Issuu

The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!

Contacting THE PEOPLE

www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633

on If you have enquiries t a story advertising, or wan 54227, email covered, call 086-80 people.ie or paul@roscommon monpeople.ie advertising@roscom

advertising@roscommonpeople.ie news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie 24 April 2020

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Over 90 confirmed Covid cases in Roscommon < PAUL HEALY

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in County Roscommon had risen to 91 by Monday night. Meanwhile, a further 49 Covid-related deaths were confirmed on Wednesday night, bringing

the total number of deaths in Ireland from the virus to 769. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre said it had been informed that a further 49 people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died. As of 1 pm on Tuesday, 21st of April, the HPSC had been notified of 631 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of

(SHOP CLOSED)

confirmed cases at that point to 16,671. As of midnight on Tuesday, 21st of April, the HPSC has been informed of 302 clusters in residential care settings, 179 of which are in nursing homes. Of the 769 deaths in laboratory confirmed cases, 412 are associated with residents of residential care settings, of which 348 are associated with nursing home settings.

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CYCLING ACCIDENT If you were involved in a cycling accident contact

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment, tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice @oireachtas.ie

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1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

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

090 647 8433

www.bccsolicitors.ie ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT – DO’S AND DON’T’S

If I am involved in a road traffic accident with another motorist what should I do or not do. Please advise. Do Ensure that you and the other people involved in the accident are not injured. If anyone is injured call an ambulance. Be courteous and polite to others involved in the accident regardless of who is at fault. Call the Gardai. Depending on the seriousness of the accident they may or may not attend the scene. If it is a serious accident do not move your vehicle and ask the other motorist involved in the accident not to move their vehicle either until the Gardai arrive. If it is a minor accident and if it is not possible to leave the vehicles in the crash position due to the fact that the crashed vehicles are obstructing the road and holding up traffic then simply move the vehicles to the left of the road in a safe position. Try to take good photographs of the accident scene noting the position of and damage done to the crashed vehicles. Take details of all vehicles involved in the accident to include: insurance details; vehicle registration numbers; names, addresses and phone numbers for all drivers. Take names, addresses and phone numbers of independent witnesses who witnessed the accident. Take note of the name and station of the Garda who attends the accident scene. DON’T Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident. It is a condition of many insurance policies not to admit liability following an accident. If you are obviously at fault it is simply best to exchange insurance details and tell the other party that you will report the matter to your insurance company. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until particulars have been exchanged. If the other motorist tells you that he is going to move his vehicle and return to the scene, don’t believe him. Make sure that all details are exchanged before anyone leaves the scene.

With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

CYCLING ACCIDENT

I’m SO bored! Me too… If you were involved in a cycling I’m so bored, I’ve taken to raking the accident contact stones in theCarolan driveway EVERY day. Back Byrne and forth, left toSolicitors right, right to left, around Cunningham in circles… Like life itself… Eh, yeah, I suppose… I’M so bored I’m counting the stones in our drive! (There’s silence on the line) I’ve been cutting the grass… Yeah, thank God for the great weather. …and listening to music while I’m in the garden. Lovely. Nah, ‘cos I got bored of that too. But then when I was listening to a Beatles’ song…I saw a beetle. You’re so disorientated from social isolating that you’re seeing Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr in your garden? No! I saw a beetle – the insect – when I was cutting the grass! While I was listening to The Beatles! So, ‘cos I’m so bored, I decided I’d create a playlist, exclusively for the garden. A garden-themed playlist! About insects? Well, insects, or ANYTHING in the garden. It starts with ‘Whispering Grass’… Wow, you really are showing your age! Eh…followed by ‘Green Green Grass of Home’… Oh dear. Young readers – under 50 that is – may want to race to YouTube… Yeah, I know! But then I had a brainwave… the hits of Adam Ant. Adam ANT. Get it? You really were bored… Then The Beatles again, with ‘Blackbird’. VERY bored… Then I raked some more stones…over and over again. (There’s silence on the line)

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

It is very boring isn’t it? Yes, you did mention that! But there are positives too, and the weather is fab! The main thing is, we need to keep socially isolating, look out for loved ones, and stay safe. I know…but I do miss the sport. Me too! Actually… Go on… Well, I went for a walk, and arrived at one of the GAA pitches in town… Within 2km of your home? Yes! There was nobody there… Obviously… Next thing I saw a football, lying idle on the sideline. And my heart raced. And I couldn’t resist, I felt like Maurice

Fitzgerald… Eh, younger readers might want to go to YouTube again… Anyways, I didn’t go for a point from the sideline, I just picked that ball up and I soloed towards goal. I was so graceful, so athletic, as I ran on and on…it was like that scene from Chariots of Fire… (Editor: Insert ‘Young people, YouTube’ again here) Well, it would be if the lads in Chariots of Fire were soloing a football… And I reached the square… Hardly surprising, given there were no defenders… And I felt like… Maurice Fitzgerald? David Clifford? Frankie Dolan? No, I felt like Paddy Joe. Paddy Joe Burke. Do you remember back in 1999 when he went out to an empty Hyde Park and ‘scored’ the last goal of the old millennium? Yes! So you were inspired by Paddy Joe, and YOU scored the first GAA goal of lockdown! Well, not quite…I actually put it wide, but JUST wide! Oh dear! (There’s silence on the line) I’ll talk to you soon, my friend. Yes, take care! Enjoy the sunshine. By the way, next time you’re raking the stones, bring your playlist… Nah, getting bored with my ‘garden songs’… But I’ve new songs for you, next time you’re raking the stones… Go on… Greatest hits of…The Rolling Stones!

What we liked…

Mainstream TV channels have responded to Covid-19’s soul-destroying nullifying of live sport by showing classic sporting events from their archives. I know this has been going on for a couple of weeks, but the TV stations are now really stepping up a gear, as the reality of lockdown hits home. This increase in coverage will be welcomed by millions of sports-starved fans all over Ireland and the UK. Last weekend alone, we saw classics revisited in Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, soccer, snooker and golf.

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

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

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

PIC OF THE WEEK: Pictured are Eleanor Caulfield and Catherine Walsh enjoying ‘Afternoon Tea’ in Ballinagare. Picture: Michael McCormack

What PEOPLE are talking about The impact of Covid-19 in some nursing homes, raising questions as to whether more could have been done to protect residents and staff in such facilities. Shockingly, there are coronavirus cases

in around 30% of all nursing homes, and half of all Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland have been in nursing-home settings.

What we didn’t like…

Sean O’Rourke retiring on May 8th? Please say it ain’t so! The RTE current affairs kingpin (a Galway native) is a superb journalist. We’ll miss him.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

‘Keeping Roscommon Active’ Staying active and healthy is more important than ever right now. During these challenging times Roscommon Sports Partnership are endeavouring to help you use your time at home wisely, to be more active and flatten the curve. Elaine Igoe who is the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Roscommon Sports Partnership said ‘While we have a large following on social media we understand how important it is to make sure all of our followers and citizens of County Roscommon can access our resources in a variety of ways’. “You can follow our Facebook page by searching for Roscommon Sports Partnership www.facebook.com/ RoscommonSportsPartnership where we have several daily updates and an ever growing schedule of activities and resources pinned to the top of our page. Additionally, you can visit our website www. rosactive.org, click on the Covid-19 tab and this will direct you to all our updates regarding our operations and also the full list of resources available. There are links to live streams, social media pages, YouTube videos and various free online workouts and physical activity resources. If you have limited access to the internet and wish to be active, Age & Opportunity Ireland have kindly made available a DVD and

printed materials which demonstrates various activities and the Go for Life Games. You can request these by emailing or calling Age & Opportunity directly on gfl@ageandopportunity. ie or alternatively contact Roscommon Sports Partnership on info@rosactive.org and a copy will be posted out. These games are fun for all

the family and suitable for a wide variety of abilities.” There are so many creative ways to stay active at home, and Roscommon Sports Partnership has you covered. Simple activities such as striving to move more often, trying not to remain seated for long periods, walking up and down the stairs,

getting out and doing some gardening, taking a walk within your locality while staying within the 2km radius & getting in 10,000 steps are just some of the things you can be doing at home. Damien Martin who is the Community Sports Development Officer with Roscommon Sports Partnership said ‘We have partnered up with a number of local Physical Activity Instructors and local Sports Stars and will be bringing some new and exciting activities to you in the comfort of your own home, we have Family dance Challenges available with more to come, Active Age & Ability Dance routines, Kid’s only Dance, Cycle Safe Tutorials, Nutrition Tips and a Minding Your Mental Health Piece yet to come. A schedule of these activities will be on their website and Social Media platforms. To add some excitement to their followers over the coming weeks, Roscommon Sports Partnership will be running a competition on social media. They have partnered with Molloy’s Pharmacy Harrison Centre and Bannons Intersport to bring you some great prizes. Check out their Facebook and Instagram for more details. If you have any ideas or suggestions on ways to stay active, or you are running any activities yourself, please send an email to info@rosactive. org or message their Facebook page.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

A diary of the times that are (part 6) Thursday Trying to work from home has highlighted for me just how unreliable our broadband service is. Last week I speculated here that there are probably undiscovered African tribes which have better broadband than us. I assume that some of the tribe members in those African rainforests have seen the digital edition of last week’s Roscommon People by now, and are suitably unimpressed by my patronising and lazy characterisation of them. My defence? I was just trying to use dramatic/humourous effect to make my point. Seriously, if rural Ireland is to have any chance of prospering in the coming years, we simply have to get this broadband deficit addressed. It’s obviously even more urgent now (in the Covid era) than it was just a couple of months’ ago. Rebuilding our local economy when this virus crisis has passed is going to be a huge challenge. Good broadband will be essential, particularly if remote working is to be embraced.

Friday The famous fall too. To coronavirus. There was Eddie Large, to whom I paid tribute in a previous column. And this week, we lost another name from the popular culture of the past. Tim Brooke Taylor, best known as one of the comedy trio ‘The Goodies’, has sadly passed from the virus. ‘The Goodies’ were very popular in their heyday. They were utterly daft, and all the better for that. For many years ‘The Goodies’ were an unmissable comedy team, with Tim Brooke Taylor at the heart of their madcap mayhem. On Friday, came the sad news that the Leeds United legend Norman Hunter had also died from Covid-19. I don’t really remember his playing days, but when we were young he was spoken of in reverential terms by those who had seen him. Many’s a time I’d mention that great Leeds team, and as soon as I’d

listed ‘Giles, Bremner’ and maybe ‘Eddie Gray’, an old-timer would wistfully add: “…and Norman Hunter”. His reputation was as a hard man (‘Bite yer legs’ being his nickname) but he could certainly play too. On the RTE website they had a nice video tribute to him. I found it not just nostalgic, but poignant and emotional too. May the great Norman Hunter rest in peace.

Saturday The hair-growing crisis continues. With our friendly barbers and hairdressers in lockdown, the ‘hairier than before’ citizens tiptoe around their houses, dodging mirrors, ignoring the undiplomatic stares of bemused family pets. We all have decisions to make. Do we wait for the barbers/hairdressers to re-open…and then basically storm them? Even then, given social distancing, we might have to queue down the street, with our long faces and our longer hair. Or do we trust that family member who (inevitably there will be one) now claims that they can cut/style hair “no problem”? Is this a sincerely held view, or could it be that they are so bored with Facebook/baking/ The Kardashians/The News that they are prepared to volunteer to do anything – even if it means experimenting with your hair – to get through another day of lockdown? Then there is the nuclear option – cutting your own hair. This precarious DIY act, which parents traditionally scold young children for indulging in, has apparently already been attempted by some desperate people (to be honest, you’ll probably be able to tell who has succumbed).

Sunday In the Sunday Independent, beside photographs of Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar, is the headline: ‘New era, new politics’. Presumably this ‘new politics’ which is apparently close to being ushered in is not to be confused with that other new politics,

the one that we were all told to embrace a mere four years ago (after the last but one election). One could easily get confused. Is the pending union of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael a new ‘new politics’, or should we call it ‘new, new politics’? And there is a difference. Because while new politics was obviously new, ‘new, new politics’ would be even more radical, certainly newer. It really is confusing. After all, the upcoming twinning (while admittedly historic) of FF and FG will be an alliance of the old and the old, in that these two parties have (between them) governed the state since independence. Maybe when you cross old politics with old politics you get new politics, or even new, new politics? And if this is new politics, where does that leave the old new politics, the one where an FG/Independent alliance was propped up by FF’s gracious supply and confidence initiative? Oh I forgot, this probably is a step beyond new politics, this is new, new politics. If Denis Naughten or Michael Fitzmaurice (or both) lead a merry band of Independents in with FF/FG, will that be ‘Even newer politics’ (especially if a smaller party joins up too)? So, while it’s not absolutely clear what seismic shift is happening, the impression I’m getting is: (1) The old politics is gone forever. (2) It was replaced by new politics. (3) Now that we have the old linking up with the old, it’s even more new politics – but so new, that it really ought to become known as new, new politics. Anyways, I’m sure Mary Lou will have something to say about it.

Monday Having relaxed at the weekend, it’s back to work, back to the office. The town remains very quiet, eerily so in the evenings. People are moving through the shops pretty quickly, still friendly, but not so keen (with good reason) on stopping and talking. Nervousness dominates our world. The relentless blah blah of it all, if I may coin that phrase, can be demoralising. On

radio, TV and social media, it’s non-stop Covid. I’m dipping in and out of Donald Trump’s press conferences, rather like the man himself. I feel guilty saying they are entertaining…let’s go with an American version of GUBU…grotestque, unruly, bizarre and un-Presidential!

Tuesday Political/current affairs enthusiasts will surely agree if I deem Sean O’Rourke – who announced today that he will retire on May 8th – to be a superb journalist. On form, the RTE man was brilliant. Readers may recall his gentle yet clinical filleting of the ‘swing lady’ Maria Bailey (yeah, innocent times). That’s not so long ago; O’Rourke’s been on this beat since back in the Haughey/Fitzgerald days. I’m sorry to see him go, but I wish him the very best. And I am really looking forward to the inevitable book! In the meantime, if you think you heard a few champagne corks popping, that will have been the leading politicians in the country reacting to the news that ‘Bite yer egos’ O’Rourke is hanging up his boots…

“

If you think you heard a few champagne corks popping, that will have been the leading politicians in the country reacting to the news that ‘Bite yer egos’ O’Rourke is hanging up his boots…

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

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Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets! John McGuirk @john_mcguirk I’m in the other room, but I have just heard Tommy Gorman tell my wife on the RTE news that the UK has been hit particularly hard because it “lacks figures of the stature of Tony Holohan”. Why are we paying for this utter nonsense? – The opinionated conservative commentator says it straight! (But Tommy’s a national treasure, is he not?) CBS Roscommon @cbsroscommon Fantastic music, singing and liturgy by Jamie, Hazel, Nessa and Emily this morning as part of the @RTEOne Mass celebrated by Bishop @KevinElphin @elphindiocese They represented Roscommon very well, and we are all extremely proud of them! – Everyone was raving about the contributions of Roscommon students during a Youth Mass broadcast live (from Maynooth) on RTE TV

Frank McDonald @frankmcdonald60 Replying to @gtubridy Eh, not really. – Okay, not everybody!

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chris o’dowd @BigBoyler Gotta feel bad for Liverpool FC and Roscommon GAA fans, who were both destined to win their respective championships this year. – Nice one Chris! Gabrielle Monaghan @GabbyMonaghan There’s a fierce whiff of the 1980s in corona-era rural Ireland. Everyone’s bored and on the dole and going to restaurants isn’t a thing. There’s feck all on the telly. There are so few cars on the road that I’ve started waving excitedly to the ones that roll by. – Okay Gabrielle, but apart from boredom, unemployment, closed restaurants, bad telly and lack of movement…

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Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

#ResilientRoscommon

ROSCOMMON RESPONDS Supporting People and Communities in Roscommon

Supporting People and Communities in Roscommon

Roscommon LEADER Partnership recognise the many challenges and difficulties that people Supporting and communities are facing right across County Roscommon due to Covid-19. We want you to People and Communities in Roscommon know that we are working on a range of community supports and measuresRoscommon while weLEADER are Partnership recognise the many challenges and difficulties that people communities are facing right across County Roscommon due to Covid-19. We want you to extending many current services to reach the wider community. These supports and include…

Roscommon LEADER Partnership recognise the many challenges and difficulties that people and communities facing with righttheacross Roscommon duein to Covid-19. We want youPeople to A Roscommon Chamber of Commerceare initiative, support County of Roscommon Leader, and association with The Roscommon know that we are working on a range of community supports and measures while we are Extending our “Friendly Call Service” to those inAs isolation/living To the people of Roscommon: a community, we need to respond to the Covid-19 crisis. Our health is the extending current services alone/elderly offeringmany a friendly voice from trained volunteers. to reach the wider community. These supports include… know that we are working on a range of community supports and measures while we are

extending many current services to reach the wider community. These supports include… Extending our “Meals on Wheels” Service to additional areas of need and working with existing similar service providers in the Extending our “Meals on Wheels” Service to additional areas of county. need and working with existing similar service providers in the county.

Extending our “Friendly Call Service” to those in isolation/living alone/elderly offering a friendly voice from trained volunteers.

paramount concern. We must also keep Roscommon Town ‘moving’ to ensure that we can live as normally as possible. For many years you have come to townExtending toinformation shop. services Now, with Roscommon Responds, the town will come to you! Extending our supports under the volunteer our “Meals on Wheels” Service to additional areas of programme to existing voluntary groups and giving advice to volunteers on how they can stay safe while volunteering during the crisis.

Extending our supports under the volunteer information services programme to existing voluntary groups and giving advice to volunteers on how they can stay safe while volunteering during the crisis.

need andResponds working with existing similar service providers in the Roscommon participant list ...

During the full lockdown essential services have full priority and county. in busy periods the vulnerable, cocooned and isolated are serviced first. and working in collaboration with Government Departments and Please note that all non-essential businesses listed are We are currently identifying areas with gaps in service provision other Agencies in Co. Roscommon to support the unemployed & available for emergencies and or essentials that you require. Please call the business direct to discuss your requirements. All products supplied and delivered from businesses will comply with current working in collaboration with Government Departments and the self employed including additional admin support. otherduring Agencies in Co.19. Roscommon to carry support the restrictions unemployed for & delivery through this system (i.e. cigarettes alcohol), discuss this directly with the individual businesses. HSE regulations/guidelines COVID Some items strict the self employed including additional admin support.

Category

Business

Products/services

All activities will be carried out with strict adherence and compliance with HSE guidelines and Social Distancing Practices. Roscommon LEADER Partnership is here to help you through this crisis, should you require information on any of the above or if you have a query on any of our existing services please contact us on any of the following numbers:

Contact

Telephone: 090 6630252

& Health

Tattie Hoaker Health Store

Meat

Products/services

Contact

Health

Dentist

090 6627707

Tool hire service

090 6630700

Electrical goods and service

090 6634465

Pharmacy Pharmacy Health

Claddagh Optical

090 6637604

090 6634147

Optician

090 6626193

Home

& Garden

Keaveney Dental Care RM Tool hire

Tommy Kelly Electrics, Roscommon

Finn Electrical

Electrical goods and service

090 6625573

Plumbing, heating & renewables

086 8888573

Extending090our supports under the volunteer information services 6665800 Klassic Cleaners cleaners, Pick up service programme to existing voluntary groups Dry and giving advice to083 8589206 090 6630492 only for the moment Garveys Home and Building supplies volunteers on how they can stay safe while volunteering during the090 6627722 090 6626220 Building Merchants crisis. 090 6626360 Clothing Donnellan & Co Menswear, Mens, Womens and 086 6083650 090 6665524

Madden’s meats

Butcher shop

Castlemine Farm shop

Butchers shop and cooked meals

Harte’s Butchers

Tomás: 086 0460176

Volunteer Information: Mena 086 0499394

Pharmacy & Health

Chemco Pharmacy

Gail: 086 8532915

Hynes’ Pharmacy Pharmacy, Health, & Best for Baby Baby

Rosmed Pharmacy

Tomás: 086 0460176

Molloy’s Pharmacy

McGuiness’ Total Health

Category Business Gail: 086 8532915 Volunteer Information: Mena 086 0499394

Extending our “Friendly Call Service” to those in isolation/living Currently closed but available for urgent requests ESSENTIAL SERVICES alone/elderly offering a friendly voice from trained volunteers.

Telephone: 090 6630252 All activities will be carried out with strict adherence and compliance with HSE guidelines and Social Distancing Practices. Roscommon LEADER Partnership is here to help you through this crisis, should you require information on any of the above or if you have a query on any of our existing services please contact us on any of the following numbers:

Pharmacy

We are currently identifying areas with gaps in service provision

Butcher shop

086 6052505

John Gilleran

& Shoes

Childrens shoes

Spirit Clothing

Mens, Womens and Childrens wear.

086 8696262

We are currently identifying areas with gaps in service provision086 6083650 Donnellan Lady Ladies fashion and essentials Gannons Farm shop Poultry, Eggs & local produce 087 2526195 086 3277941 Skincare Skincare Health Spa Guinot skincare products, and working in collaboration withandGovernment Departments and and Beauty Jane Iredale make up, Wella hair products 090 6626041 Fruit and Veg Fullard’s Fruit and Veg Fruit and veg 086 1032341 Supporting People and Communities in Roscommon other Agencies Roscommon to support the unemployed &090 6625904 086 8149510 in Co. Roscommon LEADEREden Skincare Skincare products and supplements Partnership recognise the many challenges and difficulties that people and communitiesadditional and Laser Clinic Bakery Molloy’s Artisan Bakery Freshly baked breads, cakes, the 090 6625940 are facing right across County Roscommonsupport. due to Covid-19. We want you to self employed including admin Supporting People and Communities in Roscommon

090 6625964

pastries, newspapers, groceries

Roscommon LEADER Partnership recognise the many challenges and difficulties that people

Grocery, deli, Casey’s Londis and communitiesGrocery, food, Fuel,Roscommon due to Covid-19. We want you to are facingtake rightout across County news, fuel Ticketmaster, newsagents 090 6638000 know that we are working on aOff-licence, range of community supports and measures while we are

know that art, we are working on a range measures whileSupplies we are Learning, Cormican’s of community supports Office,and School and Art extending many current services to reach the wider community. These supports include…

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craft, office, Household

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Time Piecesoffering Gifts Home alone/elderly a friendly voice fromand trained volunteers.

087 7827171

needguidelines and working with existing similar Distancing service providers Practices. in the All activities will be carried out with strict adherence and compliance with HSE and Social Roscommon county. Keen Print Printing, graphic design, signage 090 6625787 LEADER Partnership is here to help you through thisareas crisis, should you require information on any of the above or if you have a query Extending our “Meals on Wheels” Service to additional of McNeill’s Grocery, Deli, Lotto, newsagents 090 6626481 Sports Roscommon Sports Sports wear, workout gear 086 6091660 need and working withplease existing similar service us providers in theof the following numbers: on any of our existing services contact on any Extending our “Friendly Call Service” to those in isolation/living county.Western Union, Molloy’s Carry-out Off-licence, 090 6626120 extending many current services to reach the wider community. These supports include… Timothy’s Londis Grocery, Deli, Lotto, newsagents 090 6626809

Strict delivery terms apply to alcohol Telephone: 090 6630252 Tomás: 086 0460176

Extending our “Friendly Call Service” to those in isolation/living alone/elderly offering a friendly voice from trained volunteers.

Gail: 086 8532915 Home ETL

Volunteer Information: Giftware, Jewelry, IrishMena art, cards 086 0499394 087 9678432

Extending our supports under the volunteer information services

to existing groups andto giving advice to We are looking for all businesses in Roscommon town that programme want to getvoluntary involved contact: volunteers on how they can stay safe while volunteering during the crisis.

Extending our supports under the volunteer information services programme to existing voluntary groups and giving advice to volunteers on how they can stay safe while volunteering during the crisis.

Brendan Allen – 087 2231202 president@roscommonchamber.com Cait McConn – 086 0859275 secretary@roscommonchamber.com We are currently identifying areas with gaps in service provision and working in collaboration with Government Departments and other Agencies in Co. Roscommon to support the unemployed & the self employed including additional admin support.

Thank you – and stay safe

Telephone: 090 6630252

Tomás: 086 0460176

Gail: 086 8532915

Volunteer Information: Mena 086 0499394

We are currently identifying areas with gaps in service provision and working in collaboration with Government Departments and other Agencies in Co. Roscommon to support the unemployed & the self employed including additional admin support.

(please follow HSE guidelines re: Covid-19) Telephone: 090 6630252

Tomás: 086 0460176

Gail: 086 8532915

Volunteer Information: Mena 086 0499394

NewsPeople

To our CAREGivers providing essential services all over Sligo, Leitrim & Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020 07 Roscommon, we say thank you for your dedication.

Dismay at Bord na Mona decision to lay off 230 workers We are looking for more kind-hearted and caring people to join our wonderful team at Home Instead.

Help us to help older people stay safe in their own homes. Join us and experience ‘The Home Instead Way’.

Politicians call on Bruton to act Bord na Mona’s decision to lay off 230 workers in its Energy Business Unit will impact up to 60 people at the Mount Dillon works in Lanesboro. A statement from Bord na Mona says the lay-offs are necessary because of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on its business. Bord na Mona says there has been a complete cessation of peat sales to Lough Ree power station in Lanesboro and that they’ve experienced an unprecedented fall in commercial revenue at their waste management section and in horticultural peat. The company maintains the lay-offs will impact at all levels in the Energy Business Unit including management, permanent and seasonal employees. It says all impacted permanent employees will continue to receive 100% of their basic pay, and the company will avail of the government Wage Subsidy Scheme.

Political reaction Deputy Denis Naughten called on Minister Richard Bruton to issue a clear statement on the practical steps he is taking to secure employment for Bord na Mona and ESB workers facing the likelihood of not being able to return to work after the Covid-19 crisis. “The decision by Bord na Mona to lay off 230 staff, following on from the shutting down of Lanesboro and Shannonbridge power stations, has

huge implications for job retention right across the region and we need to hear from Minister Bruton,” stated Denis Naughten. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said: “While permanent employees will be able to maintain their links with the company, approximately 100 seasonal employees are being shown the door. “It is my understanding that no application from BNM was submitted to keep these seasonal employees on through the wage subsidy scheme; which, if true, is shameful. “Given that the Government is encouraging companies to maintain links with all employees through the wage subsidy scheme, it seems as if BNM – as a semi-state company – are willing to toss their temporary workers on the scrap heap. “It is deplorable that BNM, as a company which recorded a profit of in excess of €41 million last year, are prepared to send these workers packing and leaving many with no option but to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment”. Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said that Bord na Móna’s decision to lay off 230 workers is a “shocking blow” to workers, families and communities reliant on these jobs. She said: “These workers were supposed to be assisted by the government’s Just Transition plan, but Minister Richard Bruton has been sitting on a report from the Just Transition Commissioner and has not brought forward a plan for Bord an

Móna workers. He must publish this report and ensure there is genuine and serious engagement with trade unions without delay”. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy described the lay-offs as a devastating blow to the

midlands. He called on the Min-

munity. The company should

devastating blow for our com-

market.

for Communications, Cli- allow the people who wish to Learn more atister HomeInstead.ie/Sligo-Jobs, mate Action, and Environment retire to retire before the layto publish the report from the offs begin. They should live up email sligo@homeinstead.ie Just Transition Commissioner to the promise of retraining and Kieran Mulvey. upskilling for employees who or call our local Sligo Senator Murphyoffice said: “This a on now071 face into9317051 an uncertain job

“This stress and confusion could have been avoided. An Bord Pleanála, aided and abetted by Government, are still stalling on the peat extraction application which would have seen both of these stations in operation”.

The best home to be in is your own. Home Instead offers in-home, personalised care. PERSONAL CARE | MEMORY CARE | EXERCISE | MEALS AND NUTRITION

D E R I U Q E R Y L T N E G CARERS UR ovided Training Pr

In extraordinary times, older people deserve extraordinary care. In extraordinary times, older people deserve extraordinary care. To our CAREGivers providing essential services all over Sligo, Leitrim & Roscommon, we say thankessential you forservices your dedication. To our CAREGivers providing all over Sligo, Leitrim & Roscommon, we say thank you for your dedication. We are looking for more kind-hearted and caring people to join wonderful team at Home and Instead. We are our looking for more kind-hearted caring people

to join our wonderful team at Home Instead. Help us to help older people stay safe in their own homes. Join us to and experience ‘The Way’. Help help older people stayHome safe inInstead their own homes. Join us and experience ‘The Home Instead Way’.

A painter applies the ‘finishing touch’ to Frances Finishing Touches, The Square, Roscommon, on Tuesday. Picture: Michael McCormack

Learn more at HomeInstead.ie/Sligo-Jobs, email sligo@homeinstead.ie Learnmore more HomeInstead.ie/Roscommon-Jobs, Learn atat HomeInstead.ie/Sligo-Jobs, or call our local Sligo office on 071 9317051 email roscommon@homeinstead.ie email sligo@homeinstead.ie or call our local office on 071 9317051 or call our local Sligo office on 071 9317051 The best home to be in is your own. Home Instead offers in-home, personalised care. The best home to be in is your own.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

LEO Roscommon welcomes expansion of Business Supports

CLAIRE KERRANE TD

If you require any assistance during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to get in touch anytime

Tel. 087 1945254 Email: claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys has announced a major expansion of supports for businesses impacted by Covid-19, including an expansion of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and a reduction in the interest rate for Microfinance Ireland loans. Minister Humphreys announced the expansion of the €2,500 Trading Online Voucher Scheme through Local Enterprise Offices, for businesses employing up to 10 people. An additional €3.3m is being provided to the scheme bringing the total available nationally to €5.6m. Local businesses in County Roscommon that previously benefitted from the Trading Online Voucher Scheme can, with effect now, apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500, with cofunding of 10%. The voucher can be used to help add payment or booking systems to websites, along with subscriptions to low-cost online retailing platform solutions. A substantial reduction in interest rates on Micro-

finance Ireland loans was also announced, bringing the rate down to 4.5%, where applications are made through Local Enterprise Office Roscommon Covid-19 Business Loans of up to €50,000 are available from Microfinance Ireland with no repayments and no interest charged in the first six months, for eligible businesses that employ less than ten people. Welcoming the expansion of business supports, Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise, with Local Enterprise Office Roscommon, Roscommon County Council, said: “For many local businesses, the options for trading are very limited due to Covid-19. However, there are a lot of opportunities in online selling and by accessing this Trading Online Voucher scheme, small businesses can develop a sustainable strategy for increasing sales”. * More details about small business supports available through Local Enterprise Office Roscommon can be found at LocalEnterprise.ie/Roscommon by emailing localenterprise@roscommoncoco.ie or telephoning 090 6626263.

A TIME FOR SOLIDARITY

The EU is working together to fight coronavirus and protect all our citizens

I’m proud to support efforts to:

• Secure vital medical supplies • Support vaccine research & development • Ensure reliable, timely cross-border delivery of food and goods • Fund aid in Ireland for businesses, citizens and most affected regions • Protect consumer rights

Some useful mental health support contact details: Alone - 0818 222 024 Jigsaw - www.jigsawonline.ie For any queries in relation to Covid-19 please contact the HSE line on 1850 241 850

Stay Safe, Stay Home Maria Walsh MEP Midlands North West

087 721 5415 maria.walsh@europarl.europa.eu @mariawalsheu

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

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HORAN’S RESTAURANT Racecourse Rd., Roscommon Town

From our home to yours!

Takeaways & Deliveries

Tuesday to Sunday 12 to 3pm Should you need to avail of our service, please ring the numbers below to order. Thank you and stay safe

See our Facebook page for updated menus Call John on 090 6626380 or 086 8538519 With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

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For the safety of our valued customers and staff, our offices will be closed for this lockdown

Perhaps now would be a good time to have a financial review of your Pension, Life Cover or Income Protection Contact Aengus by email at aengus@oates.ie or by phone on 086 2573358

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

The craic is 90 with Mícheál – but I’m feeling exposed! As soon as everything is back to normal, I will resume my regular training regime, but until then I will concentrate on baking and will not be watching any more fitness videos… One of the major side-effects of the coronavirus pandemic is the amazing number of videos – some very funny and some not so much – that are making their way on to all the social media platforms. While gyms and all sorts of sporting clubs remain closed, there are now a huge amount of fitness videos out there to keep

us all in top shape. Among the high profile people who have taken to the airwaves with fitness programmes are Kilkenny hurler TJ Reid, Mayo footballer Andy Reid, and this week, GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, all of whom are doing their best to whip us into shape (which I suppose must be a good thing). Many years ago my wife Carol got a County Roscommon sports award for equestrian sports. It was presented to her by the same Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, at the time a splendidly athletic-looking man in his late fifties, and also, as I recall, a proper gentleman and a thoroughly entertaining speaker. Anyway, fast-forward to 2020, and here we have the same man, now in his 90th year, still a splendidly athletic-looking man,

When getting hitched hits a (Covid) hitch! It’s Friday, 17th of April, and the day has turned out to be exactly as we would have wished for… the sun splitting the stones, not a cloud in the sky, everything perfect for the wedding of my daughter Lisa to her boyfriend Brian – and it just couldn’t be nicer for the wedding photographs. If you had met me a few months ago I could have told you all about my new suit, the wedding Mass, the traditional stop in Mikeen’s for a little drop of champagne, the drive to the hotel, the photos in the lovely grounds, the fabulous dinner, my magnificent speech (amongst others), the super music and dancing, a little drop of Guin-

ness to keep me ticking over, and finally falling up the stairs to my massive bed after showing off some of my infamous dance steps on the disco floor. All of that and more was what I had in mind for last Friday, but something we had never heard of until a few short weeks ago – Covid-19 – was to put paid to all of that and of course the wedding had to be cancelled. And so last Friday you would have seen a very different version to the immaculately dressed father of the bride. I decided to do a bit of work and – with apologies to the vagrants who still populate our country – I put on what my children call my home-

less outfit. I won’t try to describe that particular attire – as it is indescribable – but what is much more important is the fact that in this current lockdown, I found out that a tin of paint is almost as priceless as a lump of gold. The situation is so desperate that the large can of Weather Shield that by some great fortune I managed to have put aside for a rainy (preferably a sunny) day, would need to be kept under lock and key, and guarded by a Rottweiler or two. It must not be left anywhere out in the open where it could be spotted by prying eyes or else, with paint so scarce, and the weather so good, it could disappear like a puff of smoke.

This programme was a cut above

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

showing us how to do exercises on his front lawn and looking as fit as a fiddle. I have nothing against the Kerry man, but as someone whose leg is twenty years younger than his – and which refuses to lift to any degree off the ground – I have to say that watching Mícheál doing all his stretches and lifts and other stuff at his age does me no good at all. I know it’s meant to inspire me, but all it does is make me realise how out of shape I am, and the more I see how fit he is, the more I am inclined to give up and turn to my new passion of baking and eating loads of lovely fairy buns. As soon as everything is back to normal, I will resume my regular training regime, but until then I will concentrate on baking and will not be watching any more fitness videos.

I am not the greatest man of all time to watch television, even when we haven’t a lot of other things to do. But last night, purely by accident, I happened to tune into a documentary called ‘Abbeyfealegood’ and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. Abbeyfeale, which overall seems to be a relatively run-down medium-sized market town, has the extraordinary total of sixteen hair salons, including hairdressers and traditional barbers, and every one of them appears to be positively thriving. The documentary focused on the interaction between the hairdressers and their customers, and in a lot of cases the whole act of going to the hairdressers was actually a social event. Several people said they looked forward to the chat and the gossip and the friendship, and I got the feeling the haircut was almost incidental.

We also had a number of locals discussing how terrible events like losing children in car accidents, and by suicide, affected them, and in two cases such tragedies almost drove the parents themselves to taking their own lives; while in a sad twist, the local elderly priest died only two days after appearing on the film. Abbeyfeale apparently had 64 pubs at one time in the 1970s, but now has only nine or ten, so to be able to support sixteen hair salons in this day and age is a fair achievement, and it showed a different side to that industry’s social importance. As someone who gave up on having my hair cut a long time ago, I must now reconsider, and when all this Covid stuff is over I am resolving to make a reappearance in Paddy Joe’s (or some other Paddy Joe’s), where there can be no doubt all human life will be discussed.

It seems that in this lockdown the whole country has taken to painting and baking, and the two items that literally can’t be got for love or money are paint and flour, either self-raising or plain, and budding bakers and painters are tearing their hair out. Anyway, I spent most of Friday painting my wall white instead of painting the town red, but as I said last week, our daughter’s wedding will take place some time later in the year, and I will wear my new suit and do all the things I planned to do last Friday. That of course all depends on my staying alive, but if I do, I promise you we will give it a lash.

And finally…

Finally for this week, we recently lost another of the great stalwarts of the parish, and the Mountain, when Paddy Scott passed on at the age of 84. Because of the Covid restrictions his funeral had to be for family members only. Paddy was a well-known, highly regarded member of our community, and, despite the restrictions, many locals lined the route as he headed to his final resting place. I have been asked to convey the thanks of Mary D, his sister, and the extended family to all the friends and neighbours who lined the route, stood in the guard of honour before and after Mass, and all who stood outside the graveyard wall as Paddy was laid to rest. It meant a huge amount to the family. May Paddy rest in peace. ‘Till next week, bye for now

RHS Home Care is Ireland’s only community owned co-operative. We are Irish owned and have been caring for clients in the community for over 22 years. We employ over 500 staff locally in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. All retained income is reinvested in our organisation for continuous improvement which is overseen by our committed voluntary Board of Management who are members of your community. We operate a unique model that differs from other home care providers.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

Limited food service from Supermac’s from Friday Supermac’s in Roscommon Town and Carrickon-Shannon are to re-open from Friday to operate a limited food service. The fast food chain announced that it will provide a drive-through and a drive-and-collect system at the Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon outlets. Supermac’s closed its 116 restaurants last month over social distancing concerns. Supermac’s is a huge buyer of Irish food produce and the news that it is to re-open will be welcome in the food production sector. It spends around €40m every year on Irish food, with around a quarter of that on fresh chicken, which is a vital outlet for Irish chicken farmers.

In a social media posting Supermac’s said since it closed it has been “developing systems and processes in order to open and provide a service”. It said that only outlets that can fully implement social distancing guidelines for staff and customers will be opened. All services will be contactless. There will be a dedicated work station for each staff member and full PPE will be provided. Staff will have their temperature monitored before each shift. The sit-in facilities at Supermac’s Roscommon and Carrick-on-Shannon will remain closed until further notice.

We have achieved the first Quality Mark in Ireland specific for home care standards in the community Health Assured and also hold ISO certification 90001. We are an approved provider for HSE care delivery. We believe that caring is a very special talent and we are looking for the right individuals to join our team. Due to our continued growth and expansion we are currently recruiting the following roles;

Care Staff

We urgently need care in all areas of the West of Ireland, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, and Athlone. mustYour haveCare, achieved theChoice full QQI Level 5 award and or have completed the YourStaff Home, Your mandatory module Care Skills and Care of the Older Person. We welcome nursing staff and social care staff that have completed applicable modules.

Area Supervisors in the Galway/Mayo/Roscommon area

3-5 in managing people.owned Full award QQI / Nursing Careand qualification RHSyears’ Homeexperience Care is Ireland’s only community co-operative. We are Health Irish owned have and beforpassionate about supporting people to live their homes forstaff locally in beenmust caring clients in the community for over 22 years. Weinemploy over 500 Galway, Mayo andpossible. Roscommon. All retained income is reinvested in our organisation for continuous as long as safely

RHS HOME CARE COOPERATIVE

Are you looking for a rewarding Position is in CAREER Roscommon office the role is to scheduling care calls to clients in the West of IN HOME CARE? Ireland, strong administration, excellent computer, communication skills and office experience

improvement which is overseen by our committed voluntary Board of Management who are members of your community. We operate a unique model that differs from other home care providers.

Care Scheduling Teams

We have achieved the first Quality Mark in Ireland specific for home care standards in the community Health Assured and also hold ISO certification 90001. We are an approved provider We urgently need qualified healthcare assistants 3-5 years essential. in a busy office environment, industry related experience, for HSE care delivery.Experience We believe that caring is a very special talent and we are looking for theQQI Level 5the in Health social care degree would be an advantage. right toCare joinfull ouraward/nursing, team. and Due to our continued growth and expansion we are care inindividuals Castlerea surrounding area, bulk currently recruiting the following roles;

hours available. Also across Roscommon County

Accounts due Teamto growing demand contact us.

Care Full andStaff part time positions in Roscommon. Must have accounts payroll experience, timesheet We urgently need care inskills all areas of the West of Ireland, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, and management, computer and excel. Experience an hours. advantage. Flexible working Athlone. Staff must have achieved the full QQI Level 5 award and or have completed the mandatory module Care Skills and Care of the Older Person. We welcome nursing staff and Care Manager social care staff that have completed applicable modules.

Applications to jobs@rhshomecare.ie 090 66 25988

5 years people management experience, HR experience, good work ethic’s, work on their own initiative, critical thinking solving must be passionate about client care. Area Supervisors in theproblems Galway/Mayo/Roscommon area 3-5 years’ experience in managing people. award QQI / Nursing Health Care qualification RHS Home Care would like to give a veryFull special thanks, to all our healthcare workers/area All applications to be emailed to and the homes closing date and must be passionate about people livededication in their for supervisors & office staff forsupporting alljobs@rhshomecare.ie their hard worktoand during theislast number of as long as safely possible. weeks, working in the face of this Covid19 National Emergency and thank you for ensuring 17th August 2018. the safety and wellbeing of the most vulnerable in your area daily. “We’re in this together”

Care Teams – PatrickScheduling Towey, General Manger, Veronica Barrett, Director of Service & Ellen Beirne, Care Manager. www.rhshomecare.ie Position is in Roscommon office the role is to scheduling care calls to clients in the West of Ireland, strong administration, excellent computer, communication skills and office experience Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice 3-5 years essential. Experience in a busy office environment, industry related experience, QQI Providing Affordable, Community Drivenwould Homebe Care the West, Level 5 in Health CareQuality, full award/nursing, social care degree anin advantage.

Turf cutting in Neal, Ballaghaderreen. Picture: Mick McCormack

Accounts Team

Midlands & Border Counties for over 20 years

Full and part time positions in Roscommon. Must have accounts payroll experience, timesheet management, computer skills and excel. Experience an advantage.

Together, We’re There For You

Care Manager

5 years people management experience, HR experience, good work ethic’s, work on their own

critical thinking solving problems and must be passionate about client care. Times are moreinitiative, than tricky for the elderly most vulnerable in our communities. All applications to be emailed to jobs@rhshomecare.ie and the closing date is 17th August 2018.

Those who have made us the people we are today, who have always www.rhshomecare.ie shown us why community matters. Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice Providing Quality, Affordable, Community Driven Home Care in the West, Midlands & Border Counties for over 20 years

Fleming’s SuperValu are working together with community organisations, like the GAA and local authorities to help. So, if you’re elderly or vulnerable, and can’t get out to do your weekly food shop, then call your local authority helpline. They will connect you with local volunteers who’ll do your weekly shopping for you and bring it from our store to your door, or just call us on 09066 26196 and we will do it for you. We all have a part to play. Flemings SuperValu, always happy to help.

Shop Online with FLEMINGS SuperValu at -

Fleming’s

Main Street. Phone: 090 6626196

www.supervalu.ie

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

Reeling in the ARCHIVES

News, views and something to amuse…

12 YEARS AGO From Seamus Duke column

Ballygar’s Dr Martin Daly matches ‘fearsome’ Browne!

On Monday night I decided to watch the new Vincent Browne news programme on TV3 and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that there was plenty of local interest as IMO representative and Ballygar GP Martin Daly (who is also the Roscommon GAA team doctor) was the special guest on the programme. I will give Martin Daly full credit because he was ready for Browne on the night. Browne’s fearsome reputation for his savage interviewing style has now preceded him and intelligent people like Martin Daly are well able to counteract the broadcaster. As is his wont, Browne came out attacking on Monday night but Martin Daly was ready and answered every insult with a well-rehearsed answer. It clearly frustrated Browne as he kept sighing and repeating himself. He tried to interrupt but Martin Daly was having none of it. It was a mighty row and great TV but at the end of it all we had learned not one single thing more about the issue being discussed – and therein lies the weakness of Vincent Browne on this programme. He is a very talented journalist with an excellent grasp of the issues, but he is a bully-boy when on the air. (From 1 February 2008)

Then Cllr. Domnick Connolly takes it easy as he takes one of the new Kenbay Electric Bikes for a test. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon man Johnny Donnelly

Roscommon’s Johnny Donnelly to tackle 60 marathons worldwide!

A challenge taken on by Roscommon man Johnny Donnelly will see him take 10 million strides, complete 2000 miles, go through 154 pairs of runners and visit 43 countries as he attempts to complete 60 marathons back to back across the world in aid of charity. The former member of the Saw Doctors got the challenge underway last weekend at the Seville Marathon, and will take in Europe, Africa, the USA, South America, the Middle East, Antarctica and the Far East. Johnny will run around the world over the course of the next four years to raise funds for the Sea Change Foundation, an Irish charity established to raise funds and awareness for Microcredit Projects. Now living in Galway, Johnny has been running marathons since he was 13 and to date has competed over 30, with the six completed in 2005 alone raising over €150,000 for various charities. From February 2008 until December 2011, Johnny will make his way around the world to complete his latest challenge, running over 2000 miles in over 43 countries. (From 29 February 2008)

8 YEARS AGO Dull meeting saved by Al Capone and friends! < PAUL HEALY

Fourmilehouse is famous as the location of an ambush in 1920 and about the only levity on Monday came when Sinn Féin Councillor Michael Mulligan went off on a slightly bizarre verbal solo run

Nicola and Annabelle Dempsey at Roscommon Lamb Festival in 2012.

during which he referenced guns so much you could almost smell the gunsmoke. Announcing that he was at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Kerry at the weekend (cue, for some reason, chortles and heckles from other councillors), Cllr. Mulligan said that it was all very well for a new tourism campaign in Roscommon to have highlighted certain well-known people, but he wanted to mention the many other “infamous sons of Co. Roscommon”. Did we know, for example, wondered Cllr. Mulligan, that “Al Capone’s mother was from Frenchpark?” Cllr. Sean Beirne: “Lovely”. Cllr. Mulligan, having stunned colleagues by mentioning Al Capone at a Council meeting, was now on a roll. “Then you had ‘Machine Gun Kelly’….” At this stage several Independents almost dived for cover. Next, Cllr. Mulligan’s flight of verbal fancy brought him on to Dr. Douglas Hyde, first President of Ireland and a County Roscommon native. Cllr. Mulligan had some local folklore to recount about Mr. Hyde which might have had libel lawyers rubbing their hands in glee had it all been said at a different time. Mr. Hyde might even have summoned Mrs. Capone.

The metaphorical gunsmoke lingered as Mayor Eugene ‘Sheriff’ Murphy also had cowboys on his mind. Mayor/Sheriff Murphy: “Don’t forget James Drury (of ‘The Virginian’)…” (From 1 June 2012)

Electric Bike is hailed < PAUL HEALY

There’ll be no stopping Cllr. Domnick Connolly on the canvass for the next local elections after he was won over this week by a new Electric Bike which has just become available in Roscommon town. Political rivals could find that Cllr. Connolly sets an electrifying pace if he gets the hang of this acclaimed bike. Cllr. Connolly (Independent) recently launched the bike, which is now available at Neilan Electrical, Roscommon. On a serious note, the Kenbay Electric Bike has been hailed for the comfort it could bring to, in particular, elderly people. So, how does it work? Just plug it in at night at home and charge it (at a cost 7 cent) – and when it’s fully charged it’s ready to do 70km! (From 25 May 2012)

5 YEARS AGO From Paul Healy’s Week

Over the past week or so, the FAI boss John Delaney’s conduct has reminded us that cute hoorism is alive and well. I didn’t hear his interview with Ray D’Arcy at the time, but Delaney had already been grating on me in the days after the FIFA scandal broke. Delaney was popping up in the papers virtually every day, invariably with a righteous perspective on the FIFA story. It was becoming tedious; then the ‘€5m payment to the FAI’ story broke. Now one can argue for or against the €5m payment, but what many people are increasingly feeling uncomfortable with when it comes to Delaney is his demeanour, how he conducts himself. He may be a really nice man, but too often his behaviour lacks the dignity one would associate with his prestigious position. In the interview with Ray D’Arcy, Delaney began by saying he didn’t like Sepp Blatter’s “modus operandi” and “style” and accused him of having a big ego. One might say much the same of Delaney. (From 12 June 2015)

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

FACING DOWN COVID LOCAL LADIES PRODUCING HUNDREDS OF MASKS

Anna Flanagan. Picture: Michael McCormack

< PAUL HEALY

t started with three friends going for a walk (pre-restrictions) – and has blossomed into a fantastic community response to the Covid-19 crisis. Now, innovative and kind-hearted members of Roscommon ICA and Knockcroghery Knitters are mass producing face masks for frontline workers in local nursing homes, with several hundred of the protective items already distributed. Anna Flanagan, one of the Roscommon ICA ladies involved in the initiative, explains where the original idea came from. Roscommon-Galway Constituency “Myself and two friends – Will Keane and Cliona Baker – were out for a walk a few weeks ago. We were just talking about how we might be able to Anna Flanagan and Monica Sutton. Picture: Michael McCormack

help, and it was either Will or Cliona who suggested that we could look into making masks”. They made contact with relations who work in hospitals in Dublin, and were asked to send on samples. However, their budding initiative coincided with the arrival into Ireland of a consignment of masks from China. That, combined with the ‘red tape’ which would have been involved in supplying hospitals, led to the friends following a different course. Anna mentioned the idea to Roscommon ICA – and received immediate support. When the ladies then approached local nursing homes, they received an enthusiastic response – and a big demand for masks. Now, a few weeks on, about eight members of Roscommon ICA have between them already made over 400 masks. Other members have donated

Eugene Thank you from

Murphy Senator Eugene Murphy Vótáil

Real Solutions for Rural Ireland

“I am committed to helping to improve the quality of life for people in rural Ireland which has largely been left behind- we need to build a future where people can live, work and enjoy the many benefits of rural living”

Fighting back on behalf of the people of Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy Delighted to have elected to Anbeen Irelan d represent you in Seaned Éireann

f o r all please In the present difficult cirumstances, No 2: Orla Leyden

Constituency Offices:

Elphin Street, Market Square, Ballinasloe, be reassured that I am available at all times Strokestown, Roscommon Town Co. Galway Co. Roscommon Co. Roscommon  087 435 3834 if you have any concerns or issues  071 963 3000  090 662 5722

Mobile: 087 1668775  eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

Working with your local Fianna Fáil team: Cllr Michael Connolly, Cllr John Cummins, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr John Keogh, Cllr Orla Leyden, Cllr Marty McDermott, Cllr Joe Murphy

money towards purchasing the fabric (the masks are “100% cotton”). Knockcroghery Knitters have come on board too (one member, Debbie McGrath, has made over 200 masks). They’ve been supplying local nursing homes, carers and others. Everyone in Roscommon ICA and Knockcroghery Knitters has been very supportive, as has Frances in Frances’ Finishing Touches. The ladies would also like to acknowledge the support of An Post. Meanwhile, there’s a social benefit for those involved too. Anna Flanagan: “The ladies in Knockcroghery Knitters and Roscommon ICA are great, very supportive of one another, very friendly. This lockdown would be a lot more difficult without their great company on WhatsApp!”

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople ROBERT FLYNN THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA, ROSCOMMON - Tel: (094) 9620028

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The Rossie Way is coming your way!

THE ROSSIE WAY with Seamus Duke & Dan Dooner

Well done, lads!

Firefighters from Boyle, Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen stations tackle a bog fire at The Float Bog near Ballaghaderreen, on Monday evening. The fire started on Sunday evening. Photo: Mick McCormack

Firefighters from Boyle, Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen stations tackle a bog fire at The Float Bog near Ballaghaderreen, on Monday evening. Photos: Mick McCormack

LIVE ON AIR

Monday to Friday 3-4 pm Tune into RosFM 94.6 Go online rosfm.ie/live On phone or tablet download the Tunein App and search for RosFM 94.6FM GOOD for your heart, GREAT for your head during Covid 19 Shopping vouchers to be won for… Keane’s SuperValu, Lanesborough Fleming’s SuperValu, Roscommon Timothy’s Londis, Roscommon Tom Madden Meats, Roscommon Thank you to all our sponsors including Tesco and Supersavers

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROSCOMMON LIONS CLUB

Exhausted firefighters from Boyle, Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen stations take a break (observing social distancing) on Monday evening. The fire started on Sunday evening. Photo: Mick McCormack

Roscommon Lions Club spreading good news – with new Show! Dozens of people living in nursing homes in Roscommon, and many others who have been cocooned in their own homes in rural areas of the county have this week been given a ‘good news’ gift of a new portable radio transistor set by Roscommon Lions club as part of a unique project to spread a positive mental health message during the Covid-19 emergency. “We know a lot of elderly residents are confined to the house and listening every day to rather distressing information on their TV and radio so we have created a new upbeat and positive radio show on the RosFM Community radio station every day from 3 pm-4 pm for them to listen to and now we are giving out radio transistors to those who would like to stay tuned to the new positive message every afternoon instead,” said Kathleen Shanagher of Roscommon Lions Club. The Innis Ree Lodge in Ballyleague was the first nursing home centre in the county to embrace the new project. Siobhan Curran (pictured) from Innis Ree said the residents were delighted to be involved and were tuning in already! ‘The Rossie Way’ is the new daily show launched on RosFM and presented daily between

3 pm-4 pm by journalists Seamus Duke and Dan Dooner on 94.6FM. It’s a magazine show with topical features including interviews with Roscommon people, sport, cookery, gardening, a comedy slot and even a daily quiz with special prizes including up to €300 in free vouchers for shopping at Keane’s SuperValu, Lanesborough, Fleming’s SuperValu in Roscommon, Madden Meats in Roscommon and Timothy’s Londis in Roscommon. The new show can be found on the radio dial at 94.6FM or online through the ‘tuned-in’ app on your phone. The Lions Club wishes to thank the Lions Clubs of Ireland District ‘An Post’ committee for supporting this project. The club is affiliated to the County Council Community effort during the Covid-19 emergency. If you know somebody living at home alone or cocooning with a partner who might like to avail of a new radio transistor to hear the new show please contact Roscommon Lions Club President Dermot Cox at 086-3366617 or email: roscommonlionsclub@gmail.com

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Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

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Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

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Time for a French Revue? The Big House was, according to W.B. Yeats, where order and beauty meet to bring great art to its community. This, in short, is what we have been engaged in at Castlecoote House for the past 15 years. With the moral collapse of many of our traditional institutions; the demise of a large number of rural community structures; the eclipsing of many parish churches as centres of community activity; the ‘rationalisation’ of post offices and other traditional services; the severe reduction in the numbers of Garda stations; the de-humanising of banks and libraries; the closure of rural public houses and local shops, all centres or fora of local leadership and collective conversation have now disappeared and may be lost to rural Ireland forever. As a result, a great vacuum exists. Technology and new and untested forms of communication have altered the very nature of human connection and communication, redefining the nature of civic relationships and priorities. As a consequence it has become clear that we need to find a new hermeneutics of discussion, to provide a coherent cultural and intellectual map of human reality going forward.

“

Some of these ideas may make us feel very challenged or uncomfortable, however, familiar certainties of belief today may no longer be able to stand up to the scrutiny of the challenge of faith combined with reason. It so happens that at Castlecoote House we have been attending to and addressing these areas of human need and activity for a number of years. At our annual Percy French festival for instance, while illuminating the neglected historical and sociological context of French’s life and work, we have tentatively been teasing out precisely such questions as had become most urgent for our society in the emerging moment. In our style of approach we raised many of the bigger questions; examined them through the prisms of French’s comic genius, his connectedness to the grassroots culture of the people of Roscommon and the wider country in his own time. Building on these understandings, we have each year, conducted a

Time for a French Revue 100 th anniversary

Percy French 1854–1920

The 12TH Percy French Festival Castlecoote House, Co Roscommon 8th –10th July 2020

study of the cultural undergrowth of French’s time and our own. Year on year, post-event surveys show a public appetite to expand on the issues raised, particularly the bigger questions of truth, morality and ethics. Alongside the big attraction of the music and entertainment, people who travel to the Percy French Festival come from a very diverse range of backgrounds and were found to be a very thoughtful and reflective audience. In matters dealing with the press and political governance it was clear they had become very weary and tired of partial truths and their integrity being challenged on a regular basis. Mainly because some of the media presume that their readers have

the same value system as they do, whereas in reality this isn’t always the case – worse still the media continue to perpetuate it. The Sean Freyne Memorial Lecture took up the challenge of issues of faith and morality and became a way of reaching out to people, from all walks of life, who on a very deep spiritual level were searching for a coherent faith and an undiluted approach to the Traditions. Truth and religion was a way of engaging with the world, a living relationship with the Transcendent, not a set of beliefs, dogmas and practises, and it was clear they were more at ease when these bigger questions were raised in a secular setting. They saw faith as a way of living, thinking and being in the same reality as

other people. They had a misgiving too about who takes ownership of these value system(s), that constitute their beliefs or that make up their spiritual well being. Consequently they were looking for a neutral, objective, unbiased interpretation and approach to the Traditions and these bigger questions. It was out of this context, four years ago we successfully launched our Myth & History series which, alongside Classical Hebrew, has now become part of the intellectual cultural conversation at Castlecoote House.

What now for Castlecoote House? The growing hunger and longing

for issues of truth, faith, morality and beauty in society are very pertinent issues and advanced the notion that maybe we have to reframe our thinking in order to reach a deeper truth. Go back to the texts again and take an historical and archaeological approach to the biblical narrative. Look, for instance, for the Jesus of history in the narrative, examine the historical, political and social landscape in which this extraordinary charismatic figure lived and moved. Likewise with the great Classical prophets, Jeremiah, Amos and Isaiah, taking the literary and archaeological approach to these giant literary works may in fact bring us to a deeper understanding of their story, the world in which they moved, and enrich our faith in a more wholesome manner. This approach strains the biblical narrative of its supernatural language in an attempt to make it more accessible and compatible for us today. It examines ‘the setting in life’ in which the texts were created and asks the very pertinent question ‘does the biblical story that created the paradigm shift for the community in which it evolved, originally, have any meaning for us in today’s very secularised society’? Some of these ideas may make us feel very challenged or uncomfortable, however, familiar certainties of belief today may no longer be able to stand up to the scrutiny of the challenge of faith combined with reason. Notwithstanding these challenges our hunger to think and talk about the moral and the transcendent will never be satisfied, never sated especially now when our world have been arrested from its hurtling pace. Now may be the time to look again at life. Look again at the narratives that shaped our worlds, the biblical stories that shaped the people who mean and meant so much to us. Our ancestors, our grandparents, great, great hard-working people who built up our country with their bare hands, some of whom are now suddenly and cruelly it seems taken away from us without any family around them to thank them and say goodbye. It should always be remembered we are here, only because of them. Up until recently we all felt we had so many choices in life. All that has now been punctuated and at a deeper level it prompts us to ask the reason why? Now may be the appropriate time to rekindle the light we all have been bestowed with, or is our hope placed in a long wait for things to start up as before and (we) lose ourselves again in the fray? The approach to the Traditions outlined above may be the bridge to help us cross over and return to base camp so when we do go forward the next time, we will, as Bob Dylan said, ‘have God on our side’. For more information on the courses outlined above or Classical Hebrew, beginners course commences every Monday (7 pm), please email info@ castlecootehouse.com

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

The

D News page

Readers wowed by local students

My Favourite ...

Cathy O’Flanagan

My favourite holiday destination…Milan My favourite TV programme…I don’t really have a favourite, but I’m currently watching ‘The Last Dance’ on Netflix My favourite social media platform/website... Facebook or Instagram My favourite author...Sheila O’Flanagan My favourite food…Chicken carbonara My favourite sport…I love loads of sports such as soccer, Gaelic football, boxing…but if I have to pick one I’d have to choose basketball My favourite way to relax…a nice fire, my pyjamas and a good film My favourite saying/term I use…I don’t have one! But I like this quote from Benjamin Franklin – “Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away” My favourite celebrity and why…Here in Castlerea our own Aoife O’Rourke, of the local boxing club, is someone whom I consider to be inspirational. Aoife is someone that I’d like my kids to look up to. My favourite part of Ireland and why…My favourite part of Ireland is Co. Roscommon, but especially Castlerea. I’m lucky to have grown up in a town that looks after its own and has such fantastic people and strong community spirit. This has really been evident during this pandemic. The way everyone has pulled together and really looked out for each other is a credit to the people of the town. Cathy O’Flanagan is PRO of Castlerea Musical Society.

Aine and Daniel Doherty pictured in Castlerea. Picture: Michael McCormack

A good exercise… One positive aspect of life in Ireland at the moment is the fact that we are enjoying a glorious spell of weather. That, combined with the Government directive for people (with some exceptions) to stay at home, has led to thousands of people across County Roscommon exercising (while observing social distancing guidelines). The sight of people out walking, running and cycling has become very common over the past week or so as people avail of the beautiful weather – and this surge in physical activity is highly recommended at this time because it will help people de-stress and to cope better with these challenging times.

Cloonbrackna Ave., Roscommon Dear Editor, Through your newspaper, I wish to congratulate the four Roscommon teenagers who performed so beautifully and professionally during last Sunday’s Mass, celebrated by the Bishop of Elphin and televised by RTÉ from Maynooth at 11am. The readings, musicianship and singing was simply superb. I’m glad I didn’t miss it and I can say, with confidence, that there is a bright future ahead for those excellent young Rossies. Gura fada buan iad. Bill Cunningham Dear Editor, In these gloomy times, it was great to see the talented, confident young people of Roscommon at Mass on RTE on Sunday. They are a credit to all involved. It was a very uplifting performance. Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir. Yours sincerely, Mary O’Gara

Pride of place, faith in Our Lady… There’s an area of land on the approach into Lisnamult (in Roscommon town) which readers will be familiar with. I’ve always admired how beautifully maintained and pretty it is. Roscommon County Council deserves plaudits for this, but so too do local residents. In particular, local man Tommy Parker has to be commended for his proactive approach to the upkeep of the area. Readers who pause and admire this area during this beautiful spell of weather will agree that it looks fantastic. There’s a fabulous rockery, lovely flowers, and – taking pride of place – a statue of Our Lady. I wondered how the statue of Our Lady got there – which brings us back to Tommy Parker. Tommy explains that when the Church asked parishioners to display a statue of Our Lady in their houses a few years ago, he went a step further. Tommy placed the statue of Our Lady at the rockery on the

entrance to Lisnamult. “A local man, Michael O’Connor, gave it to me. I put it there two or three years ago. I was going to remove it but then a neighbour who had an ill relative asked me to leave it there. So it’s been there ever since!” Tommy and his partner, Cathy, spend quite a lot of time tending to the area. Just this week, Tommy painted a wall across from the

rockery. They also assist with Roscommon Tidy Towns in litter pick-ups and in the general upkeep of the town. Tommy says he isn’t the greatest Mass-goer out there, but he has “belief in God” and a devotion to Our Lady. “I do think at this very difficult time that Our Lady can help us. I want to extend my sympathy to all of the people who have lost loved ones to Covid-19, and to all

who are suffering. I think this is a good time to have Our Lady in our lives. I feel good about the statue being there, it might help us find a cure for this virus”. Meanwhile, back at the rockery, someone (not Tommy) has placed a Roscommon flag. It’s a fitting symbol too…a show of solidarity, of community pride. We are all in this together. Well done to Tommy and Cathy! – PH

LEFT: Sam and Stephanie Walsh pictured in Lisnamult earlier this week. Picture: Michael McCormack

RIGHT: Our Lady’s Grotto at Lisnamult.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

Lifestyle goals and skincare secrets Confined to quarters, many of us are suffering the effects of root re-growth and lockdown locks. In addition, we’re bereft of the professional services of a qualified beauty/ skincare expert… so I thought a word of advice from Lucy Carty, Proprietor and Clinical Director of Eden Skin and Laser Clinic would be in order.

< MIRIAM KERIN

Has Covid-19 and its restrictions affected your business? Yes they have massively restricted my business. The clinic is in snooze mode at the minute as we are temporarily closed. Hygiene has always been paramount my line of business. We’ve always taken universal precautions with disinfecting equipment and using

PPE. When restrictions and guidelines were introduced we started to screen clients before they would come for an appointment. Protecting my staff was really important also. I predicted early on that we might have to close for a period of time, so the girls knew it was a possibility, but didn’t imagine it would be for this period of time. Could you share any professional skincare maintenance tips with me for our readers? Firstly, I would like

to reassure my lovely clients, and I miss them and the buzz around the clinic. I can still be contacted if clients have any issues. In fact I am offering free Zoom or Skype skin consultations so I am still very present for my clients albeit virtually. We work together to put a homecare regime in place and a plan of treatments for when we reopen. But give us some tips Lucy…tips…please? My tips are: Ensure to

COVID-19

Lucy Carty, Proprietor and Clinical Director of Eden Skin and Laser Clinic.

How are

‘No shortage of products Roscommon GAA: Playing for shops’ At a time when many enterprises are compelled to pivot in several different directions in an attempt to meet the fundamental changes enforced by the coronavirus crisis, we found out how Kevin Duffy, who, along with his family, runs Duffy’s SuperValu in Ballaghaderreen, has been weathering the restrictions. < MIRIAM KERINS

Has the ‘lockdown’ situation negatively affected your business? No, business is as good as it’s always been in one sense, but in another sense, (at the start) a lot of products went out of stock. People were (understandably) panic buying, but that situation has now resolved itself because our customers know we’re constantly re-stocking our shelves. How is your store coping with the social distancing guidelines? There’s a lot of goodwill and compliance among our staff and our customers regarding the restrictions. For example, we have put barriers in place at the front of the shop to help people adhere to the guidelines and, when it gets busy on a Thursday, Fri-

day and Saturday, we have a staff member on the door to ensure we restrict customer numbers entering the shop at any given time. We have a lot more staff on the tills to help customers move in and out of the shop and to keep the flow going. Our staff have been great. Any other adaptions being made to Duffy’s SuperValu? Yes, one big change has been our online shopping with staff picking orders for customers; and we’d like to invite our senior customers to use this service; it’s the best way. We’d also like to encourage anyone who is helping those cocooning with their shopping, or who are volunteering to help someone in their neighbourhood/community, to use our online service. Just log on to supervalu.ie, (and follow the instructions). Can I say we have a lot of respect for those who are volunteering and who are helping others out during this time. How are you using your own free time during this health crisis? Monday is my day off, so I’m sitting in the garden chatting to you, and I’m enjoying a cup of coffee and the sunshine. One silver lining about this situation is the fact that people are using their gardens more, and they’re coming into the shop to buy seeds and grow their own flowers and vegetables.

Games have been temporarily suspended and players are being asked to stay at home, however, Roscommon senior GAA stars/management team and backroom staff are keeping busy by holding a fundraiser for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice. We caught up with dynamic sporting hero and Roscommon Community College Science teacher Gary Patterson from Ballinlough to find out more about the team’s ‘Shave or Dye’ initiative. < MIRIAM KERINS

Whose idea was it to either shave or dye the players’ hair? Well, nobody really wants to shave or dye their hair (laughs), but when Colm Lavin, our goalkeeper, whose aunt is involved with the hospice, told us they were down €30k due to the (charity’s) shops being closed (during Covid), Colm thought it’d be a good idea for us to try and help them.

How can fans/readers support your event? We are asking them to get behind the fundraiser by voting on social media to see which of us (there are over 40 of us involved), will either shave or dye. We would like people to support the hospice because they do great work and a lot of people have benefitted from their great service. Everyone will be either shaving or dying this Saturday and Sunday and if people go to Mayo-Roscommon Hospice via the GoFundMe link, search for Help for Hospice and hopefully we can reach our goal of raising €30,000. Your readers might be looking forward to seeing Cathal Cregg returning to his blond bombshell days when he used to rock the blond hair (laughs). Does the lack of a training routine cause any problems for the team? It’s very tough having no group training, but we’re having individual sessions; and the strength and conditioning coach has been sending us individual programmes which we’re all following for running and for home gym work. We also have a group chat and that keeps you motivated as there is a certain amount of accountability (attached to it).

As a teacher, how are you supporting your students during this time? We have classes set up online and we are interacting with all students, and trying hard to support them and keep them motivated. When you’re not training, teaching or planning to shave or dye your hair, how do you relax? I’m doing a bit of gardening and I enjoy cooking, and, with the weather being so good, I also go for daily two kilometre walks. I am doing a bit of reading and I like sports biographies, I’m currently reading a biography on Tiger Woods.

* Roscommon GAA is hoping to raise €30,000 for the MayoRoscommon Hospice charity, and want those who support this initiative to know that ‘anyone who donates €20 will automatically go into a draw for the chance of winning one of five signed Roscommon jerseys. A €40 donation will receive two entries and so on’. We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the Roscommon GAA team’s ‘shave or dye’ images!

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

– how Lucy’s living with lockdown! keep your skin clean, avoid sugar and although the temptation is to ‘go out the back and tan’ with all our fine weather, I advise everyone to wear their SPF. I am in the process of making up a ‘Covid Skin Rescue’ pack to post out to clients if they need one to do a home treatment. I would urge my laser hair removal clients that are in course, to shave the area only, and to avoid home waxing or plucking. And, as Arnie says…I’ll be back!

Congratulations on your recent house purchase… Yes I have just bought a house and very excited to do so. Unfortunately we cannot move yet as some work has to be done on the house. Due to the restrictions the work is deemed non-essential, so there is a delay on progress. Currently I’m in the middle of renting and starting to pay a mortgage, so it’s tricky but fortunately I have a terrific landlord who is extremely understanding in these times. Plus it’s giving me more time to

plan out my house and garden. How are you spending your downtime? You really have to take the positives out of the downtime, and I’m glad we live in the country and can go for walks and enjoy open spaces. I find I haven’t been watching TV or Netflix as much as I would when I was working. I catch the first ten minutes of news and that’s it. Social media is down to a minimum. You can get sucked in too easily to the negativity. I’m enjoying cooking a

proper meal at home, I find it really therapeutic. I’m also still very active in my business behind the scenes with virtual refresher trainings, webinars, etc. and my dog is very happily sitting at my feet whilst I’m working from my laptop. Missing family and friends? How lucky are we to have Wi-Fi and social media in these times. We did a family Zoom call for my sister’s 40th recently. I can WhatsApp my friends in any part of

the world. I’ve messaged people I haven’t been in touch with for ages. It has definitely brought us all closer. Next task is to get my 92-year-old mother on Tik Tok!!!”

If you would like to be featured in our series next week, please telephone 086 8054227

Due to the coronavirus ‘lockdown’ restrictions, the people of Ireland are stuck at home. Therefore, if readers were wondering how fellow Rossies are coping with the curtailment of movements, and what they’re doing to survive, not only the virus itself, but ahem, how they’re sustaining themselves while being cooped up with each other, we caught up with a few of our fellow citizens. Here’s what they had to say ...

we coping? their part to help Hospice

Kieran O’Malley, (aka The Galway Player)

When Covid plays havoc with Cupid! We caught up with eligible bachelor Kieran O’Malley, (aka The Galway Player) and Digital Marketing Manager of Connaught Hospitality Group to talk about love and life during lockdown! < MIRIAM KERINS

How have the restrictions affected business? Oh all of the bars and clubs are closed, and that’s worrying for this industry because we just don’t know when they will all get to open up again. In addition, with the cancellation of the Galway Races, which are the jewel in the crown of the Galway summer, we’ll see a massive blow to the economy. On top of that, racegoers would normally boost the fashion, millinery, retail and beauty industries, etc., in preparations for the festival, as well as visiting the pubs and restaurants, so it’s a huge disappointment all round. Budgets have been planned and based on last year, but it’s now a very different time and while businesses are opening up again in the US, (according to the news), you’d have to ask how safe this is. We have to do things right, one weekend could see it (the virus), potentially exploding again. Are you now personally out of work due to the government’s restrictions? Yes, I’m not working at all at the moment. However I am helping out with publicity for a charity called COPE Galway which helps those who are homeless, the elderly and those experiencing domestic violence. As COPE can’t raise funds through events I’m helping them with online charity fundraisers. (Readers can go to copegalway.ie for more information). How are you spending your downtime? I’m watching James Bond movies and enjoying audio books, the latest one is The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho), and I’m studying Spanish. It’s great fun because the App Duo Lingo is free to download, so anyone can do it. I do half an hour of lessons every day. I’ve got a great incentive to learn because I’m doing it with a friend and you get points each day based on what you’ve learned, so I’m getting competitive to earn more points. I’m also doing a Photoshop course on eCollege and I’m hosting a lot of online quizzes on Zoom. What about exercise? I try to structure my day by getting in a two-kilometre walk, and I’m enjoying the sun. I have also started making cocktails, so I’m experimenting with recipes that people are very kindly sending me on Instagram.

Roscommon Community College Science teacher Gary Patterson from Ballinlough

Are you still looking for love? Yes! I’m living/sharing accommodation with friends, so while I’m not lonely during isolation, I am still looking for love.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople

Planet Youth workshop will help parents overcome Covid-19 challenges Roscommon parents dealing with parenting challenges created by Covid-19 are invited to attend an online workshop designed to help them through these unprecedented times. ‘Parenting Your Teenager Through Covid-19’ will be the title of the interactive online workshop on Tuesday, April 28th, at 7.30 pm. The free event is hosted by Planet Youth, a primary prevention initiative that aims to enhance young people’s health and wellbeing and assist them in achieving their full potential. Planet Youth has been operating in the coun-

ties of Mayo, Roscommon and Galway since 2018. “A key area of focus for us has been to provide support to parents in the region. We are very conscious that parents are now dealing with extraordinary challenges and we want to be there for them,” said Emmet Major, Planet Youth. “As we are all restricted in our face-to-face contact at this time, we are holding this workshop online using an innovative facilitated format.

“Parenting Your Teenager Through Covid-19 offers parents the opportunity to engage with other parents in conversation where they can share their challenges while also acknowledging the good parenting that is taking place”. The workshop, supported by Healthy Ireland funds, will be led by Adolescent Psychotherapist Gina Dowd. Gina works with teenagers and their families. To register for the workshop, simply email ‘Roscommon’ to events@planetyouth.ie and you’ll be contacted with a registration link.

Howard raises over €13,000 to support ICU frontline staff As the nation continues to come together to battle Covid-19, support for the heroic frontline medical staff is constantly required in all shapes and forms, even down to essential toiletries that Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff require after a long, hard shift. Roscommon man Howard Simpson took on the challenge of raising awareness and sourcing donations in response to a simple appeal he came across on Twitter. A doctor based in Beaumont Hospital tweeted to request self-care products for frontline medical staff working in the ICU in need of washing up products to use once they have removed personal protective equipment after their eight-to-twelve-hour shift, so that that they are safe to return home to their families and friends. In just two weeks, over €13,000 has been raised in response to the initiative that Howard Simpson set up to support this appeal and now ‘Covid Care Packs’ are being distributed to 27 hospitals around Ireland. Having recently set up a GoFundMe page to raise an initial

target of €10,000, Howard and his extended family are now working to pack shower gel, shampoo and wipes that they have accumulated with the help of Irish brands like WaterWipes, who were one of the first companies to join the cause. As of Tuesday 21st of April, 3,000 packets of WaterWipes have been pledged, along with Nivea shower gel, Radox shampoo and additional shower gel products supplied by Primeline, with the greatly welcomed offer from Fastway Couriers to deliver the products to the medical staff in need. Howard hopes that he can support frontline workers in combatting the spread of the coronavirus among staff who continue to work in the affected hospitals. “The public reaction and general support for our fundraising has been amazing”. Howard is calling on the public to continue to support the campaign in order to be able to continue helping the frontline healthcare staff. To contribute to the ongoing fundraiser visit Howard’s GoFundMe page: gf.me/u/xtvzxx Howard Simpson

Pictured is Declan Walsh relaxing with his dog, Oscar in his garden on Patrick Street in Castlerea last week. Picture: Mick McCormack

Lecarrow man raises €1600 for ISPCC

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) is Ireland’s national child protection charity. ISPCC Childline has announced that it will continue to be there to listen to every child and young person in Ireland throughout the period in which Ireland is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kenny Ward from Lecarrow has (so far) raised €1600 for ISPCC Childline by running his own marathon within the 2km radius on Easter Sunday. Appealing for ongoing support for this very worthy cause, Mr. Ward said: “If you would like to donate by visiting my IDONATE page I would greatly appreciate it”. * To donate, visit https://www.idonate.ie/KennyWard

‘Farmers should apply for Pandemic payment’ – Kerrane

‘Tidy Towns cancellation a big disappointment’ – Shanagher Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Chairperson of Roscommon Tidy Towns Association, said the announcement by Minister Michael Ring TD that the National Tidy Towns Competition for 2020 is cancelled came as a disappointment to so many volunteers around the county and country. At this time close to 1000 groups would normally be busy completing the application form for the competition. While the competition is judged during the months of June, July and August, the work for the competition is ongoing throughout the year with many projects planned and documented for the application form.

Kenny Ward from Lecarrow pictured with his children.

“I would encourage groups to continue taking photographs of projects they are working on to keep as a record for future application forms” Cllr. Shanagher said. “With many people at home and taking an interest in gardening I would suggest checking out the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to get advice as to what to plant to make your garden pollinator friendly and look after the bees”. Some members are bringing their litterpicker, bag and gloves with them when out walking and are keeping their areas clean. Cllr. Shanagher noted: “Unfortunately, some

other people continue to throw rubbish and in particular disposable gloves on the ground and expect someone to pick them up. “There has also been an increase in illegal dumping in areas around town. The Council is to carry out a ‘blitz’ on all households in the county to check if they have an up to date rubbish disposal service. “Bottle banks and clothes banks are being emptied regularly so there is no need for dumping at these sites – bring it home and return when the banks are emptied or else you could be fined and this includes leaving empty boxes at the banks”.

Sinn Féin TD for Roscommon/Galway Claire Kerrane has urged farmers to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment payment. Deputy Kerrane said: “Long before Covid-19 hit, farmers have been struggling to make any financial gain from their work – making farming really challenging. “Covid-19 has added to that financial pressure and I am urging farmers to apply for this emergency payment to assist them through this crisis. “The form is just one page and doesn’t require any additional information to be sent in. It can be filled in and returned by free post or it can be applied for online in three simple steps. “I have been posting out forms for the unemployment payment for the past number of weeks and if anyone requires one please do not hesitate to get in touch”. Deputy Kerrane said that anyone who needs assistance in this regard can contact her.

Castlerea Musical Society to stage ‘The Addams Family’ Castlerea Musical Society is delighted to announce that our production of ‘The Addams Family’ will now be staged from Wednesday, 14th-Saturday, 17th of October 2020 in The Hub, Castlerea. The committee thanks everyone for their continued support during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing everyone in the autumn, but for now stay home and stay safe.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

NewsPeople Roscommon Mart Report

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Naughten calls for deadline on Government formation talks < PAUL HEALY

Denis Naughten says it’s time for Labour, the Green Party and the Social Democrats to make up their minds once and for all as to whether or not they are prepared to support a Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael Coalition Government. The Independent TD says the smaller parties ought to make their position known by this weekend. “Some extremely difficult decisions will need to be taken in this country over the coming weeks and months, and they cannot be made by a caretaker Government” Deputy Naughten said. The Roscommon/Galway TD and former minister is the most prominent of an eight-strong group of Independent TDs who held government formation talks with both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on Monday. It is widely believed that this ‘Regional Independent’ group will throw its support in behind an FF/FG led Coalition. Speaking to the Roscommon People on Tuesday night, Deputy Naughten, who is convener of the Independent group, said that the scale of the crisis facing the country is such that it is high time a new government was formed. “We have small businesses that don’t know if they will be able to reopen or not, families where the adults are unsure about their employment future,

and agriculture in a very serious place. We made the point (at Monday’s meeting) that we need a government with a clear mandate, one that will serve for the next five years.

Critical decisions will have to be taken. We are in the middle of a health crisis and a dire economic crisis, but we are coming to a stage where the public health advice will have

to be weighed against the mental health advice and against the economic advice. Difficult decisions will have to be made and they cannot be made by a caretaker government”.

Pictured is Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice outside his premises in Castlerea earlier this week. Picture: Michael McCormack

As to whether or not the Regional Independents are available to join the Coalition as a block of eight, Deputy Naughten said: “We spoke with Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin and from day one we said that two of those three parties would need to come together and that a third leg was then needed, in other words one of the smaller parties. In that context we would be prepared to sit town and try to negotiate a Programme for Government – but only as an equal partner in such discussions and not as a lastminute addition to make up numbers”. Deputy Naughten said that it would be up to each individual member of the group of eight Independent TDs to decide whether or not they would support any such programme. It’s expected that Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin will both serve a period as Taoiseach as part of the new Coalition. Deputy Naughten said that he had no preference as to which of them should take up the reins in the short-term. “That’s a matter between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. But it’s time now for this to happen, it’s eleven weeks since the election. We need leadership, leadership that can only be provided by a stable Government with a clear mandate – and this needs to happen quickly”.

Sheep Assembly Sale – Wednesday, 22nd April: There was a nice entry of sheep on offer at Wednesday’s Sheep assembly. Spring lambs made up to €145 for 57kgs. Hoggets made up to €144 for 62 kgs. Stag ewes made from €55 up to €148 per head. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Our next Sheep assembly is next Wednesday, 29th April. Bookings for sheep is on Tuesday, 28th April from 11 am-1 pm. Sheep to be penned by 10am on day of assembly. Sample prices Spring lambs: 57kgs €145, 51.3kgs €144, 49.5kgs €142, 51.3kgs €141, 57kgs €140, 52kgs €140, 46.5kgs €135, 43kgs €132, 41.7kgs €130. Finished hoggets: 62kgs €144, 54.4 kgs €142, 54.3 kgs €141, 54 kgs €140, 53.8kgs €138, 50.3kgs €135. Cast ewes made from €55 to €148 per lot. Ewes with one lamb at foot made up to €210. Ewes with two lambs at foot made up to €220.

Boyle Arts Festival cancelled

The Boyle Arts Festival organising committee were at a very advanced stage of planning for this year’s festival but are convinced that on the basis of current health authority and Government advice, it would be unsafe to proceed. A spokesperson on behalf of the BAF committee said: “It is with regret that it has been decided to cancel Boyle Arts Festival 2020. We are very conscious of the need to protect our community, our visitors, our audiences, our artists and of course our committee along with our multitude of volunteers and support staff. “We, the BAF organising committee, would like to thank all of you for the generations of support thus far. We are especially grateful to all our sponsors and venue providers over the years... but we will be back in 2021, even bigger and better”. The provisional dates for the next Boyle Arts Festival are July 15th-24th 2021.

Heartfelt tributes to the late Anthony Murray There was great sadness in Athleague and in neighbouring areas at news of the passing of Anthony Murray, a very well-known and popular member of the local community. A former Fianna Fáil county councillor, the late Mr. Murray, who was in his late 60s, was a devoted family man and a great community activist. The late Anthony Murray is mourned by his wife Evelyn, sons James and David, daughter Mary, brothers Brian and Kevin, sisters Marie, Patricia, Teresa, Frances and Philomena, further relatives and many friends. His family said he passed away, peacefully, in the “excellent care of the staff at UHG”. He had been ill for some time. His death occurred on Tuesday, April 14th. From Scrine, Athleague, the late Anthony

Murray served as a Fianna Fáil councillor from 1985 to 1991. A stonemason by trade, he was a renowned craftsman over many years. He was a keen supporter of the GAA. Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a very popular man. In a statement, Athleague Tidy Towns, Athleague Community Centre and Athleague 2020 groups paid tribute to “a very well liked member of the community”. Local councillor Ivan Connaughton expressed his sadness. Cllr. Connaughton said: “Anthony’s dedication and support to all organisations and clubs in the parish and surrounds will be remembered at this sad time. “My first committee to serve on was Athleague Community Centre, of which Anthony was an

excellent chairman. He would bring humour and energy to some robust meetings. “Anthony was a county councillor for MidRoscommon from 1985-1991. He was one of only seven people from our parish who had the honour to be elected as a councillor since 1967. “He will be sadly missed. His good work will be seen for years to come. My condolences to all his family”. Senator Eugene Murphy said that the late Anthony Murray had made “an excellent contribution to County Roscommon and to society as a whole”. Senator Murphy described the deceased as a “witty character” and a “tremendous community activist who did so much for his native Athleague, without ever seeking any credit for it”.

As to his service to Fianna Fáil, Senator Murphy said that Anthony had been active in the party for many years, and was a party delegate at the time of his passing. He also noted that Anthony was an excellent craftsman. Senator Murphy extended deepest sympathy to Anthony’s wife Evelyn, daughter Mary, sons James and David and extended family on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation in Roscommon/Galway. A private family funeral was held due to HSE advice on public gatherings. His family said that when the current circumstances have passed they will have a memorial Mass and look forward on that occasion to celebrating Anthony’s life with extended family and friends.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

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Local Girl Guides take part in nationwide Camp – at home

Members of Rosmote Ladybirds/Brownies/ Guides/Senior Branch were among thousands of girls and young women who took part in a nationwide Camp At Home last weekend. The Irish Girl Guides (IGG) Camp At Home initiative saw girls from age five upwards camping with their families in tents in their gardens or in makeshift dens or shelters they made indoors. Many of the girls made campfires outdoors on which they cooked their dinners and made s’mores – toasted marshmallows eaten between two chocolate digestive biscuits – a favourite of Girl Guides throughout the world. To encourage participation in the event, IGG produced a Camp At Home resource

pack, which includes a variety of games, activities and challenges. The scavenger hunts, crafts and puppet shows proved especially popular, as did the traditional campfire songs. Camping and overnight events are an integral part of the Guiding experience and, given that this year’s trips have had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, IGG came up with the Camp At Home initiative. “We were thrilled with the response,” says Mary Kelly, Tereasa Corcoran, Lorraine Byrne, Rachel Corcoran, Sinead Gannon, Sinead Kelly and Helen Corcoran, Leaders of Rosmote Ladybirds, Brownies Girl Guides and Senior Branch. “Our youth members loved taking part in

the Camp At Home and their parents were delighted with the idea. They told us their girls loved taking part and that it was a great boost to everyone. “Children and young people are experiencing stress and anxiety at this time, just like adults are. They are missing their friends and usual activities, so it’s important we come up with creative ideas and initiatives to boost their spirits. “IGG excels at encouraging girls and young women to develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and leadership skills as well as a community spirit and it’s great the organisation is continuing to provide non-formal educational opportunities for girls and young women at this time”.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

SportExtra General News

This week’s column is very light considering that the major Punchestown National hunt Festival was due to start on Tuesday. Ireland’s answer to Cheltenham has fallen to Covid-19, a correct decision. On Monday the Galway Race Committee reached the difficult but unavoidable decision that the 2020 Galway Races Summer Festival, due to be held from Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August will not be able to take place as an event open to the general public this year. The Committee still hold hopes of running the Galway Races behind closed doors, dependent on Government policy, for the benefit of the racing industry and television audiences at home and internationally. The 7-day Festival is worth €54 million to the local economy and gives employment to 1,500 over the week. The decision was made after the Government banned gatherings exceeding 5,000 until the end of August. This will also have a direct impact on the Derby Festival at the Curragh from June 26th to 28th. While attendances at other Irish race meeting would not be likely to exceed 5,000 spectators the decision must has serious repercussions for the other racecourses in the west including Roscommon. On Monday the Galway Race Committee reached the difficult but unavoidable decision that the 2020 Galway Races Summer Festival, due to be held from Monday 27th July to Sunday 2nd August will not be able to take place as an event open to the general public this year. The Committee still hold hopes of running

PropertyPeople

Horses for Courses

by Tom Red

Tourist Attraction and Mark Dwyer after winning at Cheltenham

the Galway Races behind closed doors, dependent on Government policy, for the benefit of the racing industry and television audiences at home and internationally. The Middleham based trainer Mark Johnston is continuing his recovery after

contracting coronavirus. The handler has been in isolation since having symptoms confirmed and is making good progress. Not many of you will have heard of yet alone remember the mare Tourist Attraction who won the Supreme Novices

Hurdle in 1995. The 31-Y-O mare died last weekend. Her win in 1995 was the first of the 72 winners at the festival for Willie Mullins’ who enjoys a fantastic record at the Prestbury Park racecourse. The Closutton trainer, who is now the all-time leading trainer in the meeting’s history with 72 winners not out, as they say in cricket. Ridden by Mark Dwyer Tourist Attraction was Mullins’ very first Cheltenham Festival winner, who has died aged 31. Willie Mullins announced this week that Killultagh Vic has been retired. He was in Mullins’ care for over six years which time he became a Grade 1 winner. He won 2 bumpers, 3 hurdle races and 2 chases for the yard. Killultagh Vic retires aged 11, having won the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown festival in 2015, where he beat Thistlecrack. The British Horseracing Authority last week announced an indefinite extension to the suspension of the sport, and also that no crowds will be possible on racecourses until June. York has decided to cancel next month’s showpiece meeting, May 13th to 15th, which features Derby and Oaks trials, the Dante and Musidora Stakes, as well as the Yorkshire Cup. They also called off the meeting scheduled for York on the May 30th. The Tipperary jockey Jamie Spencer sustained a fractured hip on David Simcock’s gallops last Friday. His mount slipped and he was unseated. Spencer was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for treatment and underwent surgery on his hip. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

PropertyPeople PSRA Licence: 001350

Michael O’Rourke – AUCTIONEER –

• PROPERTY SALES • LETTINGS • VALUATIONS Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013 www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

CREGGS – ROSCOMMON ‘Phone 087 2242329 PSRA: 003996

NEW TO THE MARKET – c.37.68 Acres at

AGHAGOWER, CASTLECOOTE, CO. ROSCOMMON

11 Commercial units sold in Roscommon Town Centre Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are pleased to advise that they closed the sales of a number of residential and commercial properties in the general Roscommon area. At Castleview Terrace they closed the sale of the last remaining commercial units for a very satisfactory price. This brings the number of sales up to eleven on the terrace over the past year. A fine example of commercial units which are now oc-

cupied by independent businesses such as solicitors, engineering firms, a health and fitness studio, offices and shops. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 0906626579 or 086-2551380, email: jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.propertypartners. ie.

PSRA Licence No: 003201

CORONAVIRUS NOTICE For the safety of our valued Customers and Staff, our offices will be closed for the duration of this lockdown.

Propery Partners Earley, Roscommon are please to advise the agents have sold a quality four bed-roomed bungalow at Stonepark, Roscommon. They described the property as “a beautifully presented four-bedroomed bungalow residence standing on a mature site area of approx. 0.5 of

086 2573358 - Aengus and

087 4196055 - Brendan The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

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Property Partners Earley, Roscommon require all types of residential property in Roscommon Town and countryside. They have strong demand for all types of properties as a result of a number of recent sales. Also wanted, farmlands for sale and letting. They offer a comprehensive pre-market analysis and have vast local knowledge and offer nationwide coverage through their Property Partner Network. For further details or to arrange a consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579 on 0862551380 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Connaughton Auctioneers – Tel: 090-6663700 Michael O’Roarke Auctioneers – Tel: 090-6621125

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• Prime parcel of Agricultural Lands c.37.68 Acres • Located c.1 mile from Castlecoote, on the Creggs road • Renowned farming district adjacent Fuerty GAA Pitch • Fronts onto two roads, with extensive frontage • Farm Entitlements includes in sale • For further details, maps & brochure contact Joint Selling Agents

Stonepark, Roscommon.

an acre with uninterrupted views over the surrounding countryside”. John Earley (FIPAV) commented: “We have experienced a very busy selling period with quality properties attracting strong interest in all areas. Due to demand, we are now seeking properties in all areas for disappointed under-

bidders and cash buyers. We welcome all submissions and offer a free appraisal service”. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) at Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-66 26579 or 086-2551380, email: jearley@propertypartners.ie or log on to www.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

PropertyPeople PSRA Licence: 001350

PROPERTY SALES

LETTINGS l VALUATIONS

Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013 • www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie NEW TO THE MARKET Cottage on c.60.41 Acres (In 5 Lots) at

Cloonakilleg Mount Talbot Co. Roscommon F42 WT32

Farm Entitlements

NEW TO THE MARKET Residence on c.30.60 Acres at

Rathbrennan Roscommon F42 F886

Selling, Buying or Leasing Lot No. Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot 5

Description 2 B/R Cottage & Farm Buildings on c.27.23 Acres (in two parcels) c.12.77 Acres (Agricultural Land, Forestry & Bog lands to Rear) c.8.80 Acres in two parcels (one fronting onto River Suck) c.7.09 Acres (fronting onto River Suck) c.4.52 Acres (Forestry)

• Prime property to come to market on the Roscommon/ Galway border • Offers invited on each lot for immediate sale For further details, maps & brochure, call the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET 6 B/R Residence at

Carrick Kiltoom Co. Roscommon

Lot No. Description

We need entitlements for awaiting farmers

Lot 1

c.30 Acres (Top Quality Lands)

Lot 2

3 B/R Residence & Outbuildings on c.0.6 Acres

Lot 3

Entire Property – Res. & Outbuildings on c.30.60 Acres

• Prime Property located c.2.5 Miles from Roscommon Town

Ivan Connaughton is an Entitlements Transfer Facilitator (ETF)

Closing Date of 15th May is fast approaching

LANDS TO LET/ LEASE

• Offers invited on each lot for immediate sale For further details, maps & brochure, call the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET Derelict Cottage on c.12.45 Acres at

Araghty Athleague Co. Roscommon

c.24 Acres @ Knockcroghery

Adjacent Village (Off Road behind Clay Pipe Pub) • Sheep Only • Until 1st February 2021 • No Entitlements ----------------------------------------------------------

c.53 Acres @ Athleague (In 3 Lots)

• Spacious 6 B/R Residence Part Complete • Located c.7 Miles from Athlone Town, off the Roscommon Road • Gross Internal Areas – Residence c.4.162 Sq.Ft, Garage c.814 Sq.Ft • Standing on c.1 Acre with unrivalled views • Being sold as it stands • Viewing highly recommended, by appointment with the Auctioneer For further details, plans & brochure, call the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie

- c.9 Acres adjacent Village - c.30.54 Acres with Farm Buldings @ Corramore - c.13.54 Acres @ Corramore • Sheep & Cattle Only • Until 1st March 2021 • No Entitlements ----------------------------------------------------------

c.1.38 Acres @ Carrick-on-Shannon In Two Lots at Kilbride, Moneyduff & Liscolvan • Sheep & Cattle Only • 5 Year Term • No Entitlements All lands are well fenced with water connection

• Prime property to come to market c.1 Mile from Athleague, on Ballygar Road • Derelict Cottage on c.12.45 Acres • Holding huge potential due location • Offers invited on each lot for immediate sale For further details, map & brochure, call the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

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086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

FENCING/GATES

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD For all your fencing needs. Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

l l

Tel: 087 2172281

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

087 2346364

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

< A B AT TO I R S E R V I C E AVA I L A B L E : Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715 < FOR SALE: Vasectomised Bull. Tel: 086 1672981. < MISSING: Black Suffolk crossbred ewe and 2 charolais lambs missing from Ballybride/Lisnamult area. Any information please contact 086 2517212. < WANTED TO LEASE: 10 acres of land wanted to rent/ lease in Roscommon town area. Tel. 086 2437580. < LOST: Half drive-shaft lost on Derrane Road/Lanesboro Road, Roscommon last Saturday, 19th April. Padraig would be grateful for any information please. Call 087 2965494.

TO LEASE Circa 39 of argicultural lands at Corboley, Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon . Been leased with the benefit of entitlements . Lease term 5 years.

CONTACT JOE 086 8508977.

EXPERIENCED FARM ASSISTANT/ GARDENER AVAILABLE No job too big or small.

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FARMING

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper!

Please contact 083 8321908.

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

Classifieds GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597 GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

WALTER BEGLEY

Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance

Contact Walter on 087 9519873 < GARDENING SERVICE: Overgrown shrubs and hedges, cut back and mulched. Contact 086 2437376

ALL ABOUT THE GARDEN

• Roscommon Town • Grass and Hedge Cutting • General Maintenance • Strimming and Weeding • Winter Clean-up/ Maintenance

CONTACT KEVIN:

090 6630879 or Mobile

087 2835742

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

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

Phone John on

087 2860428 PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/WANTED CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Tel: 086 8212732

< TO LET: 2-bed and a 3-bed and a 4-bed apartment. Fully furnished. Private parking. Roscommon town. Tel. 086 8538519 < WANTED TO RENT: Dry secure storage space, shed or garage required for Camper Van. Must have 10ft high opening. Roscommon area. Phone: 087 6538538.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

PAINTING & DECORATING

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER AVAILABLE FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

Phone JOHN

083 8838022 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs

REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology

Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

PLOTS OF TURF

PEAT BEDDING

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

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

SITUATIONS VACANT < KIND, RELIABLE CHILDMINDER required to look after two children, 3 1/2 and 10 months old. Roscommon town area. 3 days per week, long-term. Fluent English essential. Tel. 087 - 9815205.

PEAT BEDDING AVAILABLE

086 2721812 (All areas)

JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

087 9201818

Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

Now taking bookings for 2020

Selection of marquees available for any occasion; • Parties • Weddings • Communions/Confirmations • Corporate/Charity Events • Agricultural Shows • Special Occasions • Funerals We also have a selection of tables & chairs, bar facilities and stages. For any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: 087 2829226 Email:

manormarquees@ gmail.com

USEFUL SERVICES

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815 < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered - No Job too small. Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS:

Tel: Donal

HOLISTIC

MARQUEE HIRE Manor Marquee Hire

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376

WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752 < SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329

WINDOW CLEANING < WINDOW CLEANING: Competitive rates. All areas covered. Also gutters/ fascias. Contact John: 087 2291931

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Bernard & Rose Casey are applying to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct extension and alternations to existing dwelling House along with upgrading treatment system, percolation area, and all ancillary site works at Boleysillagh, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. F45 A078. 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: James Lohan Consulting Engineer Ltd. 22 Castle View Terrace, Castle Street, Roscommon. M:087 8228529 ,M 087 9595520 T:0906627950, Email: james@jlce.ie aaron@jlce.ie www.jlce.ie -Architectural Design 3D Modelling New Build & Extensions ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for retention of alterations to front elevation, comprising alterations to original window sizes to house, at Circular Road , Ballypheasan Td., Roscommon. Signed: Cormac O’Brien.

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

PLANNINGS

Morris Lohan

Consulting Engineers Castle Street, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 27950 • HOUSE/EXTENSION DESIGN • PLANNING APPLICATIONS • ASSIGNED DESIGN & CERTIFIER ‘New Building Regs’ • BER RATINGS ‘Domestic & Commercial’ • STRUCTURAL & CONDITION SURVEYS • FIRE DESIGN CERTIFICATES

www.morrislohan.ie

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

086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Permission is being sought on behalf of Tracy Beirne for full planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, domestic garage, connection to existing public foul sewer as well as all ancillary site works at Mountplunket, Lecarrow, 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 and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Enda O’Malley Chartered Engineer. Tel.0863567851

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Chimney Problems SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

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

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMON Tel: 090 662 6898

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

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

087 2596055

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

PLEASE FOLLOW OUR NEW GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING OUR CLINIC – We are only taking appointments for essential treatment and emergencies.

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

BLINDS

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

Telephone: 090 66 33026 www.roscommonwindows.ie

DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor Due to HSE Guidelines we are not undertaking Driving Lessons at the moment

Gift Vouchers Available

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

Window And Door repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417

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

9673336 2678350

INSTALLATION

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

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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

We ask that all payments be made by card only and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food. When in the YARD all customers must leave at least 2m distance between themselves, other customers and members of staff at all times due to social distancing guidelines.

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

6621220

Chris’s Locksmith Service l

Mob: 086 Email:

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

CAROLINE BURKE COACHING PHONE: 086 8229606

CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (inc. public sector) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (inc. competency-based) PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (e.g. retirement, new job, separation etc) * FIND YOURSELF STUCK IN A RUT? - (take back control and explore options!) EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

For appointment call me on 086 8229606 OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment.

LOCKSMITH

For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions/flea worm treatments/food.

Tel: 090

- CCTV Camera Inspection

Tel: 090

LIFE COACH

VETERINARY

WINDOWS/DOORS

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

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

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com 08383

FARMING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

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

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892 RECYCLING

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

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231

DRILLING SERVICE

Chasing / Core Drilling Service Domestic & Commercial Prompt Service | Keen Rates | Fully Insured

Call John 087 610 8499

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

AtYourService

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES O’MALLEY John Joe Cloonslanor, Strokestown Co. Rosccommon (5th Anniversary) Who died 24th April 2015

HURLEY Mary (May)

COYNE John James

O’CONNOR Teresa

Kilcroan, Ballymoe (1st Anniversary)

KEARNEY Paddy

Milltown Dysart, Co. Roscommon

6 Ard-na-Gréine, Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear mother Mary who passed away on April 21st 2019.

(6th Anniversary)

Newpark, Kiltoom Co. Roscommon 20th Anniversary 22nd April 2000 Birthday 30th April 1962

In Loving Memory of John James who died on 24th April 2014

Also remembering our dear Dad, John, who passed away on May 10th 2003.

Ros Memorials KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

To us you were someone special, someone kind and true You’ll never be forgotten, as we thought the world of you.

• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair

Sadly missed by his loving daughter Caroline son-in law Thomas and grandchildren Patrick, Eoin and Tomas.

Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

PAT QUIGLEY: 087 7799076 PAUL O’CONNOR: 086 6052649

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

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

Anniversary Mass will be offered in private due to HSE Restrictions, in Curraghroe Church on Friday, 24th April at 11am.

CORCORAN Benny Oran, Co Roscommon (4th Anniversary) Died 27th April 2016

In loving memory Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by, In our hearts a memory is kept of ones we loved and will never forget.

Loved and remembered always by your daughters Maureen and Nonie and extended families. Anniversary Mass in St. Croans Church, Ballymoe on Saturday 25th April at 8 p.m.

CARTHY Joey Ballydooley, Donamon, Roscommon Birthday Remembrance Thinking of you with love Joey on your birthday, April 24th

(Dromod) In conjunction with Cox’s Funeral Directors (Rooskey) Serving the people of Dromod, Rooskey and surrounding areas for the past 35 years Full range of coffins, caskets etc. in stock, together with our personally owned fleet of funeral vehicles

For further information contact

086-2561023/087-2318176 or 085-8643968

Visit our website www.mcgowanfuneraldirectors.ie Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

We are sending a dove to Heaven with a parcel on its wings be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things. Inside are a million kisses wrapped up in a million hugs to say how much we miss you and to send you all our love. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife Anne, sons Mark, Mathew and Dermot, daughter Valerie and daughtersin-law Lucy and Lorraine; son-in-law Sam and grand-daughter Aoife.

There is always a face before us A voice we would love to hear A smile we will always remember of a brother we love so dear. Deep in our hearts lies a picture More precious than silver or gold It’s a picture of our brother Who’s memory will never grow old Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you John James No one will ever know.

Sadly missed, loved and remembered by your sisters Agnes, Margaret, family and friends.

Always remembered by Mam and Dad, daughter Jane, brothers Aidan, David, Liam and Anthony, sister Philomena, sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

Memories drift to scenes long past Time goes on but memories last Sunshine passes, shadows fall But loves rememberance outlasts all.

Forever loved and greatly missed by your wife Tess, your sons and daughtersin-law, your adored grandchildren and your many, many friends.

WARD John James & Mary Cornaveagh, Creggs, Roscommon (6th and 3rd Anniversaries) In loving memory of John James who died on 12th February 2014 and his wife Mary who died on 2nd June 2017

Mass will be offered 24th April. Time may pass and fade away But silent thoughts and memories stay. Our wish is just a simple prayer God bless and keep you both in his care.

No more tomorrows for us to share, But yesterdays memroies will always be there.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered always by your family and friends.

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 086 8054227 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Email or call for Sample Pack

A light is from our household gone, A voice we loved is still, A place is vacant in our home, That can never be filled.

In loving memories of Paddy, who passed away on May 5th 2013

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.

Sadly missed and fondly remembered by their son Seamus; daughter Annette; son-in-law Seamus; grandchildren Aidan, Amanda and Laura; and great-grandson Jarlath. Anniversary Mass will be broadcast on Kilbegnet Parish Radio on 106.5 fm from St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Sunday 26th April 2020 at 11.30am.

THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. K.C. THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.R.M. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, honoured, adored and glorified throughout the world today and forever. Amen. Say 6 times daily for 9 days and your request will be answered. Publication promised. G.G.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

Sports PEOPLE

Reeling in the Archives

5 YEARS AGO Hurlers finding form – but manager wants more Nicky Rackard Cup 2nd Round Roscommon 1-24 Monaghan 0-17 < SEAMUS DUKE

Despite scoring 1-24 and easily accounting for ‘bogey team’ Monaghan, Roscommon hurling manager Justin Campbell has demanded greater improvement from his team as they set their sights firmly on Nicky Rackard Cup success. Roscommon produced their best display of the year so far as they qualified for the Nicky Rackard Cup semi-finals with this comfortable win against Monaghan in Athleague on Saturday. The platform for this win was built after an excellent first-half display during which Roscommon scored 0-16, 0-14 coming from play. Roscommon were always comfortable and, having been beaten by Monaghan in the league for the past two seasons, this was a sweet win for Justin Campbell’s men. Campbell was happy enough with the display, but he was in no mood for any future complacency. Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Ian Delaney, Peter Kellehan, Liam Kilcline; Declan Leonard, Micheal Kelly (0-1), Thomas Seale (0-1); Cathal Dolan (0-2), Cathal Kelly (0-1); John Moran (0-3), Ronan O’Meara (0-1), Jerry Fallon (0-7, 2 frees,1 ’65); Cillian Egan (1-3), Gary Fallon (0-1), Adrian Murphy (0-1). Subs: Cathal Kenny for C Kelly (31), John Coyne (0-2) for G Fallon (43), Cathal Kelly (0-1) for Murphy, Naos Connaughton for O’Meara (62), Hugh Rooney for C Dolan (67). (From 15 May 2015)

8 YEARS AGO Rossies lose their way and their unbeaten record in a derby thriller Allianz National Football League Division 3 Longford 0-16 Roscommon 2-8 < SEAMUS DUKE

A storming second-half display from the home side saw them edge ahead of Roscommon in this very entertaining local derby played in fine but bitterly cold weather at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park last Sunday. Longford kicked seven points without reply in a 16-minute period in the second half and that saw them establish a twopoint lead that they did not relinquish. It was a big disappointment for Des Newton’s Roscommon team who made a super start with two early goals but then fell away and who ultimately could have few complaints at the final whistle. Despite the fact that Longford just about deserved to win, the performance of the referee Stephen McNamee left a lot to be desired and Roscommon players, management and fans alike were left frustrated and perplexed at a number of vital decisions that went against them, particularly in the second half. It was a thrilling and very well contested game of football for the most part. Roscommon looked really dangerous going forward in the first half and Conor Devanney and Cathal Cregg

Roscommon v Sligo, 2015: Walter Burke, Basil Mannion, John Evans and Gay Sheeran leave the field of play at half-time. Picture: Andrew Fox

were in fantastic form. Devanney terrorised the Longford defence in that first half and was involved in almost every positive Roscommon move. (From 9 March 2012) From Seamus Duke’s column

Serious impact of emigration on GAA

This week a member of a local GAA club contacted this newspaper to outline his extreme frustration at the level of emigration of players that is taking place in his own club area and among GAA clubs in the county in general. I am aware of at least two dozen going-away parties for young men in my own area this year alone, as young people queue up to leave the country. The problem will not manifest itself fully until Junior A and B championships are being played later in the year. I know for a fact that there are several clubs that will not be able to field junior teams this year. (From 6 April 2012)

12 YEARS AGO Maughan opts for youth < SEAMUS DUKE

The Roscommon senior football team management are giving youth its fling as the 2008 Alli-

anz National Football League begins on Sunday with a very tough away assignment against Monaghan in Clones (throw-in at 2.30 pm). Four players will be making their competitive debuts on a very young Roscommon team that will also see the inclusion of four players who featured on the Roscommon minor team that won the All-Ireland title in 2006. Making their competitive debuts on Sunday are goalkeeper Mark Miley (St. Dominic’s), centre half-back David Flynn (Clann na nGael) and corner-forwards Conor Devaney (Kilbride) and Senan Kilbride (St. Brigid’s). Paddy O’Connor (Elphin) has recovered from a recent injury and takes his place at corner-back. Mark O’Carroll (St. Brigid’s) will partner Seamus O’Neill (Kilbride) at midfield while Cathal Cregg (Western Gaels), Ger Heneghan (Castlerea) and Karol Mannion (St. Brigid’s) make up what is a very strong looking half-forward line. Enda Kenny (Castlerea) will be hoping to continue his good form (for his college Sligo IT) at full-forward. Either injured or away and not considered were: Frankie Dolan, Jonathan Dunning, David Keenan, John Tiernan, Seanie McDermott, Gary Cox, David Hoey, Donie Shine and John Nolan. (From 1 February 2008)

First half blitz seals it for Creggs Creggs 25 Ballyhaunis 10 Creggs kept up their promotion push with an excellent 25 points to 12 win over Ballyhaunis

last Sunday in a game that saw five great tries scored in the first half – four going to the home side. However after the excitement of the first half there was only one score in the second half, a penalty from Noel Flynn. Creggs started well but they were caught by Ballyhaunis for the first try of the game. However Creggs were not too long responding and a few minutes later they scored an excellent try when Mark Hester ran 40 metres to score. The conversion was missed but five minutes later Creggs were ahead. A fine movement from the Creggs backline saw Emmett Collins score a good individual try. It got even better for Creggs a few minutes later when Bernard Kilcommins took advantage of a poor Ballyhaunis defensive kick to burst through and touch down in the corner for another Creggs try. The Creggs pack were doing well and the bonus point was secured when Conor Brandon got over for another try under the posts to give Creggs a 22-7 lead after Emmett Collins converted. However just before half-time Ballyhaunis converted a penalty under the posts to make the score 22-10 at half-time. The only second-half score was a Noel Flynn penalty to leave Creggs the easy winners and in a good position ahead of a vital game against Gort this Saturday. Creggs: A Glennon, P Comiskey, P Heavey, P Turley, K O’Rourke, K Brandon, M Hester, T Fleming, G Brennan, N Flynn, M Fleming, C Brandon, J Hughes, B Kilcommins, E Collins. Sub used: P McNeill. (From 29 February 2008)

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020

SPORTS PEOPLE with PAUL HEALY

‘Not all heroes wear capes – some make magic with a pen’ HEROES

REFLECTIONS ON SPORTING INSPIRATIONS

Different days meant different expectations, different treats. Saturday morning/afternoon? That, once we escaped two-channel land and discovered the seductive UK stations, meant Dickie Davis and his World of Sport (ITV). Anyone for wrestling? Saturday night meant Jimmy Hill (later, Clare-born Des Lynam) on the unmissable Match of the Day. Sunday night, 11 o’clock, meant Sean Og O’Ceallachain. RTE Radio 1, the seemingly ageless broadcaster reading club results from all over the country. Other days and times are imprinted in our minds. I see images from the past now… Liam Nolan, Mick Dunne, Brendan O’Reilly. Michael O’Hehir on sunny summer Sundays. And then there was Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The Holy Grail.

When Mike met Paddy…

‘Mike Sheehy’s fist put it behind the backs, breaking along the ground out towards Kerry’s right. This time Paddy Cullen was better positioned and comfortably played the ball with his feet away from Sheehy. He had an abundance of time and space in which to lift and clear – but his pick-up was a dubious one and the referee Seamus Aldridge, decided against him. Or maybe he deemed his meeting with Ger Power illegal. Whatever the reason, Paddy put on a show of righteous indignation that would get him a card from Equity, throwing up his hands to heaven as the referee kept pointing towards goal. And while all this was going on, Mike Sheehy was running up to take the kick – and suddenly Paddy dashed back towards his goal like a woman who smells a cake burning. The ball won the race and it curled inside the near post as Paddy crashed into the outside of the net and lay against it like a fireman who had returned to find his station ablaze’. – Con Houlihan (Evening Press) The line that’s always quoted is that one about Paddy Cullen…and that goal. But there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of lines we could quote. That’s the genius of the big man. Con. Con Houlihan. A personal favourite of mine related to his column on an Ireland-Scotland rugby match. Moss Keane scored a try, plundering over the line in swashbuckling fashion, a few despairing Scottish backs in his wake. Decades on, the sheer brilliance of Con’s description is vividly preserved in my mind: Having noted that Keane had indeed got over the try-line, Con wrote: “….which just goes to prove that a rolling Scot gathers no Moss”. Every Monday evening. Every Wednesday evening. Every Friday evening. Without fail. Because you could not miss Con. The walk to Cox’s or Sharkey’s in Rooskey was one of great anticipation. For a teenager in rural Ireland in the 1980s, there was no reason to buy the Evening Press except for this great

Con Houlihan

reason: to ‘get Con’. The Kerry man’s column usually appeared down the left hand side of the back page. The first five or six paragraphs generally had nothing to do with the sporting subject of the day’s column. The column might be about Diego Maradona or Jack O’Shea, but the first few paragraphs may well have to cover days on the bog or feeding cattle or some character from Knocknagoshel. But Con always got around to the point, reached his destination. And the journey was always wonderful. On a special occasion, such as an All-Ireland final or a major soccer international, Con’s column began across the top of the front page, continuing on the back. It made the prospect of reading it even more exciting. At the end of the day, what made Con special was not just his unique style, it was the quality of his writing. And it was very evident how much he loved sport, and sports people. Yes, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays then were special, Tuesdays and Thursdays all the poorer for his absence from the back page. At some stage Con began writing on Saturdays too. His ‘Tributaries’ column showcased his great intellect and the breadth of his interests. This column, published on an inside page, usually concentrated on the arts or politics. Although he was the gentlest of souls – that came across in his writing – and very humourous, he could prick the pomposity of politicians with a stroke of his pen.

A first sighting of Liam Brady…

‘I remember it well, even though a lot of wine and beer and spirits has gone down the red lane in the meantime. It was in October of 1974 and I was then scraping a living doing bits and pieces for Radio Éireann and the Irish Press. Nevertheless, I was looking forward in high excitement to the imminent clash of the Republic and the Soviets in Dalymount Park. And to soothe my seething mind I adjourned to the Harp, that seductive oasis near O’Connell Bridge. There I was joined by a colleague, Sean Ward, then in his formative years as editor of the Evening Press. And we were in no great hurry to go to the North Circular Road. And we had an abundance to talk about on that Wednesday afternoon long ago. Muhammad Ali had just unmanned George Foreman away down below in Zaire. And a great little man called Joe who sported a turned-down pipe

and a vibrant typewriter had departed this mortal life below in Rhodesia. I can still recall the headline in the Evening Press: ‘All Is Quiet Now in Sherwood Forest’. That act of memory is no great feat; after all, I wrote it myself. Anyway, Sean and myself didn’t leave the Harp until a quarter of an hour before the time for the tip-off; little did we know. There wasn’t a taxi to be had in the centre of Dublin; panic set in. Resourceful as ever, I hijacked a van driven by an old friend, John Heaney, who was then working for Max Florist. And he whisked us up to the old grey stadium that was then the venue for all our home internationals. An amazing scene awaited us: the gates were locked – the ground was full for over half an hour. We went around to the Tramway end: there some enterprising citizens were working like their counterparts in 1789 who stormed the Bastille. Eventually the gates gave way. Hundreds flooded in: it was a bizarre prelude to the first occasion on which I watched Liam Brady play’. – From ‘The Best of Con Houlihan’ It is barely an overstatement to say that Con kept the Evening Press going almost single-handedly. I don’t mean to be unfair to all others who worked there – many of them very talented – but it was Con’s column that had sales of the paper soaring. Someone once (memorably) said that they only made up their mind about a match they had actually seen or attended when they read Con’s column the following evening! For fans of Con’s, the expiry of the ‘Press papers’ was a disaster! I don’t think he ever got over the closure of the Irish Press group. Quite apart from his love for and loyalty to the titles, he was now journalistically homeless. It showed in his writing too. The Sunday World, an unlikely match, swooped. Dare I say it, I think Con was going through the motions when he wrote there; I’m not sure his heart was in it any more. But he had already been prolific; he had entertained and educated his fans for years, with terrific writing – about sport, and about life, especially the great and wonderful simplicity of rural living and rural people.

‘No lights on his bike’

‘The Kerryman was then – and probably still is – the leading Irish provincial paper. This in loose

translation means that it sold the most copies. People bought it for an almost infinite variety of reasons. Many men bought it for the Football; many women bought it for the section that told them about the buying and selling of turkeys and ducks and geese and hens. And almost everybody looked to it for its covering of the local courts. They delighted in reading about some neighbour who had been hauled up for having no light on his bike, or better still, for being drunk and disorderly. The greatest pleasure of all came from reading about the unfortunate who had been apprehended in a pub after hours. Being a ‘found on’ gave your neighbours great glee, not because you had committed a heinous crime, but because you had been caught’. – From ‘The Best of Con Houlihan’ I never met him. I should regret that, but it was sufficient for me that he was my close friend in print, as he was to thousands more. Had I met him, it’s likely that little enough would have been said. He was, by all accounts, chronically shy, noted for placing a hand over his mouth when speaking to people. Shy or not, he was apparently quite sociable and happy to be approached by admirers. He had a number of favoured ‘watering holes’ and legend has it that he often wrote his column on beermats while supping his drink. All his writing was done in longhand; he never recognised the legitimacy of a typewriter, much less a computer. Nobody lives forever. How I wished that the magic Con years would continue on and on. But time eventually caught up with the great giant of Irish sportswriting. He died in 2012 (aged 86) and we truly will never see his likes again. In a piece on an old friend from Knocknagoshel, Con movingly wrote: ‘We all loved you. You gave to the world more than it ever gave to you’. We might surely say the same of Con. Life was better when Con was here. It’s so uplifting to observe people who see the beauty in life, who have such breadth of knowledge, and who can share it so beautifully. He was extraordinary, an absolute one-off. Not all heroes wear capes; some make magic with a pen.

Roscommon People Friday 24 April 2020