Roscommon People - 20 March 2026

Car Accident Injury

I was injured in a

but

Please explain the procedure to me.

Claims involving personal injuries can be a lengthy but not necessarily complicated procedure. A good Solicitor will guide you through the process and help you secure the maximum award you can achieve.

Your solicitor will require details of all your injuries and symptoms (physical, psychological or emotional). Medical reports from your GP, medical consultants etc. will form an essential component in determining the extent and implications of your injuries.

All out of pocket expenses must be calculated including loss of earnings if you were out of work as a result of your injuries, medical expenses, travelling expenses etc.

It is not enough to show that you were involved in an accident or to have suffered injury in order to obtain compensation. You must demonstrate that the party or parties you are suing were to blame for the accident and the injuries that you have suffered.

Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act anyone seeking compensation for a personal injury must make an application to a body called The Injuries Board before legal proceedings may be issued. However, the alleged negligent party must agree to have the matter assessed before the Injuries Board.

The Injuries Board does not determine liability (who is at fault) and will not make any finding regarding fault or negligence. Its role is limited to valuing claims and making awards. If the award is rejected by either party, then the injured party may issue legal proceedings. Your case will then proceed in the normal way. It may go to a full hearing before a Court, or it may settle prior to this stage.

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

It seemed all of Ireland was

MONDAY

Wow! What a weekend!

Huh?

I was GLUED to the telly all weekend… well, except for our excursion to the Hyde! It doesn’t make sense…

Huh?

That term… glued to the telly! How do you mean?

Who gets glued to the telly?

It’s just an expression!

But what does it mean?

It means… that you’re so engrossed in what’s on the TV, it’s as if your body is stuck to it… with glue!

That’s my point… it doesn’t make any sense… because if you were literally glued to the telly, you really wouldn’t see anything!

(They pause to call the Editor to ask if they can be chauffeur-driven to Castlebar for Roscommon v Mayo this Sunday, but every time they ring, they’re told ‘He’s in a meeting’)

The rugby was sensational!

Brilliant!

Ireland were great against Scotland – and Roscommon’s Darragh Murray scored a try on his Six Nations debut!

Yeah, well done Darragh!

Then on Saturday evening, we had a very bizarre situation. It seemed all of Ireland was cheering on… ENGLAND! Even the local Sinn Féin supporters were whooping

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

Because

cheering on… ENGLAND!

To be fair, the ‘auld enemy’ played brilliantly in Paris.

Yeah, but France kicked a dramatic winning penalty at the very end, denying us the title!

Then on Sunday we went to the Hyde… and what a performance from Roscommon!

I was beside myself with excitement! Eh, that doesn’t really make sense either… Huh?

I mean, you were there. And you were excited. You were beside me. How can you be… beside yourself? I mean… really! It’s just an expression! Anyway, on Sunday night… MORE magic on the TV! That woman is some all-rounder!

Kerry’s finest wins BIG!

Just brilliant! KERRY’S QUEEN!

First Katelyn Cummins wins the Rose of Tralee in Kerry, then she wins Dancing with the Stars!

Not THAT win! I presumed you meant Jessie Buckley… she won an Oscar!

Oh, sorry!

I thought we had pledged not to watch ANY of Dancing with the Stars this year? Sorry, I lapsed. I had those few pints after the Roscommon match, so I was ready for some light entertainment when I got home…

So we had an epic weekend, and you ended up watching DWTS?

Yep… GLUED TO IT!

It’s been a GOOD week for…

Roscommon footballers, with a superb win over Donegal last Sunday securing their Division One status

Jessie Buckley, with the Kerry native (who has family roots in Williamstown) becoming the first Irish woman to win the Oscar for ‘Best Actress’ at the Academy Awards

Irish people everywhere, with St Patrick’s Day celebrations being held all over the world

Fiona Tully, with the Roscommon handballer (St Coman’s Club) winning the 2026 All-Ireland 4-Wall Senior Singles title in Croke Park

The Ireland rugby team, who won the Triple Crown last Saturday, and just missed out on the Six Nations title (congratulations also to Ireland, winners of the U-20s Triple Crown)

Darragh Murray, with the Roscommon man scoring a try for Ireland on his Six Nations debut (against Scotland last Saturday)

Creggs RFC, with their Firsts winning a fourth Connacht Junior A1 League title in a row, defeating Dunmore 11-5 at Dexcom Stadium

A thank you from Vita House as Festival Folk concert raises €7,927.50 for Cancer Support Services

The annual Festival Folk fundraising concert, held last December, raised €7,927.50 for the Roscommon Cancer Support Centre at Vita House, Roscommon. The proceeds were recently presented.

Extending thanks to everyone who supported the event, Sinead Raftery, Interim Director of Services at Vita House, said the concert had raised an “incredible sum” which will go directly towards their cancer support services.

Sinead extended “heartfelt gratitude” to everyone who helped make this annual event such a success.

“We would like to thank everyone who joined us and supported our Festival Folk annual fundraising event last December in aid of Vita House Cancer Support Service.

“Thanks to your generosity, the event raised an incredible €7,927.50. These funds will go directly towards sustaining our cancer support services, helping to ensure that individuals and families in our community af-

ment reminds us that no one facing cancer in our community has to walk that journey alone.”

Special thanks were extended to event sponsors, including main sponsor Dermot Hughes of Dermot Hughes Cars.

Sinead added: “We are also very grateful to the Abbey Hotel for once again providing their beautiful function room to host this special night.

“Thank you to the talented artists who performed and created such a fantastic atmosphere, and to Michael Banahan for giving so generously of his time and expertise in helping organise the event.

“Finally, I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our incredible team at Vita House. Their dedication, compassion and tireless effort are at the heart of everything we do, and they are the reason this event is always so special.

Thank you to…. OUR SPONSORS

Dermot Hughes Cars

Mark Lohan Kitchens

McNulty’s Furniture, Roscommon

Roscommon People

Johnstown Estate and Spa, En eld

Cox’s Steakhouse, Dromod

Nicky Corcoran Plant Hire

Cuddy & Co Accountants

CB Gillen & Co Accountants

Gannon’s Furniture

Ciaran Horohoe Construction

JJ Harlow’s Bar

Treacy Decor

Xtra Security

Tommie Kelly Electrical

Corrib Oil

fected by cancer can continue to access the care, compassion and practical support they need during some of life’s most challenging times.”

Mount Talbot NS Open Evening on Thursday

The Mount Talbot NS Open Evening will take place from 7-8 pm on Thursday, March 19th.

She continued: “We are deeply thankful to our wonderful local community who attended, supported and shared in the spirit of the evening. Your encourage-

“To everyone who attended, supported, sponsored or helped in any way – thank you. Your kindness truly makes a difference.”

19th March

This quaint school dates from the late 1800s and is located in the village of Mount Talbot on the N63 between Athleague and Ballygar.

Although the building has facilitated over 100 years of education, it has been extensively extended and modernised offering children excellent facilities, modern technology and large spacious playgrounds and playing field.

The school prides itself on providing an excellent foundation in all subjects, with two mainstream teachers, full-time special education teacher and a part-time SNA.

Mount Talbot NS participates in a wide variety of educational initiatives and extra-curricular activities – Green Schools Flag, Active Flag, STEM awards, engineering, scratch and coding workshops, heritage and history field trips, poetry, art, drama, baking, reading & scribing work and fortnightly library visits, Ficheall (chess) tournament and tin whistle.

Sport, health and physical activity play a large part in Mount Talbot’s school life with children from junior infants enjoying training in hurling, football, rugby, soccer, hip-hop, athletics, rounders, yoga, basketball and swimming annually.

The school participates in school blitzes and competitions all year round in many different sports.

The work in the curriculum areas of drama, English, reading, (recitation, oral work,) art and

music, the wealth of educational skills therein, are developed and perfected in twice-yearly on-stage productions for families, friends and the community to enjoy.

Every child of every ability is a star and they enjoy their moment to shine in Mount Talbot NS. Visit out school website and Facebook page. Enrolment and queries are welcome all year round. See contact details below.

School website: www.mounttalbotns.scoilnet. ie; Facebook page: Mount Talbot NS; Telephone: 090 6624014: Email: mounttalbotns@gmail.com

Roscommon Mart

Tully’s Veterinary Supplies

Thursday 19th March, 7-8 pm

HURLING, FOOTBALL, SWIMMING, RUGBY, ACTIVE SCHOOLS, BASKETBALL, ATHLETICS, HIP HOP, CHESS

EXTENSIVE ART & HISTORY PROGRAMME, CREATIVE SCHOOLS, 10th GREEN FLAG

BI-ANNUAL WHOLE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS & SUMMER DRAMA & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

newsbriefs

Bridge club results

The most recent results from the local bridge clubs are as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club. 1st: Olive Fahy & Margaret Egan; 2nd: Maurice Buckley & Larry Shine; Gross: Kitty Dowd & Phyllis O’Shaughnessy. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club – (Club Pairs Competition). 1st: Judy Adamson & Veronica McManus; 2nd: Chris & John McGrath; Gross: Phil & Seamus Cooney. 1st. Session: Olive Fahy & Phyllis O’Shaughnessy. 2nd Session: Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro. St Coman’s Bridge Club. 1st: Ann Shine & John O’Gara; 2nd: Rita Roughneen & Josephine Devaney; Gross: Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro. Ballymurry Bridge Club – (Section A). 1st: Michael McSharry & Michael Dolan; 2nd: Mary Naughton & Kitty Gately; Gross: Valere & Pat Finneran. (Section B). 1st: Martina Hanley & Helen Earley; 2nd: Nuala Rogers & Pauline Donnelly; Gross: Geraldine Relihan & Honor Lynn. Kilbride Bridge Club – (North/South). 1st: Kitty Burke & Mary Kelly. (East/West). 1st: Ann Igoe & Gertie McDermott.

MS Ireland Church gate collections

The Roscommon voluntary branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland will be holding their annual Church gate collections at Ballyfarnon Church on Saturday, March 21st, and at Arigna and Keadue churches the following weekend, on Sunday, March 29th. All donations will be gratefully accepted.

Roscommon Parish Youth Mass

The next Roscommon Parish Youth Mass will be held at 7 pm on this Saturday, March 21st, in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. This Mass has been especially designed for young people, by young people, and everyone is invited to attend. The theme for the upcoming Mass is ‘Understanding’.

Tulsk History Society

Table Quiz cancelled

Due to a Tulsk GAA event happening this Saturday night in Castleplunkett clashing with its annual Table Quiz in O’Connor’s, Tulsk History Society has decided to cancel its annual fundraiser which was already postponed due to a recent bereavement in the locality. The society apologises for any inconvenience and hopes to reschedule it later in the year.

This Friday is Daffodil Day

The Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day will be held this Friday, March 20th. As in previous years, the local voluntary organisers of Daffodil Day in Roscommon Town are appealing to the public to donate fresh daffodils.

Volunteers will be available to receive daffodils at the Daffodil Day depot in the ‘Central Bar’ building, Main Street on Thursday, March 19th, from 11 am to 6 pm. Volunteers and students will be on the streets and at local supermarkets/shops selling fresh daffodils, silk daffodils, Daffodil Day pins and other Daffodil Day items in support of this annual fundraiser.

Lose 2 Stone for Summer!

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Ten nominations for Abbey Hotel

The four-star Abbey Hotel in Roscommon Town is celebrating after receiving ten nominations ahead of this year’s Irish Restaurant Awards Connacht Regional Finals, which will take place at Knockranny House Hotel in Westport on Tuesday, March 31st

The team received nominations across several categories ahead of

the prestigious awards. The Irish Restaurant Awards recognise excellence in hospitality and dining across the country, and the Connacht Regional Finals will bring together some of the best restaurants, chefs, hospitality, and marketing support teams in the region.

Speaking following the announcement, Geraldine Grealy, Director of Marketing and Public Relations/ Social Media at the Abbey Hotel

paid tribute to the dedication and passion of the team at the hotel. Ms Grealy also thanked the many supporters who took the time to vote. The Irish Restaurant Awards are among the most respected accolades in the Irish hospitality industry, celebrating the very best in hotels, restaurants, chefs, service, and culinary excellence.

Furniture Fulfilment Admin

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and customer-focused Administrator to join our team! As a key member of our furniture ful lment team, you will handle online orders through portals and email, resolve issues, and ensure smooth order processing.

Responsibilities:

- Process orders and manage inventory

- Respond to emails

- Resolve customer issues

- Organise transport of shipments to UK

- Work with logistics team to ensure timely delivery

- Maintain accurate records and reports

Requirements:

- Pro cient in excel

- Excellent communication and customer service skills

- Attention to detail and organisational skills

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

What we o er:

- Competitive salary and bene ts

- Opportunities for growth and development

- Dynamic and supportive team environment

If you’re a motivated and customer-focused individual, apply now!

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

THURSDAY

A real legend

For a few years in my teens, I was very keen on running. There was some success, including coming third in a Leinster final when representing a Longford club (the one and only time I ever ran over hurdles).

Eamonn Coghlan’s charisma drew me to the sport. He was electrifying, his famous ‘kick’ on the final lap bringing him success around the world, and recognition as one of the great middle-distance runners of the 1980s (and late ‘70s).

Coghlan was a superstar during a golden era for Irish middle-distance running, with Marcus O’Sullivan, Frank O’Mara and Longford’s Ray Flynn also to the fore.

Watching Coghlan – not dissimilar to watching the magnificent Sonia O’Sullivan some years later – tested all the emotions. Sadly, twice on the biggest stage, heartbreak greeted him at the finishing line – with two fourth place finishes in the Olympic Games. Thankfully, Coghlan offset those disappointments with a memorable 5000m world title win in 1983, his domination of the mile event on the US indoor circuit, European gold in the 1500m, and multiple other successes.

While hero-worshipping Coghlan, I was well aware of the legend of the Irishman who won Olympic gold before I was born. Ronnie Delaney’s name – and his feat in Melbourne in 1956 – echoed through the ages. He was a legend before overuse of the term became the annoyance it is today.

Many years ago, a cousin of mine attended Ronnie Delaney’s book launch. Knowing my fondness for sport, he kindly bought a book for me and got our Olympic legend to autograph it.

As my cousin doesn’t live locally, we very rarely meet. When we do, my cousin apologetically mentions that he still has that book for me, personally signed by the superstar athlete.

Ronnie Delaney (91) died yesterday. He was a sporting icon, and a gentleman of the highest order too.

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

On social media, I watched the breathtaking final lap that saw Delaney pass several opponents to claim gold in the 1500m final at the 1956 Olympics. Last night, as a grateful nation mourns and celebrates a national hero, I texted my cousin, demanding that he finally gives me the copy of the book that bears Ronnie Delaney’s signature (and good wishes). I suppose you could say that by now, it’s a running joke between us.

FRIDAY

Classic comedy

I’ve been catching up on the classic US sitcom Seinfeld, this show having largely passed me by when it aired from 1989 to 1998. It’s a masterpiece. All 180 episodes are on Netflix (I have over 140 more to enjoy).

SATURDAY

Rugby drama

The ‘Six Nations’ tournament hit new heights for drama and excitement this evening. Earlier, Ireland were superb in a cracking game against Scotland. Ic-

ing on the cake for Roscommon people came with Brideswell native, Darragh Murray scoring a try on his Six Nations debut as Ireland won the Triple Crown. As an unlikely English win in Paris would have made Ireland champions, we then entered uncharted territory… with Irish people enthusiastically cheering England on. Even Gerry Adams tweeted support for England. France edged an extraordinary epic 48-46, a last-gasp Thomas Ramos penalty securing the title for Les Bleus. It was, Robert Kitson would later write in The Guardian, “a dizzying blur of a game” with the Six Nations showing “the timeless appeal of great sporting drama.” Dare I say that France are deserving champions – but Vive Irlande too!

SUNDAY

Superb win

A superb win for Roscommon at Hyde Park today. When Donegal, 13 points adrift at one stage, cut that deficit to just one with 13 minutes remaining, it appeared that our chances were… gone with the (fierce) wind. Remarkably,

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

given how much the conditions were then favouring Donegal, Roscommon steadied a ship that looked odds-on to sink. The Conor Hand goal was a work of art, created and performed before a live audience – via the speed of thought and motion of ten Roscommon players.

MONDAY

On St Patrick’s Day…

I’m not sure people really want to work today. Me included. Something’s not quite right. We know it’s not a bank holiday, but we seem to think it should be. And we know there’s a big bank holiday coming… tomorrow. St Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday doesn’t feel right!

We are like the guests in Fawlty Towers who irritated Basil by standing around in the hotel lobby, waiting for him to do a scheduled fire drill. They knew a fire drill was coming up, so what was the point in them moving around? Much better to stand and wait (cue a Basil outburst).

In much the same way, we are waiting around today for tomorrow’s big arrival… the bank holiday that we feel today should be.

TUESDAY

Meanwhile in Washington… As it turns out, I end up working for most of St Patrick’s Day ‘behind closed doors’ in the People office. By 4 o’clock it’s time to have a coffee and check online to see what’s happening in the world.

This brings me to RTE’s live coverage of the press conference at the White House, President Trump and Taoiseach Micheál Martin sitting side by side.

For the 15 minutes or so I watched, our man barely got a word in, one contribution on immigration in Europe aside.

Apart from that brief response –cautiously delivered by Martin after Trump described Keir Starmer’s immigration policy as “a disaster” – the Taoiseach was a spectator, reduced to flicking what I think were imaginary flecks of dust from his trousers. As usual, Trump totally dominated the exchanges with the media, embarking on lengthy bouts of self-praise and dubious claims. I switched to Spotify on my phone, and resumed working on this week’s paper, Luciano Pavarotti’s greatest hits a more relaxing backdrop than Trump’s greatest rants.

LATER…

Micheál & Winston…

To be fair, when I saw further coverage tonight, it became clear the Taoiseach did get a few ‘spakes’ in. He’s being praised (certainly in Britain) for defending UK Prime Minister Starmer, whom Trump has recently taken to goading by way of unfavourable reference to Winston Churchill.

This led to the sight today of an Irish Taoiseach half-praising and half-criticising Churchill. The keyboard warriors on social media couldn’t agree on how Micheál Martin had ‘performed’. There was praise and vitriol… scrolling through the web of commentary becomes pointless.

Overall, this appears to have been a very solid outing for the Taoiseach at the now rather tricky away venue that is the Oval Office.

Council delegation visit New York for St Patrick’s Day

Roscommon County Council (represented by its Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Callaghan, Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, and Director of Services Caitlín Conneely) were in New York for a series of official engagements marking St Patrick’s Day.

There was excellent collaboration and engagement regarding the connection of US markets for emerging and growing Roscommon companies, the ever-increasing tourism proposition of Roscommon, and connecting foreign and direct investment (FDI) with the county. While there, they met with Joshua Healy, VP Emerging Business, and Will Molanco of IDA Ireland, as well as

Kevin Ryan, Head US East Coast operations for Enterprise Ireland. The group also met with David Wood, Brittany Gallagher, and Jack Foley of Tourism Ireland.

The visiting delegation also attended the annual Roscommon New York St Patrick’s Day Gala Dinner and also met Boyle native Hilary T Beirne, founding Director at Irish America 250, and founder and chairman emeritus of the NYC St Patrick’s Day foundation.

Mr Beirne presented the iconic bronze shoes for first US site of the Extended Famine Way which commences at Strokestown Park House, at an event held at New York City Hall on Monday, March 16th

Addressing the Roscommon New York Society

St Patrick’s Day Dinner, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan paid tribute to the organisers of the event

and paid particular tribute to Thomas P Giblin and Michael K Farrell, who were both recognised with special recognition awards.

Cllr Callaghan also acknowledged the work of

Monsignor Kevin Flanagan, born in Kilglass, and Ballinlough native Mary Montgomery, who were both recognised as special honourees at the gala dinner.

“Our diaspora community fulfil a very important role for the people they serve. We in Roscommon County Council are acutely conscious of this, which colours our attitude to the support of our citizens, wherever they may live.

“Roscommon people contribute greatly to the social and economic well-being of your city, through economic investment and support of many social and cultural initiatives. My presence here is to thank you for that work,” said Cllr Callaghan.

Vintage Club Table Quiz

Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club are holding their first ever table quiz on Friday, March 20th. The quiz will take place in Frank’s Lounge, Ballybeg and starts at 8.30 pm.

There will be a cash prize for the winning table and there will also be a table ticket draw for the contestants and a raffle for spot prizes.

Entry to table team is €10 per person, and teams consist of four per table. Questions will cover a wide range of subjects, such as geography, history, science, nature, music, sport, general knowledge, and literature.

Use of phones by contestants will automatically disqualify the team from the contest.

Roscommon People shortlisted for 2026 Irish Print Awards

The Roscommon People has been shortlisted in the Newspaper & Freesheet Printer of the Year category at the 2026 Irish Print Awards, with two additional individual nominations also going to Media

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

Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road set out in the schedule hereunder for the 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

Mark Keaveney

Deputy Chief Executive

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

People Ireland Ltd (which publishes the Roscommon People).

The finalists for the 47th annual Irish Print Awards were announced on March 6th, with organisers describing this year’s competition as the biggest yet.

According to the official announcement, more than 375 entries were submitted across a wide range of categories, reflecting what was

described as the quality and innovation of the print sector across Ireland.

In the Newspaper & Freesheet Printer of the Year category, Roscommon People is listed alongside Northside People, Southside People, Irish News and Limerick Leader. The shortlist places the Roscommon title among some of the best-known regional pub-

lications on the island.

The company has also been shortlisted in two additional individual award categories, underlining a strong showing for Media People Ireland Ltd in this year’s competition.

The Irish Print Awards celebrate excellence across the industry, from newspapers, books and packaging to signage, de-

sign, print technology and innovation. Organisers said the awards continue to highlight the resilience and adaptability of the sector, as well as the high standards being achieved by companies and professionals across the country. The winners will be announced at the Irish Print Awards Gala Dinner in Clontarf Castle on Friday, April 10th, 2026.

Fiona crowned

All-Ireland champion

There was major success for Roscommon handball last Saturday when Fiona Tully won the 4-Wall All-Ireland Championship Ladies Senior Open final in Croke Park. The Kilbride woman, who represents the St Coman’s Handball Club, defeated Ciana Ní Churraoin of Galway in two straight games, 21-17, 21-14.

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

L7046 Church Street

1 Between Goff Street and Henry Street For a period of approximately 5 weeks commencing 13th April 2026

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

N63, R366, L7042, L7048, L7046

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 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

L7045, R366

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Town Realm Project

Reason for Closures: To facilitate Roscommon Town Realm Project

Mark Keaveney

Deputy Chief Executive

Mark Keaveney

Deputy Chief Executive

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

A busy day of rest!

Our columnist Frank Brandon discusses a busy weekend in sport, rising car insurance costs, Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win, and more!

It’s Sunday morning as I write, and I am still buzzing with the excitement of Saturday evening’s unbelievable finale to the Six Nations Championship. While I was still thinking that, not for the first time, the referee in the French-English game made many dubious calls that favoured the home side, my mind is drifting to other matters.

On this Sunday morning I was heading west to Castlebar where my granddaughter, Riley, was celebrating her 5th birthday. The birthday itself is on the Monday of this week but for obvious enough reasons (work, etc) the party was being held on Sunday. No party in our family, no matter for whom it is (or where it is) can go ahead without a Molloy’s cream sponge cake, and so my first duty was to go into Roscommon Town and collect one. Shortly after that myself and my van (and the cake and Riley’s presents) left for the Mayo, arriving just after 12 noon.

When all the pressies were opened we all hit for Funsters, a children’s indoor adventure play and party area which was exactly what it ‘said on the tin’. The place was packed with parents and children, there was every type of activity possible, and a sort of cafe where the older folk (like me) could sit and relax, have a cuppa and watch the kids thoroughly enjoy

themselves. Riley and her cousins and friends had super fun, ate the birthday cake and party food – and for a girl who had a fairly rough first year or two, it was very heartening to see her so happy and having so much fun.

I left Castlebar shortly after one o’clock and drove straight home, before getting ready and hitting the road again! This time it was on to Galway where Creggs Rugby Club’s men’s Firsts were playing Dunmore in the final of the Connacht Junior 1A League.

I parked at The Huntsman Inn and made my way to the magnificent new Dexcom Stadium. It was my first visit since it opened and there is no doubt it is hugely impressive.

As is their way on such club final occasions, the Connacht branch only open one stand, and as I like to watch all games in peace and quiet, myself, Fab Dinny (Monaghan) and his daughter, Amy, decided we’d try to slip over to the deserted stand across on the other side.

No sooner had we got there than a security person followed us and said that for security reasons, we couldn’t stay there. Despite our desperate pleas that two senior citizens and a young girl were hardly a major risk, we were forced to abandon our seats and sent back to the ‘proper’ side. Of course our failed attempt didn’t go unnoticed and our walk of shame was well observed and commented on by a number of our team’s followers!

Anyway, we were in place just in time for kickoff and as you will read in the sports section of this newspaper our lads won their fourth league title in a row after a terrific battle with Dunmore. High-scoring matches seem to be the norm at present (think of France and England) but this one was built on outstanding defence from both sides, with enormous commitment in the tackle. While we were the slightly better team all through, it could have gone either way and really came down to small margins.

I high-tailed it out of Galway fairly rapidly and was in position to welcome the team bus home shortly after 9 pm. The bonfires were lit and the team, subs, extended panel and management carried the cup down the (one) street, to be met by a large group of their supporters, before heading into Mikeen’s for a night of welldeserved celebration.

As someone who has been in Creggs for nearly all my life, I can’t think of any better feeling than to see a cup – whatever sport it’s from – coming into the village, to see the players and followers delight in the achievement, and to see the genuine happiness that such success can bring. In a small village, whether it’s Creggs or Dunmore, it’s all about invoking the parish spirit, and signs were on it with the great support both clubs had in Galway on Sunday.

Creggs now have a cup final against Tuam to look forward to, while for Dunmore it’s pretty certain their time to win a cup or league is coming – and I have no doubt it will be sooner rather than later.

Driving up costs

I told you recently that the insurance on my car, despite my having no claims or any other negatives, took an almighty hike this year, going up by almost €300 from €630 to €925.

When I asked why, I was simply told that it was just an increase – and that was that.

I didn’t do anything about it and stayed where I was even though figures showed that premiums, on average, only rose by 9% – which was a high enough increase anyway.

All of this came into my mind a week or so ago when figures released by the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland showed that almost 20,000 uninsured cars were seized in Ireland during 2025. The new insurance database allows the Gardaí to have almost instant access to the relevant information and they can identify uninsured vehicles in a matter of seconds.

If your car is seized you have to pay

And finally…

After two months membership of Omniplex in Roscommon, I have to admit that it has not been the best investment of my life, as to date, after just paying my third monthly instalment, I have only seen one film. However, as Irish people, this week we are all basking in the fabulous success of Killarney’s Jessie Buckley as she becomes the first Irish actress to win Best Actress at the Oscars. Typical of me, I decided I’d

€125 for the first 24 hours, plus fees of €35 for every day’s storage after that! I presume you can’t get your car back until you produce a proper insurance cert so maybe some cars are never claimed back at all.

Anyway, it seems that even with this new technology there are still almost 100,000 uninsured drivers on the road. As long as they still carry on that way you and me and all insured drivers are paying €30 to €35 every year to cover their costs.

I have to admit I have little sympathy for people who drive uninsured vehicles, and now that I know they are costing me money, I have even less.

Of course it’s also a criminal offence, so maybe it’s time the courts came down harder on those who continually ignore the law and imposed stiffer sentences on those offenders. That might make them sit up and take notice.

go to see the film in question –Hamnet – this evening, only to find it’s no longer being shown. Jessie’s Oscar win is huge for the entire country, but down in Kerry, where the Sam Maguire Cup and all the club All-Ireland football titles reside, they must be pinching themselves at all of this unprecedented success. Surely one of the Healy Raes will soon be elected to succeed Micheál Martin as Taoiseach! Watch this space!

Wonderful talent on display at 2026 Roscommon GAA Scór Sinsir Final

Kilmurry Hall hosted a wonderful display of local GAA talent on Saturday, March 13th, as clubs from all over the county contested the Roscommon Scór Sinsir Final.

The first category was the tráth na gceisteanna (table quiz). Teams from Elphin, Tulsk, Creggs, Kilglass Gaels, Clann na Gael, and Roscommon Gaels took part. Tulsk, Elphin and Kilglass progressed to the stage final round, and after strong answering from all, it was reigning champions Elphin who emerged victorious.

The amhránaíocht aonair (solo singing) was a keenly contested event. Loretta Connaughton (St Dominic’s), Sorcha Gilboy (St Michael’s), Saoirse Murray (Kilbride), Olivia Bliss (St Dominic’s), and Chelcy Sharkey (Kilmore), all gave strong performances, but it was Fionnán Seale who won the title for Pádraig Pearses with his fantastic rendition of ‘England’s Motorway’.

Yvonne Foley (Kilmore), Vincent Pearse (St Dominic’s), Miriam Darcy (Pádraig Pearses), and Máire Ní Dhonnacha (St Michael’s) turned in strong deliveries in the aithriseoireacht/scéalaíocht (recitation/storytelling) competition. However it was Tom Costello with his performance of ‘The Manager’ who won the adjudicator’s approval, ensuring a hat-trick of titles for Pádraig Pearses in this event.

The bailéad ghrúpa (ballad group) discipline proved highly enjoyable, with groups from St Dominic’s and Pádraig Pearses contesting strongly. The title was bound for the St Michael’s club, who deservedly regained the accolade they won in 2024, with their polished renditions of ‘Tráthnóna Aoine’ and ‘The Faughan Side’. Special mention must go to St Michael’s Niamh Reynolds, who displayed all of the wonderful spirit and local pride that makes the GAA such a special association, as she performed for her club despite the loss of her grandfather, John Burke (RIP), in recent days.

In the nuachleas (novelty act) discipline, Elphin, Pádraig Pearses, and St Dominic’s all provided great humour and entertainment. In what was undoubtedly a tight affair, the Knockcroghery club emerged the victor and will now hope to

defend the All-Ireland title they won in this event last year.

In the ceol uirlise (instrumental music) event, the audience was treated to a fantastic showcase for traditional music. Six groups from Elphin, St Michael’s, and St Ronan’s, battled it out for their place in the Connacht final. The win went to an exceptionally polished St Ronan’s team who regain the title they last won three years ago.

Sole entrants in the rince seit (set dancing), Elphin rose the energy levels with a spirited display to finish off one of the best county finals in Roscommon Scór in many years.

Thank are extended to fantastic MC Cian Diffley, Runaí Coiste Scór Ros Comáin, to Adrian McDermot (sound), and the fantastic Kilmurry Hall for the welcome to their beautiful facility. Winners were presented with their cups by Cathaoirleach of GLG Ros Comáin, Tom Murray.

The county champions now go forward to represent Roscommon in the Connacht GAA Scór Sinsir Final, which will be held at St Brigid’s Hall in Tubbercurry, on Saturday, March 21st.

This is a ticket-only event; tickets can be purchased through the link on the Connacht GAA website, or the Scór Roscomáin and Connacht Scór Facebook pages.

Thanks are extended to all clubs for their wonderful efforts to promote Scór, and the best of luck to those who progress to provincial level. Ros Comáin abú!

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com

Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

THURSDAY

Roscommon MART WATCH

Cattle: There was a super entry of stock on o er at the sale held on Friday, March 13th, with a strong trade for both heifers and stripper cows.

Heifers achieved an average of €4.35 per kilo up to €5.85 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows and they made an average of €3.54 per kilo up to €4.28 per kilo. There was a large attendance of customers at the ringside, with online bidders also very active.

Dry cows, sample prices: CH - 950KG - €3700 - €3.89 per kg, CHX – 805KG - €3390 - €4.21 per kg, LMX – 865KG - €3150 - €3.64 per kg, BAX - 825KG - €3090 - €3.75 per kg, BBX855KG - €2900 - €3.39 per kg, SIX - 785KG - €2340 - €2.98 per kg, FR - 665KG - €2080 - €3.13 per kg, and HEX - 735KG - €2050€2.79 per kg.

Heifers, sample prices: CHX - 600KG - €2940

- €4.65 per kg, and SIX – 480KG - €2140€4.46 per kg.

Sheep

Sheep: There was a good entry of sheep on o er at the sale held on Wednesday, March 18th. Prices for hoggets made up to €226, while stag ewes topped out at €262. Sheep sales continue on Wednesdays. 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.

Hoggets, sample prices: 56kgs - €226€4.04 per kg, 62kgs - €226 - €3.65 per kg, 62.8kgs - €221 - €3.52 per kg, 64.6kgs - €220 - €3.41 per kg, 55kgs - €214 - €3.89 per kg, and 53kgs- €211- €3.98 per kg.

•

•

SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M.

• 3 RINGS IN OPERATION

• VIEWING AT 10 A.M.

MONDAY 30TH MARCH: BULLOCK

- €4.90 per kg, LMX – 535KG - €2920 - €5.46 per kg, CH - 625KG - €2640 - €4.22 per kg, LM - 560KG - €2600 - €4.64 per kg, AAX – 665KG - €2590 - €3.89 per kg, BBX – 540KG - €2510

Cast ewes, sample prices: 102.3kgs - €262 - €2.56 per kg, 84kgs - €236 - €2.81 per kg, 99kgs - €234 - €2.36 per kg, 80.5kgs - €224 - €2.78 per kg, 98kgs - €220 - €2.24 per kg, and 86kgs - €216 - €2.51 per kg.

Castlerea MART WATCH

There were over 700 lots presented at the sale held on Thursday, March 12th, with prices and trade steady for most categories of stock.

The bullock ring reported a good clearance, aided by the return of Northern customers, for stores, while forward lots made up to €2960. The heifer ring reported good demand for quality stores, while dry cows remained steady with more store cows on o er. The weanling rings noticed a very strong trade for the weanling heifers, with lots making up to €2860 or €7.24 a kilo, while the bulls peaked at €6.49 a kilo. The calf ring noticed increased numbers on o er, while runners made up to €1600.

Cows with calves at foot made up to €3050, while springers made up to €3200.

Bullocks, sample prices: Ch 435kgs €2530, Ch 445kgs €2310, Ch 375kgs €2300, AA 495kgs €2400, Ch 540kgs €2680, Lm 515kgs €2610, AA 555kgs €2940, Ch 565kgs €2930, Lm 625kgs €2710, Lm 640kgs €2700, Lm 650kgs €2900, and Lm 700kgs €2960.

Heifers, sample prices: Lm 415kgs €2280, Ch 385kgs €2050, Hex 420kgs €1900, Lm 495kgs €2840, Ch 480kgs €2410, Ch 455kgs €2290,

Ch 595kgs €2790, Lm 530kgs €2700, and Ch 515kgs €2610.

Dry cows, sample prices: Lmx 7025kgs €2500, Ch 630kgs €2400, BBx 610kgs €2340, Lm 470kgs €1920, Fr 630kgs €1880, AA 535kgs €1700, Fr 505kgs €1300, and Jex 620kgs €1780.

Cows with calves at foot made from €2540 to €3050, springers made from €1040 to €3200, calf lots made from €110 to €610, and runners made from €390 to €1490 for continental lots.

Weanling bulls, sample prices: Chx 285kgs €1850, Lmx 290kgs €1640, AA 250kgs €1310, Lm 380kgs €2250, Ch 425kgs €2480, Ch 470kgs €2510, Ch 390kgs €2220, Lm 380kgs €2250, Ch 460kgs €2460, Lm 350kgs €1940, and Lm 300kgs €1740.

Weanling heifers, sample prices: Lm 280kgs €1960, Ch 255kgs €1560, AA 270kgs €1510, Ch 255kgs €1490, Lm 210kgs €1220, Lmx 395kgs €2860, Lm 355kgs €2250, Lm 355kgs €2110, and Ch 370kgs €2080.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart every Thursday, with the weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners ,and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

Arts recognition for Ballinlough NS…

FARMING & RURAL LIVING

LCSP announces major safety initiatives

The Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) for County Roscommon convened its second meeting recently, during which members engaged in extensive discussion on the future direction of the partnership and the development of Roscommon’s first Community Safety Plan.

The LCSP reaffirmed its commitment

to a collaborative, community driven approach aimed at enhancing safety, wellbeing, and quality of life across the county.

A key focus of the meeting was the advancement of a comprehensive countywide Community Safety Survey, which will be launched in coming days. The survey will provide residents with an

BVD payment increase welcome but years overdue – ICSA

ICSA Animal Health and Welfare chair John Barron has said the increase in compensation for animals testing positive for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), announced recently by Minister Martin Heydon, is welcome, but is years overdue and falls well short of what is required to reflect the true financial losses faced by suckler farmers.

“The increase in support for beef-breed animals from €220 to €320 is a step in the right direction, but the compensation levels have remained unchanged for many years and should have been addressed much earlier,” he said.

“Five or six years ago, when ICSA began looking for an increase in BVD compensation, a change of this scale might have made a meaningful difference. At today’s market values however, the revised payment barely touches the sides of what is needed.” He said compensation levels would need to be at least double the updated rates to come anywhere close to reflecting the true market value of affected animals: “For suckler farmers in particular, the impact goes well beyond the loss of a calf. When a calf tests positive for BVD, the farmer effectively loses the production of that cow for the entire year. That is a major financial hit in a system where margins are already extremely tight.

“The eradication programme has required huge commitment from farmers, and that commitment should be recognised through compensation that realistically reflects the cost of the losses involved”.

important opportunity to share their experiences, priorities, and concerns relating to safety within their communities.

The information gathered will form the basis of the county’s Community Safety Plan, ensuring it reflects the real needs and lived experiences of people across Roscommon. The LCSP is strongly encouraging widespread participation, emphasising that every voice matters in shaping the future of community safety.

As part of its broader consultation programme, the LCSP

has also announced plans to host three public consultation events, with additional focus groups to be organised across the county. These sessions will enable individuals, community organisations, service providers, and interest groups to contribute insights and highlight emerging issues.

The partnership aims to gather as much information as possible to ensure that the resulting plan is informed, inclusive, and representative.

During the meeting, the LCSP formally launched the ‘Roscommon Safety

Information Morning’, a free taking place on Monday, April 29th, in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Tailored specifically for residents aged 55 and over, the event will bring together expert speakers from An Garda Síochána, Roscommon Fire Services, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Attendees will have access to a variety of information stands, offering practical guidance, safety resources, and opportunities to engage directly with service providers.

The Safety Information

Cutting key supports very unwise given challenges ahead – IFA

IFA

Rural Development Chair John Curran has called on Government to stop withdrawing key supports to farmers who are working to boost on-farm environmental sustainability and protect water quality.

“Farming is always in the spotlight when it comes to where we are on our environmental journey given its economic importance nationally. Recent EPA reports show that improvements are being made, but it’s not the time for Government to be diluting available supports. It’s strengthening what we have to build on the momentum that’s needed,” he said.

“The popular Liming Scheme has been discontinued without replacement. In recent weeks, both the Multispecies Sward scheme and the Red Clover Scheme, which were ‘under review’ per Budget 2026, have been removed from the 2026 BISS applications without notice.

“We also heard that Rank & Selection will be applied to Tranche 10 of TAMS, with lower ambition for key climate initiatives. Now only one in ten solar applications will be approved and support will be reduced to only on-farm consumption. Similarly, only one in ten

Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) applications will be approved.”

IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said, “Of even more concern is the news that the Department now only plan to support 60% of grant applications under the Animal Welfare and Nutrient Management Scheme. This absolutely flies in the face of commitments this Government has given to help farmers put in additional slurry storage to help protect water quality.

“Given prevailing uncertainty and price pressures across many farm sectors, a hit to these supports will discourage farmers from undertaking key on-farm investments. It’s sending the wrong message,” he said.

“We have to support farmers who want to carry out investments in these key areas. Instead, the Department seems intent on doing the opposite. If their budget is being depleted, then other Departments, some of whom are getting the benefits from onfarm solar investments, need to pony up and fill the shortfall.”

John Curran concluded: “It can’t always fall back on the farmers that they aren’t doing enough, especially when political decisions are being made to erode key financial supports in this space.”

aims to support older adults in staying safe at home, on the road, and in their

‘Suspend carbon tax amid soaring energy costs’

IFA President Francie Gorman has called on the Minister for Finance Simon Harris to immediately suspend carbon tax due to the daily escalating energy costs for farmers, agricultural contractors and the wider economy.

He said farm businesses and contractors are particularly vulnerable as there is no viable alternative to diesel to power farm machinery.

“Energy prices have already escalated due to the conflict in the Middle East. While the Government cannot stop rising international oil and gas prices due to this conflict, they can significantly help stabilise energy prices here by removing the additional cost of carbon tax,” outlined the IFA President.

“Energy costs have an impact on every facet of the economy from transport to home heating costs. Irish electricity costs are already the highest in Europe; that is why it is even more critical that the Government acts rapidly to try to minimise any further price increases,” continued Francie Gorman.

Irish agriculture is highly reliant on diesel, which has carbon tax of approximately 17 cent per litre. Natural gas and LPG gas, which is heavily used in the poultry sector, is also subject to significant carbon tax charges. Agricultural contractors are also heavily impacted by carbon tax costs, which a further indirect cost impact on farmers.

IFA Farm Business Chair Bill O’Keeffe said the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tariffs on nitrogen fertiliser should also be immediately suspended by the EU Commission.

In January, the European Commission said that it could temporarily suspend CBAM tariffs if there is evidence of market disruption.

“It is clear that the EU fertiliser market will be disrupted as a sizeable amount of global

Carrick Bull Sales to mark 100 years

The Midland & Western Livestock Improvement Society Shows and Sales, taking place on Saturday, April 4th and Saturday, April 11th at The Showgrounds, Carrick-on-Shannon (N41 YX82), will mark the Society’s 100th year in existence.

On April 4th, there will be 106 Angus bulls on show and for sale, along with 10 heifers, six Hereford bulls and one heifer, and seven Shorthorn bulls and 11 heifers.

The Society is honoured to have received recognition from the Royal Dublin Society for its 100 years of service to pedigree breeding. RDS medals will be presented on April 4th to the Champion Angus Heifer, Champion Hereford Bull, and Champion Shorthorn Bull.

The Society itself will also present special medals on the day to the Champion Angus Bull, Champion Hereford Heifer, and Champion Shorthorn Heifer.

The Show and Sale on Saturday, April 11th will comprise Charolais and Limousin bulls and heifers. Special medals will be presented to the champions by the Crowe family, Carrick-on-Shannon, in memory of Tom Crowe (RIP), who served as the Society’s veterinary surgeon for many years.

The Society is also delighted that restrictions on exporting to Northern Ireland have been lifted, and hopes to welcome its many Northern Ireland buyers back to Carrick-on-Shannon on April 4th and 11th.

The Society has also finalised the dates for the Carrick Winter Fair 2026. Monday, November 16th is set for Senior Cattle and Bull Weanlings (Show and Sale), while Sunday, November 22nd will host the show, followed by the sale of all Heifer Weanlings on Monday, November 23rd.

fertiliser

through the

it is now imperative that our Minister for Agriculture pushes the EU Commission for the immediate suspension of CBAM tariffs on fertiliser,” said Mr O’Keeffe.

Bungalow in Kilglass new to market with Sheehy Meares

Amanda McNeill of Sheehy Meares

Real Estate is delighted to present to the market this spacious five-bedroomed, detached bungalow, located at Killastalliff, Kilglass, Co Roscommon (F42CK24).

The property sits on a generous site of approximately 1.35 acres (0.55 hectares) in a peaceful countryside setting close to Kilglass Lake, and offers bright and well-proportioned accommodation, together with a large detached garage.

Constructed in 2002 and extending to approximately 234 square metres (2,531 square feet), this impressive home provides spacious accommodation and is ideally suited to family living. The living accommodation includes a spacious kitchen and dining area, featuring a bay window and patio

doors leading to the garden, creating a bright and welcoming space ideal for both everyday living and entertaining.

The sitting room features a marble fireplace, which provides an attractive focal point within the room. The property also includes a main family bathroom, together with an additional shower room and WC located off the utility area.

The bedroom accommodation is particularly impressive, with four of the five bedrooms benefiting from ensuite bathrooms. The master bedroom also features a bay window, which enhances the sense of space and natural light together with its own ensuite bathroom. In addition to the bedroom accommodation, the property includes a separate study, which would be ideal as a home office/study.

Externally, the property occupies a generous site extending to approximately 1.35 acres (0.55 hectares), with ample parking and garden space surrounding the home. The detached garage provides excellent storage or workshop potential.

Situated close to Kilglass Lake, the property enjoys a peaceful countryside setting while remaining conveniently located within easy driving distance of Strokestown, Longford, and Roscommon towns.

Viewing is highly recommended. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sheehy Meares Team Earley (Stonecourt, Roscommon) on 090 6626579, email info@sheehymeares.ie, log onto sheehymeares. ie, or contact the auctioneer Amanda directly on 086 1408613.

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

Culture&ARTS

Annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival begins on Friday

The 62nd annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival will run from this 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 programme provides 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) 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.

Competition

Young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process gets underway.

Pictured is preliminary adjudicator, Eoin Butler admiring one of the entries received from Roscommon this year – a work entitled ‘Nanny Mary’ by a pupil from Mercy College, Roscommon.

Winners in six age categories plus one category reserved exclusively for young artists with additional needs, will be announced in mid-April.

Now celebrating its 72nd year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited –the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.

Solas Art Gallery’s 19th annual spring group exhibition

Solas Art Gallery, located within The Island Theatre in Ballinamore, is delighted to announce that its 19th annual spring group exhibition will open at 7.30 pm on this Friday, March 20th.

This year’s exhibition brings together an inspiring mix of established and newly emerging artists, showcasing a rich diversity of creative voices. Featuring works across a range of styles and mediums, from striking paintings to finely crafted embroidery, the exhibition offers visitors a compelling insight into the breadth of contemporary artistic practice.

The curated collection includes works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, photography, poetry, linocut and mixed media. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the themes and emotions explored throughout the exhibition.

More than a celebration of individual talent, the spring group exhibition highlights the spirit of creativity and collaboration within the artistic community. It stands as a testament to the vitality and diversity of contemporary art, offering an engaging and enriching experience for all who attend.

All are welcome to join at 7.30 pm on Friday, March 20th, for the official opening by Leitrim-based visual artist Louis McLoughlin. The exhibition will run until May 1st 2026. Refreshments will be served.

ENTERTAINMENT Culture&ARTS

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

Drama Festival brings people together and ‘creates something special’

Speaking at the official opening of the 2026 Roscommon Drama Festival, committee chairperson

Mairead Nally said the committee was truly honoured to have Paula Dempsey as Adjudicator, highlighting her “insight, encouragement and thoughtful critique.”

A special welcome was extended by the chairperson to Canon Eugene McLoughlin, who as President of the festival over the past number of years has helped ensure its success and continues to take a very active interest in all aspects of the annual event.

The festival was officially opened by Roscommon native Anthony Keigher who has burst onto the drama scene both nationally and internationally.

Anthony expressed his delight at being asked to perform the honours, quipping that “anyone who has organised anything in theatre knows it’s an act of heroism that looks suspiciously like madness.”

Speaking of the special guest, Ms Nally said: “Despite his youth, Anthony has made an

outstanding contribution to theatre as actor, director, producer and playwright, bringing talent, creativity and dedication to every role.”

Paying tribute to the festival committee, Anthony said: “Festivals like this don’t just appear. They take an enormous amount of work, patience and goodwill. It brings people together and

creates something special for the community here in Roscommon.

“Theatre is community” he added. “It’s where we tell the stories of our lives – the joy, the struggles, the losses – and we share them with one another.”

*A very successful festival ended last Saturday night. Report and photos in our next issue.

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

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KEARNEY’S CHEMIST

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For appointment, phone: (089) 4142233

• 20 years experience •

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

Dylan Byrne DIP CHFP Tel: 089 2551716 or Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP Tel: 087 2982214

1/2 days a week for maintenance work on farm. Reply to PO box 3133 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon, F42 XH58

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SOMERS WILLIAM (WILLIE)

Moylough, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

In loving memory of William (Willie) Somers Who passed away on 23rd March 2025 (1st Anniversary)

A year has passed since you left us, yet it feels like only yesterday we said goodbye. Life has changed in many ways, but the love we have for you will never change. You were a wonderful person who brought warmth, laughter and kindness to everyone around you. We hold onto the many happy memories we shared, the conversations, the smiles, the simple moments that meant so much. Those memories now bring comfort and remind us how lucky we were to have you in our lives. You are deeply missed every day and remembered always.

Remembered with love by your wife Mary, sons Michael and Sean, daughters Brid and Ann Marie, sons in law, daughters in laws and beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass for Willie will be held in St Patrick’s Church Moylough on 22nd March at 10am

MURRAY

Michael and Ruth Kilmore, Athleague (9th and 33rd Anniversary)

Remembering our special parents with love.

Always loved, missed and remembered by Marie and Shane and their partners Gabriel and Shevaun.

Anniversary Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Sunday 12th April at 10.00 am.

Individually Designed and Printed

COSTELLO

Tom

(TC)

The Spinney and formerly of Abbey Street, Roscommon Town Who passed away on 21 March 2025 (1st Anniversary)

A silent thought A quiet prayer For a special person In God’s care. Sadly missed along lifes way, but quietly remembered every day. Always remembered and cherished by your partner Helen. Masses o ered.

HARRINGTON

Frank

Ballinafad House, Strokestown/Athleague, Roscommon

Who passed away on 21st March 2024 (2nd Anniversary)

You always had a smile to share, A laugh, a joke, and time to care. A kindly nature, warm and true, Those are the memories we have of you.

Loved and remembered by your family Breedge, Mary, William and Helen.

Frank’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Strokestown Parish Church on Sunday 22nd March at 11.30am.

MORAN

Michael

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

HOLIAN

Tom

Racecourse Rd, Roscommon. (20th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 24th March 2006

Quietly today your memory is kept, no need for words we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you are always there

Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly missed by Nuala and family.

DAD

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

Forever in our hearts, Caroline, Richie, Ben, Seán and Rebecca. xxx

DAD

Like a shadow in the moonlight, like the whisper of the seas, like the echoes of a melody just beyond our reach. In the shadow of our sorrow, past the whisper of goodbye, love shines through eternity a heart beat from our eye.

Always remembered and missed Kathleen, Robert, Ella and Robyn. xxx Mass is o ered.

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IS TUESDAYS AT 2.00 pm

FALLON

Joe Gardenfort, Dysart, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Joe who died 21st March 2022 R.I.P.

BRENNAN

Claire

(12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Claire, Lisgobbin, Roscommon, who died on 4th March 2014.

In loving memory of Michael who passed away on 24th March 2017

We thought of you with love today, But that is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday, And days before that too. We think of you in silence, We often speak your name, All we have are memories, And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake, With which we will never part. God has you in His keeping, We have you in our heart.

Missed always by his wife Bridie, sons, daughters, and extended family.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague on Saturday, 21st March at 7pm.

DALTON

(Née Cregg)

Bridgie Brookvale Avenue, Roscommon Town and formerly Ballymore, Boyle, Co. Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Bridgie Dalton who passed away on March 20th 2022.

It matters not how days are spent, nor what in life we do, As morning dawns and evening falls, our thoughts, they turn to you. We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk beside us throughout life, until we meet again.

Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family.

Bridgie’s Anniversary Mass takes place on Saturday, March 28th 2026, at 10am in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon Town.

We think of you in silence

We often speak your name

But all we have are memories

And your picture in a frame.

Your resting place we visit

And put flowers there with care

But no one knows the heartache

As we turn and leave you there

Loved, remembered, and sadly missed by his wife Una, daughters Aoife, Aisling, Sinead, Roisin and son Peter.

Joe’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Sunday, April 5th in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy.

DONOGHUE

Michael (Mick)

Fairymount, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grand-father who died on the 25th of March 2020 (6th Anniversary)

If we could write a story, it would be the greatest story ever told, of a kind and loving person, who had a heart of gold. We could write a million pages, but still, be unable to say, just how much we love and miss him, every single day.

Loved and sadly missed every day, by his wife Mary, daughter Maria, sons Adrian, Gerard, Richie, and Damien, daughters-in-law and 18 grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 21st of March at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Ballagh.

Softly the leaves of memory fall, gently we gather and treasure them all.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Sean, daughters Lorraine and Alma, sons John and Gary, grand-daughter Laura, John’s partner Jannette, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday March 21st at 12 noon in Strokestown Parish Church

KERINS

Donal Church Street, Strokestown (18th Anniversary)

and family. Masses o ered.

FAMILY NOTICES

CAMPBELL

Brian

Westway, Galway Road, Roscommon Town

Who passed away on February 15th 2026

We, Brian’s family – Catríona, Shane, Kate, Jamie, his sister Margaret and extended family – would like to thank everyone who has helped us through this di cult time. Thank you to our neighbours and friends who called to our house, brought food and sent messages, cards and online condolences and to the many people who travelled from near and far to attend the Reposal and Funeral or joined online. Thank you all for your kind and sincere words, your friendship and support gave us great comfort.

Thank you to Fr. Joe Fitzgerald for the lovely service and celebration of Brian’s life and to Enya Reilly for her beautiful singing and music.

To Smyth’s Funeral Directors – thank you to Pat, Gillian and John for their professionalism and respect and also to the Gravediggers who so beautifully prepared Brian’s nal resting place.

Sincere thanks to An Garda Síochána Retired Members Association and the members of Roscommon Golf Club for the guards of honour on his arrival and departure from the Sacred Heart Church.

Thank you to the sta of Hannon’s Hotel for the lovely meal and hospitality shown to us.

Thanks to everyone who helped care for Brian throughout his illness. The sta of the Claddagh Ward in University Hospital Galway, his GP Dr. David Harrison and Public Health Nurses Margaret and Martina, David and his team at Hynes pharmacy, neighbours and friends who were so kind and helpful to him, volunteer drivers from the Irish Cancer Society and of course his exceptional and dedicated carers, in particular Ann and also Rose. Thanks to all the sta of The Sacred Heart Nursing Home who warmly welcomed and looked after Brian whenever he visited his beloved Catherine there.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be o ered for your intentions.

Month’s Mind Mass for Brian will be celebrated on Sunday March 22nd at 11.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

CARLEY

Agnes (née Nerney)

Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 28th March, 2025.

The family of the late Agnes Carley would like to acknowledge the care and kindness shown to her over the course of her short illness and the outpouring of support we received following the passing of our dear Mother and Grandmother.

We extend our deepest thanks to all who visited, shared memories, o ered words of comfort, assisted with many tasks, and attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. Our gratitude extends also to family members and friends who travelled long distances to pay their respects and be of support.

Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent mass cards, letters, cards of sympathy, phoned with their condolences, left messages of sympathy on RIP.ie and donated to Roscommon Hospice.

We greatly appreciate the professionalism of Agnes’ GP and the care team at Roscommon University Hospital. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Palliative Care Nurses in Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Words can’t do justice to the comfort she received here and the peace of mind we felt as a result.

The Funeral Mass was a wonderful and thoughtful celebration of Agnes’ life – our sincere gratitude to the celebrants, Fr Victor Samugana, Fr Eamon Conaty, Fr Michael Breslin, Fr Ciaran Whitney, Fr Eugene McLoughlin, Fr Gerard Cryan and Fr Vincent Brennan for their contributions and support to our family. We thank the Eucharistic Minister James Bracken and the Servers for their assistance on the day. Music was an important part of Agnes’ life and the choir and the traditional musicians provided a tting tribute. We would especially like to thank Fr Eamonn Conaty, Fr Kevin Fallon, Fr Eugene McLoughlin and Fr Sean Beirne who prayed with Agnes and administered the sacraments to her in her nal days. Their consistent kindness and compassion towards Agnes have not gone unnoticed.

Pat McHugh Funeral Directors handled Agnes’ removal with their customary unobtrusive e ciency. We extend our thanks also to the members of the local community who prepared Cuan Mhuire for the removal and Agnes’ nal resting place with the utmost care and respect. The beautifully unique tradition of a guard of honour was solemnly observed by the community at the removal and again en route to Ballinderry Cemetery. We thank the Garda Síochána for their e cient tra c management outside the church.

We are eternally grateful to our wonderful neighbours and friends. The generosity of heart and spirit, the outpouring of love, o erings and assistance were nothing short of amazing and the epitome of Irish kindness.

At Agnes’ First Anniversary Mass we will remember you all in our prayers.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

GAVIGAN

Ronan

Doorty, Four Mile House, Roscommon. In loving memory of Ronan, who passed away on 25th March 2024 (2nd Anniversary)

Ronan, you taught us all Life is a Gift and it is truely measured.

To us this is a teaching, that is very dearly treasured.

You made each day count, never squandered it. To us this was a learning.

We struggle to celebrate your life, When your presence we are yearning.

Forever in our thoughts and prayers we are lost without you!

Love mam, dad, your brothers, sister, extended family and friends.

Ronan’s Second Anniversary Mass will take place at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima on Wednesday, March 25th.

The Holy Sacri ce of the Mass will be o ered and candles lit for all your intentions.

CARLEY

Grange, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon

Patrick (8th Anniversary) Agnes (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear father (Patrick) who died on 29th March 2018

And our dear mother (Agnes) who died on 28th March 2025

Although you sleep in Heaven now, You are not that far away, Our hearts are full of memories, And you are with us every day.

Rest in peace until we meet on Heaven’s golden shore.

Loved and dearly missed by Ann-Marie, Rosaleen, Bryan, Frances, Pio, Regina, Ronan, extended families and grandchildren

Anniversary Mass will take place in St Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday, 29th March 2026 at 11am

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.

HAND

John (Johnny)

Carnvalley, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 26th of March 2018

Loving thoughts of times together, memories that will last forever, sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered everyday.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm in Strokestown Parish Church.

GUCKIAN

Patrick

Essex Lawn, Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

Who passed away on the 23rd March 2019

Quietly today your memory is kept. No need for words, we will never forget. No longer in our lives to share. But in our hearts you are always there.

Loved and remembered always by your wife Teresa, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Mass o ered.

• Anniversary Remembrance

• Acknowledgements

• Birthday Remembrance FAMILY

Phone: (090) 66 34633

Email: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

BURKE Sybil

Turrock, Dysart

Who died on March 30th last, 2025.

The family of the late Sybil Burke who died peacefully on March 30th 2025, wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all of those who supported and sympathised with us on our sad bereavement.

To our wonderful neighbours, who were at our sides during those di cult days and assisted us with receiving and catering for all those who called to the house.

To our extended family who steadfastly supported us in hospital and at home in the days before and after Mum’s sad departure. For this we will be eternally grateful.

Our thanks to all who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial, giving us unforgettable consolation, many travelling long distances to be with us at that sad time. We also wish to thank the many people who sent Mass Cards and messages of sympathy.

We sincerely thank Fr Francis Beirne for his support throughout, for his home visits to Mum, his kind assistance with the Funeral preparations and for his heartfelt words and comforting homily at the Funeral Mass.

We want to thank the organist and singer, Darren Lane, family relation and frequent visitor to Mum, for his warm and meaningful contribution to the Funeral Mass. We also want to thank all those who did readings, said prayers of the faithful, or participated in any other way. We wish to thank Dr Martin Daly and Dr Miriam Daly for providing Mum with attentive care on many occassions throughout the years.

We also wish to thank Ms Ada Coyle and the sta of The Medical Hall, Ballygar, for their kindness, help and advice over the many years of Mum’s care. Sincere thanks to Mum’s many carers over the course of her illness, especially in the later years, Martina Gately, Bernie Kelly, Carol O Connor, Mary Connolly and Teresa Dolan.

We also wish to thank the co-ordinators of Family Carer’s Ireland, Roscommon and Roscommon Home Services.

Sincere thanks to Michael Dempsey, Undertaker, Ballyforan, for his professionalism, empathy and understanding at all times with the Funeral arrangements.

We also wish to thank the Gravediggers, again our kind neighbours who thoughtfully prepared Mum’s nal resting place.

Our thanks also to John and Noleen Fallon and sta , Fallon’s Bar and Lounge Ballygar for providing lunch for the Gravediggers.

We will always remember and be grateful to Doctors, Nurses and sta of St Joseph’s Ward and subsequently, Garbally Ward, Portiuncula Hospital who cared for Mum during her time there, most especially the considerate way they accommodated us, day and night, during those di cult weeks. We particularly wish to mention the Palliative and Pastoral Care Team who always made Mum as comfortable as possible and provided us with daily support.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation.

First Anniversary Mass on Sunday, 29th March, at 11 am in the Church of Christ the Good Shepherd, Four Roads. Rest In Peace

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS

• Superior Quality Headstones

• Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added CONTACT HAZEL 087 6758874

LYONS

Maisie and Frank Runnamoat, Roscommon. (3rd and 18th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Maisie and Frank Lyons

In our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Happy memories we will always treasure, they will stay with us forever.

Always remembered by their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass Sunday 22nd March at 11am in Ballinaheglish Church

BEATTY

Michael and Kathleen Drinane, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Kathleen died 20/03/96, (30th Anniversary) Michael died 16/05/00 (26th Anniversary)

Those we love don’t go away They walk with us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. Still loved, still missed, still very dear. Mass has been o ered.

www.brianmuraystone.com E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to:

Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Don’t worry if you do not have a credit card. We value your business over the years and will make arrangements for payment at a later stage.

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. K.McL.

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 speci c 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.

PLANNING NOTICES

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Chris Hurley intends to apply for Permission to construct a three bay single slatted cattle 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 offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Chris Hurley

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Fergal Flynn intends to apply for RETENTION PERMISSION for development at this site: Ballyfeeny Townland, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon, F42 EW08, for the following:

1. Seek for Temporary Retention of a Specialized Support Unit for a period of 7 years. The unit is used for ancillary therapeutic and educational purposes in support of a state-mandated Foster Care Program. 2. Retention of the existing wastewater connection from this unit to the on-site treatment system. 3. Retain minor elevational alterations to 2 existing outbuildings: Outbuilding 1: Enclosure of the front elevation with new blockwork wall and new entrance door; Outbuilding 2: Installation of a new leanto roof structure. 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, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Ivens Lira (Agent/Planning Consultant) Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 083-0482643. Email: ilir78@hotmail.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, The Ballyforan Area Transition Team, intend to apply for outline permission for development at this site at Claremont House, Ballyforan, County Roscommon. The development will consist of the re-development of the site for a public amenity to include change of use of the existing grounds to a public park, change of use of the existing derelict coach house to a Community Centre and change of use of the existing derelict detached dwelling to a Public Park Pavilion.

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

Signed: Luke Mandle Accelerating Change Together Unit B2.02 Ballina

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Aoife Hanley, am applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to demolish rear shed and make minor alternations to an existing cottage and construct a single story rear extension and all ancillary site development works at Killukin, Mullaghmore, Carrick on Shannon, Co Roscommon, N41X856. 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of 20euros within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grand permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: (Agent).

Ph: 089 243 6908 Email: evan@henmandesign.com Web: www.henmandesign.ie

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Rose Flynn intends to apply for RETENTION PERMISSION for development at this site: Ballyfeeny Townland, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon, for the following: 1. Seek for Retention of existing agricultural gate and entrance from public road (R-371). 2. Retention of an existing hardstanding surface and fencing on lands. 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, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Ivens Lira (Agent/Planning Consultant) Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 083-0482643. Email: ilir78@hotmail.com

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 speci c 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.

DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISING IS TUESDAYS AT 2.00 pm

Ireland retain Prestbury Cup at Cheltenham

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Cheltenham: Yesterday week Willie Mullins and Paul Townend combined to win the feature Champion Chase with Il Etait Temps at 5/2, adding to their win in the opening day’s Champion Hurdle with Lossimouth. Last Thursday, the Dawn Run Mares Novice Hurdle was won by an outsider, 40/1 shot White Noise, ridden by Tom Bellamy for Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls.

In the Jack Richards Novice Handicap Chase, Meetmebythesea, trained by Ben Pauling, was carried to victory by Ben Jones at 9/1. The first of the Grade 1 races, the Mares Hurdle, went to one of the Irish bankers in Wodhooh, ridden by Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott. The punters’ joy was short-lived as next up, the Stayers’ Hurdle, provided another Irish win when Home By The Lee won for trainer Joseph O’Brien and jockey JJ Slevin at 33/1.

Heart Wood provided the 3rd Grade 1 victory for the Irish with Henry de Bromhead training and Darragh O’Keeffe steering the 9/2 shot which beat the favourite, 2/1 shot Jonbon. The second favourite of the day to win came in the penultimate Pertemps Handicap Hurdle with Supremely West winning for the Skelton brothers, Dan and Harry.

Racing came to a close with Ask Brewster (21 to 1) beating Road To Home by a neck in the amateur riders Kim Muir Handicap Chase. The winner is trained by Cath Williams and ridden by Shane Cotter and the

runner-up is trained by Willie Mullins.

At the end of day 3 Ireland held a lead in the Prestbury Cup of 11 wins to 10 over the British trained horses, with all down to the final day.

The Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle opened on Friday with a Mullins winner but it wasn’t profitable for the punters. Of the 20 runners, nine were trained by Mullins and he won with 50/1 outsider Apolon De Charnie, ridden by son Patrick from Maestro Conti and Minella Study, both trained in Britain. Another father and son team were on the mark in the County Hurdle as Jonjo O’Neill’s 14/1 shot Wilful won with his son, also Jonjo, in the saddle.

Mullins was on the mark again in the Mares Chase but this time with the well backed 11/8 favourite Dino Blue, ridden by Mark Walsh for JP McManus (retaining his title). The Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Hurdle was won by the Jamie Snowden trained Johnny’s Jury at 20/1, beating the Irish trained pair of Fruit De Mer and The Passing Wife.

A field of 10 faced the starter in the Blue Riband, with four of them Irish trained. Victory in the feature race went to the WP Mullins trained Gaelic Warrior, 11/4jf, with Paul Townend doing the honours. Spare a thought for Patrick Mullins who was to ride the winner until Townend’s intended mount Galopin Des Champs was withdrawn. Jango Baie, the other joint favourite, was 2nd and the champion, Inothewayurthinkin, came with a late

run to finish 3rd. A very sad note to this race as de Bromhead’s 12-Y-O Envoi Allen, racing for the last time, finished in 9th and then on the way back to the unsaddling enclosure collapsed and died.

In the ‘amateur’ Gold Cup, The Foxhunters, Barton Snow just held on by a neck from It’s On The Line to win under Henry Crow with Derek O’Connor on the runner-up, repeating last year’s effort.

Going into the final race of the festival, the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, Ireland had retained the Prestbury Cup as holders as Britain could only match the total of 14. In the finale, Air Of Entitlement, winner of the Dawn Run Mares Novice Hurdle last year, won again for Henry de Bromhead and Patrick O’Brien, Ireland winning the Prestbury Cup 15 to 13. Mullins won the trainers title for the 13th time with eight winners,

St John’s advance in FAI Junior Cup

SOCCER: Roscommon & District League Premier Division side St John’s Athletic will join Cloonfad United in round two of this season’s FAI Junior Cup following a comfortable 4-0 win over the Mayo League side Ballyvary Blue Bombers at Lecarrow on Sunday.

Tommy Hurley and Stephen Francis gave the winners a 2-0 lead at half-time and Rob Keenan and Tommy Hurley added two more after the break.

Premier Division

In the only game played in the Premier Division, Castlerea Celtic kept their hopes of catching the leaders St John’s Athletic alive thanks to a hardearned 3-2 win over Moore United at Castlerea. Jayden Tumulty gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with Kailin Barlow equalising. Charles Nevin restored the Moore lead just before half-time. Pedro Jailes and Kailin Barlow scored for Castlerea in the second half, and they held on to take all three points.

Division Two

In Division Two, Glen Celtic remain ten points clear at the top with the race for second place close. Just two points separate Ballyboro, Carrick Town, Cam Celtic/Dysart and Boyle Celtic B.

Ballyboro had a comfortable 6-1 win over Roscommon United’s first team. David and Aidan Dooney both netted two.

Carrick Town beat Lough Harps 8-2 at Ballinlough, Dhurgham Abdullrazzaq scoring a brace. Cam Celtic/

beat Moore B 2-0 at Dysart, David Cummins and David Cunniffe on the scoresheet. Boyle Celtic B received a walkover against Castlerea Celtic B. Despite terrible conditions, Cloonfad United B and St Cuan’s-Ahascragh were involved in a seven-goal thriller at Cloonfad, with the home team winning 4-3.

Daniel Fagan gave Cloonfad an early lead with a penalty. Darrell Finn levelled. Ryan Merchant restored the Cloonfad lead two minutes into the second half and Sean Keadin made it 3-1 from the penalty spot. Paddy Mongan made it 3-2 but Liam Fleming scored a fourth for Cloonfad. Paddy Kennedy closed the gap to a single score with six minutes remaining but the visitors just couldn’t get an equaliser.

Roscommon United’s second side lost 7-4 to Ballinagare. Aaron Dowd scored four for the winners with Jack Cronin also in hat-trick mode, getting three for the losers.

Women’s soccer

Castlerea Celtic women’s team made the journey to Galway where they played the powerful Salthill Devon side in the quarter-final of the Women’s Connacht Cup. The game went ahead under terrible conditions with Castlerea losing 5-0.

In the Women’s Connacht Shield, Ballaghaderreen are through to the semi-finals following a good 4-1 win away at a very wet and windy Aughanagh.

In the same competition, Kilkerrin United were unlucky to lose 1-0 at home to a good Moyne Villa side.

from Newbury, including the Grade 2 British EBF Mares Hurdle. They are also covering four races from Kelso and one from Bangor-on-Dee. Last Wednesday week the Grade 3 Quevega Hurdle was won by Grainne A Chroi, trained in Cork by Marie Harding and ridden by JP Shinnick at 16/1.

Racing News

Townend was leading jockey with six wins and McManus the leading owner with four winners. Roll on next year.

This week’s racing

This week’s racing is due to start today (Thursday) at Cork at 2.30 pm continuing tomorrow evening on the all-weather at Dundalk from 4.37 pm. Saturday sees racing at Navan, featuring the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase at 1.55 pm. Racing on Sunday afternoon is over the sticks at Limerick with the Grade 3 Hugh McMahon Novice Chase –first race at 1.53 pm – and on the flat at Naas starting at 1.35 pm and featuring the Listed Irish Stallion Farms Devoy Stakes. There is no Irish racing on Monday or Tuesday.

The full Wolverhampton all-weather card on Friday is being covered by ITV4, starting at 5.30 pm. On Saturday, ITV are covering five races

Once again there were too many false starts at the festival last week and this is not acceptable in national hunt racing, especially at Cheltenham. Then there was the high profile spat between Irish amateur Declan Queally and British jockey Nico de Boinville in which it is alleged de Boinville made a racist comment. This is under investigation by the British Board of Racing and even though the pair made up on TV it is hoped that this will not be swept under the carpet. Racism is racism and is never acceptable.

Five Cheltenham winners that could appear at Aintree are Padraig Roche’s Saratoga, easy winner of the Fred Winter, who could feature in the Grade 1 Juvenile race. Lossiemouth could go to retain her Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle but also has Punchestown in her sights. Gavin Cromwell could aim the impressive cross-country winner Final Orders at the Grand National. Willie Mullins and Il Etait Temps might try to repeat last year’s Aintree and Punchestown double in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase and the Barberstown Castle Novice Chase. Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh, winner of the Mares Hurdle, could make an appearance in the Aintree Hurdle where she might meet her 2025 conqueror – Lossiemouth – again.

Short putts

CARRICK-ON-SHANNON

DRIVE-IN: Our Captains Drive-In is this Sunday, March 22nd. Monica and Frank will tee off at 12 noon. Mixed Scramble format. Please enter your name on timesheet. We wish Monica and Frank good luck for the year ahead.

SPRING LEAGUE: The Flynn’s Spring League 2026 is complete, with 140 participants. It was a fantastic start to the season. Your support is hugely appreciated. The winning team was as follows: Mary Blake, Mary O’Shea, Damien Quigley, Niall Loftus, Cathal Dowd, Noel McKenna, Kevin Gilboy, James Deane, Enda McDermott, Mark McGovern.

Runners-up were Autumn Wood, Terrie Gray, John Coffey, Keith Tighe, Fiachra Neary, Sean Walsh, Frank Duffy, David Kilcoyne, Leo Noone, Stephen McGuinness. LADIES’ LESSONS: The programme for the ‘Ladies get into Golf’ starts on Tuesday, April 14th. Coaching with a PGA professional. Club membership included. Activities with club members.

JOHN BURKE (RIP): It is with deep sadness that we heard of the death of our very popular senior member John Burke, of Riverdale, Knockvicar, County Roscommon. John was the PRO of our seniors. We in the golf club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to John’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.

CASTLEREA

COMPETITIONS: Winner of the recent men’s competition was Emmett Patten. Runner-up was Thomas Hester (on countback) and in 3rd place was Sean O’Connell. Ann Breslin won the ladies competition and Maura Kelly was runner-up. Congratulations to all.

The results of the Eco Smart External Insulation sponsored competitions, played between March 14th and 17th, will be published next week.

The competitions to be played from March 21st-24th are sponsored by Scahill Expert & HouseHold Store, Patrick Street, Castlerea. Thank you to our competition sponsors.

LOTTO: Recent winners were Patrick O’Connor, Barry Egan, Jamie Flannery, Paraic Gorham and Matthew Masterson. Each receive €100. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who support the club’s lotto.

Roscommon have sights on league final after win over Kildare

Centra Camogie League Division 3A Roscommon 1-9 Kildare 0-8

< KEVIN EGAN at Manguard Park, Hawkfield

Roscommon camógs don’t have a game of their own this weekend so Mary Grehan and her players will all be Kildare supporters for the day on Saturday, cheering on the Lilywhites in their final round robin game at home to Tyrone.

Should the Short Grass county prevail by any margin up to and including nine points, Roscommon will take second place in Division 3A and so will qualify for a league final against Armagh. A draw or a win will put Tyrone into the decider against their neighbours, while Kildare aren’t entirely without hope, albeit they need to win by ten points or more to leapfrog the Rossies.

Roscommon were more efficient, more controlled and for that reason they were full value for their four-point win in Hawkfield last Saturday, but Rob O’Neill will still go into the Tyrone game with some sense of hope about how different things could have gone were it not for nine wides, four missed goal chances and the fact that they had to operate with just 14 players for 46 minutes of the game.

If the 14 minutes when the sides both had 15 players on the field was anything to go by, Kildare were well on course for victory. Even allowing for the breeze that was blowing at their backs, they looked like the more efficient team.

Caoimhe Ní Buirchéal opened the scoring when she collected after a clever pass from Louise Murphy and split the posts with a neat shot over her left shoulder. By the midway point in the first half, she and Aoife Stynes had two points each on the board, Stynes landing her scores from a decent distance out to push Kildare 0-4 to 0-1 ahead.

Then an off the ball clash between Allie McGrath and Roscommon corner-back

Anna Hussey led to referee Alan Doheny consulting with his umpires and showing a straight red card to the Kildare cornerforward, and suddenly Roscommon’s path back into the game was laid out for them.

The history of Gaelic games is littered with examples of teams that failed to exploit their extra player in situations like this, however to Roscommon’s credit, they never looked like falling into this trap.

Hussey moved up into the forward line with Rachel Fitzmaurice dropping deeper to offer cover and initiate attacks from deep. With Erin McDermott and Mairéad Lohan anchoring the defence brilliantly, and holding their own in their personal battles with the main attacking threats on the Kildare team, Roscommon had the platform they needed.

Kildare too defended well and so a scoring drought followed, but the home side’s attacking fluency had been shattered and two scores before half-time turned the game Roscommon’s way.

Orla Connolly pointed a free before Áine O’Meara and Grace Geraghty combined in the right corner of the attack to set up Rachel Fitzmaurice, who fired the ball to the roof of the net from the edge of the square.

With a one-point lead, the breeze behind them and an extra player, Roscommon had the ideal foundations in place, but instead they played second fiddle for most of the second half, leaning all the more heavily on their defence to keep them in the game in the face of relentless pressure.

Fitzmaurice and Connolly picked off points to keep Roscommon ahead, but much more important was the absence of a Kildare goal – and it wasn’t for the want of chances.

Ní Buirchéal had ground shots in both halves that didn’t test the ‘keeper,

A lot at stake for hurlers this weekend

< SEAMUS DUKE

A draw or a win in their vital final group game against Donegal would see Roscommon hurlers promoted to Division Two and into the league final the following weekend. That’s how important this match against Donegal is on Saturday.

If Wicklow defeat Louth (as looks likely) and Donegal were to beat Roscommon, Wicklow and Donegal would be promoted and Roscommon would miss out.

Ahead of a huge match for Roscommon, team manager Brian Hanley has revealed that he has injury concerns.

“Eoin Kiernan, Jack Donnelly and Niall Fleming are definitely out and all those

three are huge losses to us. In addition, Adam Donnelly and Tommy Morris are very doubtful, as is our captain Conor Mulry, who has a back problem.”

Hanley says that Donegal represent a very significant challenge.

“It’s great we are playing them at home but they have beaten Roscommon a number of times in recent years so we know what we are up against. But our lads have been playing well and have been able to dig out the results so far and hopefully that can continue this Saturday.”

The manager is hoping there’s a big turnout of spectators in Hyde Park on Saturday.

“We are hoping for a good support. If we win on Saturday we will be in the final and that will probably be in Hyde Park the following

week, which would be great. But we have to concentrate on this match first. It won’t be easy (to win) but we will give it our best shot,” he concluded.

It’s unfortunate that there are a number of injuries in the Roscommon squad. However, Brian Hanley and his selectors will be hoping for big displays from the likes of Enda Lawless, James Dillon, Micheál Hussey, Darragh Finn, Conor Morris, Paddy Fallon and Seán Canning.

With the Christy Ring Cup coming up soon, Brian Hanley will be hoping for a big display from his team. With home advantage, Roscommon should have an edge. They should be able to win this fixture by a point or two.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Louise Murphy sent a thunderbolt of a shot fizzing a foot to the left of the top corner of the Roscommon net early in the second half, while Lea Sutton blasted a close-range free at the Rossie goal, only to see it deflected over the bar. Every reprieve took Roscommon closer to the finish line, and having braved the storm, late points from Fitzmaurice and Alannah Sutton ensured a happy trip back west.

Roscommon: Michaela Fallon; Michelle Rogers, Mairéad Lohan, Anna Hussey; Aimee O’Connor, Erin McDermott, Sinéad Mannion; Sally Bolger, Orla Connolly (0-5, 0-3f); Grace Geraghty, Grace Jones, Rachel Fitzmaurice (1-3); Oonagh Kelly, Áine O’Meara, Claire McNeill. Subs used: Celine Gacquin for Geraghty (28), Alannah Sutton (0-1) for O’Meara (43), Aideen O’Brien for Mannion (46).

Kildare: Róisín Roche; Shauna Dunne, Áine Conway, Sadhbh Horgan; Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Laoise Mimnagh, Kate Murphy; Louise Murphy, Aoife Stynes (0-2, 0-1f); Rebecca McDermott, Sara Carroll (0-1), Lea Sutton (0-1f); Allie McGrath, Caoimhe Ní Buirchéal (02), Niamh Mortell. Subs used: Sophie Hazzard (0-1) for Mortell (27), Aoife McCarthy for O’Sullivan (43), Laura Edwards (0-1) for L Murphy (43), Aoife McDermott for R McDermott (55). Referee: A. Doheny (Laois).

STAT ATTACK

Wides: Kildare 9; Roscommon 4 Yellow cards: Kildare 0; Roscommon 0 Red cards: Kildare 1 (McGrath, 14); Roscommon 0 Player of the Match: Rachel Fitzmaurice (Roscommon)

SportsPeople

Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs are crowned champions

Last Sunday, in windy, rain-swept Dexcom Stadium, the final of the premier competition in Connacht Rugby, the J1A League, saw Creggs RFC face Dunmore RFC. This was a repeat of last year’s Junior Cup final. It was never going to be an easy assignment for Creggs.

Creggs kicked off into a strong wind in a game in which possession was going to be so important, given the tough conditions. Creggs mounted attack after attack to the Dunmore 22 but a spilled ball or a knock-on would lead to 40-metre clearance kicks.

Dunmore pushed hard in reply with most of the first half played between the two 22s.

Creggs’ best effort saw breaks from Brian Diffley, Eoghan Coyle and Xavier Tavai, the latter stripped in a tackle ten yards short of the try-line.

Another break saw the Creggs backs move the ball at pace with super hands from Cathal Feeley, Mark Purcell and Shane Dowd releasing Mark Dowd who was side-swiped to the ground on the Dunmore 22. Discipline was good and Creggs only gave away one kickable penalty – 45 metres out – the effort bouncing off the posts and being cleared (on 29 minutes). Mark Dowd saw one clearance kick go back 10 metres over his head and on the 40-minute mark he was glad to kick direct to touch for half-time. Eoghan Cahill was injured in the last play and was replaced by the experienced Tom O’Brien.

From the kick-off for the second half Creggs planted themselves in the Dunmore 22 and with the strong wind Dunmore found it was almost impossible to kick to touch further than the 22. Creggs kept the pressure on and attacked through forwards and backs, but were stopped short each time.

On 55 minutes the first score of the game came when Ronan Dowd kicked a penalty for Creggs from 30 metres out.

From the Dunmore kick-off Creggs

BUCCANEERS RFC

ran at pace with James Brandon releasing Dean O’Reilly down the left wing. He was fouled 15 out with Dunmore receiving a yellow card for the shoulder charge tackle. Creggs freshened up the side with Cormac Dolan, Ronan Cahill and Aodan Kelly coming on. On 63 minutes Dunmore breached the defence and Dolan made a try-saving tackle on the Creggs 22. Dunmore won a penalty for an infringement on the ground. They kicked to five metres out, and from the lineout mauled their way over the line for a try, with the conversion attempt bouncing off the posts again. Dunmore would not see inside the Creggs 10 for the rest of the game.

Lee Kilcoyne and Chris Duignan were subbed in for Creggs to keep the pace up. Cormac Dolan took a ball from a scrum on his 10 and raced to the Dunmore 22, winning a penalty. The attempt by Ronan Dowd bounced off the post and Creggs won a scrum, having forced the Dunmore defender over the try-line. The strong scrum saw Ronan Dowd kick across field where Mark Purcell gathered and touched down in the right corner. Creggs now led 8-5.

Mossy Tiernan and Jack Fleming were subbed in and shortly afterwards Creggs won a penalty 45 metres out which Purcell was successful with, pushing the final score to 11-5, and signalling a fourth league title in a row for Creggs.

This was a bruising game in harsh conditions and a strong test for a Creggs team that now faces Tuam RFC in the Junior Cup final on the weekend after next.

Creggs: Tom Farrell, Nato Kiripati, Eoghan Cahill, Xavier Tavai, Eoin Kelly, James Brandon (captain), Ciaran Purcell, Brian Diffley, Mark Dowd, Ronan Dowd, Dean O’Reilly, Eoghan Coyle, Cathal Feeley, Mark Purcell, Shane Dowd, Thomas Tiernan, Tom O’Brien, Aodan Kelly, Lee Kilcoyne, Ronan Cahill, Cormac

Dolan, Jack Fleming, Chris Duignan. LADIES IN FINAL: The focus this weekend very much switches to the ladies team with our seniors playing in the Connacht Rugby Senior Ladies Cup Final on this Sunday, March 22nd. This follows their impressive 45-5 win over OLBC/Corinthians in the recent semi-final.

Creggs now face Tuam in this Sunday’s final which will be played at Dexcom Stadium in Galway. The game will kick off at 3 pm. Reaching this final is a big achievement for Creggs. Can they go all the way and clinch the title?

Let’s make sure the ladies have big support on the day. All roads lead to Dexcom Stadium this Sunday. Best of luck, ladies! U-17 BOYS: Creggs U-17 Boys’ final league game v Ballinasloe RFC was played in Creggs last week. The early stages saw Creggs dominate possession and territory but a quick break by the visitors saw them touch down under the posts in their first foray.

Five minutes later an intercept by the dangerous Ballinasloe centre saw him break up our attack and race in to score from his own 22. Halftime couldn’t come quickly enough for Creggs. Just before the interval the lively out-half for the visitors received a red card, which boosted Creggs. At the break the score was Creggs 0 Ballinasloe 14.

The second half played out very similar to the first, apart from Creggs being able to mind the ball a bit better. Patrick Murray spotted a gap in the defence to touch down after 10 minutes and Conor Muldoon converted from out wide to leave just two points between the sides (14-7).

When Harry Waldron stepped up to a penalty, it looked like the tide had turned in Creggs’ favour, however his attempt hit the post and Ballinasloe broke out of defence. Three or four phases later they scored under our posts for another seven points.

Kian Hughes carried the fight for Creggs and scored a try with five minutes left to bring the gap back

down to two. However, a lapse in discipline led to the Ballinasloe fullback kicking a penalty to stretch their lead to five. Creggs pushed for the final score and with the last play Luke Hayes was unlucky to be dragged to touch. Final score: Creggs 19 Ballinasloe 24.

U-15 BOYS: Creggs RFC U-15s played their final league game of the season away to Galway Bay on Sunday last.

Creggs scored in the corner for the first try but Galway Bay hit back immediately and nearly straight off the restart they scored again. The first half got away from Creggs with Galway Bay scoring a few more times to leave it 26-10 in their favour. The second half started positively for Creggs who played very well and used the conditions extremely well to ultimately come out convincing winners on a scoreline of 46-26.

LOTTO: The club lotto jackpot was not won and now rises to €9900. The lucky dip winner was Alan Gilligan. Please join our lotto.

From Buccaneers to scorer in Six Nations debut

Darragh Murray’s Six Nations debut was a memorable one for the young Buccaneers product, with Murray scoring a try in Ireland’s comprehensive 43-21 bonus point victory over Scotland that sealed a fourth Triple Crown triumph in five seasons.

Murray had two spells in the match and made a composed and confident contribution as he won his third senior cap. He will surely make many more appearances for Ireland at this level. Congratulations Darragh from all at Buccaneers RFC. We are extremely proud of you!

LIMERICK CALLING: Buccaneers travel to Limerick on Saturday for their penultimate away fixture in this season’s Energia AllIreland League Division 2B. UL Bohemian are their opponents at the University of Limerick 4G pitch. The action will kick off at 2.30 pm.

U-18.5s: Buccaneers U-18.5 squad had a

crucial 33-28 win against Galway Bay RFC at Dangan on the banks of the Corrib river in Galway on Sunday afternoon to secure the Connacht League title.

This remarkable group have won consecutive league and cup titles for the last four years, with this league triumph making it five seasons in succession to win silverware. Buccs now look forward to their cup campaign with a quarterfinal at home this weekend.

WOMEN’S PLATE: A more experienced Galwegians Seconds proved too strong for Buccaneers in their Connacht Women’s Plate semi-final played at Dubarry Park on Sunday. Galwegians won 53-19.

Annya Coyle, Ava Flynn and Siva Malassou were the Pirates try scorers with Malassou adding two conversions. So, a tough learning campaign for Buccaneers, but some green shoots are showing.

U-20s: Buccaneers U-20s head to the capital on Sunday for a Corry Cup clash with UCD Seconds at Belfield. Kick-off is 3 pm.

The teams were scheduled to meet in the final round of the JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League Division 2 in Athlone last Sunday but College conceded the points to the Pirates who had already retained their title.

It was very disappointing for the Buccaneers players not to have a game after which they would have been presented with the trophy and received their medals. But it adds a bit of spice to Sunday’s duel when, hopefully, the Pirates pack will provide a match-winning platform.

GIRLS: Buccaneers Girls teams contest two Connacht Cup finals at the Dexcom Stadium, Galway, on this Sunday afternoon.

The U-14 Girls are first in action when they square up to combination side Gort/Monivea.

The U-16 Girls then have a juicy derby decider

against Ballinasloe. Two tough tests are envisaged but both Buccs teams have the talent and ability to earn the silverware if they play to their potential on the expansive 4G surface. Their endeavours to date this season warrant big numbers supporting them so let’s hear plenty of encouragement for these young Pirates.

PRE-MATCH FOR SLIGO FIXTURE: There will be a pre-match function for Buccaneers’ final Energia All-Ireland League home game v Sligo on Saturday, March 21st. Contact our Administrator Geraldine at 086 1732711 to book. We will also celebrate the Athlone U-18 team that won the club’s first ever All-Ireland title in 2001. The match will be followed later that evening with a Race Night in The Bounty with the runners in the first race getting under starters orders at 7 pm. Sponsorship cards are now available from players and officials.

SportsPeople

Coach makes case for defence as Creggs clinch four-in-a-row

Connacht J1A League final Creggs 11 Dunmore 5

< MARTIN NALLY AT DEXCOM STADIUM

Creggs claimed the Connacht J1A league title for the fourth year in a row after overcoming both Dunmore and a gale-force wind at Dexcom Stadium on Sunday.

Head coach Kolo Kiripati told the Roscommon People his side deserve this success – and he paid particular tribute to a tremendous defensive effort.

Facing into the tough elements in the opening half, Creggs dominated the early exchanges but couldn’t unlock the well organised Dunmore defence. It was their opponents who finished the half strongly and their captain, Conor Burns, was unlucky to see his penalty attempt on the half-hour mark strike a post.

The adverse weather conditions

were having a significant impact on proceedings as they reduced scoring chances to a premium in the opening half. Creggs captain, James Brandon, did well to rip the ball from Michael Mannion to bring to an end a threatening looking Dunmore attack just before the break.

A scoreless first half in this repeat of last year’s Junior Cup final saw the deadlock finally broken when Creggs’ semi-final hero, Ronan Dowd, struck over a 55th minute penalty.

Creggs were now beginning to find their rhythm and a lovely team move saw Brian Diffley and Eoin Kelly combine to set Dean O’Reilly racing up the wing. Although he made huge ground inside the Dunmore ‘22, he was stopped in his tracks by a no arms tackle from Dunmore’s full-back Josh Rowland which saw him sin-binned.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, it was Dunmore who got the game’s first try. Johannes Duvenage broke clear and brought his team into their opponents’ ‘22. They won a lineout and from a driving maul got over the Creggs try-line with Jamie Geraghty credited with the try. Burns’ conversion attempt hit the post as Dunmore led for the first time, 5-3.

The posts were having as much impact on this final as the weather was, as in the 68th minute Ronan Dowd saw his penalty effort strike the post. However, Sean Burns was driven out over his own try-line which meant a penalty scrum to Creggs.

From the resulting scrum, the ball found its way out to Ronan Dowd and his clever crossfield kick was

collected by Mark Purcell who touched down in the corner.

Creggs had retaken the lead and it was one they wouldn’t relinquish as Purcell had the final say with a late penalty conversion to secure a fourth successive league title for his team.

Having gone 27 years without a league triumph before claiming the crown in 2023, Creggs head coach, Kolo Kiripati told the Roscommon People his side deserve this success.

“I’m absolutely delighted for the lads. Four in a row is an amazing achievement but the lads deserve it.

We had a tough start to the season with lads injured and others moving on but players have stepped up and met the challenge. We have got stronger as the season went on.

“We knew Dunmore was going to

be a tough task but I think it was our defensive effort that helped us win today. We were really up for it and I’m just delighted with the win.” Creggs: S. Dowd; M. Purcell, C. Feely, E. Coyle, D. O’Reilly; R. Dowd, M. Dowd; T. Farrell, N. Kiripati, E. Cahill; Xav Tavai, E. Kelly; C. Purcell, J. Brandon, B. Diffley. Replacements used: T. O’Brien, C. Duignan, C. Dolan, A. Kelly, R. Cahill, L. Kilcoyne. Dunmore: J. Rowland; B. Hughes, C. Burns, E. Reddington, G. Coetzee; J. Duvenage, J. Coen; C. Donlon, J. Geraghty, R. Mullin; M. Immelman, G. Duffy; E. Groenwald, A. Doherty, M. Gavin. Replacements used: M. Mannion, C. Lyons, S. O’Toole, S. Burns, D. Brady, C. Fahy. Referee: Cathal Roddy.

Glory for Granard as quick-fire goals end St Nathy’s hopes

Masita All-Ireland Post Primary

Schools SF ‘B’ final

Cnoc Mhuire Granard 3-11

St Nathy’s Ballaghaderreen 1-9

< SEAMUS DUKE

at Páirc Sheán Ui Heislin, Ballinamore

The old ‘goals win games’ cliché is often used when reflecting on big games, particularly big GAA games, and it certainly applied here too as a brace of goals in a two-minute spell at the start of the final quarter led to Cnoc Mhuire Granard sweeping to the title in this pulsating All-Ireland ‘B’ football final played in Ballinamore last Saturday.

St Nathy’s had battled back to reduce a five-point margin to just two by the 48th minute, but those opportunist goals from Karl O’Hara and Niall O’Donnell in the 52nd and 54th minutes respectively ended the Ballaghaderreen college’s resistance and the Paddy Drummond Cup was on its way to north Longford.

It was a superb final played on an excellent pitch and in almost perfect conditions. The big crowd generated a terrific atmosphere and there was some excellent football to be seen from both sides throughout.

In the final analysis the Granard side were just that little bit sharper up front and that proved the difference. Down the other end, St Nathy’s talisman Dean Casey was well marshalled and only managed a couple of pointed frees. The Ballinameen star tried hard to the very end but his influence on the game was not as great as Nathy’s needed it to be on the day.

Granard played with the aid of the breeze in the opening half but it was St Nathy’s who exploded from the starting blocks. In the opening minute Patrick Gaynor kicked a superb twopoint free to set them on their way. Cian O’Donnell’s free a minute later opened Granard’s account but Nathy’s were on top early on, and in the 4th minute they scored a wonderful goal.

Dean Casey won possession around the middle and then dropped an inchperfect pass over the heads of the Granard defenders and into the arms of Conor Moriarty. The St Nathy’s captain made no mistake from close-range.

However, the Ballaghaderreen college were only to score two more points in the next 26 minutes of play.

Granard were coming into the game more and more. The superb Sean Fagan was winning an amount of ball, and points followed from Karl O’Hara, Odhran Madden (free) and Brendan Martin Burns.

James Puncheon was on target for the Ballaghaderreen team in the 21st minute but points from Martin Burns and Ben Blessington levelled the scores at 0-6 to 1-3 by the 23rd minute.

Madden kicked a super two-point free in the 25th minute to edge his side ahead and then two minutes later we saw another superb goal, this time from the North Longford side. Cian O’Donnell did the spadework, setting up Aaron Plunkett who drove forward and planted the ball into the corner of the Nathy’s net.

In the 28th minute St Nathy’s replied with the point of the game from team captain Conor Moriarty, when he somehow managed to float the ball over the crossbar from the narrowest of angles. At half-time Granard led by 1-8 to 1-4.

The third quarter was fiercely contested. Daniel Corr (Granard) and a Dean Casey free opened the scoring within three minutes. When Cian O’Donnell kicked a superb point in the

37th minute, it looked like Granard had set sail for home, now leading 1-10 to 1-5.

St Nathy’s dug in and staged a superb recovery. Casey pointed another free, while Ryan O’Sullivan and Declan Duffy also pointed from play. It meant that by the 48th minute the margin was down to just two points, 1-10 to 1-8.

However, just when it looked like we were going to have a nail-biting finish, Granard struck with two decisive hammer blows. In the 52nd minute Karl O’Hara pulled first-time on a loose ball after a shot from Niall O’Donnell had been scrambled away. Goal for Granard. Two minutes later Granard sub Kian Lynch released Niall O’Donnell and the wing half-back finished with aplomb – and now the gap was out to eight. The sides shared late points through Cian O’Donnell and Nathy’s sub Dylan Giblin, but the game was over as a contest at that stage and the blue ribbons were being lined up for the cup.

Nathy’s were understandably devastated after the match but they will realise that Granard were just about the better side overall. Harry Dooney, James Kilroy, Declan Duffy, Dean Casey and Conor Moriarty were best for St Nathy’s on the day.

For Cnoc Mhuire, in addition to the aforementioned Sean Fagan, Aaron

Plunkett, Niall O’Donnell, Odhran Madden, Karl O’Hara, Cian O’Donnell, Brendan Martrin Burns, and sub Jake Brady were outstanding. Cnoc Mhuire: Eoin O’Hara; Caolain Madden, Mel Mulligan, Jacob Gaynor Brady; Liam Greene, Aaron Plunkett (1-0), Niall O’Donnell (1-0); Dylan Ledwith, Odhran Madden (0-3, 2pf, free); Sean Fagan, Karl O’Hara (1-1), Daniel Corr (0-1); Ben Blessington

(0-1), Cian O’Donnell (0-3, 1 free), Brendan Martin Burns (0-2). Subs: Jake Brady for Mulligan (h/t), David Simpson for Corr (0-1), Padraig Cahill for Gaynor Brady (50), James Dalton for Martin Burns (60).

St Nathy’s: Patrick Gaynor (0-2, 2pf); Harry Dooney, Liam Boyle, James Kilroy; James Cassidy, Declan Duffy (01), Patrick O’Dowd; Oran Frain, Seanie Buckley; James Puncheon (0-1), Dean Casey (0-2, 2 frees), Aaron Duffy; Ryan O’Sullivan (0-1), Michael McTeigue, Conor Moriarty (1-1). Subs: Cian Gallagher for A Duffy (h/t), Noah Gill for O’Dowd (h/t), Ryan McGarry for Puncheon (53), Dylan Giblin (0-1, free) for O’Sullivan (58). Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Black cards: Cnoc Mhuire 1 (Liam Greene, 55); St Nathy’s 0  Yellow cards: Cnoc Mhuire 1 (Mel Mulligan); St Nathy’s 1 (Aaron Duffy)

Wides: Cnoc Mhuire 7 (3, first half); St Nathy’s 6 (3, first half) Attendance: Approx. 2,000 Player of the Match: Sean Fagan (Cnoc Mhuire)

‘We realised our potential’ – Granard coach

Granard coach John Coyle was understandably emotional as he watched his players pick up the cup after winning last Saturday’s All-Ireland Colleges decider.

“Today is a culmination of four years’ work. A lot of the lads today, like the Nathy’s lads, decided to do Transition Year to be available for this. I thought that it was a tough game today but they are the type of finals you like to win.

“We knew how dangerous the Nathy’s forward line were and we switched off for their goal for sure. But after that we settled down and came back into it well.”

John says that at the start of the year they were quietly confident that the team could go well.

“We didn’t say it to the players, but as a coaching group we knew we had great potential and thankfully today it has come to pass. We wanted the players to take control themselves and that’s what they did. It’s a great day for everyone concerned” he concluded.

Devastated St Nathy’s reflect on what might have been

< SEAMUS DUKE

A very disappointed Fr Paul Kivlehan agreed after the game that those two goals within two minutes for Granard were decisive.

One of the trio of coaches, Fr Paul said: “I thought coming up to their second goal that we had the measure of them. They had kicked a few wides and there was only two points in it but once they got the two goals it was over after that.”

Fr Paul said that they were not worried when they went it at half-time four points down.

“Despite conceding that goal ten minutes before half-time we felt we were well in the game. We went out and did very well in the third quarter. The goals were against the run of play. The first goal… the ball dropped nicely for their player – and that’s what swung the game in their favour in the end.”

The campaign may have ended in defeat, but Fr Paul was very proud of the St Nathy’s team.

“We couldn’t have asked any more from our team. They did the school proud and their community and their families as well. It just was not to be on the day” he concluded.

Hammer blows

“We just couldn’t recover from those hammer blows (the goals)” was the view of joint St Nathy’s manager Colm Maye.

“We got back to two (points) there but the goals decided it. We were very happy at half-time. We were four points down but we hadn’t really played at all. We had a dream start but we didn’t play the way we could after that.”

Colm paid tribute to Cnoc Mhu-

Photo: Michael Finan

ire. “In the third quarter we did well, but Granard are an outstanding team and we know that coming here today. Every time I watched a video of them they got better and better, so we have no complaints in the end to be honest.”

St Nathy’s team captain Conor Moriarty, who scored a goal and a point on the day, said that his side didn’t play to their best.

‘We didn’t do ourselves justice’

“I thought we didn’t do ourselves

justice on the day. We are a way better team than we showed today.

The two goals sucked the life out of us. We were just two points down there and we had a chance to narrow it to one, but it just didn’t go our way today.

“I thought Granard deserved their win to be honest. They got the scores when they needed them and we couldn’t – and that was the difference. When we got the margin down to two points we just couldn’t find the extra gear to kick on unfortunately” he said.

Hailstones and heroics at the Hyde as Roscommon stun Donegal

Allianz Football League Division One Roscommon 2-20 Donegal 0-20

< SEAMUS DUKE AT KING & MOFFATT DR HYDE PARK

Displaying huge reserves of character, will to win and sheer determination – particularly in the second half – Roscommon footballers battled to a tremendous six-point win against Donegal in what was a pulsating league game played at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park last Sunday.

It has been a campaign to remember for Roscommon so far. The wins against Monaghan, Armagh and Galway were all memorable, but this victory was on another level for several reasons.

Donegal, last year’s All-Ireland finalists and currently the form team in the country, came to Roscommon to win. They fielded almost a full team. The torrential hail and sleet showers blowing towards the graveyard end of Dr Hyde Park made conditions almost unplayable at times. When Roscommon went in leading at half-time by 11 points – having played with the wind – there was general agreement that the margin probably wouldn’t be enough to see them over the line.

Twice in the second half Mark Dowd’s men battled against all odds to stop Donegal in their tracks. When Jimmy McGuinness’ side narrowed the gap to two by the 48th minute, Roscommon came up with vital scores from sub Conor Hand, Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh.

Donegal came again, and by the 59th minute the margin was down to just one. But Roscommon simply would not be denied and produced one last decisive drive for home. Roscommon players all over the field put their bodies on the line and that late scintillating effort yielded a point from the majestic Enda Smith, a fabulous team goal finished by Hand in the 66th minute, and a Murtagh pointed free in the 68th minute. Roscommon had won by six. What a performance. What a win.

It now means that the Rossies can go to Castlebar for their final league game against Mayo this Sunday in the knowledge that Division One football has been secured for 2027 and that a win would give them an outside chance of a place in the league final. These are exciting times for Roscommon football.

Having won the toss, Roscommon played with the strong wind at their backs in the opening half and

as expected they dominated possession. However it has to be said that they missed a number of chances. Enda Smith, who was to go on and play his best game in a Roscommon jersey, kicked a couple of two-pointers in the opening six minutes.

In the 12th minute, Senan Lambe, Paddy Gavin and Dylan Ruane were all involved in an incisive move and Diarmuid Murtagh volleyed the ball to the Donegal net soccer-style for Roscommon’s opening goal.

Senan Lambe, Paddy Gavin, Dylan Ruane, Ronan Daly, Diarmuid Murtagh, Colm Neary and Enda Smith were all playing well as Roscommon added to their tally. In fact they led by 1-13 to 0-3 by the 33rd minute. However, late Donegal points in the half from goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany (a ’45) and Michael Murphy meant that Roscommon led by 11 points at the break, 1-13 to 0-5.

The second half began with a violent hail and sleet shower that lasted about ten minutes. It was so severe that the players were finding trouble seeing what was going on, never mind being able to play constructively. Midst it all, Donegal wasted no time in whittling away Roscommon’s lead.

Sub Shea Malone and Eoghan Ban Gallagher both pointed, and then two-point scores from Malone, Jason McGee and Michael Langan followed. By the 48th minute the margin was down to just two, 1-14 to 0-15.

Roscommon were digging in and the subs Mark Dowd brought on were all making huge contributions. One of those subs, Conor Hand, lofted over a super point in the 50th minute and a minute later Enda Smith burst through the Donegal defence to land another mighty score against the wind. Then Diarmuid Murtagh pointed a 20-metre free and suddenly the margin was out to five again. But Donegal were not finished. The excellent Finbarr Roarty scored a superb two-pointer, and when Peader Mogan and Jason McGee pointed for the visitors the margin was down to just one (1-17 to 0-19) by the 57th minute.

Senan Lambe (arguably Roscommon’s best player of the league campaign) got forward to point from close-range, but that score was matched down the other end when Jamie Brennan made it 1-18 to 0-20 with seven minutes left.

Dowd and Murtagh give reaction to remarkable win

REACTION

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Roscommon manager Mark Dowd was understandably very happy after a tremendous win against last year’s All-Ireland finalists.

“It was a great win for the team. We were not happy with our performance here the last day against Dublin, and we challenged the players today to come out and give a good display, and all credit to them they did that. The lads that came on as subs also drove us on today as well.”

Dowd said that having missed some chances against Dublin, they had worked hard on their finishing in training.

“We were disappointed to have missed

chances the last day but out there today against the wind we scored 1-7 in the second half so that was really great to see.”

The manager said that the 11-point lead at half-time could have been greater.

“We could have had more scores in the first half but I think it sharpened our focus for the second half and although they scored a few twopointers our scores were vital.”

Dowd said that getting their hands on the ball in the second half was crucial, given the conditions. “They key was to get possession in the third quarter and into the last quarter and we got more control of the game at that stage. It was a good controlled second-half performance and I was very happy with that” he concluded.

Roscommon forward Diarmuid Murtagh gave his reaction to People Sport

“The conditions were very tough especially at the start of both halves and you know I wouldn’t have been surprised if the referee had stopped the game for a few minutes… but we got through it and we are delighted with the win” the Roscommon captain said after the match.

Diarmuid said that he knew that the 11-point lead that Roscommon had at half-time was not a safe one, given those weather conditions.

“We were hoping that Donegal would not come out and kick three or four two-pointers –and they did just that! They are a great team. But we dug in and won some vital balls around the middle and we got enough scores to keep us ticking over.”

The late goal was crucial. “If you can get a goal against the wind… they are so important” Murtagh noted.

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Incredibly, Donegal were not to score again as Roscommon produced one final fierce and determined push in search of victory. In the 64th minute Enda Smith finished off a fine move with a fisted point and with four minutes to go Roscommon scored one of the best team goals seen at Hyde Park for many a long day.

Another sub, Shane Cunnane played a long pass into Diarmuid Murtagh who beat his man and lofted the ball across the square. Conor Hand and Enda Smith were tearing through the middle and it was Hand who got his fist to the ball to send it past Gavin Mulreany. The roof almost lifted off the stand as the Roscommon supporters roared their approval.

To put the icing on the cake, Diarmuid Murtagh finished the scoring, converting a 20-metre free in the 68th minute to seal one of the most memorable victories that Roscommon have had in many years. Roscommon are becoming a very formidable outfit. To have secured Division One football for next year is a massive achievement. They can now go to Castlebar this Sunday and give it their best without being under any pressure.

All eyes will turn to the championship very shortly. Mark Dowd and his backroom team have done a marvellous job with the team and a win like last Sunday’s will do wonders for the confidence of the players. Roscommon are improving all the time and if that rate of improvement continues it could be an exciting year ahead. Being able to compete with the big guns may not be as far away as we might think.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Galway remain in the relegation dogfight, despite defeating Monaghan by eight points (1-20 to 2-9) at Inniskeen. The result means that Monaghan are relegated to Division Two.

Armagh staged a dramatic late recovery with two goals and a flurry of points to defeat Dublin by 2-24 to 1-25 in a thrilling game in Croke Park. It gives Armagh a chance of avoiding relegation. They’ll need to beat Kerry this weekend.

Meanwhile in Tralee, Kerry displayed their full range of attacking talents as they hammered Mayo by 2-29 to 0-19.

Full credit to both teams for producing a fantastic contest in such appalling conditions. Once again the pitch at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park has proven its worth. Despite the torrential rain and hail showers, it was in fantastic condition and there was hardly a mark on the surface after the game. Outside Croke Park, it must be one of the best in the country.

McGuinness:

‘We have no complaints’

& scorers

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Patrick Gavin, Niall Higgins, Eoin McCormack; Eoin Ward, Ronan Daly, Senan Lambe (0-2); Keith Doyle (0-3, 1 2p), Conor Ryan; Dylan Ruane, Enda Smith (0-6, 2 x 2p), Colm Neary (0-2); Diarmuid Murtagh (1-5, 1 2pf, 3 frees), Daire Cregg, Robert Heneghan (0-1). Subs: Shane

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness was very pragmatic when looking back on his team’s defeat after the game.

“We have no complaints. We didn’t do enough to win the game. That’s the bottom line. We got it back to a couple of points with 20 minutes to go and one point with ten minutes to go with a gale-force wind at our backs.

“If you’re not winning the game in that situation, it’s your own fault, so it’s back to the drawing board for us in many respects.”

He said that his team turned over possession too many times in the second half.

“Every score Roscommon got in the second half was as a result of a turnover or a kickout we didn’t get away. The proof is in the pudding.”

McGuinness concluded: “We’re disappointed, but we’ve had a good campaign up to this point. We’ll take a lot of learning from today and we’ll just move on to the next game now.”

for Ryan (44), Ruaidhrí Fallon for Neary (52), Conor Hand (1-1) for Cregg (52), Caelim Keogh for Fallon (57), Robbie Dolan for Heneghan (60). Donegal: Gavin Mulreany (0-1, ’45); Eoghan Ban Gallagher (0-1), Brendan McCole, Stephen McMenamin; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Finbarr Roarty (0-2, 2p); Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan (0-2, 2p); Peadar Mogan (0-1), Conor O’Donnell (0-2), Max Campbell; Conor McCahill (0-1), Jason McGee (0-4, 1 2p), Michael Murphy (0-2, 1 free). Subs: Shea Malone (0-3 1 2p) for Max Campbell (h/t), Caolan McColgan for McCahill (h/t), Jamie Brennan (0-1) for McHugh (57).

Referee: Brendan Griffin (Kerry).

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 0

Yellow cards: Roscommon 2 (Ronan Daly, Daire Cregg); Donegal 2 (Brendan McCole, Michael Murphy)

Wides: Roscommon 7 (6, first half); Donegal 3 (2, first half)

Two-pointers: Roscommon 4 (Enda Smith 2, Keith Doyle, Diarmuid Murtagh); Donegal 4 (Finbarr Roarty, Michael Langan, Jason McGee, Shea Malone)

Attendance: 5689

Man of the Match: Enda Smith (Roscommon)

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Mayo and Roscommon turning attention to championship

Allianz Football League

Division One:

Mayo v Roscommon on Sunday at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar at 3.30 pm

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This is one of the more enjoyable match previews to write in this league campaign as Roscommon can go to Castebar on Sunday and ‘give it a lash’ without being that worried about the outcome.

Of course Roscommon would love to beat Mayo and thus have a chance of qualification for the National League final, but the team has done the heavy lifting already with those great wins against Monaghan, Armagh, Galway and Donegal. The main objective of securing Division One football again in 2027 has been achieved.

That is so important for the development of the team.

Division One is the place to be playing football and the experience that our players are getting in all these big games is invaluable.

Mayo never like losing to Roscommon and will be anxious to complete their campaign on a high in front of their own supporters. They were handed a bit of a lesson from Kerry last weekend and will want a morale boost.

It is very likely that these teams will be meeting in the Connacht Championship at the end of April.

My opinion is that Mayo will want to put down a marker ahead of that forthcoming championship game but that will not be easy against a Roscommon team that will be brimming with confidence after their excellent win against Donegal.

The likes of Shane Cunnane and Conor Hand could force their way into Roscommon’s starting 15 following good showings off the bench on Sunday last. Ruaidhrí Fallon will almost certainly be ruled out after the ankle injury he suffered against Donegal.

Once again Roscommon’s senior stars are likely to be to the fore. Enda Smith, Diarmuid Murtagh,

Daire Cregg, Ronan Daly and Dylan Ruane will all have major roles to play on Sunday.

Mayo were sailing along nicely in the league until they went to Tralee last Saturday and were given a major reality check from the likes of David Clifford, Seánie O’Shea, Tom O’Sullivan and company, so they will be anxious to get their show back on the road.

Young superstar Kobe McDonald may not start on Sunday as the Mayo U-20s are in action in the championship in the coming weeks. Rob Hennelly, Diarmuid O’Connor, Aidan O’Shea, Ryan O’Donoghue, David McBrien, Jordan Flynn, Fergal Boland and Jack Carney are some of the familiar faces that we can expect to be in action.

Last Sunday during some light-hearted banter in Dr Hyde Park, a well-known Roscommon fan pleaded with me to predict a defeat for Roscommon as some of my predictions had gone awry in recent weeks!

I don’t know how he will feel this week as I am going to sit on the fence and predict that a very competitive game may end in a draw.

Prediction: Draw.

Ladies face table toppers

Lidl Ladies NFL: Roscommon v Louth on Sunday at 2 pm (venue TBC)

Roscommon ladies are in ‘must-win’ territory when they meet top of the table Louth this Sunday. Manager Finbar Egan says he is hoping the game will be played at King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, but at the time of writing no venue has been confirmed.

Either way, it’s a huge game for Roscommon and the injuries in the squad are mounting, as Finbar Egan told People Sport

“On the injury front Niamh Feeney is out since the Laois match and Kate Nolan had surgery last week and is out for six weeks. Mia Macken is also out and we have injury doubts about Lauren Shanagher and Aisling Hanly, but we are hoping they will be okay.

“I don’t like to be complaining about injuries but the facts are that out of a squad of 25 we have nine injuries at the present time. We will be taking a number of minors with us on Sunday to make up the numbers.”

Egan says Louth will provide very stiff opposition on Sunday.

“They are unbeaten and at the top of the table. They have a big, strong, physical side so we know what we are facing. But we are going out there to give it our best shot and see how we do on the day.”

It’s been a league campaign of mixed fortunes for Roscommon. The loss against Down and the circumstances surrounding that game (frustration over facilities) certainly left a sour taste for the Roscommon camp at the time, but that’s in the past now.

Louth have dealt with all opponents to date and will go into this match as favourites. Roscommon will hope that the likes of Helena Cummins, Ellen Irwin, Saoirse Wynne, Niamh Watson, Caoimhe Lennon and Aisling Hanly can inspire them to produce a big performance. At home Roscommon will have every chance, but Louth are a very formidable outfit and they should take the points.

Prediction: Louth.

Minors begin campaign on Friday

Electric Ireland Connacht MFC Round

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Defending Connacht champions Roscommon open their 2026 minor campaign with an away tie against Sligo on Friday evening in Tubbercurry.

Team manager Shane Moran has been telling the Roscommon People about the team’s preparations for this year’s championship.

“We have trained hard and despite conditions being very wet we have only missed one training session, which is super. We have a full bill of health and no injuries going into Friday’s game which is always a boost.

“We’ve played five challenge games. We won some and lost some but we played high-quality opposition and those games were great preparation. We have nine players from last year’s squad so we have a fair bit of experience there.”

Moran says he is expecting a tough game from Sligo this Friday.

“They are managed by Eoin Coyle who was with those players at U-16 level and is a very good coach. Sligo played in the Leinster Development League and they did well there. They are a big, strong, physical team so we will have to be ready for a stiff challenge on Friday.”

The Roscommon manager says that

a win is vital in the first match of the campaign. “A win in your first game is absolutely vital. We have Galway and Mayo coming up in the following two games so we will want to get two points on the board this week.”

It would be a surprise if Roscommon do not start their campaign with a win.