Roscommon People - 06 March 2026

CHRISTY CONNOLLY RECOVERY

TREES

DOLORES GACQUIN – SOLICITOR Tel: 090 6478433 • info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie 090 647 8433 *

I want to cut a tall tree that sits between my neighbour’s property and mine. I always worry that it will fall and cause damage. The roots are on both of our properties. Can I cut it down or do I need to ask my neighbour’s permission?

If a tree’s trunk stands directly on the boundary between your property and your neighbour’s, it is generally considered jointly owned. In this case, you cannot remove the tree without your neighbour’s consent.

You are permitted to trim branches or roots that encroach onto your property, but only up to the boundary line. However, you cannot carry out such works that would cause harm to the overall health of the tree. If your pruning leads to the tree dying, you could face:

1. A legal claim for damages – Your neighbour could take civil action against you for the cost of replacing the tree or any damage caused.

2. Fines or penalties – If the tree was protected under a Tree Preservation Order or located in a conservation area, you could be fined.

3. Liability for property damage – If the tree falls and damages property (yours or theirs), you may be responsible for the repair costs. It is always advisable to inform your neighbour before doing any work so as to maintain good relations and avoid disputes. Additionally, ensure that any tree work complies with local regulations, such as checking for Tree Preservation Orders with your local authority.

Importantly, from March 1 to August 31, cutting or destroying vegetation is generally prohibited to protect wildlife.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Oh dear, oh dear! Is it the oil? The price of oil is going to get… dearer?

Oh I know that! I meant… oh dear, oh dear… we didn’t play great against Dublin, did we? THAT’S BAD!

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

Far from it! We were getting carried away with ourselves! Sure the Pub Bore had already asked if I could get any media passes for the All-Ireland final, in case the Rossies are in it! We were brought back down to earth by the Dubs… that’s good! We didn’t score for the first 25 minutes! It was very one-sided! We lost quite heavily! It stalled our momentum! THAT’S BAD! On the contrary, all of that is good! We just had an off-day. We played with spirit, despite it being one of those days when nothing went right for us! We can now… reset! It’s all… GOOD!

(They pause briefly to try to remember what life was like before Donald Trump left the ‘Apprentice’ studio and was ‘hired’ by the American people…)

Well, we have to play Donegal next… then Mayo! THAT’S BAD!

All of that is… GOOD! By the way, our senior footballers have been tremendous! We’ve won three of our games in Division One. THAT’S GOOD!

Well I lost a €20 bet with a Dublin sup-

Thebarstoolboyos

porter I met on the way to the game. THAT’S BAD!

Far from it! He’ll have happy memories of coming to Roscommon… it’s a tourism boost! THAT’S GOOD!

Good v bad: The match, Shane Lowry… and energy prices Endangered Species

Well Shane Lowry put two tee shots in the water when he was within sight of a big win in America! He threw it away! YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THAT’S BAD!

Not really… it’s a clear sign he’s in good form… he’s getting into winning positions. A win is just around the corner for Shane! He will learn from that experience. Er… THAT’S GOOD!

Well the Irish ladies lost to France in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier… isn’t that bad?

No! The team played great! We ran one of the best teams in the world very close… it augurs well for the rest of the campaign. THAT’S GOOD!

Well I’m still annoyed over that €20 bet! I’m a disaster when it comes to placing bets… so that’s BAD!

Nah… Cheltenham starts on Tuesday… you and I will go for an afternoon pint and I’ll give you a few tips… so that’s good!

Well, back to the oil. I see there’s a surge in the price of petrol, diesel, heating, etc on the way…. what do you say to that, my friend?

The Pub Bore has just messaged to say he’ll meet us this evening and explain what’s happening to oil energy prices… in full detail.

Both: NOW THAT’S BAD!

Daly welcomes ‘progress’ on specialist eating disorder beds and services locally

Dr Martin Daly TD has welcomed confirmation that the Department of Health is progressing plans to significantly enhance eating disorder services in the west and midlands, including the intention to provide specialist inpatient eating disorder beds co-located with a new acute psychiatric unit in Roscommon.

Dr Daly said he has had detailed discussions with the Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler, who has confirmed her commitment to the replacement of the existing psychiatric unit at Roscommon University Hospital and to advancing this project through the HSE capital plan.

Dr Daly confirmed that it is the minister’s intention that a six-bed specialist inpatient eating disorder unit will be co-located with the new acute psychiatric unit as part of this replacement development.

“This is a very welcome and significant development for people

living with eating disorders and for their families,” Dr Daly said.

“There is a well-documented shortage of specialist inpatient eating disorder beds in Ireland, and the intention to provide a dedicated six-bed unit in Roscommon represents real progress in addressing that gap.”

Dr Daly also welcomed the separate announcement of funding for a Galway-Roscommon Community Adult Eating Disorder Team, which will provide specialist, community-based assessment and treatment closer to home.

“It is important to be clear that these are two distinct but complementary developments,” he said.

“The Community Adult Eating Disorder Team for Roscommon and Galway, announced last week, is separate from and in addition to the planned inpatient eating disorder beds linked to the new acute

psychiatric unit in Roscommon.”

Dr Daly noted that the announcements were made during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, highlighting the growing recognition of the seriousness of these illnesses and the urgent need for investment in specialist services.

“Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses with the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition,” he said. “Families across Roscommon and the wider region know the distress caused by long waiting times and the lack of appropriate inpatient care. These announcements demonstrate a continued commitment to improving services, and they are to be welcomed.”

Dr Daly pledged to continue to engage closely with the minister, her Department and the HSE to ensure that these commitments are delivered.

Athleague NS named a DCU Changemaker School

Athleague National School has received national recognition after being officially named a DCU Changemaker School, receiving the prestigious award at Dublin City University’s St Patrick’s Campus. The recognition comes at a particularly exciting time for the school, which is currently in the process of extending its facilities and developing a purpose-built special class, due to open in September 2026.

This is a highly prestigious honour, with only 53 schools across Ireland holding DCU Changemaker status. The award recognises schools that demonstrate excellence in school culture and a strong commitment to fostering empathy, creativity, leadership and teamwork among pupils.

Athleague National School was selected following an extensive assessment process, which included a formal interview and a school visit by a DCU professor. In correspondence confirming the achievement, Dr John White, Director of the DCU Changemaker Schools Network, praised the school’s culture and commitment to its pupils. He stated, “The interview panel were very impressed by the wonderful school culture that has developed to provide the

best school experience for your students.”

The award highlights the school’s dedication to creating an innovative and inclusive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to be proactive, socially responsible and confident in their abilities.

Principal Avril Hickey described receiving the award as a proud and sig-

nificant moment for the entire school community.

“This recognition really means so much to us as a school community. It reflects the hard work of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils. and the constant support of our families.

“I’d like to thank our board of management, our supportive parents’ association and our stu-

Local Night Nurse calls for community support this Daffodil Day

Richard Keane, an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse covering Roscommon, is calling on the local community to go all in against cancer for the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday, March 20th.

Richard has worked as an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse for four years, covering an area of Galway, Roscommon, Mayo and Sligo.

“I love working as a Night Nurse because it’s the more traditional, bedside nursing. It gives focus to the patient and it’s clinical. That’s what appealed to me, getting out of the hospital setting, providing focus to one patient and providing clinical care.

dent council for the role they play in the continued growth of our school”.

As a member of the DCU Changemaker Schools Network, Athleague National School will collaborate with other recognised schools nationwide, engage in research and continue to enhance its teaching and learning practices with support from the university.

“One of the biggest differences that a Night Nurse can make is giving the patient and family something to rely on at what can be the scariest time. Starting the service at 11 pm is well designed. It gives the family a chance to switch off from it. The Night Nurse arrives to relieve stress and pressure, and the family and loved ones can go to rest and don’t have to worry.

“They can sit in with their family member, or they can talk. People often have questions late at night. Especially with big families

and people coming at different times.

“Simple as it sounds, we give them peace of mind to get a good night’s sleep or rest. The family wants to talk about the life of the person when they pass away or are about to pass away. As a stranger in the house, you’re getting an insight into their life, their kids, their community, how they were as a neighbour, how much of

an impact the person had. I leave with good memories knowing I helped.

“Every euro raised on Daffodil Day is crucial and makes a real lasting difference, fuelling life-changing cancer research and vital support services, like the Night Nursing service.

“Our work would simply not be possible without the generosity of the public. I would encourage everyone to please get out there on Daffodil Day, March 20th, and show your support for those affected by cancer in your local community.”

In 2025, thanks to the generous support of the public, the Irish Cancer Society were able to provide 185 nights of free Night Nursing care in County Roscommon.

Hair today… gone tomorrow….

‘WAX, SHAVE & DYE’ FUNDRAISER FOR SUNFLOWER CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

A ‘Wax, Shave & Dye’ fundraiser will be held in Creaton’s Bar, Ballaghaderreen this Saturday evening, March 7th from 7 pm. All proceeds will go towards the local Sun-

flower Children’s Hospice project.

Upwards of 15 people will be volunteering on the night, one of whom is Joe Egan (pictured), who has a very distinctive beard.

“A few times in life you get the opportunity to get involved in a project that excites you and truly warms your heart. When I was asked to get involved in a fundraiser for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, I immediately said yes.

“I’ve agreed to get rid of my trademark beard. I have had some form of a beard for most of my adult life. It was shaved off almost three years ago to raise funds for the Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice. This version of the beard is three years in the growing; the hair is over seven years growing. All will go on the night and there may even be some dye applied at some stage, and possibly some waxing!”

The Sunflower Children’s Hospice is a Mayo/Roscommon Hospice project. Funds raised this Saturday evening will help towards the cost of building a new state-of-the-art, dedicated children’s hospice in Castlebar, which will be the first of its kind on the western seaboard. It will be named the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.

This very important hospice will benefit so many families who care for children with life-limiting illnesses in the West of Ireland.

This project is about providing high-quality services closer to home.

Currently, individuals and families have to travel over 100 miles to avail of respite services and support. As part of Saturday night’s event in Creaton’s, there will also be a raffle, and a Monster Auction. One of the items for auction is a

steel frame for a 32 x20 ft shed, donated by O’Grady Welding and Sheds. Other items donated include bales of various descriptions, turf, wood, fuel, feed, professional services, and possibly even a signed county jersey or two!

One family who would hugely welcome the building of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice are the Cox family from Lisacul. Their 11-year-old son Daire has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. His severe and complex needs require 24-hour, 7-day-aweek constant care. The family currently avails of the services of the LauraLynn Hospice in Dublin, but the gruelling trip is exhausting all and Daire has complex needs. Having a hospice much closer to home would help cater for Daire’s respite, hope, comfort and care needs in a way that would be so much more accessible for Daire and all his family.

Joe Egan: “I would like to thank Lorraine (O’Grady) and Sheila (McGullion) for the huge amount of work they are putting into this fundraiser. Any donation of any size would be most gratefully received. You can donate at the link below”.

To donate: https://www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/creatonsbarfundraiser

8th-15th March

15th March

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newsbriefs

Roscommon/Kilteevan Parish Novena

A nine-day Lenten Novena will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. The theme is ‘Take Heart, Take Courage’. It will be held from Friday, March 6th to Saturday, March 14th (at 7 pm each evening).

This nine-day Novena invites everyone to draw courage from Christ, who walks with us in every moment.

Full details of speakers are on the Roscommon/ Kilteevan Facebook page, the website www. roscommonkilteevanparish.ie, and in the porch of the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Everyone is welcome.

Forging ahead….

Pictured is Gerard Mulrennan, director of Tully Forge in Ballaghaderreen, who were the overall winners of this year’s County Enterprise Awards. See page 25. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

Local Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows.

Roscommon Bridge Club – 1st: Judy Adamson & Larry Shine; 2nd: Mary Farrell & Veronica McManus; Gross: Phil & Seamus Cooney.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – 1st: Mary McDermott & Ann Kilduff; 2nd: Judy Adamson & Veronica McManus; Gross: Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine.

St Coman’s Bridge Club – (Teresa Doyle Memorial). 1st: Ann Shine & Mary Naughton; 2nd: Maureen Fallon & Geraldine Hoban; Gross: Maria Hickey & Gertie Spillane.

February 25th, ’26 results. 1st: Ann Shine & Mary Naughton; 2nd: Evelyn Curley & Susan Farrell; Gross: Josephine Devaney & John O’Gara.

Ballymurry Bridge Club – (Section A). 1st: Michael McSharry & Tony McManus; 2nd: Marian Byrne & Paula Whyte; Gross: Evelyn Curley & Judy Adamson. (Section B). 1st: Mary Law & Susan Farrell; 2nd: Honor Lynn & Geraldine Relihan; Gross: Gertie Spillane & Josephine Devaney.

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How can I apply?

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Do I need Leaving Certificate points to apply?

Applications are not assessed on a points basis. Students should have completed their Leaving Certificate. Applications are also accepted from QQI Level 4 students and mature students (23+)

Can I apply for SUSI?

Yes, you may apply for SUSI and this does not affect your application for SUSI if you progress to university

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Yes, our courses will give you new skills that will enhance your employment opportunities

Can I apply for a degree after one year in MBC?

Yes, our QQI programmes give you a brand-new qualification, allowing you to apply for a degree after one year. You can use your new QQI qualification to apply and this can also overcome some entry requirements that you may not have in your Leaving Certificate e.g. a third language

Should I apply for a course even if I have the points required for university in my Leaving

Certificate?

There are many advantages to completing a course in MBC, even if you have the points required. It helps to try out an area of study; it

Moate Business College… some frequently asked questions!

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See moatebusinesscollege.com or telephone 09064 81178 for more information. Lose 14

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

FRIDAY

Pádraig & Danny

As regular readers of this column may know, I generally avoid the Late Late Show, having lost faith in it many years ago. I’ve even noticed our dog – not given to nostalgia –gesturing to be let outdoors if she hears that iconic and once unmissable signature tune.

Occasionally, I relent. Tonight, the remote control led me to Pádraig Harrington, guesting on tonight’s LLS. Yet again Pádraig showed what an interesting and likeable individual he is.

Arguably Ireland’s greatest ever sportsperson, Harrington is also fascinating off the course. A deep thinker and a most insightful character, here again he spoke in that measured and wise way of his.

Mind you, whoever decided to keep the previous guest – Cockney ‘wide boy’ Danny Dyer – on set for the Harrington interview, got it wrong. There was zero chemistry between the golfing great and the former EastEnders actor, with Harrington seemingly unable to warm to his fellow guest.

Dyer, a popular actor and presenter, was also on the Late Late Show exactly a year ago, and it is repeat appearances of this nature that contribute to the decline of the famous show. I’ll refer readers to the regular return visits of Vogue Williams, Dermot Bannon, Jason Byrne and many other ‘celebs’ who are not in the same league as some of the guests of yesteryear (such as Peter Ustinov, Tony Curtis, Peter Sellers and Mother Teresa!).

Moreover, I am sorry to have to report that Patrick Kielty is a very mediocre host.

Anyway, prior to letting the dog back in, I enjoyed 15 minutes or so of Pádraig Harrington, who is probably not an EastEnders fan.

SATURDAY

Uncertain times

The world feels a little more unstable today – presumably because it is.

A (mostly) light-hearted look at the week that was…

Israel and the United States have launched a series of attacks against Iran. Even if one accepts their rationale for so doing, the commencement of military strikes on this scale is quite chilling, particularly given the potential for widespread conflict now breaking out in the Middle East.

Our thoughts are with Irish people, including those from County Roscommon, who are currently stranded in the region. These are uncertain times, in a world that was already very volatile. Hopefully this will be a short-lived conflict.

SUNDAY

Pressing matters

I returned to the press box at Hyde Park today, after a long absence. I frequented it for many years, starting in the late 1980s, when John Newton was plucking the ball from the skies and Tony McManus was jinking past corner-backs.

In those days, Jackie Brennan was a one-man security system who protected the ‘sanctity’ of the press box with a zeal and efficiency that might have impressed the authorities in Alcatraz prison!

No longer on the formal ‘reporting beat’, for many years now I’ve been watching games from the ‘old stand’ on the Athlone Road side. I’ve just got used to that location… plus there’s the fun of eavesdropping on spectators/ digesting the atmosphere amongst fans… and then writing about it on these pages.

Sure enough, when I ended up in the press box today, I lost all of that raw interaction and sheer craic that you experience in the stands. What I gained, was a reminder of the camaraderie of the press box.

Supporters arrived at the Hyde in hopeful mood, albeit with a nagging worry that a touch of complacency was infiltrating the Roscommon GAA family.

Unfortunately, Roscommon seemed beset by nerves early on, and Dublin quickly took control. Roscommon underperformed, missing easy scoring chances and being turned over regularly. Perhaps the players were nervous, given all the hype in the build-up to the game.

I still enjoyed meeting some ‘old faces’ in the press box… a combination of fellow journalists, local VIPs, GAA chiefs, etc. For Roscommon, it wasn’t a good day

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

on the pitch, but we’ll bounce back.

A final thought… a variety of people play important roles in making sporting occasions such as today’s go smoothly. Well done to the County Board personnel, the stewards, the Gardaí, and all the volunteers across the board.

MONDAY

Lowry’s collapse

Shane Lowry’s extraordinary collapse yesterday evening, when within sight of a first (individual) win in the USA since 2015, is dominating radio bulletins, newspapers and social media this morning.

TV viewers around the world were stunned by the nature of the Irish golfer’s implosion over the last three holes in the Cognizant Classic. Winning by three strokes with just three holes to go – and playing beautifully up to that point – the Offaly man inexplicably found the water with his tee shot on the 16th. It was a reminder that nerves can affect even world class sportspeople.

If that shockingly wayward shot was dramatic, it was nothing compared to the horror show at the next hole, when Lowry dropped another tee shot into

the water, this one some 80 yards short of the green. Two double bogeys ended his title hopes. Watching Shane Lowry selfdestruct in full public view was hard. You had to feel for him. Hopefully Shane can bounce back and banish the demons that seem to appear just as his brilliance throughout a tournament puts him within sight of the winning post. By the way, I get it… a multimillionaire golfer slipping to joint second in a tournament because he struggled under pressure is hardly catastrophic when compared to what else is happening in the world. I guess that’s why they say ‘everything’s relative’.

TUESDAY

Happy as Larry?

An Irish Times review of RTE’s much-hyped documentary on ‘beef baron’ Larry Goodman has described ‘Goodman – Too Big to Fail’ as “a riveting portal to the world of Charles Haughey, cheap suits and bad hair”.

Part one aired last night. I skipped it. At one stage (while briefly channel-hopping), I saw Fintan O’Toole leaning back in his chair, in full pontificating mode, and I just thought: ‘I can’t do this’.

After all, I lived through it all, back in the day… Goodman’s rise and fall, his impact on the Irish beef industry, the shadow he cast over the fortunes of a series of senior politicians, including Charlie Haughey and Albert Reynolds. I might catch up with this two-part documentary at some stage, but for now, I felt no desire to relive it all. These days, I’m happier watching a good comedy.

*I hasten to add that the Irish Times review did not retrospectively tarnish the late Charlie Haughey’s name by directly associating him with ‘cheap suits’ – perish the thought. The article read: ‘It (the Goodman documentary) is also a portal back to pre-Celtic Tiger Ireland, where every politician not named Charles Haughey wore a cheap and nasty suit…’

Boyle meets criteria for ‘State-led childcare’

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has told the Minister for Children that based on the criteria outlined by her for the purchase of buildings in 2026 for State-led childcare, Boyle should be chosen as one of the eight locations in which properties are bought this year.

Addressing the minister in a committee meeting, Deputy Kerrane said: “Looking through the criteria for the eight areas that will be chosen in 2026 for the purchase of buildings for childcare provision where there is need with a focus on rural and disadvantaged areas, Boyle fits all of the criteria outlined by you.

Special Healing Mass in Curraghboy

A Special Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Prayer Centre, Curraghboy on Monday, March 9th, commencing at 8 pm. The celebrant will be Fr Oisín Martin of the Franciscian Friars of the Renewal in Limerick. Confessions will be available from 7 pm and the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 7.30 pm. Fr Martin will bless Holy water and all religious items after Mass.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and individual blessings for healing will take place after Mass. Refreshments will be available afterwards. All are most welcome. Eircode is N37W704.

this year’s

of the Future programme at the Law Society in Dublin. Local student is a ‘Solicitor of the Future’

A Transition Year (TY) student from Roscommon is a Solicitor of the Future after successfully completing the Law Society of Ireland’s innovative legal education programme.

Ben Hone from CBS Roscommon was one of 40 TY students that attended the popular week-long Solicitors of the Future programme at the Law Society in Dublin from February 17th to 20th 2026.

Delivered by leading legal experts, the immersive, activitybased programme featured practitionerled workshops, guest speakers, courtroom exercises, and a dedicated careers seminar. In total, students from ten counties participated.

Places on this year’s programme were allocated by lottery, with 20% reserved for students attending socioeconomically disadvantaged schools. It is designed for anyone interested in exploring a career in law.

Next Indoor Market in Athleague

The next Athleague Indoor Market will take place on Sunday, March 8th from 10 am to 3 pm in Athleague Community Centre. All are welcome.

Indoor Market in Castlerea

An Indoor Market will be held in The Hub, Castlerea, Co Roscommon (F45AC96) on Saturday, March 7th from 12 noon to 4 pm and on the rst Saturday of each month thereafter. Contact Helen on 086 3081178 or Anne on 086 3507490 for more details/to book a table.

“Boyle in North Roscommon is very rural… it is, according to the Pobal Index, deemed a disadvantaged area… and the need is great.

The national benchmark for childcare is 20 childcare places per 75 households. In Boyle (urban and rural) there are just 20 childcare places per 1,043 households.

“A committee in Boyle has been formed for some time. It was set up by mothers literally unable to return to work due to lack of childcare locally. They have undertaken and published a Childcare Needs Analysis and I commend them for all of the work they have done. I have shared that analysis with you and with your Department officials who are

looking at this. A building for purchase has been identified and Boyle is ready to go”.

On suggestions that the loss of Renbrack House to childcare in Boyle was a setback, Deputy Kerrane said that this property had been “off the table for almost a year” with another organisation in talks for the HSE premises since last summer.

“I have for the last six months or more been engaging with the minister on the need to purchase a building in Boyle to meet the severe need for childcare. This is the obvious solution and it is the quickest. My focus will remain on ensuring Boyle is one of the eight locations to be chosen this year.”

COLÁISTE MHUIRE’S GOT

Roscommon success at prestigious LAMA awards

Roscommon County Council’s Community Resilience Toolkit (CRT) enjoyed major success last weekend, winning a prestigious LAMA award in the ‘Collaboration and Leadership’ category. The initiative was honoured at a special reception in the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin.

The initiative was designed to help communities in County Roscommon prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis events, including extreme weather, drawing on unique local knowledge, shared values and learning from evidence-based practices.

The CRT emerged from the impact of last year’s Storm Éowyn when communities throughout the county suffered considerably from the impact of fallen trees, power outages and other infrastructural damage.

Communities and state agencies, including Roscommon County Council collaborated to deal with the impact of the storm.

The county’s other nominee in this year’s awards was the Roscommon Women’s Network (RWN) CycleUp project, nominated in the ‘Best Business collaborating with the Community cat-

TEMPORARY

egory, under Economic Development Initiatives,’ which was sponsored by An Post. The group were honoured with the presentation of a commemorative certificate.

Central to CRT’s development was the collaboration of Roscommon County Council’s Community and Enterprise Department with the local authority’s Public Participation Network (PPN), HSE (Health Services Executive), the county’s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Healthy Ireland and local communities.

The Toolkit is focused

CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the period and the reason speci ed.

Road to be closed: L7043 The Square, Roscommon (Eight til Late to Post O ce)

Period of Closure: from 6pm on Saturday 4th April to 8pm on Sunday 5th April 2026

Alternative Routes: R366/L7048/L7046/L7042

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Easter Parade

Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 13th March 2026

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

on supporting a wellbeing and psychological approach as core components of community resilience. It is designed to

be a practical and usable guide for local groups, volunteers and community leaders to organise, communicate and care

for one another in the face of adverse challenges including storms and other flood-related events.

Director of Services

with Roscommon County Council Chris Flynn has congratulated those associated with the success of the CRT at the awards.

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason speci ed.

Road No. Townland Closure duration Section of Closure Proposed Diversion LP-1412 Lurgan (Blackstick Road)

Extended from 14th March 2026 to 24th April 2026

Length of closure is 600m. Closure starts 100m south of the L-1412 junction with the L-1409, and finishes 700m south of the same point.

Detour will be via the N5, heading west towards Tulsk, to turn north on the N61 towards Shankill, to turn east on the R369 and into Elphin.

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

Reason for Closures: To facilitate N5 Road Project

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Mark Keaveney

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development

TEMPORARY CLOSING

OF ROADS

ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12

Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason speci ed.

Roscommon County Council intends to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified.

Road Reference Townland/ Street Name Section of Closure Closure duration Proposed Diversion

L7046 Church Street

1 Between Goff Street and Henry Street

2 Between Henry Street and Abbey Street

3 Between Goff Street and Abbey Street (for resurfacing of Church Street in 2 sections as per 1 & 2 above)

For a period of approximately 5 weeks commencing 13th April 2026

For a period of approximately 5 weeks after completion of works between Goff Street and Henry Street (at 1 above)

For a period of approximately 1 week after completion of works at 1 & 2 above

L7044 Brogans Lane Brogans Lane (full) For a period of approximately 5 weeks from 11th May 2026 to 30th June 2026

N63, R366, L7042, L7048, L7046

L7045, R366

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Town Realm Project

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Town Realm Project Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 13th March 2026

Objections in respect of the proposed closure may be made in writing to the Roads and Transportation Department or e-mailed to roads@roscommoncoco.ie to arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 13th March 2026.

Mark Keaveney

Director of Services

Mark Keaveney Director of Services Economic, Planning and Physical Development

Economic, Planning and Physical Development

RONAN HEGARTY

2026 Community Challenge takes place this Friday!

The 2026 Roscommon Community Challenge kicks off this Friday night, March 6th (8 pm). Now proudly in its 13th year, this much-loved community, all-inclusive event starts at the Community Sports Park in Lisnamult and brings people together for a 5k or 8k run and walk that truly has something for everyone.

Whether you are chasing a personal best, taking it steady with friends, or just soaking up the buzz, this is both a fun run and a serious run – you choose your pace.

This year, every step counts for an incredible cause. Funds raised will support eleven dedicated athletes from the Roscommon Special Olympics as they prepare to compete at the All-Ireland National Games in Dublin this June. These athletes are training with heart, determination, and passion – and your support helps them get there. And that is not all. On the night, something really exciting will be unveiled – a major new addition to sports in Roscommon. So, lace up, bring your friends and family, and be part of a night that is about community, inclusion, fitness, and fun.

This event is open to every-

one. All ages. All abilities. All welcome. So do not miss out. Organisers are encouraging all to register on time and online now to run it, walk it or race it – but most importantly of all, to simply enjoy it!

In a press statement, the organisers said: “Online registrations

help our volunteers prepare safely and smoothly for the event as we want everyone to have the best possible experience on the night.

“If you’re joining us this year, please register online now. It makes a massive difference to our little team”.

https://tinyurl.com/Moonlight-5k-and-8k-Tickets

It’s simpler than ever to get a professional design for your new sliding wardrobe! The process will start with a visit to your home or workplace, where Ronan Hegarty will discuss the storage options for your space. As the company manufacture sliding doors from oor to ceiling, the heights of your ceiling will have to be checked, as well as checking whether your existing oor is level, your walls are plumb, whether your existing tted wardrobe (which Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes can take out) has any pipes or sockets hidden behind it, as well as checking for vents, curtains, radiators, etc. After the space is measured, Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes will also nd out extra information: How many users per wardrobe? Boy or girl? Your height is important too; have you any special requirements? Are all your longer clothing items dragging on the ground when they hang? It’s also important to get your interior design and colours right: the look, the feel! Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes may not be interior designers, but if you’re looking for quality bedroom furniture at a price that suits your pocket, they have a great range of dressing tables, bedside lockers, headboards, blanket boxes, and loads of accessories. A big question at the moment when it comes to bedroom designs is shoe storage – the same old story for handbags. Well, Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes have something just for you, designed and built to your requirements, with their adjustable shelving options. All your storage needs are covered at Ronan Hegarty Kitchens & Wardrobes – to nd out more, visit ronanhegartykitchensandwardrobes.ie

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NewsPeople

End of an era in Ballaghaderreen: ‘Towey’s wasn’t just a shop, it was an institution’

After more than eight decades serving the people of Ballaghaderreen, Towey’s shop has closed its doors for the final time, bringing the curtain down on one of the town’s longest-running family businesses.

The grocery and newsagents, founded in 1943, ceased trading at 3 pm last Saturday, having drawn a steady stream of customers who called in not just to shop, but to say goodbye.

For many, the closure marks the loss of more than a retail outlet; it signals the passing of a cornerstone of Main Street life.

Towey’s first opened its doors during the war years in the 1940s, when small, independent grocery stores formed the backbone of Irish town life. Over the decades, it evolved as times changed, expanding to include a newsagency service, lottery sales and a counter area that doubled as an informal community noticeboard.

It was a place where tickets were sold for local raffles, musicals and pantomimes; where football teams returned after matches; where neighbours met for conversation. In the days leading up to the closure, the atmosphere in Ballaghaderreen was reflective. Customers lingered longer than usual. Photographs were taken outside the familiar frontage.

Local councillor Michéal Frain told

the Roscommon People that his connection to Towey’s stretches back to his childhood.

“My earliest memory (of the role of Towey’s in the community) is of walking down the street as a child and hearing the majestic voice of Michael O’Hehir (RTE GAA commentator) bellowing across the town from the radio sitting on top of the petrol pump,” he said. “It genuinely felt like the whole town stood still. That was my first introduction to football and ‘Championship Sunday’. And I suppose it was my first introduction to the institution that was Towey’s.

“It wasn’t just a shop, Towey’s was an institution,” Cllr Frain added. “It was where you sold your tickets for the draw for your musical, your pantomime, your charity event. When you played football or managed a team and came back with the cup, you went back to Towey’s. It was everything about the town.”

He described the premises as “your chatbox before social media”.

Michéal added: “It was the essence of community. It was a place people went to be together, apart from (for) shopping. It was media without the sources”.

Throughout the decades, the Towey family were known for their quiet support of local initiatives. Whether sponsoring events, promoting fundraisers or simply offering encouragement, the

shop’s role extended far beyond retail.

“Imelda never stood back, nor did her father or mother before her. They always helped and supported people,” Cllr Frain said.

“That was especially evident during Covid” he added, noting “the extremes Imelda and her staff went to to reach people who couldn’t get to the shop when they

were practising social distancing.”

While last weekend’s closure prompted some sadness – at the end of an era – there was also a strong sense of goodwill towards proprietor Imelda Towey as she steps into retirement.

“It was a bittersweet moment,” Cllr Frain said of the final days of trading.

“There was sadness and reminiscing, but we have to be conscious of the fact

that Imelda has done her bit. She’s not closing because business wasn’t there; it was a busy shop. She’s retiring, and we’re delighted for her.”

He added that the town takes comfort in knowing the decision comes at a positive time in Imelda’s life.

“She said herself on the last day that she wants to do a bit of travelling, to get out and enjoy life, to live a good, active life. It’s sad, and the town will miss her, but it’s also a happy moment for the next chapter.

“She was surrounded by her family on the final day. She’s in good health, which is great, and she’s going to enjoy the many years she still has ahead of her. The service she gave was second to none.”

The closure of Towey’s also reflects broader changes facing rural towns, where independent family-run shops have become increasingly rare. Yet the narrative in Ballaghaderreen is not one of decline, but of gratitude… for longevity, for service, and for the relationships built over 83 years.

As the key turned in the lock at 3 pm on Saturday, a chapter closed not only for the Towey family, but for the town itself.

Towey’s may no longer trade, but its place in the collective memory of Ballaghaderreen is secure, a reminder of a time when the local shop was the heartbeat of the community.

ROSCOMMON EASTER PARADE

In Association with Roscommon Fleadh

Sunday 5th April, 12.30 pm

Theme: Roscommon Heritage, Ceoil agus Craic Float entries now open – contact J.J. Cattigan, 087 851 2503 Prizes of €1,000, €500 & €250

Cllr. LARRY BRENNAN

“Looking forward to Easter Weekend in Roscommon… I am delighted to support the forthcoming Roscommon Easter Parade and also to support and welcome the 2026 Roscommon County Fleadh to our county town.”

– Councillor Larry Brennan

Mobile: 085 174 3871

Email: cllrlbrennan@roscommoncoco.ie

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ADEMAR O’CONNOR, RUAIRÍ GRIFFIN, DAITHÍ GORMLEY, ELAINE REILLY, ANGELINA CARBERRY, DAN BROUDER, CONOR MCDONAGH, SHANE MEEHAN, LIZ WYNNE, JAMES MCGOVERN, EMILY KEANE, PATSY HANLY, JOHN CARLOS , NOEL CARBERRY, MOSSIE MARTIN, CELINE SHANNON, LUCY NALLY, ANITA MCENROE, DYLAN CARLOS, GRÁINNE BRADY, MARTIN DONOHOE, DARREN CULLINEY, CATHERINE MCEVOY, JOHN WYNNE, FREDA HATTON, ELLEN GLENNON, ENDA MCGREEVY, JOHN MCEVOY, plu s m an y more....

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FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Do I have to pull my socks up as a… dog-sitter?

Our man Frank on the peculiar case of a Roscommon man who was hanged for murder in 1932; The latest from Osaka in Japan(!)… and our columnist battles on behalf of his socks while ‘dog sitting’ on the double!

It’s Monday morning as I write, and for the last couple of nights I have been babysitting (doggy-sitting?) Lisa’s two dogs, Panda and Rocco, while Lisa, Brian and the two children have themselves a little break.

Rocco is a Romanian rescue dog of indeterminate breed who spent a couple of tough years roaming the streets of Bucharest before finding himself here in Ireland with Lisa. After being a little (a lot) strange for a while, he has settled into becoming a really placid, very lovable dog.

Panda is a female Jack Russell and at thirteen years of age has been with Lisa since she was a very young puppy (Panda, not Lisa). She has her own way of going about things and you could be forgiven for thinking she’s a little

bit odd. She hates being enclosed in a room, so at night when I go upstairs to bed I leave the pair of them asleep in the kitchen, knowing full well that both will have made it to my room at some stage during the night.

If I didn’t leave the doors open I would never sleep a wink, as Panda would be howling and scratching at the door to get out all night long.

As humans, we sometimes wonder if we were ever here before. As I said, Rocco was a Romanian rescue dog in his previous life, and Panda must have been a magician because she has an uncanny ability to make things disappear, especially my socks. What she does with them I have no idea, but to try to keep some semblance of order on my sock drawer I now leave out odd socks for her, and when they inevitably disappear it doesn’t really make any difference. How none of them ever reappear I haven’t a clue, but Panda sure can get rid of them.

Anyway, I have them for the next couple of days so if you need to get rid of old, or even better, new socks, give me a shout and Panda will sort you out. The good news as I write this is they are both flat out in front of the fire and apart from an odd snore (or two or three odd snores), you wouldn’t know they are in the house.

Death by hanging (in 1932)…

the strange case of Patrick McDermott

Last Saturday evening as I arrived home from Ballintubber, where our very depleted football team got a bit of a trimming from St Croan’s, I got a surprise but very welcome visit from Mickey Ward, a man whom I shared many a car journey with back in my Ballina banking days.

I had no car at the time and so I pretty much relied on Mickey – who was also working in Ballina at the

time – to bring me home on Friday evenings and back again on some Sunday evenings (but mostly Monday mornings and occasionally an odd Tuesday).

Anyway, during a long chat last Saturday, one of the things we touched upon was the story of 24-year-old Patrick McDermott, a native of Rosmoylan (where Mickey lives) who was hanged (for murder) on December

29th 1932.

Patrick McDermott shot his brother, John, with the prosecution claiming that it was over land, i.e. that his father had left the family farm to John and that John was to pay Patrick £100, a sum that Patrick never received.

That was the allegation, but in court Patrick claimed he had no interest at all in the land and that the dispute was in fact over a woman. He wanted to marry the lady in question but (Patrick claimed) John got the family to go against the romance and the woman was forbidden from even coming near the house.

There was also a suggestion that John had ‘designs’ on the same lady and wanted to marry her himself. Not for the first time – and certainly not the last – a love triangle appears to have been at the heart of it all.

One of the peculiarities of the case was that it was an Englishman, Thomas Pierrepoint, assisted by his cousin, Albert who carried out McDermott’s hanging (at Mountjoy Prison). There were protests outside the prison as the hanging took place because it was an Englishman who was carrying out the deed on an Irishman.

Anyway, if it was now Patrick would not have been convicted at all as only nine of the twelve jurors found him guilty. On the day of the verdict, although he had never either confessed or explicitly denied the charge, McDermott was apparently confident that he would be acquitted,

but sadly that was not the case.

On the morning of his execution he is said to have “eaten a hearty breakfast and walked steadily to the scaffold”.

And so after our chat I began to think about how different the law is now.

Just last week Joseph Richards, whom it is accepted shot Robert Sheridan dead – at the victim’s own front door – was given a seven-year sentence for ‘conspiracy to murder’.

As I understand it, Sheridan knew he was under threat and was quite careful about answering his door.

Richards, who was a drug addict, and who was hired to carry out the killing, convinced a trusted friend of the victim to knock at his door. When it was answered, Richard shot Sheridan at point-blank range.

I don’t know anything about the law that concludes this wasn’t blatant premeditated murder, but for some reason, even though Richards got someone to lure the victim to his front door and then executed him, the charge of murder was dropped and reduced to conspiracy to murder, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years.

In actual fact, Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Richards to only seven and a half years. I now have a lot of sympathy for Patrick McDermott – who lost his life in 1932 – given that, had it happened 94 years later, he might have got away altogether – or at least received a much different sentence. As I’ve often said, the law truly is an ass!

And finally…

We all know the havoc that failing and rusty pipes can cause to even the most basic water supply – and when it’s a city’s network of pipes that are ageing and dilapidated, the problem can simply be enormous.

Over in Osaka, in Japan, where concern was raised last year after a sinkhole suddenly appeared and swallowed a whole truck, killing the driver, the water systems are under huge pressure and 160 miles of pipes need to be replaced. The cost to do all the work would be about 500 million yen, which would be almost €2.75m! In an extraordinary twist, an anonymous donor presented gold bars worth 560 million yen (more than €3m) to the waterworks bureau so that the work can go ahead. The local mayor said they will respect the donor’s wishes and repair the city’s creaking water system. He also said he cannot thank the donor enough and that he is speechless at the massive donation.

I have a leaking tap and a cistern that’s continually on the go. I don’t suppose there’s any spare gold bars out there? Even a small one would do!

‘Till next week, bye for now

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Novo Nordisk announces €432m investment in Monksland facility

Novo Nordisk has announced an investment of €432m in its facility in Monksland, Athlone. This tabletting facility will provide significant additional manufacturing capacity for current and future Novo Nordisk GLP-1 treatments.

The investment is a major strategic milestone for the company. It provides Novo Nordisk with additional manufacturing capabilities for oral products, enhances supply, and allows Ireland to serve as a hub for servicing markets outside the US. The investment will support the upgrade and retrofit of the existing facility and enhance Novo Nordisk’s capacity to manufacture oral GLP-1s.

“With the investment in the Athlone facility, Novo Nordisk is expanding its production capacities for oral products, which will strengthen our ability to meet both current and future demand, outside the US,” added Kasper Bødker Mejlvang, EVP CMC & Product Supply, Novo Nordisk.

“This investment, a historic

National

milestone for Novo Nordisk in Ireland, marks our continued commitment to Ireland and our highly skilled employees in Athlone while allowing us to make a difference for millions of people living with serious chronic diseases”.

The plant’s existing 260 employees will focus on

Starting in Strokestown on Monday, March 9th, The National Famine Way Roadshow goes on tour during March 2026, visiting seven locations along the route of the long distance walk. Each roadshow will consist of informative talks and presentations by leading local and international famine historians, led by Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way.

The Strokestown Roadshow event takes place on Monday, March 9th at 3 pm at Strokestown Park House and everyone is welcome to attend. There is no admission charge but it is essential to register in advance by emailing nationalfamineway@gmail.com

Speakers include Caroilín Callery and Dr. Jason King, Academic Coordinator of the National Famine Museum, Strokes-

delivering oral treatments to patients in an efficient and environmentally sustainable way. The entire project at the site, covering 45 acres (18 hectares), will create up to 500 construction jobs. The construction projects, which have already begun, will be finalised gradually from the end of 2027 through 2028.

Increased prize fund for 2026 Easter Parade

The Roscommon Town Easter Parade will take place on Easter Sunday, April 5th at 12.30 pm. This year the committee has increased the prize fund, which is as follows: 1st prize: €1,000; 2nd prize: €500; 3rd prize: €250. We encourage all commercial entities, voluntary clubs, schools, etc. to enter. More details in coming weeks.

Talk on ‘The Tailteann Games’

town Park and the Irish Heritage Trust.

The National Famine Way is a 165km way marked walking and cycling trail commemorating a heartbreaking walk of forced emigration which took place in 1847 at the height of the Irish famine. It begins at the memorial glass wall at The National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park in Roscommon and continues through six counties to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands. The route is poignantly marked by more than 30 pairs of bronze children’s shoes and the route and associated stories can be followed through a free app. Walkers can also purchase an official passport to get stamped along the route. A nine-day Remembrance Walk along the full route will take place from 16th-24th May 2026.

The Old Athlone Society is delighted to welcome Vincent Delaney to give this month’s lecture. Vincent will speak on ‘The Tailteann Games, Athlone, 1928’, or ‘An Aonach Tailteann, Ath Luain, 1928’. His talk will be held at 8 pm on Wednesday, March 11th, at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel. All are welcome to attend.

Lecture on Rathcroghan

A meeting of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society will take place on Tuesday, March 10th at 8 pm in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk. This will be followed at 8.30 pm by a lecture titled ‘Archaeology and Farming: Where Worlds Meet’. This talk will be delivered by Alan Healy, Community Archaeologist at Rathcroghan.

At Kelly Hearing Specialists, our reputation as a trusted, family-run hearing care provider is shaped by the dedication, skill, and compassion of our committed staff.

Our journey from a single branch to 35 clinics nationwide has always been powered by the values and personalities of the people at our core – people who not only deliver award-winning care, but also form strong and lasting relationships within the communities we serve.

Ann Marie Kelly, the founder and Senior Audiologist, has made an indelible mark on hearing care in Roscommon and beyond. With more than 15 years’ experience, Ann Marie combines clinical excellence with genuine empathy. She leads by example – guiding the expansion of the business, supporting ongoing professional development, and ensuring that every client receives a fully bespoke service.

Her vision and leadership have been widely recognised: she was awarded Emerging Businesswoman of the Year for Roscommon, an accolade that confirms her impact as an entrepreneur and her place as a role model in women’s business leadership.

Vicky Kelly, Ann Marie’s daughter and fellow audiologist, is renowned for her patient-centred approach and her forward-thinking mindset. As the first person from Roscommon to claim the Employee Rising Star title at Interbranch level, Vicky’s achievements highlight her clinical expertise, dedication to client care, and enthusiasm for innovation. She champions staff training and takes an active role in marketing –making sure our story and values are always at the heart of what we do.

The mother and daughter team don’t just share a family bond – they share a vision of excellence and community-driven care which defines Kelly Hearing Specialists. Together, they lead with integrity, warmth, and innovation, ensuring that each client receives truly individual attention.

Meet the Team

The faces behind Kelly Hearing Specialists’ community care and success

Our front-of-house experience is made especially welcoming by Melissa, our Customer Service specialist. Her professionalism, efficiency, and warmth set the tone for every visit. She ensures client queries or concerns are addressed promptly, manages appointment schedules with care, and supports aftercare to make every client feel both valued and reassured. Melissa epitomises our ethos of personal service and is central to the smooth running of our client journey.

Coordinating the broad reach of Kelly Hearing Specialists is John Doory, our Branch Co-ordinator. John’s role is pivotal: he manages logistical operations, oversees the day-to-day running of our 35 clinics, and supports staff with whatever they need to deliver seamless care. John offers a warm, professional welcome – whether greeting patients in person or answering phone enquiries. His attention to detail, friendly manner, and organisational skills set the tone for every client’s experience with us.

John expertly manages bookings, handles administrative queries, and ensures that each visitor is supported throughout their appointment. Through his actions he embodies the values of Kelly Hearing Specialists and is highly valued by both clients and the wider team.

The strength of our team is reflected in the major achievements of the business over the past year. Earning the All Star Independent Audiologist of the Year for the second consecutive year and being named among the top 20 in the Retail Excellence Awards demonstrates our commitment to professionalism, investment in new technology, and the positive outcomes we achieve for clients every day.

Kelly Hearing Specialists is proud to offer a full spectrum of hearing care services, from detailed hearing assessments and the latest hearing aid technology, Free PRSI hearing aids to expert wax removal, tinnitus counselling, and custom ear protection for swimmers, musicians, or those with specific lifestyle needs. Each client’s solution is uniquely individualised – a testament to our belief that no two cases are the same, and that our care should reflect that.

What truly sets us apart, however, is our culture. We are driven by family values, community focus, and a belief that the best results come from listening, understanding, and caring. Our clients often become friends, and our clinics become places where people feel understood, supported, and empowered to live life to the fullest.

If you want to meet a team that cares as much about your hearing as you do, call Kelly Hearing Specialists on 089 9492269 or 094 9861698.

Our award-winning team is here for you

The Kelly Hearing Specialists team is here for you –for this year, and for many more to come.

•

• Head office: Ballaghaderreen

• Kearney’s Chemist, Castlerea

•

•

• Johnstons Pharmacy, Ballygar

•

• Elliott Opticians, Athlone

• Fahy Opticians, Ballyhaunis & Boyle

•

Wherever you are, our award-winning team is here to support your hearing health.

Saturday

Dooega

“Philadelphia

Sunday 22nd March

Thurles

“Dancing

Monday 23rd March

Upstage

“The

Bualadh

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

Wednesday 25th March

Gerry Farrell (Non-Competitive)

“I Had To Go For Counselling”

Thursday 26th March

Corofin Dramatic Society (OPEN)

“Wit” by Margaret Edson

Friday 27th March

Glenamaddy Players (CONFINED)

“Chapatti” by Christian O’Reilly

Saturday 28th March

Kilmeen Drama Group (OPEN)

“Ballyturk” by Enda Walsh

Annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival celebrating 62nd year

Last year Glenamaddy hosted a very successful 61st annual Theatre Festival, with people travelling from all over the country. The buzz was electric. Now the 62nd annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival is set to take place.

The festival will run from Friday, March 20th to Saturday, March 28th in Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre. Nine nights of excellent drama will take place in the beautiful Town Hall Theatre.

The festival launch took place on Saturday, February 28th in Raftery’s Oakland Glenamaddy. An enjoyable evening had by all, with the festival being launched by Mary McCarty (Claregalway Drama Festival).

The festival programme provides

New exhibition ‘Nósanna’ to open at Arts Centre, Roscommon

Roscommon Arts Centre presents Nósanna, a twoperson exhibition by artists Eileen Fair and Gary Robinson, curated by Eamonn Maxwell, which opens at 2 pm on Saturday, March 7th

The exhibition explores how ritual shapes Irish art, memory, and everyday life, bringing together practices rooted in assemblage, performance, and markmaking. Both artists, selected from the Hivernal group exhibition at Roscommon Arts Centre in 2025, present work that probes belief, trace, and transformation.

Eileen Fair’s installations

draw on rituals of making and veneration, taking from nature to give back to nature through collecting, cleansing, articulating, and displaying. Her assemblages of bones, natural debris, and found objects become zoomorphic specimens and chimeric hybrid creatures, a liminal menagerie that recalls a bestiary, taxidermy collection, and fossil display.

Gary Robinson’s Wind Letter series begins from the belief that the wind possesses a mysterious, invisible language that can be sensed but never fully

deciphered. The creation of each Wind Letter is a ritualistic process in which the artist releases intention, allowing asemic transcripts to emerge through action rather than analysis.

Together, Fair and Robinson propose ritual as an evolving practice, inviting viewers to reflect on Ireland’s layered culture of devotion, landscape, and everyday life.

Nósanna runs at Roscommon Arts Centre until April 18th. All are welcome to attend the upcoming opening at 2 pm on Saturday, March 7th

a range of fantastic theatre over the nine nights. The line-up is as follows: March 20th 2026: Brideview Drama Group present Da by Hugh Leonard. March 21st 2026: Dooega Drama Group present Philadelphia Here I Come! by Brian Friel. March 22nd 2026: Thurles Drama Group stage Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel. March 23rd 2026: Upstage Players will present The Year of the Hiker by John B Keane. March 24th 2026: Bualadh Bos Drama Group present ‘From Under the Bed’ by Seamus O’Rourke. March 25th 2026: Gerry Farrell’s I Had To Go For Counselling (Non-Competitive).

March 26th 2026: Corofin Dramatic Society present Wit by Margaret Edson. March 27th 2026: Glenamaddy Players present Chapatti by Christian

O’Reilly. March 28th 2026: Kilmeen Drama Group will stage Ballyturk by Enda Walsh.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy. You cannot beat live theatre! This year’s adjudicator is Michael Poynor ADA.

The shows will commence at 8 pm sharp each night, except on the final night when the show will start at 7.30 pm sharp.

Nightly tickets priced at €18 (+ booking fee) will go on sale on Thursday, March 5th. These are available online via www.glenamaddydrama.ie/booking (Eventbrite Link).

Please keep an eye on our social media for updates – ‘Glenamaddy Theatre Festival’ on both Instagram and Facebook.

One-Off Poetry and Spoken Word Night at King House, Boyle

A special poetry and spoken word event is coming to King House, Boyle, Co Roscommon (F52 WR26) on Thursday, March 19th, starting at 7 pm.

The night features visiting poet Frank Rafferty and fellow performers Jessamine O’Connor and John G Hall, along with live music between sets.

The main event is ‘Tall Tales for All Men’ – a 50-minute one-man show written and performed by Tony Curry, exploring themes of men, family and loss. The performance will be followed by a Q&A and discussion, with additional readings and support from John G Hall, Jessamine O’Connor and Frank Rafferty.

Ceol is craic!

An exciting ‘Ceol is craic’ event will be held at 8 pm on Saturday, March 14th, in Hester’s Golden Eagle Lounge Bar on Main Street, Castlerea. There will be traditional music, song, and dance to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge and Naomh Padraic. Musicians, singers, dancers, and everyone else is welcome. There will be some refreshments and spot prizes on the night. Wear something green and bring family and friends – a great night is in store!

Céad mile fáilte!

Mother’s Day

Why mothers are so special…

Celebrate all of life’s special occasions at the Abbey

Why not treat yourselves to dinner and drinks at The Abbey Hotel Roscommon?

Whether you prefer a casual vibe in our lounge or a more formal experience at our award-winning Terrace Restaurant, we’ve got you covered!

“Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day this coming Sunday, March 8th, and Mother’s Day on

March 15th. Let us make these special occasions unforgettable for all the incredible women in your life, added Geraldine Grealy, Marketing & PR Manager at the hotel.

For reservations and enquiries on booking Afternoon Tea or lunch please call us on 09066 26240 or email restaurant@abbeyhotel.ie

10 famous quotes about mothers

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”

– Abraham Lincoln

“A mother’s love liberates”

– Maya Angelou

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them”

– Victor Hugo

“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s”

– Princess Diana

“The only love that I really believe in is a mother’s love for her children”

– Karl Lagerfeld

“My mother is my root, my foundation. She planted the seed that I based my life on and that is the belief that the ability to achieve starts in your mind”

– Michael Jordan

“Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion, these are the things that my mom taught me”

– Lady Gaga

“Mother is the one to whom you hurry when you are troubled”

– Emily Dickinson

“Sooner or later we all quote our mothers”

– Bernard Williams

“A mother is the truest friend we have”

MELISA MUMPANDE AND CHLOE COYNE



There are many reasons why mothers are special. Most of all, because of the unconditional love they show to their children from the very beginning!

A mother is the glue that keeps the family structure together. A mother’s typical day is always busy… between work commitments, looking after children, household responsibilities, not to mention all of the versatility and time management this involves! Children have to be brought to and from school. There’s always a range of activities to prepare for and attend to, from sport to art, music, etc.

Mothers often end up playing the roles of taxi driver, personal chef, hairdresser, cleaner… and so much more! Yet they rarely complain. They deserve to be appreciated every day of the year, but Mother’s Day –coming up on Sunday, March 15th next in Ireland – is the one day that’s formally (and deservedly) set aside for mums.

It’s the day when we thank our mothers, celebrate them… and show our love and appreciation. A mother is the cornerstone of any household. They bring unity, cohesion and a sense of order to our otherwise disoriented life. In a world that feels increasingly crazy, we can rely on our mothers to make us feel grounded! Most of all, we can rely on our mothers to love and support us – always!

Happy (upcoming) Mother’s Day to all local mothers!

*Melisa Mumpande and Chloe Coyne, Transition Year students at the Mercy College, Roscommon, are currently on work experience with the Roscommon People

Choose from

– Washington Irving

Offer in store from 5th of March to the 22nd of March

Mother’s Day

Gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year!

 MELISA MUMPANDE AND CHLOE COYNE

Wellness products can be found in a range of shops in County Roscommon. A wellness product is a good gift for your mother because it will help her unwind and de-stress – and of course such gifts are also very beneficial from a health perspective!

Personalised gifts

Why not let your mother know just how special she is by giving her a personalised gift? It could be jewellery with her name or initials inscribed, or simply something tailored to her interests and hobbies.

Books

A book could be the perfect gift for a ‘bookworm’ this Mother’s Day. You could get a book from one of our local bookstores. Either one of her favourite authors… or surprise her!

A day out… or dinner?

One of the best gifts to give your mother is love and attention! You could cook her a nice homemade meal. Or maybe take her to one of the brilliant restaurants in our readership area!

Jewellery

To show your love this Mother’s Day, you might consider gifting your mother a good quality piece of jewellery to add to her fine collection. A unique idea would be giving her something that incorporates her birthstone.

Gift hampers

A gift hamper is great gift to give because you can incorporate all of your mother’s favourite products in one basket. You could make one yourself – and include products like perfume, socks, chocolates and flowers.

Candles

You could buy your mother a nice, scented candle, or even make her a personalised candle yourself.

Skincare

You could give your mum the gift of ‘self-love’ this Mother’s Day by getting her a brand new set of skincare products –from one of our local chemists!

A Spa Day

Give your mother the gift of relaxation by booking her a spa day away from all the stress and occasional chaos of being a mother. An affordable alternative is buying her some luscious bath salts and her favourite scented essential oils and bath bombs.

Quality time

Last but certainly not least, the greatest gift you can give your mother is a little love and attention. Spend some quality time with your mother over the weekend of Mother’s Day (Sunday, March 15th) – and at other times of the year too, of course! Your mother knows she’s loved – it’s nice for her to also know that she’s appreciated!

*Melisa Mumpande and Chloe Coyne, Transition Year students at the Mercy College, Roscommon, are currently on work experience with the Roscommon People

Sunday March 15th

Celebrating Mother’s Day around the world

Mexico

Mother’s Day in Mexico is a big celebration. It often features loud music, serenades, and large family meals. Restaurants are usually packed. Mexican children honour their mothers by giving them gifts, traditionally handmade crafts and cards.

Thailand

Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on August 12th each year. This date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who was known for her charitable works and was considered the mother of the nation.

In Thailand, motherhood is not solely a biological concept, but also celebrates women who take care of others in the community. People celebrate by giving their mothers gifts.

Japan

Mother’s Day in Japan is celebrated every second Sunday in May. Similar to in the USA, Japanese children wake up early to greet their mothers with flowers and breakfast (typically). The most popular gift is a rose, because it symbolises love, devotion and beauty. Japanese mothers might also receive lacquered jewellery boxes and clothing on the day.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Mother’s Day is a designated holiday which takes place every year on

December 22nd. It was made a holiday by Indonesia’s first President, and the date was chosen to coincide with the opening of the first Women’s Congress.

Mother’s Day is not just for mothers, but for all women – since it was originally intended to celebrate the spirit of Indonesian women.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 12th annually. They celebrate a festival called Antrosht which lasts for three days. The people come home to celebrate their mothers with large feasts.

Daughters bring butter, vegetable, spices and cheeses, while the sons bring in meats, including lamb or bull/beef. The family spend the rest of the night singing and dancing.

2026 ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL

A feast of great drama begins!

The 2026 Roscommon Drama Festival was launched on Wednesday, February 25th at Áras an Chontae by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan.

The festival will run from 6th to the 14th of March and will feature the very best of Irish amateur drama in both the Confined and Open sections.

The launch coincided with the presentation of prizes in the children’s short story writing competition.

This competition, which is open to 5th and 6th class pupils, attracts entries from all primary schools in the Roscommon area.

The chairperson of the Drama Festival, Mairead Nally welcomed everyone to the launch, including the children, their parents and teachers, describing the

children as “the stars of the evening.”

Mairead gave an outline of the star-studded 2026 Festival which she promised would “provide the very best in entertainment.”

The festival kicks off on this Friday, March 6th with Ballyturk, written by Enda Walsh and presented by Kilmeen Drama Group from Cork. The play features two women trapped in a small room and has been described as “a richly theatrical experience.”

Saturday night (7th) sees Corofin Dramatic Society on stage with their presentation of the Margaret Edson play Wit. This play focuses on a Professor of English who is diagnosed with ovarian cancer and reassess her life. A review concluded “one will feel both enlightened and in a strange way enormously comforted.”

The Nenagh Players present The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan on Sunday the 8th. This play explores reconciliation, love and failure through the fraught relationship of bandleader Sylvie and his gifted son, Eddie. The play highlights the healing power of music within a family and community.

On Monday, March

9th Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society have unfortunately been forced to withdraw. However, Gerry Farrell the highly acclaimed Irish actor, playwright and mental health professional, will step in and present his highly acclaimed and very successful one-man show, I had to go to Counselling.

The plays of John B Keane are ever-popular and

there is a treat on Tuesday, March 10th with Upstage Players from Claremorris on stage with The Year of the Hiker. This play is a celebration of the struggles of rural life. There is no performance on Wednesday the 11th. Glenamaddy Players, who are regular visitors to the Roscommon Festival, present Chapatti

by Christian O’Reilly on Thursday, March 12th.

Two animal lovers meet and form a bond – in part because of the love they have for their furry animals.

Kilmuckridge Players will stage the ever-popular

The Communication Cord by Brian Friel on Friday the 13th. This play is described as “a hilarious and biting comedy”.

The feast of drama will conclude on Saturday (14th) with the evergreen Sive by John B Keane, followed by the presentation of awards. Dalkey Players will perform this play, described by critics as “a timeless tale of young love, greed and women’s place in 1950s Ireland”. This play will start at the earlier time of 7.30 pm.

2026 ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL

Speaking at the recent launch of the 2026 Roscommon Drama Festival, committee chairperson Mairead Nally described the line-up as “an extravaganza of Irish amateur groups”.

The chairperson thanked everyone who assists in making the event such a success. In particular, she wished to extend thanks to Roscommon County Council Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and all the staff of the Council, and to Councillor Liam Callaghan (Cathaoirleach) for formally launching the festival and presenting the prizes in the Story Writing Competition.

Ms Nally thanked Declan Molloy of Molloy’s Bakery and Fine Foods for providing the refreshments for the launch, and Cormican’s Office, Art & School Supplies, who sponsored the Story Writing Competition. There was a special thanks to Catherine Lee (Manager) and the “wonderful staff of the arts centre” and to the local media “who have been so supportive to us over the years.”

Pictured at the launch of the 2026 Roscommon Drama Festival in Áras an Chontae were Joe Nally (Roscommon Drama Festival), Councillor Liam Callaghan (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council), Jimmy Hoban (Roscommon Drama Festival) and Mary Finn (Roscommon Drama Festival). Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Ms Nally had a very special word for “all the budding writers” of the future who entered the Story Writing Competition.

“Each and every one of you is a winner and have displayed wonderful creative ability and is a credit to your parents and hard-working teachers.

We salute you and your achievements” she said.

Launching the festival, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan stated: “I would like to acknowledge the Honorary President of the Festival, Canon Eugene McLoughlin, Festival Chairperson, Mairead Nally and the other committee members and extend a very warm welcome to the parents, teachers and children who have participated in the Story Writing Competition”.

Cllr Callaghan added:

“Roscommon Drama Festival is a leading fixture on the country’s amateur Drama Circuit. It attracts the cream of talent in both the Open and Confined sections. This is a further testament to the tireless efforts of groups who really love performing and staging top quality drama”.

Cllr Callaghan went on to note that “a festival of this nature brings vibrancy and excitement to Roscommon Town” with this being visible in hotels, pubs and restaurants and retail units which benefit from the large influx of people. He commended the festival committee for “showcasing not just classic performances

but also supporting new emerging authors and dramatic societies”.

The Council Cathaoirleach noted that on the final night of the festival the winners would be announced in the various categories and the Vincent Mahon Memorial Award would be presented, this being an award that “honours a man who left an immense legacy in drama.”

Cllr Callaghan concluded: “I have no doubt the festival will provide us with the tonic we need. I wish the committee every success with full houses, great drama and groups who are willing to ‘break a leg’ each night. Let the drama begin”.

Ballinlough man is new chairperson of local IFA

At the recent AGM of Roscommon IFA, Ballinlough man Seán Finan was elected as the new chairperson. The beef farmer takes over from Pat Leonard from Kiltoom, who has successfully completed his four-year term.

Speaking at the AGM, Seán Finan said, “It’s a great honour to be elected to this role. As custodian of the role for the next period, I follow in the footsteps of many great IFA people who have held the role in this county over many decades. I look forward to working on behalf of Roscommon farmers on the policy issues impacting their farming activities.”

On the night, tributes were paid to outgoing chairperson Pat Leonard, who has completed his four-year term.

SALE EVERY FRIDAY

Friday 6th March at 7.00 pm

Ring 1: Dry Cows, Sucklers and In-calf Cows

Ring 2: Weanling Heifers and Dry Heifers

Ring 3: Weanling Bulls and Bullocks

**ALL ANIMALS

“Pat has served with distinction in the role over the last four years”, Mr Finan continued. “Pat has held many roles at branch, county and commodity committee levels within the association over the years. We thank him and acknowledge his work and contribution on behalf of Roscommon farmers.

“The members of IFA branches are the heartbeat of the association. I will represent the views of Roscommon farmers on policy items, help to coordinate regional campaigns, facilitate communication and

work in consultation with the members of IFA in the county.

“My wide-ranging background and experience in many voluntary roles held over the years will stand to me in carrying out my duties in this role”, Finan concluded.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Over 500 lots presented for sale on Thursday last. Aided by improved quality on o er and a bigger attendance of customers (both ringside and online), a better trade all-round was reported.

The bullock ring reported quality stores making up to €5.37 a kilo with forward lots topping out at €2970. The heifer ring witnessed stores making up to €5.52 a kilo with forward lots peaking at €2740.

Dry cows made up to €3300 with good demand also for the store cows. Cows with calves at foot made up to €2300, with springers making up to €4590.

The weanling trade reported excellent demand with bulls peaking at €7.30 a kilo while in the heifer weanlings category €8.67 a kilo was recorded for a 385kgs BBX heifer @ €3340.

The calf ring with increased lots on o er reported a good clearance, while runners peaked at €1490.

Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 460kgs €2440 Ch 445kgs €2390 AA 490kgs €2340 Ch 535kgs €2700 Lm 505kgs €2550 SAX 570kgs €2890 Ch 565kgs €2510 AA 600kgs €2680 Lm 680kgs €2900 Lm 720kgs €2970.

Heifers, sample prices: AA 270kgs €1270 Lm 415kgs €2100 Ch 390kgs €2100 Ch

340kgs €1880 Lm 465kgs €2290 AA 490kgs €2240 Ch 450kgs €2160 Lm 505kgs €2620 Ch 555kgs €2580 Ch 580kgs €2740.

Dry cows, sample prices: Ch 850kgs €3300 Lm 770kgs €3270 AA 710kgs €2720 Ch 590kgs €2180 Fr 680kgs €1900 Fr  625kgs €1810 Lm 680kgs €2380 Fr 720kgs €2050. Cows with calves at foot made up to €2300. Springers made from €2950 to €4590.

Calves: Young calves made from €130 to €720 per head. Runners ranged in price from €640 to €1490 per head.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Lm 290kgs €1750 Lm 275kgs €1710 AA 253kgs  €1470 Ch 390kgs €2850 Ch 380kgs €2500 Lm 370kgs €2440 Ch 440kgs €2350 Ch 355kgs €2340 Lm 370kgs €2440 Ch 355kgs €2210 AA 260kgs €1300.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Ch 270kgs €1800 Ch 295kgs €1780 Lm 245kgs €1660 Ch 220kgs €1400 BBx 385kgs €3340 Ch 370kgs €1970  Ch 350kgs €1900 Lm 310kgs €1670 Ch 315kgs €1790 Hex 385kgs €1780. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursdays with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Roscommon MART WATCH

Sheep: There was a good entry of sheep on o er at the sale of hoggets and stag ewes held on Wednesday, February 25th. Prices for hoggets made up to €190, while stag ewes topped out at €238. Sheep sales continue on Wednesdays at Roscommon Mart. The yard opens at 8 am, and all stock must be penned by 10 am. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID tag set. The sale can be viewed live on marteye.ie.

‘Forge-ing’ ahead in business

Category winners at 2026 Enterprise Awards

Monksland-based company Dunbar Pharma has enjoyed considerable growth in its four years of operation, now employing 30 people and confident of expanding its workforce to 45 in the next 18 months, as international demand continues to grow.

In recognition of this and for its stellar record of performance in the Pharma sector and export ambition, the company was a recipient of the Ambition and Growth award at this year’s County Enterprise Awards, held in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

As Social Enterprise category award winners, Triest Press have been pioneers in the business field, providing digital printing and design from their offices in Castlerea and Roscommon as a nonprofit business.

The company also provide employment opportunities for those who have traditionally faced barriers to employment and provide opportunities for persons with an intellectual disability.

With an employee base of 23 at their plant in Brideswell, Waldron Meats were revealed as the Outstanding Contribution to local business award winners at the recent Local Enterprise Awards.

Waldron Meats have been in business for 35 years and are one of the county’s most recognised brand names with a stellar reputation in the food production sector. The company sell their product to over 200 outlets, across all of the county’s main retail multiples.

Ballaghaderreen-based company Tully Forge Ltd was announced as this year’s overall winner of the County Enterprise Awards, held in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Monday and organised in conjunction with County Enterprise Week.

Tully Forge Ltd will now represent the county at the National Enterprise Awards which take place in Dublin later in June.

The company, which is run by brothers and company directors Gerard and Thomas Mulrennan, are emulating Rooskey-based Euro Accessories Ltd, Lidan Designs from Roscommon Town, and Studio Meala from Boyle who were previous winners of this prestigious award.

Established in 2010, the company employs ten people and is based in the Ballaghaderreen Business Park, located on the old N5 Westport to Dublin road.

Tully Forge provides engineering and manufacturing services to oil and gas, pharmaceutical, quarry and agricultural markets.

Both brothers bring more than 35 years’ collective experience in engineering, welding and fabrication in Ireland, USA and the Middle East to the company’s output.

Company director Gerard Mulrennan said Tully Forge’s engineering output focuses primarily on welding and fabrication services for contract manufacturing with an expanding export market – and is also benefitting from a strong growth market.

“We’re delighted to receive this award. The company has growth potential and our capacity allows us to employ a further five people. We’re implementing LEAN processes in the company at present and that employment growth ambition could be realised by the final quarter of this year”.

Established in 2009, the company operates from its based on the Racecourse Road in Roscommon Town where they currently employ ten people.

Managing Director Gary Dunne said the company upholster as well as manufacture new furniture with a strong domestic and UK market, which continues to expand and grow.

Recognised as Sustainability Award winners, Roscommon Townbased enterprise The Upholstery Company were honoured for their business innovation in revamping and reimaging tired and broken furniture.

Sean Naughton MIPAV

JOHN Kelly Auctioneers

Selling and Buying made simple Palace Road, Bishop Street, Elphin, Co. Roscommon F45V025

Contact: 086 8173791 • Email: john@johnkellyauctioneers.ie • Web: johnkellyauctioneers.ie

(Via Caldra Cross on the N61)

50.8 Acre farm at Carrowmoneen, Elphin in one parcel, located just 670 metres from Caldra Crossroads on the N61. It is described in folios RN23828, RN31228 and RN25243. Mostly good quality land this roadside holding is very well situated close to the N61and convenient to the nearby towns of Elphin (5.7 Kilometres). Boyle (12 Kms). Carrick on Shannon (15.7 Kms). Tulsk (12.5 Kms.). Roscommon town (29 Kms). and just 6.91 Kilometres to the new N5 Dublin to Westport Road which is currently under construction.

The lands are well sheltered and fenced and situated in a quiet rural farming location, ideally suited to those seeking a parcel of land with further potential. The farm, presently in pasture, may be suited to a number of farming enterprises. The simple farmyard includes a two-bay hayshed. There is good access with a number of gated entrances from the public road. Viewing is highly recommended. Full particulars and maps on request from the Auctioneer, John Kelly.

Two farms for sale near Elphin

John Kelly Auctioneers announce the sale of C.27.10 acre farm located at Clogher, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. The property is described in Folio RN6919. This is a prime farm offering excellent quality lands set out in one larger block of C.2O.60. acres and a nearby parcel of C.6.54 Acres. Standing on the larger plot is a derelict two storey residence and outbuildings in need of renovation, including a former stables and courtyard. This old residence may qualify for the vacant homes refurbishment grant if desired. The property offers excellent potential and is ideally located in this good farming district convenient to Elphin, Tulsk and Ballinagare and Castlerea Town.

This farm has ood quality lands, situated in

an area of farmland that is known for its fattening qualities, well maintained and fenced and with piped water connected. It is offered for sale in one, two or three lots by private treaty sale. Viewings and offers now invited for immediate sale.

Meares Team Earley close sale on Lecarrow residence and lands

Cormac Sheehy of Sheehy Meares Team Earley is pleased to confirm that they have closed the sale on a charming three-bedroomed bungalow residence on approximately 13 acres, located at Carrownamaddy, Lecarrow, Co Roscommon. Set amidst the peaceful countryside, this traditional bungalow presented a rare opportunity to acquire a property with immense potential. Sheehy Meares Team Earley extend

their congratulations and best wishes to the new owners. Sheehy Meares Team Earley would also like to advise that they are now urgently seeking similar properties in the south Roscommon area for disappointed underbidders.

To contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon), phone 090 66 26579, email info@sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or call auctioneer Cormac directly on 086 3519492.

Stonecourt apartment new to the market with Sheehy Meares Team Earley

Keith McLoughlin of Sheehy Meares is delighted to present to the market, apartment 9, Stonecourt Centre, The Square, Roscommon Town.

This superb first-floor duplex apartment extends to approximately 682 square feet, offering bright, wellproportioned accommodation in a prime town centre setting.

Presented in excellent condition and vacant for immediate occupation, this property is ideal for firsttime buyers, those looking to downsize, or savvy investors seeking a strong rental opportunity.

The accommodation comprises a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, designed to maximise light and comfort, perfect for modern living and entertaining. Upstairs, there are two generously-sized bedrooms and a well-appointed family bathroom. The BER is C3.

The apartment benefits from lift access, ensuring convenience for residents, while secure gated entry with fob access provides peace of mind.

Situated in the heart of Roscommon Town, Stonecourt Centre offers unrivalled convenience, with shops, cafés, restaurants, and all local amenities just a short stroll from your doorstep.

Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 66 26579, email info@ sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares.ie, or contact auctioneer Keith on 086 0848590.

DNG Ivan Connaughton completes sale of Castle Manor residence

well-proportioned accommodation extending over two floors.

Castle Manor continues to prove to be one of Roscommon Town’s most sought-after residential developments, given its convenient proximity to schools, shops, sporting facilities, and all town centre amenities. Demand for well-presented detached homes in established estates remains exceptionally strong.

DNG Ivan Connaughton are now

actively seeking similar properties in and around Roscommon Town due to a number of disappointed underbidders who are eager to secure homes in established residential areas.

Property owners considering a move are encouraged to contact DNG Ivan Connaughton for a free confidential sales appraisal. For further information, contact: DNG Ivan Connaughton on 090 666 3700. Email: info@dngivanconnaughton.ie for more.

Classifieds

&

(LED Lights, Brakes, Re-Wiring, etc.)

TrailerFix on 086 4041875 Rooskey, Co. Roscommon www.trailerfix.ie

Are you a ected byAnger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Con dence/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

FENCING/GATES

for

•

•

Contact:

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

TUITION

PODIATRIST

Tullys

Podiatrist/ Chiropodist

SARAH FLEMING

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

Sarah will be in Tullys

Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

● HSE Trained and Approved

● Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

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

CORU Registered

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

Department of Health Approved

KEARNEY’S CHEMIST

Main Street, Castlerea

For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233

• 20 years experience •

Golf Links Road, Roscommon town F42YX65 (behind Curtain Centre) (Monday to Saturday) Also available in

Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed By Appointment Only

Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP

Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

Tel: 087 2982214

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

SCANIA IMPORTER – IRELAND

– VACANCY –PARTS DEPARTMENT

ADVISOR / WAREHOUSE

Dealing with Truck and Bus/Coach customers

Your duties will include:

• Identifying & Organising Parts for Workshop and Retail Customers.

• Picking, Packing & Invoicing of Scania Dealer orders.

• Dealing with phone enquiries from Retail Customers.

• Ordering stock.

• Goods inwards & Stock Control.

• Checking & binning of Spare Parts.

• Inventory counts.

• Manage and process Spare Parts returns & Service Exchange Parts.

• General warehouse duties.

Requirements:

• PC literate.

• Self-motivated.

• Team player.

• Able to work on own initiative.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent telephone manner.

• You pay close attention to detail.

• Driving & Forklift Licence an advantage.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Experience would be desirable, but if you have a knowledge of commercial vehicles and you are looking for a job which will o er excellent opportunities to progress please forward your CV to:

P.J. Kelly, After Sales Parts Manager, Westward Scania. Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Or by e-mail to: pj.kelly@westwardscania.com

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday March 20th 2026.

FAMILY NOTICES

HOARE

Tracy (Nee Wilson)

The Fairways, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. Who passed away on 9th March 2025. (1st Anniversary)

Jason, Adam, Ben, Jack, Harry and the family of the late Tracy Hoare of 15 The Fairways, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, who passed away on 9th March, 2025, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us during our recent heartbreaking loss.

We offer our sincere thanks to our very kind neigbours and friends for their unwavering support and comfort during Tracy’s illness and death and for their beautiful Guard of Honour as Tracy left home for the final time.

A special word of thanks to the staff and students of CBS Roscommon and the staff of Tailte Éireann for their respectful Guards of Honour. To Tracy’s work friends and former work friends from Tailte Éireann and the Department of Social Protection and to all our friends who travelled long distances to be with us, your presence and shared memories provided immense comfort and continue to do so.

We are grateful to those who sent floral tributes, Mass cards, condolences on RIP.ie and sent letters of sympathy.

Thank you to the Palliative Care Team who visited and looked after Tracy at home.

Our heartfelt thanks to Geraldine Keane, Catherine Macklin, Michelle Mulkeen, the Doctors, Nurses and the wonderful staff at Roscommon Hospice who cared for Tracy with such kindness, compassion and dignity during the final weeks of her life, where, even in our darkest time, we made memories to cherish.

To Kate and Sylvia, thank you for looking after Tracy’s beauty needs during her illness, she cherished those visits.

A very special thank you to Dr Aoife De Brun, a wonderful doctor and friend to Tracy who went far beyond her duty in her care and compassion for Tracy and for us, her family, since Tracy’s passing, we are forever grateful.

Thank you to Fr Joe Fitzgerald and Fr Michael Donnelly for the beautiful service and celebration of Tracy’s life and to Aileen O’Connor for her wonderful singing during Tracy‘s Funeral Mass. Many thanks to Susan McGinty for the beautiful mass booklets. To Pat and Gillian Smyth for their professional guidance, support and kindness to us during this most difficult time, we say a sincere thank you. To those who prepared Tracy’s final resting place in such a beautiful way we are very grateful.

To Liam McNeill and staff, thank you for preparing and providing the refreshments for after the funeral.

To everyone who helped us in any way as we learn to live life without our beloved Tracy, we are truly grateful for your continued support.

As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Always thoughtful, willing and kind,

A beautiful memory she left behind. To us you were someone special, Someone set apart, Your memory will live forever, Engraved within our hearts.

HEATH

Margaret

Cloonloughlin, Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon. (Who passed away on February 6th 2026)

Margaret’s sisters and relatives wish to express their sincere and heartful gratitude to all who sympathised and supported us on the loss of our cherished Margaret. We are grateful to all our kind neighbours, relatives and friends who called to our homes, sent mass cards and messages of condolences. We truly appreciate the time you took and efforts you made to attend the Funeral Mass.

A special word of thanks to Margaret’s nephew Fr. Michéal Donnelly for his kindness, spiritual care and support during Margeret’s time spent in Mountbellew Nursing Home, for the beautiful personal and meaningful Funeral Mass. Thanks to the priests who celebrated mass with him Fr. Francies Beirne, Fr Séan Neylon, Fr. Aidan O’Boyle and Deacon Willie Gacquin.

Thanks to Grace Hevehan and Gerry Dowd who provided the music and hymns.

Thanks to the management and staff of Mountbellew Nursing Home who cared so compassionately for Margaret, also all the people who visited her and sent cards during her time there.

Thanks to Corrigan and Sons Funeral Directors for their compassion, professionalism and kindness. Thanks to John, Noeleen Fallon and staff, Ballygar for their hospitality after the funeral. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deep gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the mass will be offered for you.

Lovingly remembered by all her family, neighbours and friends Margaret’s month’s mind mass will take place on Sunday March 8th at 11am in the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd Four Roads.

HOARE

Tracy

The Fairways, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

In loving memory of our beloved Tracy on her First Anniversary away from home.

I close my eyes and see your face. Smiling at me from a beautiful place. You tell me you are never far away. And that we will meet again some day.

I ask if you could stay a while.

I miss your face, I miss your smile. Then you whisper gently into my ear.

I never left you, I’m always here.

Never forgotten, always in our hearts.

Your loving sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

O’DOWD

Esther Castleside House, Castle Street, Roscommon

In loving memory of Mum who passed away on 6th March 2025 (1st Anniversary)

A mother’s love is a blessing, forever strong and true. She lives within the hearts of those, whose lives she shaped and knew.

Sadly missed and always remembered with love by her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday 8th March at 11:30am.

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FAMILY NOTICES

O’HARA

Eileen

Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon

Left this world on 5th March 2022.

R.I.P (4th Anniversary)

Gone are the days we used to share but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Loved and missed by her daughters

Finola, Ciara and granddaughter Kelsey and Son-in-Law Martin.

Friends are the family we get to choose, I thank God that Eileen and I chose each other. A truly beautiful soul, so loyal and so kind, you will live on forever, in my heart and in my mind. Our friendship was priceless and full of love, I would love to have one last chance, to laugh and chat with you again. Rest easy Eileen, my special friend, I will never let your memory end.

Love and hugs always Dee. xx

NOLAN (née Greally) Bernie Cloonlyon, Ballygar. (2nd Anniversary)

Treasured memories of a dear wife, mother and grandmother who died on 7th March 2024

A loving nature, a heart of gold, The very best this world could hold.

Never selfish, always kind. These are the memories you left behind. A silent thought, a quiet prayer, For a special person in God’s care.

Deeply missed by your husband Michael, son Peter, daughter Sinéad, son-in-law Shane, granddaughter Isla, brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews and nieces.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday March 22nd at 10.30am in St. Mary’s Church Ballygar.

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IS TUESDAYS AT 2.00 pm

FAHY (nee Grady)

Mary

Clonburren, Ballydangan, Athlone. Co. Roscommonn

The family of the late Mary Fahy, who passed away peacefully on 11th February 2026, wish to sincerely thank all of those who sympathised with them on their recent bereavement.

We are deeply grateful to our relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues who called to the house, attended the funeral, sent mass cards, letters of sympathy and messages of support and those who travelled long distances. We especially thank neighbours and friends who provided food and refreshments and helped in so many practical ways during the wake, removal and funeral, and to Millars and Lorus Restaurant for the lovely meal. A special word of thanks to Dr. Dolan and the staff of Marina Medical Centre, McGorisks Pharmacy, Ballinasloe, the Community Intervention Team and the Public Health Nurses.

To Fr. Michael Molloy, we are deeply indebted for all his care and kindness to Mammy, especially in the last few months and for celebrating such a meaningful requiem mass. A special word of thanks also to Maura O’Brien and the members of the Clonfad and Moore choirs for the beautiful music and to Rory Curley for facilitating the livestream.

NEILAN Paddy

Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague and Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on the 6th of March 2020 (6th Anniversary)

It doesn’t take a special day, to bring you to our minds. For days without a thought of you, are very hard to find. You always did your best, your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, and those you loved remember.

Loved and very sadly missed by his wife Bernadette, sons Darren, Patrick and Michael, daughters Michelle and Sarah, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sisters and families.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Ballyleague Church on Sunday, 8th March at 11.30am.

A sincere thanks to Niall Aylward and Grenham’s Funeral Directors for their professionalism, kindness and compassion. A special thanks to Moore Community Council for providing the Hall. To the stewards who managed traffic and to all those who helped with food in Moore Community Hall we are very grateful. To the many gravediggers who gave their time to prepare our Mother’s final resting place with such dignity, care and attention and to all the neighbours who lined the roadside on her final journey we are deeply grateful.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation. The Holy sacri ce of the mass will be o ered for your intentions.

Mary’s month’s mind mass will be celebrated on Friday 13th March at 7pm in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Clonfad (N37 K5N6).

KELLY

Matt (Matthew)

Fortfield, Four-Mile- House, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Matt, who died on 7th March 2022. We thought of you today, but that is nothing new, we thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in this frame. Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part, God has you in his keeping, we have you in our heart.

Deeply missed and forever loved and remembered by his sister Marie, brother Martin, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and extended family.

Matt’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 6th March in Four-Mile-House Church at 7pm.

MENTON

Bridgetta

Curraghboy, Athlone. Co. Roscommon (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bridgetta, who passed away on the 7th March 2020.

WHEN I GO

When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to live with my love in a different way. And if you need to see me, close your eyes, or look in your shadow when the sun shines I’m there. Sit with me in the quiet and you will know that I did not leave. There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another. When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to look for me in the moments. I will be there.

Loved and remembered by her parents Gerard and Caroline, her sister Edel, her brothers Thomas and Eoin, her brother-in-law Christopher, her niece baby Lucia, her extended family and loyal friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 8th March at 10am.

CARTY Eileen Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

As each day dawns, we think of you. As each night falls, we pray for you, and inbetween, no matter where, deep in our hearts you are always there.

Sadly missed by her sister Ena, Michael and family

(Sonny)

11 Greenfield Road, Lisnamult, Roscommon

In loving memory of John (Sonny) who passed away on 11th March 2025 (1st Anniversary)

those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered

FAMILY NOTICES

SHALLY

Paddy (James)

Tonlagee Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Paddy who passed away on 06th March 2022.

(4th Anniversary)

Special memories keep you near, as time unfolds another year.

Each of us in our own way, have special thoughts of you today. Will those who think of Paddy today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his loving wife Mary, family and grandchildren.

Paddy’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday, 08th March at 11am.

THANKSGIVINGS

HYNES

Vincent

Leamore, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of Vincent Hynes who passed away on 10th March 2024 (2nd Anniversary)

We still laugh through our tears remembering you and the memories you blessed us with, even though our hearts felt hollow for so long without you. Simple words can never express how much we still miss you everyday but we have peace knowing that you went in peace and we carry you with us every day in our hearts.

From your wife Lorraine and family.

Anniversary Mass St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe Thursday March 5th at 7pm

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Oh Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Grateful thanks to the Sacred Heart Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. Anthony, St. Martin, St. Bridget, St. Dymphna, St. Columban, St. Padre Pio, St. Rita of Cascio for favours received. M.B.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask you for this special one (mention favour). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your broken Heart so when your father sees it, it will become your favour not mine. Say three times per day for three days and promise publication. Many thanks. I.W.

PLANNING NOTICES

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

Full Planning Permission Is Being Sought From Roscommon County Council For The Proposed Construction Of A Floating Jetty Together With Associated Jetty Ramp & Footpath And All Ancillary Works At Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon For Lough Ree Access For All CLG.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Cunningham Design & Planning Ltd. Block C, N4 Axis Centre, Longford, Co. Longford.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of Josh Murray & Fiona Raftery, intend to apply for permission for development for the site located at Cloonlee, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, F45 T446. The development will consist of: Permission for revised elevations to the development previously granted under Planning Reference PD/24/60595, together with all associated site development and ancillary works.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

Aidan Ward intends to apply for Permission to construct 5 bay Machinery shed on his lands at Culliagharney, Creagh, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Aidan Ward

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, LIDAN LTD, intend to apply for planning permission for development at this site at Roscommon Business & Technology Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon F42 PX71. The development will consist of the construction of a proposed material store building to support existing manufacturing activities on site and all associated site works and services.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

We, Tony Finneran and Monessa Scott-Keogh, intend to apply for permission for development at this site at Carrowdu and Garbally, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Caroline & Eamon Duke intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for the development consisting of construction of a roofed manure pit, outdoor horse exercise area, equine loose shed and underground e uent storage tank along with all associated site works and retention planning permission for an existing agricultural storage/equine shed, at Emlaghkeadew Td, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Carroll Consultancy, Bridge Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo. Telephone: 094 9253742

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Aurivo Dairy Ingredients Ltd, intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at this site: Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, F45 WK33

The Development will consist of: Construction of a plant room, switch room, and condenser platform together with all ancillary site works and services.

The activity at Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Ballaghaderreen, is subject to an Integrated Pollution Control Licence (IPC). There is an existing licence in place for the facility Licence No P0802-03 Aurivo Dairy Ingredients at Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen is lower tier Seveso site, and subject to Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

COUNCIL

“Retention Permission”

I John Quinn intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for “Retention Permission” to retain four bay Double Slatted Shed to include Underground Storage Tanks, and all associated works, At Ardnagowna, Elphin Co. Roscommon. The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: John Quinn

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Conlon Consulting Engineering Ltd, on behalf of Darren Nerney, intend to apply for permission for development for the site located at Cloontuskert, Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon.

The development will consist of: The construction of a new, detached, single-storey dwelling house, and all ancillary site works.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

• Anniversary Remembrance

• Acknowledgements

• Birthday Remembrance

Phone: (090) 66 34633

Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie FAMILY NOTICES

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THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

We, Dolan and Associates Ltd intend to apply on behalf of the Board of Management of Coláiste Chairáin, Crannagh, to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect ood lighting, ball retention fence/ netting for a proposed all weather playing pitch and to construct all necessary services to facilitate same at Crannagh Td, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Dolan and Associates Ltd., Church Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

The development will consist of the construction of a new single storey dwelling, the provision of a new wastewater treatment system and soil polishing lter, the opening on a new vehicular entrance to the site, new domestic garage with integrated stable, together with all associated site development works. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared as part of this application.

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: McMahon McBennett0879970027 info@mcmahonmcbennett.com

The planning application, may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Waldron & Associates I Engineers The Square, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Tel : 094 9372120 Email: info@waldrons.ie www.waldrons.ie

We, John and Daniella Gaynor intends to make application to Roscommon County Council for retention permission of extension as constructed to rear and side of dwelling which di ers to extension previously granted planning permission under p&d ref 13/286, and retention permission for store which includes domestic garage, general store, utility room, adjacent to original stores to rear of dwelling at Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the O ces of the Planning Authority during its Public Opening Hours. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974, 086 811 5449.

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IS TUESDAYS AT 2.00 pm

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Sean Mullaney am applying to Roscommon County Council for retention planning permission to retain revised bay window to front elevation and to retain as constructed domestic garage at 4 Woodview Court, Roscommon, F42 V209 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed:

Unit 6, Ballypheason House, Circular Road, Roscommon, F42 T384. Mob. 085 1756190. Mob: 085 1584081. E: james@jlce.ie & elaine@jlce.ie Web: www.jlce.ie Planning & Design Consulting Engineers

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

Sports PEOPLE Sparkling St Nathy’s ‘mount’ semi-final hurdle in style

All-Ireland Colleges SF B semi-final

St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen 3-18

Mount St Michael Rosscarbery 0-11

< TOM CLANCY AT UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK, NORTH CAMPUS

The pupils of Ballaghaderreen are dreaming of All-Ireland glory after St Nathy’s booked their place in the AllIreland Post Primary Schools final, via a dominant victory over Mount St Michael Rosscarbery last Saturday afternoon.

The victory was enabled by a cohesive and skilful display by St Nathy’s, who had far too much firepower for the Munster champions.

This is the second tier ‘B’ competition with the Paddy Drummond Cup up for grabs when Longford’s Cnoc Mhuire, Granard provide the opposition in the final in mid-March.

At University of Limerick’s North Campus facility, the fast 3G surface and the fresh spring breeze saw a frantic contest but one in which it quickly became obvious that St Nathy’s had the arsenal to win.

Goals from Conor Moriarty and Ryan O’Sullivan in the opening half, before a third from Declan Duffy later, saw Ballaghaderreen maintain the form which saw them collect the Connacht title when they defeated The Bish in February.

Dean Casey was a star performer in that tie and his scoring form continued last Saturday, with the Roscommon

minor kicking eight points en route to his team’s victory.

By half-time, those two green flags ensured a three-point lead for St Nathy’s (2-7 to 0-10). The goals were well crafted and equally well finished, with Moriarty’s low effort a contrast to the blasted strike from Ryan O’Sullivan into the roof of the net. A third goal was disallowed for a square ball.

A strong second quarter from Rosscarbery kept them in touch. The impressive Ronan Hayes, as well as inside-forward Luke O’Neill, carried the fight, but they were short a trio of injured stars on the day.

O’Neill’s brace of two-pointers, both frees, were as good as it got for the Munster champions, as their scoring threat dried up during the second half.

Now playing with the breeze, the scores continued for St Nathy’s, as Casey and then Oran Frain added to their growing personal tallies. The goal from Declan Duffy on 41 minutes sealed the victory.

James Cassidy shone throughout from wing-back, while Liam Boyle held firm throughout at full-back for the winners.

There were late contributions from Noah Gill and Ronan Coleman from the bench, while Sean Buckley’s monster two-pointer was greeted with huge cheers by a sizeable support on Shannonside.

Granard are likely to provide a stiffer

test in the decider, with some Cavan influence in the Leinster champions’ ranks. The exact date, time and venue is set to be confirmed in the coming days. St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen: Patrick Gaynor; Harry Dooney, Liam Boyle, James Kilroy; James Cassidy (02), Declan Duffy (1-0), Paudi Gilligan; Oran Frain (0-4), Seán Buckley (0-2; 2p); James Puncheon, Dean Casey (0-8; 2pf,

2f), Aaron Duffy; Ryan O’Sullivan (10), Michael McTeigue, Conor Moriarty (1-0). Subs: Cian Gallagher for Kilroy (half-time), Noah Gill (0-1) for Duffy (48), Patrick O’Dowd for Gilligan (53), Luke Freyne for Puncheon (60), Ronan Coleman (0-1) for O’Sullivan (60).

Mount St Michael Rosscarbery: Ciaran Campbell; Mark McCarthy, Ben Sheehy, Ryan Fitzpatrick; Dylan

Scannell, Cathal Buchanan, Sean Cuinnea; Jerry McCarthy, Padraig Tobin; Oran O’Donovan, Ronan Hayes (0-6; 0-3f), Michael McCarthy; Luke O’Neill (0-4, 2x 2pf), Seamus Lane, Joe McCarthy (0-1). Subs: Joe O’Donovan for Lane (45), Cormac Ó Dinnabháin for Michael McCarthy (48), Sean Murphy for Fitzpatrick (53).

Referee: Evan Horan (Kerry).

All-Ireland basketball joy for Castlerea CS

Castlerea Community School were crowned All-Ireland B Basketball champions last Thursday following an exciting and momentous win in the final in Cork.

The Castlerea U-19 Boys team (pictured) defeated Kildare Community School by 50 points to 45 at the Neptune Stadium in Cork. The team is coached by Thomas Callaghan.

In a social media post, Castlerea Community School said: ‘Congratulations to the U-19 Boys’ Basketball Team who won the U-19 B All-Ireland Final on Thursday in Neptune Stadium, Cork. All in CCS are proud of the entire team’.

The All-Ireland winning players (pictured) were honoured with a special homecoming ceremony in Castlerea on Thursday night.

SportsPeople

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs Seconds second best in key play-off

Creggs RFC 2nds travelled to Dangan sports ground in Galway city last Sunday to encounter UG in a match to determine which team would be automatically relegated to J1C League next season.

Having defeated Creggs last month by a single point, UG enjoyed home advantage for this play-off game.

College went ahead with a closerange penalty by full-back Fiachra O’Griofa in the 6th minute and he doubled their advantage with a similar effort after 25 minutes of play.

Peter Magliocco broke through for a College try shortly before half-time, with O’Griofa adding the conversion for a 13-0 lead at the break. Creggs had defended with vigour throughout the first half, with Chris Duignan saving several dangerous situations while the entire team tackled forcibly.

After the restart, Daniel O’Connor landed a penalty before the impressive Magliocco scored his second try of the day for a 21-0 lead. The game was effectively ended as a contest when centre John Kennedy crossed for a try in the 60th minute and UG scored two late tries as the depleted Creggs squad tired in the closing stages.

Creggs will now return to the 1C league after two years in 1B where

the demands of highly competitive games proved difficult for a Creggs squad which lost a number of key players this season. Well done to players and coaches.

The club now looks forward to the Junior Cup semi-final v Corinthians next weekend, and to the upcoming J1A league final.

Creggs: Paddy Fitzmaurice, Danny Arnold, Tom O’Brien, Jordan Kennedy, Aidan Leech, Tomas Tiernan, Luke Divilly, Mike Feeley, Mark Brandon, Jack Fleming, James Ryan, Pete Lohan, David Gacquin, Chris Duignan, Luke Gregory, Tommy Curley, Miguel Arthur, Fiachra Temple.

U-16 BOYS: Creggs RFC U-16 Boys took on Sligo RFC at home in the league on Saturday evening. Creggs were made to work extremely hard for the victory by an understrength Sligo side whose defence was excellent.

Creggs eventually secured the victory on a scoreline of 40-5. Try scorers on the day were Cameron Clark, Darragh Connaughton, Fionn Healy, Harry Feeley, Noah Feely and James O’Connor, with Calvin Beckett adding five conversions.

Thanks to Harry Feeley and Dara Cummins for helping out. We would

also like to wish Ryan Halligan a full and speedy recovery.

Creggs: Cameron Clark, Daniel Connolly, George Hoban, Rhys Fitzmaurice, Michael Tierney, Fionn Healy, Darragh Connaughton, Aydin Odemis, Will O’Gara, Calvin Beckett, James O’Connor, Ciaran Cunnane, Ryan Halligan, Noah Feely, Tomás Lohan, Lee O’Connor, Harry Feeley, Dara Cummins.

U-13 BOYS: On Friday night, Creggs U-13 Boys welcomed Ballinasloe RFC for a challenge game. Well done to the team who again turned out in big numbers. It was an 8-point loss in the end but rotating 31 players seamlessly and keeping up against a stronger Ballinasloe side than played last week was a credit to the strength and depth in this team.

Creggs were in it right to the end and it really could have gone either way in the last few minutes. This was a great workout for the team. Thanks to the parents and the players on the clean-up rota for all you do. Thank you to our own Dave Purcell for stepping in to referee and guide our players on the pitch.

We meet Buccaneers RFC at 10 am this Sunday in Creggs in the first round of the Plate.

BUCCANEERS RFC

DEXCOM STADIUM: Creggs

RFC U-12s were lucky enough to take part in the half time show at Dexcom Stadium during the fantastic clash between Connacht and Glasgow Warriors. The atmosphere was electric, and the squad got to witness an incredible Connacht win up close.

A massive thank you to all of our dedicated coaches and to the brilliant representatives from Connacht Rugby who welcomed our players and made the experience truly special. Lifetime memories were made and the foundations of new friendships were built, making moments they will treasure forever. Connacht Abú.

MINI-RUGBY: What a fantastic Saturday morning of mini-rugby action was held in Creggs last

weekend. We were delighted to host Claremorris Colts RFC, and with perfect playing conditions our young players made the most of every minute on the pitch.

A huge thank you to our visitors for travelling and for bringing such great energy. The games were played in a fun, competitive spirit, exactly what minis rugby is all about.

Well done to all coaches, parents and players for making it another brilliant day of rugby development and enjoyment.

CONGRATS: Congrats to our Creggs women – Hannah Coen, Siofra Hession and Jemima Adams Verling – who played with The Clovers team who won their match in the Celtic League on Saturday versus Edinburgh.

Buccs hoping to recover from ‘Royal rout’

Buccaneers were most disappointing when going down 38-10 to Navan in their Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B game played at Balreask Old, Navan, on Saturday last.

Although fielding what looked like a strong squad, Buccs never got going against the Royals who belied their league placing to enjoy a clearcut bonus point victory.

Next up, Buccaneers entertain Enniscorthy in the 15th round of the Energia All-Ireland League this Saturday, kicking off at 2.30 pm. Buccs will need to have their attitude right and be switched on from the start come Saturday. They were collectively off the pace at Navan,

apart from a couple of players, in a most disappointing display. However, they have the capabilities, provided they are not complacent, to record a double over the visitors in what is likely to be an open and entertaining Division 2B duel.

U-20s: Our U-20s returned to the top of the JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 when they accounted for Old Wesley 48-26 in a highscoring Super Six Group One encounter at Energia Park, Dublin, on Sunday.

CONNACHT U-16 GIRLS CUP: Buccaneers came out on top of a keenly contested Bank of Ireland Connacht U-16 Girls Cup semi-final

against Tuam/Oughterard on the main pitch at Dubarry Park on Sunday. In a game of seesawing fortunes, Buccs were richly deserving of their 33-26 victory.

This was an impressive all-round squad contribution and sets them up nicely for a derby decider against Ballinasloe later this month.

U-14s: Buccaneers scored a ‘final kick’ conversion to pip Scottish visitors Marr 3331 after a highly entertaining U-14 friendly at Dubarry Park on Sunday.

This was ideal preparation for the young Pirates ahead of their trip to Lisbon later this month for a major tournament.

U-20s: Buccaneers U-20s are closing in on retaining their JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2 title and they will undoubtedly be fully focussed and primed when they head to Forenaughts on Sunday. Naas, still harbouring hopes of a top finish, will provide a searching test when this Super Six Group One game commences at 3 pm.

With Queen’s University slipping up at Greystones last weekend, Buccaneers’ destiny is in their own hands and they are well capable of grasping it. If all results go their way, then Buccs can be sure of holding on to the silverware. Let’s see sizeable support get behind them on Sunday.

Marist break brave CBS resistance

Connacht Schools Senior Rugby Cup play-off

Marist College 40

(Pádraig O’Neill, Joseph McSharry, Paul O’Sullivan, Owen Egan, Darragh Murray, Andrew Cotton tries; Andrew Cotton five cons)

Roscommon CBS 3

(Harry Waldron pen)

< KEVIN EGAN AT MARIST COLLEGE, ATHLONE

With a minute to go before half-time on Wednesday, the upset was very much on the cards for Roscommon CBS.

They had played into the teeth of a strong wind at the home of Marist College, the reigning Connacht Senior Cup champions and the strong favourites for this year’s competition, and they trailed by just 7-3 on the back of a stout defensive effort to curtail Marist’s stylish and incisive back division.

Harry Waldron opened the scoring in the opening

minute with a fine kick from 25 metres into the wind and in general, the out-half kicked well in difficult conditions. Jack Finn sacrificed himself for the cause by making an illegal goal-line tackle to deny Marist a try, taking a yellow card for doing so, but that split-second decision was vindicated when Leo Anic forced a holding on penalty and CBS were able to clear their lines.

After Finn returned to the pitch, Marist lost second row James Kelly for a yellow at the other end but at the end of a handful of phases, Rhys Ward couldn’t quite get over the line, and Roscommon CBS paid a heavy price for that when – even with 14 players on the pitch – Marist opened their account through Pádraig O’Neill in the left corner.

Andrew Cotton’s conversion was hooked in beautifully by the breeze, but as much as anything, that illustrated how valuable the wind was, and how Marist needed more cushion on the scoreboard.

They got it on the last play of the first half when Joseph McSharry ran in and Cotton again

converted, but Roscommon CBS started the second half with a glorious 50/22 kick from Finn, earning a penalty on the Marist 22 after retaining the lineout.

In what proved to be a consequential decision, CBS opted to tap and go but were held up, and the potency of this Marist backline was laid bare for all to see when within two minutes, Paul O’Sullivan covered all of 70 metres down the right-hand touchline to scamper in for a score.

The deflation in the CBS players was visible as they trudged back into their own half for the restart and from then on they struggled to find the energy and the defensive cohesion needed to curtail the Athlone students.

Kicking wasn’t a great option for Marist for most for the second half but the way they played, it felt like they wouldn’t have taken that path anyway, as they put their faith in their pace, their handling and their ability to suck in CBS tacklers and create space in wider positions.

The half-backs and centres orchestrated play magnificently with Owen Egan and Darragh Murray both adding their names to the scoresheet

Onwards in Omagh for Tyrone as late goals seal win

Centra National Camogie League Division 3A Tyrone 4-6 Roscommon 0-13

The old adage to the effect that goals win games certainly applied for the Roscommon camogie team last weekend – but unfortunately they were the ones to pay the price.

Despite clocking up thirteen scores to ten by their opponents, Roscommon were undone by Tyrone at Healy Park in Omagh last Saturday as two goals in each half saw the home side prevail by five points after what was a hardfought encounter.

Roscommon actually played well for most of the match, but the concession of four goals proved crucial in the final analysis. With Orla Connolly, Rachel Fitzmaurice and Shauna Fallon prominent, Roscommon led for most of the opening half, but two late goals for the home side – scored by Oilibhia

Fahey and Catherine Moohan –ensured that Tyrone led by a flattering 2-4 to 0-5 at half-time.

On the resumption, Roscommon were very competitive once again, and there were scores from Orla Connolly, Grace Jones and Grace Geraghty. But just as it looked as if Roscommon could go on and win the match, Tyrone struck for two late goals.

In the 53rd minute Regan Fay rattled the Roscommon net. Then when Emer Cunningham scored Tyrone’s fourth goal in the 57th minute, it was game over.

Roscommon were awarded a late penalty, but Shauna Fallon’s effort flew over the crossbar and Tyrone had survived to take the two league points.

Roscommon will travel to face

Wicklow this coming weekend, but with two defeats in their opening two games they are probably unlikely to gain promotion or a place in the league final. However, team manager Mary Grehan will take some encouragement from her team’s performances. Defensive lapses have been costing them dearly.

Roscommon: Michaela Finneran; Anna Hussey, Mairead Lohan, Aideen O’Brien; Hannah Murray, Orla Connolly (0-4, 3 frees), Sinead Mannion; Sally Bolger, Kaitlin Egan (0-1); Erin McDermott, Grace Geraghty (0-1), Alannah Sutton; Oonagh Kelly (0-1), Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1), Shauna Fallon (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Aine O’Meara, Grace Jones (0-1).

Gerry Gill Motors to sponsor Men’s Junior Hurling

Roscommon Hurling Board are delighted to announce that Gerry Gill Motors is the official sponsor of the Roscommon Men’s Junior Hurling League and Championship for 2026, reinforcing the company’s continued commitment to supporting local sport.

With over 30 years of experience in the motor industry, Gerry Gill Motors has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability and customer satisfaction. Growing alongside the community it proudly serves, the company has become a trusted name for motorists across County Roscommon and beyond.

The launch of the Roscommon Men’s Junior Hurling League marks an exciting new chapter for hurling within the county, providing valuable opportunities for players and clubs at junior level. The establishment of these competitions reflects the continued growth and development of the game locally.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Gerry and Gerard Gill, owners of Gerry Gill Motors, said:

“We are extremely proud to support Roscommon Hurling. As a local business with over three decades in the motor industry, we understand the importance of backing our community.

“We are honoured to support the Roscommon Men’s Junior Hurling League and Junior Championship for 2026. The dedication, teamwork and drive shown by the players reflect the same values we bring to our business every day.

“We would like to wish Roscommon Hurling, its clubs and all participating players the very best of luck for the upcoming season and every success in the year ahead.”

Roscommon Hurling thank Gerry and Gerard Gill of Gerry Gill Motors for their support and backing and look forward to a successful and long partnership.

in what was a devastating final 25 minutes, and a harsh lesson for a young CBS team that will bring 11 starters back for a tilt at next year’s cup. Marist College: Andrew Cotton; Paul O’Sullivan, Oisín O’Donoghue, Darragh Glennon, Pádraig O’Neill; Darragh Murray, Owen Egan; Hugo Hannon, Adam Murphy, Peter Daniel Sunny; James Kelly, Peter Bourke; Rueben Colleran, John Finnan, Kyle Byrne. Replacements: Joseph McSharry for Kelly (22), Kelly for Finnan (50), Donncha Dullea for Hannon (53), Rory O’Connor for O’Neill (59), Callum McCormack for Murphy (61), Michael Doolan for Sunny (61), Ciaran West for Colleran (62).

Roscommon CBS: Jack Finn; Rhys Ward, Cian Kiernan, Cian Trimble, Eamon Coyle; Harry Waldron, Daniel Fleming; Conor Diffley, Matthew Donnelly, Cathal Mulry; Andrej Anic, Harry Kilcoyne; Pádraig O’Farrell, Jack Keane, Leo Anic. Replacements: Sam Walsh for Ward (half-time), Jeff Dolan for Fleming (48), Jack Walsh for Donnelly (48), Brian O’Connor for S Walsh (60)

Referee: Cian Hough.

Short putts

BOYLE

by Tom Red

Roscommon Youth Darts on target for All-Ireland weekend

CAPTAINS DRIVE-IN: This Sunday sees the official start of the golfing year in the club with the Captains Drive-In. The Men’s Captain this year is Paddy McLoughlin and Michelle Quinn is the Lady Captain.

The competition format will be the usual one of a 9-hole scramble, with names to be in for a draw for teams at 12.30, with shotgun start at 1 pm.

FOURBALL BETTERBALL: Congratulations to winners Jason Beirne and Gerry Rogers (with 48 points).

SPRING LEAGUE: The Men’s Spring League has been extended to March 7th to allow missing rounds to be completed.

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

CAPTAINS DRIVE-IN: Our Captains Monica and Frank host their Drive-In on Sunday, March 22nd at 12 noon. Shotgun start. Mixed Scramble format. Please enter your name on timesheet. We wish Monica and Frank good luck for the year ahead.

SPRING LEAGUE: This year’s league is kindly sponsored by Flynn’s Bar and is being played over five weeks, with the best four weekly scores counting for each team. After three rounds, there is still everything to play for. The competition continues this week. Congratulations to Mary Blake, winner of ladies’ Round 2 (28 points), and also of Round 3 (26 points). Congratulations also to men’s winner Stephen McGuinness (Round 2, 34 pts) and (Round 3, 32 pts).

CASTLEREA

OFFICERS: Castlerea Golf Club officers for 2026: Club President – Gerry O’Keefe; Men’s Club Captain – Anthony (Anto) Kelly; Women’s Club Captain – Pauline Glynn. Members extend very best wishes to our club officers for 2026.

COMMITTEES: The 2026 committee members are as follows – Parent Committee: Liam Callaghan (Chairperson), Kay O’Loughlin (Recording Secretary), Michael McGovern (Treasurer), Catriona Newman (House), Mamie Creaton (Fundraising), Paul Connaughton (Junior Golf), Eugene Collins (Membership Convenor), Anto Kelly (Captain, Course Manager & Men’s Club Rep), Pauline Glynn (Lady Captain & Women’s Club Rep), Gerry O’Keefe (Club President).

Men’s Club Committee: Anto Kelly (Captain), Sean Naughton (Committee Secretary), Jimmy Joyce (Treasurer), Michael Doyle (Competition Secretary), Peter Hester (Handicap Secretary), Emmett Patton, Martin McHugh, Alan Devine (Past Captain).

Women’s Club Committee: Pauline Glynn (Lady Captain), Catherine Collins (Committee Secretary), Dympna McDonnell (Treasurer), Ruth Sullivan (Competition Secretary), Valerie Callaghan (Handicap Secretary), Deirdre Hawkshaw, Mary McDermott, Rose Callaghan.

COMPETITIONS: 2026 weekly sponsored competitions, for both men and women, commenced on Saturday, February 28th. Thank you to Norio’s Restaurant and Takeaway, Main Street, Castlerea, for generous sponsorship of the competitions running between February 28th and March 3rd.

DRIVE-IN: The Captains Drive-In will take place on Sunday, March 8th. Registration for a social scramble at 1.30 pm (€5 entry fee) and refreshments served in the clubhouse afterwards.

Payment of 2026 membership subscriptions will be facilitated in the clubhouse ahead of the shotgun scramble. The Captains DriveIn is sponsored by Michael Creighton (Creighton Aluminium & Shopfitting Ltd).

ROSCOMMON

MEN: Last weekend’s 15-hole competition was kindly sponsored by John Corcoran Menswear. The results are as follows. Overall winner was Oisin Hynes (38 pts). 2nd: Kevin Kenny (38 pts); Gross: Mark Cunniffe (31 pts).

This weekend the 15-hole competition is sponsored by Topline Wards Roscommon. This competition will be played on Saturday and Sunday. Details later in the week on BRS.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Roscommon Special Olympics have organised a 15-hole 3-person scramble on Tuesday, March 17th to raise funds to support 12 members of their club who are taking part in the National (All-Ireland) games which take place in Dublin in June. Open to both members and non-members. BRS now open. COMHALTAS: Also on Tuesday, March 17th we have organised a music session in conjunction with Roscommon Comhaltas to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. This will begin at 6.30 pm and the event will feature a few surprise guests.

We encourage all our musical club members to join with Comhaltas on the evening! All support very much appreciated.

Excitement is building as Roscommon Youth Darts prepare to travel to Ballinasloe this weekend for the highly anticipated AllIreland Darts Championships.

A total of 23 young players will proudly represent their county, with three Roscommon teams taking to the oche in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent.

Preparations have been underway for several months at the Youths Academy, held every Saturday in Ballinaheglish Community Centre. The commitment and dedication shown by the players has been evident week in, week out, as they sharpen their skills and build team spirit ahead of the national competition.

Recently, the teams travelled to Cullyfad for a return challenge match against Longford Youths, providing valuable

competitive experience as the countdown to the All-Irelands continues.

This year’s event will see a record 66 teams from across the country competing – a testament to the growing popularity of youth darts nationwide. Roscommon is certainly playing its part in that growth, with academy numbers going from strength to strength.

Confidence within the Roscommon camp is high following a strong showing at the recent West Coast Challenge in Ennis, where Roscommon reached the Shield Final and narrowly missed out on lifting the title. The teams will be aiming to go one better this weekend and bring national honours back to the county.

The Roscommon Youth Darts Academy Committee extends sincere thanks to the parents and families whose continued

support is paramount to the success of the academy. Appreciation is also expressed to the dedicated members, coaches and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure Roscommon is well represented on the national stage. Gratitude is also extended to the sponsors whose generosity makes it possible for the young players to train and compete in competitions at the highest level. New members from the age of 7 to 17 are always welcome to come and join the academy where they will enjoy a top class venue and facilities.

Supporters are encouraged to travel and cheer on the teams this Saturday and Sunday (March 7th and 8th) at the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. Roscommon’s young darts stars are ready to make their mark and hit the bullseye!

Cloonfad United into Connacht Shield last four

SOCCER: The Connacht Cup and Shield competitions were held last Sunday, but unfortunately it was not a good day for three of the four teams from the Roscommon & District League who were involved.

In the Connacht Cup, Division One side Ballinahown just missed out on a semi-final place when beaten 5-4 by a Mervue United side that’s currently one of the top teams in Galway.

Terry Byrne, David Harrington, Oisin O’Reilly and an own goal made up the Ballinahown total in what was an unlucky defeat.

Castlerea Celtic travelled to Galway city side Salthill Devon and while they lost 3-0 they can be proud of their performance against the Galway Premier Division leaders.

Cloonfad United are through to the Connacht Shield semi-finals following an impressive 5-1 win over the Sligo-Leitrim League side Ballisodare at Cloonfad. Jack Madden (2), Matthew Frayne, David Hennessy and Conor Flynn (penalty) got the Cloonfad goals, three of which came in the last 15 minutes.

Also in the Connacht Shield, Lough Harps made the long journey to Kinvara, but despite playing well for long periods they were beaten 3-0 by the home side.

Premier Division

Title holders St John’s Athletic are within touching distance of retaining their crown following an impressive 5-0 win over Ballymoe FC at Lecarrow. With just two league games remaining they are six points clear of nearest challengers Boyle Celtic. While Castlerea Celtic are ten points behind the leaders, they have two games less played.

Two goals from Kevin Brennan and one each from Tommy Hurley and Conor Devaney gave St John’s a 4-0 half-time cushion. Hurley added a fifth.

Moore United drew 3-3 away to bottom side Dunmore Town, a result that ended their chances of becoming champions. Moore lost a 2-0 lead, and when they went 3-2 clear, Ramann Saman thwarted them with an equaliser in time added on at the end of the game.

Skyvalley Rovers and Shiven Rovers drew 2-2 in a very exciting and hard-fought game at Onagh Park, Taughmaconnell. Emmett Kelly gave the home side an early lead, the visitors levelling through Sean Keating. Keith Murphy scored a fine second goal for Shiven but Skyvalley got a deserved equaliser.

Division One

In the only game played in Division One, Ballinasloe Town kept their hopes of promotion alive with a 3-1 win away to Kilkerrin.

Division Two

In the Killeen’s Sports Fields Division Two, Carrick Town had a comfortable 5-0 win over Cloonfad United’s second side and they remain very much in contention for promotion.

Cam Celtic/Dysart beat Roscommon B 4-1 at Dysart. St Cuan’s/Ahascragh United drew 3-3 at Ahascragh.

Women’s League

Ballaghaderreen beat Boyle Celtic 2-0 at home. They are now two points better off than nearest challengers Dunmore Town, but Dunmore have a game less played. The home side took the lead on 20 minutes through Leanne Foley and Ava Hanley added a second before half-time. Dunmore Town were beaten 1-0 away to Castlerea Celtic. A goal from Clodagh Diggins secured all three points for the home side. Kilkerrin United beat Roscommon United 6-0 at Lecarrow. Caoimhe Boyle and Ali O’Toole scored two each.

SportsPeople

All eyes turn to the Cotswolds

All eyes turn to the Cotswolds next Tuesday, with the start of Cheltenham Festival 2026. The going on Monday was described as “soft” on the old course, where racing will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday, and “good to soft” on the new course, where the final two days of the festival will be held.

There are 45 entries in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, with Nicky Henderson’s Old Park Star heading the betting at 9/4, Joseph O’Brien’s Talk The Talk at 4/1, and Willie Mullins’ Mighty Park at 9/2, 11/2 bar.

The Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase has 19 entries headed by Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes at 6/4, Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba at 15/8, and 5/1 bar. In the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, 65 horses are set to take their place, with Padraig Roche’s Saratoga 5/1, 10/1 bar 5, in a wide-open race.

The Ultima Handicap Chase has 62 entries, many of which carry double, if not treble entries, with Jagwar, 9/2, and Iroko, 6/1, both owned by JP McManus. It’s 8/1 bar.

There are still 13 runners in the day’s feature race, the Champion Hurdle, with Dan Skelton’s and Mullins’ The New Lion and Lossiemouth vying for favouritism at 2/1 and 5/2. Constitution Hill does not run. Don’t rule out the champion, Golden Ace, whose recent 2nd to Sir Gino in the Hurdle after winning the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle indicates a return to form!

66 are set to run in the Plate Handicap Chase, where Dan Skelton

provides the ante-post favourite in Madara at 9/2 and Jagwar, with multiple entries, 5/1, in an open handicap. Emmet Mullins’ McLaurey, if he gets a run, is also 5/1. The National Hunt Chase sees 45 potential runners and another Emmet Mullins trained horse, the well backed potential favourite Backmersackme is at 4/1, with 6/1 bar.

There is a limit of 18 in the Arkle and the National Hunt Chase, 22 in both juvenile races, and 24 in both handicap chases and Champion Hurdle.

Wednesday

The Turners Novices’ Hurdle has an entry of 72 with a maximum of 22 runners allowed. The Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase is wide open with 32 with a maximum of 20. The Cup Handicap Hurdle has 85 possibles with a maximum of 24 to run. The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has 23 with a maximum of 16 allowed and Gavin Cromwell’s Stumptown tries to add to last year’s win and his famous triumph in the Pardubice in the Czech Republic.

There are 18 entered in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Barry Connell’s champion chaser Marine Nationale has suffered a setback and will not defend his crown, but Connell hopes to have him fit for the Punchestown Festival in April.

Willie Mullins’ Majborough in now odds-on at 4/6 for this race, one of the shortest prices for the festival.

The Grand Annual Chase, with 47 entered with a maximum of 20, is a

wide open handicap where they go 7/1 the field.

The Weatherby’s Champion Bumper has 35 entered, 19 in Ireland, with a maximum of 22 to run. Willie Mullins trains three of the first in the betting, Love Sign d’Aunou 5/1, The Irish Aviator 9/1, and Quiryn at 10/1 with Gordon Elliott’s Keep Him Company also featuring. Noel Meade has booked Irish Champion flat jockey Colin Keane for The Mourne Rambler (16/1). The Juddmonte number one gets the leg-up for the first time at the National Hunt Festival.

One that catches the eye if he runs is Sean Mulryan’s It’s Only A Game at a big price of 33/1 who disappointed last time out at the DRF in heavy going which may not have suited him. Could be an e/w bet, having won at Punchestown in November.

We will carry a full report of the first two days and look at the

final two days in detail next week.

This week’s racing

This week’s racing is due to start today (Thursday) at Thurles at 1.58 pm, with the feature race, the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase, and continues tomorrow evening on the all-weather at Dundalk at 4.37 pm.

Saturday sees racing at Gowran Park and the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at 1.58 pm. Racing on Sunday afternoon takes place at Naas at 2 pm, featuring the Grade 3 Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle and the listed Leinster National Handicap Chase.

On Saturday, ITV are covering four races from Sandown, including the Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle and the Listed Mares Bumper, along with three from the all-weather at Wolverhampton, including the listed Lady Wulfruna Stakes and the Lincoln Trial Handicap.

Last weekend at Navan, Willie

Daniel on the Monney for Clonfert

as CBS pipped in penalty shootout

Connacht Colleges Senior Hurling ‘C’ final Clonfert College 1-16 CBS Roscommon 1-16 (Clonfert won penalty shootout after extra-time)

 SEAMUS DUKE AT THE CONNACHT CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The dreaded penalty shootout is the cruellest way of all to lose any match, and especially when that shootout goes to sudden death, but that was the fate that befell Roscommon CBS after this thrilling final played in very poor weather conditions at the Connacht Centre of Excellence on Monday. Playing with the wind at their backs in the first half, the CBS pulled clear early on. With 19 minute of play gone, they led by 0-9 to 0-2.

Colin Murray, Colm Fitzgerald, Ciaran Mulry, Seamus Hussey and Darragh Killeen were all to the fore as the town side built up that handsome lead.

Clonfert (formerly Garbally College), who featured several Pádraig Pearses players, came into the game before the break and with Jason Carty and Cillian Ó Tuairisg prominent, they had narrowed the gap to four by the interval. Half-time score: CBS 0-11 Clonfert 0-7. With the wind at their backs Clonfert began the second half well. Ó Tuairisg scored a goal and

a point in the third quarter to leave just a point between the teams – and from there to the finish it was score for score.

In the 47th minute Colin Murray fired in a fine goal for the CBS, a score which put them three ahead. But points for the Ballinasloe side from Ross Glynn (two frees) and Cillian McPhillips levelled the scores once again. The score at the end of normal time was 1-12 apiece.

In extra-time, the CBS edged ahead by 1-15 to 1-14 at the halfway mark, their three points coming from the stick of Colm Fitzgerald (including one free and a ’65).

Clonfert hit back in the second period of extratime. They had points from sub Joey O’Byrne (a free) and Ross Glynn, while the CBS were on the mark with another Colm Fitzgerald free. It ensured that the sides were still level at the end of extra-time.

It was on then to the dreaded penalty shootout. The first ten penalties (five for each side) produced just two goals, with Ronan Carr scoring for the CBS and Rian Claney on target for Clonfert. That meant it was on to sudden death.

Clonfert goalkeeper Donnacha Monaghan scored with his attempt and Cathal Nerney replied with a CBS goal. Daniel Nerney’s effort was saved by Monaghan and Daniel Monney stepped up to decide the issue with a well-struck low shot into the bottom corner.

It was a heartbreaking way to lose out on a title but the CBS can be very happy with the way they played on the day. Well done also to Clonfert who had a number of Pádraig Pearses players on their team including top scorer Ross Glynn and the scorer of the winning penalty, Daniel Monney. Clonfert College: Donnacha Monaghan; Niall Doran, Keelan Kelly, Keelan Doran; Conor Jennings, Daniel Monney, Cillian Greene; Jason Carty, Odhgranb Shannon; Louis Markham, Cillian Ó Tuairisg, Michael Hanlon; Rian Clancy, Cillian McPhillips, Ross Glynn. Subs: Joey O’Byrne for Hanlon, Keith Coughlan for Markham.

Roscommon CBS: Ewan Murray; Darragh Killeen, Matthew Finneran, Martin Connaughton; Conor Lynch, Seamus Hussey, David King; Jack Kelly, Tom Beisty; Colin Murray, Conor Muldoon, Colm Fitzgerald; Ronan Carr, Ciaran Mulry, Cathal Nerney. Subs: Seanie McDermott for Kelly (40), Owen Rogers for C Nerney (44), Daniel Nerney for Beisty (55), Conor Mulry for Lynch (e/t), Eoin Naughten for Rogers (e/t), Cathal Nerney for McDermott (e/t).

Mullins and Paul Townend had a double with Moulin Labbe in the opening maiden hurdle and Hens Tooth in the distance maiden hurdle. Mullins made it a treble, winning the Grade 2 Webster Cup Chase with James Du Berlais and JJ Slevin. Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy won the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase with Jacob’s Ladder. Racing news

Punchestown Festival, the home of Irish jump racing, has announced that there will be a record-breaking total prize fund of €3.6m for the 2026 meeting, taking place from April 28th to May 2nd.

This marks the highest level of prize money in the festival’s history and reinforces the racecourse of the year’s position as the premier Irish jump racing fixture and a seasonal target for the best of Irish and British racing.

Wednesday sees the return of Ladies Day (last seen in 2019) to the festival, and our own Rachael Blackmore, now retired and a new mum, returns to the course as Head of Ladies Day.

Trainer of the legendary Monksfield, Des McDonagh has, after 54 years, retired. Best remembered for his bargain buy (by today’s standards) at a cost of 740gns, Monksfield went on to win back-to-back Champion Hurdles and three Aintree Hurdles in the days of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse.

McDonagh saddled his first winner at Thurles when Muraka won a bumper, and his last winner was at Down Royal when Verbal Sparring won a Handicap Hurdle in January. His son Declan is a top flat jockey in Ireland.

Late points save the day for hurlers

Allianz Hurling League Division Three

Roscommon 1-16 Tyrone 0-19

< SEAMUS DUKE AT KING & MOFFATT DR HYDE PARK

Points from Seán Canning, Cian Murray and Micheál Hussey deep into injury-time rescued Roscommon’s promotion hopes in this hard-fought league tie played at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park on Saturday last.

An out-of-tune Roscommon had played second fiddle for most of the second half and in the final analysis they were fortunate to get something from the match.

The three late points were crucial in salvaging a draw, but Roscommon could have been well beaten were it not for their goalkeeper Enda Lawless, who made a number of incredible point-blank saves to keep his side in the game. The clean sheet was a key reason why the home side survived to take a share of the spoils.

Roscommon were favourites to prevail on home soil but it was clear from early in the game that Tyrone were not there to make up the numbers and they fought like tigers all through against an off-colour home side. The teams were well matched for most of the first half. Conor Morris was deadly accurate from frees for Roscommon while Seán Canning continued his good form in attack.

The sides were locked together at 0-5 apiece when Lawless made the first of his spectacular saves in the 14th minute, denying Pierce Mullin. Tyrone then scored three points in a row with midfielder Ciaran Magill impressive for the Red Hand county.

Points from Cian Bowes and Conor Morris brought Roscommon back into the match, and in the 26th

minute they scored the only goal of the afternoon, courtesy of a fine finish from Bowes. It helped Roscommon into a 1-8 to 0-10 lead at the break, but only after Lawless had made another super stop, this time from Niall McGarel in the 33rd minute.

Tyrone were by far the better side on the resumption, but they could never establish a match-winning lead and Roscommon could always get a vital score or two to keep them in contention.

Adam Donnelly drove over a free from all of 90 metres and Seán Canning and Conor Morris both pointed to keep Brian Hanley’s men in touch. When Michael Little’s free from 50 metres went over in the 70th minute, the visitors led by 0-19 to 1-13.

Out of nowhere, Roscommon staged a late revival. Their best player, Seán Canning pointed in the second minute of injury-time. A minute later Cian Murray reduced the margin to just one. Then in the final seconds, with what was the second last puck of the match, Micheál Hussey pointed from 35 metres to level the scores.

Roscommon play Fermanagh this weekend in what is a ‘must-win’ game, particularly as table-toppers Donegal are to come. While the resilience shown by Roscommon late in the game last Saturday is to their credit, they will have to improve on last weekend’s showing.

Apart from the inspired Lawless in goal, Micheál Hussey, Keelan Ryan, Conor Morris and Seán Canning were most prominent for Roscommon. Ciaran Magill, Aidan Woods, Niall McGarel and Michael Little were best for Tyrone.

Hanley vents frustration with display

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurling manager Brian Hanley was searingly honest when he spoke to the local media after his team’s draw with Tyrone last Saturday. He felt that his players simply did not perform well on the day.

“We didn’t play well at all, until the last three or four minutes. Our character and desire are unquestionable. But (going from) the level we had been playing at to the level of performance we produced today wasn’t acceptable or good enough in terms of what we’ve been trying to do since we came here.

“I don’t know what it was. Maybe the occasion got to them a little bit; the chance of being promoted is in the back of their minds. If that was the case, we obviously didn’t deal with it correctly. We prepared properly. We’ve no excuse. We didn’t get the performance, and that’s quite worrying.”

The Roscommon manager praised the performance of his goalkeeper Enda Lawless who made a number of brilliant saves during the game.

“That’s his job… he’s a top class goalkeeper. We never had the opportunity to work with him in Galway. Enda has never played senior club hurling in Galway, and

there’s an opportunity to play at a higher level in this league. So it’s disappointing that the rest of us didn’t produce the goods to get the win. We got out of jail really, so we have got to get a massive kick back after that. We’re not representing Roscommon like that ever again.”

Finally, the manager said that promotion is still in the hands of the team ahead of this weekend’s match against Fermanagh.

“It’s still in our own hands, but realistically, it’s in the players’ hands, not in the management’s hands. They have to produce the performances, and that performance, albeit we got a result today, was very disappointing” he concluded.

Eye for goal pays dividends for ladies

LIDL Ladies Football League Division Three

Roscommon 4-4 Laois 0-12

< KEELY BURKE AT LAOIS HIRE O’MOORE PARK

The Roscommon ladies team travelled to Laois Hire O’Moore Park last Sunday afternoon to face Laois in round 5 of the National Football League. Two-goal Caoimhe Lennon led the way as sharp finishing in front of goal got Roscommon over the line.

The away side got the scoring underway when Aisling Hanly raised a white flag. Niamh Feeney then pointed Roscommon’s second.

It took Laois ten minutes or so to find their feet, but when they did, they went on to point four in a row. Emily Lacey got them going by pointing two frees in the space of a minute. A Fiona Dooley score and a free from Katie Donoghue pushed the home side two ahead.

Roscommon then found the roof of Eimear Barry’s net when Caoimhe Lennon skipped through the defence and goaled. Lacey pointed her first from play before a second green flag came for the visitors. Rachel Fitzmaurice was brought down in the square and Hanly stepped up to slot the ball past Barry.

Laois finished the half well and brought proceedings back level by the break. Lacey pointed two frees while Lauren Kearney set up Eva Galvin for her first point of the contest.

The Rossies had the best possible start to the second half as they found the back of the net twice in the opening four minutes.

Lennon’s dropping shot ended up in the net. Then, almost immediately, Fitzmaurice won a Laois kickout and fired past Barry.

Lennon then pointed a free to push her side seven points ahead. Lauren Kearney went on a solo run and rifled a

shot at goal, but Helena Cummins pulled off a mighty save to deny her. Donoghue then pointed from play. Laois won the resulting kickout but once again Cummins was up to the task, this time preventing Mia Branagan from raising the green flag.

Lauren Shanagher and Faye McEvoy traded scores while Lacey kicked her second point from play. Roscommon still held a healthy five-point lead with only four minutes of normal time on the clock. Lacey managed one further free. Laois battled hard but could not break through the resilient Roscommon defence.

Roscommon have a home game against table toppers Louth before facing a trip to Clare for the final round of the league.

Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Aine McGrath, Aine Connaughton, Mia Macken; Saoirse Wynne, Ellen Irwin, Megan McKeon; Abby Curran, Grainne Lohan; Niamh Watson, Lauren Shanagher (0-1), Niamh Feeney (0-1); Aisling Hanly (1-1, 1-0 penalty), Roise Lennon, Caoimhe Lennon (2-1, 0-1 free). Subs: Rachel Fitzmaurice (0-1) for Feeney (7 mins, inj), Ciara Cunningham for R Lennon (47 mins), Aisling Feely for Hanly (51 mins), Rachel Brady for Macken (57 mins), Macken for McKeon (60 mins).

Laois: Eimear Barry; Ciara Byrne, Aishling Saunders, Sinead Farrelly; Mary Cotter, Jenny Murphy, Faye McEvoy (0-1); Fiona Dooley (0-1), Shifra Havill; Ciara Crowley, Lauren Kearney, Katie Donoghue (0-2, 0-1 free); Emily Lacey (0-7, 0-5 frees), Eva Galvin (0-1), Laura Marie Maher. Subs: Mia Branagan for Maher (8 mins, inj), Sarah Larkin for Crowley (25 mins, inj), Deirdre Phelan for Cotter (42 mins), Ava Shanahan for Barry (45 mins), Lorna Butler for Kearney (48 mins). Referee: Jason Buckley (Dublin).

GAA REWIND / FAST-FORWARD

THE ‘WE’VE SEEN THIS BEFORE’ AWARD

The script leading up to last weekend’s Roscommon-Dublin throwin? Entirely predictable… and slightly worryingly so!

Of course the hype had started. Roscommon won three National League Division One games in a row – impressively too. No matter how many times the words ‘It’s only the league’ swirl around, it was inevitable that some people just couldn’t keep a lid on expectations, or maybe (in fairness) that should read… on excitement.

Suddenly, in some quarters at least, though not the Roscommon camp of course, the talk changed from avoiding relegation to… a possible league final.

Suddenly, and entirely understandably, Dublin coming to town no longer felt very ominous – in terms of the likely outcome of the game – and more like an opportunity for a glorious, statement-making home win.

It seemed logical to make Roscommon, with three wins in a row and lots of momentum, at least tentative favourites to beat a transitioning Dublin, with a mere one win under their belts and, for once, relegation-threatened.

We’ve seen this before, this intersection of human nature with the joyous spectacle of Roscommon football being on the crest of a wave. It’s a rollercoaster we’re fond of, in truth. The only problem is – if only by the law of averages – a run of wins will almost certainly be interrupted at some stage by a defeat that brings us back down to earth.

The script is a familiar one, the pattern well established. If Roscommon unexpectedly win a few games in the top flight, playing some sparkling football into the bargain, it will inevitably raise our profile in the national media, and supporters will move into a very, very positive mindset.

Good outings play with supporters’ minds, tending to cloud our judgement and make us forget where our expectations were before the winning streak started to work its dark magic on us. As last week progressed, it felt more and more like we were set up for a fall. A touch of complacency amongst supporters was in the air. Of course word of the Roscommon revolution has been filtering through to the masses too. On RTE Radio 1, former Dublin player turned pundit Paul Flynn tipped Roscommon to win (probably one of many national pundits who did). Flynn isn’t one for psychological

gamesmanship, and his logic seemed to make sense. But his prediction concerned me!

Then, in Saturday’s Irish Independent, the ominous scaling up of the national media attention. Real hostage-to-fortune territory!

The headline on a two-page special read: ‘Rossies rise high on the Jayo effect’.

The sub-heading read: ‘A hero of the Hill is now leaving his coaching mark at the Hyde, but can they live up to great expectations and push Dubs to the brink of demotion?’

This was of course a feature on former Dublin star Jason Sherlock, now part of Mark Dowd’s management team.

Unfortunately for Roscommon, last Sunday was one of those days when anticlimax prevailed over legitimate excitement and expectation.

Now that we’ve been brought down to earth, we can turn it into a positive. We can, for example, scale down the hype, pause, and digest the fact that Roscommon have six league points from a possible ten, and look very likely to stay up.

We can accept that we are a work in progress, a team with exciting momentum, even if last Sunday’s display was error-filled and disappointing. Now, the hype can take a back seat for another while at least, and we can see the Roscommon football landscape more clearly. And we can actually appreciate the progress we’ve made.

So it’s back to being outsiders against both Donegal and Mayo –and that should free our men to express themselves again! -PH

BRIAN CHANNELS INNER ROY KEANE!

Roscommon hurling manager Brian Hanley wasn’t very happy with his team’s performance in their draw with Tyrone last Saturday. In frank post-game comments, Hanley challenged his players to up their game when they play Fermanagh this weekend.

One man who was in excellent form for the hurlers against Tyrone was goalkeeper Enda Lawless. The Roscommon ‘keeper made a number of outstanding saves on the day.

Brian Hanley acknowledged how well his goalkeeper had done, even if the Roscommon manager employed a phrase now synonymous with Roy Keane in his punditry.

Hanley on Lawless: “That’s his job… he’s a top class goalkeeper!”

THE BEST PITCH AWARD

On RTE Radio 1 on Saturday – at a point in the weekend when all was still well with the world and a Roscommon win over Dublin seemed quite possible – Paul Flynn (ex-Dublin player, now a pundit) was full of praise for the Rossies.

Flynn praised the quality of Enda Smith, Daire Cregg and Diarmuid Murtagh, and quite reasonably mused that Roscommon were likely to put 21-24 points on the scoreboard against Dublin (they didn’t).

As it turns out, Roscommon had an off-day, kicking a number of wides, missing goal chances and most frustratingly of all, lobbing about four scoring attempts very tamely into the grasp of the Dublin ‘keeper.

Back on RTE Radio 1, Paul Flynn very matter-of-factly described the surface at Hyde Park as being “the best in the country”.

Dynamic Dubs reduce Roscommon momentum!

< SEAMUS DUKE AT KING & MOFFATT DR HYDE PARK

Roscommon’s momentum, built up after four very encouraging performances and three memorable wins, was brought to a shuddering halt at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday by a Dublin side who came with a game plan to overwhelm the home side and to deny them any time and space on the ball. It worked to a tee. The bookies and pundits (this one included) had Mark Dowd’s men as favourites to overturn the Dubs. The formbook suggested a Roscommon win, but Ger Brennan’s side produced by far their best display of the campaign so far in what was a one-sided contest from the first whistle.

The big crowd, which included a sizeable Roscommon contingent, never got a chance to get going as Dublin set down a marker early in the game, with the league points in the bag from as early as the 22nd minute when they led by 1-12 to no score.

The Dubs defended brilliantly throughout. Roscommon’s talismen Diarmuid Murtagh, Enda Smith, and Daire Cregg never got into the game at all, and as a result Roscommon were in trouble up front. The Dublin tackling was terrific and the previously rampant Roscommon attack was subdued on the day.

Down the other end, Dublin had attacking defenders like Eoin Murchan, Brian Howard and Eoin Kennedy who were always providing the extra man, and some of their shooting – especially in the first half – was top class.

Three St Brigid’s players returned to the Roscommon starting team with Conor Carroll back between the posts, Ruaidhrí Fallon slotting into the halfback line, and Conor Hand playing up front in place of the injured Darragh Heneghan. On the Dublin side, Con O’Callaghan was out injured, but they certainly didn’t miss him on the day, such was the excellence of their display.

On a windy day that actually stayed dry for the most part, Dublin played with the advantage of the conditions in the opening half. It wasn’t long before the alarm bells were ringing in the Roscommon camp.

The home side did have a couple of early chances but three efforts were kicked into the Dublin goalkeeper’s hands and Diarmuid Murtagh’s shot struck a post in the 16th minute. As it turned out, Roscommon needed to be converting all those chances, and more besides.

Ciarán Kilkenny and impressive newcomer Charlie McMorrow were on top at midfield and the scores started to pile up as the Dubs bombed forward at every opportunity.

‘They got a performance, and we didn’t’

< SEAMUS DUKE

Mark Dowd was not getting carried away by the three wins achieved by his side before last weekend – and nor was the Roscommon manager despondent about Sunday’s defeat to Dublin.

“In different aspects of the game, we were well beaten. We were under serious pressure there in the first half on our kickouts… we ended up living off scraps”.

Dowd said that at half-time they were hoping for a revival – but a determined Dublin put paid to that plan.

“At half-time, you’re just trying to put plans in place in terms of what you might do in the second half. But when you have a team like Dublin, who are chasing a win down here, that isn’t easy. Ger (Brennan, Dublin manager) said to me that they were in the trenches coming down the road. They got a performance, and we didn’t”.

With regard to the team changes on the day, Mark Dowd was asked about the decision to play Conor Carroll in goal ahead of Aaron Brady, who had done well over the course of the league so far.

“No more than anyone else, Conor has been putting up his hand at training. I felt he deserved a go at it. Everyone’s place is up for grabs.”

With regard to the other changes, the manager said that the team is picked on form at training.

“We felt the lads we picked were ready to come in today. We had seen it in training. We were happy with the way they were going. I was asked the question about certain players before, and they weren’t ready then. They were ready this week.

“I’m not going to put the blame on the changes that were made today. When you have a team like Dublin coming down here wanting to get out of the bottom half of the table against a team that have won three games, maybe the mentality is a bit different.”

Mark was typically philosophical about the campaign in general, and advised that the attitude in the Roscommon camp never changed.

“Last week, I was hearing about league finals. In our dressing room, things never changed. What we were looking for was a performance. We didn’t get it today. As I said after the first game, it’s not the end of the world. We won’t get too low about today. We haven’t been getting too high about what went on the last few weeks. Maybe it’s a rest … and we go again” he concluded.

SportsPeople

Their only goal came in the 11th minute. Killian McGinnis’ shot was blocked by the Roscommon defence but Luke Breathnach was following up and pulled first-time to the net. Two-pointers from Niall Scully, Seán Bugler, Eoin Kennedy, goalkeeper Hugh O’Sullivan (a free) and Paddy Small embellished that lead and by the 23rd minute the Dubs led by a whopping 15 points.

Rob Heneghan lifted the siege with Roscommon’s first score a minute later and the home supporters finally had something to shout about in the 26th minute when Daire Cregg finished to the net after Conor Hand’s shot for a point came off a post.

Points from Paddy Small and Luke Breathnach before the break provided a perfect riposte from the Dubs and at halftime it was Dublin 1-14 Roscommon 1-1. In fact it could have been a lot worse for Roscommon as Conor Carroll had made two excellent saves in that first period, from Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Charlie McMorrow.

Any hopes of another big revival from Roscommon (as against Galway the previous week) were dashed after the break when Dublin scored the first three points from Scully, McGinnis and McMorrow. Now the gap had grown to 16 points.

In fairness, Roscommon kept trying hard, but the mountain they had to climb was too steep this time. Senan Lambe and Colm Neary were heroic for the home side but too many of their colleagues were having an off-day.

Diarmuid Murtagh kicked a twopointer in the 45th minute, and six minutes later Dylan Ruane got through for a goal to reduce the margin to nine, but Dublin kept a tight grip on proceedings and they coasted to a very comfortable win.

Having marvelled at the standard of entertainment of the league games over recent weeks, this encounter will certainly not be in any highlights reel at the end of the year. Such was the dominance of Dublin, the atmosphere

at the match was very subdued, with precious little excitement throughout.

This defeat is certainly not the end of the world for Roscommon who now have a break this weekend and a chance to reset before welcoming Donegal to Hyde Park on Sunday week.

Looking at the results elsewhere, there is still a slight possibility that Roscommon could be involved in a relegation battle, with the picture to become clearer after the next round of games.

Mark Dowd, his management team and players will just have to put this performance down as a bad day at the office. The team never raised a gallop and will be hoping for much better in their remaining league games, against Donegal and Mayo. It really is vital – in terms of ongoing development of young players – that the team remains in the top division going forward.

For their part, Dublin will be boosted by their excellent performance, achieved without their star man, Con O’Callaghan.

From growing pains to going places for resurgent Dubs!

AROUND THE GROUNDS

< SEAMUS DUKE

Elsewhere in Division One last weekend, Kerry cruised past Monaghan in Killarney without every having to get out of second gear. The Clifford brothers scored 1-7 between them as Jack O’Connor’s men won by 1-18 to 0-7.

After this latest defeat, Monaghan are almost certainly facing relegation.

Donegal and Galway ended up level after a thriller in Ballyshannon. Peadar Mogan was the Donegal hero as he shot the two-pointer in the final minute to preserve Donegal’s unbeaten record at the top of the table. Paul Conroy missed a late chance to win it for Galway and they had to settle for a draw.

Mayo inflicted another defeat on Armagh as Kobe McDonald came on as a sub and impressed once again for Andy Moran’s men. There was only a point in it at the end in Castlebar (2-17 to 0-22). Armagh are now involved in a battle to survive in the top division.

REACTION

< SEAMUS DUKE

New Dublin team manager Ger Brennan was understandably happy with the way his side played on the day.

“In terms of our Division One status for 2027, there was a good bit riding on it. I always said there was to be growing pains in terms of a new management, a new group of players, trying to knit and integrate different things together.

“A lot of that came off today, which was wonderful. Hyde Park is a tough place to come to, so to come down here and get two points certainly helps our aspirations in terms of being in Division One next year.”

Brennan paid tribute to Roscommon and wished them the best for the rest of the league.

“Roscommon is a great county. They love their football down here but Division One is tough. You’re trying to develop consistency and that’s a challenge for every inter-county management team. It’s very unforgiving.

“All games are hard, and some games are harder than others. Roscommon have enjoyed good days and I’ve no doubt they’ll push hard for the rest of the league” he concluded.

After a couple of poor league displays, many pundits had written them off as possible contenders in 2026. Maybe that was a little premature. Time will tell.

Teams & scorers

Dublin: Hugh O’Sullivan (0-2, 2pf); Eoin Murchan, Nathan Doran, David Byrne; Eoin Kennedy (0-2, 2p), Brian Howard, Alex Gavin (0-1); Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Charlie McMorrow (01); Niall Scully (0-4, 2 frees, 1 2p), Seán Bugler (0-4, 1 2p), Ciarán Kilkenny; Killian McGinnis (0-2), Paddy Small (0-3, 1 2p), Luke Breathnach (1-1).

Subs: Greg McEneaney for Kennedy (55), Niall O’Callaghan for Small (61), Jack Lundy for Breathnach (66), Ross McGarry (0-1) for Kilkenny (68), Liam Smith for Murchan (69).

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Patrick Gavin, Caelim Keogh (0-1), Eoin Ward; Ruaidhrí Fallon, Ronan Daly, Colm Neary; Keith Doyle, Senan Lambe (0-1); Dylan Ruane (1-0), Enda Smith, Conor Hand; Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2, 2p),

Daire Cregg (1-1), Robert Heneghan (0-1). Subs: Jack Duggan for Fallon (h/t), Ciarán Lennon for Hand (44), Eoin Colleran (0-1) for Heneghan (47), Niall Higgins for Daly (61), Paul Carey for Ruane (65).

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Dublin 2 (Ciarán Kilkenny, Niall Scully); Roscommon 0

Wides: Dublin 5 (3, first half); Roscommon 8 (4, first half) Two-pointers: Dublin 5 (Hugh O’Sullivan, Niall Scully, Seán Bugler, Eoin Kennedy, Paddy Small); Roscommon 1 (Diarmuid Murtagh)

Attendance: 7,819 Man of the Match: Seán Bugler (Dublin)

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