26 November 2021 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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Gardaí in warning after spate of burglaries Local Gardaí have warned Roscommon homeowners to ‘lock up, light up’, and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity following a spate of burglaries throughout the county in recent days. A Garda spokesperson said: “We would remind homeowners in Roscommon to keep the lights on and be sure to lock up, and also to keep Christmas presents or packaging out of view. “We would also encourage them to check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours at this time of the year and to report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to Roscommon Garda Station on 090-6638300 or 999 in an emergency. “Gardaí would rather receive a preemptive call and will ensure a car is on the scene to investigate any reports of suspicious activity”. Roscommon Gardaí are currently investigating a number of burglaries which took place last weekend (see page 4).

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AT N E Ι MO AT E Ι L A N E S Byour ORO U G H Ι G A LWAY fault ATAT H L PROPERTY O Ι N ME O AT Ι LTRANSACTIONS AN E SH BLOO OA UG GB A LWAY HNLEO Ι EM O AT E ΙRL NHEΙ S O R O U G H Ι G A LW AY

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Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Solicitors If you were in sales an accident that wasATHLONE Ι MOATE Ι LANE SB OROUGH Ι GALWAY Solicitors for advice oninvolved property and purchases for advice on property sales and purchases not your fault contact If If you were involved in an accident that was not you were involved in an accident that was not Byrne Cunningham Solicitors ON AT Econtentious ΙE LCarolan A ΙN E Bayour OR UB Gyour H Gfees A orLWAY * In business, solicitor may not calculate other fault AT HAT LH OLN EE ΙΙ M MOO AT LSA N EO S O ΙR O U G H Ι GA LW AY PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate feesfault or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

MOTOR ACCIDENTS 090 6478433 8433 090 647 Contact our Property Department in Contact our Property Department in Carolan Cunningham Solicitors 090 Cunningham 647 8433 www.bccsolicitors.ie Byrne Carolan SolicitorsByrne Byrne Cunningham Solicitors MOTORwww.bccsolicitors.ie ACCIDENTS If you Carolan were involved in an accident that was * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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for advice on property sales and purchases AT H L OAT N EH Ι L MO O AT E Ι ΙL AM NE SB OR GE A LWAY NE O AT EO U Ι GLHAΙ N SBOR U G H on Ιnot G A LWfault AY forOadvice property sales and purchases your contact * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS 090accident 647 8433TRANSACTIONS In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS If you were involved in an that was* charges PROPERTY as a 090 percentage 647 or proportion of any award or settlement 8433 090 647 8433 PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS www.bccsolicitors.ie Contact our Property Department in not your fault contact MOTOR ACCIDENTS www.bccsolicitors.ie MOTOR ACCIDENTS 090 Cunningham 647 8433 www.bccsolicitors.ie Byrne Carolan Solicitors charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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

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How will I know if my child has a legal case for Cerebral Palsy or a birth injury? If it can be established that a mother’s pregnancy, labour and delivery was mismanaged by the delivery team and the injury to your baby’s brain could have been avoided, questions will need to be answered by the hospital and the delivery team. What is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral Palsy is a disorder of motor function caused by an acquired injury to the brain as it is developing. It is important to understand that only a minute number of babies who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, do so, as a result of negligent care during the pregnancy, delivery or even from the neo – natal care provided. Cerebral Palsy can occur without negligence but the manner in which the pregnancy, delivery and neo – natal care is handled can often have an effect particularly if it is handled poorly. In these instances, if competent care had been provided then quite often the injury to the brain could have been avoided or at least significantly reduced. Autism / Global Developmental Delay Of interest also is a number of worldwide studies investigating possible links between birth trauma and conditions such as Global Developmental Delay, Autism etc . particularly in cases where other causes have been ruled out. These very issues were scheduled to come before the Irish Courts last year but the case concerned was settled by the HSE for substantial compensation beforehand.

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

A rant from a ballsy TD...and a contract dilemma for the boyos! WELL! I’m still reeling from what I saw in the People office last Friday…it shook me! What were you doing in the People office without me?! Oh just a little chat with the Editor… What the… Calm down! The point is, what I saw CYCLING ACCIDENT while I was there was shocking! All about that ballsy TD! Who? If you were involved in a cycling accident contact That eejit and his balls! Byrne Carolan Hey…family paper and all that… Cunningham Solicitors Juggling balls, dropping balls, waffling… attention-seeking! Juggling balls? Was it about a circus? NO! Bernard Durkan! Actually, maybe HE should be in a circus! He was definitely acting the clown! What exactly did you see last Friday? A press release on the Editor’s desk. The headline read: ‘Kildare TD asks National Lottery Chief to drop two balls’. AND? Well, it was Bernard Durkan on his rant about the Lotto. Sceptical because the 19m euro hasn’t been won yet? Yes! And NO jackpot won for six months! He was livid! Wants an investigation… And…the balls? He wants the Chief Executive of Premier Lotteries Ireland to drop two balls…to make the lotto ‘more winnable’… Oh Bernard! (They pause to exchange boring stories of friends who had five numbers only for it to be one of those weeks where you win very little…blah, blah, blah…) So silly! Drop two balls!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

So how many balls are there? Well, Bernard said there were 36 balls in 1988, 39 in 1992, 42 in 1994, 45 in 2006...and 47 since 2015! Really? I never knew that Lotto ball numbers had grown so much over the years! Nor did I! So has Deputy Durkan been keeping a record of all the balls since 1988? Apparently…or else his advisers have been! His constituents must be impressed…obviously their TD never drops the ball! (They pause to buy two Lotto tickets and say a prayer to St Bernard, in the hope that one of them might win) Aptly enough, given how difficult win-

ning the Lotto is, he’s the Patron Saint of mountain climbers! Huh? St Bernard! Really? Yeah, and also the Patron Saint of skiers! Well he’s on a slippery slope with his daft outbursts! He said this winless run would never have happened in Ronan Collins’ day! Brilliant! But what about that other humourless chap…shouldn’t he take some of the blame? Who? The guy from Stokes Kennedy Crowley! But he’s an independent observer! Has nothing to do with the 47 balls! He never really smiles or cracks a joke! Unfair! He has a job to do! He’s great craic behind the scenes! Anyways, WHY were you in with the People Editor…without me? Oh just those contract talks…whether or not we sign up for this page for another term! WITHOUT ME! I CAN HANDLE IT! I expect we’ll sign? I’m playing hardball! Told him if we don’t get the contract we want, we’ll be free agents. Like the soccer players. We could go anywhere! You didn’t… I DID! You DIDN’T play the Herald card? I DID! Good tactic! He wouldn’t like us signing for the Herald… I know! It would be like them…winning the Lotto!

What we liked… A report by psychology professor Elizabeth Dunn, who researches happiness through her work at the University of British Columbia, determined that when we’re kind to others, we end up being happier ourselves!

If you have concerns regarding your labour and the delivery of your baby, please contact me at Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors Medical Negligence Department in confidence on 090 6478433 to discuss any query you may have in absolute confidence. I understand that travelling with a baby to appointments can be difficult so I am happy to meet with you at a location convenient to you if you so wish.

What we didn’t like… Reports of a spate of break-ins in the Roscommon Town area in recent days....we urge householders and business owners to be vigilant.

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

What PEOPLE are talking about…

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

PIC OF THE WEEK: A CBS Roscommon player makes a great tackle during his team’s Connacht Schools Senior A League game v Marist College in Creggs. Marist won 13-7. Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Covid-19 and all its ongoing implications; Ole gets the sack at Manchester United; Garth’s back; Irish rugby team continues impressive form...

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

Car involved in collision was stolen

Gardaí say that a vehicle which was involved in a single-vehicle road traffic collision in Roscommon town yesterday morning (Wednesday) was stolen from The Square area of the town on Tuesday evening. The crash occurred on the Athlone Road at approximately 4 am on Wednesday when the vehicle in question collided with ‘Casey’s roundabout’ before hitting the front of the Roscommon Herald building and causing extensive damage. It is believed that a Garda vehicle had interacted with the car prior to the collision. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and was later charged. He is due to appear before the District Court at a later date.

Gardaí in warning following spate of burglaries < DAN DOONER

Local Gardaí have warned Roscommon homeowners to ‘lock up, light up’, and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity following a spate of burglaries throughout the county in recent days. A Garda spokesperson said: “We would remind homeowners in Roscommon to keep the lights on and be sure to lock up, and also to keep Christmas presents or packaging out of view.

“We would also encourage them to check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours at this time of the year and to report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to Roscommon Garda Station on 090-6638300 or 999 in an emergency. “Gardaí would rather receive a preemptive call and will ensure a car is on the scene to investigate any reports of suspicious activity”. Roscommon Gardaí are currently investigating a number of burgla-

ries which took place last weekend. The first incident occurred on Friday night last between 8 pm and 11 pm in Gallowstown, Roscommon when thieves broke into a property and made off with a number of items of personal property. Gardaí have appealed for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or travelling on the Boyle or Castlerea roads and may have dash-cam footage to contact them. On Saturday, a house in the Curry area

Serious two-vehicle collision outside Frenchpark

Emergency services attended the scene of a two-vehicle road traffic accident just outside Frenchpark yesterday morning (Wednesday). Traffic was reduced to one lane following the collision which occurred on the Ballinagare side of the village at around 8 am. The occupants of both vehicles were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Council to close Main Street in December

Andrea, Carly and Stephen McGuinness supporting St. Barry’s in the Connacht LGFA Junior Football Championship quarter-final in which they were defeated by Eastern Harps (1-13 to 3-5). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell Advertorial

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of Brideswell was broken into between 3 pm and 8 pm. Following that, a further burglary took place on Sunday night between 7 pm and 10 pm in the Glenview Estate in Roscommon town. Gardaí in Roscommon have asked anyone who was in those areas at those times and who may have seen unknown persons or a vehicle acting suspiciously to contact Roscommon Garda Station on 090-6638300.

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Roscommon County Council will close Main Street, Roscommon during the first week of December in order to accommodate works relating to the Roscommon Town Realm Enhancement Project. The works are being carried out by P&D Lydon on behalf of Capital Projects Team, Roscommon County Council, and are expected to be largely completed ahead of the Roscommon Christmas Festival which takes place in The Square on the weekend of December 11th and 12th. Advertorial

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

Saturday/Sunday

So, in the end, Watford proved to be Ole’s Waterloo. Watford-loo, or something like that... How Manchester United’s hopeless masters stuck with their hapless man for so long is beyond me. Over a year ago (in October 2020), I wrote the following in this column: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out of his depth at this level and I cannot see him surviving much longer. Nice guy, but the axe will fall”. As this Manchester United soap opera developed, it was so obvious (to most people) that Ole had no cohesive plan, lacked the experience to manage at the highest level, and simply didn’t have the gravitas and presence to successfully return the Old Trafford club to the top. How Ole survived so long is remarkable. Despite a few decent runs and a great away record, Ole’s reign ultimately became notable for a lack of consistency, some horrendous defeats, and the absence of any sense of a clear direction. It was fairly obvious in recent weeks that some of the Manchester United stars had lost complete faith in Solskjaer. Some of those players performed abysmally – even shamefully – foot soldiers abandoning their increasingly isolated General. Then, somewhat bizarrely, just after being sacked, Solskjaer gave an interview to Manchester United’s official channel. He spoke with emotion and sincerity – further evidence of both his decency and his passion for the club – but was his decision to give the interview further evidence that Ole was just too soft for such a demanding role? I mean, if Sir Alex Ferguson had ever been sacked at Old Trafford, can anyone imagine the club having the gall – not to mention courage – to even ask him for an interview?

Sunday

The platform at Roscommon Railway Station is quiet, save for eight or nine passengers for the Westport-Dublin train, and a few curious birds. It’s 9.05 on a very pleasant Sunday morning. When the train rattles into view, we leave the birds to the presumed sameness of their day and embark on our own

Autumn Nations Series adventure. The train journey is uneventful, as one would hope it would be. Passengers are ‘masked up’ – while, in the great tradition of our times, nobody speaks and almost everyone scrolls until they are immersed in the spell of their emotionless gadgetry. If a modern-day Butch Cassidy jumped on in Athlone – with or without a Sundance Kid – he might have a job attracting everyone’s attention and alerting them to his intended thieving. At Heuston, all human life, young and old weaving and merging and separating. Four American tourists with (eight) big boots cheerily chat as we queue at one of the busy cafes at the station. A little while later, the taxi driver taking us towards the Aviva Stadium asks if we have our “woolly hats” with us – “It’s how I tell the difference between the rugby and the soccer supporters” he intoned through the pandemic Perspex separating us. Sheepish we were not. The queue outside Slattery’s Bar was long, but not so long that one might abandon the prize on offer. Two dapper gentlemen on duty took names and phone numbers, checked for Covid certs, and guided matchgoers to tables as they became available. The pint of Guinness in the plastic container cost €5.80. I didn’t really care, because I was there. The atmosphere inside the spectacular Aviva Stadium was terrific, as though the sporting public are riding a wave of joy by virtue of being on the road again. Argentina were Ireland’s opponents in this rugby test, part of the Autumn Nations Series. The Argentinians made a bright start, an early move catching Ireland off guard. 7-0 to the visitors. In the Aviva’s highest tier, a handful of Argentinian flags fluttered. Ireland responded to the early setback with a series of powerful surges. The crowd roared their approval as the home team powered over the try-line time after time (well, seven in all), the Irish forwards unstoppable. Truth be told, it was a ruthlessly efficient demolition of a respected rugby team, Argentina overwhelmed by an Irish side brimming with confidence and momentum. Joey

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Carbery was slotting kicks over with the casual assurance of a craftsman who has supreme trust in his skills. An hour or so after the game, as my son and I passed the famous O’Donoghue’s Pub in Merrion Row, I asked one of the men on duty outside the landmark premises if there was a taxi rank nearby. The elderly man had a kindly face. ‘Where are you going?’ ‘Heuston Station’. ‘Where are you from?’ ‘Roscommon’. ‘Ah sure I’m a neighbour…Longford’. We proceeded to narrow it down further. He said he was from Tarmonbarry, to which I responded ‘I’m from Rooskey’. As the man stepped into the street to hail a taxi for us, he name-checked the old Cloudland ballroom in Rooskey, and we were both briefly back in the era of the showbands, mineral bars and longhaired skelping youths. It turned out that the very courteous and helpful man we were speaking to was Oliver Barden himself, the proprietor of the famous O’Donoghue’s bar. Back at Heuston, there were queues outside the takeaways and cafes. We were buzzing with enthusiasm over Ireland’s emphatic win, but tired after walking a lot during our day in the city. The atmosphere had been great, as it tends to be on the day of rugby internationals, whether or not one sports a woolly hat. On the train, the man sitting beside me kept sighing, while continu-

ously shaping as if he was about to ask to be released from the window seat (he never did). Nobody spoke, people instead scrolling in silent homage to the digital dance of the deadpan. Instead, I defiantly perused an entire Sunday Independent, even if navigating a broadsheet on a busy train is almost as challenging as trying to stop Tadhg Beirne in full flight. Just one more thing, as the TV detective Columbo used to say: If that modern-day Butch Cassidy took his chances on a train just now, he might also be unnerved by all the masked people staring back at him!

Monday

Shuffling newspapers for what seemed like an interminable few minutes, muttering “forgive me” a few times – midst awkward silences – and then asking his audience how many of them had been to Peppa Pig World, British PM Boris Johnson’s speech to business leaders this week has been widely ridiculed. The references to Boris and the cartoon character Peppa Pig caused most reaction. A spokesperson said: “This is an embarrassment to our client... the comparison is unjustified and mortifying. We do not appreciate being associated with such a cartoonish character”. A spokesperson for the PM declined to respond to the above statement from the spokesperson for Peppa Pig...

Every day

The scene: a city centre alleyway, where two homeless men are wrapped in sleeping bags and their broken dreams… First man: Any news? I see Covid is rampant…they’re asking people to reduce their social contacts… Second man: That won’t affect us much! First man: Have you any interest in I’m A Celebrity, the show where people live in the wilderness and survive on very little food? Second man: I suppose I should…it sounds rather familiar! First man: Ah sure you have to smile. I don’t suppose either of us will be going to Garth Brooks either… Second man: Well, we have one or two friends in low places… First man: Anyways, onwards and upwards….except for Covid. Second man: I see they’re asking people to work from home…if only we had the option! First man: At least there’s some good news…apparently the Government has reiterated its commitment to end homelessness by 2030. Second man: Something to look forward to! (Night falls, a couple of stray cats pass, an ambulance siren sounds, and two men rest their heads on tattered coats, returning to the maddening chaos of their tortured dreams…)

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople River Suck fishing permit abolished!

Chamber WATCH Dan Dooner

Callaghan calls for IVF supports

Cllr. Liam Callaghan, left, has called on the Government to follow through on its commitment to provide increased supports for couples availing of fertility services. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council, the Fine Gael councillor said it was time the Government followed through on a commitment it made as part of the Programme for Government in 2019. Cllr. Callaghan said Government had promised six regional hubs to help with IVF but so far no such action had been taken. He said that treatment can cost between €6,000 and €10,000 and it takes a toll on young couples who are just starting out in life. He suggested a similar scheme to that in Scotland which provides three cycles of IVF treatment to couples as part of the public health service. His motion to write to the Minister for Health and members of the Government in order to apply pressure to get that programme up and running received widespread support on Monday.

Cllr. Anthony Waldron, right, has this week expressed his delight at the news that the fishing permit previously required on the River Suck has now been abolished, paving the way for further development of the amenity. “I’m thrilled with the decision which was made at a recent board meeting of Inland Fisheries Ireland,” he said. “This is great news for the River Suck and its tributaries and will allow us to go and develop this brilliant amenity even further. “I want to thank my colleagues in Roscommon County Council as well as the Ballinasloe Municipal District and Galway County Council, who have been very supportive in this matter”. Cllr. Waldron recently met with the CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O’Donnell, to discuss the develop of facilities at Donamon.

The fishing permit previously required on the River Suck has now been abolished

Playground gets spruced up!

The playground at Loughnaneane Park in Roscommon town received a facelift recently following the removal of trees and shrubs around the area. Local councillor Kathleen Shanagher, right, says the work will make the amenity safer and more welcoming. “Many people over the years had mentioned how they felt the area was too enclosed and occasionally it was being used for antisocial purposes,” she said. “The fence surrounding the playground will be replaced with a lower railing and grass will be replanted in the area. The equipment in the playground is checked on a regular basis by staff from Roscommon County Council and they are currently seeking funding to upgrade the surface and to update the playground equipment”.

Naughten to seek extra parking at Cushla pitches

The need for additional parking facilities at the pitches in Cushla, Monksland, is set to be raised by Cllr. John Naughten, right. “There are two grass pitches, an astro turf pitch and a walking track at this location which are all widely used, particularly in the evenings and at weekends when there are significant issues with parking,” explained Cllr. Naughten. “I will be raising the issue at the next meeting of Athlone Municipal District asking Roscommon County Council to investigate the possibility of increasing the parking facilities at this location in the interests of the large numbers of people using these important facilities”.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople newsbriefs Rahara Cemetery Collection this Sunday A collection will be held after the Rosary, which is due to be recited in Rahara Cemetery on Sunday, November 28th, after 10 am Mass. Envelopes will be distributed prior to this day and any contributions received will be put towards the upkeep and continued work in the graveyard. All donations will be greatly appreciated. Apologies for any disruption caused as a result of the restoration work being carried out currently on the old church on the grounds of the cemetery.

Remembrance Mass for deceased Council members A Mass for deceased Roscommon County Council staff and members has been arranged for 7 pm on Friday, December 3rd, in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. All are welcome to attend, and the mass will also be streamed live on churchtv.ie/ roscommontown. Please note that all current Covid regulations will be adhered to.

Lighting of ‘Shine a Light Tree’ in Knockcroghery The lighting of Knockcroghery’s ‘Shine a Light Tree’ in aid of Mayo-Roscommon Hospice, will take place on Sunday, November 28th at 6 pm. The ceremony will take place virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions and viewers can follow updates, including a special message from the North Pole, on the Knockcroghery Hospice Support Group Facebook page. Project Knockcroghery will also play a special part in this year’s ceremony, illuminating the Green and surrounding area. You can sponsor a light on the tree for a family member, friend or in memory of a loved one. Shine a Light cards cost €5 and can be dropped to your home or place of work. Boxes of Christmas cards cost €6 and candles are now also available at a cost of €10. Mass for all those named on the tree this year will take place at St. Patrick’s Church in Knockcroghery at 7 pm on Friday, December 31st. Contact Jackie on 086-8756797 or Patricia on 087-1252304 to sponsor a light or to purchase cards or candles. All support is greatly appreciated.

Dublin launch of Seamus Duke book Local journalist and broadcaster Seamus Duke will be holding a Dublin launch of his autobiography ‘Dukie: The Game of Life’ at Tommy O’Gara’s pub in Stoneybatter, Dublin, at 8 pm on Tuesday night, November 30th. Special guests on the night include former Roscommon senior football manager Marty McDermott and well-known Roscommon Association Dublin official Seamus Scally. All are welcome to attend. The book is available for sale at the Roscommon People offices, John Corcoran Menswear, ETL Roscommon, Casey’s Roscommon, SuperValu Roscommon, Newsround Roscommon and Longford, Mulvey’s Carrick-on-Shannon, Timothy’s Londis Roscommon, O’Brien’s Corner House Lanesboro, Dawn Till Dusk Strokestown, Cahill’s SuperValu Castlerea, Kelly’s SuperValu Boyle, Newsround Ballaghaderreen, SuperValu Ballaghaderreen, Burgess Bookshop Athlone, Naughton’s Ballydangan, SuperValu Monksland and Sammon’s Ballinasloe. The book is also available nationwide from Padraig Kelly through PKSupplies.ie.

Roscommon Men’s Club to host Model Train Show this Sunday (28th) The new Roscommon Men’s Club will host a Model Train Show this Sunday at its premises in the Harrison Centre in Roscommon town. The exhibition will be open from 4 pm to 7 pm to coincide with the switching on of Roscommon town’s Christmas lights at 5 pm. There will be a raffle on the day with a model ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean and a model Ford Mustang up for grabs. Funds raised will go towards the running of the club as well as the Lough Ree Access For All boat and South Roscommon Family Resource Centre. All support would be greatly appreciated.

Finghin Collins at Arts Centre Much-loved Irish pianist Finghin Collins makes a welcome return to Roscommon Arts Centre next Tuesday (30th) at 8 pm. This time with a repertoire stretching from Bach to the 21st century and including music by Brahms and Schubert. One of Ireland’s most successful musicians and significant musical ambassadors, Collins studied piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and his international career was launched by winning first prize at the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition in Switzerland in 1999. The Wanderer Tour is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland. Tickets are €15 and are available now from www. roscommonartscentre.ie and from box office 090-6625824.

Roscommon Christmas lights to be switched on virtually on Sunday! The Roscommon Christmas Lights Committee have been working hard erecting the Christmas lights so that Roscommon town will be a beacon of hope and light for Christmas 2021. In keeping with Covid-19 restrictions, and in order to keep everyone safe, Santa Claus will be switching on the Christmas lights for Roscommon remotely from the North Pole on

Sunday, November 28th at 5 pm. This is an online event and the switch-on can be viewed via YouTube. Just search YouTube for the MMCStreaming channel, where the event will be broadcast from, or click on their Facebook page for more details https:// www.facebook.com/pg/ MMCStreaming/posts. Please feel free to post your pictures and videos

of your children watching the switching-on ceremony of the Roscommon Christmas Lights 2021 event which can be found on the Roscommon Chamber Facebook page. https://www.facebook. com/roscommonchamber/. This has been yet another challenging year and Roscommon Town Christmas Lights Committee have pulled out all the

stops to ensure the town looks as good as ever. Anybody wishing to contribute to the cost of the Christmas lights can do so at www.idonate.ie/RoscommonLights2021. You can also leave a donation at the following businesses: Shane Fleming, SuperValu, Main Street; Liam Stephens, Klassic Cleaners, Church Street; Vincent Timothy, Timothy’s Londis, Abbey-

town; John Ward, Ward’s Topline Hardware; David Hynes, Hynes’ Chemist, Castle Street; Declan Molloy, Molloy’s Bakery, Abbeytown. Please mark your donation ‘Roscommon Christmas Lights’. The committee would like to thank everyone who has supported them over the years and we wish you all a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.

Covid: 378 cases in Roscommon in a week A total of 378 new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Roscommon in the seven-day period from November 16th to 22nd, giving the county a fiveday moving average of 47. Nationally, there were a further 3,893 Covid cases confirmed in the State yesterday (Wednesday) while sadly there were 43 further deaths in the past week. As of yesterday morning, there were 611 patients hospitalised with the virus, of whom 132 are in intensive care. Testing capacity reached breaking point this week as Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said the most important action for those experiencing symptoms was to self-isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test. No further restrictions are expected to be imposed this week and it is understood the Cabinet will wait until the end of next week before deciding its next course of action. Meanwhile, 3.8 per cent of Roscommon primary school students surveyed by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) between November 1st and 16th were ill with the virus. The INTO conduced the survey of 3,100 school principals nationwide to assess of the level of infection. A total of 877 principals responded.

Roscommon Volunteer Awards postponed The Roscommon Volunteer Centre regret to announce that they will be postponing this year’s Roscommon Volunteer Awards which were scheduled to take place on Friday, 26th of November at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon Town. The event was organised to enable the public to formally recognise and thank volunteers and voluntary organisations for their immense contributions to communities across County Roscommon. Speaking about the postponement, Shannette Budhai, Manager at the Roscommon Volunteer Centre said: “This decision has been made with a heavy heart and we

are disappointed in not being able to move forward with the ceremony as originally planned. However, given the current government guidelines around coronavirus, we feel it is in the best interest of public health to postpone the event until further notice. “We will reschedule to the earliest possible safe date and would like to thank all of those who have been and continue to be involved. We will keep all informed of further developments in this area so that the nominees have the celebration they truly deserve, even if we have to wait a little longer to do so”. The Roscommon Volunteer

Awards involved the public nominating a volunteer or a community group for their outstanding contribution under seven award areas (Active Aging Volunteer, Arts and Culture Champion, Eco Champion, Volunteer of the Year, Community Sports Club, Covid-19 Response, and Social Inclusion Initiative). Winners within each category were due to be announced on the 26th of November. Angela Gavigan, Chairperson of Roscommon Volunteer Centre, expressed her gratitude to all who have been involved in the awards thus far. “We would like to send special thanks to all individuals who took the time to nominate

a volunteer or organisation, the judges for taking the time to come together and carefully deliberate on the awards, and to the councillors and our guest speaker Richael Timothy for their commitment to this very special event. “Our deep gratitude also to the award sponsors: the Department of Rural and Community Development, Roscommon PPN and the Roscommon Herald. We remain positive and enthusiastic about the awards which will be rescheduled as soon as it is safe to come together again for an inperson celebration and we look forward very much to announcing the winners in the New Year”.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

The

D News page

Roscommon man appears in $200m Chinese blockbuster!

< DAN DOONER

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Ireland, in partnership with Luke, Brian and Billy Comer of Glenamaddy and The Comer International Group, will provide every single national school in Galway with an upcycled Apple AirPad over the next few weeks as part of Variety Ireland’s ‘Heart of Learning’ Programme. Pictured recently at St. Joseph’s National School in Glenamaddy, where the Comer brothers attended school, were Miss Ireland Pamela Uba (Variety Ambassador) and Billy Comer, with students. Pic: Mick McCormack

Comer brothers fund iPads for national schools across Galway

Variety, the Children’s Charity of Ireland, are delighted to announce that in partnership with Luke, Brian and Billy Comer of Glenamaddy and The Comer International Group, every single national school in Galway is to receive an upcycled Apple AirPad over the next few weeks as part of Variety Ireland’s ‘Heart of Learning’ Programme. Variety sent their ambassador, Miss Ireland Pamela Uba, to hand over iPads to schools in St. Joseph’s National School in Glenamaddy, where the Comer brothers attended as children. Pamela also visited Scoil Naisiunta Gort Na Leime, where she presented an iPad to pupils, and where

Billy Comer’s daughter Sabrina and sister Bridie Comer Dolan are both teachers. The ‘Heart of Learning Programme’ will see 244 upcycled iPads delivered to every single national school in Co. Galway over the next few weeks, to be given to Special Needs Assistants within each school for teaching children who require a little more extra help with their learning. In a statement on behalf of the Comer family, Billy Comer said: “We are so happy to be able to provide funding for iPads where we know 100 per cent of our donation is going to helping children of all abilities in Co. Galway.

“We are a family who likes to help other people and we are so happy to be working with Variety Ireland to ensure that all of our donation in paying for these iPads is used to help so many children of schoolgoing age in a county that we hold so dear to our hearts. “It was a privilege to have Variety’s wonderful ambassador Miss Pamela Uba here when presenting the iPads to a school where we all went as children, as well as a school where my own sister and daughter are both teachers. Pamela is a fantastic role model for any child and we wish her all the best as she goes off to represent Ireland next month in Miss World 2021”.

Pictured are musicians Rick Epping, Cathy Jordan, and Seamie O’Dowd, tutors in ‘Making Music with The Unwanted: the Roscommon Teaching Residency’, a shared learning opportunity for County Roscommon residents aged sixty and over, presented by Music Network and Roscommon County Council Arts Office. Pic: Brian Farrell

A Roscommon town native makes an appearance in a new $200 million Chinese movie based on the Battle of the Chosun Reservoir during the Korean War. ‘The Battle of Lake Changjin’ is Government funded and was released internationally last weekend. It is the most expensive film China has ever made and tells the story of a group of Chinese army reservists taking on the might of the US Army. 37-year-old Jason Croghan, a son of Pat and Jo Croghan from Celtic Avenue, who now lives in the city of Hangzhou with his wife Hui and appears as an extra in the movie, says the project faced lengthy delays due to Covid-19. “Filming was delayed back in January for a few weeks due to a Covid outbreak about 300km away from the set. The Chinese Government are strict in enforcing lockdowns so there was a bit of an anxious wait. “It was the biggest movie release in the world last weekend and it was directed by Dante Lam. The filming involved gruelling schedules where you could start at 8 pm and finish at 8 am for some scenes. You’d then find out at 1 pm that

Jason Croghan from Roscommon town appears as an extra in the Chinese blockbuster ‘The Battle of Lake Chanjin’ which was released to international audiences last weekend.

you were back working at 3 pm,” Jason said. The software developer, who has been in China for over three years, wasn’t slow in proclaiming his Roscommon roots to award winning director Dante Lam. “During a scene where I was supposed to die, he was inspecting the ground around where I had to fall and found some nails. While we waited for someone to clear the area, he asked

me where I was from so I told him. He smiled and told me he was from Hong Kong, and me being a bit starstruck blurted out ‘Yeah I know, you’re kind of famous!’” With one international blockbuster already under his belt, Jason is now busy working on the sequel. ‘Water Gate Bridge’ sees the return of most of the stars from ‘The Battle of Lake Changjin’ and is expected to be released some time in 2022.

The Down The Hatch Golf Classic held at Roscommon Golf Club recently raised €18,395 for the MayoRoscommon Hospice Foundation. Picture shows Seamus Hayden, outside the newly-opened Hospice building in Roscommon town, handing over the cheque to Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo-Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Also in picture are organisers of the special event, from left: Larry Brennan, Des Mahon, Mike Smith, Chairperson, Mayo-Roscommon Foundation; Christy Grogan, Martina Jennings, Seamus Hayden and Eamon Smith. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

Still hoping for a normal Christmas – despite Covid! Our man Frank on rising frustration over Covid restrictions, chaos in our A&E departments, a rabbit from Sao Paulo, and special memories of Jim ‘The Gunner’ Roarke in Creggs… At times during the last twenty months, we have started to believe that we as a nation have beaten Covid, only to be jolted back to the

reality that no matter what we do, Covid simply will not go away. Our vaccine take up is among the highest in Europe, and yet, the number of new cases is rising at an alarming rate. All over Europe, as the shadow of Christmas looms, so too does the threat of more lockdowns. Several countries are experiencing increasingly violent protests as demonstrators take to the streets to express their opposition to any more restrictions. Up to now, we have left it up the discretion of the people as to whether or not they take the vaccine. While

I am firmly on the side of taking it, I have to admit that my faith in its powers is waning. As I write this on Monday evening, I know at least two doubly vaccinated people who are now Covid positive. Neither of them are particularly sick, but the fact that they both have it has me worried as to the effectiveness of the vaccine. As for me, I have got the booster. Once upon a time, getting the booster would make me feel nearly as invincible as Superman, but sadly not anymore. In fact, last week I woke up with a bit of a cough and a snuffle. It was a dose that up to 2019 I would have

totally ignored, or at worst, taken a hot lemon and a couple of Panadols for, knowing that in a day or two I would be back to normal. This time however, I immediately assumed I had Covid and arranged to get tested down in Castlerea the following day. In the meantime, I followed all the HSE guidelines, stayed away from everyone, and cocooned until it was time for my test, which thankfully turned out to be negative. However, it did make me aware that in the future, no matter how many jabs or boosters I have, at the slightest sign of a common cold I will be

off for a test that in all probability I won’t need. The reality is that Covid is not going anywhere soon. We just have to learn to live with it, and look after ourselves the best we can. In case you think I’m being dramatic, only yesterday I spoke to a lady who told me she too rushed off to get tested after she had a slight sore throat one morning after getting up. So I don’t know the definitive answer, but it seems to me that if we follow the regular guidelines – especially washing hands, and avoiding too many close contacts – we might manage a somewhat normal Christmas.

New system needed for A&E? Speaking of Covid and the pressure on hospital beds, on Friday last I had occasion to bring somebody to the Accident & Emergency department in Galway. Despite being told that things had improved in such places since the pandemic, nothing could be further from the truth. As always, the staff (who were run off their feet) did the best they could, but for the life of me I can’t understand how there is no system in place to look after patients who are obviously in more need of attention than others. It doesn’t matter if you are in chronic pain and in urgent need

of immediate medical attention, you have to take your place in the queue. The other Covid-related change is that no one can go in with ill loved ones – once patients go in, they are on their own. My passenger got there at 6.45 pm on Friday evening, and when I collected her at 3.30 am on Saturday morning, she’d had no food, no medication, or no rest the duration. As I said, the beleaguered staff did their best, but despite the never-ending pressure, there has to be a way to attend to patients in accordance to their medical needs, rather than by their number in the queue.

‘Hopping mad’ over Alfredo’s boarding pass! It’s probably safe to say that most normal people (whatever that is) would, if anyone bothered to ask them, say that the most important thing in their lives is their family and friends. However, there is also a fair number out there who would put their pets first. I have told you before that myself and cats are a no-no, but I have a soft spot for dogs. A good number of my immediate family members have dogs of various shapes and

sizes, and there is no doubt that some of those animals are treated better than most humans. Anyway, all this came into my head the other day when I read about a bunny named Alfredo and the unholy row his parents (sorry, owners) had with Dutch Airline KLM over their refusal to allow the pesky rabbit board their flight from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Dublin. Despite the couple having acquired a court waiver that permitted the pet

to travel with them in the cabin, the airline wouldn’t let Alfredo on board, and all hell broke loose, with owner Gabriella hopping mad, and the husband (Gabriella’s, not Alfredo’s) getting involved in an altercation with security staff. Thankfully, eventually peace was restored. The rabbit got to fly to Dublin, and KLM apologised for their error. As of earlier this week, Alfredo was settling in well in Dublin, none the worse for his or-

deal, and enjoying the new smells Dublin has to offer. In an Instagram message, he said he was very happy, but the biggest problem he had was the fact the airline called him a rodent! As for me, why anyone would want to bring a rabbit halfway around the world is a mystery, but it goes to show that when it comes to being good to our pets, the sky is the limit – although in Alfredo’s case, only after a major struggle!

Finally for this week ... Finally for this week, on Saturday evening last, friends of the late Jim Roarke gathered in the cold, clear November air, to dedicate a seat on the rugby club grounds in Creggs to his memory. For all of Jim’s friends and his family it was a beautiful and moving occasion, and a fitting tribute to a man who was, like so many volunteers in so many clubs all over Ireland, almost an unsung hero. Jim was one of those people who was willing to help out in any way he could whenever he was called on, all with the minimum of fuss and absolutely no dramatics, and his contribution to the wellbeing of his beloved Creggs Rugby club was immense. He was with us from the start, and himself, Vincent Canny and I made up the first ever delegation sent to a Connacht Rugby fixtures meeting way back in the 1970s. He played for us, he served behind the bar on many occasions, and was known to sit on the other side of it once or twice, and, in recent years when the new pitches were being laid, he was a regular driving a dumper round the grounds. His three children – Marina, Bobby and James – travelled to be with us on the night, as did a large number of the extended Roarke family, and as one of his many friends, it was a privilege to be involved in an event that will ensure that Jim’s place in Creggs’ history will never be forgotten. After the dedication there were festivities down in brother Mikeen’s Bar, and I’m sure there were many yarns and tales told about the Gunner (his nickname), but for once I gave them a miss and headed home. I must be getting old!

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

MOLLOY’S

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!

Manchester United right now. So hard to watch.

Pippa Crerar @PippaCrerar

-Paul causes mayhem on Twitter...with The People Who Didn’t Realise He Was Joking (and actually relishing Manchester United’s woes)

In a 20 minute keynote speech to business leaders Boris Johnson has: - compared himself to Moses - pretended to be an accelerating car - referred to himself in the third-person - lost his place - admitted he spent y’day at Peppa Pig World -The funniest part (on balance) is ‘pretended to be an accelerating car’, although we also like Boris’s Moses/Peppa Pig ‘material’ Susan Smyth @SusanSmythSL A woman with a strong Dublin accent just stood up and said to a guy “were you in River Dance?” He said “no” she said “well you should have been cause you were bleedin booting the chair out of it for the whole flight” -Now that is funny! Three Red Kings @threeredkings It’s Tadhg Beirne’s ball, you just borrow it until he wants it back. -He IS pretty good... Paul Howard @AkaPaulHoward No one who truly loves football can say that they’re enjoying what’s happening to

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Don’t be fearful of that hospital procedure...it could save your life I want to address the ‘C’ word. Not Covid, not Christmas – the ‘C’ word I want to address is colonoscopy. Why? Because last Saturday, due to my family’s genes and having put this invasive and embarrassing procedure off twice, I finally had to succumb and undergo an ‘investigation’. Apologies for being so graphic, but who in their right mind voluntarily undergoes a procedure where a complete stranger sedates you and inserts a tube up your derriere? And yes, I do know that this stranger is an expert medical professional and the process they’re performing could save your life…but how mortifying. It all began when my darling dad’s surgeon ‘strongly’ advised the family to get screened following his colon cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, Dad’s surgery was successful. However, having spoken with my own lovely Dr. Claire at Boyle Medical Centre, I found myself in possession of a refer-

ral letter for Roscommon University Hospital. The call came as I stood in a supermarket queue. I was offered a selection of dates from a hospital admin who was ‘putting together a list for colonoscopies’. Caught off guard, and terrified, I reluctantly agreed to Saturday 20th. As soon as the letter arrived, I spent the run-up to my appointment in utter fear and dread. My terror heightened when I got my prescription for the ‘Klean Prep’, a solution designed by the devil to clean out your colon. This product does exactly what it says on the box – which by the way was so large it could have concealed a laptop inside! The ‘prep’ began by restricting my food 72 hours prior to the procedure, with easy-to-digest solids like poultry, fish and eggs etc., being allowed. As a vegan, I don’t consume these foods, meaning my usual diet of berries, crunchy veg, nuts and seeds

were out, leaving nothing other than clear vegetable broth, which, let’s face it, is code for water! The day before, following the instructions on the pack (to the letter), I mixed each of the four sachets with water into one-litre measures. That’s four litres! I drank the entire contents, which were, according to the comedian who concocted the ‘prep’, ‘vanilla-flavoured’. The truth? It tasted like a mixture of toilet cleaner with a hint of vomit. I don’t wish to be even more graphic or to upset anyone, but the results of consuming this evil potion rendered me confined to the loo all day Friday. I wanted to address the subject of colonoscopies because I know so many people put off being screened due to the nature of the examination. That’s what I did. However, if colon cancer is discovered early, it’s highly treatable. I want to say a massive thank you

to everyone who took care of me at Roscommon University Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit last Saturday. You are absolutely amazing people. Our County Hospital and its exceptional staff made me feel both safe and secure, especially when they gave me the all-clear, telling me they’d be inviting me back in five years’ time for a repeat performance. Having experienced your professionalism, expertise, confidence and compassion, I genuinely feel that I could not have been placed in better hands. Thank you so much. I also must mention the pre-op assessment nurse Jackie who took time to chat with me on the phone, and my own doctor Claire, who advised I should have the investigation and who did her best to put my mind at ease when I was on the verge of meltdown. No thanks whatsoever will ever go to the sadist who designed the hos-

Garth Brooks’ appeal totally eludes me! We’re still haunted by the memory of his 2014 ‘five-in-a-row’ fiasco, when Dublin City Council granted Garth Brooks a licence to play three shows, but being greedy (in my opinion), he pushed for five and eventually pulled out like a spoiled brat when he didn’t get his way. Despite that, ‘it’s time to begin – now count it in…5-6-7-8’ – the boot scootin’ cowboy,

whose voice (and songs) grate on my ears, has been given the green light to play five gigs next year at Croke Park. As someone who can only name one of Brooks’ songs, I have to ask, can anyone please explain this heavy-hatted warbler’s popularity, because his overall appeal totally eludes me? Yes, his visit’s said to be worth an estimated whopping €24 million to the economy! Yes, his gigs are guaranteed to generate hundreds of jobs! Yes, rural Ireland (not me) is rumoured to be practicing the cupid shuffle, the chicken dance, and the electric slide etc. (whatever they are) in preparation for the hoedown! However, even though the country music world has produced some wonderful performers (Dolly Parton, Shania Twain etc.), it’s my opinion that some of the worst music ever recorded has come from – hold onto your Stetsons folks – Mr. Brooks! I can honestly say that even if Mr. Brooks was prepared to crawl, swim, or fly into my back garden next year to play those gigs, I’d pull my blinds, lock my door, and put earplugs in my ears.

pital garments I was forced to wear as I was wheeled to theatre to face the moment I’d been dreading since 2019! A blue paper-like gown and a pair of blue shorts combo, featuring a peep-hole cut out of the rear! Seriously? In all sincerity, despite someone boldly going where no-one has ever gone before (okay, me), I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to be screened when so many around the country are having procedures cancelled due to the pressure this pandemic has placed on hospitals. Once again, thank you to what I believe to be the best of the best medical professionals at our local hospital – because of you, I will not panic when my follow-up colonoscopy appointment arrives in five years’ time. Oh and thanks for the coffee and the soda bread afterwards. It was much appreciated.

Stay safe and ignore fake, frequently forwarded ‘lockdown’ messages Despite all those WhatsApp messages/Facebook posts etc. (probably spread by messers claiming to be ‘in the know’ due to a ‘relative’ working in the HSE, the Gardaí, or the Defence Forces etc.,), I’m choosing not to hop on the bandwagon of panic, fear, and dread that a Christmas lockdown is imminent. Earlier this week, I got a text from a close relative giving me ‘the nod’ that he’d just heard ‘from a reliable source’ that a ‘lockdown is happening’. When I enquired about who this ‘reliable source’ was, his answer was (wait for it) the taxi driver. Please take care folks – wash your hands, cut your social plans/contacts down to a third, wear your mask, maintain your social distancing, and (if you can) get vaccinated. Do not give any credence to messages regarding lockdown unless they come from a true, reliable, credible, and accurate medical/government source.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

Take a holiday with a difference in 2022

Craic N Campers have the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas We have launched our 2021 Christmas Gift Certificates These are an ideal gift for someone who you struggle to buy for!! A Covid-19 friendly holiday with your transport and accommodation all in one To avail of a Gift Certificate please call 0877959839 or email craicncampers@gmail.com

Gerard Buckley and Eilis Caslin pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Calling all crafters and food producers! The annual Castlerea Christmas Craft and Food Fair will be held in The Hub, Castlerea on Sunday, December 5th. We invite all local food producers and craftspeople who wish to showcase their products to take a stand at the Fair. All monies raised on the day will go to the continuing development of The Hub. Stands can be booked by contacting Madeline on 086-3821787.

Last call to ‘Create Your Future’ Following a successful virtual ‘Creating Our Future’ event, which took place at Roscommon LEADER officers on Wednesday last, Cllr. Anthony Waldron has urged the people of Roscommon to get involved in the national conversation to make rural Ireland a better place to work and live.

“Time is running out to have your voice heard and so I would encourage anyone, no matter what their ideas are, to come forward,” he said. “The final ‘Creating Our Future’ report will be released in March of next year and this is something that researchers and investors in Roscommon will look to”. Cllr. Anthony Waldron

Activities at Cloonycolgan Community Centre Many activities have recommenced in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, following significant disruption for 20 months or so due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Bingo is being held each Monday night at 8.30 pm. Ethna Fahy holds dancing classes on Tuesday evenings. Effective from November 18th, Ann McCormack will host craft sessions each Wednesday night at 7.30 pm (a fee of €5 will be charged each week). The Progressive 25 Card Drive continues each Thursday night at 9 pm. Thelma Keenan keeps us fit each Friday morning at 11 am (cost is €1, pay as you go).

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Friday night blues as Covid safety is forgotten in the hills of Donegal It’s a Friday night in Donegal and around 3000 fans have packed into the little Finn Harps soccer stadium in Ballybofey for the very last game of the League of Ireland soccer season. The town is heaving. The visitors are Longford Town, already relegated from this top tier of domestic football and followed on the night by only a handful of loyal fans (including my 16 year-old son, who has been an enthusiastic fan for three years now). We queue up with hundreds of others outside the grounds to display our tickets (bought online) and try to gain entry to this modest theatre of dreams in the northwest. Getting into the grounds for kick-off was the first challenge on Friday night. Being accustomed to driving into the car park on the Strokestown Road outside Longford at the very last moment for the home games every other week (without any delays, because of the relatively small crowds there), we arrive at 7.40 pm for a 7.45 pm kick-off. But this game is a real ‘life or death’ relegation-avoiding occasion for the home team – still perilously within sight of going down to the First Division – and the queue is already stretching to a hundred metres away from the turnstiles. Finn Harps is a long established League of Ireland club with a fan base built up over many decades in the top flight. They love their soccer here, so the crowd is immense and every car park in the place is jammers. We take our place in the queues and immediately become conscious of another ‘long established’ procedure over the last 18 months that is perhaps not being fully adhered to in the cool Donegal air on this Friday night – the wearing of masks to comply with Covid-19 guidelines. In the course of our 10-minute progression from the street to the grounds, we notice that only every 2nd or 3rd person around us is actually wearing a mask. Inside, the problem escalates even further. The two sections of the stadium behind the goals at the town end are absolutely packed – hardly a place to be found – and we face the prospect of walking through the throngs to find the few away fans on site here, Longfordians who had been told to assemble under the media gantry to our left. In fairness to the steward at the gate, he didn’t even bother scanning the match ticket on the phone as he said it would only prolong the waiting. Instead, he waved us onwards. From there it was a case of ducking and diving your way along a terrace of hundreds of men, women and children – and the maskwearing stats were not getting any better the further one went. The fans were tightly packed in here, so much so that at points along the journey, we contemplated turning back or even moving away from the ground altogether. This is a new feeling for me – growing from week to week. Covid Infection Consciousness I call

Scenes from last weekend’s League of Ireland game between Finn Harps and Longford Town.

it. I’ve had it on more than one occasion in recent days. Describing Covid Infection Consciousness in print is not easy. A growing feeling of uneasiness that comes upon you when in the company of very large crowds, an overheated venue or lack of ventilation in a confined space, is at the heart of how it feels. For a moment or so, the gut is wrenching and a voice is saying that we should not be doing this. We genuinely considered turning around altogether and just leaving the ground. In the distance, however, we could see our son had found the gap through to the small away section, so we tightened the face masks around the ears again, put the heads down, and once we had negotiated our way under the gantry, there was indeed a very decent section of the mounted terrace area at that end of the ground that was far from congested and quite safe to stand in. It even had a coffee stand and two local women who were not only keen to sell a few mugs of hot chocolate or steaming tea

“

They came from every corner of the ground, hundreds of teenagers leading the march. Within two minutes of the final whistle the pitch was covered in celebrating fans – young and old.

to warm us up, but even had time for a chat about the last time yours truly appeared on the national TV news – so the ego was well catered for too! Our 16-year-old son would prefer if I didn’t dwell on the game itself from this point onwards, but suffice to say that by the 91st minute of the match, Finn Harps had eradicated any possibility of being relegated this year. They did so in fairly devastating style as far as poor old Longford Town were concerned. A few moments saw the place turn from an ordinary League of Ireland Friday night venue to an end-of-season celebration party – and this is where the real problem began. They came from every corner of the ground, hundreds of teenagers leading the march. Within two minutes of the final whistle the pitch was covered in celebrating fans – young and old. It was a scene that would remind you of the All-Ireland finals at Croke Park in the old days – the multitudes pouring across the walls and the fences and swarming around their heroes as the party got well and truly underway. The problem at this point was that all social distancing rules and regulations had gone well and truly out the window. Masks were missing everywhere and, instead of leaving the ground after meeting their team, the fans seemed to surround them like bees around honey. The fans basically corralled the players into a corner or an area near the dressing rooms where they could get as many selfies or photos as possible while enjoying this evolving party. Tunde Owolabi seemed to be the young Finn Harps man who was most in demand. He has been one of their best performers this season, but as the crowds swarmed around

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him and his colleagues, it seemed as if they were pushing him away from the dressingroom area and towards the wall in front of our own terrace. At this point there was easily 200 fans around him, many of them celebrating in his face. Again, very few if any of them were wearing masks. But for the intervention of some very swift-moving stewards the player could well have been brought even further on his unscheduled tour of the grounds. Without wishing to sound like a party pooper, or a Covid rules lover, there was only one word to describe these scenes on Friday night. That word is ‘scary’. In a week when the virus seems to be spreading in a rampant fashion again – among the vaccinated and the unvaccinated – scenes like these make the hair stand on your head. One can only wait and see if mass gatherings of this nature will lead to a further outbreak of the virus in this region in the next ten days. The irony of how others are coping with it in other parts of the world was not lost on us either as we subsequently drove home from Donegal – listening to media reports that Austria had become the first European country to make vaccinations against Covid-19 mandatory for every member of its population, while deciding to go into its fourth nationwide lockdown for at least a 10-day period. “For a long time the consensus in this country was that we don’t want a vaccine mandate,” the Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said on the radio, “but in spite of months of persuasion, we have not managed to convince enough people to be vaccinated”. Tightening vaccine certs and pass controls had started to make a difference for the Austrians apparently, but still the situation was deteriorating – so they went even further. “We don’t want a fifth wave, we don’t want a sixth or a seventh wave” the Chancellor said. Yet, here are we apparently sleep-walking into it in our own little country. The mind boggles. Granted, Austria is in dire straits, with 990 cases per 100,000 people over seven days. The country has a population of nearly nine million people and has the lowest vaccination rate in western Europe – with only 66% of its population fully vaccinated – but we have also seen an alarming rise in the number of daily cases here in Ireland, and must surely take urgent steps to ensure this life-threatening virus does not get to a point where we will have to close down the whole country again for weeks. Worrying times – on and off the football terraces.

What do you think? Email People Columnist Ciaran at ciaranmullooly@gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

‘It feels like coming home to friends!’ This week, Fregoli Theatre member and director of ‘Cross Street’, Eimear Finan, spoke to Dan Dooner ahead of the play’s premiere at Roscommon Arts Centre this evening (Thursday)… Hi Eimear, start off by telling us about yourself and Fregoli Theatre… Well, I’m originally from Galway but trained as an actor in the United States before returning home and joining up with Fregoli Theatre in Galway. The company started in 2007 and gets its name from Leopold Fregoli, who was a renowned ‘quick-change’ artist. He was so quick at switching characters that the audience believed he was more than one person. In the early days of Fregoli there was a strong element of fast costume changes but in recent years it’s become more about using new writers and that’s where Jarlath Tivnan from Boyle comes in. He wrote ‘Cross Street’. How did ‘Cross Street’ come about? We started what was supposed to be a one-year residency at Roscommon Arts Centre in 2019 and

the theme was ‘home’. In the arts centre we had finally found our home and then Covid-19 struck and everyone was looking at what ‘home’ meant to them. Jarlath started working on Cross Street as part of this residency and so the play itself is two years in the making. It has lots of heart and soul and it was the strangest feeling having time with a piece of work because normally it’s pretty rushed due to budgets! Tell us about the play… Cross Street is set in a communal rental house where a new housemate (Enid) arrives one night. You watch different people who have their own things going on and while they don’t really want to be part of this place at first, they realise it is necessary. We all need that sense of home or community and it’s about the importance of human connection. How does it feel to be

Phone: 090 66 24078

h t 0 5Anniversary

Cross Street: Peter Shine, Paige Leavy, Eimear Finan, Delia Keane and Jarlath Tivnan. Pic: Brian Farrell

back performing for live audiences? It’s pure joy! I don’t think there are any nerves yet among the cast either. It feels

like we are coming home to friends at Roscommon Arts Centre and everyone’s really excited.

Written by Jarlath Tivnan and directed by Eimear Finan, the Cross Street cast includes Jarlath Tivnan, Delia Keane, Paige Leavy, and Peter Shine. It will be performed at 8 pm tonight (Thursday) until Saturday (27th). Tickets cost €16/€14. To book, phone 090-6625824 or visit roscommonartscentre.ie.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

“

The things people say…

TAKE A BREAK

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin” -Tony Robbins

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Rita Ora (British singersongwriter, will be 31 on Friday)

Karen Gillan (Scottish actress, celebrates 34th birthday on Sunday)

Tina Turner (American-Swiss singer, turns 82 on Friday)

DJ Khaled (American DJ, turns 46 on Friday)

Search on for Roscommon’s ‘Most Christmassy Home’ Roscommon homeowners are in with in a chance of winning thousands of euro for their chosen charity following the launch of Energia’s ‘Ireland’s Most Christmassy Home’ competition. Now in its sixth year, the competition run by the energy provider has donated €36,000 to charities across Ireland and local competitors can now claim €6,000 for a charity of their choice.

Second and third place runners-up will receive €4,000 and €2,000 respectively. In addition to the charity donation, Energia will also gift each of the finalists a €500 Smart Home Store voucher. Households have until midnight on the 5th of December to submit a photograph of their outdoor Christmas decorations and light displays online to enter. Energia’s elves will then review all applica-

tions and select six finalists before announcing the shortlist on Monday, December 13th. Members of the public will then be able to vote for their favourite home by SMS up until Sunday, December 19th. The winners will be announced on Monday, December 20th. To enter, simply share a photograph of your home decorated for the festive season. Full details on how to enter are available at: www. energia.ie/imch-entries.

It’s been a GOOD week for... Fans of Garth Brooks, with the American country superstar flying into Dublin to personally confirm that he will play two concerts (at least) in Ireland next year, er that’s two, not three, or five (yet)…all of which reminds us of the trauma of seven years ago, when the Stetson-sporting entertainer dramatically cancelled plans to perform here due to a failure to agree on how many gigs he would perform Ballymahon’s Love Island sensation Maura Higgins, with the Glow Up Ireland presenter

signing a modelling contract with Elite Model Management, the same company that represents supermodels Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell Rossie Jack Carty, with the Connacht rugby star signing a new three-year contract with the province, and being recalled to the Ireland squad after Johnny Sexton incurred an injury against the All Blacks...that’s an Irish side that maintained its excellent momentum with a barnstorming win over Argentina last weekend (see Paul Healy’s Week, page 6) GOOD WEEK: Glow Up Ireland presenter, Maura Higgins

It’s been a BAD week for... Prone-to-bombast TD Bernard Durkan, who caused amusement with his call for an investigation into why the National Lottery jackpot hasn’t been won in six months or so, the Fine Gael veteran demanding that the Chief Executive of Premier Lotteries Ireland ‘drops’ two balls from the game, while memorably adding “This never happened in Ronan Collins’ day”

BAD WEEK: Boris Johnson

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, with the beleaguered (now former) Manchester United manager finally being sacked, a 4-1

defeat to unfashionable Watford proving to be the last straw for the Old Trafford chiefs… Boris Johnson’s credibility, with the British Prime Minister being ridiculed for making what was described as a ‘shambolic’ speech, during which he mislaid his notes, made unscripted references to children’s cartoon character Peppa Pig, er...impersonated a car, and generally conducted himself in a manner lacking the gravitas one might expect of a major leader

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

‘Deirdre has shown superhuman strength’ Deirdre Kenny confirmed as Roscommon Netwatch Family Carer of the Year

Roscommon Netwatch Family Carer of the Year, Deirdre Kenny (centre), her husband Sean, sons Aidan and Darren, and Roscommon Carer Supports Manager Bernie Dowling.

Gospel Reflection Sunday 28 November 2021 Every Advent, the Liturgy of the Word gives our sense of time a reorientation. There’s a deliberate tension in the next four weeks’ readings – between promise and fulfilment, expectation and deliverance, between looking forward and looking back. In today’s First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah focuses our gaze on the promise God made to David, some 1,000 years before Christ. God says through the prophet that He will fulfil this promise by raising up a “just shoot,” a righteous offspring of David, who will rule Israel in justice (see 2 Samuel 7:16; Jeremiah 33:17; Psalm 89:4–5; 27–38). Today’s Psalm, too, sounds the theme of Israel’s ancient expectation: “Guide me in your truth and teach me. For you are God my saviour and for you I will wait all day”. We look back on Israel’s desire and anticipation knowing that God has already made good on those promises by sending His only Son into the world. Jesus is the “just shoot,” the God and Saviour for Whom Israel was waiting. Knowing that He is a God who keeps His promises lends grave urgency to the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel. Urging us to keep watch for His return in glory, He draws on Old Testament images of chaos and instability – turmoil in the heavens (see Isaiah 13:11, 13; Ezekiel 32:7–8; Joel 2:10); roaring seas (see Isaiah 5:30; 17:12); distress among the nations (see Isaiah 8:22; 14:25) and terrified people (see Isaiah 13:6–11). He evokes the prophet Daniel’s image of the Son of Man coming on a cloud of glory to describe His return as a “theophany,” a manifestation of God (see Daniel 7:13–14). Many will cower and be literally scared to death. But Jesus says we should greet the end-times with heads raised high, confident that God keeps His promises, that our “redemption is at hand,” that “the kingdom of God is near” (see Luke 21:31). - Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s family carers, is delighted to announce that this year’s Netwatch Roscommon Family Carer of the Year is Deirdre Kenny from Cuilleen, Creagh, Co. Roscommon. Deirdre cares for her son Aidan (3) who was diagnosed last January with a very rare, genetic disorder called Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). In the

space of just six months, Aidan went from being a perfectly healthy, happy boy to being fully paralysed, unable to eat, swallow or speak, and requiring 24/7 care. Deirdre’s husband Sean said his wife has shown superhuman strength in caring for Aidan while also minding their youngest son Darren (1). She has never let Aidan’s illness define him. Aidan’s illness is very complex and changes very often – involving many life-or-death situations – all of which Deirdre manages every day while still filling their home with love and happiness. The annual awards seek to

recognise and shine a light on the remarkable contribution of Ireland’s forgotten frontline people who go the extra mile every day in caring for loved ones with additional needs. More than 500,000 people in Ireland provide unpaid care in the home for children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental ill-health, or addiction. The 19 million hours of unpaid care provided each week by family carers would cost the state €20 billion a year to replace. Roscommon Carer Supports Manager Bernie

Dowling said: “Now more than ever, family carers deserve to be recognised for their enormous contribution to our society. Their unyielding commitment to care for their loved ones at home, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis, has been nothing short of remarkable and this sacrifice often comes at a cost to their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. “These awards are about paying tribute to all of Ireland’s 500,000 family carers and shining a light on the immense work that they do, day in, day out, often with little or no help from the State”.

Local patients urged to use Roscommon Injury Unit As winter takes hold, staff at Roscommon University Hospital have reminded people that the injury unit is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day as an alternative to visiting an emergency department for patients with a wide range of non-life and non-limb threatening injuries. Maggie Mew (advanced nurse practitioner, Roscommon Injury Unit) said: “Every year – and particularly during the winter months – emergency departments see vast numbers of patients who could be treated more appropriately somewhere else, and a busy emergency department is not the right place for you if you have a minor injury. “Here at Roscommon Injury Unit, we are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over the age of five. You do not need to make an appointment as we have a walk-in service, and the team is experienced in treating people quickly and efficiently. “We treat injuries from shoulder to finger, and knee to toe, including non-life or non-limb threatening injuries like broken bones, fractures, scalds, minor burns, traumatic wounds, sports injuries such as hand and ankle injuries, and the removal of foreign bodies from the eye, ear and nose. The injury unit provides quick access to tests and x-rays and should you require a referral to specialist care,

Pictured are Dona Cromar (candidate advanced nurse practitioner), Dr. Mohammad BelloMusa, and Maggie Mew (registered advanced nurse practitioner), staff members at Roscommon Injury Unit.

we will arrange all that for you. “This winter, if you need treatment for a minor injury, come to Roscommon Injury Unit. By doing so, you will get the care and treatment you need while avoiding long wait times. More importantly, by coming to us for your care, you are allowing emergency department staff to

concentrate on patients who have serious and life-threatening conditions”. Last year, more than 6,700 people attended the injury unit and so far this year, 7,800 people have attended. “You don’t have to be from Roscommon to attend our injury

unit. We see patients from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Offaly, Galway and Westmeath,” Maggie Mew added. “If you are looking for advice on your injury and want to know if you should attend the Roscommon Injury Unit, please do call us on 0906632212”.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

John McGowan, Sophie Doherty, Ellen and Finbar McGowan supporting St. Barry’s in the Connacht LGFA Junior Football Championship quarter-final in which they were defeated by Eastern Harps (1-13 to 3-5). Photo: Bernie O’Farrell

Mental health top of 2022 agenda for Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg Mental health for young people will be the key priority for Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg to work on in 2022 following the youth council’s AGM, which was held over Zoom on November 5th. Comhairle na nÓg are local councils for children and young people, aged 12-17, that give them a voice on the development of local policies and services. They are the recognised key national structure for participation by children and young people in local decision-making in all 31 local

authorities of Ireland. As part of Roscommon Comhairle Na nÓg’s recent AGM, over 80 delegates from all nine post-primary schools in Roscommon participated in workshops on issues affecting young people in the county. RCNN were delighted to use their AGM as the platform to launch their new ‘Things to do in Roscommon’ video. The video showcases some of the magnificent amenities County Roscommon has to offer and is the culmination of RCNN’s 2021 work

topic: amenities for young people. The video is available to view on RCNN’s social media platforms. The AGM was addressed by Cllr. Joe Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, and MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan. Both gave inspiring speeches commending the work of Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg and urging young people to remain actively involved in community and civic life in Roscommon. Trócaire’s Youth Development Education Officer, Denise Kiernan, pre-

sented a workshop on the ‘Theory of Change’. This informed the delegates about advocating for change ahead of discussing issues of importance to young people during the ‘World Café’ breakout room Roscommon Comhairle na nÓg offered sincere thanks to all post-primary schools and youth organisations in Roscommon as well as guest speakers, Roscommon County Council and its members, and a host of other local services for their helping in facilitating the youth council’s efforts.

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Prayer of St. Gertrude The Great This prayer is an invitation for all believers and non-believers to pray for all who have passed away from the beginning of time, up to the present time If we pray for them every day, they will intercede for us every day. St. Gertrude The Great shows that the Catholic Church prays for everyone inside and outside the Church. It is inclusive and welcoming to all people everywhere.

• Church Street, Roscommon • Telephone: 090 6626097

Let us remember everyone who has passed on, every day, always with this prayer

St. Gertrude The Great Association c/o Chris O’Gara, No. 3 The Courtyard, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, Ireland. Tel. 086 2255 029 Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by St. Gertrude the Great According to tradition, St. Gertrude the Great was told by Our Lord that each time she piously recited the following prayer, it would release 1,000 souls (or a vast number) from their suffering in purgatory:

Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home, and in my family. Amen.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

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Is ‘living with Covid’ working for us? are harder to dismiss. Having responded so well to the initial impact of the pandemic, now (in our more ‘precedented’ times) we don’t seem able to make the same impactful strides when it comes to getting those numbers down. (A student’s perspective) It feels like there is a bit of a discrepancy when it comes to what ‘living with Covid’ means Alannah Ita Healy to different people. The balance between staying vigilant with When the pandemic first news’ and it quickly becomes regard to the virus and enjoyhit back in March 2020, the apparent that our current at- ing social experiences is easily phrase ‘unprecedented times’ tempts to supress the virus skewed, especially when you’ve saturated conversations when simply aren’t enough. That got hordes of people who’ve not talking about how to deal with important balance implied in had a choice in the matter for so the virus. After all, unprec- the phrase ‘living with Covid’ long. People are frustrated, fed edented times is exactly what isn’t being met, and there are a up, and not nearly as invested they were; everyone had sud- lot of factors at play as to why in abiding by restrictions as they denly found themselves hav- this is so. were twenty months ago. This ing to make huge adjustments Of course it is worth noting is entirely understandable – the to their lives, and no one was that this fourth wave we’re negative effects the pandemic quite able to tell what would experiencing right now is not has wreaked for so many people be in store. exclusive to us as a nation. cannot be overstated – but ineviTwenty months on, and you’ll The last couple of weeks has tably there comes a point when find that the new phrase on seen a jump in case numbers we stretch that balance too far, everyone’s lips when talking the continent over, and many and dealing with Covid must about tackling the pandemic is European countries are facing once again be prioritised. ‘living with Covid’. It seems the same pressures that we are Last week, the Government that after almost two years of at the moment. issued a handful of new restricfighting against the virus, our Additionally, the winter tions in the wake of rising Covid priorities have shifted slightly, months are beginning to set cases. Of the restrictions, peras we recognise the need to in. As we saw last year, winter haps the most notable one for focus on other aspects of life can be a bit of a tumultuous people was the fact that closing that went by the wayside in time when it comes to keep- times for all on-licensed premthe early days of the pandem- ing the virus at bay. The colder ises have been brought forward ic. The impact of long-term weather, the influx of cases to midnight. The change was restrictions when it comes to of the common cold, people done in a bid to stop the spread issues like mental health and meeting indoors instead of of the virus in bars and clubs, as people’s livelihoods has been outdoors, and people meeting such places are obviously going felt to an enormous degree. to celebrate the holiday sea- to have a considerable amount So, the idea of finding and son, all work to contribute to of people who’re going to be adhering to a responsible bal- winter’s standing as the most less attentive when it comes to ance between dealing with the dangerous time of year Covid- restrictions. virus, and continuing to lead wise. However, closing licensed our lives as best we can outAll that said, while there premises a couple of hours early side of that, feels warranted, are certainly aspects to the feels like something which is unsensible. recent Covid spike that were likely to have any sort of signifiHowever, one glance at ‘the uncontrollable, other factors cant effect. For many students

Let’s talk about ... LIVING WITH COVID

and other people who’re going out, the restriction only means starting a few hours earlier to make up the time! Otherwise, it means sticking around town for a while, or moving on to have drinks at someone’s house when the pub closes at midnight. Either way, not a lot of people are going to be affected by the change, and neither are the case numbers. What these half-restrictions and people’s waning interest in abiding by them seems to suggest is that we are not quite ‘living with Covid’, but rather ‘living with restrictions’. To a certain degree, we are less concentrated with sidestepping the virus, and more concentrated with reaping what we can while things remain open. It is not the ever-looming threat of the virus that worries us the most anymore, it is the thought of having to endure

rolling lockdowns indefinitely. People have gone through incredibly hard times in the past twenty months, and the strict vigilance with which we tackled the virus in the early days is not as easy to muster up now. People are frustrated, and incredibly tired of dealing with Covid, and it’s understandable. However, cases are rising and

NUIG considering changing name It emerged this week that college authorities at NUIG are considering changing the name of the university – as part of a rebrand. The university was previously called Queen’s College Galway and University College Galway, and now its name may be changed to ‘University of Galway’. The idea behind the name change is to place an emphasis on its status as a university internationally, and while the ‘NUI’ part of the name would be lost, the college would still continue to maintain links with the NUI.

Crosby wants free antigen tests Local Independent councillor Tom Crosby has expressed his disappointment that antigen tests will not be made available free of charge to the wider public. While welcoming news that tests will be provided for those in school settings and for close contacts, Cllr. Crosby said that following An Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s recent address, it was “unacceptable” that tests are not being provided free of charge for all households. “These tests have been provided free to the public in the UK from April and I am calling for the same system here,” he said. “A measure had already been in place for the HSE to send a pack of five antigen tests to asymptomatic close contacts…these were being sent out free”. Antigen tests in schools will concern asymptomatic close contacts and tests will be made available to children in a school ‘pod’ where one of the group has returned a positive Covid test. The HSE had aimed to have the system instigated by next Monday (29th).

action needs to be taken at government level to incentivise people to restrict their movements, because implementing half-restrictions is hardly the solution. Further measure may well come into play as we head closer to the holiday season, but in the meantime, do your best to keep yourself and others safe.

HSE recruiting ‘community swabbers’

Brazilian Ambassador visits Abbey Hotel

Brazilian Ambassador Marcel Biato dropped in to the Abbey Hotel during his recent visit to Roscommon town. Pictured (left to right): Paulo Azevedo, Consul of Brazil, Sarah Brennan, South Roscommon Family Resource Centre, Marcel Biato, Brazilian Ambassador to Ireland, Catia da Nova and Sarah Boyle, South Roscommon Family Resource Centre and Vita House.

As Ireland continues to be impacted by Covid-19, HSE Community Healthcare West are recruiting Community Swabbers for Covid-19 testing teams. A press release states: ‘The role of Community Swabber is a unique job in the health services and is very much a vital role in the responsive management of Covid-19 in Ireland. ‘You don’t need healthcare experience to apply. You will receive full training to carry out the job. If you are good with dealing with people, enjoy working in a procedure-based busy environment and can work in a physical job with lots of movement and standing – please apply! ‘We welcome your application for this important job on: https:// hbsrecruitmentservices.ie/ community-swabbers/’

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

Countdown to Christmas in Strokestown!

The countdown to Christmas has well and truly started in Strokestown. The Christmas lights team

are busy getting the town ready to sparkle, while Santa and Mrs. Claus are gearing up to greet all the

locals and the Strokestown Town Team Christmas Market Committee are excited to invite everyone

to Christmas in Strokestown 2021. What better way to start the festive season than

joining us for a fun-filled weekend on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Whether you’re a scrooge or a

Christmas elf, the Christmas Market is the place to grab some pressies and get yourself in a merry mood! This year, the Christmas Market Committee have pulled out all the stops for your enjoyment with over 50 vendors across the weekend. There will be a range of festive goods of all descriptions and gifts with a difference, from knitted goods to handmade toys and seasonal decorations, ceramics, beauty products, candles, soaps, and jewellery to name just a few. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will not be disappointed with the tempting treats at the stalls. You can enjoy a glass of mulled wine or maybe a cup of hot chocolate and a crepe as you stroll through the market chalets and gazebos on Bawn Street. The ‘Gig Rig’ will host the live entertainment, and this year’s acts will not disappoint. There is a fantastic line-up of amazing singers, bands and talent all waiting to put a smile on your face! And not to forget the little ones – there will be a carnival carousel, street entertainers, face-painting, and a few more surprises along the way! Strokestown Market Committee would like to sincerely thank the

businesses and residents of Bawn Street, without whose cooperation the market would not be possible. Also, thanks to the Strokestown Christmas Lights Committee, a great team of volunteers who have put in countless hours in the rain and cold getting the town ready for Santa’s visit. The team have been commended on how well the town looked last year and this is something the committee hopes to build on over the next few years by way of fundraising. Each year more lights and features will be added with the support of monies raised. A massive thank you goes out to everyone who has supported this cause so far. The market committee also wishes to thank Roscommon County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, under the local Live Performance Programming Scheme, for their support and sponsorship. So grab your Christmas jumper, hat, and scarf – pack the family into the car and come visit Strokestown, you won’t be disappointed! For further details and more updates, check out our Facebook page strokestown.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

GOING OUT

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

Ciara Kenny, Leon Boyd and Eimear O’Connor pictured in Rockford’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ellen Brennan, Padraig Brennan, Colm Walsh, Kevin Hennessy and Niall Walsh pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Laura Gorman, Sarah Gorman and Emily McCormack pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Theresa Mackey and Dave Finneran pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Olivia Glynn, Yvonne Donohue and Dervilla Beattie pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Deirdre Naughton, Karen Naughton, Ellen Gilmore, Laura Devaney, Joanne Devaney and Kathy Gilmore pictured in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

GOING OUT

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

Caitlyn Glancy, Conor Rohan, Emma Kilmartin and CJ Corcoran pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Solomia and Sophia Ivanenko pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Raymond Gacquin, Leah Winston, Derek Doyle and Conor Casey pictured in The Red Parrot on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Patricia and Tommy Mullaney and Lorcan Glancy pictured outside The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Laura O’Sullivan and Shona King pictured socialising on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Valeria Morelli and Giovanna Paz Torez pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Eilis Caslin, Jane Horan, David Lowry, Gerard Buckley and Rhona Doorly pictured in The Red Parrot, Roscommon on Saturday night last. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

FarmingPeople

Macra delegation meets with Minister A delegation from Macra na Feirme met with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue in the Backweston facility on Wednesday last to highlight the need for a Common Agriculture Policy that will deliver for young farmers and their families. Leading the delegation, Macra na Feirme’s National President, John Keane, pressed the Minister on predicted numbers of young farmers in 2027 as a result of this CAP. “The number of young farmers involved in farming by 2027 will be the litmus test for the success of this CAP and its delivery on the objective of Generational Renew-

al,” John Keane said. “That target will be required by the EU Commission and will be the Department’s best chance of getting the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) through the Brussels system. The Department must deliver on the suite of measures proposed by Macra na Feirme to address to barriers to entry for young people entering the agriculture sector”. “There are targets for everything but there are no targets in place for the farmer demographics make up at the end of this CAP. It is unthinkable that the sector would remain at 5 per cent or less of farmers under 35 over the life of this CAP,” added Macra na Feirme

Chief Executive Denis Duggan. ESRI and CSO data indicate that the overall national workforce is made up of a minimum of 30 per cent of young people under the age of 35. Agriculture and farming are a complete outlier with 5 per cent of farmers under the age of 35. Macra na Feirme have made an impassioned plea with the Minster to ensure that the sector is dynamic and vibrant by setting an ambitious target to have at least 30 per cent of farmers under 35 similar to other sectors of the economy. On the Carbon Cessation Scheme which was recently floated in the media, Macra na Feirme strongly

believe that the scheme as it is outlined is not viable for encouraging the next generation of young farmers coming into the sector. John Keane said: “This is a nonrunner for young farmers. It is effectively taking land out of agriculture altogether, rather than a retirement scheme. If the Department are serious about a Carbon Cessation Scheme, there has to be measures within it that allow an older farmer to enter the scheme, and also allow a young farmer to enter farming. “Macra na Feirme’s land mobility service is a complementary service that can facilitate such an on-farm succession scheme”.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue

Castlerea MART WATCH Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS MONDAY, 6TH DECEMBER:

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Survey highlights importance of farming to Irish economy A survey recently commissioned Red C poll by Agri Aware found that 94 per cent of Irish people are supportive of Irish farmers and see the agriculture sector as important for the economy. The findings represent a significant rise since Agri Aware surveys in 2007 and 2017, which saw support of 72 percent and 88 per cent respectively. The vast majority of respondents (87 per cent) also believed that the countryside is an important part in attracting tourists to Ireland. The survey also showed a knowledge gap has emerging between the public and farming. Only 11 per

cent of those asked think Irish schoolchildren have a good understanding of farming with the number rising to just 16 per cent among adults. Spending time on farms and experiencing agriculture is viewed by almost half of respondents as the best way to increase awareness of the sector. 78 per cent of respondents agreed that farm investments are important to improve greenhouse gas emissions and water quality. Alan Jagoe, Chairman of Agri Aware commented: “This is a survey we regularly commission to try get the pulse of the nation towards farming.

“There is obvious concern about a potential disconnect between the public and where their food comes from, but it is great to see the importance of agriculture is not lost on the Irish public. “Agriculture has always played such a pivotal role in Ireland socially and economically, so it is important to us that continues to be recognised. “Some public environmental concerns are inevitable, but we are confident in the measures farmers are taking as we continue to produce the most sustainable animal products in the western world keeping top quality food on the plates of Irish consumers”.

Last Thursday’s sale witnessed a slight decrease in numbers as we enter the pre-Christmas period. Trade has held up well with the weanling rings reporting an improved trade this week with the bulls peaking at €3.19 a kilo while the heifer weanlings peaked at €4.22 a kilo or €1,290 for a 305kgs Lmx weanling heifer. The heifer trade remains steady with quality stores in strong demand while the cows with calves at foot saw lots reach €2,680. The dry cow trade remains firm with lots making up to €1,900 or €2.51 a kilo. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,140 to €2,680 for a Charolais cow and her Limousin bull calf. Springers made from €590 to €1,460. Young calves made from €100 to €140 with runners making from €200 to €750 for continental lots. There were 300 bullocks on offer last Monday (15th) with better quality lots presented for sale. Quality lots saw prices peak at €1,050 over their weight with demand strong for all categories on offer. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday 25th) when we have our weekly sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am. Sample prices for heifers: Lm 425kgs €1190, Lm 415kgs €1170, Ch 375kgs €1050, Lm 475kgs €1320, Ch 465kgs €1180, Lm 455kgs €1170, Ch 700kgs €1740, Lm 565kgs €1490, Ch 555kgs €1470, Lm 505kgs €1450. Dry cows: Chx 755kgs €1900, AAX 840kgs €1840, Lm 810kgs €1800, AA 805kgs €1750, Sim 840kgs €1770, Lm 730kgs €1570, Sim 700kgs €1350, AA 750kgs €1470, Fr 635kgs €880. Weanling bulls: AA 295kgs €860, Ch 260kgs €830, BBx 265kgs €770, Ch 370kgs €1070, Lm 355kgs €1080, Ch 430kgs €1100, Ch 400kgs €1110. Weanling heifers: Ch 295kgs €910, Ch 260kgs €880, Lm 270kgs €830, Lm 305kgs €1290, Lm 345kgs €1210, Ch 305kgs €1040, Ch 300kgs €930, Ch 300kgs €900. Bullocks: Lm 485kgs €1380, Ch 465kgs €1330, Ch 545kgs €1490, AAX 525kgs €1430, Lm 510kgs €1390, Ch 570kgs €1590, Ch 600kgs €1650, Lm 755kgs €1700, Ch 745kgs €1690, AA 640kgs €1630, AA 570kgs €1390.

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ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

FarmingPeople

IFA President welcomes investigation into fertiliser anti-dumping measures IFA President Tim Cullinan said the decision by the European Commission to open an investigation into anti-dumping measures on the import of Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN fertiliser) is a positive step towards addressing concerns from farmers across Europe regarding the highly protected EU fertiliser production sector. The European farmers’ organisation COPA-COGECA, supported by IFA, lodged a complaint with DG Trade at the end of April. This resulted in an investigation

being opened to see whether fertiliser manufacturers would suffer “a threat of injury” should the anti-dumping measure on UAN be suspended. Farmers contend that excessive profits achieved by fertiliser manufacturers, represented by Fertilisers Europe, means such a threat is unfounded. Meanwhile, it is estimated that the annual cost to EU farmers from the UAN anti-dumping measure alone ranges from €545 million to €1.1 billion.

“Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue rightly highlighted the current fertiliser crisis and the need to address anti-dumping measures during Monday’s Agriculture Council meeting. We hope the Commission will complete their investigations as a matter of urgency,” said the IFA President. “It is imperative that farmers have their voices heard by Commission officials. Current fertiliser prices, which have more than doubled in the past 12 months, are not sustainable and are now at a level that

threatens European food production,” he added. MEPs will get their opportunity to question the Commission during an exchange of views on fertiliser anti-dumping measures in the Agriculture Committee on November 30th. “We hope that the Commission will take this opportunity to go further and rebalance the fertiliser market and make it fairer for farmers by abolishing all anti-dumping duties and import duties on fertilisers,” Mr. Cullinan concluded.

Peat harvesting bill ‘a practical solution’

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said a cross-part bill brought forward in the Seanad is an “opportunity for a practical solution” for the horticultural sector. Speaking this week, Senator Dolan said: “This amendment is an exemption to the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2021 for peat extraction for the purposes of horticulture. Under this bill in it’s current draft, the Minister would carry out a review after two years. “This is how to deal with practical impacts of lack of peat for the horticul-

tural industry – and that industry only. Currently it is being imported which doesn’t make sense. “This is a temporary measure which will support growers. The horticulture market needs only 0.12 per cent of total Irish peatland. Importing peat has high monetary and environmental costs and we need to set up a practical temporary step until we have a viable alternative to peat. “Limiting the number of licences will ensure that it is solely for domestic market only and support growers in Ireland”.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

End of the Month Special Sale of Heifers Friday, November 26th at 11 a.m. 57 pens on offer Also Bullocks & Dry Cows Yard opens at 7.30 a.m. Stock to be penned by 9.30 a.m. ----------------------

Christmas Cracker Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, December 3rd at 11 a.m. Also Dry Cows & Heifers Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday 29th November ---------------------Tuesday, November 30th at 4 p.m.

End of the Month Special Sale of Weanlings Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. Thursday, November 25th Also Tuesday, November 30th at 5 p.m.

Special Entry of 10 Excellent Quality Springers Feb/Mar 19 born, All home bred Stock no moves, In calf to Pure Breed Limousin Bull, Calving January/February 4 Saler X, 4 Lim X & 2 Char X. & 6 In Calf Springers & 1 Cow with Calf at foot (5) 3rd Calvers and 2 Springer Heifers in calf to AI Char & Lim Bulls due from January to April. - Genuine Stock Photos on our Website/Facebook ----------------------

Leader of the House, Senator Regina Doherty pictured with Senator Aisling Dolan at the introduction of the Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures Bill) 2021.

Roscommon MART WATCH Numbers on offer remained high at our cattle sale on Friday last with prices holding firm for all classes. There was an excellent show of bullocks on offer, with prices ranging from €2.46 per kilo up to €3.15 per kilo. Heifers made from an average of €2.34 per kilo up to €2.74 per kilo, and dry cows fetched from €1.79 per kilo up to €2.28 per kilo with all lots sold. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside, with online bidders active as well. This Friday (26th) at 11 am, we will have our end of the month special sale of heifers and general sale of bullocks and dry cows. We will also have our Christmas Cracker Sale for bullocks on Friday, December 3rd at 11 am. There were smaller numbers on offer at this week’s weanling sale with trade holding firm for quality lots, and lesser quality lots a bit more difficult to sell. Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.48 per kilo up to €3.27 per kilo, and weanling bulls made from an average of €2.60 per kilo up to €4 per kilo. Farmers were more active this week, with some agents also present.

(Proudly serving farmers for over 62 years)

Next Tuesday (30th), we have our end of the month special sale of weanlings. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (25th). There will be a special entry of ten excellent quality springers, February/March 2019 born, all homebred stock, no moves, in-calf to pure breed Limousin Bull, calving January/February, as well as four Saler X, four Lim X, two Char X, six in-calf springers, a cow with calf at foot, five third calvers, two springer heifers in-calf to AI Char and Lim Bulls, due from January to April. Photos are available on our website and Facebook page. There was a larger entry on offer at our weekly sale for lambs and cast ewes on Wednesday (24th). Trade was a bit weaker this week. Finished lambs made up to €164, store lambs made up to €130, and stag ewes made up €166. Sales continue as usual on Wednesday next, December 1st, at 11 am. The yard open at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on livestock-live.com. Sample prices for dry cows: Char

X 855kgs €1860, Lim 840kgs €1850, BBX 765kgs €1750, Lim X 740kgs €1610, Lim X 805kgs €1600, Simm 740kgs €1450, Lim X 690kgs €1440, AA 650kgs €1270, Lim X 650kgs €1310, AAX 730kgs €1240, Sh 625kgs €1170, HEX 730kgs €1420. Heifers: Char X 685kgs €1630, Char X 685kgs €1590, Char X 615kgs €1460, Lim X 390kgs €810, Char X 490kgs €1160, Char X 490kgs €1180, Char X 505kgs €1290, Char X 515kgs €1310, Char X 505kgs €1290. Bullocks: Char X 785kgs €2070, Char X 795kgs €2000, 4 Lim X 740kgs €1960, Char 745kgs €1960, Char X 690kgs €1890, Char X 725kgs €1880, Simm X 685kgs €1750, Char X 570kgs €1790, Char X 595kgs €1860, Lim X 605kgs €1610, Lim X 510kgs €1560, Char X 500kgs €1480, Char X 485kgs €1530, Char X 490kgs €1450, 2 AAX 567kgs €1340, 2 Char X 482kgs €1330, 2 Lim X 480kgs €1290, Lim X 470kgs €1260, Char X 440kgs €1250, 2 Char X 395kgs €1130. Weanling heifers: Lim X 445kgs - €2.47 per kilo, Lim X 330kgs

1080 - €3.27 per kilo, Char X 400kgs €1010 - €2.52 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €940 - €2.98 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €870 - €3.05 per kilo, Char X 255kgs €800 €3.13 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €870 - €3.05 per kilo, Lim X 290kgs €800 - €2.75 per kilo. Weanling bulls: Char X 345kgs €1280 - €3.71 per kilo, Lim X 375kgs €1210 - €3.22 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1200 - €3.75 per kilo, Char X 300kgs €1200 €4 per kilo, Lim X 355kgs €930 - €2.61 per kilo, Char X 305kgs €950kgs - €3.11 per kilo, 2 Char X 285kgs €1060 - €3.71 per kilo, 3 Char X 386kgs €990 - €2.56 per kilo, Char X 340kgs €1160 - €3.41 per kilo, Lim X 295kgs €920 - €3.11 per kilo, Lim X 260kgs €830 - €3.19 per kilo, Lim 265kgs €800 - €3.01 per kilo. Finished lambs: 54.2kgs €164, 52.4kgs €163, 51.2kgs €160, 51.6kgs €158, 48.6kgs €155, 47.1kgs €153, 48.5kgs €152, 47.7kgs €151, 50.8kgs €150, 47kgs €148. Store lambs: 37kgs €130, 38.2kgs €125, 41kgs €120, 34.8kgs €117, 38kgs €115, 37kgs €110, 36.3kgs €106, 33.4kgs €101, 33.6kgs €98.

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. ---------------------Wednesday, December 1st at 11 a.m.

Funds for Mayo/Roscommon Hospice - Sheep Auction Please Support this worthy cause ---------------------Friday, December 3rd at 7 p.m.

Annual Western Region Pedigree Texel Female Show & Sale 74 hogget ewes, 5 ewe lambs and 1 embryo pregnancy Show at 6 p.m. ---------------------Saturday, November 27th at 12 Noon

Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

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Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Business

‘Click Green, Buy Nearby’ to support local businesses

Staff and volunteers including Una, Eamon, Delia, Helen (Manager), Joe, Carmel (Area Manager) and Chanel (Area Manager) pictured at the official opening of the new NCBI shop on Main Street in Roscommon this week.

New NCBI shop opens in Roscommon town < DAN DOONER

The National Council for the Blind in Ireland has this week officially opened its new Roscommon retail shop on Main Street in Roscommon town. Moving from its previous location on Church Street, the shop boasts a new, modernised look and feel,

supported by a sustainable fit-out. Beverley Scallan, Head of Retail at NCBI, said that relocating the shop is a fantastic step forward for the charity. “We have transformed what has become the norm for NCBI stores throughout the country and with this new look, I hope Roscom-

mon’s NCBI store will become a cornerstone of the community as it has in so many other communities across the country,” she said. “The shop will sell quality pre-loved clothing, accessories, and hidden gems. So, by supporting our shops, customers not only generate funds for our ser-

vices but also support our drive for more sustainable fashion and furniture. “We urge shoppers to pop in and see what is on offer but also to feel free to donate any clothes or unwanted gifts. All donations are gratefully received”. NCBI is proud to now have over 130 shops across the country and continues

to be the second largest charity shop chain in the country. NCBI’s chain of shops play a vital and integral part in the charity’s overall fundraising efforts, allowing the national sight loss agency to provide vital life changing services to over 8,000 people each year, many of whom live in Roscommon.

Now is the perfect time to move back to Roscommon!

Now could be the perfect time to move home to Roscommon as this week, the Western Development Commission (WDC) launched a new campaign focussed on those who grew up in the west but now live overseas. The campaign is timely as many of those around the world are now planning to travel home over the festive period for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The message from the WDC is if you’re coming home to Roscommon, why not stay home? As part of the campaign, the WDC will host an online event on December 10th that will

showcase all the opportunities for diaspora from the West of Ireland and look at some of the reasons why now is a great time to move back. The free online event will look at the employment prospects across various sectors through the recently launched platform Westernjobs.ie as well as the key challenges, opportunities and supports available to those considering moving home from abroad. The event will take place online on December 10th at 11.30 am. To sign up for the event or for more information, please go to Westernjobs.ie.

The Western Development Commission recently launched a new campaign focused on the diaspora. The WDC will host a free online event called ‘There’s no place like home’ on December 10th that will showcase the opportunities for diaspora in the west of Ireland. Pictured: Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of the Western Development Commission and guest speakers, David Kenny VP, Overstock. com in Sligo, and Ruth Storan, Partnerships Development manager at Connacht Rugby.

Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the country’s leading representative body for digital, ecommerce and online businesses, is calling on consumers to ‘Click Green, Buy Nearby’ to avoid extra costs and support Irish businesses. As part of the new campaign, DBI is urging consumers to avoid unnecessary charges incurred from purchasing from non-EU countries. According to findings in a Tipping Point Report compiled by .IE and Digital Business Ireland, 47 per cent of all online spend during the Covid-19 pandemic was fulfilled by businesses operating outside of Ireland with the remaining 53 per cent of consumer spend benefitting Irish SMEs. 67 per cent of those buying from SMEs said they did so out of a sense of solidarity. In addition, recent figures suggest that every €10 that is spent on Irish products generates more than €40 of benefit to the local community, in terms of employment. While some consumers may be tempted by the lure of big brands, the money spent on goods and services is very much an investment, helping to build resilient regional economies throughout the country.

Survey: Hybrid working out of favour with Roscommon employers New research reveals that enthusiasm for hybrid working has waned among Roscommon employers since the Government advised businesses to return to remote working. The latest HR Barometer Report from consultants Adare Human Resource Management reveals that only one third of employers (32 per cent), excluding retail and wholesale sectors, believe hybrid working will benefit their organisation. This compares to over three quarters (76.8 per cent) in their March HR Barometer Report. The survey also highlights the slow progress being made on addressing diversity and inclusion as well as the ongoing gender pay gap that persists in many workplaces. Derek McKay, Managing Director, Adare Human Resource Management, warns that continued inaction on these matters could prove costly for employers in Roscommon as recruitment and talent acquisition, along with retention, remain businesses’ top priorities (67 per cent and 65 per cent) heading into 2022. McKay states: “Our latest barometer highlights some significant HR challenges facing employers nationally, including in Roscommon into 2022. However, dealing with them in a timely manner could be of substantial benefit to organisations. Obviously, hybrid working won’t necessarily be a blanket decision for all employers as it suits certain roles and sectors more than others”.

Ongoing Covid supports needed for experience economy – Ibec Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has called on the Government to continue to deploy financial supports to those companies operating in the Experience Economy following last week’s Covid restrictions announcement.

In a letter shared to Government this week, Ibec stated that feedback from its members highlight that the public are heeding the public health messaging from Government and are adjusting behaviour accordingly, including reducing so-

cial contacts. Ibec CEO Danny McCoy stated: “We know from the previous Covid waves, the measures that will work to help sustain this vital part of the economy. Business continues to acknowledge the successful nature of

the supports provided for business and employees by Government over the course of this crisis and we urge Government to continue to ensure that these measures are fully deployed over the coming period”. Among the supports, Ibec is specif-

ically calling are the €4 billion contingency fund identified in Budget 2022, an extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme beyond April of next year and a targeted extension of the commercial rates waiver.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

NewsPeople

THIS WEEK...On The Political Beat “77 percent said that the cost of living crisis has had a negative impact on their mental health while 98.5 percent of people said they believe the Government is not doing enough to tackle the cost of living crisis,” she said. “Pensioners spoke of being afraid to open their energy bills, as they knew they wouldn’t be able to pay them. Workers spoke of being forced to choose between buying food or filling up a tank of petrol.   “Young families spoke of the crippling anxiety of paying childcare fees, which often cost as much as a second mortgage or rent each and every month. “One young woman told me about her desire to start a family and how she fears she simply won’t be able to afford to have a child”. Stark indeed.

This week, local public representatives discussed the Sex Offenders Amendment Bill, the cost of living ‘crisis’ and PUP, and the welcome integration of St. Angela’s College into a third level institution…

Naughten calls for law on sex offenders to be updated

Speaking in the Dáil on the Sex Offenders Amendment Bill, local TD Denis Naughten urged the Government to update the law in order to ensure sex offenders could not erase past offences. Naughten said a key weakness in the proposed law was that it failed to close off loopholes that allow offenders to have their offences effectively forgotten through a change of name by deed poll or by taking advantage of Google’s ‘right to be forgotten’. “For the sake of victims who have to live with the consequences of these perpetrators and any potential future victims, those convicted of sexual offences should lose the right to be forgotten, permanently,” he said. “Over the last decade as I have campaigned to have a proper and effective sexual offenders register, I have been confronted by arguments regarding the rights of offenders. I believe that it is now time to change this balance in favour of victims and ensure that their stories are not brushed under the electronic carpet by giving sex offenders the right to be forgotten”.

Kerrane raises Covidrelated concerns

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Protection,

Pictured at the recent official opening of the new Roscommon Hospice Unit were Senator Aisling Dolan, Senator Eugene Murphy and Deputy Claire Kerrane. Photo: Mick McCormack

Claire Kerrane, has raised a number of Covidrelated concerns. Kerrane accused the Government this week of ignoring the impact of public health restrictions on workers while calling for the reinstatement of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. “Reduced opening times for hospitality, including hotels, will see workers on reduced hours and reduced income. Some staff may also be let go during this latest period of restrictions. Yet, this is going ignored by Government who are simply abandoning workers and families,” she said. “At the very outset of the Covid-19 pandemic the Government were clear that there

would be no cliff edge and that workers would be supported throughout the pandemic. The pandemic is not over. “Workers in live entertainment, hospitality, nightlife and the tourism industry are all being left high and dry by Government”. The Sinn Féin TD recently carried out a ‘cost of living survey’ of 14,000 people, and described the results as “shocking”. Citing a rise in insurance costs, energy bills and rent, Kerrane said the results exposed the “stark reality of families living under huge financial pressure”. “76 per cent of people said they are very concerned about the cost of living. A further 19 per cent said they are quite concerned by it.

2021 Miss Ireland, Pamela Uba, pictured with pupils from Naomh Padraig, Gort Na Leime, Dunmore. Pic: Mick McCormack

Feighan’s delight over St Angela’s College development

Local Minister of State Frank Feighan was in an upbeat mood as he welcomed the incorporation of St. Angela’s College, Sligo into third-level education with IT Sligo, which recently gained TU status alongside GMIT and Letterkenny IT. St. Angela’s had previously worked to incorporate into NUI Galway but since 2020 had refocussed to the TU project in the north and northwest. Deputy Feighan said: “This was a project that I was keen to be involved with from the start because the potential for both third-level colleges and the northwest region was immense. “The opportunities and the potential investment from this merger are huge and exciting for the teaching staff and future students”. -DD

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Property/NewsExtra

Remax Team Earley to showcase local one-off properties at RE/MAX’s Dubai Convention Remax Team Earley is planning to showcase local one-off properties at RE/ MAX’s Dubai Convention in January. Cormac Sheehy, MD of RE/MAX Team Earley, with offices in Athlone, Roscommon, Galway and Limerick, is currently seeking commercial and residential

properties to bring to the convention to sell. There has been a strong growth in the resident Irish community in the UAE in recent years, and there are now over 10,000 Irish citizens officially resident in the Emirates. A large portion of them would love to dip their toes back into the

Irish property market, and where better to do it than at the first ever property exhibition in the UAE! RE/MAX has over 123,000 agents in nearly 100 countries, a greater worldwide presence than any other real estate brand, and Cormac hopes to capitalise on this vast network

to achieve the best price for all vendors. Cormac said he is excited to make the trip to fly the Irish flag (subject to Covid restrictions). He added that there are some cracking properties already on the books, and hopefully by the time the convention rolls around, many more

properties will have been added. If you are looking to sell a property in 2022, maybe this is the way to get it moving: get in touch with Cormac on 086-3519492 or at cormacsheehy@remax.ie, or contact the office on 090-6626579 or at teamearley@remax.ie.

Pictured is Cormac Sheehy, MD of RE/MAX Team Earley.

newsbriefs Christmas Craft Fair in Ballymoe A Christmas Craft Fair will take place in Ballymoe Community Centre on Sunday, November 28th with doors opening at 11 am. This promises to be a great day of family fun with plenty of gift ideas, Christmas decorations, and a monster raffle taking place. There will also be a coffee shop in operation and refreshments available on the day.

Christmas Sale of Work in Athleague A Christmas Sale of Work in aid of TNR South Roscommon will take place at the Athleague Angling Centre on Sunday, November 29th from 11 am to 4 pm. Proceeds from this event will go towards helping to trap, neuter and rehome homeless cats in south Roscommon. There will be a raffle with prizes on the day. All support would be appreciated.

GoFundMe for Oran defibrillator and Community Games groups A GoFundMe page has been set up to support two active voluntary groups, Oran Defibrillator Committee and Oran Community Games. Both groups are made up of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly in the background to safeguard and support the health, safety and wellbeing of parishioners, both young and old. The groups are now kindly asking for help to support costs for defibrillator equipment and Community Games activities. A GoFundMe page for donations has been set up which can be accessed by searching ‘Help Oran Defibrillator and Community Games’. An access link can also be found on Oran GAA and Camogie Facebook pages. Donations can also be made directly to Ann (086-8571975) or Maura (087-9826589). All contributions greatly appreciated.

Lisnamult’s Annual Christmas Raffle The Lisnamult Tenants & Residents Annual Christmas Raffle will be held on Thursday, December 16th with a number of great prizes up for grabs, and tickets priced at just €5 for a book of three. Prizes include: 1st prize: €500 voucher for Fleming’s SuperValu; 2nd prize: €150 voucher for Time Pieces; 3rd prize: €100 voucher for McGuinness’ Pharmacy; 4th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Klassic Cleaners; 5th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Ivan and Martin Connaughton; 6th prize: €100 cash sponsored by John Gaynor; 7th prize: €100 voucher for Gleeson’s Restaurant and Rooms; 8th prize: €100 cash sponsored by Lisnamult Tenants & Residents Association. Contact Anthony Doolan on 087-2125684 if you would like to purchase tickets. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Young supporters pictured at the recent Roscommon Senior Football final at Dr Hyde Park. Photo: Mick McCormack

Highlighting ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’ locally

Roscommon County Council and local radio station RosFM have joined forces with Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher and disability advocate, Gary Kearney, to highlight the ‘International Day of People with Disabilities’ on Friday, December 3rd. Roscommon County Council will be lighting up some of the county’s wellknown landmarks purple while local residents and

businesses are being encouraged to wear purple on December 3rd in order to acknowledge those in our communities with a disability. According to the Disability Federation of Ireland, 14 per cent of the population of Roscommon (or 9,313 people) have some form of disability. RosFM will be dedicating four hours of programming on the day to the ini-

tiative by talking to those with disabilities throughout County Roscommon and those who are advocates within disability organisations or groups. The station is asking all community groups, volunteer organisations and businesses to get involved and do something in their village or town for the day. Take some pictures of your purple contributions, share them on your social me-

dia pages and tag RosFM radio and Roscommon County Council. You can also WhatsApp images and dedications to RosFM on the day through this free text line number – 083-8599748. For more information contact Margaret on 0858517447, RosFM on 0906628161, free text line 083-8599748 or email info@rosfm.ie/rosfmproject@gmail.com.

newsbriefs Fundraising event in aid of Elaine Morrissey A fundraising event in aid of Elaine Morrissey is set to take place on Sunday, December 5th. (Meeting point is the carpark at Paddy Finn’s pub, Kilteevan at 1 o’clock sharp). There will be a twohour horse and pony ride event, with crosscountry jumps. This will be followed by hot food and sandwiches. There will also be a raffle, with some great spot prizes on offer. All are welcome to attend. This fundraising event is being organised by the North Roscommon Riders Group.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

PropertyPeople Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 Email: teamearley@remax.ie Licence No. Web: www.teamearley.ie PSRA004420

PROPERTIES WANTED URGENTLY

COMING SOONNEW TO THE MARKET 4 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE LOCATED AT

GALWAY ROAD ROSCOMMON F42 PN59

A quality 4 b/r bungalow residence of approx. 1500 sq ft with an attached garage of approx. 254 sq ft standing on a site area of approx. 0.37 of an acre Comprising briefly of reception/hallway, sitting room, living room, dining room, kitchen, cloak room, 4 bedrooms in all and family bathroom

FOLLOWING ON FROM A NUMBER OF SALES PROPERTIES REQUIRED FOR DISAPPOINTED UNDERBIDDERS – IN ALL AREAS

More details next week

PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE

NEW TO THE MARKET THE LIFE BELT BAR & COMMERCIAL UNITS STANDING ON APPROX 1.5 ACRES LOCATED AT

BALLYLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON PRICE ON APPLICATION New to the market – a mixed-used investment property in the heart of Ballyleague village. The main property comprises of a renowned Public House, fully licensed and commercial units on the ground floor and residential on the second floor. Sitting tenants with vacant possession. Commercial units comprise functioning public house with front and large back bar with toilets and outside area, fast food takeaway, Antique shop and restaurant space with fitted out kitchen. There is also a separate building which contains a dog grooming business. On the second floor of the property, the residential area comprises 6 bedrooms which are all ensuite. This property offers excellent potential for investors. The tenants are not affected from this sale and it is offering a fantastic yield. The Auctioneer invites inquiries and viewing is by appointment only.

WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL PRE-MARKET ANALYSIS OF ALL PROPERTIES TOGETHER WITH AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIRTUAL TOUR TECHNOLOGY IN ALL MARKETING.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds

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

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

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala

090 66 25818 086 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Complete Chimney Services

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 cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

087 2798704

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

CHIMNEY SWEEP • Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey

Construction l

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV Inspections l Chimney Repair - Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

COMPUTERS

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

NO FIX NO FEE

PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

fergalkelly@live.com

Fergal 086 1016899

DRIVING LESSONS

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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 are required to be tested every 3 years according to Dept. of Agriculture regulations. Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@

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

< FOR SALE: Round bales of hay. Can be delivered locally. Tel: 086 3776948

COUNSELLING

< GRAZING GROUND REQUIRED: For sheep until end of January in Tulsk/Castlerea. Tel: 086 3325839

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you? Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: 5 puppies for sale. 4 female and 1 male. 12 weeks old. Contact Seamus 086 1541331

FOR SALE

GARDENING

< FOR SALE: 3-month-old German Shepherd pups available for good homes, 1 boy and 1 girl. Strong, robust, playful and affectionate. Well-socialised. Ballaghaderreen area. €550 ono. Call 0838124647.

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

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

Tel: 087 2172281 GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

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 GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193

HOME REPAIRS < HOME REPAIRS: Repair walls, plasterboard, painting, fascia, tiles, plinths, ceiling, wallpaper, parquet floors etc. Phone: 083 3369829

LAUNDRY SERVICE < LAUNDRY SERVICE: Washing, ironing, best prices, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, open 10.00 am - 5.30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Tel 083 3369829

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

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

PLUMBING

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

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 Working throughout current restrictions with full PPE equipment.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

. e

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Stephen Kenny, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct a new dwelling, domestic garage, septic tank with percolation area, new site entrance and all associated external site works at Cloonburren, Oldtown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making at the offices of the planning authority during its public ,opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the 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: Hubert Gordon, R.I.A.I. Arch. Tech., Architecture, Design + Planning, Killimor, Co. Galway.

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Cormac Sheehy intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a proposed boundary wall incorporating vehicular entrance and associated works at Barrymore, Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

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

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Image Furnishings Ltd, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for permission for development at Killarney Townland, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. The development shall consist of: the construction of a new three storey building containing furniture showrooms, offices and storage; connection to existing utility services; new carpark layout; boundary alterations as per planning reference PD/20/548 and all associated site development works.

This planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: MMA Architects

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Colm Manning intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage/fuel store, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and associated works at Clooncoran, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Ian Gunning, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to demolish existing dwelling house and construct replacement dwelling house of reduced size with associated site development works to include amendments to public road junction and footpaths at Alderford Td, Ballyfarnon, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. F52 V525.

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd., Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 086 1701549

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Application is being made to Roscommon Council for Retention Permission and Completion of dwelling house, in variation to that previously granted Planning Permission under Ref No 01/1095, which includes the following: Reduction in area of ground and first floor layouts including internal modifications. Repositioning of windows and external doors to accommodate change in floor layouts. Conversion of part of attic floor area to ensuite bathroom. Change of rear window to patio door unit. Change of all regular squared roof gables to a semi hipped format. Retain new WC window in gable wall. Retain roof window to new en-suite bathroom with the development location at No. 2 Ardsallagh Woods, Ardsallagh Beg, Roscommon Town.

Signed: Liam Morris The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making at the offices of the planning authority during its public ,opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the 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.

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

PODIATRIST Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

For any of your foot issues call:

PODIATRIST

REFLEXOLOGY

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

REFLEXOLOGY

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

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

094 9620009

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST

Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I.

For all foot ailments

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

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

Department of Health Approved

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED

• 20 years experience

< TO RENT: 3 bedroomed house for rent in Curraghboy area. Please phone 087 2770857

The Galway Podiatrist

< TO RENT: Fully furnished 3 bedroomed house to rent in Castlecoote area. O.F.C.H. and solid fuel, country setting. References required. Phone: 089 2536185

FOOT AND ANKLE CLINIC

Aoife Reilly BSc Pod, MChSI, SCPI (registered with VHI, AVIVA, LAYA & GloHealth)

For Bookings Contact:

College Road, For Bookings Contact: Mountbellew,

(087) 707 5803

(087) 707 5803 (Saturday & evening appointments available)

Co Galway H53 D7W8

(Saturday & evening appointments available) Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway H53 D7W8 Open under Goverment + HSE Guidelines

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!

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

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)

Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

Registered Reflexologist

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

Give your mind and body a relaxing experience with a reflexology treatment. Through massage of the feet reflexology can • Rebuild energy levels in the body • Assist in relieving stress • Encourage relaxation • Improve general wellbeing Reflexology is based on the principle that the foot has “reflex” points that correspond to the various structures and organs throughout the body. Contact TERESA for appointment at 087 9001212 Brideswell, Co. Roscommon N37 EW20

Reflexologist Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

l General Reflexology l Baby Reflexology l Special Needs

Reflexology l Hoppi Ear Candling l Indian Head Massage

Phone Diane

086 4061401

POWER WASHING

Roof Cleaning and Resealing All types of roofs cleaned down, painted Tegral Roof paint applied All work fully guaranteed Fast and efficent

Telephone: 089 9899 912

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds TUITION

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

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

Christmas LCHL Revision Course l Wed 29th Dec

l Thurs 30th Dec

l Roscommon Town Venue l Booking deposit

required

Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

< GRINDS: French Leaving certificate grinds available around and in Roscommon Town. Please call: 089 9470991

PIANO LESSONS < EXPERIENCED PIANO TEACHER: Available in the Strokestown area. For details contact Blánaid on 089 9791653

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

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

083 0684011

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439

TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Also bulk loads of Cattle and Peat bedding (delivered) < FOR SALE: Small truck loads of Turf, size 9x5, 14 inch box, 3 rows of reeking over the box and a heap on top, delivered. Tel: 087 6280483

< TURF: Top quality well seasoned black hopper turf, delivered in large trailer loads also bales of hay for sale. Tel: 086 3903120 or 090 6621090

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

086 4679798 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured.

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

Call 087 646 7322

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com. < 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.

Evo Roofers Covering Athlone, Galway and surrounding areas

086 2437376

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

LOFT LADDERS Aluminium

The company that can do all them small jobs

FROM

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

USEFUL SERVICES

PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

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

087 9657933 or 090 6626752

€190 094 96 31880 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

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

Free Quotations provided

Leaky Roof or Gutter? Call 085 2427727 Our Services: • New Roofing • Lead Valleys • Emergency Repairs • Attic Insulation • Fascia Soffits • Flat Roofs • Guttering/Downpipes • Chimney Repair • Ridge Pointing • Roof Cleaning

www.evoroofers.com email: evoroofing122@gmail.com

Phone: 090 6400177

HANDY MAN AVAILABLE Power Washing Gutters Cleaned l Fitting Shower Doors l Bathroom Accessories l Tiling and Timber Flooring l Flat Pack Furniture Assembled l General Gardening Maintenance and Clean-up etc. l

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Mike

087 2478609

AtYourService PROPERTY

RO S l

ROS Property Services

Extensions l Renovations Property Maintenance

P: 090 66 70996 M: 085 2162555 E:rospropertyservices@gmail.com VETERINARY

087 2683079

Phone:

Supplied & Fitted From

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < W O O D / F I R E W O O D : High quality seasoned split hardwood timber, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.

USEFUL SERVICES

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055 You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

Please ring to make an appointment for the small animal clinic.

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

087 9795226

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

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

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

AtYourService BLINDS

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

CARS

KITCHENS

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

Chris’s Window Service

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

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt: Tel: 090

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

Chimney Problems

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

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

Tel: 087 0944027

CLEANING - Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

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

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal

S tephen H oare

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

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

Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com 086 8229606

FARMING

(090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Daily collection

Martin Hibbitt Martin Martin Hibbitt Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA (FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS OR ON-LINE/TEAMS) Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, APA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CIP, CDIP CDIP LACDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

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

www.roscommonwindows.ie

New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial H91 P5k5 BlockEstate, 12, Galway Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE CLAIMS REPAIR LTD. CLAIMS CLAIMS REPAIR REPAIR LTD. LTD. INSURANCE CLAIMS LTD. CLAIMSREPAIR REPAIR LTD. CLAIMS REPAIR LTD. PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS PROPERTY PROPERTY CLAIMS CLAIMS CONSULTANTS CONSULTANTS

Property Claims Consultants PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS PROPERTY CLAIMSSERVICES CONSULTANTS LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES LOSS LOSS ASSESSORS ASSESSORS SERVICES PROPERTY CLAIMS CONSULTANTS LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES and Loss Assessors Services LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES LOSS ASSESSORS SERVICES

APA-PL, LA APA-PL,CIP, CIP, CDIP CDIP LA QUARRY 091 380900 091 380900 091 091 380900 380900 091 091380900 380900 087 7371280 087 7371280 087 087 7371280 7371280 0877371280 7371280 087 info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie info@icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.ie www.icr.iewww.icr.ie www.icr.ie

WARD BROS QUARRY

Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Mountbellew, Co. Galway UnitUnit 12 12 Oranmore Oranmore Business Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | |Mountbellew, | Mountbellew, Co. Co. Galway Unit 12 Oranmore BusinessPark, Park,Oranmore, Oranmore,Galway Galway Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Co. Mountbellew, Co. Galway Unit 12 Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore, Galway | Mountbellew, Galway Loss • Certified • • Certified DipDip inDip inLoss Loss • Certified Certified Dip ininLoss

Telephone: 090 66 33026 Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

Martin Hibbitt OR email your enquiry to cburkecoaching@gmail.com

• Approved Product Advisor • Member the PSAB-GI • •Approved Approved Product Product Advisor Advisor • • Member •Member Member ofofthe ofPSAB-GI theofPSAB-GI Approved Product Advisor the PSAB-GI

Adjusting Adjusting Dip in Loss • Approved Product Advisor • • •Member ofby the PSAB-GI Adjusting Adjusting We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed • •Certified • Approved Member the Insurance • Regulated byCentral the Central Insurance by the Central • •Member Member ofofofthe theof Insurance Insurance Regulated •Regulated Regulated by Central the Certified Dip in Loss •Member Product Advisor •the Member of the PSAB-GI • Loss Loss Assessor Services Institute Ireland Bank Ireland Assessor Services Institute of Ireland • Regulated Bank of Ireland • Member of the Insurance the Central •Adjusting Loss • • Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services Institute Institute ofofofIreland Ireland Bank Bank ofofIreland ofbyIreland Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Adjusting • Member of the Insurance • Regulated by the Central Assessor Services Institute of Ireland Bank of Ireland Doors, Porches and Conservatories • •Loss Loss Assessor Services Institute of Ireland Bank of IrelandSUPPLIERS OF ALL TYPES OF:

INSULATION

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (E.G. RETIREMENT, NEW JOB, SEPARATION, ETC)

Lowest price guaranteed

DOORS/ WINDOWS

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (INCLUDING PUBLIC SECTOR) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (INCLUDING COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS) CHANGING JOB / GET THAT PROMOTION!

TEL: (090) 96 88606

INSURANCE CLAIMS

CAROLINE BURKE Career & Life Coaching

GUIDING & COACHING TOWARDS SUCCESS

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

LIFE COACH

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

RECYCLING

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

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

• Stone • Sand & Gravel • Topsoil • Readymix • Plant Hire

FOR KEENEST QUOTES CALL

071 96 33222

E: wardbrosltd@gmail.com RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C astlerea ELV R ecycling L td ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

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

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

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES LANNON Frank

MURRAY Kieran

Racecourse Road, Roscommon Who passed away on 2nd December 2012 (9th Anniversary)

Athleague, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

FULLARD (nee Devlin) Sadie Glenview, Galway Rd, Roscommon Town and Donegal (2nd Anniversary)

GRIFFIN Tommie Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary)

DONLON Theresa Moher, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Two tired eyes are sleeping two willing hands are still the one who worked so hard for us is resting at God’s will.

Missed by his wife Francie, sons Michael and Frank and daughter Mary. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Thursday, 2nd December at 11am.

Who passed away on the 2nd December 2016 In loving memory of Kieran Your life was love and labour, your love for your family true. You did your best for all of us we will always remember you.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen and family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 28th November at 10am in Fuerty Church.

KENNY Eamon

Blenavoher, Lanesboro Who passed away on the 8th June 2021

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

Who died on 1st December 2019

I MISS YOU I cried when you passed away, I still cry today. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the best

Loved and sadly missed by your daughter Sharon, son-in-law Eamon and your grandson Eamonn. Anniversary Mass on Wednesday, December 1st at 9.30 am in St. Mary’s Chapel, Clonmany, Co. Donegal. We the family of the late Eamon Kenny wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised and supported us on the sad loss of our dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. We are extremely grateful for the numerous letters, mass cards, phone calls, messages, online condolences, floral tributes and many donations made to the Alzheimer Society. We would especially like to thank our neighbours, friends and community for the kindness, generosity and support we were shown in countless ways - from a shoulder to lean on, to endless food supplies during what was a very challenging time. Thanks to all who cared for Eamon including Dr. Colm Farrell, Public Health Nurse Colette Skelly, Palliative Care Nurses, Clare Baxter and Helen Ely, his wonderful Home Carers Mary, Breta, Pauline and Helen, the staff of St. Frances Ward, Portiuncula Hospital, O’Brien Pharmacy staff, Breda Dunne and her Alzheimer’s Society colleagues. To Eamon’s friends and neighbours who formed a Guard of Honor on his final journey to the church and cemetery, thank you all so much as it truly meant a lot. Sincere thanks to Fr. Turlough Baxter for his prayers and support to us in Eamon’s final days and for celebrating his Funeral Mass. We also thank Teresa Costello for her beautiful music and singing throughout the Funeral Mass. Our deep appreciation to Undertaker, Gerard Farrell for his professionalism and kindness and also to the grave diggers and many friends and neighbours who prepared Eamon’s final resting place. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept these acknowledgements as an expression of our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all who supported and helped us in any way. Words will never be able to justify our gratitude and will never be forgotten. Eamon will be missed forever, but we know that he will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Mass has been offered for your intentions. Sincerely, Freda and all the Kenny family.

HICKEY Patrick (Patsy) Cloonara, Roscommon (5th Anniversary) And his parents Gretta & Joe

You gave us years of happiness, then sorrow came with tears. You left us lovely memories, we will treasure throughout the years.

Always remembered by his wife Pauline and family, brother and sister-in-law Noel and Sally. Anniversary Mass will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane at 7pm on Tuesday, 7th December 2021 All will be remembered in our prayers.

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

In loving memory of Tommie Griffin, late of Carrowduff, Ballymacurley, Co. Roscommon who went to his eternal reward on the 18th of December 2011 R.I.P. Silent memories keep us close, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, still very dear. Until we meet again in Heaven, Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.

Always remembered by his loving brother Bernie, sister-in-law Ita, his niece Lorraine, relatives, neighbours and friends. Anniversary Mass will be on Sunday, 5th of December in Ballinaheglish Church at 11am. Unfortunately, his immediate family will not be able to attend on this occasion.

BEIRNE Willie, Catherine and Kitty Late of Fearmore, Derrane, Roscommon

At this time we remember our late mum Kitty, who died on 26th November, 31 years ago, our dad Willie who died on the 20th November, 20 years ago and our sister Catherine, who died on 21st November, 18 years ago. No matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts is always kept for you.

Always remembered by Willie, Mairead and families. Anniversary Mass will be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 27th November at 7pm.

In loving memory of Nana Theresa, who passed away on 24th November 2012 Rest in Peace

These days are full of memories, of happiness and tears, of birthday celebrations we shared throughout the years. Although we’ll always miss you, the endless joy you brought, warms our heart with gratitude and fills our every thought. These days you’d be an Insta-famous putting Tiktok into overdrive, belting out your song and dance just like when you were alive. So thank you for the memories of kind acts and deeds galore, we loved you then, we love you now and will forevermore.

Fondly remembered and missed every day by your loving husband Tom, beloved children Carol, James, Susan and Pamela, dear grandchildren, extended family and friends. Please remember Theresa in your thoughts and prayers.

THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail) 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 (make request). O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mother, I place this cause in your Hands (3 times). Thank you for you mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days and after that the request will be granted (will never fail). This prayer must be published immediately. M.C.

McCROSSAN Daniel 2 Lus Leana, Celtic Avenue, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of a dear dad who passed away on the 25th November 2019 R.I.P.

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered everyday. No longer in our lives to share, but in our thoughts you are always there.

Truly missed and loved always Roseanne, Philomena, Willie John, Paul and all the family.

CONNOLLY Padraic

Castlestrange - Manchester - Abbey St., Roscommon

We the family of the late Padraic Connolly would like to thank sincerely all who sympathised and supported us on our sad loss it was much appreciated. To all who sent Mass Cards, sympathy cards, letters, telephoned, left messages on RIP.ie and brought refreshments to our homes. Thanks to all who gathered outside the Funeral Home and lined the route to the Church and Cemetery. Thanks to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin for celebrating the Funeral Mass and for his words of comfort. Thanks also to Fr. Donal Morris, Sr. Christina for their help and the priests who offered Masses. To Sean and Margaret for the beautiful music and hymns, to all who prepared the church grounds and the stewards for helping out. Thanks also to Dr. Robinson and her staff, doctors, nurses, carers and staff at Galway and Roscommon Hospitals, Sacred Heart Home, Oakwood Nursing Home, Public Health Nurses, Carers Breda, Donna and Raj, McGuinness Pharmacy, Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill for all your care, also to Fr. Pravin, Fr. Sean Beirne and Sr. Gabriel. Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for your professional help. To Sean and Jimmy for preparing the grave and the staff of the Abbey Hotel for the nice meal. We hope this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Padraic’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday, 4th December in the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Fuerty at 8.30pm.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KELLY Mary (Maidie) (nee Hannon) Caltraduff, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe (5th Anniversary)

MURRAY MURRAY Mary Lissavruggy, Newbridge Mary

CURLEY Peter and Molly

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.

Lissavruggy, Newbridge (6th Anniversary)

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 (13th and 3rd Anniversaries)

(12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary, a

DOLAN Leo & Delia

6th Anniversary

MULLIGAN Bridie and Thomas Monksland, Athlone and Ahalative, Creggs In memory of Bridie who died on 4th January 2010 and her husband Thomas who died on 23rd October 1994. (12th and 27th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Mary, a cherishedcherished wife, mother nana who wife,andmother andpassed away on 29th November 2015.

nana who passed away on 29th November 2015.

In loving memory of Maidie, whose Fifth Anniversary occurs on the 1st December 2021.

To us you were someone special, someone set apart, your memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts.

Lovingly remembered by her children Denise, Fintan and Raymond, her sister Nellie, brother-in-law Thomas, sister-in-law Carmel, grandchildren Donal, Conor and Cara, daughters-in-law Joanne and Sinéad, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours. An Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballyforan at 7pm on Saturday, 27th November 2021.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE TARMEY Philomena

We did not know that morning, What sorrow the day would bring, When a heart of gold stopped beating, And we couldn’t do a thing.

We did not know It broke out hearts to lose you, that morning, But you didn’t go alone, (5th Anniversary) what sorrow For part of us wentthe withday you, The daywould God called you home. bring, when a heart of gold We never fail to think of you, Always lovingly remembered by your daughter Mary. stopped beating, We never cease to care, a Mass offered privately. Weand only we wishcouldn’t we could godo home, And find you waiting there. thing. It broke out hearts Missed, loved and remembered every day by her husband Michael, sons Michael & Andrew, daughters Elaine to lose you, & Amanda, son in law Donie GANNON but you didn’t go alone, COSTELLO for part of us Oliver Of all the gifts in life, Elizabeth went with you, Those we love However great or small, Stonepark, Galway Road, thehave dayyouGod called 16 Circular Road, Roscommon To as our nana, don’t go away, Roscommon you home. Was the greatest gift of all. they walk beside Who died 1st December 2010 We never fail us every day. Loved and remembered everyday by her grandsons Daniel, Noah & Sean, granddaughters Leah, Lucy, Izzy & to think of you, (11th Anniversary) Unseen, unheard, Jane. we never cease to care, but always near, th Mass in St Patricks Church, on Sunday 28 November at 11.30am weNewbridge only wish still loved,Anniversary still missed we could go home, and still very dear. and find you waiting there. Deep in our hearts your Missed and remembered by memory is kept Missed, loved and all their family. to love and to cherish remembered every day and never forget. Anniversary Mass in the by her husband Michael,

Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 4th December at 11am.

HILL Robert (Bob) Abbey Street, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon and formerly Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo 100th Birthday Remembrance 28th November 2021

In loving memory of Robert who passed away on the 25th November 2017

Today is full of memories, happiness and tears of birthday celebrations we have shared throughout the years. We feel that you are with us in everything we do, so we will celebrate your birthday but we will spend it missing you

Always loved by her family and friends.

You are the Angels now, it was time to say goodbye, yet still it’s hard to hide the pain, no matter how I try. For you were special parents, with lots of love to share, and knowing you are no longer here, is very hard to bear. And though the grief will pass and time will help to heal the pain, somehow life without you Mam and Dad will never be the same.

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 Bob and thanks for all you’ve done, we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, daughters, Jackie, Marina and Lisa, sons Robert and Aidan, daughters-in-law, sons-inlaw and grandchildren. Masses offered.

sons Michael and Andrew, daughters Elaine and Amanda, son-in-law Donie

Of all the gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our nana, was the greatest gift of all.

Loved and remembered everyday by her grandsons Daniel, Noah and Sean, granddaughters Leah, Lucy, Izzy and Jane. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Newbridge on Sunday, 28th November at 11.30am

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.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. A.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. E.T. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.C.

Loved and remembered by your daughter Martina, Jimmy and family.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their family. Anniversary Mass will be offered privately due to Covid 19 restrictions. May they Rest in Peace.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed COSTELLO Elizabeth In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved.

Loved and remembered by your son Noel, Kathy and family.

Email or call for Sample Pack

VICTORY Brendan Tonlagee, Roscommon (25th Anniversary)

Who died on 29th November 1996 It was a sudden parting, too bitter to forget. Those who loved you dearly are the ones who will never forget.

Always remembered by Marie, Barbara, Stephen and grandchildren.

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

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Classifieds

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

NewsPeople

Appointments SITUATIONS VACANT Orchard Care Group are seeking

SOCIAL CARE WORKERS

for facilities in

Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan & Roscommon

Full-time and Relief positions available Applicants can apply with CV and cover letter to careers@gatewaycc.ie Our care is provided in small-scale residential facilities for family-sized groups – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also help the young people in our care to become an integrated part of local communities by partnering with local schools, sporting clubs and voluntary groups to offer them positive life experiences Requirements • A Minimum of Level 7 in Social Care Studies • Excellent communication and report writing skills, I.T. skills. • Full clean driver’s license.

For more information, visit www.gatewaycc.ie/current-vacancies/

< STAFF URGENTLY REQUIRED: For busy Restaurant/Take-away, Forte’s Restaurant, Roscommon town. Tel: 090 6630503 after 3pm. < CHEF/COOK/WAITING STAFF REQUIRED: Full and part time positions available for Chef/Cook and Waiting staff. Please send CV to: kilglassdevelopmentven tures@gmail.com

Businesses: Reach your target market! Your ca lo l paper!

Tarmacadam Company based in Co. Roscommon have the following positions available:

Holmes Centra Ballygar, Co. Galway

BUTCHER REQUIRED

PAVER DRIVER & GENERAL LABOURERS

We are seeking a leading individual with some experience of the supermarket butchery business. The ideal candidate will have a qualification in this area, will be aware of HACCP, traceability and allergen regulations. The person we are looking for will have a flair for creating attractive and innovative new ranges and will be capable of taking a leading role in the development and direction of our fresh meat and packaged businesses. CV’s or expressions of interest to: Oliver Holmes, Ballygar, Co. Galway E: oholmes1974@gmail.com T: 090 6624078

FOR IMMEDIATE START. Good rates of pay for the ideal candidate. Experience an advantage but not essential Full clean driving licence and Safe Pass needed.

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME

• Level 5 qualification required. • Experience not necessary.

Telephone: 086 4007158 CHATTERLAND PLAYSCHOOL & CRECHE, ELPHIN Currently have a vacancy for an

EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR Please email your CV to: chatterlandcreche@hotmail.com or tel: 087 8325301

Pictured at the opening of the newly-extended GMIT iHub and Medical Imaging Suite are Dr Orla Flynn (GMIT President), Leo Varadkar TD (An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment), George McCourt (Head of Innovation and Enterprise, GMIT), and Stephen Creaner (Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland).

An Tánaiste opens GMIT Innovation Hub Extension GMIT is pleased to announce that An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, visited GMIT Galway recently to formally open the new extension to GMIT’s Enterprise Ireland funded Innovation Hub (iHub) and new Medical Imaging Suite at the Galway (Dublin Road) campus. GMIT’s iHub has doubled in size to 2,400m2, accommodating hi-tech incubation space for eleven dedicated MedTech R&D units, a co-working space, an events space, social hubs, breakout meeting and networking

areas, and seven incubation units for start-ups in the software, digital tech, connected health sectors. It provides a dedicated entrepreneur hub space for GMIT researchers, staff, industry professionals, and undergraduate and postgraduate students to work collaboratively on the creation and development of innovative ideas for new products and services that can compete on a global scale. It supports Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme and the dedicated women’s entrepreneurship EMPOWER programme, implemented in collaboration with CUA partners

IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT and funded by the European Social Fund as part of the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning. George McCourt (Head of Innovation and Enterprise, GMIT) says: “This new extension provides additional expertise and capability for start-ups in the west region to drive regional job creation with a particular focus on export markets. I would like to thank Enterprise Ireland for their iHub extension funding and critical support programmes for our client companies”. For more information, visit gmitihubs.ie.

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

CARE ASSISTANT REQUIRED Full and part time positions available.

Housekeeper/Kitchen Assistant required • Morning hours • Premium for Sundays and Bank Holidays. • Free meals, tea and coffee. • Paid lunch breaks. • Pension Scheme facilitated. • Cycle to work scheme available. Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com Garda vetting and references will be required.

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Send CV to: info@lynchflooring.ie or by post to: Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon

Pictured are George McCourt (Head of Innovation and Enterprise, GMIT), Leo Varadkar TD (An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment), Simon Kiersey (COO, BlueDrop Medical) and Paul Gilson (Chairman, BlueDrop Medical). BlueDrop Medical is developing Remote patient monitoring for patients at risk of diabetic foot disease. Their patented technology is the world’s first home use device to enable a thermal and visual assessment from a single daily scan. See bluedropmedical.com for more.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

Sports PEOPLE

Four home games for Rossies in NFL < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon footballers look likely to have four home league games in the Allianz National League Division Two when the campaign starts at the end of

January. The draft master fixtures list was released earlier this week and Anthony Cunningham’s men will begin their campaign against Cork at Dr. Hyde Park on the weekend of January 29th/30th.

Further home games will follow against Clare, Derry and Galway while Roscommon will have to travel to face Meath, Down, and Offaly. It has also been confirmed that the FBD League will also return in January and will be

played on a knock-out basis. The football championship will be played in a similar format to that last played in 2017 with qualifiers for teams defeated in their opening round and with quarter-finals taking place.

Pearses ready to make their mark in Connacht! AIB Connacht Club SFC Semi-Final: Pádraig Pearses v Mountbellew/ Moylough on Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park at 1.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Followers of the GAA club scene will be gearing up for a derby of sorts this Sunday when the Galway champions come to Dr. Hyde Park to face Pádraig Pearses in this provincial semi-final. While Pearses didn’t make progress in Connacht two years ago following their first ever Fahey Cup win, things are different this time around. The Roscommon champions look a very solid side with plenty of experience and they will want to put their stamp on the provincial championship this year. Having pushed Corofin all the way on a number of occasions in recent years, Mountbellew/Moylough finally saw them off in the Galway final three weeks ago to win their first senior title since 1986. Not only that, but they recovered from being seven points down against Leitrim champions Ballinamore last Sunday to qualify for this semi-final with a storming second half. Under the guidance of former star

AFL Division Four Final St. Dominic’s 2-10 St. Michael’s 1-10 AFL Division Five Quarter-Final St. Dominic’s 1-11 St. Brigid’s 1-10 Junior B FC Semi-Finals Strokestown 2-7 St. Aidan’s 0-5 Éire Óg 2-4 Clann na nGael 1-3 U-20 FC Division One (Group A) St. Brigid’s 1-16 Pádraig Pearses 1-7 U-20 FC Division One (Group B) Clann na nGael 3-11 Oran 1-8 U-20 FC Division Two (Group A) Elphin-Ballinameen 1-12 Tulsk Lord Edwards 1-9 U-20 FC Division Two (Group B) Michael Glavey’s/Éire Óg 1-0 Boyle 0-0 U-20 FC Division Three (Group A) Kilmore/Shannon Gaels 1-10 St. Faithleach’s 1-9 St. Aidan’s 5-15 St. Croan’s 3-7 U-20 FC Division Three (Group B) St. Michael’s 1-10 Western Gaels 2-7 Kilbride 3-13 Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s 2-11

Friday, November 26th U-20 FC Division One (Group B) At Lisnamult: Oran v Roscommon Gaels. 8.30 pm U-20 FC Division Three (Group A) At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Kilmore/ Shannon Gaels. 8 pm Recently crowned Roscommon senior champions, Pádraig Pearses, are in Connacht action this weekend against Mountbellew/ Moylough. Pic: Mick McCormack

Val Daly, the Galway champions have several very talented players, not least John and Michael Daly (sons of the manager), Barry McHugh, Eoin Finnerty, Colin Murray and Paul Donnellan. Their midfield combination of Michael Daly and Matthew Barrett looks especially strong, and Pearses will have to be ready to compete fiercely in this sector. But with Conor and Niall Daly there, I expect that Pat Flanagan’s men will be at least able to get a share of the

spoils in this vital area. Pearses have been very solid this year and with Anthony Butler, Ronan Daly and Davy Murray outstanding in defence, the Galway champions will have to be at their best to cause problems up front, although Pearses would be well advised to minimise the amount of scoreable frees they give away as Barry McHugh is a topclass operator from the placed ball. Hubert Darcy will have a huge role to play at full forward while Paul Carey,

Emmet Kelly and Conor Payne will be hoping to continue their best form from the Roscommon campaign. There will not be much between these teams. Mountbellew/Moylough got a searching test last Sunday and that will stand to them. But this Pearses team look settled, experienced and ideally placed to make a serious assault on this championship after a month’s break. Prediction: Pádraig Pearses

Connacht Club Ladies SFC: Clann na nGael v Kilkerrin/Clonbeirne on Sunday in Johnstown at 1 pm Impressive Roscommon champions Clann na nGael face a very tough challenge on Sunday when they meet the Galway champions Kilkerrin/ Clonbeirne in Johnstown. The Galway

GAA Results

Fixtures

Underdogs Clann face stern test < SEAMUS DUKE

The All-Ireland senior football final is scheduled to be played on the last Sunday in July. Teams from divisions three and four and who do not qualify for a provincial final will compete in the new Tailteann Cup competition.

girls are the hot favourites to win the provincial title this year and they will be one of the favourites to win the AllIreland club title too. They defeated Mayo champions Knockmore by 3-19 to 1-5 in recent weeks and look a devastating side going forward.

Kilkerrin/Clonbeirne have class players in every line and Clann will have to be at their very best to deny them. Finbar Egan’s charges were excellent in the Roscommon championship this year, however, this is a massive step up and it would be a shock if the Galway

girls were not to emerge victorious. Prediction: Kilkerrin/Clonbeirne Note: Roscommon Intermediate champions St. Dominic’s face Castlebar Mitchels on Sunday in Castlebar at 1 pm.

Saturday, November 27th U-21 Hurling Championship At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Dominic’s. 7.30 pm Sunday, November 28th U-20 FC Division One (Group A) At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 12 pm U-20 FC Division Two (Group A) (12 pm) At Kilbride: Elphin-Ballinameen v St. Dominic’s. At Enfield: Tulsk Lord Edwards v St. Ciaran’s U-20 FC Division Two (Group B) (12 pm) At Abbey Park: Boyle v Strokestown U-20 FC Division Three (Group A) (12 pm) At Orchard Park: St. Croan’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels At Mulhern Park: St. Aidan’s v St. Faithleach’s U-20 FC Division Three (Group B) (12 pm) At Croghan: Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s v St. Michael’s At O’Rourke Park: Kilbride v Western Gaels

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses Racing today is at Thurles with a national hunt card away at 12.05 pm. Tomorrow evening there is flat cards at Dundalk tomorrow off at 4 pm. Fairyhouse’s two-day Winter Festival is on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday features the Grade B EasyFix Handicap Chase. Sunday’s top class 8-race card is sponsored by Bar One Racing and features three Grade 1 races, the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, the Drinmore Novice Chase and the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle, backed up with the Grade A Handicap Hurdle, the Grade B Porterstown Handicap Chase and the Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle. Saturday racing starts at the early time of 11.30 am and Sunday at 12 pm. Terrestrial TV racing begins on Friday with four races from Newbury

including the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle on ITV. On Saturday, they are covering eight races with five from Newbury and three from Newcastle including the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle. No coverage of the Fairyhouse Festival on Saturday but on Sunday, RTÉ are covering the three grade 1 races and the Grade B chase. Paul Nolan sends Mrs. Milner over to Newbury for the Long Distance Hurdle tomorrow where she has a definite chance against Paisley Park. He also has Fortune Street in the closing handicap hurdle. On Saturday, Henry de Bromhead and Willie Mullins face one another with Eklat De Rire and On The Ropes in the Ladbroke Trophy Chase where they meet Colin Tizzard’s Fiddlerontheroof and Paul

Horse Racing Syndicate

by Tom Red

for new members

Tel: 087 1145009

Shor t putts Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore.

Nicholls’ Enrilo. An Irish winner with de Bromhead getting the better of Mullins. In Sunday’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, Henry de Bromhead’s mare Honeysuckle remains should extend her

unbeaten run under rules to 13 races, including the last two renewals of this Grade One, two Irish Champion Hurdles and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. She will be at long odds on to beat her ten rivals including the locally owned Skyace trained by Shark Hanlon and Paul Nolan’s Latest Exhibition returning to the minor obstacles.

Review of the Week The favourite won both the Troytown Chase and the Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle at Navan last Sunday. The odds on, 2/5, Gordon Elliott trained Hollow Games won the hurdle ridden by Davy Russell and the 4/1 fav Run Wild Fred completed a double for the team in the chase. Run Wild Fred and Davy Russell clear the last in the Troytown Chase.

Racing News Harry Skelton brought his brother Ben’s career training tally up to 1,000 winners last Friday bringing Faivoir home in the handicap chase at Ascot. He had achieved his own personal 1,000 winners mark when riding Dorisa Queen, trained by Ben, to win at Stratford last month.

Point-to-Point News

No racing on Saturday in the north but there are three meetings down south on Sunday with racing at Lingstown in Wexford with 113 entries, at Moig South near Askeaton in County Limerick with 121 entries and at Boulta near Ballynoe, on the Cork/Waterford border, with 118 runners. Racing begins at 12.30 pm at all three meetings.

Darts

(News from local golf clubs)

Roscommon

Paul Hoare was the winner of the Men’s weekly competition held on Sunday 14th with 38 points. Matt Farrell was runner-up with 37 points while Michael Sharkey (35) and Simon Walker (34) took third and gross prizes respectively. The recent Ladies’ competition was won by Jackie Maxwell with 22 points while Sandra Kelly (22) and Noreen O’Grady finished second and third respectively. J. Somers (35 points) was victorious in the Men’s Senior competition on Thursday last. Other results: Cat 1: Des Mahon (33); Cat 2: John McGrath (32); Cat 3: Pat Finneran (33); Over 80: JT Finn (34); Deuces: M. Tierney, Pat McDonagh, K. Madden, D. Mahon and J. Cooney. Meanwhile, Kathleen Kelly won the Ladies’ Senior competition, Kay Ruane was runner-up, Gertie Spillane third, and Mary Mulhern fourth.

Boyle

The latest Winter League results (November 14th and 15th) were as follows: 1st: Terry Canning (40 points); 2nd: Gerry Carty (38); 3rd: Jimmy Dwyer (37). The Management Committee AGM takes place this Sunday (28th) at 5 pm in the clubhouse. All members are welcome to attend.

Carrick

All to play for in semifinals!

It’s still very much all to play for in the Hannon’s Hotel sponsored Roscommon Darts League following the first leg of the semifinals. McDermott’s lead An Bothar Rua 6-3 after their first leg. In Molly’s 5-4 win over Flanagan’s, there were maximums for Brian McCormack, Francis Hussey, Paddy Fleming, Mikey O’Grady, Sean Fleming, and Kieran McCormack. Fleming also had a 116 checkout while Tomás Rushe posted a 105 finish. In the Shield semi-finals, The Hollywood leads Sideline Bar 6-3. Conor King’s 118 finish was the highlight during the first leg. Meanwhile, the first leg of the other semi-final between The Cosy Bar and Dalton’s will be played this week.

NOW OPEN

The Winter League is ongoing until January 2nd and will be played as a singles Stableford over the old nine holes. Each player’s best five cards from the seven weeks will combined to give a total score. There will be one weekly winner also. A record number of players took part in week one and the winner was Ciaran Cafferky with a score of 25 points. €30 for seven weeks or €7 per entry and the competition is open Saturdays and Sundays. After your round, verify your score with a playing partner and mark the verifier’s name on the card. Use masterscoreboard.co.uk to enter your score and place the card in the box in the office. Presentation of prizes will take place on Sunday, January 2nd at 7 pm.

Businesses: Reach your target market! Well done to Ballaghaderreen’s U-12 Girls’ Mixed Distance Relay team who won gold at the Community Games County Finals held recently in Castlerea. The team of Saerlaith Dillon, Aoibhinn Conway, Zoe McDonagh and Kaylan McHugh will now compete at the Community Games National Finals at Navan Racecourse this Saturday (27th).

18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Longford win cracker in Creggs!

Creggs Development 29 Longford RFC Seconds 33: Creggs’ Development team and the Longford Seconds served up highly entertaining rugby in a friendly match played at Creggs on Friday night last. Prop-forward Matthew Curley made an immense contribution with three excellent tries for Creggs, while Tommie Devine also crossed for a well taken try in the last minute. Matthew Ryan impressed with his placekicking, while Brian Cleary and Ronan Cahill gave Creggs extra momentum when introduced at half-time. Longford had a number of powerful forwards on show and Creggs defended strongly to hold them out on numerous occasions. The Creggs Development team travel to face OLBC in the Sportsground in Galway on Sunday, in what promises to be another big test for this rapidly improving squad of players. Meanwhile, the Creggs Firsts are home to Westport in the Connacht J1A League this Sunday at

2.30 pm. Creggs are joint top of the table with Buccaneers with the visitors just one point behind in third.

Youth Rugby

Creggs 15 Corinthians 17 (U-13s): Creggs U-13s were narrowly beaten at home to Corinthians on Saturday last. The visitors had the hosts under pressure early on and crossed for their first try after just five minutes. However, Creggs did get a foothold in the game and Sam Walsh levelled matters with a fine try. Corinthians responded before half-time with a try under the posts which was converted to give the visitors a 12-5 before Sam Walsh responded once more to leave just two points between the sides at the break. Creggs played the early stages of the second half in the Corinthians’ half and Walsh completed a fine hattrick to give the home side a deserved 1512 lead. While Creggs defended bravely throughout, a turnover in midfield allowed the Corinthians centre in for what would

Ciaran Purcell gets over for a try for Roscommon CBS in their defeat to Marist College recently. Pic Bernie O’Farrell.

prove to be the decisive try. Creggs showed plenty of heart, however, and despite this defeat will travel to Ballina this Sunday in good spirits. A very busy weekend ahead for youth rugby in Creggs with five home games and two away games down for decision. Creggs Girls U-16s are away to Ballinasloe on Sunday at 4 pm having already booked their place in the Connacht League Division One Final next month.

Playing their last league game this weekend, the Girls’ U-18s team, who are currently joint top of the table with Ballina, take on Westport needing to a better result than Ballina to secure a place in the Connacht League Final. Kick off is 12.30 pm on Saturday. Creggs Boys U-14s have a straight shootout with Sligo, who are just above them in the Connacht League. Kick-off is at 11 am this Saturday in Creggs. The winner

will secure a place in the Connacht League Final against Buccaneers. The U-17 Boys will try to maintain their push for a Connacht League Final spot with a home game against Buccaneers this Friday night at 7 pm. Meanwhile, the U-18.5s, after a difficult league campaign, will try to get their season up and going when they play Ballinasloe RFC in the at 5 pm on Saturday. The U-14 Girls will welcome Ballina to Creggs

on Saturday at 2.30 pm in their Connacht League match. Finally, the U-13 Boys take on Ballina RFC on Sunday at 1.30 pm in Ballina.

Mini Rugby

New players (boys and girls) always welcome to join Creggs Mini Rugby in any of the age groups from U-7s up to U-12s. There’s always a big welcome in Creggs for new young players and their parents/guardians.

Carty signs new three-year deal with Connacht < DAN DOONER

Jack Carty has committed his longterm future to Connacht after signing a new three-year deal until 2025. The Roscommon native has made 164 appearances for the province since his debut nine years ago and was part of the squad that won the Guinness PRO12 in 2016. Further impressive performances resulted in an Ireland debut away to Italy during the 2019 Six Nations. A product of the Connacht pathway, playing club and school rugby for Buccaneers and Marist College, Carty has ten caps for his country and was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. Speaking this week, Carty said he was grateful to be able to represent

his home province for another three years. “The staff and my teammates have been incredible and create an environment where you can feel yourself growing daily. It’s easy to stay motivated because of them, even on a wet and windy day training in Galway! The club is represented by people from every pocket of Connacht, Ireland and beyond, but everyone is incredibly proud in representing Connacht and the west. “There is no doubt that this club and squad are in a position to challenge for silverware. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us over the coming years and I’d like to thank Keith Matthews for his help and guidance. Along with that, I hope to add to my international caps,” he

said. “Most importantly, I want to thank my family, friends and loved ones especially mum, dad, my sisters Aoife and Deirdre, my brothers Ben and Luke, my brother-in-law Donie and my niece and nephew Juliette and Ted for all the support and love”. Head coach Andy Friend said it was brilliant news for everyone associated with Connacht Rugby and described Carty as a “top-class international out-half and a crucial player” for Connacht. “Jack is a very proud Connacht man and loves representing his club, school, province and country. I’m really excited to see him going from strength to strength and committing to us for another next three years,” he said.

Soccer Results Connacht FA Cup Third Round Maree/Oranmore B 2 Kilkerrin United 3 Salthill Devon 3 St. John’s Athletic 0 Athenry FC 6 Ballaghaderreen FC 1 Cam Celtic 2 Dynamo Blues/Gort United 3 Ballymoe FC 2 West Coast United 1 Aughanagh Celtic 1 Boyle Celtic 6 Galway Hibs 2 Moore United 1 Moyne Villa 3 Castlerea Celtic 0 Ballinasloe Town 1 MCR FC 0 Moylough ’79 1 Ballisodare United 2 Connacht FA Shield Second Round Knocknacarra 6 Ballinasloe Town B 2 Dunmore Town 1 Merlin Woods/Medtronic 0 Shiven Rovers 3 Oughterard 3 AET (Shiven Rovers won 3-1 on penalties) Ballinagare Manor United 3 Calry Bohs 3 AET (Calry won 5-3 on penalties) Ballygawley Celtic 3 Dysart FC 0

Fixtures Friday, November 26th RDFL Division One Glen Celtic v CP Ajax. 8 pm RDFL Division Two (8 pm) Moore United B v Rahara Rovers Boyle Celtic B v Ballaghaderreen FC B Saturday, November 27th RDFL Division Two Ballymoe FC B v St. John’s Athletic B. 8 pm

Jack Carty has committed his long-term future to Connacht after signing a new three-year deal until 2025. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Sunday, November 28th FAI Centenary Junior Cup Fourth Round Portlaw United v Boyle Celtic. 1 pm Ballinasloe Town v Listowel Celtic. 2 pm Connacht FA Cup Cloonfad United v Ballyheane. 2 pm RDFL Premier Division St. John’s Athletic v Ballymoe FC. 11 am Ballaghaderreen FC v Castlerea Celtic. 2 pm RDFL Division One Skyvalley Rovers v Ballinagare Manor United. 11 am RDFL Division Two Cam Celtic v St. Cuan’s United Ahascragh. 11 am Cloonfad United B v Skyvalley Rovers B. 2 pm Dunmore Town B v Roscommon United. B. 2 pm

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021

SportsPeople Handball

All-Ireland disappointment for Kennedy

Pictured is the Four Roads 2020 minor team which beat Roscommon Gaels by 3-12 to 1-15 in the 2020 county final which was played on Saturday, November 13th.

Tooreen favourites for Hyde Park clash

AIB Connacht Club IHC Semi-Final: Athleague v Tooreen in Dr. Hyde Park on Saturday at 1.30 pm

Note: This is a big weekend for St. Joseph’s who represent Roscommon in the AIB Connacht Club Junior Football Championship when they face the Sligo champions St. Patrick’s at Markievicz Park on Saturday at 1.30 pm. The Sligo side defeated the Leitrim champions Glenfarne last weekend and they will start as favourites.

Short passes

St. Brigid’s seek new GDO St. Brigid’s GAA Club is currently on the lookout for a new Games Development Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the underage games and development as well as coaching within the club and local primary schools. The club says that applications from individuals with limited experience, but with a passion for the role, will be considered. Candidates interested in the above role should apply by requesting the application form and job description by sending an email to Secretary.stbrigids.roscommon@gaa.ie.

< SEAMUS DUKE

Athleague face a tough task on Saturday when they take on Tooreen in the Connacht intermediate semi-final. The record of Roscommon clubs against their Mayo counterparts in recent years has not been good and Athleague will be going into this game as the underdogs. Athleague have had plenty of time to recover after beating Tremane in the Roscommon senior final and manager Padraig Mannion will be hoping for a big performance from his charges. According to reports, there has been a big turnout at training and the Roscommon champions are quietly confident of causing an upset. There is plenty of experience in the Athleague ranks with Niall Connolly, Pat Nolan, Dave Connell, Cathal Moore, Gary Fallon and Ronan O’Meara all playing well this year while younger players like Ben McGahon, Naoise Coyle and Eoghan Coyle will be hoping to make their mark on Saturday. Tooreen defeated Ballyhaunis by a single point in the Mayo final two weeks ago (0-15 to 1-11) and they have several experienced and talented hurlers in their midst. Fergal Boland has played senior football and hurling for Mayo while his brother Shane, and Cathal Freeman are top-class players. The game is in Dr. Hyde Park which means that Athleague will not be playing on their home ground and that will be a factor. On their best form, Athleague would have a great chance but Tooreen look a good side and it would be a surprise if they do not prevail here. Prediction: Tooreen

Carragh Kennedy’s attempt to make it three out of three juvenile All-Irelands for Roscommon in recent weeks ended in disappointment when she was beaten by Kilkenny’s Amy Brennan in their Covid-delayed 2020 60x30 Girls U-16 AllIreland final on Wednesday last. Played in the famous old court in Crinkle, Co. Offaly, this game was highly anticipated by handball insiders as it featured two very strong 60x30 players with hard-hitting, aggressive styles, but the play never quite reached the heights expected. Despite their experience, both girls seemed very nervous throughout and unfortunately, Carragh wasn’t able to capitalise on Brennan’s vulnerability. Both games were almost a carbon copy of each other as Carragh started brightly, while Amy made a number of uncharacteristic errors. Unfortunately, Carragh’s struggled for consistency with her serve, and slowly but surely Brennan grinded out the points to win on a score of 15-7, 15-7.

Castlerea Community School set for #SeriousSupport programme

(Above) Roscommon senior hurling champions Athleague face a tough task on Saturday when they take on Tooreen in the Connacht intermediate semifinal this Saturday at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Mick McCormack

(Right) Athleague manager Padraig Mannion will be hoping for a big performance from his charges this weekend. Pic: Mick McCormack

Castlerea Community School will represent Roscommmon as part of Lidl’s #SeriousSupport Schools Programme which sees schools partnering with one of the supermarket chain’s 12 athlete mentors, each of whom are current or former inter-county ladies footballers. The programme, which is supported by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and delivered by Youth Sports Trust is aimed at reducing the drop-rate rate in participation among girls aged 11-14 years. The programme was put on hold last year due to Covid-19 but will now return to schools in 26 counties across Ireland.

Camogie All Stars postponed The Camogie Association have taken the decision to postpone this year’s All Stars ceremony, which was to take place this Friday at the Osprey Hotel in Naas, due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases across the country. A statement from the association read: “While we appreciate the disappointment of all who were planning to attend, this decision has been taken with the health and safety of all in mind. “The Camogie Association look forward to holding The 2021 All Stars Awards in 2022 when the opportunity presents”.

Roscommon People Friday 26 November 2021