) and when sub Brian Derwin fisted over in the 43rd minute, Brigid’s were ahead for the first time in the match. In the 46th minute, St Brigid’s finally put together the kind of sweeping move that we have seen from them all summer in the Roscommon championship. Bobby Nugent caught Cormac Sheehy’s kick-out, and Eddie Nolan, Ronan Stack and Ben O’Carroll were all involved before Ciaran Sugrue finished it to the net.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SportsPeople GAA results

AIB Connacht Club IFC semi-final Castlerea St Kevin’s 2-6 Easkey 0-9 AIB Connacht Club SFC semi-final St Brigid’s 1-7 Mohill 0-8

GAA fixtures Saturday, November 25th AIB Connacht Club IFC Final At Tuam: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Monivea Abbey. 1.30 pm

2024 Ladies NFL Division Three fixtures

Ciaran Sugrue of St Brigid’s scores the only goal of Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semi-final in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Bobby Nugent of St Brigid’s in action during the AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semi-final against Mohill in Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Bobby Nugent of St Brigid’s in action against Mohill’s Conor Quinn during the AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semifinal in Dr Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Further points from sub John Cunningham and a converted free from Bobby Nugent saw Brigid’s five ahead (1-7 to 0-5) by the 54th minute – and looking good. But it wasn’t over yet and Mohill dug in and mounted a late revival. Domhnaill Flynn and Conor Quinn suddenly came good at midfield and points from Quinn, Ronan Kennedy and a converted free from Keith Beirne saw the margin down to just two by the first minute of injury-time. Injured All-Star nominee Brian Stack was brought on as Mohill continued to press, looking for what would be a sensational winning goal. The St Brigid’s defence held out and they squeezed through in the end despite having Luke Griselain black-carded in the second minute of injury-time. Cormac Sheehy’s kick-outs were top class throughout, while Pearse Frost, Ruaidhri Fallon and Ronan Stack were excellent in defence. Eddie Nolan was the pick of the midfielders, while up front Bobby Nugent was the most impressive of the attackers. Ben O’Carroll had a quiet day by his standards, while subs Brian Derwin and John Cunningham looked good when they came on. For a gallant Mohill side, Keith Beirne was always a danger and others to perform well for them were Sean Harkin, Domhnaill Flynn and Ronan Kennedy. St Brigid’s are through to the Connacht decider, but on this performance they will be the underdogs against a Corofin side who were very impressive in defeating Ballina in the other semi-final at the weekend.

The Roscommon Ladies football team’s Division Three league fixtures have been announced for the 2024 season. The fixtures will see Ollie Lennon’s team play four games at home and three away. Their first game will be at home against reigning All-Ireland junior champions, Down, on the 21st of January. This will be followed by another home game a week later, against Louth. Away matches against Clare and Sligo are next up, followed by back-to-back home games against Wexford and Offaly. Finally, Roscommon will make the trip to Antrim to finish their campaign.

Sunday, January 21st: Roscommon v Down Sunday, January 28th: Roscommon v Louth Sunday, February 11th: Clare v Roscommon Sunday, February 18th: Sligo v Roscommon Sunday, March 3rd: Roscommon v Wexford Sunday, March 17th: Roscommon v Offaly Sunday, March 24th: Antrim v Roscommon *Final on Saturday, April 6th

Reflective Stack content that place in final secured < SEAMUS DUKE

It was a relieved St Brigid’s manager Jerome Stack who faced the media after the match. He agreed that it had been a tight squeeze for his side on the day. “It was tight, but whether you win by ten points or by one or two, we are still where we want to be (in the final) and that’s the bottom line. “Would we be happy with a lot of things (about their performance) today? No, we wouldn’t, but we are still in the final. If you told us at the start of the year that we would win the Roscommon championship and get into a Connacht club final, we would have taken that. The final is another game for us. We will prepare hard for it and we will be ready”. Stack noted that windy conditions are very hard to cope with. “Of all the conditions – be it rain, or heavy pitches, or whatever – windy conditions are the hardest to deal with. It’s a lottery (the decision) whether to play with it or against it. “I was reasonably happy at half-time. I know we can play better than we did in the second half, but the bottom line is that we are in the final and that’s what we set out to achieve today”. The St Brigid’s manager didn’t subscribe to any suggestion that his side were panicking when Mohill came back near the end of the game.

“Different things happen in matches. Sometimes the ball doesn’t break for you. When they started to throw everything at us we just were not getting the break of the ball – and suddenly the lead is down to two. At this time of the year there is some luck involved, to be honest”. So why did he think that it was necessary to bring on Brian Stack (injured in the previous game) close to the end of Sunday’s semi-final? “It was very late when we brought him on. In fairness to Mohill, at the end of the match if they caught two more kick-outs they were going to kick them in high and I would rather have Brian Stack in there for those. But we didn’t bring him in until that late for obvious reasons. We are hoping he will be fully fit for the final now”. The final will see St Brigid’s meeting Corofin, who will be strong favourites to lift another Connacht title. However, Kerry native Stack is relishing the chance to face the Galway champions. “Corofin have been the standard-bearers in club football for a good few years now. I’m not going to blow them up (with praise), but they are a very good team and everyone knows it. With most neutrals, they will be the strong favourites, but I don’t really care about those things. “All I care about is our own group. We will pre-

Jerome Stack, manager of St Brigid’s, pictured talking to a member of his backroom team during last Sunday’s AIB Connacht GAA Senior Club Football Championship semi-final against Mohill in Dr Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

pare properly. We will come (on the day) to win the match. If that’s good enough, so be it. If not, then that’s fine too – but we will be there to do our very best”.

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

SportsPeople

McDermott the ace – with a brace!

Classy second-half display propels Castlerea into Connacht final AIB Connacht IFC semi-final Castlerea St Kevin’s 2-6 Easkey 0-9 < SEAMUS DUKE

Two well-taken goals from talisman Adam McDermott in a five-minute spell in the middle of the first half were the key scores as Castlerea St Kevin’s advanced to the AIB Connacht IFC club final after this deserved threepoint win against Sligo champions Easkey at rain-sodden Markievicz Park last Saturday. In reality, Easkey were probably the better side in that first half, but McDermott’s brace ensured that Dara Bruen’s side went in leading at half-time – and when they played their best football in the second half, the Roscommon champions were able to pull away to win comfortably. The incessant rain and strong breeze made conditions tough for both sides. It was Easkey who started better. Their full-forward, Andrew Kilcullen, was looking sharp, kicking two very im-

pressive points from play early on. Of course when you have a player of Adam McDermott’s quality to call on you will always have a chance, and so it proved. Having kicked a point from play in the 10th minute, McDermott finished expertly into the bottom corner three minutes later after a great run and pass from Sean Joyce. Kilcullen narrowed the gap with a 14th minute free for Easkey but McDermott was at it again in the 18th minute. This time it was namesake Jack who set Adam up and he blasted to the Easkey net. The Sligo men had plenty of the ball, but were finding scores hard to come by. While Easkey claimed late points in the half from Kyle Tiernan and Rossa Sloyan, Castlerea were ahead by 2-1 to 0-5 at the break. Easkey began the new half brightly and points from Ryan Gillespie and Kevin Duffy saw the scores level by the 34th minute (0-7 to 2-1). Thereafter, Castlerea played their best football of the game and a run of five unanswered points saw them pull away. Sub Nathan Bligh started that run

with a massive kick from out on the right wing in the 39th minute. This inspirational score was followed by points from Donie Brennan (2), Niall Connaughton and an Adam McDermott free, opening up a five-point gap (2-6 to 0-7) by the 51st minute. Easkey improved in the final ten minutes but all they had to show for their efforts was a point from Jack Scott in the 54th minute and an Andrew Kilcullen free in the second minute of injury-time. For Castlerea, Jack Keane had a good second half, while Sean Joyce, Michael Conroy, Donie Brennan, sub Nathan Bligh and Adam McDermott were outstanding. Castlerea will now face the Galway champions Monivea in the final this coming Saturday (1.30 pm) in Tuam.

Donal Brennan of Castlerea St Kevin’s celebrates a score during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final against Easkey in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Teams & scorers

Castlerea’s Adam McDermott gets to the ball ahead of Easkey’s Eoghan-Rua McGowan during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

David Finneran of Castlerea St Kevin’s pictured during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final against Easkey in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Bruen pleased with energy levels – and five points on trot!

< SEAMUS DUKE

Castlerea manager Dara Bruen was more than satisfied with the three-point win, achieved in very testing conditions. “A win is a win and we would have taken that (a three-point victory) coming down here today. You saw the conditions. It was not easy out there. The

wind was swirling around and it was nearly as hard to play with the wind as it was to play against it. “The two goals were key, a bit of class again from Adam (McDermott) and we’ll take it and move on. It’s been a long season. It’s very hard to have energy at this time of the year. You are hoping that there is energy there but in fairness we found it when we needed it”.

Bruen also agreed that the five points in a row which Castlerea scored in the second half was quality football. “We got those scores playing the kind of football we did all year – using the width of the pitch. Donie Brennan kicked two great points, one with his left and one with his right. “A lot of people have been questioning as to where we’d get scores if Adam

wasn’t scoring, but again today we got two points off the bench and Donie scored two… so we have lots of quality there, and it was hard to show quality there in those conditions today. I have to praise the pitch here too today. It held up great and there wasn’t a drop of water on it. “We will recover this week and prepare for the Connacht final next weekend”.

Castlerea St Kevin’s: David Farrell; David Finneran, Jack Keane, Thomas Callaghan; Frank Hester, Sean Joyce, David Quinn; Jonathan Hester, Michael Conroy; Shane Keenan, Eoghan O’Connell, Donal Brennan (0-2); Darren McDermott, Adam McDermott (2-2, 0-1 free), Jack McDermott. Subs: Nathan Bligh (0-1) for J McDermott (34), Niall Connaughton (0-1) for J Hester (39), Ronan Curran for D McDermott (56), Seamus Stenson for A McDermott (61), Michael Kelly for Finneran (64). Easkey: Daniel Rolston; Eoghan Rua-McGowan, Nial Kilcullen, Eanna Moylan; Bernard Feeney, Rossa Sloyan (0-1), Hayden Gilroy; Jack Scott (0-1), Rory McHugh; Ryan Gillespie (0-1), Joe McHugh, Kyle Tiernan (0-1); Kevin Duffy (0-1), Andrew Kilcullen (0-4, 2 frees), Mikey Gordan. Subs: Fionn Moylan for Tiernan (44), Noel McGuire for Gillespie (51), Ciaran Montague for Feeney (57). Referee: Paul Lydon (Mayo). Man of the Match Michael Conroy (Castlerea St Kevin’s)

Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

AIB Connacht Club IFC Final Castlerea’s Adam McDermott in a race for possession with Easkey’s Eoghan-Rua McGowan during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Roscommon People Friday 24 November 2023

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Two-goal Adam McDermott of Castlerea St Kevin’s in action against Easkey’s Rory McHugh during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Women In Business & Public Life AIB Connacht Club IFC Final: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Monivea Abbey on Saturday in Tuam Stadium at 1.30 pm

n 2006, the business was passed down from their father, Dick McDonagh, who passed away suddenly last November. Nicola said: “Traditionally, the funeral business was taken for granted as been a male-dominated profession. “However, in recent decades, this notion has been challenged by the growing number of females entering the profession. “Their presence has undoubtedly enhanced the service provided and added a new dimension in terms of empathy, support and detail. “Since taking on the role of funeral directors, we have overseen the upgrade of the funeral home into a custom-designed funeral facility.” She added: “We provide a 24/7 funeral service all year round. I take personal pride in our attention to detail. “I have introduced many new innovations to the business, including personalised Mass booklets and our annual memorial service for the deceased and their loved ones.” Dealing with death can be a particular challenge for youngsters, something Nicola is keenly aware of. She said: “As death can be a con-

fusing concept for children, I take great interest in supporting children as I can understand from my childhood that children like adults need closure equally. “If we don’t give the children the closure which is age and stage appropriate, it can make grieving for all involved more difcult. “I am acutely aware that bereavement is a life-changing event for loved ones left behind. While every loss is individual, each is unique and different.” Nicola deals with each death in a sensitive manner. “My side of the business is to provide an environment to assist all families in reecting and celebrating the life of their loved one, in order to provide a funeral service of remembrance that is as unique as the individual who has passed,” she said. “This is essentially what sets us apart. “I feel honoured to be given the opportunity by families to take care of their loved one during this sad time.”

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Nicola McDonagh at McDonagh’s Funeral Home. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Thomas Callaghan in action for Castlerea Cavaliers during their game against Sligo All-Stars on Tuesday evening in The Hub, Castlerea. Castlerea narrowly lost, 71-78. Thomas will also be playing for Castlerea St Kevin’s in the Connacht Intermediate Football final this weekend against Monivea. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell Nicola McDonagh with her brother Pat. Picture: Andrew Fox

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HAWTHORNE BROS Nathan Bligh of Castlerea St Kevin’s in action during last Saturday’s AIB Connacht GAA Club IFC semi-final against Easkey in Markievicz Park, Sligo. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Monivea had previously beaten Kilconly by 0-14 to 0-11 in the Galway county final. The Galway side have several talented players in their ranks, but a huge loss to them is Cillian McDaid, All-Star midfielder from 2022, who broke a bone in his leg playing in the Galway championship semi-final and accordingly is ruled out. Watch out for players like Paul Flaherty, Glenn Kelly, Trevor Mullins, Brian Flaherty and Lee Kenny. Castlerea will probably go into the game as

underdogs but they have proven this year that they are very resilient and have also shown that they are not totally reliant on Adam McDermott for their scores. The Castlerea defence has been impressive this year with Jack Keane, David Finneran and Sean Joyce leading the way. Jonathan Hester and Michael Conroy at midfield were excellent against Easkey last Saturday and they will hope to repeat that performance against Monivea. Up front, Adam McDermott is very much

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nacht Castlerea St Kevin’s won the Con ating defe 8, 196 in Club senior football title rim Leit from s eslin Ballinamore Seán O’H 1-7. on a scoreline of 3-7 to

Castlerea’s main man, but Donie Brennan, Darren McDermott and Aaron McDermott are also dangerous attackers. Castlerea have been impressive off the bench too, with Nathan Bligh, Ronan Curran and Niall Connaughton all likely to see game time this weekend. This final will be a big test for Castlerea manager Dara Bruen and his players but they have jumped every hurdle that they have faced so far this year and a win on Saturday would cap off what has already been a marvellous year for the club. Without Cillian McDaid, Monivea are weakened, and if Castlerea can spread the scoring responsibility they can be the sixth Roscommon team named on the cup come Saturday evening. Prediction: Castlerea St Kevin’s.

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