27 October 2023 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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Calls for Council to reconsider Strokestown streets’ scheme < PAUL HEALY

Opposition to the proposed multi-million euro redevelopment of the streetscape in Strokestown has intensified over the past week, with a number of retailers and local residents voicing concerns over Roscommon County Council’s plans. At a meeting held in the town last Thursday night, blunt opposition to the proposed new design of Church Street and Bawn Street was voiced by a number of speakers, with local politicians left in no doubt about the strength of public feeling on this issue.

Those opposing the plan argue that there will be a significant loss of parking spaces, that implementation of the plan would be greatly detrimental to local businesses, that the town’s proud heritage is not being preserved, and that some members of the public would be inconvenienced as a result of certain changes. Prominent Strokestown businessman Frank Hanly has appealed to Roscommon County Council to consult with retailers and local residents and take on board their concerns, with a view to urgently changing the plan. As part of the Town Centres First initiative, Roscommon County Council is seeking Part 8 planning permission for the Strokestown Public Realm Enhancement Scheme. We have a special report on pages 18-19.

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Musings on St Brigid’s, Boyle… and Jean Claude Van Damme! Endangered Species

Wow! Huh?

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

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie Welfare Payments

I know that this is not a legal question, but I would really appreciate if you would please list the dates that various welfare payments announced in the Budget are due to be paid. I heard that they are available online but I am not very good with computers. Thank you. Budget 2024 Measure

Payment Date

€400 Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Working Family Payment

Week commencing 20 November 2023

€400 Disability Support Grant to people receiving Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension

Week commencing 20 November 2023

Fuel Allowance Lump Sum of €300

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€200 payment to people in receipt of Living Alone Allowance

Week commencing 27 November 2023

(Editor: I thought I told you guys… ‘wow’ and ‘huh’ are banned from this so-called column!) CYCLING ACCIDENT

I was just saying… Yeah? If you were involved in a cycling Yer man did some sweating at the accident contact weekend! Byrne Carolan Hu… I mean wha’? Cunningham Did you not Solicitors see yer man, sweating like mad on the telly? Was it the South African coach against England in the final minutes? NO! It was JCVD! Surely you mean ACDC? Had they a concert? Love them! NO! JCVD – Jean Claude Van Damme – the Belgian actor was on the Late Late Show! And social media was ablaze with reaction to him, mainly ‘cos he was really sweating! Why was he sweating so much? I dunno… maybe he thought the 2 Johnnies were going to come on at any moment – again! Ha! (They pause to watch a recording – for vague journalistic purposes – of the 2 Johnnies’ new show, and emerge from a ‘safe room’ visibly shaking)

The barstool boyos

So, how was your weekend, my friend? Not bad! I’m sorry we didn’t get to have a pint, but we can meet up for the big game at the weekend! Absolutely! Who are you tipping? New Zealand or South Africa? Actually, I meant Éire Óg v Castlerea

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Week commencing 04 December 2023

Double Child Benefit Payment

5th December 2023

January Cost of Living Double Payment

Week commencing 29 January 2024

Athleague, crowned Roscommon senior camogie champions after a 1-9 to 1-6 win over St Dominic’s

It’s been a BAD week for…

Paddy Cosgrave, who has resigned as Chief Executive of Web Summit, after controversy over his comments (on Israel) led to several of the world’s top companies withdrawing from this year’s event, scheduled for Lisbon next month

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

☹

President Michael D Higgins, who has come under fire for comments he made in relation to the Israel-Hamas war

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

SOLICITORS

☺

St Brigid’s, who won their 18th Roscommon senior football title, withstanding a strong Boyle fightback to get over the line at Dr Hyde Park last Sunday

Week commencing €100 lump sum for each child in respect of whom an 27 November 2023 Increase for a Qualified Child is in payment Christmas Bonus Double Payment

in the Intermediate final! It will be a cracker, and it’s in the Hyde on Sunday! Oh yes! We’ll go to that, and we’ll have a pint after it! Speaking of county finals, did you get to St Brigid’s v Boyle? As you know, I was away for the weekend! Yes, I was in the Hyde. It was a tense, tight game. St Brigid’s looked to have the title in their grasp, only for Boyle to make a great late burst. It looked odds-on for extra-time, but our friends in Kiltoom held on! A great club, congrats to all there! I must say Boyle were in hard luck. They executed their game plan brilliantly. They prevented Brigid’s from goaling, stayed in touch, and were so close to drawing level. A heartbreaker for Boyle… Indeed… but their day will come. Well, all credit to Boyle, they must have had St Brigid’s feeling like the ‘talent’ on the Late Late… Huh? I mean, wha’? Boyle must have had Brigid’s feeling a bit like Jean Claude Van Damme! Oh yeah, like an unstoppable force? Actually, I meant… sweating a bit more than they normally would!

PIC OF THE WEEK: The O’Rourke sisters, Lisa and Aoife, pictured with Cllr John Keogh, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council in the Demesne in Castlerea for the launch of the new Roscommon Walks & Cycleways Booklet for Autumn 2023. Pic: Brian Farrell

Boyle senior footballers, who suffered the heartbreak of losing a second successive county senior football final by a single-point margin

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Palani sentenced to life in prison for double murder

Yousef Palani has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Roscommon native Aidan Moffitt and Sligo man Michael Snee in Sligo last year.

Yousef Palani, the 23-year-old man who earlier this year was convicted of the murders of Roscommon native Aidan Moffitt and Sligo man Michael Snee in Sligo in April 2022, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this week. Palani, of Markievicz Heights in Sligo, also received a 20-year concurrent sentence for causing serious harm to a third man, Anthony Burke. The families of victims Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee told the Central Criminal Court of the devastation and horror they have endured since Palani murdered their loved ones in separate attacks on the 10th and 12th of April, 2022. Passing sentence on Monday, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said that she was not going to repeat the “unspeakable violence” endured by the two innocent men in this case. Noting that the two murder victims were cherished members of society, Justice Ring wished the family and friends of Mr Moffitt and Mr Snee “some peace” in the future.

Local auctioneer Sean Naughton pictured with Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, TD, at the unveiling of the new Michael Collins statue in Cork last week.

Councillor Joe Murphy opts out ‘for personal reasons’ Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Murphy – who serves in the Boyle Municipal District – has announced that he will not be contesting the next local elections due to personal reasons. Cllr Murphy, a former Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, said that he is announcing his decision with regret. Cllr. Murphy revealed that his wife’s health is now his family’s priority. “Sadly my wife Nicola has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, which is a progressive neurological condition which is acutely disabling and terminal. Our priority now as a family is

to take care of each other and support our two sons through this difficult time while raising awareness of this terrible disease”. Cllr. Murphy said it had been an honour and privilege to represent the Boyle local electoral area. He said he has worked with wonderful people, including his Council colleagues and the local authority’s executive and staff. He also thanked Fianna Fáil delegates for entrusting him with this important role, as well as his canvassers, Director of Elections Claire Hoare, and all who voted for him. He thanked

his brother, Senator Eugene Murphy, for all his advice and guidance. Cllr. Murphy said that it is his fervent hope that investment will be secured and rolled out throughout the coming months in towns such as Strokestown, and he pledged to continue to work progressively on that front until his term ends next year. Wishing all candidates in next year’s elections the very best of luck, Cllr. Murphy said that when he was Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council (2021-2022) he had been privileged to meet many people, from local

Man charged following €35k drug seizure in Kilteevan Last Thursday, October 19th, Gardaí seized over €35,000 of suspected cannabis along with a sum of cash during a search conducted as part of Operation Tara in County Roscommon. The search was conducted at a residence at Annaghmore in Kilteevan by Gardaí from the Roscommon/ Longford Drug Unit, with assistance by Gardaí from Roscommon,

the Garda Dog Unit and the Armed Support Unit, North Western Region. During the course of this search, approximately €32,000 of suspected cannabis along with €3,200 of suspected cannabis plants and €1,600 of cash was seized by Gardaí. Following the search, two men (both aged in their late 40s) were arrested as part of the investigation and detained at a Garda station in County

Roscommon under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. One of the men was then charged and appeared before a sitting of Castlerea District Court last Friday, October 20th. The second man arrested as part of the investigation was released without charge. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ambulance Service to transfer some patients to Roscommon Hospital The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Roscommon University Hospital (RUH) have agreed a programme that will allow for some patients to be transferred directly to RUH Injury Unit if they meet strict criteria. The programme, which involves strict clinical and geographical criteria, will see a small cohort of patients with minor injuries transferred by NAS to the injury unit for treatment. The injury unit is open

seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age. Under this new agreement, the National Ambulance Service paramedics will also transfer patients with minor injuries to the unit. The pathway will result in patients receiving medical treatment in a hospital closer to their home and will release ambulances more quickly to respond to other emergency calls. 112/999

patients that do not meet these clinical criteria will continue to be transported to Emergency Departments for assessment and treatment. Ann Cosgrove (Chief Operations Officer with the Saolta University Health Care Group, which oversees RUH), welcomed the move, saying, “This pathway involves a clear definition of patient groups who would benefit from such a referral. This is essential so that all healthcare profes-

sionals concerned, including paramedics and doctors, can be assured that we are bringing the right patients to the right location”. John Joe McGowan (Chief Ambulance Officer, West) added, “Many patients who present to the emergency department have non-urgent care needs that could be treated through an injury unit. Opening this pathway will allow our paramedics to bring patients to the most appropriate location in RUH for their treatment”.

community groups to international dignitaries, all of whom held and shared the same purpose: to improve and develop solutions for the issues their local communities faced and to positively add to the lives of the people they served. Concluding, he paid tribute to his family: “I have found that success in political life is very much down to the support system you have in place and I’ve been so lucky to have the most gracious support of my family… Nicola, Conor, and Oisín. Thank you for your unyielding love, support and guidance in helping me fulfil my ambitions”.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Tarmonbarry to host Samhain Festival and launch of new tourism initiative Tarmonbarry will host a busy Samhain Festival this weekend. This event will be held in conjunction with the launch of the new Kilbarry Heritage and Tourism Initiative. Described by organiser Sean Browne as “a grand festival of celebration, culture, and craic”, the festivities will celebrate the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain with a series of activities for young and old alike. He has promised a weekend of celebrations, with the main focus being on Tuesday. There are a series of events lined up for Tuesday, October 31st, starting at noon and continuing until late into Halloween night. There will be a wide range of activities and attractions in store for children, in-

cluding buck leppin’ in the hay, a penalty competition, face-painting, face-pulling competition, a ‘real’ Witch Hunt, donkey racing, a bouncy castle, and lots of Halloween games and traditions such as ducking for apples and snap apple. There’s lots in store for adults too, with beesom dancing events and “oodles of Samhain fare” promised. The festivities will continue into Tuesday evening, with a traditional concert and singing session taking place, with music by the Noel Keane Group, Patricia Lane, and all comers (please bring instruments). There will be lots of traditional seasonal food and drink, as well as a grand lottery with a plethora of valuable, unique and desir-

able prizes. The exciting Tuesday evening schedule will also see the ‘Rising of the Dead’ event and Sean Browne’s ‘Samhain Show’ being held. Also on Tuesday evening, the official grand launch of the new Kilbarry Heritage Tourism Initiative (spearheaded by Sean Browne) will take place (with membership for the Kilbarry Heritage Association available on the night). All in all, Tarmonbarry is surely the place to be this Bank Holiday weekend, and especially on Tuesday, with a host of traditional activities taking place. Don’t miss out on your chance to share in the Samhain celebrations. Come for the craic, stay for the culture!

St. Brigid’s goalkeeper Cormac Sheehy celebrates with his daughters Emily and Annie after winning the Roscommon SFC final against Boyle last Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Frank and Sinead Finneran supporting St. Brigid’s in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday ahead of the Roscommon SFC final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Luke Griselain of St Brigid’s pictured with his Godmother Mary Cunniffe, who had flown in from the US, and his parents Sandra and Frederick after St. Brigid’s won the Roscommon SFC final last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Special 10th anniversary Concert next month

Tickets are now on sale for Roscommon Solstice Choir’s 10th Anniversary Concert, which will take place on Friday, November 3rd in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Tickets (priced at €10) are available from

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on Thursday, 9th November 2023 from 6:30pm-9:00pm Roscommon Young Carers pictured with Deborah Somorin as they were announced as overall winners of the youth category at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2023. Photograph: MacInnes Photography

Roscommon Young Carers project a winner Roscommon Young Carers Project, a voluntary-based charity which supports those who fulfil a primary or secondary carer role in the home, has won big at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The Roscommon-based charity scooped a whopping €10,000 as they were announced overall winner of the youth category at a ceremony which took place in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare on October 21st. The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from

all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. The Roscommon Young Carers support those who fulfil a primary or secondary carer role in the home. These are young carers looking after a family member with an illness, injury, disability, mental health issue or addiction. National Lottery funding allowed the group to set a foundation for their ‘Art of Caring’ programme which uses the arts as a medium to connect young people in an area of their

personal interest for example drama, music, creative writing, etc. The project offers them a mechanism for selfexpression and self-care which may have been lost in their role as a young carer. Gráinne Seoige hosted this year’s event and was joined by a star-studded line-up of guest presenters who handed out category awards. The seven category winners each received €10,000; the Hero of the Year received €5,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year winners, Meath Women’s Refuge Support Services, received an additional €25,000.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie Life’s Too Short, and After Life, with hopefully more to come. I rest my case!

SATURDAY Raining champs…

MONDAY/TUESDAY Israel-Hamas war

England v South Africa in this evening’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal was extremely engrossing. It was no try-fest (just the one), with conventional attacking play almost non-existent. The commentators assured us this was due to the weather conditions. It was, instead, a forwards’ battle, and a kicking game. England were very unlucky, this super-resilient South Africa side just crossing the winning post. I expect them to beat New Zealand in the final.

SUNDAY A real legend

There are great sportspeople, and then there are icons, names that stir the emotions on a stratospheric level. Ever since I first fell in love with soccer – I was only six or seven years of age – the name ‘Bobby Charlton’ has had a magical quality to it. This was a name that could share billing with Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Eusebio, Best and Law, a name that seemed to be part of both folklore and the contemporary football narrative when I was a kid in the early 1970s. The legend of Puskas and Di Stéfano captivated us too, but by all accounts Bobby Charlton could live in their company as well. These names took our breath away. At school, we kicked ball in the mornings, settling for ‘being’ Kevin Keegan or Kenny Dalglish, Tony Currie or Gordon Hill, certainly not audacious enough to allow our admittedly fertile imaginations to include the aforementioned titans in our fantasies. Ensuring Charlton’s unique place in history was his starring role in England’s 1966 World Cup win, that and the double he scored in the European Cup final in 1968, when Manchester United became the first

English club to win that trophy. But there was even more to the burgeoning Charlton legend. The way he dealt with the Munich air disaster – Charlton survived while eight of his teammates perished – touched a watching world. We would become used to the easy dignity of the great man. Then there was Charlton’s playing style and distinctive appearance… football pitches graced by the balding midfielder, so unmistakable as he floated past opponents and swept lethal long-range shots towards goal. We are grateful for the limited television footage, while those who saw him in the flesh say he was one of the greatest players of all time, a graceful and often unstoppable midfielder with a marvellous goal return. In latter decades, Charlton was an incomparably distinguished ambassador for Manchester United, and for English football. It was sad that Bobby and his brother Jack fell out, though I have no doubt mutual respect lived on in their hearts. Bobby Charlton, who died today

aged 86, was one of the greatest figures in the history of football. He was also a uniquely humble man. His name captivated us in the 1960s and ‘70s, and it will echo through the ages. The footage of this prince of midfielders will be cherished, as will the memory of his dignity and humility. Fans of all clubs are saddened by the passing of a truly unique football man. May he rest in peace.

SUNDAY You must be joking

Ricky Gervais has tweeted details of an analysis by the website Ticketsource in which they listed who they consider to be the most influential comedians in the world. This is as distinct from ‘greatest ever’ comedians; it’s a present-day analysis, with the website placing much emphasis on the social media output and following of the various comedians, as well as taking

into account their touring success, net worth, etc. Gervais – creator of The Office – highlights that 37 countries out of 38 consider him to be the most influential comedian in the UK, with Ireland’s number one UK comedian being Jimmy Carr. Yes, the outlier is Ireland. Gervais playfully tweeted (along with a smiley face): ‘I demand a recount #Ireland’. Well, whatever system Ticketsource used, I respectfully suggest that even placing Carr in the same league as Gervais is itself a joke. Actually, Carr is perhaps a more polished stand-up than Gervais, but the latter is immeasurably more talented, more successful, and more likeable too! I appreciate that Carr has a huge following; personably, I find him reasonably funny, but quite obnoxious. Gervais, on the other hand – and quite apart from his massively successful stand-up tours – is an actor, writer, producer and director who is responsible for The Office, Extras, Derek,

So the Israel-Hamas war (as it’s being called) relentlessly rages on, a couple of weeks into this horrendous hopelessness. I’ve watched numerous current affairs shows discussing it, listened to the radio analysis, read the tweets and dipped into the incessant online commentary. I’ve often looked away too. Just now, as I type (Tuesday night), a panellist on Virgin Media has said there have been 5,000 deaths already. In two weeks. I’m not sure I know enough about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict to venture a fully informed view on the morality, not to mention politics, of it all. As an aside of sorts… Fiona and I visited Jerusalem and Bethlehem in 1995, and it was a remarkable and hugely rewarding experience. The religious fervour of the people was something to behold. The people we met were lovely. That said, there was tension in the air at all times. I remember one coach trip we were on being abruptly delayed when we were stopped by heavily armed (and very inquisitive) military figures. I digress. I will confine my views to the following: it is in the interests of all reasonable people – and most people in the world are reasonable (and good) – that the current carnage ends now. The loss of life has been horrendous. The cruelty has been inhumane. This is a humanitarian disaster, unfolding in the shadow of murder and mayhem. A ceasefire is needed immediately, followed by responsible leadership from all involved, including the international community, who simply must step in to help shed some light midst the darkness. Even in dark and desperate times, we live in hope. And may the innocent victims rest in peace.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 Section 16

NOTICE OF THE PREPARATION OF THE ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL DRAFT CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2024-2029 Notice is hereby given that Roscommon County Council has, pursuant to Section 16 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, prepared a Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. The draft Plan sets out how the local authority can promote a range of mitigation, adaptation and other climate action measures, to help deliver on the national climate obligations and the Government’s overall National Climate Objective, which seeks to pursue and achieve, by no later than the end of 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy. The draft Plan is accompanied by: • An Environmental Report, prepared in accordance with the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 of 2004 as amended by S.I. 200 of 2011) for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) • An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Natura Impact Report, pursuant to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Submissions are invited on the Roscommon County Council Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, and the accompanying reports outlined above, from Friday 27th October to Wednesday 13th December 2023. The Plan and accompanying reports will be on display during this period at the following locations: • online at www.roscommoncoco.ie • at Roscommon County Council, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) between the hours of 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. • Boyle and Athlone Area Offices • All branches of Roscommon Libraries during Library opening hours. Public Information Sessions A series of public information sessions in respect of the Draft Climate Action Plan are planned as set out below: • 21st November King House, Boyle • 24th November Roscommon County Council • 28th November Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea. Any further public consultation events will be advertised during the consultation period on www.roscommoncoco.ie. Written submissions or observations regarding the Draft Climate Action Plan, Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Report, are invited from members of the public and other interested parties. You can make a submission or observation between Friday October 27th and Wednesday 13th December 2023 inclusive, by the following means: A written submission can be made: • Electronically: by email to climate@roscommoncoco.ie; • By post to the following address: Draft Roscommon County Climate Action Plan, Climate Action Unit, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 VR98 • By hand: Entitled ‘Draft Roscommon County Climate Action Plan’, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 VR98 Please make your submission or observations by one medium only i.e., via email or in hard copy. Submissions or observations should include your name and address and, where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc. which you represent. Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are particularly encouraged to make submissions or observations regarding the foregoing. Written submissions or observations with respect to the draft Plan that are made within the period stated, will be taken into consideration before the making of the Plan. Please note LATE submissions or observations will not be considered. You are strongly advised to make your submission or observation as early as possible. Data Protection: Following the consultation stage, a report summarising the issues raised and the Chief Executive’s recommendation will then be presented to the Elected Members for their consideration in February 2024. All submissions received that provide consent, will be published on the website of the Council accompanied by their name or the organisation’s name they submitted on behalf of. Their name will be listed in the Chief Executive’s report which will be published on the website of the Council. Where consent has not been provided, the name of individuals will not be published on the website of the Council, however the content of their submission will be published on the website of the Council. The full privacy statement associated with the processing of your data for the submission on the Draft Climate Action Plan 2024 -2029 is available on Council’s website at www.roscommoncoco.ie Caitlín Conneely Director of Services Climate Action, Environment, Rural Water, Water Services, Laboratory, Information Systems, Corporate Services, Assets & Energy Management, Health & Safety and Human Resources Dated: Thursday 26th October 2023

OPENING HOURS IN ÁRAS AN CHONTAE: MOTOR TAX OFFICE 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday. ALL OTHER SERVICES are open 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. PHONE SERVICES AVAILABLE from 9.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Phone: (090) 6637100 Email: customerservices@roscommoncoco.ie

@RoscommonCountyCouncil @roscommoncoco

www.roscommoncoco.ie

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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

TELEPHONE: 071 – 9647016

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

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Pictured are Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan, who will play a concert in Creggs on Sunday, October 29th, as part of Creggs Harvest Festival.

AUTUMN MACHINERY AUCTION FARM MACHINERY AND PLANT

On Saturday, 4th November 2023 at 10.30am Consisting: Tractors, mowers, all agricultural equipment, jeeps, diggers, dumpers, trailers also small items hand tools, power tools. Venue: Roscommon County Soccer Pitch, Galeybeg Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon, EIRCODE F42KW44 Reduction sale of 12 horses after the machinery sale all chipped and green books Auction will be online also at LSL online platform (register before 9am on the day of the Auction) to register contact John on 086 3077 091. Entries from:Thursday, 2nd November from 5 – 7pm Friday, 3rd November 12 - 7pm.

Enquiries to John - 086 3077 091 or Mattie - 086 8100 701. Terms and conditions at Auction

Creggs Harvest Festival kicks off on Friday

Creggs Harvest Festival, running from October 27th to 30th, promises to be a fun-filled weekend for all the family, with a variety of events, including style night, craft show, dog show, the Bard of Connacht event, and a concert featuring Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan. The annual festival gets underway on Friday evening with a quiz for National School children in the Heritage Centre at 6 pm. This is always a fun-filled event for local children, with

question master Seamus Ward on hand to deliver the questions. It’s the first of a multitude of fantastic family-friendly events over the course of the weekend, including a Style Night (Friday), GAA Skills competition (Saturday), Mountain v the Valley football match on Saturday afternoon, Children’s Fancy Dress Parade (Sunday), a major craft fair (Sunday), the always popular Dog Show (Sunday), the eagerly anticipated concert featuring

Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan (Sunday night), the Bard of Connacht event on Monday, and a Family Fun Run that same day. All weekend there will be regular music sessions in local pubs. The festival will come to a close on Bank Holiday Monday with the annual Children’s Halloween Disco in Kilbegnet Hall from 6 pm to 8 pm, where children from the region can enjoy a fun disco in the spooky spirit of Halloween.

3008

241 Test Drive Event this Bank Holiday Weekend WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for 3008 in l/100km is 5.1-5.3. WLTP combined CO2 emissions (g/km) range is 143-145.

KENNY GALWAY

Main Peugeot Dealer, City North Business Park, Tuam Road, Co. Galway. Tel: 091-783000 Web: www.peugeot.kennygalway.ie Kenny Galway - 3008 - 255w x 160h mm - Oct 2023.indd 1

24/10/2023 15:47:56

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Roscommon Volunteer Awards The Roscommon Volunteer Awards is held in recognition of volunteers and organisations that generously give their time and energy to make Roscommon a vibrant and thriving county.

Nominations Now Open! Organisations

Volunteers

Social Inclusion Initiative School Champions Arts and Culture Organisation Community Centre 2023

Board Member 2023 Health and Well-being Volunteer Community Cause Champion Spirited Volunteer

Nomination forms available at www.volunteerroscommon.ie

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Basics in Belcoo: How Margaret (81) thrives on living life in the old-fashioned way Our man Frank on being fascinated by the life and times of Belcoo lady Margaret Gallagher; Musings on the Rugby World Cup; Getting ‘dolled up’ for a local wedding… and preparing for the Harvest Festival Some time last year, my son Mark, my brother Duff, and myself headed off to the North to see our Creggs rugby lads take on Clogher Valley in an All-Ireland Junior Cup match. While we lost narrowly, the trip was notable for two events. The first I told you about at the time; we decided to visit Glencar Waterfall in Co. Leitrim, but despite arriving to the amenity’s car park, we somehow failed to find the actual falls themselves. However, we have made up our minds that we will return some day and – as they would say in the movies – we will complete our mission. When that will be I have no idea, but watch this space. The other thing that’s noteworthy about that day is that we passed through a village where there’s a remarkable resident, someone I didn’t know about at all at the time! That day last year, we drove into Blacklion and crossed the border into Belcoo (the two villages are virtually one). I just happened to find out this week that Belcoo is

home to the amazing woman that is 81-year-old Margaret Gallagher. What makes Margaret so unique is the fact that in this day and age, she has no electricity or running water, and – in her own words – she doesn’t know what change is all about. She lights her house with old-style (actually, just old) oil lamps. She has a big open fire where she boils her kettles of water, with which she washes herself and her clothes, and to keep up to date with the happenings in the wider world, she has a ‘wind up’ radio. She says that all we need is a bed to lie in, a roof over our head, and a table with food to put on it, and that if we have all those things, “we are brilliant”. The only two concessions Margaret has made to our modern lifestyle are that she has a small pay-as-you-go mobile phone, which makes calls and receives texts and does nothing else, and she also has a car in which she can charge her mobile phone. Margaret still lives in the stone, thatched cottage she was born in back in January 1942, and while she admits it could do with a facelift, she has no plans to change it, and says if it was good enough for her grandfather and her father then it’s certainly good enough for her. I have to say that seeing her talk about the simple life that she leads, and the happiness and sense of fulfilment she gets out of it, is an eyeopener. While most of us will continue to rely on all mod cons and all sorts of gizmos and gadgets, it’s uplifting to know that, for Margaret Gallagher at least, none of those things are needed at all.

World Cup 2023 has been a flawed tournament!

Not since Italia 90 has a sporting event gripped the whole country like the current Rugby World Cup has. But as we all know, our lads bit the dust and bowed out at the quarterfinal stage. Now there is not much use in being sore losers, but the truth is that the way the groups were drawn has caused a huge amount of controversy and there is no doubt at all that France and Ireland suffered greatly as a result. Everyone knows how lopsided the draw was, but the line-ups for the semi-finals were almost a joke – two teams (Argentina and England) got there without having to play any

of the top teams, while Ireland and France were gone home after losing out in two of the greatest games of rugby ever played. People will say England proved all their doubters wrong and should have beaten the reigning world champions, South Africa, but the truth is they didn’t attempt to play creative rugby and instead almost kicked the leather off the ball. Rarely (if even once) did their outhalf pass the ball to the backs outside him, so without any historical bias against the English, I say it’s a blessing for the game that they didn’t make the final. South Africa certainly

struggled to beat the English, but was it any wonder – the physical toll the French game had taken out of them had to be immense, and they just couldn’t get to the same level that they had reached the previous week. The same thing applies to the final, as their opponents, the All Blacks, playing well within themselves, hammered a woeful Argentina side by 44 points to 6, and in my opinion demeaned the fixture by deliberately playing the last seven or eight minutes with fourteen men. Scott Barrett, their powerhouse second row forward, had been sin-binned, but his time was up and he could

Margaret Gallagher, Belcoo.

Her 200-year-old thatched cottage is a huge source of interest to people from all over the world, and even though Duff and Mark don’t

have, and to my mind, should have, come back. However, the coaches decided to leave Barrett where he was and keep him on the sidelines, an act which I think was an insult to their opponents and indeed to the game of rugby. Anyway, at the end of it all we have two Southern Hemisphere teams in the final, and while I hope to watch it, I don’t really care who wins! It’s been a flawed tournament, with lots of ridiculously one-sided games, terrible refereeing decisions (compounded by even worse TMO calls), and a draw that made it almost impossible for some top teams to progress.

know it yet, when we find the Glencar Waterfall, we will carry on to Belcoo to see Margaret Gallagher and her cottage for ourselves – I can’t wait.

Musings on a day out! It’s a nice bright Saturday morning, and Carol and myself are getting dolled up as we are heading off to Galway to attend the wedding of Emma Morgan and her husband-to-be, Conor Byrne. Emma is the daughter of our nextdoor neighbour Tommy and his late wife Eileen, and the ‘do’ is taking place in the superb Hardiman Hotel in Eyre Square. For some of us older folk, the Hardiman would be better known as the former Great Southern, and there is no doubt it still exudes style, glamour and class, and the wedding was in keeping with the splendour of the hotel. Everything was first class, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day! Sadly, we are getting a little older nowadays (well, I am anyway! Carol still has a few years on me), so after partaking in a few lovely pints and the wonderful meal, we headed for home and didn’t feature at all on the dance floor, which I’m sure was a huge disappointment for all the ladies! I’m told that they managed quite well without me, which has hurt my pride a bit, but it was still a fabulous day out. Emma looked absolutely lovely and Conor wasn’t too bad either, and all we can do is wish them all the best for the future, and a long

and very happy life together. As for me, I was told I scrubbed up very well, but ‘twas a pity about my scruffy beard! You can’t please everyone!

And finally… Out here in Creggs, we are all looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend, and of course our more than 40-year-old Harvest Festival. There are so many things happening in the village from Friday evening all the way to Bank Holiday Monday, that I cannot even begin to tell you about them! Suffice to say there is guaranteed to be something for you in Creggs this coming weekend. On a personal note, I will be asking the questions at the big Table Quiz in Mikeen’s on Friday evening at 8 pm, so I hope to see a lot of ye there... unless I owe you a few bob! Anyway, put it in your diary! Creggs is the place to be this weekend – and you will have the time of your life!

for now ’Til next week, bye

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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O’Rourke sisters launch new-look Roscommon Walks & Cycleways booklet Visit Roscommon has launched its new-look Walks & Cycleways Booklet for Autumn 2023, packed with information and maps for 25 trails across the county. Roscommon boasts an abundance of trails to suit all ages, interests, and abilities, showcasing the beautiful countryside and natural environment for Roscommon people and visitors alike to enjoy. From the Lough Gara Bogland Trails to Lecarrow Canal Walk and from the Mote Park Trails to the National Famine Way, each route featured has been individually mapped to note GPS location, length, and difficulty together with facilities, accessibility, and points of interest along the routes. The Scavenger Hunt and activities page is a fun way of checking out what you can see along the way and to keep little ones entertained. A handy list of playgrounds and outdoor gyms is also included. The updated Roscommon Walks & Cycleways Booklet is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Roscommon County Council under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and was launched by Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke at the Demesne in Castlerea last Saturday. The sisters, both boxers from Tar-

mon, near Castlerea, received the Freedom of Roscommon in December 2022 in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their sporting field. In 2022, at age 20, Lisa O’Rourke won a gold medal on her debut at the World Championships in Istanbul, which her sister Aoife represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and won her second European gold medal in 2022. Commenting on the launch, Lisa Joy, Tourism Officer at Roscommon County Council, says, “This Roscommon Walks and Cycleways Book is a wonderful resource which sets out to inform on the abundance of walks and cycle routes located throughout County Roscommon. So, choose a trail that’s right for you and stay active during the autumn and winter months. Whether it be through a native woodland bustling with wildlife, or along tranquil shorelines that gently nourish our extensive flora and fauna, Roscommon is the perfect place to get active in nature”. The Roscommon Walks & Cycleways Booklet can be downloaded from the Visit Roscommon website and hard copies are available at the Roscommon Tourism Office and tourism information points across the county.

Cllr John Keogh, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Lisa Joy, Roscommon Tourism Officer; Aoife O’Rourke, Lisa O’Rourke and Cllr. Pascal Fitzmaurice pictured during the launch of the new look Roscommon Walks & Cycleways Booklet for Autumn 2023 last Saturday. Pic: Brian Farrell

Au Naturel Health & Wellness Store

ay Come s to e y goodb n Mauree o pt and hel san u S t suppor

Goff Street, Roscommon town. Tel. 090 66 30492 (formerly Tattie Hoaker)

Official Opening This Friday 27th • Lots more ... plus tastings on products throughout the day

We start the day with Dr. Dílis Clare, Medical Herbalist at 11am.

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday

Avril from Planet Paleo and Living Nutrition will be doing tasting on products

Laura will be here in the afternoon for any questions you may have on Terranova supplements

Ron will be showing Dr Wolz products

Michael will be here from Eskimo 3 Oil

• Call in for the very best advice available • Hampers to be won • Meet our therapists

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

• You need to demonstrate that you are disposing • YOU MUST USE ONE OF THESE OPTIONS

OR KERBSIDE COLLECTION

Find out more at

Details of the Household waste management booklet can also be accessed by scanning the QR code above and alongside

Roscommon County Council’s Litter and Waste Enforcement team will commence door-to-door inspections of premises in the Ballaghaderreen area during November

New household waste management booklet launched Roscommon County Council has launched a booklet for Householders to manage their waste and recycling more effectively. The booklet was launched in Aras an Chontae last Monday, October 23rd in the presence of Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Keogh and Chief Executive, Shane Tiernan. Your Guide to Household Waste Management and Recycling in County Roscommon provides householders with a one stop shop for waste disposal and recycling options. Booklets will be available through the Environment Department, Area Offices, Civic Amenity Sites and Libraries or through www.roscommoncoco.ie. Roscommon County Council would like to remind householders that there are 4 Civic Amenity sites and 38 bring bank sites in the County, which provide an option for the recycling of mixed glass, aluminium cans, textiles and Waste

Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) items free of charge. County Roscommon Civic Amenity Sites operate a ticketing system. Some other materials can also be recycled at Civic Amenity Sites in County Roscommon by purchasing a recycling ticket, which includes plastics, timber, paints and scrap metal. Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh said: “Protecting our environment remains a core function of Roscommon County Council and initiatives like this will help combat illegal dumping and littering that continues to be a blight on our landscape.” Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer, remarked: “All sorts of items, including clothes and electrical items, are thrown away each day, many of which are recyclable or can be reused. This booklet will give householders a comprehensive guide on how to manage their

Pictured at the launch of Roscommon County Council’s Household waste collection booklet in Aras an Chontae on Monday were (l. to r.): Jonathan Jones, Environmental Education and Awareness Officer; Mark Gorman, Chief Technician; Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. John Keogh; Director of Services Caitlin Conneely; Conor Fallon, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Environment and Climate Change and Gordon Pennick, Clerical Officer, Environment section, Roscommon County Council.

household waste and recycling in Co. Roscommon.” The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

has made funding available through the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities to support this Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) for

2023. ADI projects help to tackle the problems associated with illegal dumping incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education.

@RoscommonCountyCouncil @roscommoncoco

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Fundraising campaign for Loughglynn church Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club Car and Tractor Run

Efforts are well underway to raise muchneeded funds to paint the inside of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Loughglynn village. The Church was built in 1905 and dedicated in 1906. It is a listed building and, over the last number of years, heavy repairs and maintenance requirements has depleted funds. A voluntary fundraising committee was set up to gain support for this project. They are hosting a Monster Truck, Tractor and Vintage Vehicle Run in Loughglynn village on Bank Holiday Monday, October 30th (see alongside). There are lots of great prizes, including three nights B&B and Dinner for two

Eveni gBar&BistroMenu 3 -9

Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club is holding their annual tractor run on Sunday next, October 29th 2023. The run will take place in the following order: vintage cars will depart Church Street, Strokestown at 12 noon and travel to Longford and Newtownforbes to Rooskey, returning to Strokestown. Tractors will depart immediately after the cars towards the Roscommon road (R368) and then travel through Carnaska, Ballybeg, Clooncagh, Ballagh, Doughill and Curraghroe. From Curraghroe it will travel on the (R371) to Scramogue and return to the town via the N5. The tractors will be led by a motorcyclist and all major junctions will be marshalled by stewards. Vintage tractors will take a shorter route through Carnaska, Lismehy, Castlenode, Newtown and Farnbeg, and then travel back to the town. Prizes will be awarded in the three different categories of vehicle taking part. Registration will take place from 10.30 am. There will be refreshments served at the Central Bar, Bridge Street, on the morning of the run. The club wishes to invite all vintage enthusiasts and tractor owners to take part in the annual run.

people in The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, from the 5th-8th February 2024 for the Paul Claffey ‘Music To Your Ears’ Killarney Tour. The committee have also launched a GoFundMe page The link is https://www. gofundme.com/f/loughglynn-church-coroscommon-painting-fund. Finally, there are raffle tickets for sale. One ticket is €2 or a book of 7 tickets is €10. There are three cash prizes of €500, €300 and €200 up for grabs. The prizes have been kindly donated by Creaton’s Shop, Bar and Lounge and The Village Inn. The draw will be on the 8th of December. All support is greatly appreciated.

About the Children’s Tractor and Go Kart Run… On Bank Holiday Monday, October 30th, there is a monster tractor and

Third teacher appointed to Keadue National School

A third permanent mainstream teacher has been appointed to Keadue National School in North Roscommon. The announcement was made at the end of last week by Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy. “I am delighted for the community in Keadue that they will have a third teacher in their midst shortly”, commented Senator Murphy. “The school, which has a current enrolment of 48, is expected to grow in the coming years, as the enrolment has doubled in the past two years. “I was delighted to assist the school and I thank the Minister for Education Norma Foley for meeting me and acting speedily on the matter. I also express my gratitude to the Department of Education. I had brought a Commencement Matter before the Seanad last week and I was quite pleased by the reply. “Finally, I thank the Principal of the school, Marie Jinks, for her persistence and for approaching me in the first place”, concluded the Senator.

truck run leaving Loughglynn at 1 pm. Immediately after the departure

of the big vehicles, there is a children’s tractor run through the village of Loughglynn from the school to the church for all types of pedal-powered children’s tractors, go karts, etc. Entry is free and this is a great opportunity for children to take park in a fun event. Participants will also get a memento of the event. The Main Street will be closed to traffic so the children will have a safe experience as they pedal through the village and are part of the tractor run experience. All participants should be accompanied by an adult. The assembly point for participants will be the National School. They should be in place at the school by 12.45 pm on Monday October 30th. After the event, there will be entertainment on the street – and a BBQ too!

ATHLEAGUE BINGO – NEXT BINGO – Tuesday 31st October at 8.30pm Eircode: F42 P440

FOR FREE DRAW R €150 HAMPE AND OTHER PRIZES

Jackpot €1,700 (on 46 numbers)

Athleague Bingo – Free Draw on Halloween Night The weekly Athleague Bingo will take place on Halloween Night, Tuesday, 31st of October at 8.30 pm where the Jackpot will be €1,700 on 46 numbers. The committee are holding a free draw for all in attendance. Prizes include a Monster Hamper worth €150, bottles of whiskey and wine, and Halloween bracks. With schools closed for mid-term, the committee will have a goodie bag for all children who attend! The weekly 50:50 Draw will also be held. Two names will be picked out every night for entry into a special draw for €500 cash on the last Bingo before Christmas (19th of December). Come along any Tuesday night for some great entertainment. Eircode: F42 P440. Bingo is over by 10.30 pm every night.

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Evening Bar & Bistro Menu Evening Bar 3-9 & Bistro Menu:

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified. Road to be closed:

L5582 Aghacurreen, Barnahalla, Co. Roscommon

Period of Closure:

31st October to 3rd November 2023

Alternative Routes:

L1231/L5582

Reason for Closures:

Trench excavation by National Broadband Ireland Mackenzie Shane (title holder of the Arizona Colleen programme) pictured receiving a special presentation from Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr John Keogh and the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan.

Greg O’Donnell A/Director of Services

Arizona Colleen Programme title holder makes visit to Roscommon The title holder of the Arizona Colleen programme, Mackenzie Shane, was a welcome visitor to Roscommon this week when she addressed members of the local authority at their October plenary meeting. Ms Shane is the Public Affairs manager for the Greater Phoenix Chamber, Arizona’s largest Chamber of Commerce. She is the current title holder of the Arizona Colleen programme, which

Road to be closed:

R325, Main Street, Loughglynn

Period of Closure:

11am to 3.30pm Monday 30th October 2023

Alternative Routes:

Traffic from Castlerea to Ballaghaderreen divert via the R361 and N5. Traffic from Ballaghaderreen to Castlerea travel via N5 and R361. Traffic from Ballinlough to Ballaghaderreen divert via Cloonbunny. Local traffic divert via the Convent Rd Loughglynn (not suitable for HGV’s).

Applicant: Roscommon County Council

To facilitate Monster Vehicle Run

Location: Ballina, Dysart, Co. Roscommon.

Reason for Closures: Greg O’Donnell A/Director of Services

began as a heritage pageant in the US in 1983 for women of Irish ancestry. MEP Maria Walsh and Senator Aisling Dolan accompanied Ms Shane in the chamber. Following her visit, Ms Shane was honoured with a special presentation by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh and the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan.

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8

Proposal : Pursuant to the requirements of the above, notice is hereby given in respect of the following-

UNVEILING OF THE DRAFT COUNTY ROSCOMMON CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

The Development will consist of the Installation of a One-bedroom single story modular dwelling with a new proprietary wastewater treatment system and percolation area with all other associated Site works. An appropriate assessment screening report and environmental impact assessment screening report of the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection with this development. The reports concluded that a full EIAR is not required, and that the development does not need to proceed to Stage 2 appropriate assessment. Where any person considers that a development proposed to be carried out would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, he or she may, at any time before the expiration of 4 weeks beginning on the date of publication of the notice referred to in Article 81(2), apply to An Bord Pleanala for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have such effects. Plans and Particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy for a period of 4 weeks from 27/10/2023 during public opening hours at the offices of the Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon. Plans and particulars can also be viewed online on the Roscommon County Council website at the following link: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/About_Us/PART-8-Local-Authority-Own-Developments/Housing/ A submission or observation in relation to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made, in writing or via email before 4pm on 13/12/2023, marked “Dysart Development” and submitted to: Housing Department, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon.

Pictured at the unveiling of the draft County Roscommon Climate Action Plan in Aras an Chontae last Monday were (l. to r.): Aoife Moore, Climate Action Co-ordinator; Barry Tapster, Climate Action Officer; Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council; Cllr. John Keogh, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Caitlin Conneely, Director of Services; Conor Fallon, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Climate Action and Environment and Breata Coyle, Community Climate Action Officer. Photograph: Ger O’Loughlin.

Or housing@roscommoncoco.ie Signed: Fiona Ní Chuinn, Acting Director of Services

Date: 27/10/2023

@RoscommonCountyCouncil

Phone: (090) 6637100 Email: customerservices@roscommoncoco.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

NewsPeople

Meeting hears of strong opposition to Strokestown street redesign < PAUL HEALY

Opposition to the proposed multi-million euro redevelopment of the streetscape in Strokestown has intensified over the past week, with a number of retailers and local residents voicing concerns over Roscommon County Council’s plans. While there is some support for the Council’s planned redesign of two of Strokestown’s historic streets, a number of retailers and other individuals are strongly critical of the proposed new design of Church Street and Bawn Street. They argue that there will be a significant loss of parking spaces, that implementation of the plan would be greatly detrimental to local businesses, that the town’s proud heritage is not being preserved, and that some members of the public would be inconvenienced as a result of certain changes. With the November 3rd deadline for submissions looming, a public meeting was held in the Percy French Hotel on Thursday last, 19th of October. Senator Eugene Murphy and some local county councillors (Boyle Municipal District) were in attendance. At the meeting, blunt opposition to the plans was voiced by a number of speakers, with local politicians left in no doubt about the strength of public feeling on this issue.

The plan As part of the Town Centres First initiative, Roscommon County Council is seeking Part 8 planning permission for the Strokestown Public Realm Enhancement Scheme. The scheme involves a redesign of the current streetscape in Church Street and Bawn Street.

Specifically, the Strokestown Public Realm Enhancement Scheme includes: *Alteration to existing road carriageway widths & roundabout dimensions *Provision of footpaths, along with shared pedestrian & cycle routes *Provision of controlled & uncontrolled pedestrian crossing facilities *Relocation of bus stops provision from Bridge Street to Church Street *Alteration to existing parking provision to include the provision of disabled parking spaces *Soft landscaping work to include provision of trees, shrubs & green space through the scheme *Provision of street furniture throughout the scheme to include benches, seating, picnic tables, bollards, cycle stands, etc *Provision of new road & wayfinding signage, road marking & public lighting While Roscommon County Council has met with local people to discuss the plans – most recently in June of this year – locals now claim the local authority reneged on a commitment to further engage with members of the public in Strokestown.

Opposition

Those opposed to the plan in its current guise say Strokestown’s unique cultural heritage is threatened by the proposed redesign. They also express deep concern over what they claim will be a drastic reduction in car parking spaces. Concern has also been expressed that the planned new green spaces, seating and general landscaping would have to be maintained by Strokestown

Tidy Towns Association/volunteers, as opposed to by the local authority. Locals have expressed fears that the redesign, as currently planned, would lead to a significant decrease in footfall in

the town, which they say would lead to the closure of many small businesses in Strokestown in the coming years. They further assert that a reduction in parking spaces would be a huge inconvenience for people

using local schools, the post office and other services, and that major events such as Strokestown Agricultural Show and the annual Easter Parade would also suffer. At a pre-planning meeting

in June of this year, Roscommon County Council assured residents and retailers that the Council would take on board issues raised, and also consider submissions received during the public consultation process.

Prominent businessman in appeal to Council LOCAL VIEWS Prominent Strokestown businessman Frank Hanly has appealed to Roscommon County Council to consult with retailers and local residents and take on board their concerns over the Strokestown Public Realm Enhancement Scheme. He says the plan needs to be urgently redrawn. Mr Hanly, a member of a very wellknown and respected business family which has been trading in the town since 1968, says the scheme, as currently structured, is “bad for the town” and needs to be changed. In particular, he is very concerned about a planned reduction in parking spaces. While the Council has previously met with retailers and traders in Strokestown, concerned locals say the promise of further consultation (after the most recent meeting, in June) was not honoured.

Mr Hanly, a member of Strokestown Town Team, said the Council’s proposed redesign of both Church Street and Bawn Street is too radical. “I’m not against progress. I feel that less alterations (than what’s proposed) would be sufficient, such as improving the footpaths, putting in zebra crossings, etc. The proposed changes are too dramatic. The Council is making the point that once Strokestown is bypassed, we should aim to be like Westport… they want to focus on tourism. But the reduced parking spaces will impact greatly on footfall, and therefore at a serious cost to small businesses”. The businessman, who employs 30 people in Eurospar in the town (the family also runs Strokestown Hardware) says he has frequently engaged with the Council about developing ‘backland’ behind business premises’ in the town with a view to providing parking spaces. “They (the Council) are telling us to

‘open up backlands’ but we can’t make any progress with them” he said. Mr Hanly called on Roscommon County Council to engage with locals again and to take on board the concerns of the people of Strokestown with a view to urgently revisiting the plan as currently devised.

‘Act before town is changed forever’

Local resident Trevor Lyttle spoke to the Roscommon People about his opposition to the Council’s plans. “I have lived in Strokestown and surrounding area all my life. The town is classed as a heritage town. Due to this (its heritage status) a lot of planning has been refused by Roscommon County Council over the years, which was right. This keeps the original look of the town intact.

“Strokestown is known for having the widest streets in Ireland. Surely this is one of the most important aspects of the heritage of our town. “It is a total disgrace that Roscommon County Council are now turning a blind eye to the fact that Strokestown is a heritage town… altering the streets would take from the original look and design of the town”. Mr. Lyttle claims that the views of residents and business people are not being listened to, and that Roscommon County Council is disconnected from retailers and the wider public and out of touch with the wishes of the community of Strokestown. In a submission he has sent to the Council, he says there will be a “drastic reduction” in parking spaces if the Council plans proceed. Such a reduction would, he maintains, greatly inconvenience parents dropping children to school, as well as people going to the post office. In particular, elderly people

would be adversely affected, he says, adding that similar challenges would face people attending the local church and the nearby Funeral Home. He says businesses in Strokestown need as many parking spaces as possible to be retained, in order to cater for their customers and staff, and for deliveries. “These businesses keep the town going and they pay high commercial rates to Roscommon County Council, and this is how the Council repays them”. He also expressed fears for the future of Strokestown Show and Strokestown’s annual Easter Parade, adding that sporting events would also be adversely impacted by any reduction in parking spaces. He appealed to the people of Strokestown to submit their views to the Council by the 3rd of November deadline. “The people of Strokestown need to act now before your town is changed forever”.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

NewsPeople newsbriefs November Remembrance Service in Ballaghaderreen

A Remembrance Service will take place in St Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen at 7 pm on Sunday, November 19th, for all who have died since November 2022. If you wish to include the names of deceased family members or friends at this service who died during the year in other parishes, please contact The Presbytery on 094 9860011 or email cathedral@ achonrydiocese.org.

Echoes of Ballaghaderreen

The editorial committee of ‘Echoes of Ballaghaderreen’ has commenced work on this year’s paper and welcomes articles, notices, reports, poetry, photographs and advertisements for inclusion. Please email articles as word documents and photographs in jpg format to echoesballaghaderreen@gmail.com. Material for the paper may also be handed into The Presbytery or to Towey’s, Main Street. You can contact us by email or by phone on 087 6765508.

Hawthorn Drive Residents’ Association meeting

A Residents’ Association meeting for Hawthorn Drive residents will take place at 8 pm on Friday, October 27th in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. The annual fee of €50 for the maintenance of Hawthorn Drive is now due.

Opportunity to discuss mental health services ‘…the quaint town of Strokestown finds itself at the crossroads of preserving its rich historical essence and embracing modernity’. Emmett Corcoran, pictured in Strokestown earlier this year. Pic: Kieran Croghan

OPINION: ‘Tinseltown’ public realm enhancement works for Strokestown rubbing residents up the wrong way < EMMETT CORCORAN

‘Primum non nocere’; first, do no harm. This philosophy dates back to Hippocrates and ancient Greece. It is a philosophy so well tested that it has truly stood the test of time. Personally, it is a philosophy by which I try to live my life. And very little upsets me more than when governments, local or national, produce plans which fail to be cognisant of this simple and practical philosophy. Unfortunately, this appears to be what has happened concerning the proposed public realm enhancement works in Strokestown. As the quaint town of Strokestown finds itself at the crossroads of preserving its rich historical essence and embracing modernity, the proposed redevelopment plan heralds a phase of transformation. However, with the promise of a further public consultation before the Council would publish the Part 8 planning notice not honoured, concerns among residents have intensified, particularly around issues of parking and accessibility. Last Thursday, October 19th, a public meeting was held in the Percy French Hotel. 60 or so residents attended the meeting and voiced a myriad of concerns. Tempers were understandably frayed as residents tore into the public representatives who were brave enough to show up.

Cars equal commerce While it has become vogue to remove cars from cities and towns across the country, the practicalities of rural living mean that if you

remove cars, you remove people. And this was the number one issue raised at the meeting. The parking demand can range from a few hundred cars at peak times during the day to over two thousand cars requiring parking at large community events, such as the Agricultural Show, throughout the year. The proposed 260 delineated parking spaces drastically fall short of the demand, especially during these peak times. This reduction in parking availability threatens to create hurdles for parents during school pick-up hours, attendees of large funerals, and the day to day activities of the locals. The ripple effect would undoubtedly extend to local businesses, potentially deterring visitors due to the lack of parking, and thereby reducing footfall in the town centre.

Impact on accessibility Accessibility is another crucial aspect that the current Council plan seems to overlook. The proposed cycle lane, while a nod to modern urban planning, poses challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The plan, in its current state, lacks a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of Strokestown’s residents, including the differently-abled.

The crux of the matter The heart of this matter extends beyond mere opposition to change. It’s about ensuring that the change envisioned aligns with the practical needs and the historical ethos

of Strokestown. Residents are not averse to redevelopment; the concern lies in ensuring that the redevelopment is inclusive, practical, and respectful of the town’s heritage. The window for submissions, open until 3rd of November, presents a vital opportunity for residents to voice their concerns. It’s a call for constructive engagement, where the feedback can help refine the plan to better meet the needs of the community, while preserving the town’s unique character. And whether we like it or not, showing up to a meeting and voicing your concerns is ‘all for nought’ if you don’t submit those concerns in writing. It is the quality and quantity of these submissions which will determine the council’s next moves and whether they will make the few very simple amendments required to satisfy the majority or continue with the plan in its current form.

Submissions clinic To assist in this process, a volunteer clinic is being organised at the SCDA office on Bawn Street from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, 28th of October. This clinic aims to guide anyone uncertain about how to make a submission, ensuring that the voices of Strokestown’s residents are accurately represented in the planning process.

Opportunity ahead Strokestown indeed warrants investment and thoughtful redevelopment. Yet, it’s crucial that such plans are moulded with a thorough

understanding of the town’s unique fabric and the practical needs of its residents. The current plan, which has some good elements such as footpath and carriageway resurfacing, reducing the size of the roundabout and the introduction of pedestrian crossings, fails to address the disconnect with the town’s reality when you look at the elements which plan to introduce excessive vegetation, reduce public parking, and provide cycleways which are little more than obstructions, on the widest streets in Ireland. The submission process, if heeded by Roscommon County Council, offers an opportunity for the local authority to take on board the concerns of residents and address them in a meaningful way. However, if they don’t do this and simply refuse to make the necessary changes which will satisfy the public disquiet, I fear the town will be stuck in neutral or worse, put into reverse. As I see it, the message is quite clear: the people of Strokestown want an investment that will help the town thrive. They do not want their town to be turned into something it is not and never has been. And efforts to introduce a type of faux ‘Hollywood heritage’ will potentially be met with appeals and legal challenges. Whereas, with constructive feedback and a willingness to amend the plan where necessary, there lies a promising pathway to a redevelopment that honours the past while looking forward to a vibrant, accessible, and thriving future for Strokestown.

The ‘Local Forum’ is an open meeting for people with connections to the mental health services where they can speak about their experience, express their opinions, and raise ideas with a view to improving the service for all. For details on the ‘Local Forum’ and what it involves, please contact Fiona on Fiona.dodd@hse.ie or 087 380 5332; or mherforumsecretary@outlook.com or call Teresa on 087 755 4393.

County Roscommon Disability Support Group Memorial Mass

County Roscommon Disability Support Group CLG is celebrating their Annual Memorial Mass for all service users, staff, and family members in the Dale Centre, Derrane (F42WK60), at 11.30 am on Friday, November 3rd. May they rest in peace. Families and friends of the deceased are welcome to attend this Mass. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Table quiz for Children’s Health Foundation on Friday

Miss Ireland finalist Eimear Noone will be hosting a charity fundraising Table Quiz this Friday, October 27th, in JC Doorly’s Pub, located at Castle Street, Roscommon Town. Eimear, who is representing Roscommon, is raising money and awareness for the Children’s Health Foundation as part of her Miss Ireland journey. She will also be raising money for Miss Ireland’s partner charity, the Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Eimear has organised the table quiz in JC Doorly’s to take place at 8 pm on Friday, October 27th. It is €40 per table (four people at a table), and the quiz master on the night is Dermot Cox. Cash prizes and a raffle on the night. The money raised from the table quiz will go towards the Children’s Health Foundation. Eimear would like to thank everybody for their support of this charity event.

Bridge Club News The most recent results from local Bridge Clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Kitty Dowd & Phyllis O’Shaughnessy; 2nd: Mary & Terry O’Keeffe; Gross: Larry Shine & Larry Curley. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Mary McDermott & Ann Kilduff; 2nd: Mary & Vincent Brennan; Gross: June Halliday & Tommie Murphy. St Coman’s Bridge Club – 1st: Evelyn Curley & Susan Farrell; 2nd: Maria Hickey & Gertie Spillane; Gross: Ann Shine & Mary Naughton. Ballymurray Bridge Club – (Section A) 1st: Bernadette Maher & Margaret Madden; 2nd: Maura Dowling & Martina Mulvey; Gross: Tony McManus & Michael McSharry; (Section B) 1st: Margaret Mullen & Frances Keane; 2nd: Rita Roughneen & Maria Hickey; Gross: Evelyn Curley & Judy Adamson. Kilbride Bridge Club – 1st: Pauline Leonard & Margaret Mullen; 2nd: Annette Gaffney & Tom Moran; 3rd: Mary Kelly & Kitty Burke.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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The official opening of Sue’s Boutique on Main Street in Castlerea took place last Friday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Lorraine McGarry and Aoife Larkin pictured at the official opening of Sue’s Boutique on Main Street in Castlerea last Friday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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

South Roscommon Singers Weekend from 27th to 29th The South Roscommon Singers Weekend takes place this weekend, the 27th to 29th of October, in Lecarrow and Knockcroghery. The organisers are expecting a large attendance of singers from all around Ireland, as well as from the UK and elsewhere. Most of the activity will be taking place in Knockcroghery village, but the singing will

begin just over the road in Coffey’s of Lecarrow. There will be special guests from Scotland, England and Ballinasloe, as well as local Guests of Honour, Vincent and Pat Pierse. The programme is as follows: On Friday, October 27th, from 4 pm to 7 pm the focus is on Coffey’s, Lecarrow for a Gathering

Di Henderson

Special guests A number of special guests will be in attendance. One such guest is Di Henderson, a well-known and respected traditional singer from the industrial north-east of England who adds contemporary material to her repertoire, which enriches the tradition anew. Then there is Janet Weatherston, who comes from a farming family in Scotland. She started singing in public with songs she learned from her mother, grandparents and extended family. Her singing has since been influenced by a long association with many of the well-known Scottish Traveller families. Leah Clarke is another special guest and is a fine example of the young singers and musicians from the new wave traditional/folk scene that’s been sweeping this country and elsewhere in recent years. Leah, from Ballinasloe, is a fine interpreter of contemporary folk and traditional material and is a regular with her guitar at the local Folk Club in her native town.

Session and Pizza Party. This will be followed at 8 pm in Murray’s, Knockcroghery for a Singing Session with special guests and a presentation to Guests of Honour, Vincent and Pat Pierse. On Saturday, October 28th (from 2 to 6 pm) attendees will gather in Ned’s Bar, Knockcroghery by a Singing Session

with special guests, and from 8 pm that evening it’s back in Murray’s for some Rugby Songs and Sporting Ballads. On Sunday, October 29th, from 2 to 6 pm it’s Murray’s Bar once again and from 7 pm the festival moves to the Railway Depot at the Station House for the grand finale – Comic Songs and Storytelling Session.

Pat and Vincent are Guests of Honour The Guests of Honour at the upcoming Singers Weekend are Vincent and Pat Pierse, who have been regular supporters of South Roscommon Singers Circle since their first session in September 1991. Vincent, who originally hails from North Kerry, is known all over the country, and far beyond, for his storytelling in the seanchaí style. He has performed at concerts, folk clubs, libraries, schools, hospitals, festivals, museums, theatres, weddings, family parties, hotels, prisons and dinners, throughout the English speaking world. He specialises in humorous Irish tales from the firesides of Ireland. Vincent can transport you back in time with stories of blacksmiths and journeymen, when preparing for the station or the return of ‘yanks’ was the social event of the year. Vincent is also a fine composer of traditional-style ballads. Pat Pierse comes from a local Knockcroghery family which was steeped in traditional music and song. So it’s little wonder she has maintained an interest in singing throughout her life and instilled that

love of singing in her children, most of whom have won numerous county, Connacht and All-Ireland titles down through the years. Pat herself is one of the finest interpreters of the traditional ballad, when attending our local ‘Circle’ or any other of the sessions she attends around the country. MEE’S KNOCKCROGHERY

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With just four weeks until opening night, tickets for Boyle Musical Society’s spectacular production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ will go on sale from 10 am on Saturday, November 4th. The Booking Office is located at the Úna Bhán Craft Shop in the grounds of King House. Tickets can also be booked and purchased by telephone on 071 9663033. ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ will be staged in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle from Wednesday, November 22nd, to Saturday, November 25th, and the performances will begin at 8 pm nightly. Tickets will also be available at the door of the hall each night, but we would advise everybody to book seats in plenty of time. For more information, please visit boylemusicalsociety. com or follow the society on Facebook.

Anthony brings ‘Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry’ home! On Saturday, the 4th of November, Roscommon Arts Centre will stage a musical written by Roscommon native Anthony Keigher (‘Xnthony’), with Sam Curtis Lindsay and ÓDÚ. Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry is a musical about a man the English don’t remember and the Irish will never forget. Put your hands up for Oliver Cromwell: Daddy of Democracy, Puritan and total Taurus. Ollie’s Army is back for a night of pure carnage, legendary pop anthems and bloody historical re-enactments. This is history but not as you know it; Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry is an outrageous musical exploring English colonialism in Ireland framed by an archeological dig in search of Cromwell’s missing head. The story sees award-winning cabaret star and writer Xnthony channel England’s ‘Daddy of Democracy’ with an electrifying blend of pop bangers and musical theatre extravaganza. The show starts at 8 pm and tickets cost €20 each. This will be an evening to remember!

‘Raise your spear’ workshop

Opening hours: Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday

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At Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, November 4th, Dani Gill will lead a workshop based on her poem ‘Raise Your Spear’ – a call for allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. The workshop will be a combination of creative writing and crafting between 11 am and 1 pm in Roscommon Arts Centre. Each participant will customise a wooden spear during the session. Over the course of the project the spears will be gathered and displayed in galleries and public spaces in 2024/2025. This workshop is suitable for LGBTQ adults or young people and their allies aged 14+.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

NewsPeople

Budget offers temporary relief for students… but what’s next? Let’s talk about ... BUDGET 2024

(A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy

“The real cost of living support for students was keeping pints the same price”, jokes a mate over her Guinness when someone brings up third level fees being cut. We’re waiting for the second half of Ireland’s (last, as it would happen) RWC match to start up, and someone mentioning the minimum wage being upped has sent us down a ‘talk-about-anything-otherthan-the-score’ rabbit hole. Budget conversations are usually one of two things: excessively mundane or exercises in complaining about the marginally increased cost of cigarettes. But this time, whether under the influence of a reasonably priced Guinness or the still-lingering hype and hope for the match, the table is taking a positive spin. The consensus is we’ve done alright. Even the vapers at the table can breathe a (watermelon ice-flavoured) sigh of relief at the fact e-cig products will remain untaxed for a wee while longer. For a group of students, after all, Budget 2024 can easily appear like a win. Just from glancing over the headlines the past while, you will have heard about some of the meaningful new measures that were introduced, from fairly significant rent credits to considerably slashed college fees. In fact, if you really want to get into the numbers of it all, the Department of Further and Higher Education received a whopping €4.15bn in total, a 25% increase on last year, making it the sixth largest Budget allocation across the 18 departments. Per the recent announcements, the contribution charge will be reduced all round by €1k, and students in households earning less than

ROSCOMMON - CHARTRETTES

@;;m/t; @w� 1998-2023

This year is the 25 anniversary of the twinning of Roscommon Town and Chartrettes in France. In June, a group from Roscommon travelled to Chartrettes to mark this milestone. In a new Roscommon People series over the coming months, some of the young people that participated will be sharing their experiences of the twinning, French culture and language. This month, GRACE FUREY will tell us about French cuisine. It is hoped that through these articles, more people in Roscommon will get the opportunity to connect with the twinning experience th

€100k will qualify for additional fee reductions of €500, thus halving these students’ overall costs. It would be difficult and disingenuous to regard these reductions as anything other than a significant boost for those attending third-level and their families, especially during such financially-tight times. But as undoubtedly welcome as they may be, there is a sort of caveat to these measures in the fact that they are, unfortunately, a one-off. This has been the case with many similar measures in the past, and what it ultimately means is that although there’ll be a reduction this year, after that, the original contribution charge will be reinstated. Come the 2024/25 academic year (unless the next Budget decides differently of course), Irish students will be back to paying the €3,000 contribution charge… the highest thirdlevel fees in the European Union. And then there’s what must be the biggest relatively-unaddressed-elephant-in-the-room for students in this year’s Budget: accommodation. Don’t get me wrong, the increase in rent tax credit from €500 to €750 and extension of that credit to those living in digs is huge, and will do

a lot for a lot of people in terms of putting some much-needed money back into their pockets. But in the same way this year’s slashed-fees feel more like a band-aid solution for a long-term problem, it feels as though the measures introduced for students with regards to accommodation fail to address the roots of the issue. Each of the students I sat watching the game with recently has at least one horror story from the last couple years to tell about accommodation. Frankly, I don’t think I know one student who doesn’t. People are paying inordinate amounts, or commuting for hours each day, or having to opt for couchsurfing or Airbnbs or digs, where their tenancy rights are not protected. I’ve heard from several people it’s been a major deterrent to continuing their higher education in Ireland at all. There was a real opportunity here for Government to come up with more creative, meaningful, long-term ways to ease the burden accommodation is putting on students. Extending the RTC to include digs is welcome, yes, as is the policy encouraging people to rent out a room for €14,000 tax-free, but there’s still

no actual protections in place for students in such accommodation that will keep them from being kicked out on the weekend to rent out to tourists, or from being kicked out full stop, without any notice. €750 instead of €500 is great, yes, but it barely covers a month in Dublin (or even Galway these days), and it’ll make no difference to those who couldn’t find somewhere in the first place and are facing long commutes every day. It’s true that this Budget did do a lot for students, both in direct and indirect ways; the news that students with household income below €56k will pay no fees from September 2024 is a great example of the former, and the public transport reduction for 25s and under is a great example of the latter. But it does feel as though we’ve been left wanting in terms of long-term solutions to the same problems the Budget seems to hastily throw band-aids over each year. Because realistically, the Government could’ve done a lot more in this Budget for students. They could’ve introduced measures to reduce fees that weren’t just a once-off, as has become typical. They could’ve followed up on last year’s promise to subsidise 4,500 beds for students (which there’s been no real news on since). They could’ve worked with the RTB to improve and expand student specific accommodation policies to safeguard students tenancy rights. They could’ve worked with colleges to create more affordable accommodation in the first place. The list goes on. But at the end of the day, for all the Government could’ve done, and for all the longer term solutions that could’ve (and indeed frankly should’ve) been implemented, there is a reason that at a glance, this Budget feels like a net win. Meaningful progress has been made with this year’s measures, and while it’s easy to be cynical about any Budget, that progress is worth acknowledging. Hopefully, instead of being short-lived once-offs, this year’s measures end up being indicative of the direction we’re going in, and something to build on as we move forward.

TOWN TWINNING THOUGHTS

A taste of French Culture < GRACE FUREY

Food is at the heart of French culture and is a very important part of family life in France. Typically, breakfast (le petit déjeuner) is light and sweet in France. French families usually eat fresh baguettes with jam and drink coffee or hot chocolate. At the weekend, they often have croissants or pain au chocolat from their local bakery. Lunch (le déjeuner) is an important meal for French people. It is eaten in the middle of the day and tends to be the biggest meal. It is common for lunch to have two or three small courses. This starts with salads and fruit, followed by meat and bread and sometimes finishing with fruit or

cheese. Adults complete the meal with coffee a lot of the time. Adults in France generally don’t snack between meals, but most of the time, children will have a small snack or goûter after school – for example, a piece of fruit or cake. Dinner (le díner) is eaten quite late in France and families will usually all eat together. They eat meat or fish with vegetables, salads and bread. Cheese and fruit are popular for dessert (le dessert) in France. Adults will often drink wine with their dinner. France is famous for its cheese! Camembert and Chèvre Frais (goat’s cheese) are popular French cheeses. Snails, frog’s legs and mussels are very popular in France also.

Here are some useful French words and phrases you can learn! L’entrée – Starter Le plat principal – Main course S’il vous plaît – Please Merci – Thank you Je voudrais un menu – I would like a menu Je voudrais réserver une table – I would like to reserve a table L’addition – The bill J’ai faim – I’m hungry J’ai soif – I’m thirsty Bon appétit! – Enjoy your meal

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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

Friday, 27th October at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Heifers

Including Special Breeding Heifer Sale Also Dry Cows and Bullocks -------------------------Friday, 3rd November at 11 a.m.

Special Sale of Bullocks

Also Dry Cows and Heifers Bookings accepted until Tuesday, 31st October at 5 p.m. ********** Also Special Entry of 40 Outstanding Springing Heifers Limousin, Charolais, Roans and Belgium Blues All Heifers scanned and guaranteed in-calf to easy calving AI Limousin 5 Star Bull (EBY) and (IVOR) Calving down two and a half to three year old Calving from the 19th November onwards Vaccinated for Leptospirosis and tested clear from BVD. Heifers are Star Rated as per ICBF. All heifers can be Export Tested. Viewing 5 p.m. | Sale at 7 pm -------------------------Tuesday, 31st October at 4 p.m.

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 26th October at 5 p.m. --------------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

---------------------Saturday, 28th October

Irish Simmental Cattle Society Premier Sale Show 8 a.m. | Sale 12 p.m.

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Nothing in Finance Bill for farmers affected by Residential Zoned Land Tax – IFA There is no proposed change in the Finance Bill for farmers affected by the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), despite Taoiseach Leo Varadkar promising in the Dáil that the Government would fix this “unjust tax”. That’s the claim made by IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh, who said, “while the defer-

ral of the tax is important, the underlying flaws must be addressed. Numerous politicians, including ministers and the Taoiseach, recognised the unfair situation whereby genuinely farmed land was caught up in the RZLT. All agreed that a solution was needed, or in the words of the Taoiseach, that the scheme would be fixed.

“However, the Finance Bill shows no material change. An extension on the imposition of the tax for 12 months is in place, but if any farmer wishes to have their land de-zoned, they must once again apply to their local authority. The majority of farmers who did apply to their local authority at the end of 2022, to have their land de-zoned,

Murphy welcomes decision to extend lime spreading deadline Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed a decision by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to extend the period for spreading lime until March 31st 2024. Senator Murphy, who had made representations to the minister, said: “I had spoken to a number of farmers who indicated to me that they could not spread lime because of exceptionally poor ground condition. “When I initially approached the Minister of Agriculture, he was not very hopeful of extending the period” Senator Murphy said, before adding that the minister subsequently contacted him with “the good news”.

Senator Murphy added: “The lime must be bought and paid for before October 31st 2023 but the spreading deadline has been pushed back to March 2024. This now means that farmers do not have to worry about meeting the spread deadline of October 31st 2023. “The lime subsidy will be granted fully under the new guidelines. This means that many farmers in Roscommon, Galway, and many adjoining counties in the region will avail of the scheme”, he concluded. Senator Murphy praised the minister this week for his practical approach to the issue.

Kerrane calls for more time!

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Agriculture, Claire Kerrane TD, has asked Minister McConalogue to allow farmers more time to submit receipts under the National Liming Programme. Noting the “welcome” extension to the spreading date – now March 31st 2024 – Deputy Kerrane said that receipts are still required to be submitted to the Department by October 31st. Deputy Kerrane said: “While the extension to the date by which lime has to be spread is welcome, this should also be reflected in the deadline for purchasing and submitting receipts. It makes no sense to extend one deadline and not the other. “I have raised this matter with the minister and I have asked him to extend the deadline for submission of receipts under the Liming Programme”, concluded Deputy Kerrane.

farmed land will put farmers out of business. “Once more I am calling on the Government, and particularly An Taoiseach, to make good on the promise to fix the legislation and make the necessary amendments in the Finance Act to remove all genuinely farmed land from the RZLT”, Rose Mary McDonagh concluded.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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

MONDAY WEEKLY:

BULLOCK SALE THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS FOR SALE ON THURSDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER:

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

Castlerea MART WATCH

Claire Kerrane TD

Roscommon MART WATCH There was a very large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s Special Bullock Sale with over 750 on offer. Bullocks fetched an average of €2.87 per kilo up to €3.98 per kilo. There was also a larger entry of dry cows and they made an average of €2.11 per kilo up to €2.59 per kilo. There was also a large entry of top-quality weanlings on offer at our sale held on Tuesday evening last with a very strong trade for both bulls and heifers. Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.08 per kilo up to €4.81 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €2.93 per kilo up to €4.97. We also had 42 in-calf heifers and these were met with a strong trade and a top price of €3,120 on the night. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside for both sales, with online buyers also active. Finally, we had a similar number of sheep on offer at our weekly Sale of Lambs and Cast Ewes. Prices for finished lambs made up to €151. The tops for stag ewes fetched €127. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Next sale of lambs and cast ewes is next Wednesday,

had their applications rejected,” she said. IFA has ongoing contact from farmers who are concerned for the viability of their family farms. “Our analysis shows that on average this tax will be in excess of €2,500 per hectare per year, a figure that no farmer can afford. The imposition of this land hoarding tax on genuinely

1st of November at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am. All stock must be penned by 10 am. Sale can be viewed live on www.livestocklive.com. Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 750 kg €1,970, Char X 960 kg €2,450, BBX 760 kg €1,880, Lim X 805 kg €1,920, Lim X 705 kg €1,730, SIX 740 kg €1,710, Lim X 720 kg €1,660, Lim X 675 kg €1,640, Char X 825 kg €1,940. Bullocks: Char X 490 kg €1,980, Char X 540 kg €1,920, Char X 530 kg €1,910, Char X 595 kg €2,050, Lim X 535 kg €1,990, Char X 575 kg €1,970, Lim X 570 kg €2,090, Char X 680 kg €2,330, Char X 555 kg €1,930, Char X 530 kg €1,890, Char X 560 kg €1,900, Char X 545 kg €1,870. Bull weanlings: Char X 335 kg €1,610, Char X 320 kg €1,430, Char X 325 kg €1,360, Char X 310 kg €1,260, Lim X 295 kg €1,200, Char X 282 kg €1,180. Finished lambs: 49.7kgs €151, 50.7kgs €150, 51.6kgs €149, 49kgs €148, 50.1kgs €146, 50.8kgs €140, 48.8kgs €140, 48.2kgs €139, 49kgs €137. Store lambs: 41kgs €112, 39.4kgs €111, 37.5kgs €110, 39.3kgs €107, 37.6kgs €104, 37.8kgs €102, 37.4kgs €91, 38.2kgs €80, 35kgs €73. Cast ewes made from €35 to €127 per lot.

There was a large number of stock presented for sale on October 19th. As a result of the recent inclement weather conditions, trade has held up well, especially for the quality lots. The heifer ring witnessed the top quality stores peak at €3.65 a kilo while the heavier lots made up to €2430. The weanling rings had lots making up to €4.12 a kilo, and heifer weanlings peaked at €4.11 a kilo. Dry cows made up to €2330, while cows with calves at foot made up to €2220. Heifers, sample prices: Lm 400 kgs €1460, Ch 410kgs €1310, AA 415kgs €1280, Lm 478kgs €1580, Lm 490kgs €1460, AA 480kgs €1360, Lm 625kgs €2430, Ch 605kgs €2000, AA 675kgs €1760, and Lm 640kgs €1870. Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 880kgs €2080, Lm 845kgs €2060, Sim 815kgs €1955, Lm 785kgs €1930, AA bull 990kgs €2330, Her 865kgs €1790, Fr 725kgs €1250, and Sh 625kgs €1420. Weanling bulls, sample prices: Chx 290kgs €1150 Lm 265kgs €1050 Ch 295kgs €1020 Chx 320kgs €1000 Lm 360kgs €1260 Lm 415kgs €1460 Lm425kgs €1560. Weanling heifers, sample prices: Ch 255kgs €1050, Ch 290kgs €980, Lm 270kgs €930, Lm 260kgs €810, Ch 435kgs €1600, Lm 310kgs €1040, and Sim 360kgs €960. Cows with calves at foot made from €1275 to €2220, springers made from €1300 to €1480, and with regards to calves/runners, lots made from €280 to €830 for continental types. Meanwhile, at our bullock sale Monday, October 16th, there were also large numbers presented for sale. There were 320 bullocks on offer with the top quality stores making up to €3.33 a kilo, while heavier lots made up to €2080. Overall, a good clearance took place. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday, October 26th, when we have our sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

NewsPeople ‘A friend and mentor’ In nominating Bernie Moran, the Board stated on their application that, “Bernie is known throughout the length and breadth of Ireland” for her dedication to the Credit Union movement. “She is constantly at the forefront in promoting the Credit Union at local and national level. She is a frequent contributor on panel discussions and often interviewed by RTÉ News for commentary on current topics related to Credit Unions. “She is a friend and mentor to many across the country and is always willing to give of her time, expertise and experience to help others. She has volunteered twice in Africa assisting staff with operating their offices and promoting the walking CU Challenge to raise funds for the charitable arm of the Credit Union – the Foundation. “The recent ATM installations at our four branches was Bernie’s initiative and was praised by Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on her recent visit to Roscommon Credit Union. She stated that the forward thinking of the Credit Union was a testament to a modern and progressive Credit Union such as Roscommon Credit Union”.

Bernie receives ‘Distinguished Leader of Year Award’ at All Ireland Credit Union Awards 2023 Bernie Moran (CEO of Roscommon Credit Union) has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Distinguished Leader of the Year’ award at the second Annual Credit Union Awards, held last weekend in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry. The event, which celebrates excellence in the Credit Union movement, recognised Bernie for her exceptional leadership and dedicated service to Roscommon Credit Union and the wider Credit Union movement. The Distinguished Leader of the Year award is a testament to Bernie’s unwavering commitment and substantial contribution to the Credit Union movement, both locally and nationally. Under her leadership, Roscommon Credit Union has thrived who now has a branch presence in Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin and Strokestown, consistently prioritising the well-being of its members and the community environs. Bernie Moran’s tireless dedication and visionary leadership have made her an exemplary figure in the Credit Union sector. With 22 years of service to Credit Union, Bernie has played a pivotal role in the success of Roscommon Credit Union, fostering an environment of financial inclusion, support, and community

Pictured at the All Ireland Credit Union Awards 2023 were (back row) Anne Murphy, Mary Flynn, Catherine Nugent, Mags Gallagher, and Alec Dempsey, and (front row) Kevin McDonagh, Mary T Molloy, John Devaney, Deirdre Scanlon, Agnes O’Sullivan and Bernie Moran.

engagement. Her innovative initiatives, advocacy for the Credit Union’s core values, and commitment to members’ financial well-being have set a high standard for leadership in the industry.

The Honoured Credit Union Awards ceremony brought together leaders, sponsors, and members of the Credit Union community to celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions.

“It is with great pride and gratitude that we saw Bernie’s leadership and unwavering dedication recognised last Saturday night,” said John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union). “Her commitment to our staff, members and the community has been remarkable. This recognition is well deserved, and the Board knew when submitting the nomination that Bernie was deserving of this award”. Bernie Moran expressed her sincere gratitude for the award, stating, “I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award. It’s a testament to the extraordinary work of the entire staff, Board of Directors and Board Oversight Committee at Roscommon Credit Union – success cannot be achieved by one person alone, we are a tight team with a focus on our member service and the wider benefits that being a Credit Union member bring. We remain committed to serving our members and the community with professionalism, personal touch and with integrity”. Bernie Moran’s impact on the Credit Union movement has been profound, and the example set by her will continue to inspire future leaders in the Credit Union sector.

Kiltoom Community Group Alert update

A flashback to a previous Ballygar Truckin’ event. Pic: Peter Daly

Ballygar Truckin’ ALL REVVED UP for its 10th year! Ballygar Truckin’ is all revved up to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with a full weekend of entertainment from this Friday, October 27th to Sunday, 29th of October inclusive. The annual event returns by popular demand this October bank holiday weekend equipped with a jam-packed weekend of entertainment to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Up until this year, Ballygar Truckin’

hosted an annual one-day event comprising of a Truck and Tractor Run and a monster auction in aid of a local charity. This year, the organising committee are hosting an entire weekend of events in celebration of its milestone anniversary. Ballygar Truckin’ is hosting a Truck & Tractor Run, Monster Auction, Vintage Display, with Bingo Loco, and live music from Declan Nerney and Paul Kelly in the Mattie McDonagh Centre along with many

more family fun activities taking place throughout the bank holiday weekend. Ballygar Truckin’ has raised over €160,000 for various charities since its inception back in 2013. This year’s event will raise funds for Ballygar Newbridge Toghergar Le Chéile and Roscommon Hospice. It promises to be a great weekend for all the family so come along and support this wonderful event!

The quarterly meeting of the Kiltoom Community Alert Group took place in the Parish Hall, Ballybay, Kiltoom, recently. At the meeting, an appeal was made to householders to not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats when vacating homes for a long period of time, due to the arrival of the long dark nights of autumn and winter. Sympathy was also extended at the meeting to a number of residents of the Kiltoom Parish catchment area who had bereavements in recent weeks. They were as follows: the McLoughlin family (Coolegarry, Curraghboy) on the death of Michael McLoughlin, the Mannion and Leavy families (the Hill of Berries) on the death of Mrs Brid Shiel, PJ Shanagher (Lisbane, Kiltoom) on the death of his brother Thomas, the Quinn family (Hodson Bay) on the death of Martin, Mrs Helen Finneran (Moyvannion, Kiltoom) on the death of her mother Mrs Christina Harrison, the Martin and Burke families (Curramore, Kiltoom) on the death of Ms Una Burke, the Higgins and Hand families (Kiltoom) on the death of Mrs Mary Higgins (Barrymore), Mrs Helen Feeley (the Berries) and Mrs Carmel Ryan (Moyvannion) on the death of their sister Mrs Dolores MacLean, Mrs Martha Eynestone (Curnaseer, Kiltoom) on the death of her brother Michael McCormack, Alan Mc-

Niece (Barrymore) on the death of his mother, Tony O’Connor (Newpark, Kiltoom) on the death of his sister Mrs Kathleen Malone, Mrs Bridie Finneran (Derryglad) on the death of her brother Tommy Halligan, Crevan O’Donnell (Curramore) on the death of his mother, Mrs Brid Nolan, Barrybeg, and Mrs Nancy Finneran (Curnaseer) on the death of James Finneran, Golden Island, Tadhg and Maura Mannion (Hodson Bay, Kiltoom) on the death of their daughter Gail Kelly, Damien Tiernan (Hodson Bay) on the death of his father, Mrs Mary Whyte (Glasson) on the death of her husband Sean Whyte, PJ and Emily Martin (the Derries) on the death of their daughter Mrs Olivia Kinsella, John Dillon (Curramore, Kiltoom) on the death of his father Tom Dillon (Coosan, Athlone, Mrs Kathleen Kelly (Glanduff) on the death of her sister Ms Margaret Naughton (Carrownderry, Kiltoom), Mrs Ann Tuohy (Barrymore) on the death of her father Willie Gildea (Roscommon), the Fitzpatrick family (Curraghboy) and the Mannion family (Lower Ardmullen) on the death of Mrs Jacinta Fitzpatrick, Barney Kenna (Moyvannion, Kiltoom) on the death of his sister-in-law Mrs Rose Kenna (Castleknock, Dublin) and retired PP Very Rev. Michael Donnelly (Drumcliffe, a Rahara native) on the respective deaths of his brothers Desmond and Brendan.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

News/PropertyPeople

Waldron calls for commemorative site for Roscommon famine victims

At the October meeting of Roscommon County Council, which took place last Monday, Councillor Anthony Waldron called on the local authority to devise a heritage development plan to remember people from Roscommon who died during the Great Famine. However, in its response, the Council executive gave no sign that it would take on board this proposal, instead pointing to existing locations at which Roscommon’s famine dead are already commemorated. Cllr. Waldron submitted a notice of motion calling on Roscommon County Council to “appropriately commemorate the victims of An Gorta Mór by devising a heritage development plan to remember the people of Roscommon buried in Bully’s Acre in the townland of Slevinagee off Antogher Road in the town of Roscommon”. Cllr. Waldron said he was proposing that the site be fittingly developed as a commemoration site in conjunction with a designated commemorative centre in the nearby former workhouse, where most of the victims died. “This development would provide a visitor destination and reflective space for locals and tourists alike to pay their respects as well as show solidarity with the human deprivation that continues to plague humanity”. His notice of motion was submitted on

The Famine Memorial located near the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon. Pic: Kieran Croghan

behalf of County Roscommon Famine Commemorative Committee. Fr Francis Beirne, as chairperson of that committee, developed and devised plans for the Famine Memorial and

Commemorative Garden which is located beside the former Master’s House and Reception Area of the old Workhouse in Roscommon town. The submission makes the point that

the Famine Memorial and Commemorative Garden is the only tangible evidence of any commemoration of the victims in the county town, adding that “it is an ideal location to commemorate

the harrowing effects of the famine and the countless unknown people locally and surrounding areas of the county who died of disease and utter destitution”. During the Great Famine, County Roscommon was the worst affected county in Ireland with a 31.5% decrease in population compared with the national average of 20%. The submission said that to commemorate the unnamed dead victims buried in Bully’s Area and develop a centre of remembrance would complement the existing memorial and commemorative garden, adding that it would promote tourism and help our diaspora in returning to the place of their ancestry as well as assisting in tracing their family lineage. In reply, the Council executive said: “There is an existing famine memorial in Roscommon town at the site of the former workhouse (now Sacred Heart Home) to commemorate victims of the famine. The National Famine Museum in Strokestown is only 20 km away and this is a highly interactive visitor destination, which addresses and commemorates local and national stories from the famine period. A National Famine Commemoration Day is held annually and local events can be organised as part of National Heritage Week held in August”.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

PropertyPeople

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

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

RINNAGAN, LECARROW, CO. ROSCOMMON

AMV: €145,000

NEW TO THE MARKET

Cathal 086 1409158

Keith 086 0848590

4 BEDROOMED TWO STOREY RESIDENCE

FOR SALE VIA ONLINE AUCTION (LSL PLATFORM) ON FRIDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 2023 AT 12 PM 15 ACRES APPROX OF TOP QUALITY ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT

PRICE GUIDE: €175,000

AMV: €165,000

COOLATOBER, BALLYFORAN, CO. ROSCOMMON H53 D958

CRANNAGH BEG, DRUM, CO. ROSCOMMON

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

Charming Kilteevan property on sale with Remax Team Earley to feature tonight on Cheap Irish Homes A charming three-bedroomed, cottage-style home, located in the tranquil Kilteevan village near Roscommon, on the market with Remax Team Earley, is to feature this week on Cheap Irish Homes, to be broadcast this Thursday, October 26th, at 7 pm. Nestled in the countryside, this property offers a perfect blend of peaceful living and convenient access to nearby amenities. Situated just a five-minute drive from Roscommon town, you’ll have easy access to all the shops, services, and recreational facilities the town has to offer. Upon entering this delightful home, you are greeted by a welcoming entrance hallway that sets the tone for the cottage-style atmosphere. The property features three generously-sized bedrooms, providing ample space for your family or guests. The kitchenette offers a cosy space to prepare meals, and the living room provides a comfortable area for relaxation and entertaining. Additionally, a well appointed family bathroom completes the main living areas. The BER rating is E2. This property offers a fantastic opportunity to put your personal touch on the interior design. With some updated décor and modernisation, you can transform this cottage-style home into a contemporary retreat while preserving its original charm and character.

One of the stand-out features of this property is its expansive outdoor space. The home is situated on a large site, approximately 0.82 of an acre, allowing for plenty of room to roam and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The spacious courtyard boasts two large stone outbuildings, which can serve a variety of purposes, providing additional storage, a workshop, or even potential for conversion into additional living space. Kilteevan offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful country lifestyle. Despite its rural charm, the property is conveniently located just a short five-minute drive away from Roscommon town. Roscommon town offers a wealth of amenities, including supermarkets, schools, restaurants, and leisure facilities, ensuring that you have everything you need within easy reach. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this charming three-bedroomed, cottage-style home in Kilteevan. Contact Remax Team Earley today to arrange a viewing and make this property your own slice of countryside paradise. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact Remax Team Earley, Stonecourt Roscommon, on 090 66 26579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie, or contact the auctioneer Keith on 086 0848590.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS < ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meetings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc. Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required. Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss. Fully Registered. Call Dave on

085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

VHI and Laya Covered

Chimney Cleaning

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

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:

087 2798704

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

NO FIX NO FEE

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

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV

Inspections l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

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

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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

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

Paul McStay

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099

< HAY FOR SALE: 30 Round Bales of this year’s Hay, shed stored and fertilised. €35.00 per bale, near Roscommon Town, no text or private numbers. Phone: 086 8054291

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

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

gmail.com

Reg No: EI000083

JOE HEALY

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

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

087 2721193

GARDENING

GARDENING SERVICES

087 2346364

• 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

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

D.A.F.M. Approved

GARDENING

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

www.parklaw treeservices.com

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

GARDENING

Over 30 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

Mobile:

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

COUNSELLING

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

FARMING

086 8936012

COUNSELLING

Kathleen’s Mobile Footcare

COUNSELLING

DRIVING LESSONS

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

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

Complete Chimney Services

COMPUTERS

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

GATELY GARDENING

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

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

l l

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

Tel: 087 2172281 GRINDS < MATHS GRINDS: All Levels. Experienced Tutor. 1-to-1 and small groups possible. Call/Text/Whatsapp Coman: 085 706 3536

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE

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

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!

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Carmel Cregg am applying for planning permission for the following: 1) Change of use from derelict shop to domestic living space to form part of associated dwelling house 2) Demolish rear utility/WC annex, refurbish building and make alterations to elevations and construct front porch. 3) Construct boundary wall to part of front western boundary and form new boundary with post and rail fence to southern and eastern sides to define the garden space associated with the building unit and carry out all ancillary site development works at Tonroe, Kingsland, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 CP40

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

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Full planning permission is being sought from Roscommon County Council for the construction of a new dwelling on my lands at Hodson’s Bay, Barrymore, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a new two storey dwelling (280 sqm) and associated ancillary works to facilitate the development including site development works, parking, drainage, foul connection to the mains drainage and landscaping. Signed: David Heavey The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of warehouse with retail area and for relocation of entrance to access roadway together with connection to public services and all ancillary development on site at Cloonybeirne, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon. Signed: Kenneth Doyle

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

PUBLIC NOTICE We, Sarah and Dennis Deane, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon wish to apply for renewal of their Bookmakers Licences.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

TAKE NOTICE that KILTEEVAN GUN CLUB have preserved parts of the lands and bogs in the townlands of Annaghmore, Aughmagree, Ballinaboy, Beldere, Beechwood, Cloncellan, Derrinterk, Derrycarbery, Emoe, Doogramore, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Cloonlarge, Carramore, Killerney and Carton. The Association has preserved as a game sanctuary parts of townlands of Cloontogher, Clooneigh, Doogramore and Kilteevan occupied by the representatives of George Kilmartin in these townlands. Persons found in pursuit of game in the lands and bogs referred to above will be prosecuted. Signed: The Secretary.

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information Planning Reference: PD/23/212 We, John and Philomena Greene, wish to advise that significant further information has been submitted to the Planning Authority in relation to above application at Cloonelt, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The further information submitted relates to the percolation area. The development applied for consisted of the retention of: 1. The position of the existing dwellinghouse as constructed 2. The existing domestic garage as constructed 3. The existing red line site boundary, associated site entrance location and all site works therein as constructed Significant further information in relation to the application has been furnished to the Planning Authority and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Marie Meehan, intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission for: Construction of 1 single storey rear extension, with upgraded and relocated WWTS to EPA CoP 2021 EN 12566-3 with tertiary treatment system and all other associated site works to my site at Cloonfad, Beg, 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 the public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Roscommon County Council of the Application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information. Name of applicant: Seamus Sharkey Planning Reference No: PD/23/60014 1. Retention of existing lean-to extension to existing building, as constructed, and all ancillary site works. 2. Retention of existing storage shed and office building as constructed and all ancillary site works at Circular Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Significant further information in relation to the above application has been furnished to the Planning Authority, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, not later than two weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. There will be no fee payable on a further submission/observation if it is accompanied by a copy of the acknowledgement of a previous submission/observation.

Signed: John & Philomena Greene

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Rathcroghan Designs intend applying for Planning Permission on behalf of Bridie Sheil to construct Slatted Shed and Manure Pit together with all associated site works at Tullen Td, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within a period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed: Martin Dowd Rathcroghan Design, Ballyconboy, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 2328484

Signed: Vincent Durkin (Agent). www.DurkinDesign.ie Architectural Design & Engineering solutions Tel: 086 83 72 933

PUBLIC NOTICE

Signed: Deeney Engineering and Planning Services Tel: 086 2503109

Application to Roscommon County Council for a Waste Facility Permit Notice is hereby given in accordance with Articles 7 and 8 of the Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended that Roscwood Recycling Ltd of 18 Railway Road, Cavan, Co. Cavan intends to apply for a Waste Management Facility Permit at Roxborough Townland, Roxborough, Co. Roscommon for the collection and recovery of wood from packaging waste, construction and demolition waste and municipal waste. The application for a Waste Facility Permit will be made to Roscommon County Council within 10 working days of the date of this notice. The Class(es) of Activity at the site, as specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended, is as follows: Class R1 – Use principally as a fuel or other means to generate energy. Class R12 – Exchange of waste for submission to any of the operations numbered R1 to R11 (if there is no other R code appropriate, this can include preliminary operations prior to recovery including pre-processing such as, amongst others, dismantling, sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletising, drying, shredding, conditioning, repackaging, separating, blending or mixing prior to submission to any of the operations numbered R1 to R11) (Principal Activity) The Class of Activity at the site, as specified in Part I of the Third Schedule of the Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007, as amended, is as follows: Class 10 (Principal Activity) The recovery of Waste (not mentioned elsewhere in this part of Third Schedule) other than hazardous waste or an activity specified in Category 5 of Annex 1 of Directive 2010/75/EU where(a) The annual intake does not exceed 50,000 tonnes, and the maximum quantity of residual waste consigned from the facility for onward transport and submission to disposal at an authorized facility shall not exceed 15% of the annual intake.

PRAYER - ADVERTISEMENT ‘Focus on Souls in Purgatory’ As November draws close, it’s once again time to focus on the Souls in Purgatory. This is the month set aside by the Church to assist in a special way those who have gone before us, those whose souls may not yet have entered Heaven. The most efficacious way to help these souls is to have Holy Mass offered on their behalf which of course can be done any time throughout the year. A Plenary Indulgence, which is the release of a soul from Purgatory into Heaven, can be gained for the first eight days of November (that is one per day) by visiting a graveyard on each of the above mentioned days and by reciting an Our Father, a Creed and a prayer for the Pope’s intentions and any other prayer of one’s choice for the deceased. One must also go to Confession and receive Holy Communion during this time. The following is a prayer which St Gertrude stated relieves souls from Purgatory each time that it is recited… ‘Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus, in union with the Holy Masses said throughout the world today for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen’. It is also worth noting that a Plenary Indulgence can be gained every single day during the year by praying the Rosary in a Church or by spending 30 minutes before the Blessed Sacrament and by praying for the Pope’s intentions in either instance. One also needs to go to Confession regularly to achieve this and to be as free from sin as possible. The Holy Souls, which includes many of those whom we have known and loved in life, plead now for our prayers and sacrifices to hasten their entry into Heaven.

A copy of the application for the Waste Permit will as soon as is practicable after receipt by the Local Authority, be available for inspection or purchase at the principal office of Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon County Roscommon F42 VR98

IRIDOLOGY & NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

Iridology & Nutritional Therapy Clinics

Denise Coyle, Iridologist and Nutritional Therapist Phone: 083 377 7204 Email: denisegcoyle@gmail.com Iridology is the examination of the coloured portion of the eye, the iris, where your body’s organs and systems are reflected. Examining the iris helps you to determine areas of your body that are in balance and Ithose ridology &that Nutritioneed nal Therapy Clinics support. Nutritional therapy uses evidence-based approaches to formulate individual nutrition and lifestyle plans with the goal of maximizing health potential. Iridology and nutritional therapy are provided for your education and interest and are not intended to diagnose medical conditions.

Appointments available from November 10th

Denise Coyle, Iridologist and Nutritional Therapist 083 377 7204 denisegcoyle@gmail.com

Creggs Heritage Centre, Creggs, Co. Galway, F42 X674

/ƌŝĚŽůŽŐǇ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ĞǆĂŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽůŽƵƌĞĚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĞǇĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ŝƌŝƐ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ǇŽƵƌ ďŽĚǇ’Ɛ ŽƌŐĂŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ ĂƌĞ ƌĞĨůĞĐƚĞĚ͘ ǆĂŵŝŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŝƌŝƐ ŚĞůƉƐ ǇŽƵ ƚŽ ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞ ĂƌĞĂƐ ŽĨ ǇŽƵƌ ďŽĚǇ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ŝŶ ďĂůĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŶĞĞĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͘

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!

EƵƚƌŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƚŚĞƌĂƉǇ ƵƐĞƐ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞͲďĂƐĞĚ ĂƉƉƌŽĂĐŚĞƐ ƚŽ ĨŽƌŵƵůĂƚĞ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŶƵƚƌŝƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞƐƚǇůĞ ƉůĂŶƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŐŽĂů ŽĨ ŵĂǆŝŵŝǌŝŶŐ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ƉŽƚĞŶƚŝĂů͘

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2pm ON TUESDAY

/ƌŝĚŽůŽŐǇ ĂŶĚ ŶƵƚƌŝƚŝŽŶĂů ƚŚĞƌĂƉǇ ĂƌĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ŝŶƚĞŶĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐĞ ŵĞĚŝĐĂů ĐŽŶĚŝƚŝŽŶƐ͘

ƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϭϬƚŚ ƌĞŐŐƐ ,ĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ƌĞŐŐƐ͕ Ž͘ 'ĂůǁĂǇ͕ &ϰϮ yϲϳϰ

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds PLANNINGS

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

PODIATRIST

Tullys Podiatrist/Chiropodist

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

Sarah Fleming

094 9620009 For all foot ailments

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

087 9657933 or 090 66 33084

Professional Tiler available Contact Mike on 087 2392139 at

Kilroe Tiling

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

PMC

Ballintober, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon F45Y320

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214 Tel:

REFLEXOLOGY

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

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

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

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

Benefits:

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

Gift Vouchers Available

Tel: 087 2264951

10%

Discount with this advert.

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

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

• 20 years experience

Contact Luke on

085 7359120 PHYSICAL THERAPY

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

PLANT HIRE & GROUNDWORKS

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

LOFT LADDERS Aluminium

Supplied & Fitted From

The company that can do all them small jobs

FROM

€190 094 9373445 087 9100477

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

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

CAT CARE

Established since 2005

Christmas Maths Revision Courses

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

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

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

086 895 3884 Call Padraic for concreting

Email:

thespcattery @gmail.com

PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

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

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!

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: EMAIL:

089 4554792

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

Lorraine 086 3688302

085 226 4664

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Phone:

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Contact by phone/text:

Tar & Chip Driveways

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

The local paper!

Electrician Available

GRINDS

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

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

www.oddjobsolutions.ie

Movement Matters

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

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

Plumbing & Maintenance

SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

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

Phone: 086 - 8944363 or 086 - 0872166

Painting Contractors

089 966 1849

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

USEFUL SERVICES

Corlack Mechanical Maintenance Services Ltd

CALL MICHAEL ON

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

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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

POWERWASHING

USEFUL SERVICES

HOME MAINTENANCE

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

PODIATRIST

USEFUL SERVICES

090 66 34633

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE Local Carpentry Services and Maintenance Telephone Seamus

089 9851766 TAXIS

FOR ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Roscommon area

Phone JOHN

Over 30 years experience

083 8838022

Phone Tommy

KEEN RATES

Call car direct

(086) 2714879

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

086 8934576

< 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.

Eithne Jarrett

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

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

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

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

ROOFING

ANIMAL CARE/VETERINARY

NASHVILLE ROOFING Company website

nashvilleroofing.ie

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

086 2437376 < FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Excellent quality hardwood, Birch, Ash etc. 8x4 car trailer loads, tractor trailer loads and bags also available. Size cut to order. Also turf available. Call after 5pm 085 7848606 < THIS WEEKS SPECIAL OFFER: 20kg bags of coal suitable for stoves, range, open fires only @14 per bag. Tonne bags of seasoned black turf €50 per bag. Tonne bags of seasoned firewood €50 per bag. Contact: 086 2628439

Alan O’Toole

WINDOW CLEANING

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

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

For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

CLEANING

RCS SERVICES GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY Camargo - 087 293 4756

ALL CREATURES

Veterinary Clinic & Shop

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

TILING

PAINTING

GARDENING

POWER WASH

Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

email: roofingcontractors96@gmail.com

Phone: 083 1479301

Roof Repairs

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

087 9795226

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR

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

Tel: 090 6621220

083 0684011

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

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

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS:

Wheelchair Accessible

ANIMAL CARE/VETERINARY

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

Padraig Healy

TOP QUALITY TURF

USEFUL SERVICES

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

Phone:

089 9661849

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

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

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

AtYourService BLINDS

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

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon F42 W294

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Mobile:

086 8115928 CHIMNEY REPAIRS

We SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE

Telephone: 090 66 33026

W: roscommonwindowsanddoors.com E: roscommonwindows@hotmail.com

CARS

Chimney Problems

LIFE COACHING

Chris’s Window Service

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

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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

CAROLINE BURKE 086 8229606 www.carolineburke.ie

CAREER & LIFE Coaching

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * APPLICATIONS - PUBLIC/CIVIL and PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETENCY BASED APP FORMS * INTERVIEW MASTERING (including competency-based questions) * EDUCATION & PERSONAL COACHING

FARMING

For more details check www.carolineburke.ie

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

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

ROOFING

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

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

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

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

Tel: 087 0944027

CARPENTRY & FITTED FURNITURE

Aodhgan Cashin

Ballybride, Roscommon F42 EC59

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

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

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

INSULATION

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

GARDENING David Duffy 087 9662678 Alan Duffy 086 3992382

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

S tephen H oare

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

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

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

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 380900 380900 087 info@mhla.ie 091 || 087 9818153 Mountbellew, Co. Galway www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie

www.mhla.ie 091 380900 |Approved 087 9818153 Product

Certified Dip in Loss Certified in Certified Dip DipAdjusting in Loss Loss

info@mhla.ie

Member of the PSAB-GI

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

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

Tel: 087 6117326

ROOFING

INSURANCE CLAIMS

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

CLEANING

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

Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

ALPHA ROOFING

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

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

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Cavity & Wall Insulation NewBead Buildings Retrofit Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free

andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial €1,214 to Estate, Galway

€3,500

091 768 768 Ballybane Industrial Estate,

Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

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

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

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements NO CALL OUT CHARGE

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

Locally owned ... in the heart of the community

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds

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

APPOINTMENTS J KEANE & SONS (ROS) LTD are recruiting for the following role:

Receptionist We are looking to hire a Receptionist to join our team. Role Responsibilities: • Greet and welcome customers, visitors with a high level of professionalism. • Answer any incoming calls. • Administration and filing duties. • Ensure reception is attended at all times. • Direct customers to relevant department. • Administrative support to different Departments as required. Skills and Competencies: • Excellent communication skills • Well presented. • Previous experience (2 years minimum) working in a reception or administration position with a customer service orientation. • Ability to multitask. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Package (Word, Excel, E-mail) • Ability to problem solve and use sound judgement and initiative. If you believe you are the right candidate for this position, please forward your CV and cover letter to

micheal.keane@vwjk.ie Closing date for application is 1st November 2023.

Tots Haven Creche Dromod, Co. Leitrim Requires a

Roscommon Co-Operative Livestock Marts has held a central role in farming in County Roscommon for over 60 years holding weekly cattle and sheep sales – Due to continued growth we currently have the following vacancy for which full training will be provided. ROLE TITLE:

Office Manager

REPORTING TO: General Manager LOCATION: Roscommon Town ROLE PURPOSE: To assist in all aspects of the day to day running of the mart. ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: Administration • Deal with incoming and outgoing post and handle email queries • Maintain weekly accounts and bank reconciliations • Complete Daily lodgements and provide banking support • Filing and maintaining records from sale days • Managing and ordering of office supplies • Maintaining and updating client and online databases SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE • Office administration experience • Experience in MS Office applications, e.g., Word, Excel and Powerpoint is essential • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enjoys dealing with people • Excellent organisational skills • Good self-presentation • Flexibility, reliability, ability to work on own initiative • Ability to follow up on tasks without prompting BENEFITS: • Company Pension Scheme • Career Development opportunities Salary: • Negotiable

Please apply with covering letter and Curriculum Vitae to: The General Manager, Roscommon Co-Operative Livestock Mart, Circular Road, Roscommon or via email to: roscommonmartmanager@gmail.com Closing date for applications is Friday, November 10th

Childcare Practitioner

(Full-time) Minimum of Fetac Level 5 required Excellent rates apply Please apply to: totshaven42@gmail.com Or post to: The Manager, Tots Haven, Shannon Haven, Dromod, Co. Leitrim

SITUATIONS VACANT < GENERAL YARD OPERATIVE/RELIEF LORRY DRIVER REQUIRED: Roscommon Town area, 8.30-5.30pm Monday – Friday (40 Hours per week) or Job Share available if requested. Duties include: General yard and maintenance duties. Operating Forklift (training will be given if required). Collections/ Deliveries. Will be required to do overtime periodically. Salary € Negotiable (paid monthly). Previous experience in a similar role is desired but not essential. If interested, please send you CV to: Roscommondeporecruit@gmail.com < OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/RECEPTIONIST: A full-time position is now available for a busy office in Strokestown with an immediate start. You will be responsible for providing excellent customer service, answering calls, emails and dealing with queries in a professional manner. Ad hoc administrative duties, invoicing, accounts. Previous experience desirable, but full training will be provided. Please send enquiries to PO Box 3091 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Tubbercurry Engineering Roscommon has immediate vacancies for Mechanical Tradesmen and General Operatives l

PLUMBERS

Full & Part-time l

SHEETMETAL WORKERS Workshop

SHEETMETAL WORKERS Installers

SEMI-SKILLED TRADESMEN AND HELPERS l

Suitable candidates should contact the office for an application form or send their CV by post or email to:

Tubbercurry Engineering & Services IDA Business Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon.

email: monica@tesg.ie Phone: 090 66 34862/63/64

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES DOWLING Rose

WARD Edward (Ned)

(10th Anniversary)

Scregg, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (10th Anniversary) In loving memory of Ned who died on the 27th October 2013

Lisgobbin, Co. Roscommon

MONAHAN Maureen Gallowstown, Roscommon Who passed away 26th October 2022.

R.I.P.

In loving memory of Rose, who died on October 27th 2013 R.I.P.

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never. Loved forever and sadly missed by her husband Pat, son Michael, daughters Martha and Sylvia, sons-inlaw and grandchildren.

Remembering our Aunt Rose on her 10th Anniversary, Gerard, Majella, Joe and Gemma. Anniversary Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Saturday, 28th October at 7pm.

KELLY James (Jim) Ballinleg, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon (15th Anniversary)

We lost a father with a heart of gold how much we miss him can never be told. He shared our troubles and helped us along if we follow his footsteps, we will never go wrong. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home. As we look upon your pictures sweet memories we recall of faces full of sunshine a smile for one and all. You are always close behind us in everything we do you were a special father God’s gift to us was you. Sweet Jesus take this message to our dear father up above tell him how we miss him and give him all our love. We hold him close within our hearts and there he shall remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again So, rest in peace dear loved one and thanks for all you’ve done. We pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won. Deep are the memories, precious they stay. No passing of time, can take them away

Always loved and sadly missed by his sons Con and Aidan and daughter-in-law Kathleen Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Friday, 27th October at 7pm.

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Lovingly remembered by Phil and family.

The most read newspaper in County Roscommon! The local paper!

Taughshane, Mount Talbot

Corlackin, Creggs, Co. Galway

Though absent, you are very near. Still loved, Still missed and very dear. Always loved and sadly missed by her family and many friends. First Anniversary Mass for Maureen will take place on Saturday, 28th October at 7pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

(4th Anniversary) Anne who died on 3rd October 2019

(20th Anniversary) Johnny who died on 1st December 2003

Sadly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. Out of our lives you may be gone, but in our hearts, you both still live on. Today, tomorrow, our whole lives through, we will always love and remember both of you. Always loved and sadly missed by your daughters Jacinta and Caroline, son David, son-in-law Cathal, daughter-in-law Marie, grandchildren Connor, Dylan, Cara, Johnny and Anna. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in The Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Roads on Friday, 27th October at 7pm.

Close to our hearts your memory is kept, to treasure, to love and never forget. Missed each day and remembered by your family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday, 29th October at 11.30am.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

FLYNN Francie (Frank)

DUFFY Jerry

Craughwell, Kilmore, Ballygar, Co. Galway

11th Anniversary occurs on the 26th October 2023

(8th Anniversary) Who passed away on 31st October 2015

In loving memory of our parents Anne and Johnny.

(7th Anniversary) In loving memory of Mary (Mae) who passed away on 27th October 2016 May Mary Rest In Peace

In loving memory of Maureen Monahan

Email or call for Sample Pack

DOROSHKEVICH Oleg O’Keefe Park, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. 17th September 2023

Deep are the memories precious they stay no passing of time can take them away.

In loving memory of Jim Kelly. Rest in Peace.

NAUGHTON Anne & Johnny

SCANLON née Mulligan Mary (Mae)

Sadly missed and remembered by his mother Mary, wife Martina and sons, his brothers and sisters. Dear friends and family, it is with heavy hearts that we approach the First Month’s Anniversary of the passing of our beloved Oleg. The gathering will be an opportunity to come together, pay our respects and offer our gratitude for the time we shared with Oleg. His presence in our lives was a blessing and we want to celebrate the beautiful moments we shared. This Mass will be a moment of reflection, a time to find solace in each other’s company and a chance to remember Oleg’s enduring spirit. We would be deeply grateful for your presence at this Mass, as your support and love have meant the world to us during this difficult time. Oleg’s memory will live on in our hearts and your presence will help us honour his life in a meaningful way. We also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support and love you have shown us during this challenging period. Your words of comfort, acts of kindness, and unwavering presence have been a source of strength. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude. Month’s Mind Mass for Oleg will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Sunday, October 29th at 10.30am.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 4th November at 7.30pm.

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. Lovingly remembered by Julia and family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Sunday, 29th October at 10.30am.

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

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MONTH’S MIND MASS SHANAGHER Tom Castlehill, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 3rd October 2023.

McLOUGHLIN (née McNeill) Bernie Coolagarry, Curraghboy, Roscommon Who sadly passed away on the 26th October 2022

KENNY Michael Tully, Fourmilehouse, and Glenview, Roscommon Who died October 27th 2008 (15th Anniversary)

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

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

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

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Tom`s Month’s Mind Mass will be held on the 4th of November at 7pm in St. Bride’s Church, Ballintubber. Forever loved, may Tom`s gentle soul Rest In Peace.

On the first anniversary of the passing of Bernie, her family wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who sympathised and offered support to us during that difficult time. We want to thank all who visited Bernie during her illness and who travelled to her Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, to those who sent floral tributes, text messages, cards of condolences and posted online condolences, you provided much strength and comfort to us during this difficult time We wish to thank Fr. Micheal McManus for the kindness he showed to Bernie during her illness, for the Masses that were held in her home and her Funeral Mass. Also we would like to thank Deacon Willie Gacquin, also Henry Hamrock and Audrey Dalton for the beautiful music. A special word of thanks to our friends and neighbours who helped with refreshments, traffic control, gravediggers and those who participated in the Guard of Honour on the morning of her Funeral. We would also like to thank Bernie’s Palliative Care Team her Public Health Nurse and her O.T. and her carers for the great care and compassion shown to Bernie during her illness. Thanks to Donie of Hamrocks Funeral Home, Brideswell, for his professionalism, advice and guidance shown to us during that difficult time. We also want to thank Delicious Catering and The Peppermill for the food provided. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Anniversary Mass for Bernie will take place in St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 29th October at 10am.

THANKSGIVINGS

MONTH’S MIND MASS

Tom`s family, beloved Dad of Karen, Sinéad and Michelle, mother Bridie, brothers PJ and Martin, sisters Mary, Teresa, Phil and Eithne wish to express our sincere thanks for the kindness, sympathy and support shown throughout our recent loss. We would like to give a special thanks to all Tom`s good friends, neighbours and all those who shared fond memories of Tom with us and everyone who visited him through his short illness. A heartfelt thanks to all those who attended Tom`s Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. Thanks to those who offered online condolences, cards and texts, we really appreciate your support. We wish to offer special thanks to the staff at Roscommon Hospice for the comfort, care and dignity they brought to Tom during his short time with them. Thank you so much to Fr. Julian for his kindness, spirital support and helping us celebrate Tom`s life throughout his beautiful Funeral Mass. Also sincere thanks to Joe Healy and Co for providing such beautiful and personal music for Tom`s final journey and helping us celebrate his life long passion and love for music. Thank you to Pat Smyth and family for their total professionalism, guidance and kindness provided to us. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation.

3 DAY NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. M.S. NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. M.M. THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. M.

He has gone across the river, to the shore of evergreen and we long to see his dear face, but the river flows between. Someday, sometime we shall see, the face we loved so well, someday we’ll clasp his hand and never say farewell.

Ballymoe, Co. Galway

Loved and missed by the Kenny family. Anniversary Mass in FourMile-House Church on Friday, 27th October at 7pm.

IN LOVING MEMORY

MORRIS (nee Coyle) Kathleen Mount Plunkett, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary)

McLOUGHLIN Michael (Mike) Coolegarry, Curraghboy, Roscommon Who sadly passed away on the September 24th, 2023

In loving memory of Kathleen who died on 5th November 2018 R.I.P.

The family of Michael McLoughlin, who passed away September 24th 2023, wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported us through our sadness. Thanks to those who attended his Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, to those who sent Mass cards, sympathy cards, flowers and condolences on RIP.ie. A very special thanks to Deacon Willie Gacquin for his guidance, support and exemplary dedication which gave us all much comfort and who, together with Fr. Ray Milton celebrated Michael’s Funeral Mass To Donie at Hamrock’s Funeral Home for his professionalism and support, to Henry Hamrock for his beautiful singing. We are forever grateful to our wonderful neighbours and friends who assisted with refreshments, the gravediggers, the traffic controllers, the emergency services and Galway University Hospital A&E. Please take this acknowledgement as a symbol of our eternal gratitude to one and all. A Month’s Mind Mass will be held for Michael at St. Bridget’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 29th October at 10am.

WARD (nee Finnegan) Assumpta

Just a prayer from the family who love you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you. 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.

Always loved and remembered by your husband Micheal, son John, his partner Sandra, family and friends. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 28th October at 7pm.

We the family of the late Assumpta Ward wish to acknowledge and thank all who in any way tendered sympathy or support on Mammy’s recent passing. Sincere thanks to our family, friends and neighbours who called to the house, brought food and helped us through this difficult time. We are thankful to all who attended Mammy’s Wake, Funeral Mass, Burial, sent Mass cards, messages of condolence, floral tributes and travelled long distances. We were truly touched by all who participated in the candlelight reception for Mammy, at our home, on the night of her Wake. We thank you sincerely for the comfort this brought us once again, as with our father Martin’s Funeral in February. We offer heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of The Galway Clinic for their kindness and the excellent care shown to Mammy throughout her illness and treatment there. Sincere thanks also to the doctors, nurses and reception staff of the Kelly Henry Medical Centre for their excellent care and kindness and to Nial Tully and the staff of Tully’s Pharmacy for their care. Thank you most sincerely Fr. Pat O’Toole, Fr. Joe Poole and Fr. Benny Flanagan for concelebrating Mammy’s Funeral Mass and to Kathleen the Sacristan. Thanks to Fr. Pat O’Toole and Fr. Julian for their Pastoral visits to our home during Mammy’s illness. Thanks to Annette Griffin and John Staunton for the beautiful church music and singing. Sincere thanks to Niall Flanagan Undertakers for the professional care and kindness shown to us and to the grave diggers for preparing Mammy’s final resting place. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Assumpta’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe on Friday, 3rd of November at 7pm.

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

(Covering Rooskey and surrounding areas)

Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com

Sports PEOPLE Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Kilroy calls it a day

146.jpg Roscommon’s Enda Smith and Mayo’s Jordan Flynn get ready for throw-in in the 2023 Connacht SFC quarter-final clash in MacHale Park, Castlebar back in April. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon to face New York or Mayo in 2024! The draw for the 2024 Provincial Senior Football Championships took place on Saturday afternoon with some interesting matches to look forward to. Roscommon have been given a bye into the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-

final and will play a home tie against either New York or Mayo, who are set to play each other in one of the quarter-finals. In the other quarter-final, Sligo will play Leitrim, with the winners meeting London or Galway in the semi-final.

2024 Connacht SFC Quarter-Finals New York v Mayo London v Galway Sligo v Leitrim

2024 Connacht SFC Semi-Finals New York/Mayo v Roscommon London/Galway v Sligo/Leitrim

National League fixtures confirmed Round 1: Tyrone v Roscommon Round 2: Roscommon v Galway Round 3: Derry v Roscommon Round 4: Roscommon v Monaghan Round 5: Mayo v Roscommon Round 6: Roscommon v Kerry Round 7: Dublin v Roscommon

Roscommon will have three home matches and four away matches in the 2024 Allianz National Football League, which is set to start early in the New Year. Davy Burke’s men will begin their Division One campaign with an away game against Tyrone and their final game will also be an away tie, against All-

Ireland champions, Dublin. They will welcome Galway, Monaghan and last year’s All-Ireland beaten finalists, Kerry, to Dr Hyde Park during the campaign. See the full list of Roscommon’s fixtures on left. Dates and times TBC.

Tributes have been paid to Fuerty clubman Niall Kilroy after he confirmed his retirement from inter-county football. Niall made his senior inter-county football debut against Longford on the 4th of March 2012 and went on to represent Roscommon 91 times, scoring 3-45. During his time with the Roscommon senior team, Niall won two Connacht Senior Football medals (2017 & 2019), three National Football League Division 2 medals (2018, 2020 & 2022) and two FBD Connacht League titles (2018 & 2019). Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Brian Carroll led the tributes, saying: “On behalf of everyone in Roscommon GAA I wish to thank Niall for his outstanding commitment and dedication to Roscommon for so many years. Niall always wore the Roscommon jersey with great pride and honesty in each of his 91 appearances for our county team. Niall was a great person to have around our dressing room and was always a great leader. “Niall is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to work with. He always showed massive respect for his teammates, management, County Board and our supporters. I wish Niall and his wife Aisling and his family the very best in the future and I’d like to thank him for all the memories”. Thanking everyone who supported him throughout his career at club and county level, Niall added: “Playing for Roscommon has been an immense honour for me. My childhood dream was to play for my county in Croke Park and I was lucky enough to do this in both football and hurling”.

GAA results Hodson Bay Senior Football Championship Final St Brigid’s 0-12 Boyle 0-11 RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC Quarter-Finals St Brigid’s 1-8 Castlerea St Kevin’s 0-5 Elphin 2-6 Fuerty 1-8

GAA fixtures Friday, October 27th RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC Semi-Final At Strokestown: Boyle v Oran. 8 pm Saturday, October 28th Dermot Hughes Cars JAFC Final replay At Dr Hyde Park: St Michael’s v Clann na nGael. 2.30 pm RosGal Loss Assessors Ltd JBFC Quarter-Final At Kilbride: St Brigid’s v Elphin. 4 pm Sunday, October 29th Callington Ltd IFC Final At Dr Hyde Park: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Éire Óg. 2 pm

Clann can edge close junior final Dermot Hughes Cars Roscommon Junior Football Championship A final: St Michael’s v Clann na nGael on Saturday in Dr Hyde Park at 2.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

This year’s junior football final brings together two teams from opposite ends of the county and two very different clubs in terms of size and resources.

St Michael’s have had a great season. They were superb in the league and won the Tansey Cup, defeating Strokestown in the final. Their form was even better in the championship as they breezed through their group unbeaten, scoring nine goals and 36 points over the course of their three games. In the quarter-final, the Cootehallbased side continued their impressive form, easily defeating Roscommon Gaels. The biggest test that St Michael’s have had in the championship so far came from Kilglass in the semi-final, where they were down four points at

half-time. St Michael’s recovered well, a strong second-half display propelling them to a four-point win. St Michael’s have a nice balance of younger and more experienced players. Luca Hill has had a very good year between the posts. Neil Cox, Jim Harte, Michael King, Brian Reynolds, Jack Lane and Fiachra Henry have been playing well, while the experienced Alan O’Hara and Liam Conlon are a vital presence in the forward line. Following their relegation last year, Clann na nGael will be determined to get back into the intermediate ranks at

the first time of asking. Their squad also combines players with plenty of senior experience and younger, up and coming players. Having breezed through their group unbeaten, Clann came through a tough test against Ballinameen in the quarterfinal. They then put St Ronan’s to the sword in the semi-final with an excellent performance. Tomas O’Neill has been the Clann talisman this year and has been running up some big scores in all their matches. But Clann are not a one-man band. Darragh Egan, Ronan Gavin, David Flynn, Gra-

ham Pettit, Cian McManus and Mike Harrington have all been playing well for the Johnstown club. It’s 30 years since St Michael’s were in the county final, and as a solely junior club, many neutrals will be hoping that they can win the championship on Saturday. However, Clann look a very strong team with many players with senior club experience in their ranks. As we have seen so many times, there is no sentiment in sport. I think Clann will edge it by a couple of points. Prediction: Clann na nGael.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

SportsPeople

The Éire Óg/Michael Glavey’s panel and management celebrate winning the Roscommon Minor Football Division One final last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

County final musings What a heartbreak Sunday’s County Senior Football final defeat was for Boyle GAA Club. I really feel for all involved, especially as this means they have lost successive finals by a one-point margin, deeply painful for a club desperately trying to bridge what is now a 96-year gap. First and foremost, it was a great achievement by Boyle to reach the final two years in a row. It was confirmation that they are now established as one of the top senior teams in the county, and a credit also to their resolve and determination, given the heartbreak of last season, when Boyle were runnersup to Strokestown. Once back in the final, Boyle had their sights firmly set on ending their long wait for senior glory. Truth be told, not many neutrals gave them much of a chance against St Brigid’s prior to throwin on Sunday. That’s no reflection on Boyle – clearly a formidable team and worthy finalists – more a recognition of how strong Brigid’s are, and specifically of their blistering form over recent months. When Brigid’s coasted to a huge win over Roscommon Gaels in the semi-final, many observers reluctantly wrote Boyle’s title chances off. With hindsight, the pre-final narrative was flawed. Yes, Brigid’s were brilliant throughout the campaign, and yes, it was reasonable to conclude that Boyle faced an uphill task, but it was probably naïve for so many people outside of the two clubs to so confidently call the 2023 final for Brigid’s. In any event, the widespread near-dismissal of Boyle’s chances suited the underdogs perfectly. On Sunday, the Boyle players delivered superbly on the game plan devised by Cian Smith and his management colleagues. It meant they

were within striking range entering the last lap. As it turns out, Boyle produced a fantastic late sprint, but couldn’t quite catch their opponents at the line. This is a heartbreaking defeat for Boyle. Chatting to a few of the club’s supporters after the game, their dismay was palpable. It was a crushing disappoinment, given how close they were to at least forcing extra-time. St Brigid’s, it should be said, were marginally the better team, and are deservedly county champions. They missed a few chances on Sunday which, had they been converted, might have avoided that very nervy finale. Boyle came close, but it is only fair to point out that St Brigid’s looked likely winners for almost all of the second half. They led by four going into the closing stages, and ultimately held on for the victory. Congratulations to St. Brigid’s.

SPORTS DESK Paul Healy

We’ll win next time! Now I know we ran New Zealand very close in the recent Rugby World Cup quarter-final – and that Ireland being considered possible tournament winners was entirely reasonable – but I am in complete agreement with those who say some amongst the Irish media (and public) were far too confident, and arguably blinkered, in the weeks and months before our dream sadly died. Bernard Jackman hasn’t said much that’s contentious in his various punditry contributions, but there’s something about the tone of his recent Sunday Independent columns that sums up the excessive arrogance at the heart of so much of the commentary. Writing after Ireland’s pool stages win over South Africa, former Irish international Jackman definitively stated that the two teams would meet again in the final. That’s called getting carried away!

Lifelong St. Brigid’s supporter Jimmy Halpin pictured after Sunday’s win in the county final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

In his column last Sunday – reflecting on our premature exit – Jackman wrote: “The next step (for Ireland) is to be able to win a Rugby World Cup. This generation has done more to make that possible than any other and in four years time, we will be right back in the melting pot as a team that can win it. We keep knocking on the door and keep getting better. Our day will come”.

I suppose it’s not an unreasonable piece of writing, but the humility really doesn’t seem to have arrived at Team Irish Rugby Media just yet…

Rob & Matt a dream team Speaking of the Rugby World Cup, I must say that for me at least, Virgin Media are clear winners over RTE

in the punditry stakes. The RTE coverage – presented by a slightly too serious Jacqui Hurley – features pundits such as Jerry Flannery, Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris. Flannery seems to be strong on detail, but Heaslip is pretty dull and lacking in charisma; not to be cruel, but the AI guys may be stepping in (with a well briefed robot) soon! Overall, the RTE coverage is solid but bland. In contrast, the Virgin Media panel – backboned by Rob Kearney and Matt Williams – is superb. It helps that it’s hosted by Joe Molloy, now established as the best sports broadcaster in the country (by some distance). While Virgin Media rotates its pundits a little, the magnificent Kearney and Williams have been virtually ever-present throughout the tournament. It’s ironic that Rob – the subject of some good-natured satirical ‘treatment’ by more than one media outlet, in which he and his brother Dave are depicted as boring – is in fact a top class pundit. Yes, Rob’s delivery might be a touch robotic (there’s hope for Jamie), but Kearney is extremely knowledgeable about the game. And he has a likeability factor. Australian Williams, former coach of both Scotland and Leinster, is a compelling pundit and there is a particularly appealing chemistry between him, Kearney and Molloy. I could listen to the three of them talk rugby all night (well, for an hour at least). RTE’s coverage is pretty good, but the Virgin Media panel is two scores ahead with the clock heading for 80 minutes.

Greene shoots… Michael Glavey’s/Éire Óg are the 2023 Roscommon Minor Football Division One champions. They defeated Roscommon Gaels in the final last weekend on a scoreline of 2-7 to 0-7. Brian Greene, with 1-4,

was instrumental in getting them over the line.

Athleague are camogie champs Athleague are back at the summit of Roscommon camogie after retaining the county senior crown in Ballyforan last weekend. Athleague defeated outgoing champions, St Dominic’s, winning by 1-9 to 1-6. After the game, Athleague coach Liam Gordon paid tributes to his players, who produced a strong second-half showing to overcome their great rivals.

Provincial blues for ladies There was no success for Roscommon teams in the Connacht LGFA quarter-finals last weekend. Boyle, newly-crowned Roscommon senior champions, lost by 2-6 to 0-9 to Glencar-Manorhamilton in the Connacht LGFA Senior Championship quarter-final, a result that takes none of the gloss off their recent great win over Clann na nGael (in the Roscommon final). In the Connacht LGFA Intermediate Club Championship quarter-final, Salthill Knocknacarra defeated Éire Óg by 5-15 to 1-7. Meanwhile, in the Connacht LGFA Junior Championship quarter-final, Michael Glavey’s were defeated by Galway champions Oughterard, 2-8 to 0-6.

Four Roads in action Best of luck to Four Roads hurlers who are in Connacht Intermediate Hurling Championship action this weekend. The Roscommon senior champions play Tooreen in the AIB Connacht Club Intermediate Championship quarter-final on Bank Holiday Monday. The venue is Athleague (2 pm start).

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Over the past decade or so by far the hardest championship to win in County Roscommon has been the intermediate football one. Ask Fuerty, ask Oran, ask St Dominic’s and ask Elphin how tough it is to get your hands on the Jimmy Murray Cup – and there have been many more hard luck stories over the years too. Éire Óg have experienced heartbreak too as they were defeated narrowly in the final last year by a St Dominic’s team who were winning at the third attempt. The teams meeting in this year’s final are unbeaten and are the form sides of the competition. Under the watchful eye of Dara Bruen, Castlerea will be hoping to get back into the senior ranks where a lot of football fans in the county reckon they should be. Castlerea St Kevin’s is a club with

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a wonderful history. Mind you, Castlerea won’t get there unless they produce a massive performance against an Éire Óg team who themselves are gunning for the senior grade after a string of fine championship performances in recent months. Castlerea’s resilience stood to them as they got out under the wire against Pearses in a semi-final that went to extra-time. They have some excellent performers such as goalkeeper David Farrell, Sean Joyce, David Quinn, Michael Conroy, David Finneran, Aaron McDermott, Adam McDermott, Ronan Curran and Niall Connaughton. They have met every challenge that has been put in front of them and would rightfully refute any suggestion that they have been on the easy side of the draw. St Brigid’s and Padraig Pearses have been very hard to beat at this level over the years and Castlerea are in this final on merit. I have seen Éire Óg on a few occasions this year and have been impressed with the balance of their team. They are very athletic and physically imposing with some excellent younger and older players available to them. Colm Lavin is an outstanding goalkeeper. Aonghus McDonagh, Joseph Hester and Denis

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Barron have been very solid in defence. Enda Crawley and Jamesie Greene form a very impressive and effective midfield partnership. Conor Cox is the main man up front and Éire Óg will be relieved that he is able to play in the final (following a recent successful appeal after ATHLONE ROSCOMMON he was sent offROAD, in the semi-final). Liam Creaton hannonshotel@gmail.com; www.hannonshotel.com has been having a superb season. Brian Greene, Jason Doory and James McGreal have also been very prominent in attack. This is a very hard game to call as all finals at this grade tend to be. The talisman on each team – Adam McDermott for Castlerea and Conor Cox for Éire Óg – will be the focus. It’s there for either team, but with the pain of last year’s’ defeat in the final fresh in their minds, I think Éire Óg have the better balance and that they can find enough to Jason Doory has been a prominent part of Éire Óg’s forward line this year and win by a point or two. will aim to keep that run of form going into Sunday’s final against Castlerea. Prediction: Éire Óg. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

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

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funeral all to their success if they are to beat Éire Óg in Castlerea St. Kevin’s talisman Adam McDermott willservice be crucial year round. I take Sunday’s IFC final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell personal pride in our

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Doorey relishing title tilt Éire Óg manager Pat Doorey hopes that the memories of the defeat in last year’s final will help his team get over the line this time around. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

< SEAMUS DUKE

Éire Óg’s manager is club and Roscommon legend Pat Doorey, who took on the management of the side this year following the team’s narrow defeat to St Dominic’s in last year’s final. His team have performed very well in this year’s championship, coming through the group stages unbeaten and putting up some big scores along the way. In the semi-final, they defeated a fancied Elphin side. The manager reflected

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice

on what has been a long season for the team after a tough start to the year. “We had a torrid start to the year with injuries and other setbacks, but as lads came back into the panel we have settled down and played some good football. We are in the final now and we are enjoying the buildup. It’s nice to be back in the final after losing last year” he said. Pat says that he has every respect for their opponents, Castlerea. “Castlerea are a very solid outfit. They beat us well in the league

cllrpfitzmaurice@roscommoncoco.ie

level (along with Michael Glavey’s) over the past couple of years and it has added to the number of younger players in the area. Hopefully they will feature on the senior team in the years to come”. So is Pat enjoying life back on the sidelines? “Ah I am, but I have had to get used to dealing with the younger generation (laughs). I have to say they are all great lads. They have put in a massive effort. We are a small, rural club and we don’t get to finals very often so we are

determined to enjoy it and give it our best shot”. Éire Óg were narrowly beaten in last year’s final and those memories will be fresh in the players’ minds this Sunday. “We were in with a chance last year with 10 minutes to go and we didn’t win – so this year hopefully if we are in contention and when we hit the ‘drive for home’ button we can get over the line. It’s a big day for the club and the lads will give it their best shot – and that’s all I can hope for” Pat concluded.

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but we were missing a few players on that occasion. They are well set up, have some very good forwards and are a real threat. It will take a very good performance for us to be in with a chance of beating them”. The former Roscommon full-back likes the mixture of younger and more experienced players on the Éire Óg team this year. “There is a nice balance on the team, between younger lads and the more experienced players. The club has had a bit of success at underage

Éire Óg captain Denis Barron has been a rock at the back for his team this year and hopes they can get the win on Sunday and return to the senior ranks.

Éire Óg will be captained by Denis Barron on Sunday and in common with everyone at the club he is full of anticipation ahead of the final against Castlerea. “We have prepared well. The weather hasn’t helped, but I suppose it’s the same for both teams! We have played well in the championship so far and it was great to come out on the right side of a couple of close games against St Croan’s and Elphin to get to the final” he said. Denis says that the arrival of Pat Doorey as manager has given the team a big boost. “Pat has done a super job this year and there is a great spirit in the panel. We had a tough start to the year with injuries, etc. but Pat has brought us together well”. Denis is well aware of the threat posed by Castlerea. “We know all about Castlerea. They beat us in the quarter-final two years

ago and they beat us in this year’s league too. I know Dara (Bruen) well and he sets his teams up very well. He is a great football man and Castlerea will be very hard to beat on Sunday. They defeated Pearses and Brigid’s in the play-off games and they are two very hard teams to beat so we know we are in for a very tough test in the final”. Denis says that the experience of being in last year’s final should stand to Éire Óg on Sunday. “Hopefully the fact that we had a chance to win last year with 10 minutes to go will stand to us next Sunday and hopefully this year we will get over the line. But we are playing a very good Castlerea team. “For a small club like Éire Óg it would be a massive achievement to win and go up to senior football. It’s a big day for everyone in the club so hopefully we will do ourselves justice” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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The Castlerea St Kevin’s manager is Dara Bruen, a man with a wealth of coaching experience at club and county level and a Castlerea club legend. He told the Roscommon People that the aim in the club at the start of the year was to progress in league and championship. “The plan at the start of the year was to get to the league final. That was our big goal and we did that. After nine league games we had qualified for the final and when we did that we switched our focus to the championship”. Dara says that he is very happy with the form of the team so far this year. “We have played well and we are unbeaten in the championship and now we are in the final. We were good in our group. We were in the toughest group of all, and three of the four teams in our group went to the semi-finals. We played really well in those group games. “In the quarter-final and semi-final there was a lot of talk about us being on the easy side of the draw, but as you well know, when you play St Brigid’s and Padraig Pearses there is nothing easy. That Pearses team we played

in the semi-final were junior champions last year and U-20 champions last year. Five or six of those Pearses players will start on their senior team next year. We were very lucky to squeeze through in the end but we kept going and were rewarded”. The Castlerea manager recognises the threat that will be offered by Éire Óg in Sunday’s final. “Éire Óg are back in the final after last year and remember that with 10 minutes to go in that final it was there for them to win it and they were unlucky not to do so. They have come together well again this year and Pat (Doorey) has done a great job. They are very organised, they are strong and mobile and we will have to be at our best to be in the game with 10 or 15 minutes to go”. Castlerea St Kevin’s is a sleeping giant of Roscommon football and their manager says that they will have to earn their place if they are to get back to the top table. “Things are going well in the club now thankfully. They are starting to turn in the right way. We have had three underage teams in county finals recently and we (the club’s most senior team) are there too. So the aim is to get back

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GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea manager Dara Bruen is hoping to lead his team to success against Éire Óg. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

up to senior whenever that happens. The structures are there to do that”. Dara says that the Castlerea players have made a huge effort this year. “We started training on the 13th of January. We had 31 lads that night and we have never had less than that all year. There has been a massive commitment from

the players, massive commitment and backing from the club too. Anything we looked for this year there was no problem at all, and we are definitely moving forward”. Dara says that the aim was to make Castlerea competitive on the field of play and that is now a reality. “We are going

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to embrace this final and look forward to it. There are some lads playing football for this club for 14 or 15 years and this is their first major final. We are hoping that we will be there or thereabouts in the final and give a good account of ourselves and see where that takes us” he concluded.

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Callington Ltd Roscommon IFC Final Castlerea captain Michael Conroy has been a linchpin in midfield for the club this season. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

‘We’re ready to step up’ – Captain Conroy < SEAMUS DUKE

The Castlerea team this year is captained by Michael Conroy, for whom – like a lot of the players in the squad – this is a first major final. “This is our first time in a final in a while and we are looking forward to it. We have a mostly young squad. There is a great buzz around the place and we have prepared very well” Michael said in the build-up to the final. The Castlerea captain believes that the tight game they had against Pearses in the semi-final (it went to extra-time) will stand to them in the long run. “We left it late… but we got the job done, and hopefully we can bring that spirit into the final now.

It will be another tight game – but hopefully we can come out on top again”. The Castlerea defence has played very well this year, conceding very little, but Michael says that they will have to find a good overall balance in the final. “We have done well in defence and against Pearses we dug deep and got the scores we needed. We have a very fit young squad so we were able to keep going until the very end”. Michael says that the players are ready to take the step up this year. “We have been in quarter-finals and semi-finals in the past and when we got promoted in the league this year our aim was to win the championship. We have taken every game as

it comes and it has worked out well so far”. He accepts that there is some pressure on the players because of the storied history of the club and the marvellous players who have played there in the past. “I suppose there is some pressure on the players in Castlerea. It’s a big town and the club has a great history, but hopefully we can embrace it and take it as it comes on the big day”. And Sunday’s final? “We know Éire Óg inside out and they know us. We have met so many times in the championship in recent years. They are a very strong team with good footballers. This match can go either way but hopefully it will go to Castlerea” he concluded.

Best wishes to Castlerea St. Kevin’s and Éire Óg teams in the County Final

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Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Elliott has a treble in New Jersey Horses for Courses Gordon Elliott trained an American treble at Far Hills in New Jersey on Saturday winning with Kyogo, Calico and Say Goodbye, all ridden by Jack Kennedy where the pair combined with Salvador Ziggy to finish 7th in the American Grand National. Elliott followed up on Sunday with Gevrey in the Munster National at Limerick. The winner was ridden by Ricky Doyle, his first winner for the trainer.

Dettori to miss Melbourne Cup Frankie Dettori this week received a 16-day ban for use of the whip on Saturday at Ascot. He got eight days for his winning ride on Trawlerman and eight more for finishing second on Kinross. The suspension means Dettori will miss the Melbourne Cup meeting which will be a major race missing off his illustrious CV. On a positive note, Dettori said farewell to Britain with the perfect sendoff as King Of Steel won the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot. This was the Italian’s final mount on British soil. Well, time will tell!

by Tom Red

Racing this week Racing this weekend begins this afternoon (Thursday) over the jumps at Clonmel. Tapes away for the first at 2 pm. Tomorrow afternoon The Cleveragh in Sligo has jump racing at 1.50 pm and there is evening racing on the all-weather at Dundalk at 5 pm. On Saturday, the 3-day October meeting starts at Ballybrit in Galway with national hunt racing on Saturday at 1.57 pm and Sunday at 12.41 pm, with flat racing competing the fixture on bank holiday Monday. Wexford also race on Sunday starting at 1.01 pm and again on Monday, with 2 jumping fixtures. Storm Babet continued its influence on racing in Britain this week with three meetings, at Fakenham, Haydock and Uttoxeter, lost last Friday. There were two more fixtures lost on Saturday at Market Rasen and Stratford. No racing lost on Sunday but two more, Pontefract and the all-weather at Southwell went by the wayside on Monday along with Yarmouth on Tuesday. Two more meetings were lost this week, at Fontwell and Worcester. Irish racing was hit this week when

King Of Steel leads home Via Sistina in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

the Curragh was postponed. It has been refixed for next Tuesday, the 31st. There is an early inspection at Clonmel today and Sligo report the going as soft, yielding in places. The going at Galway is soft on the national hunt course and heavy on the flat course. If you are going racing this weekend check that the meeting is going ahead.

Terrestrial television coverage this Saturday features nine races, four from Cheltenham, three from Doncaster featuring the Group 1 Futurity Stakes and two Group 3 races from Newbury on ITV. There are eleven runners left in Doncaster’s Futurity Stakes headed by Ballydoyle’s unbeaten Diego Velazquez, one of five Aidan O’Brien

runners, who is favourite at 6/4. The home team’s leading fancies are Charlie Appleby’s Ancient Wisdom and Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini, but O’Brien’s charge should retain his unbeaten status. Battle Cry is also entered in the Prospect Stakes, a Listed race, and could provide O’Brien with a winner at a nice price.

Buccaneers THE GAIN LINE lose to Cork’s Creggs victorious over Ballinrobe Highfield Creggs RFC Report

Despite a much-improved performance, Buccaneers came up short against a physically strong Highfield side who won this Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B encounter 36-19 at Woodleigh Park, Cork, last Saturday. A strong first-half performance put the Athlone men 16-12 up at half-time, but Highfield regained the lead five minutes into the second half and pushed on from there to win the game 36-19. Whilst disappointed to making the long haul home empty-handed, this was a significantly better display by Buccaneers with shoots of improvement in their young squad. They now have a break until the visit of Old Belvedere next month. Buccs U-20s defeat St Mary’s: On a bright and unseasonably balmy Sunday, Buccaneers U-20s made a perfect start to their JP Flanagan Leinster League Premier Two campaign by comprehensively defeating St Mary’s College 46-20 at Dubarry Park.

It was an exhilarating display by the Pirates who got to grips with the challenge of St. Mary’s, who competed in Premier One last season, to gain complete control in the second half and come away with a comfortable victory. Seconds victorious over Ballinasloe: Buccaneers Seconds and Ballinasloe served up typical derby fare in their Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 1B League match played in front of a big and vocal crowd at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Buccs held on to record a 23-18 victory in the nearperfect conditions but Ballinasloe’s fightback earned them a valuable losing bonus point. Pre-match function: Buccaneers’ pre-match function for their upcoming Energia All-Ireland League game at home to Old Belvedere on Saturday, November 4th, will also celebrate Leo Galvin finally receiving his first Ireland cap. Cost is €35 per person and bookings can be made for individuals or groups.

Creggs travelled to Ballinrobe on Sunday in the J1A League and secured a comfortable bonus point 31-10 win. A nervous first-half display meant the score was deadlocked at 10-10 until Shane Purcell crossed the line for a vital try, which he converted, shortly before halftime. A well-taken try by James Brandon five minutes after half-time gave Creggs a massive boost, with Shane Purcell’s conversion extending their lead to 24-10. The vital winning bonus point was secured in the 65th minute when another exquisite chip by Shane Purcell was collected at top speed by flying winger Tommie Devine who crashed over for another spectacular try, putting Creggs out of reach. Junior 1C League: Creggs lost out to Tuam 15 points to 21 in a hardfought but entertaining J1C League game played at Tuam RFC grounds on Saturday evening last. Creggs ended the first half 12-7 ahead but Tuam came out with renewed vigour after half-time, taking the lead with a

The Creggs J1C team who lost out to Tuam in the J1C league last Sunday.

converted try on 55 minutes. Creggs responded with a penalty to lead 15-14, but Tuam burst over for the winning try nine minutes from time. Creggs battled to the end but Tuam held out for a win in a game which was closely contested from start to finish. Boys U-16s Division One: Creggs U-16s played Carrick-on-Shannon RFC at home last Sunday, a game which Creggs narrowly lost. This was a tightly contested game from start to finish. With three minutes to go Creggs held a narrow 2322 lead but they gave away a penalty with seconds left, which was converted, leaving the final score 25-23 in

favour of Carrick-on-Shannon. This group’s next game is against Galwegians on the 10th of November. Boys U-16s Division Two: Creggs travelled to Westport on Saturday, losing out to the Mayo team on a scoreline of 53-33. It was a tough game for Creggs but overall this is a much improved squad that played with heart and for each other. Boys U-14s League: Creggs travelled to Dangan to take on Galway Bay RFC last Saturday. Creggs dominated the game from start to finish and came away with an impressive 41-5 victory. Adult Women’s Rugby League: Well done to the newly-formed Creggs senior

women’s team who played their first ever game at senior level against Sligo on Sunday in the Connacht Senior Women’s League. They put in such a brave performance but it wasn’t to be on the day. Onwards and upwards ladies. Girls U-18s: Hard luck to the Creggs U-18s girls who played away from home and went down to a more physical Sligo RFC team in Sligo on a scoreline of 33-15. Girls U-16s: Well done to Creggs RFC U-16s girls who came out on top against Claremorris Colts in a tough, well contested, league game on Saturday in Creggs on a scoreline of 22-15. Girls U-14s: Creggs U-

14s girls were out in force against Sligo on Sunday. The girls put in a fantastic performance running in 15 tries to Sligo’s one try and coming away with a fantastic win. Lotto: Club lotto jackpot was not won. Next week’s draw is for €10,500. Please support. The lucky dip winner was John Lohan. Scratch cards: The majority of scratch cards have been sold and the money returns from the sales are required on Friday, the 27th. Please contact your coach personally, for the relevant age group, with the money. Any outstanding unsold tickets must be returned by Friday also.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Relieved Stack reflects on ‘true test’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Jerome Stack, manager of St Brigid’s, congratulates joint captain Paul McGrath after their win against Boyle on Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

St Brigid’s manager Jerome Stack was a relieved man when he spoke to the local media after the game. “I am glad that it’s over, it was a tough battle and we just made it in the end. But the type of game it was was not anything that surprised me. I knew Boyle would be very hard to beat and they gave it everything. But fair play to our players, they stuck to their guns and we got there in the end. “We hadn’t been put to that sort of test earlier in the year. Now we had moments in those (previous) games where we had to dig things out and establish dominance, but that out there today was a true test – and it could have gone either way – but I was very confident that we would stand up to a battle”.

St Brigid’s didn’t concede a goal in the championship this year, a feat that their manager is very pleased about. “If you want to win a championship in any county your defence has to be very good and there has to be high work rate all over the pitch. But you have to try to get the ball into your forwards as quickly as you can too. We didn’t do that all the time today but that was down to Boyle and the way they played”. So with the Fahey Cup secured, the focus now switches to the Connacht Club Championship. “I’ll be honest when I say that I didn’t even know who the Roscommon champions are playing (it’s the Sligo champions) but I will be looking at that now. All we were worrying about for the past few weeks was Boyle. “Every game we played this year

we tried to prepare in the same way. We didn’t get everything right in this championship and we didn’t get everything right today, but I have to say that these Brigid’s lads go about their business in a most professional manner for a bunch of amateur players. It’s the best that I have seen in any club that I have been involved with and they deserve their success”. The County Kerry native says that to win a Roscommon senior football championship title is a massive achievement. “This championship here in Roscommon is ferocious. Where I come from, there are plenty of mismatches, but here in Roscommon most of the games are huge battles and it’s a great credit to all the clubs in Roscommon. We are delighted to win here today” he concluded.

Smith reflects on another agonising loss < SEAMUS DUKE

Boyle manager Cian Smith was understandably devastated as he reflected on another agonising onepoint defeat in a county senior final. “It’s kind of unbelievable that it’s happened again. You don’t take anything for granted and you don’t deserve anything, but I just thought we played well. Brigid’s had a purple patch after half-time as

we knew they would, but we brought on a few subs to put a bit of energy back into the team and got back into it. We had a few chances and just didn’t get it done” he said. The Boyle manager accepted that some crucial incidents went against his team, but he had no problem at all with the officiating and was in fact keen to praise the referee. “It’s just small margins, (for) both sides. We got a

few bounces, Brigid’s got a few bounces, and that was it. That’s sport, that’s part of the game. It wasn’t anything to do with officiating, there were some close calls – as you’d expect – but I thought (referee) Aaron and the officials were excellent today. Aaron let loads go and that enabled a physical, hard game that was top class, exactly how a championship final should be played”.

Cian had hoped that the experience of losing last year’s final would stand to his team sufficiently to secure the title, but it was not to be. “You’d be hoping that the experience of last year would help, and maybe it did, but you’re playing Brigid’s, who are such a great side. We had a plan, we turned up, but they did enough and all I can say is best of luck to them in Connacht” he concluded.

Ronan pays tribute to Boyle challenge

One of the most experienced players on the St Brigid’s team is Ronan Stack, and he was a relieved man when speaking to the Roscommon People on Sunday evening. “It was a fierce tough game which ebbed and flowed. We went four points up but Boyle were never out of it and they came back at us very strong there at the end. “We have the greatest of respect

for Boyle. They have great players and are a great club. They pushed us all the way and we fell over the line in the end. But we were expecting a match like that… it didn’t matter if we went a few points ahead, we knew that Boyle would keep coming back at us, and that’s what happened. I do feel sorry for them but if they keep pushing they can get over the line in the next

couple of years”. Ronan says that winning another county senior medal is a huge thrill for him. “I’m absolutely delighted to win this again and I’m thrilled for some of the younger lads who are winning their first title. They are starting out. They are all great lads and they have a great attitude and it is pleasure to play with them”.

John Corcoran of John Corcoran Menswear in Roscommon, sponsored and presented the Man of the Match award to Paul McGrath of St Brigid’s after his outstanding performance in last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC final. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

McGrath: ‘We knew it would be tight’ Paul McGrath was bringing home two trophies on Sunday night – the Fahey Cup and the ‘man of the match’ award. He told the Roscommon People that the decider had been a titanic struggle. “Oh my God, every single time we play Boyle it’s a massive battle. They have some fantastic players and it was another struggle today. We never thought that we were comfortable during the match and we expected that from Boyle. You would have to feel for them because it’s not easy being on the losing side again”. Paul says that any notion that Brigid’s were

going to win the final easily had been dismissed by the players in the build-up. “There were a lot of people saying we would win easily and the bookies had us to win by three points or more. We knew that it was going to be much tighter than that and you saw it out there… there was only a kick of a ball in it”. The fact that this was an 18th ever title for St Brigid’s is something that Paul and his teammates are very proud of. “We have a great club and a great history. It is great to be a part of it. Hopefully we can keep it going for the next few years” he concluded.

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The St. Brigid’s team and subs pictured ahead of the Roscommon SFC final last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Joy wrapped in relief for Brigid’s… heartache wrapped in heartache for Boyle VIEW FROM THE STAND

PAUL HEALY

arly into the second half of Sunday’s ultimately gripping County Senior Football final, clouds of pink spray briefly appeared in the vicinity of the goalmouth at the cemetery end of Dr Hyde Park. It’s like the ‘Stop Oil’ campaign, one spectator said, in reference to the ongoing protests in the UK. Rather than Stop Oil, perhaps pink-gate was a ‘Stop Boyle’ protest – but it didn’t stop play, and failed to prevent a late comeback by Cian Smith’s men. The formlines en route to this final had most neutrals predicting a comfortable win for St. Brigid’s. Win they did, but the silverware was hard earned. Boyle were excellent, executing their manager’s game plan superbly. Very disciplined, they avoided conceding any goals – no mean feat against St Brigid’s. They stayed in touch with the hot favourites, through well organised defensive play and a respectable return from their attacking forays. Going into the last ten minutes, it looked as if Boyle’s hopes would vanish into ‘thin air’ – like that fleeting pink spray – but in fact this was when the game’s most exciting and dramatic phase announced itself.

“

By the 48th minute or so, it was looking very ominous for a Boyle team chasing the ghosts of doomed past battles, a first senior title in 96 years their Holy Grail

St. Brigid’s supporters Emma Gallagher, Ria Lennon and Cullen Dowd pictured team ahead of the Roscommon SFC final last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Brigid’s looked to have built a winning lead, but Boyle set about dismantling it, amidst great excitement and tension in the stands. 0-11 to 0-7 ahead entering those closing ten minutes, Brigid’s had begun to look unbackable. Then came Boyle’s calm, brilliant finale, which ultimately just fell short. On a beautiful October day, the early action quickly contradicted the pre-match consensus (of most neutrals) that free-scoring St Brigid’s would have too much quality for Boyle. Yes, Cian Smith’s team were finalists last year – losing to Strokestown by a point – but the evidence of the 2023 championship campaign strongly pointed to a St Brigid’s win. There is no suggestion that St Brigid’s complacently shared that view! Neither did anyone else, by the time a well contested – if cautious – first half ended. A beauty for both sides – Brian Stack sprinting forward to point for Brigid’s, Enda Smith calmly replying for the underdogs

– had the teams level (0-5 apiece) at the break, Boyle the happier. St Brigid’s could never quite shake off Boyle in the second half, but they were the better team for most of it, and showed many glimpses of their class. No one could doubt Boyle’s wisdom in taking a defensive approach; it certainly knocked St Brigid’s out of their usual stride. In turn, Brigid’s also played with most men behind the ball, this the tactic of both teams (particularly in the first half). By the 48th minute or so, it was looking very ominous for a Boyle team chasing the ghosts of doomed past battles, a first senior title in 96 years their Holy Grail. St Brigid’s, by then already put to the sword, had patiently built a four-point lead. The title was within touching distance. Then the momentum of this game turned. It would be an exaggeration to say it was suddenly ‘all Boyle’, but they were now picking off

scores, points that threatened to amend the script. With Boyle – in now or never mode – increasingly pressing high, three unanswered points dramatically brought them within one of St Brigid’s. In injury-time, Paul McGrath calmed his team’s rising nerves with a point. There were missed goal chances too, Enda Smith firing wide with a slightly ambitious effort, when a pass inside to a colleague appeared to be on. Then, midst massive tension on the sideline and in the stands, Cian McKeon – who is an absolute gem of a player – brought Boyle to within a point again. In front of the Boyle dugout, Cian Smith willed his warriors on, and you could visualise a 96-year-old historical barrier perhaps beginning to wobble. When Boyle won a free in the dying seconds, a certain destiny seemed to embrace the Hyde, but McKeon’s on-target kick fell just short of the upright. Tiny margins, big prize. Joy wrapped in relief for Brigid’s, heartache wrapped in heartache for Boyle.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

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Joint captains of St Brigid’s Mark Daly and Paul McGrath, lifting the Fahey Cup alongside Brian Carroll, Chairperson, Roscommon County Board and Tim Hayes of sponsors the Hodson Bay Hotel. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

THE CUP THAT CHEERS

JOY FOR CHAMPIONS BRIGID’S, BUT IT’S HEARTBREAK FOR BOYLE

Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC Final St Brigid’s 0-12 Boyle 0-11 < SEAMUS DUKE

Sport can be wonderful – but sport can also be cruel. This week, spare a thought

for Boyle senior footballers and supporters, who have had to endure the agony of a single-point loss in each of the last two county finals. In contrast, St Brigid’s are celebrating their 18th title and their first since 2020. But as they reflect this week, they will know that they just about made it after what was a titanic struggle. Played in glorious weather conditions in

Dr Hyde Park, this final never reached any great heights in terms of quality football, but it was tense, hard-fought and close all the way through. St Brigid’s were probably just about the better team, but Boyle can point to two or three crucial incidents that didn’t go their way. In the 27th minute a Brigid’s defender looked to have picked the ball

off the ground inside the small square. Referee Aaron Clogher consulted with his umpires and adjudged the offence was just outside, awarding a 13-metre free instead of a penalty. Seven minutes into the second half a sweeping Boyle move saw Donie Smith pass the ball backwards to his brother Enda when Niall O’Donnell was free on the

Boyle’s Enda Smith levels the score at 5-5 just before half-time during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC final in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

edge of the small square, and the chance was missed. Then it was heartbreak for Cian McKeon as Boyle were awarded a 35-metre free deep into injury-time, but the county star’s effort fell short. Referee Clogher blew the final whistle immediately and Brigid’s had survived. The margins were so tight, but Boyle have come out on the wrong side again this year.

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

SportsPeople

The St. Brigid’s players and supporters celebrate after winning the Roscommon SFC final by one point against Boyle last Sunday at Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

In fairness to St Brigid’s they kicked on well in the third quarter, and when they led by 0-11 to 0-7 it looked like they would ease to the title. But Boyle stuck to their guns, and while they twice reduced the margin to one point, they just couldn’t get that vital score they needed to at least bring the game to extra-time. The opening half was very cagey, with

Teams & scorers St Brigid’s: Cormac Sheehy; Pearse Frost, Brian Stack (0-1), Sean Trundle; Ruaidhri Fallon, Ronan Stack, Robbie Dolan; Eddie Nolan, Shane Cunnane (0-4, 1 free, 1 mark); Conor Hand (0-1), Ciaran Sugrue, Paul McGrath (0-2); Ben O’Carroll (0-3, frees), Alan Daly, Bobby Nugent (0-1). Subs: Brian Derwin for Nugent (42), Mark Daly for Dolan (54). Boyle: Robert Kearney; Daniel Casey, Killian Cox, Luke Glennon; Oisin Cregg (0-1), Tadhg McKenna (0-1), Marc O’Connor; Roch Hanmore, Cathal Feely (0-1); Niall O’Donnell (0-2), Daire Cregg, Enda Smith (0-1); David Flanagan, Donie Smith (0-2, 1 free), Cian McKeon (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: Dylan East for Hanmore (46), Eden Kerins for Flanagan (51), Seanie Purcell for O’Connor (56). Referee: Aaron Clogher.

Stat Attack Wides: St Brigid’s 7 (3, first half ); Boyle 4 (3, first half ) Red cards: 0 Black cards: 0 Yellow cards: St Brigid’s 1 (Brian Derwin); Boyle 0 Attendance: Approx. 3,000 Man of the Match: Paul McGrath (St Brigid’s)

defences on top. Brigid’s led by 0-4 to 0-2 by the 18th minute. Shane Cunnane, who was very impressive at midfield, kicked two super long-range points during that period. Boyle responded well coming up to halftime. Enda Smith was having a storming game and Niall O’Donnell and Donie Smith were also prominent. Cian McKeon and Donie Smith pointed frees to level the scores by the 27th minute. We saw two great points (one for each side) at the end of the first half as firstly Brian Stack galloped forward to point for Brigid’s, with Enda Smith then levelling the scores in injury-time following a lovely one-two with big brother Donie. Half-time score: St Brigid’s 0-5 Boyle 0-5. St Brigid’s were the better side on the resumption and points from Ben O’Carroll (two frees) and Shane Cunnane saw the gap out to three by the 37th minute. In fairness to Boyle, they never relented, and well-taken scores from play from Donie Smith and Oisin Cregg saw the margin down to one again by the 40th minute. After that it looked like Brigid’s had made a decisive burst for home. Scores from Bobby Nugent, Conor Hand and Shane Cunnane (a free) saw the margin out to four (0-11 to 0-7) by the 48th minute. Indeed it should have been more, but sub Brian Derwin and Ruaidhri Fallon both missed very scoreable frees which had the effect of keeping Boyle in the game. Niall O’Donnell kicked a super point in the 50th minute, and when Tadhg McKenna and Cian McKeon (free) added crucial points the margin was down to just one again with a minute to go. In the first minute of time added on Paul McGrath (who had a fantastic match) burst through and pointed from 25 metres to extend the lead to two. But back came Boyle once more and Cian McKeon took advantage of a mistake in the Brigid’s

rearguard to score – now there was only a point between them again. In the third minute of injury-time Sean Trundle was penalised for over-carrying and Boyle had a chance to send the game into extra-time. The chance fell to Cian McKeon but his free dropped short, and with that Aaron Clogher’s whistle brought the 2023 county senior final to an end. Cian McKeon and the Boyle players dotted around the pitch collapsed to the turf devastated, while the Brigid’s contingent celebrated, knowing that they had been given the fight of their lives.

St Brigid’s were favourites to win this championship since the start of the year and they have justified that favouritism. But they were pushed to the limit on Sunday. Brian Stack, Ruaidhri Fallon, Shane Cunnane and Paul McGrath were outstanding for Jerome Stack’s men. It is also notable to report that St Brigid’s have won this championship without conceding a goal at all, which is a remarkable achievement. If they can maintain their form and not suffer any serious injuries, they could have a good

run in the Connacht Club Championship over the next couple of months. For Boyle, who will be heartbroken to have come so close again without claiming the title, Enda Smith was outstanding, while Donie Smith, Niall O’Donnell, Cathal Feely and Tadhg McKenna also played well. Credit is due to the Boyle defence as they kept the Brigid’s ace and probably the ‘player of the championship’ Ben O’Carroll scoreless from play. Of course that won’t be of any consolation to them this week as the Fahey Cup takes up residence in Kiltoom for the winter.

Robbie Dolan of St Brigid’s tackles Boyle’s Oisín Cregg during last Sunday’s Roscommon SFC final in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 27 October 2023

Come along TOMORROW to RHS Home Care’s Walk-in Interview Open Day