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 26 June 2020

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 687

iles and athrooms

TOMMIE KELLY ELECTRICAL

Farewell to an officer and a gentleman

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

We are now open

ROSCOMMON TOWN – 090 6634465

Roscommon store now open for business

Please follow all HSE Covid-19 Guidelines

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090 6634465

Folding Party Table

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Finishing Touches

LARGE RANGE OF READY-MADES REDUCED New opening hours 12 to 4pm

For orders and enquiries contact Frances on 087 6500931 The Square, Roscommon

Tel.: 090 6626270 or 087 6500931

Wards Circular Road, Roscommon town Tel. 090 6626172

Detective Garda Colm Horkan, RIP, was laid to rest last Sunday in his native Charlestown. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Email: francesfinishingtouches@gmail.com

Assumpta’s Beauty Salon You know us, We’re LOCAL! For all your Home Heating & Fuel Needs

Jason McEvoy: Tel: 087 1888114 Joe McEvoy: Tel. 087 1888115 Matt Devane: Tel. 087 1882288

Re-opening on Monday 29th June Roscommon-Galway Constituency Assumpta and staff look forward to welcoming all our customers back

Aidan Casey: Tel. 087 4006004 Kevin Ireland: Tel. 087 2216127

Vótáil

Eugene Call Assumpta on 090 6626111

Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573

Large selection of Home Appliances

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

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Athlone Road, Roscommon (opposite Roscommon Hospital)

Finn Electrical

ROSCOMMON Driving School ATH LON E Ι M OATE LANESBOR OU GH Ι GA LWAY * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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PERSONAL INJURY Contact our dedicated Personal Injury Department in

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I am available at all times if you  087 435 3834  090 662 5722 have any concerns or issues  eugene.murphy@oireachtas.ie

MOBILE: 087 1668775

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

Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789

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

Michael Fitzmaurice TD

Mob.: 086 1914565 Michael.Fitzmaurice@Oireachtas.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

People WATCHING 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

Cycling Accident www.bccsolicitors.ie

I was cycling on a country road about a year ago when I was knocked off my bicycle by a passing car. I went to the local hospital at the time and I was hospitalised for a few days. I have a lingering pain in my shoulder. My friend advised me to talk to my solicitor. Is it too late to investigate my rights? Please advise me. Cyclists are recognised as vulnerable road users and such vulnerability makes it almost inevitable that a cyclist will come off the worst in any accident involving a car. Even a minor incident can result in a cyclist being thrown off their bicycle and sustaining horrendous injuries. I note that your bicycle accident occurred about a year ago. It is not uncommon for people to bring compensation claims for injuries sustained in an accident many months after the accident. On occasion, one may not fully appreciate the true and full extent of injuries sustained until several weeks or months after an accident. The law determining the time limits in which one may claim compensation for injuries following an accident is called the Statute of Limitations. One normally has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. This differs in the case of an injured child in that ‘limitation period’ does not start to run until the child reaches eighteen years old i.e. a child may bring a claim for injuries sustained as a child up until their 20th birthday. If you believe that your injuries were sustained as a result of the fault of another person contact your solicitor who will fully advise you of your rights. It is imperative that you do so without further delay.

CYCLING ACCIDENT

At least the football’s back…

If you wereIt’s involved cycling Yes! good intoasee some Premier accident contact action…and roll on the GAA!

With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

League

Byrne Carolan Mind you, it is strange without any Cunningham crowds… Solicitors I bet that’s what President Trump said! Huh? When he got to Tulsa…for his big rally! Okay… He was shocked by the small crowd! Did he not just exaggerate…and boast that there was a huge crowd? No, I think he was actually rattled this time. He was quite subdued looking… Maybe he’s missing the GAA too!

Endangered Species The barstool boyos

(There’s a pause on the line) Still, it’s great to have the soccer back… Yes! Even if, as you say, it’s strange without the crowds… The TV companies have been very creative, they’ve added on the recorded sound of fans, to create an atmosphere… Yeah, but it’s not realistic. Why do you say that? There’s no expletives, no abuse! I see some of the matches even have cardboard cut-outs of ‘fans’ in seats… extraordinary. Yeah, and they’re social distancing. Why? Good question! By the way, did you see Roy Keane’s rant? Oh I’m sick of him! He’s just looking for attention! Nah, he was right to call out Maguire and De Gea! Keane said he’d punch De Gea if he was in the dressing room with him! Like I say, attention seeking! And he wouldn’t let them back on the bus, after the mistakes they made, for the Spurs goal!

Keane’s a show-off, a loudmouth! Would you say that to his face? Well…eh…I’d email him, just to have it on the record! (There’s a pause on the line) Would he be any good as a GAA player? Keane? No…Trump. Trump! Now HE’S some boyo! Oh he would have been a marvellous GAA player. He has such confidence! And he’s so direct! And he loves solo runs! Yeah, I can just imagine him complaining to the referee if a decision went against him! Picking up the ball and storming off?

(There’s a pause on the line) You don’t mean what you said about Keane, do you? Ah, he’s alright. Super player, can be entertaining as a pundit, but I just feel he’s overdoing the media stuff…becoming a caricature almost, sort of stuff he used to rail against! Okay… By the way, I’ve a suggestion that might help Trump… We don’t want to help Trump! Yeah, but you know the way he’s obsessed with having big crowds… And exaggerates their size? Yeah…like at his inauguration…well, he could fill every stadium…all he has to do is use cardboard cut-outs! Don’t rule it out! Anyways, I’m going to wrap up on this chat. I want to make a cup of tea and read the Sunday papers. Eh…maybe leave the Sunday Independent for a while… Why? Who’s in it? Eh… You can tell me, I can take it! Is it Marty Morrissey? Is it Miriam – again? Nope, it’s a Barry Egan special… THREE PAGES! Oh dear…not another interview with Twink? What D-lister has Barry metaphorically dragged out of some swanky nightclub…(metaphorically, ‘cos of Covid)? Eh…he has an interview with Roy Keane. Barry Egan? An interview…WITH KEANE? Yep! I rest my case!

What we liked…

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

In a tragic week in Roscommon, the enduring goodness of people shone through in the heartfelt response of a numbed community to the murder of Detective Colm Horkan. May he rest in peace.

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

What we didn’t like…

SOLICITORS

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

Reports of renewed lockdowns in some countries – on foot of second waves of Covid-19 – are worrying. The worldwide trend is not good. Ireland has done extremely well overall, but we must proceed into the reopening of the county with caution.

Kilbride Community Centre update

Kilbride Community Centre Committee would like to thank the people for their support, especially over the last few months, in the community shop. We will be opening up again from next week onwards – social distancing and sanitising guidelines to be observed. Special summer rates for the Astro Turf Pitch are €40/ hour for adults and €20/hour for younger age group. For further details contact Ita on 086-1636578 or Bernie 0866000755.

What PEOPLE are talking about ...

RosFM fundraiser

The RosFm94.6 Radio fundraiser that is running at the moment on our Facebook page is being extended to 10th of July. A valuable prize worth over €600 is on offer including a Michael Kors Handbag, Hamper of SOSUE cosmetics and dinner for two with wine at the 4-star Abbey Hotel in Roscommon Town.

A course of action that was made for him!

PIC OF WEEK: Connacht rugby star Denis Buckley, brand Ambassador for Dermot Hughes Cars (Toyota) in Roscommon, pulling a Toyota Hilux (weighing 3210 KG) on the main Creggs RFC pitch last Monday morning…showing how a top rugby prop can train solo during Covid-19… with the help of his Toyota Hilux! See also page 34.

The murder of a member of An Garda Síochána – Detective Colm Horkan – dominated all news media, and much of everyday conversation, this week. His death stunned the nation. Other talking points have been the acceleration of moves to emerge from lockdown, and whether or not a new Government will be formed this weekend.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

In solidarity with family and colleagues of Detective Horkan A solemn, single tweet from a journalistic colleague alerted me to the breaking news in Castlerea that would grow overnight into heartbreaking tragedy. It was 1.30 am in the early hours of Thursday. We had finished last week’s Roscommon People a few hours earlier. It was, until now, a normal, quiet night in a rural county still technically under lockdown. At 3.30 am, one of our delivery team rang. The Roscommon People was printed, but he couldn’t gain access to shops in Castlerea. The streets were cordoned off and there was a huge Garda presence. The sense of foreboding grew. A few hours later, the devastating confirmation came. Castlerea, our county, the nation, woke from sleep into a reallife nightmare. For a family in Charlestown, the ultimate loss, the violent death of a heroic son and brother. Detective Garda Colm Horkan had been shot dead overnight in Castlerea. The enormity of what had happened was overwhelming. One week on, it’s still hard to believe that peaceful Castlerea could be visited by such a fate on what ought to have been an ordinary Wednesday night, one that should have quietly passed into an anonymous place in history. As the days passed, those of us who didn’t know Colm Horkan got to know him. Or so it seemed. A picture emerged of a great Garda, a loving family man, a proud community person, a friend who did good deeds, a sports lover who enjoyed life. It was moving to read of such a man. It was also heartbreaking. It was deeply touching to observe the huge impact of Detective Horkan’s death on his shattered work colleagues. Our hearts go out to his colleagues in Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen, and to the Garda family through Roscommon, Mayo and nationwide. They have lost a loved colleague in cruel circumstances. They have also been reminded of the risks of their job. And we are reminded of the courage and bravery of our Gardaí as they put their own safety on the line in their protection of the citizens of this State. The people of Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen, of Roscommon as a whole, distinguished themselves with their response to this momentous tragedy. In particular, one feels for the people of Castlerea. So many of the people of that town (and of Ballaghaderreen) knew Colm Horkan personally. They are deeply shocked by this murder. Not least as it also brings back memories of the double murder of two Gardai in the West Roscommon area in 1980. Henry Byrne

All week

An apology on behalf of the political parties: “Over recent months, we may have inadvertently given the public the impression that political parties of different persuasions were working together/singing off the same hymnsheet/all squeezing into the one green jersey, on account of Covid and all that. While elements of this were true, we would like to apologise for any confusion this outbreak of political tranquillity may have caused. We now wish to confirm that hostilities – or should we say normal political gamesmanship – are resuming with immediate effect”. Translated, the above means that if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and the Green Party form a new Government this weekend, Sinn Féin, Labour, smaller parties and selected Independents will go straight on the attack; in turn, the Coalition parties will gang up on Sinn Féin. Suddenly (but not credibly) FF and FG spokespersons will miraculously be of the same view on just about everything! Make no mistake about it, the next election campaign has already started (even if it may be 2-3 years away). If the Greens vote against going into Government, we’ll all have to endure trading of insults between FF & FG and Sinn Féin, with the Greens demonised. Should this scenario unfold, we’ll have a sulky (but partly contrived) stalemate for several days, followed by more political poker. Meanwhile, it’s 140 days since the General Election, and the country is in crisis. By the way, if a new Government is formed this weekend, I predict it will be a relatively short marriage of convenience. And the honeymoon’s already cancelled. Still, the best of luck to all concerned!

All week

Pictured is Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, outgoing cathaoirleach, Roscommon Co. Council signing the book of condolences in honour of the late Det. Garda Colm Horkan at Roscommon Garda Station. Also in picture are Eugene Cummins, CEO, Roscommon Co. Council. Picture: Gerard O’Loughlin.

and John Morley were both stationed in Castlerea at the time. A nation weeps for Colm Horkan, who was given a dignified State funeral on Sunday. We are in solidarity with his family and friends, his work colleagues and with the people of Charlestown. How poignant to hear his friend, retired Garda Sergeant John Hynes, speak so movingly on Liveline of Colm Horkan’s sensitive and important work, which was also highlighted in the Dáil on Wednesday by Deputy Denis Naughten. We will remember Detective Colm Horkan, who died on duty, in the service of this nation. A good man gone far too soon. A much-loved man. May he rest in peace.

I wonder if, somewhere in the UK, there’s a man who’s been saying to his wife for years that he’s invented a background noise suitable for empty stadiums should football matches ever be played behind closed doors? And if she’s been rolling her eyes for years? But now his big moment has finally arrived! I’m intrigued by these sound effects that have been added in by the TV companies as SKY and BBC broadcast the resumed games. With no spectators present, the TV coverage has been cleverly enlivened by background noises from previous games, hence creating a virtual atmosphere. It’s very effective. From time to time you end up forgetting that there’s nobody at the games. When a goal is scored, the sounds are ramped up accordingly. And, even in this age of great technological wizardry, I gather there is an actual human who is skilfully operating the system at each ground. The other evening, when Spurs were coasting against West Ham, the virtual spectators casually broke into ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’. Meanwhile, my imagined friend must have won over the approval of his doubting wife. “And darling, you know I’ve had all these cardboard cutouts of ‘spectators’ in the shed for years, well, I’m going to start mass-producing them…”

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Be Responsible. Be Safe. Revised Roadmap for Reopening Ireland COVID-19 is still having a major impact on Ireland. However, the expert advice is that progress on suppressing the virus, due to the huge eﬀort of our citizens, means we can now bring forward our reopening roadmap. As we continue to reopen the country, every step will be guided by scientiﬁc evidence and public health advice. It’s really important to remember now, as things open up further, that personal responsibility and your own judgement are more important than ever.

We all have to continue to do everything possible to avoid the virus spreading. By working together we have saved lives and limited the impact of the disease on society. Continuing to adhere to public health advice will determine whether we continue to move forward to the remaining phases.

Here are four things you should know:

Public Health Advice Wash your hands Practice good cough & sneeze etiquette Stay 2m away from others

Limiting our social interactions is crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. We must continue to act responsibly and work together.

Phase 3 is due to come into effect on 29th June subject to Government approval.

More businesses are reopening than previously planned. Businesses should use this time to make all necessary preparations. Continue to work from home as much as possible.

Avoid crowds Know the symptoms If you are over 70 or medically vulnerable, please use your judgement to decide how best to apply the following health guidance:

Stay home as much as you can

Use the times specially allotted for shopping

Maintain social distancing with visitors/those whom you visit and use face coverings

Use face coverings when attending shops or busy public areas.

Phase 3 — Commencing 29th June Community Health

Education/Childcare/ Young People

Economic Activity & Work

Social

Cultural & Religious

Sport

Transport & Travel

Face coverings are recommended for public transport, retail outlets, and other places where it is diﬃcult to maintain social distancing.

The following may reopen: — All adult education facilities — Creches, childminding facilities and pre-schools — Summer Camps — Youth Clubs — All indoor and outdoor amenities for children.

Continue to work from home as much as possible.

Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible.

The following may reopen: — Museums, Galleries, Theatres, concert halls and other cultural outlets — Cinemas, Music Venues (excluding nightclubs and discos), leisure facilities, bingo halls, arcades, skating rinks, amusements parks — Religious Buildings and places of worship.

Sporting activities may recommence, including: — Team leagues for adults and children — Close contact sports — Organised sporting spectator events and ﬁxtures.

Walk or Cycle if possible

The following may reopen: — Wellbeing services, e.g. chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, reﬂexology and homoeopathy. — Hairdressers, barbers, nail and brow salons, beauty salons, spas, make up application services, tanning, tattooing and piercing services. — Driving schools. — All remaining retail (e.g. bookmakers), services and commercial activities. Driving tests as well as volunteer and other driving services may recommence. Compliance with work protocols and health guidance will be monitored by State agencies.

Outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible. The following may reopen: — Cafés and restaurants providing on premises food & beverages — Pubs and hotel bars operating as restaurants — Hotels, hostels, caravan parks and holiday parks. Speciﬁc recommendations apply to singing, choirs and playing musical instruments in groups.

All of the above are subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

The following may reopen: — Indoor Gyms and exercise facilities — Yoga, Pilates and dance studios, — Sports clubs and public swimming pools. All of the above are subject to the Phases 3 and 4 restrictions on numbers for public gatherings and other important public health advice.

Phase 4 — Commencing 20th July Phase 4 is due to commence on July 20th, subject to Government approval, and the main changes are:

All details are now available at gov.ie/roadmap

Pubs, bars, hotel bars and casinos may reopen Gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and 500 outdoors will be permissible

Public Transport: — Social distancing means that overall capacity remains restricted — Use public transport only for essential journeys — Face coverings should be worn — Avoid peak-time travel. International Travel: — All non-essential overseas travel should be avoided — Passengers arriving from overseas are expected to self-isolate for 14 days — Passengers will also have to complete a form showing where they will self-isolate. Tourist travel to oﬀshore islands may resume. Private Transport — Tour, event and private bus use, and vehicle hire, may recommence.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

Traineeship in Early Childhood Care & Education at Roscommon Town Youthreach Centre a great success September 2019 saw an exciting new Level 5 Traineeship in Childcare being rolled out at Roscommon Town Youthreach. Staff at Roscommon Town Youthreach & GRETB conducted research into training required in the local area and after many months of deliberating, planning and collaboration with childcare facilities in the area, decided to offer a full-time QQI Level 5 Traineeship in Childcare – leading to a major award. This was new territory for the centre as previously Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied were the programmes on offer. The Traineeship is open to people of all ages and is coordinated by Anne McGuinness who has many years’ experience delivering QQI Childcare at Levels 5 and 6. Traineeships involve a significant amount of work experience and the cooperation of facilities was vital. Anne explained that real “hands-on experience” was essential (rather than just knowing the theory). Local childcare facilities were extremely positive about the programme and all trainees had wonderful placements, learning so much about the day to day job of the childcare assistant.

ROAD WORKS SPEED LIMIT ORDER ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 2004, SECTION 10 Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 10 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 that Roscommon County Council has made a Road Works Speed Limit Order to apply a Speed Limit of 50 km/h at the location set out in the schedule below. Schedule

N60

Townland

Start of Speed Limit

End of Speed Limit

Clooncoundra and Drinaun, Roscommon

The N60 (Castlerea Road) from a point 12.27km north west of the N61/N60 roundabout junction

The N60 (Castlerea Road) from a point 8.37km north west of the N61/N60 roundabout junction

Easting 576633.3656 Northing 770205.1717

Easting 579625.9085 Northing 768567.3056

The Road Works Speed Limit Order is to facilitate road improvement works and applies from 1st July 2020 to 31st August 2020. The Chief Executive shall have regard to any representations that are made to him in relation to this Road Works Speed Limit Order. Director of Services Roads and Transportation Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae Roscommon F42 VR98

Anne said it was brilliant to see the eagerness of the trainees as they embraced their placements. Anne commented: “Childcare is a challenging and rewarding career which requires continuous upskilling and training in order to keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidelines, etc”. Trainees also completed Child Protection and Manual Handling training prior to commencement of placements as this was highlighted by employers during the research phase

as being important. The first group of trainees range in ages from 18 upwards, with male and female participants. The world of childcare emphatically acknowledges the positive role men can play in this career and it is encouraging to see more men entering this field of work. Participants came from all walks of life with varied life experiences, adding greatly to the programme. The award requires that eight modules be successfully completed. Anne ex-

plained that the inclusion of Special Needs Assisting as one of the eight was very worthwhile as having this module also opens up employment possibilities as an SNA in a mainstream school. Anne McGuinness adds: “The traineeship worked extremely well and everything was moving nicely along – however Covid-19 caught us all unaware and learning had to move online. The new trainees adapted quickly to this – and with remarkable competence – and it soon

became the new norm”. Trainees have just recently received their results from QQI and received their qualification Level 5 Major Award in Childcare, equipping them to enter the world of work in their chosen area or to continue in education. Staff at the centre are excited about next term and new trainees joining and recruitment is now underway. * Our next course begins on September 7th, 2020. Details of the course are on www.fetch.ie

Pictured are recent graduates from Traineeship in Childcare from Roscommon town Youthreach and GRETB.

Testimonials from current graduates Monica Lyons Going back into education to do childcare is one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a mature student I was very nervous walking in the doors on the first day, but that didn’t last long. Our tutor was amazing and helped me throughout the whole course. It has not only given me the qualifications needed to go back into childcare, but I also have made many new friends and my confidence has returned. I loved being back in the classroom so much I have decided to continue and do my Level 6. For anyone who thinks childcare may be for them then this is the place to go to get your qualifications.

Helenie Quinn The Level 5 Childcare Courses in Youthreach in Roscommon was a great opportunity for me to get a

qualification to allow me to work in childcare. I am a mum of three children and this gave me the opportunity to study while my children are still young. I was also able to improve my computer skills during the course – and also improve on my self-belief. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people in a friendly environment. Through this course I was encouraged to be the best that I can be and to believe in myself and what I am able to achieve. Throughout the duration of the course I was encouraged and supported in everything. This course not only gets you a qualification but helps the person to grow within themselves.

my communication skills and my confidence really improved too. I made great friends throughout the course. This make the course more enjoyable and we had great fun. There was a lovely friendly atmosphere in the centre and everyone felt welcome. I got lots of help and support throughout the course. I found the work experience gave me a greater insight into the work carried out in a childcare facility. It gave me the opportunity to put the theory into practice. I really loved interacting with the children and seeing them mastering new skills. I’m delighted to have done the course and to get my Major Award in Childcare.

Emily McNulty

The Childcare Course at Roscommon Town Youthreach was a once in a life opportunity. I have been living in Ireland since 2011 – working in the retail sector – and despite my degree in Soci-

I thought the course was very beneficial because it helped me to develop and practice skills that I need in the workplace. I improved

Graciela Silkosi

ology in Brazil I needed to get a qualification that would be recognised here. I wanted to study something else and get new skills to enable me to change my career path in this country. I knew I wanted something related to the education field. It was not an easy decision to go back to education as a mature student, a mother of two young children and full-time worker. After the first class I felt so happy and encouraged to keep going despite all the challenges I knew I would need to overcome. But I got all the support I needed from the tutor and my fellow students. Staff at the centre were very respectful and I got so much care and encouragement. Each of the modules covered in the course give me all the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the early year sector with confidence. I am excited to continue in childcare with my qualification. I hope to continue to Level 6 also.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

Covid-19: Most cases ‘in Roscommon and Athleague’ New figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate that ten people in County Roscommon have died with Covid-19. To date, there are 345 confirmed cases in the county. The median age of those infected is just 44. These figures are up to date as of June 12th, 2020. The breakdown of confirmed Covid-19 cases in County Roscommon shows a significant number of infections in Roscommon Town and Athleague/Fuerty. As of June 12th, there were 102 confirmed cases in the Roscommon Town area (population: 6,500), and also 47 confirmed cases in Athleague area. There were 23 con-

firmed cases in Cams/Cloverhill and 9 confirmed cases in Fuerty. The fact that there have been at least 56 confirmed cases in Athleague/Fuerty reflects the existence of a cluster (during the peak of the crisis) at the Kepak Meat plant, where up to one-third of the workforce reportedly tested positive (many employees of the plant live in Roscommon Urban area). The figures for Roscommon Town area and Athleague/ Fuerty are in stark contrast to the figures for other parts of the county. There were 47 infections in Athleague, where the ap-

Pictured are Darragh Finneran, Kieran Keane and Naoise Coyle in Centra, Athleague. Picture: Michael McCormack.

proximate population is 550, and 23 in Cams, where the population is approx. 470. There was also a cluster in the Cams/Cloverhill area. By contrast, Castlerea, with a population of around 3,000 people, has just 13 confirmed cases, and Ballaghaderreen, with a population of around 2,700, has had just six cases. There were 15 cases in Athlone West, six cases in Elphin and five in Cloontuskert. A number of areas of the county had less than five cases, and these include Boyle, Strokestown, Knockcroghery, Rooskey, Frenchpark, Kiltoom and other areas.

Pictured is butcher, Ollie Harte with customers Ann Marie and Darragh Donohoe in Harte’s Butchers, Athleague. Picture: Michael McCormack.

Update from Sacred Heart Church

Further to a meeting held this week of Roscommon Parish Covid-19 Support Team, a decision was made to reopen the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon to public Mass on Tuesday, 21st of July. This will give time for the team to make the necessary preparations, in accordance with the protocols of the Western Bishops and Government, to reopen the church in a safe and appropriate manner. It is also important for parishioners to note that given the large nature of our parish along with the likely ban on large mass gatherings indoors continuing into the foreseeable future, weekend Masses in Roscommon church after 21st of July will be arranged on a station area/housing estate basis until further notice. Further details on these arrangements will be announced later. Sincere thanks for your patience and understanding as we make the slow but necessary journey to a day when we can gather together again, with minimal restrictions, as a parish community.

Tisrara National School Four Roads, Roscommon

Best wishes to all of the boys and girls from 6th class who are leaving Athleague N.S. this year.We thank you for all of your dedication and hard worktoand secondary Best wishes all wish of theyou boyscontinued and girls success from 6thinclass who areschool. leaving

FromN.S. allthis atyear.We Athleague School.and Athleague thank you National for all of your dedication hard work and wish you continued success in secondary school.

From all at Athleague National School.

Farewell to our 6th class pupils

To Alanna, Oisín, Hugh & Eoghan, we thank you for your commitment and dedication to Tisrara NS over the past eight years. We wish you God’s blessing and continued success in the next journey of your life.

The Principal, Larry Tiernan. 090 66 23367 Email: tisrara.primaryschool@gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

St. Comán’s Wood Primary School

Online Graduation for th 6 Class (2020-2021)

Sixth class pupils in St. Comán’s Wood Primary School in Roscommon celebrated their Graduation online on Tuesday night, 23rd of June at 7.30 pm. Ninety-four devices were used by families to link together for what was a very special occasion. Congratulations to Nicola Gately, Kate Crehan, Mary-Clare Maher and Joan Mannion for a fabulous graduation ceremony hosted by Berni McCarrick. Principal, Dr. Úna Feeley and Deputy Principals Patricia Morris and Cathy Mulrooney expressed their deep and genuine care for these amazing young students who have their whole lives ahead of them. The Ecumenical Service was led by Fr. Kevin Fallon, Chairperson of the Board of Management, assisted by Fr. Pravin Dhason. The central theme was ‘Diversity, Unity and Community’. Invited guests were the Church of Ireland Minister Ed Smyth and Pastor Alastair Kerr from the ‘Light for the People’ church, who contributed prayers to this special occasion. Marie Gorman, representing the Parents Association, shared a reflection. Bible readings for the event were Isaiah 60:19 and Matthew 6:25. The sixth class pupils were of course involved in the ceremony. Leeya Towey and Erika Ogawa sang beautifully. Alyssa Potter read from Isaiah, with many others contributing reflections and prayers. Isaac da Pina played a lovely rendition of ‘Halleluiah’ on the piano. All performed from their homes bringing joy and music out into our community. What gifts these students are to all of us.

‘You will always hold a special place in my prayers and in my thoughts, indeed in all our hearts’ During the online graduation ceremony, the Principal, Úna Feeley, said: “While we celebrate tonight from different homes, different kitchens, different sitting rooms, different bedrooms, different places, we are a community, made up of many people who have different hopes, different dreams and different faiths”. She said that the graduation class of 2020 would never be forgotten.

“Tonight our community, parents, staff and students support each other in this celebration – a celebration mixed with sadness, pride and uncertainty, coupled with an outlook full of hope for a wonderful future for you all, a future where your dreams come true. “While your time in primary school was cut short by a virus, you have acquired skills that will prepare

you for your future – resilience, the ability to cope with change, work independently and self-regulation. “The teachers in the school have been extraordinary, guiding the children’s learning from home, linking in with them regularly and ensuring their learning continued using Google Classroom, See Saw and home packs. “Life is not easy but know that

you as pupils of St. Comán’s Wood Primary School have developed many skills which have prepared you for the life ahead. For eight years an excellent team of teachers and staff have guided you, with support from your parents as you developed into the wonderful people you are. You will always hold a special place in my prayers and in my thoughts, indeed in all our hearts”.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

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Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

We are deeply indebted to you Colm, and we will never forget you The brutal death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, and the manner in which it occurred, will be forever etched into this county’s soul. Indeed, seldom has an event been received by this county – in fact by the entire nation – with a more devastating feeling of sadness than the death of this local hero, this good man, this decent man, callously cut down while protecting and serving his community as the clock struck midnight on Wednesday, 17th of June last. Colm was only 49 years old. This week, despite the sun shining, a dark cloud of devastation hangs over County Roscommon, as our community, left reeling with shock, tries hard to come to terms with the killing of a man who by all accounts aspired to make a better and just society in which we could all live. I didn’t personally know this gentleman who has been described as ‘the quintessential lo-

Bouquets of flowers left to pay respect to Detective Garda Colm Horkan, RIP. Picture: Mick McCormack.

cal Garda,’ but I did have the pleasure of meeting and interacting with him on a few occasions. In fact on the last occasion we chatted, Colm, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, made a comment that was so funny, we both fell about the station laughing our heads off, much to the amusement of his colleagues who raised their heads in fascination. That day, I said my goodbyes to Colm, drove home and remarked to my husband

that the Gardaí in Castlerea Station and indeed right across this entire county are surely the most decent bunch of down-to-earth men and women I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. There’s no doubt that Detective Garda Colm made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. There’s also no doubt that, even as his life was being mercilessly stolen, Colm valiantly attempted to fulfil his solemn oath, an oath all

I’ve had my ‘lockdown locks’ lopped off – and I feel great! Readers may have noticed there’s no short-haired Barbie. In fact every one of our Disney heroines are sporting long, luscious locks, with the exception of Snow White, who does have a neat little bob, but you get my drift. Long hair’s for women, short hair’s for men! Now, while my byline pic here has me displaying a short Pixie do, it’s an old one, because I had allowed my locks to grow long again, very long. I’m quite lucky in that I have unusually quick hair growth allowing me to change my style regularly. However, by not having the benefits of a stylist during lockdown, my gruaige’s rapid growth had me resembling something that should be on display at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Indeed, my hair had become unruly to the point where I was spending hours every day washing, drying, back-

combing and teasing it into a shape I hated. This resulted in he-who-wasfeeling-very-brave to remark how “all that hair overwhelms you darling”. Therefore, this week, with every ounce of courage I possessed, and sick of cleaning out the shower drain, I took my unflattering long locks out of a ponytail and asked my daughter, (who’s still in shock, bless her), to chop it all off. The result…I love it!!! I can tell you readers, I got up off that chair and I danced around the kitchen like a bornagain Ovaltinee. Now I admit, I have been feeling about my shoulders for the ‘phantom’ hair I’ve had lopped off, but I’m absolutely thrilled I took the plunge; again. Long hair doesn’t suit me…it’s that simple. Big thanks to hubby for his support and encouragement!

Gardaí take to protect and serve society, and ensure the safety of his community. There will be plenty of reminders over the next weeks and months of Colm Horkan’s decency, of his bravery, of his sense of fairness and of the esteem in which he was held…will always be held.

Like every single one of us, on that fateful night Colm thought he was going to live to see another day. Now his devastated family, friends, colleagues and those of us he protected are left to mourn, and place our faith in our investigating Gardaí and our criminal justice system to ascertain how and why this peaceful Garda’s family has been robbed of its beloved son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Colm Horkan’s death serves as a tragic and devastating reminder of the dangers and uncertainties facing our Gardaí on a daily basis. My sincere condolences go to everyone who knew him, who worked with him and who loved him. We are deeply indebted to you Colm, and we will never forget you. May you rest in peace.

Well done to the Ballyleague Men’s Shed Can I give a shout out to our local Ballyleague Men’s Shed who’ve lovingly crafted and created some absolutely stunning tubs, barrels, pots and hanging baskets of bee-friendly blooms which they’ve generously dotted about the roadside, enhancing what is an already beautiful village. Well done to everyone involved. Myself and he-whowas-trapped-with-me-during-lockdown have marvelled at the range of community-based activities carried out by this local group; the latest of which consists of pollinator-friendly plants, all grown from seed, and supplied to the Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee. You see readers, we desperately need and depend on bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. It’s thanks to them we have the majority of the food we eat. Therefore, by this thoughtful gesture, the members of our local Men’s Shed should be commended for playing their part in making a positive difference to all of our lives. In providing a diverse and colourful assortment of flowering plants, this non-profit organisation is encouraging our native pollinators, helping them to maintain a habitat and ecosystem on which each and every one of us – humans and animals – heavily depend. Well done to all, your work is very much appreciated.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

€4.8m boost for Sligo and Leitrim MOLLOY’S

Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan

Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has welcomed a major allocation of Government funding for regional enterprise projects in counties Sligo and Leitrim. Eleven successful border county projects from the North East and North West of the country have been approved to share in the €17m Border Enterprise Development Fund 2020, an initiative of the Government of Ireland administered by Enterprise Ireland. In total, over €4.8 million is being allocated to the Sligo-Leitrim constituency. Deputy Feighan said: “The

€15m Border Enterprise Development Fund for 2020 will provide support for collaborative, enterprise capability building projects, to advance entrepreneurship, productivity and innovation in the Border region. “The aim of the fund is to improve the international competitiveness of enterprise in the Border Region in the context of Brexit and other market challenges. It’s designed to foster collaboration while helping to make businesses more resilient, more innovative, and more competitive. “All of the research shows that

the Border region is most exposed to the impact of Brexit, and obviously the situation is even more difficult now with the Covid-19 challenge. That’s why Minister Heather Humphreys wanted to ensure that Government supports businesses in this region in responding to the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead”. Deputy Feighan added: “This is the first time that the Department for BEI has provided targeted, ringfenced funding to a specific region, which represents a strong statement of Fine Gael’s commitment to the Border area”.

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel.: 090 6626120 or 087 6546512. E. dnmolloymainstreet@eircom.net

Thank you to all our customers for their support during the past few months We have our usual wide range of products from Smithwicks cans, Passoã, Somersby, Craft Beers & Rekorderlig, älska and Kopparberg Cider range, White Claw, etc. All you need for the summer! – Stay safe

Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets! Danny Baker @prodnose Government expected to announce that as from July 4th West Ham players will be permitted to visit other teams penalty areas for short periods providing they pose no threat to the opposition – A great tweet from the broadcaster (Warning: Do not repeat within earshot of David Moyes)

chris o’dowd @BigBoyler Anyone else talking to themselves a lot more than usual? Like, full conversations? Is it the lack of socialising or what? – Our man Chris reveals he’s talking to himself “more than usual”! Des Oldham @desoldham Oh yes... it’s back! He’s back! 2 mins of pure gold... Keano’s on one! #RoyKeane – Roy Keane went on another rant, about…oh, you must know by now! See Frank Brandon’s column on page 18 (eulogising a Manchester United man for the second week in

WORKING HARD FOR YOU

CLAIRE

KERRANE TD

 : 087 194 5254  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie

KEEP UP TO DATE ON

a row!), see also The Barstool Boyos (page 2)

on Prime Time on Tuesday night did not please everybody!

Claire Kerrane TD @ClaireKerrane 28 years old and just been asked for ID to buy scratch cards – A number of ‘tweeters’ responded by congratulating our local TD, and expressing the wish that they had the same experience!

Seán Defoe @SeanDefoe So Leo Varadkar is willing to talk to Mary Lou McDonald. To tell her why his party won’t talk to her. #rtept

Maurice Quinlivan TD @QuinlivanTD @LeoVaradkar calls my party Spin Féin. How actually sad is he – he should stick to the movie quotes as bad as they’ve been. #rtept – Leo Varadkar may have a 75% poll approval rating, but his interview

Chris Kamara @chris_kammy Neil Warnock: “At least I’ve got eight games without being booed by anybody, it’ll be very strange for me that” – It’s good to have the football – and the characters – back!

– The media, so pedantic!

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Advertorial

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A John Deere 1010e clearing log in a clearfell harvested for biomass.

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As the complete forestry company, Worrell Harvesting offers a wide range of services from timber harvesting and haulage to whole tree harvesting. Worrell Harvesting started in 1992 and their first machine was a Brunett 678. Prior to that they operated two teams of men, one in the east of Ireland, the other in the west of Ireland. In each case there were approx. fifteen men harvesting softwood forestry plantations for sawmills (with chainsaws). Worrell Harvesting is run by three brothers, Kenneth, Colin and Neil Worrell. After six months they bought their first harvester, a Norcar 490 with a Silvatec harvesting head. From there they expanded their fleet of forestry machines. The brothers moved into haulage in 1998, and by 2003 had 10 trucks. The product hauled is generally their own logs and biomass. In recent times they have moved into the market for woodchip/biomass for energy. Increasingly this is harvesting timber that they have bought themselves. Worrell Harvesting have been involved in biomass over the last 10 years and the treatment of brash has changed considerably in that time. Over the past seven years we have adapted harvesting methods to suit various sites to get the maximum return for the grower. We have found that not one method fits all. Our climate is so wet that the brash can rot instead of losing moisture if not harvested and stacked correctly. We can also harvest a forestry in the standard harvesting way for any of our clients that prefer that option or the land just may not suit whole tree harvesting. Method of working clearfell The company has devised a method of harvesting such that they do not drive on the brash and harvest the tree in a different direction. The logs are taken to the roadside in the normal way and brought to the sawmill promptly. The advantage of this harvesting method means what the value from the biomass can cover the cost of replanting in some crops. You also have a full stocking of trees which will give your forest more value in the next crop. The grower is getting more for his timber and our harvesting method is reducing the chance of windblow. This type of thinning allows for a better forest practice. The poor performing trees are removed and the end value can be 50-100% more volume than traditional returns. Top of the range! We own a large range of modern harvesters, forwarders, chippers, lorries and trailers. This means that the

company manages the site from the start of operations to completion. Farmers Are you reclaiming land or removing wooded areas or overgrown hedgerow? Worrell Harvesting has the means of handling this timber very efficiently. Covid-19 With the worldwide pandemic which is affecting everyone in some shape, we to are no different in that we are doing our best to keep our staff safe while also still operating all our machines due to us providing an essential service supplying biomass to factories providing electricity and food products as well as supplying sawmills that need to be kept running. We take this opportunity to thank all of our team of drivers, operators, office staff and everyone who helps to keep our fleet moving on the road and machines harvesting in the wood by the professional and efficient work they are still achieving through these very difficult times. Felling license issues At the present time timber is on high demand from the sawmills looking to secure timber in the coming months from private landowners. There is a large amount of forestry owners who have thinnings and clearfell to be harvested but cannot due to a delay in the issuing of their felling licences. It is hard to tell how long it will take before the system of processing felling licences will take to change to allow for a more efficient release of licences. When it is solved itâ€™s the forestry owners who will be hit hardest due to having to wait for a harvesting company such as ourselves to schedule harvesting to make sure we can look after everyone and with the increase in supply of logs to the mill the price will fall from the strong prices they are at the present time. We would urge anyone who has a valid felling licence or anyone expecting to get their new licence approved to get their timber priced and hopefully harvested to secure a good price for their timber while the markets and the demands are high. Contact us For free management advice give Worrell Harvesting a call on 045 529574 to arrange for our forest manager to view your forestry and advise on timely harvesting operations, apply for a felling license, which harvesting method suits you site and quote a price for your forestry. Email forestry @worrell harvesting.ie, see www.worrellharvesting.ie and check us out on YouTube Worrell Harvesting Ltd. or like us on Facebook.

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Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

Man (43) charged with murder of Detective Horkan A 43-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver from Aughaward, Foxford, Co. Mayo appeared at a special sitting of Castlerea District Court on Friday night. He was remanded in custody for a week. Garda Helen Gillen gave evidence of arresting Mr. Silver just prior to the court sitting. When she informed him that he was charged with murder, he made no reply. The accused man spoke briefly in court, leading to an intervention from Judge Alan Mitchell. Mr. Silver said: “….absolutely unreal, I had no firearm on me”. Judge Mitchell advised Mr. Silver that he did not have to speak and that his solicitor was present to represent him. Free legal aid was granted to Mr. Silver and it was recommended that he be medically assessed. Judge Mitchell remanded the accused in custody to appear in court again this Friday, June 26th (by video link). There was a large Garda presence in the vicinity of the courthouse. The court hearing took place on the evening that the remains of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was killed in Castlerea on Wednesday night, were brought home to his Stephen Silver from Aughaward, Foxford, Co. Mayo appeared at a special sitting of Castlerea District Court on Friday native Charlestown in Co. Mayo. night.

Cook Required with home baking skills

Email references to info@castlecootehouse.com

REVIEW OF LITTER MANAGEMENT PLAN In accordance with Section 10 of the Litter Management Plan 1997 as amended, Roscommon County Council proposes to review its current Litter Management Plan. Accordingly, a Draft Litter Management Plan to cover the period 2020 – 2022 has been prepared for consultation. As part of the consultation process, this draft plan is available for inspection at www.roscommoncoco.ie and Roscommon County Council invites submissions/comments from individuals, community and voluntary groups and representative bodies including Residents Associations, Tidy Towns Committees, Chambers of Commerce etc. Submissions/comments should be forwarded in writing to the Senior Executive Officer, Environment Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon or to environment@roscommoncoco.ie on or before 5pm on Thursday 30th July 2020 and these will be considered for inclusion in the Final Plan. A copy of the draft Litter Management Plan is available on www.roscommoncoco.ie or by emailing environment@roscommoncoco.ie Liam Bergin, Director of Services

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

The

D News page

Designs on home! Úna Burke swaps London for Knockvicar < DAN DOONER

Internationally renowned fashion designer, Úna Burke, recently announced that she has moved back to her native Knockvicar in Co. Roscommon from London where she had established her successful brand. The designer, whose unique leather creations have been worn by global stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna, arrived home in January with her partner Emmett and their ninemonth-old son Leo. “I was very fortunate to move home from London to Knockvicar in January just before the very first cases of Covid-19 arose in the UK. We are living the life in the countryside and very glad not to be stuck in our apartment in London, which we loved. However, it would have been very difficult right now because Leo is so young,” she said. The Úna Burke brand was established in 2010 in the wake of the last recession, but despite its baptism of fire it went from strength to strength in the English capital. Úna’s partner Emmett later joined her in London and became an integral part of the business. “My partner Emmett moved over in 2014. We had worked together in Dublin at a clothing brand and then did ‘long distance’ when I moved to London. He takes care of the busi-

Fr O’Flanagan to be honoured during Heritage Week < DAN DOONER

ness side of things while I do all the creative things so it works really well,” she said. Úna was eager to put her skills to use in order to help the valiant efforts of frontline staff during lockdown and the company raised thousands of euro for charities. “I really wanted to see what I could do to help with my skills (during lockdown) but I just didn’t have time (to make masks, etc.) with Leo being so young. “Instead, we are having a charity sale of the stock we have on hand. Currently there is 40% off all stock items and 25% off all sale items and we have raised more than €3,000 for three different charities so far. The charities are Pieta House; Safe Ireland, which helps those going through domestic abuse; and the London Irish Covid-19 Appeal, who deliver food packages and support to elderly Irish people in London,” she said. While it has been a busy few months, Úna believes the decision to move back to Ireland is already paying off in terms of work-life balance. “We’re now ten years in business and things are going well. Even through this Covid-19 pandemic we’ve been really busy here. We’ve moved the studio and our home back to Knockvicar and while it was a big upheaval, we managed to set up a studio space in my dad’s house, where I grew up. “With Emmett and me working together we are managing to balance things and Leo gets to have us both around, which is great for him and his development,” she said.

Cllr. Tony Waldron has confirmed that Fr. Michael O’Flanagan, a former president of Sinn Féin and renowned orator and Irish language scholar, will be commemorated as part of National Heritage Week, which takes place from August 15th to 23rd. Fr. O’Flanagan was born in 1876 at Cloonfower in the parish of Kilkeevan, close to Castlerea, and was considered a main driving force behind the Election of the Snows in North Roscommon in 1917 when Count Plunkett won a by-election. Cllr. Waldron said Fr. O’Flanagan was an “inspirational man” who worked hard for his community and the commemoration would be a fitting tribute. “I am pleased to announce that I have received approval to host a commemoration of Fr. Michael O’Flanagan during National Heritage Week this year. “It is hoped to have walks and talks along the banks of the River Suck, together with some kayaking and canoeing while observing social distancing, culminating with a gathering at The Suck Valley Visitor Centre in Athleague. “Further details will be made available closer to the event but it is hoped that this commemoration celebrating Fr. O’Flanagan, held under this year’s Heritage Week theme of ‘Heritage and Education: Learning from our Heritage’, will create heightened awareness of his achievements and lead to greater future memorial events with interÚna, Emmett and baby Leo pictured in Knockvicar. national tourism possibilities,” Cllr. Waldron said.

‘Community Mothers’ project launched < PAUL HEALY

Left to right: Colette Saunders, Community Mother Coordinator, Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, and (right) Marie Shivnen, Community Mother Coordinator, Boyle Family Resource Centre.

Boyle and Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centres are launching a very exciting and innovative new programme which your locally-owned community newspaper, the Roscommon People, is delighted to share information on! The ‘Community Mothers’ project means that families in Boyle and Ballaghaderreen areas now have the option of having a trained ‘Community Mother’ visit their home to offer support as they raise their children. The Community Mothers Programme is a free home visiting service offered to families of new babies and parents of children up to the age of five. Community Mothers are volunteers who are trained by the Community Mothers Coordinators and a Public Health Nurse. They use their own experiences as mothers as well as local knowledge to support and encourage new parents. The Community Mother visits parents in their home to offer support and encouragement (all Covid-19 regulations are of course adhered to). The ethos is to listen and be non-judgemental, building trust and strong relationships to improve the wellbeing of parents and the developmental and learning outcomes of their children.

Local Family Resource Centres have many services that enrich the community. Programmes for parents include Breastfeeding Club, ParentToddler Groups, Bazz Art for Toddlers, CommonSense Parenting, Mindful Parenting and Baby and Me. These resource centres also offer family support drop-in clinics as well as counselling and psychotherapy and many other programmes for adults. Boyle and Ballaghaderreen Family Resource centres now have two part-time Community Mothers’ Coordinators. They are Marie Shivnen in Boyle and Colette Saunders in Ballaghaderreen. To become a volunteer, you need to be an experienced mother who wants to help other parents in their community to improve their wellbeing and improve outcomes for their young children. The commitment from the Community Mother is one hour weekly pre-birth to six months or one hour monthly from six months to five years. All enquiries on any of the above to Marie Shivnen on 086 059 7447 or Colette Saunders on 086 059 7441. * The Community Mothers Initiative in Roscommon is being made possible with funding from Healthy Ireland, which is administered by Roscommon Children and Young People’s Services Committee.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

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We are delighted to announce we are re-opening our doors on June 29th Our premises will be undergoing a full deep clean in preparation for this

We will be offering Face-to-Face Counselling, Family Therapy & Support Services, as well as telephone & online counselling and support

Vita House

Roscommon Roscommon Cancer Support Centre will re-open for face to face counselling, we will also continue to offer our counselling service by telephone or online for those who do not wish to attend the centre at this time. We hope to open our groups and complimentary therapies soon and in line with Government guidelines. Please call 090 66-25898 for more information.

SBLS

Roscommon Suicide Bereavement Service offers support & assistance for Individuals, Families & Communities grieving the death of a loved one by suicide. The service can be accessed by telephone or email on 085 7407856 or twalsh@vitahouse.org

The staff of the newly established Family Resource Centre (17 Castle View, Castle Street, Roscommon) continue to work behind closed doors. Please contact us on 090 66 28621, email us on southrosfrc@vitahouse.org or familysupport.srfrc@ vitahouse.org

Please contact the centre for more information by calling 090 66-25898 or emailing info@vitahouse.org

Cian’s Kennels aims to bring ‘best friends’ closer together < DAN DOONER

Cian’s Kennels is a Longford-based charity set up in memory of Cian Neary, who passed away last September having been diagnosed with cancer at the age of fifteen. The charity, which was inspired by the love and devotion Cian’s Labrador ‘Cooper’ brought him towards the end of his life, aims to raise funds to provide kennels for children’s pets to be housed near Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin. Cian’s parents, Enda and Evelyn, believe the initiative will bring a measure of comfort to young patients and their families. Evelyn said: “Cian’s Kennels was set up in memory of our son Cian who passed away last September. Cian was

diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma in September 2018. He received treatment for nine months and things improved, but then in June 2019 he became very ill and we spent last summer in hospital with him, staying at Ronald McDonald House for most of that time. We always had hope that we would be that family who experienced a miracle but it just wasn’t meant to be. “Cian was the light of our lives, and the eldest of our two boys. He was sporty, and played soccer with Longford Town and GAA with Killashee. He also played guitar and loved socialising with his friends; he was great craic and could light up a room. “He got his Labrador, Cooper, after his diagnosis and at first we were wary of the dog jumping

up on him or being too boisterous around him. But it was almost like Cooper knew he had to be careful around Cian! We wanted to honour the bond they had with one another because Cooper was very special to Cian”. Cooper offered a level of comfort and companionship to Cian and his family at a very difficult time and Evelyn believes other children going through a similar experience would benefit from having their pets close by. “It was actually Cian who first got the ball rolling on this really. In his own quiet way he somehow managed to convince the hospital staff to allow Cooper in to visit, which

was some achievement! “At the time of Cian’s funeral it was something that we had in our minds but there was no concrete plan. Word got out though and Brendan Considine, who lost his sister and brother in a short space of time, approached us as he was aiming to complete a cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head and wanted to raise funds for us. At that stage we had no bank account and weren’t registered as a charity. Brendan was a catalyst and the charity was set up just before the outbreak of Covid-19”. Cian’s Kennels has received plenty of local support so far and apart from Brendan Considine’s charity cycle there are two other local events planned to raise funds. On July 4th, local girl Michaela Cox will complete a sponsored head shave, while on July 15th the O’Boyle sisters

will swim 4km for three charities, including Cian’s Kennels. Further details are available on the Cian’s Kennels page on Facebook. “Because we can’t physically get to the hospital at the moment we have come up with another way of getting the word out and supporting families. County Photos in Roscommon have come on board and we’re asking families to send photographs of their pets to cianskennells@gmail. com and Emmet Collins and his team will sponsor printing and framing of photographs so that kids can have a framed photo of their dog while in hospital,” Evelyn added. It’s just another way of offering a measure of the comfort and companionship that loyal Cooper brought his brave best friend Cian Neary when he needed it most.

Cian Neary and ‘Cooper’ ... The charity, was inspired by the love and devotion Cian’s Labrador ‘Cooper’ brought him towards the end of his life. Cian’s Kennels aims to raise funds to provide kennels for children’s pets to be housed near Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

POLITICAL PEOPLE

Newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Roscommon Co. Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, pictured with his wife Bernie, son Micheál and sister Mary. Picture: Gerard O’Loughlin

Newly-elected Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon Co. Council, Cllr. Marty McDermott pictured being congratuled by his daughters. Picture: Gerard O’Loughlin

New Cathaoirleach ready to get down to business! < DAN DOONER

The new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon, says there is great enthusiasm and determination among the people of Roscommon as the county exits lockdown. The independent councillor was speaking after he was elected to succeed outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, at Monday’s

AGM of the local authority. “It feels great to achieve the (level of) Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council and it’s something all councillors aspire to during their time on the council,” said the Rahara councillor, whose nomination had been proposed by Cllr. Tom Crosby and seconded by Cllr. Orla Leyden. “There has never before been an occasion where a Cathaoirleach has been elected at

the time of a pandemic. I am amazed at how people have banded together and how the staff at Roscommon County Council have worked together and how the people of Roscommon have responded to this lockdown. “It is tragic that a lot of people have died of course and this pandemic and lockdown have come at a huge cost in terms of individual suffering for those who have lost income and

been left without work. “There is also the significant mental cost resulting from people being forced to live in lockdown conditions. However, I hope that we are now beginning to emerge from this crisis,” he said. Cllr. Fallon said the financial impact on the local authority was not yet known and that some businesses in Co. Roscommon may not reopen. “The impact on rates is quite

Meet the new Cathaoirleach… Name: Laurence Fallon. Age: 63. Family: Wife Bernadette and son Micheál. Occupation: Farmer and public representative. How long have you been involved in public service? I have been involved in public service since 1982. I was actively involved in Macra na Feirme and with other farming organisations. I have been actively involved in politics since the mid90s and was first elected as a county councillor in 2009. I have been elected twice more since then (2014 and 2019). Who are the politicians you admire? Going back quite a number of years, Mahatma Gandhi is someone I admire. There have been many politicians who have made significant contributions down through the years however. I would have worked with the late Liam Naughten and will always remember the effort and work he put in. The amount of work Denis Naughten did while in Government was also something to admire. The

nature of this business is that you do receive a lot of criticism but there are not too many jobs where you have to secure your position every five years! What is the biggest challenge facing a new Government? The first challenge is recovering from the effects of Covid-19 and getting the economy back on its feet, while also doing something about global warming. Marrying those two demands in such a way as to promote growth while also moving towards a greener economy will be a huge challenge. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “In a crisis count to three and think before you speak”. What do you do to relax? I read a lot, mostly history and things like that. Being a farmer and being a public representative are two very different things so after meetings and work with the county council I find farming quite relaxing. Likewise, I find it a welcome break to work as a public representative after a hard day’s work on the farm. A change is as good as a rest!

substantial and I fear that there may be a number of businesses that may not reopen. There is a great deal of enthusiasm and determination there but people are being cautious,” he said before highlighting the financial supports on offer from the local authority. “Roscommon County Council has been giving advice and offering support to businesses during this pandemic. I would ask people to be aware of the

supports on offer such as the restart grant. There is quite a bit of funding available for businesses,” he said. The new Cathaoirleach concluded by paying tribute to Cllr. Marty McDermott, who was selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach at Monday’s meeting. “I am very happy for Marty. I have known him for a number of years and I have no doubt that he will be a great help to me as Leas-Cathaoirleach”.

Waldron: ‘I was never approached by Alliance’ < DAN DOONER

Cllr. Tony Waldron has said he was never approached to join with the Fianna Fáil-led Roscommon County Council Alliance, which includes two Fine Gael as well as two Independent councillors. Cllr. Waldron was speaking following Monday’s annual general meeting of the local authority where he lost out to Cllr. Laurence Fallon in a bid to be elected Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. “My name was put forward to be the next Cathaoirleach and I’m disappointed for the people who voted for me that I won’t be the next chairman. I felt I would have been a very good chairman and would have promoted tourism in Co. Roscommon. “Following last year’s local election I was never approached or asked to become part of this Alli-

ance made up of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independent councillors. (In any event) any agreement I would make would have to contain cast-iron agreements on the future of Castlerea Fire Station” he said.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

People of Roscommon challenged to take part in BeActive Day 2020 County Roscommon is challenged to be active on Sunday, 28th June as part of the Sport Ireland National BeActive Day Roscommon Sports Partnership is one of 29 Local Sports Partnerships in the country who are coming together to celebrate a day of physical activity and sport and want you to join in and be active. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Roscommon Sports Partnership has been working hard to ensure the people of Roscommon remain physically active. As part of a national network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) Roscommon Sports Partnership has adapted by using online resources, printed booklets and other innovative means, to ensure that everyone in their community has the opportunity to share in the enjoyment as well as the mental and physical health benefits of sport and physical activity. International guidelines recommend children are active for at least 60 minutes a day and adults for 30 minutes a day, National BeActive Day is a fun and inclusive way of getting in your daily physical activity. Launching the event, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy encouraged as many people as possible to take part, “The last few months have been very difficult for people but it has been highly encouraging to see people look after their own health and well-being through taking part in regular sport and physical activity. Research has shown that unprecedented numbers of people are out walking and cycling, which is great to see. As we begin to come out of the restrictions, I think it is more important than ever that we continue to exercise and be physically active every day. I am really looking forward to National BeActive Day and challenge you all to get active, pick a new activity or sport and enjoy it”. Noel Feeley, Coordinator with Roscommon Sports Partnership commented, “National BeActive Day is an opportunity to get everyone in the household up and active. You can do it just for fun or add a competitive element by keeping scores or splitting in to teams. No matter what you do, we encourage you to be active and have some fun, and let’s make Roscommon the most active county this weekend!” The Local Sports Partnerships have developed a printable list of games and activities to give you some inspiration, all of which are fully adaptive for people of all abilities and skill levels. With suggestions to make the games harder or easier, there is a game for everyone. Simply print out the games or display them on your phone and be active. Or why not get creative and create your own games, activities or challenges? Roscommon LSP are running a competition for the most creative National BeActive Day activity in the county so make sure to share a photo or video on social media and tag @SportIreland and @Roscommon Sports Partnership (Facebook) and @roscommonsportspartnershipclg (Instagram) and the hashtag #NationalBeActiveDay to be in with a chance of winning a prize! If you are not on social media, you can email a photo or video of your activity to info@rosactive.org to be in with a chance of winning a prize! For more information on the home sports day visit https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/ beactive-day or the Roscommon Sports Partnership website http://www.rosactive.org/ or Social Media Platforms.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday, 28 June 2020 The Liturgy this week continues to instruct us in the elements of discipleship. We’re told that even the most humble among us have a share in the mission Christ gives to His Church. We’re not all called to the ministry of the Apostles, or to be prophets like Elisha in today’s First Reading. But each of us is called to a holy life (see 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). At Baptism our lives were joined forever to the cross of Christ, as Paul tells us in today’s Epistle. Baptised into His death, we’re to renounce sin and live for God in Christ Jesus. We are to follow Him, each of us taking up our personal cross, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel. That doesn’t mean we will all be asked to suffer a martyr’s death. But each of us is called to self-denial, to the offering of our lives in service of God’s plan. Jesus must be elevated to first place in our lives – above even our closest bonds of kinship and love. By Baptism, we’ve been made part of a new family – the kingdom of God, the Church. We are to proclaim that kingdom with our lives, bringing our fathers and mothers, and all men and women, to live as “little ones” under the fatherhood of God and the kingship of the Holy One. We do this by opening our hearts and homes to the service of the Lord, following the Shunnamite woman’s example in today’s First Reading. As Jesus tells us, we’re to receive others – not only prophets but also little children, the poor, and the imprisoned – as we receive Christ Himself (see Matthew 18:5; 25:31– 46). As we sing in today’s Psalm, we are to testify to His favours and kindness in our lives. We’re to hold fast to the promise – that if we have died with Christ, we shall also live, that if we lose our lives for His sake, we shall find our reward, and walk forever in His countenance. – Scott Hahn.Ph.D.,www. salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)

FRANK

FRANK BRANDON’S

BRANDON

unique take on life ...

I may not watch the actual football …but ‘Pundit Roy’ is TV gold! Our columnist won’t miss the rugby, but he’s less committed to Premier League TV coverage…except when the action switches to studio and Roy Keane is in full flow… Last week I told you that rugby – with full contact and full houses – had returned to New Zealand after the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic. As I write this on Sunday evening (Fathers’ Day, in case you forgot), I have watched two more early morning games – and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Also, since last week the Premier League in soccer has returned. To date, I haven’t watched any of the games. Yet paradoxically, the Friday night game between Manchester United and Spurs has given me some of the most enjoyable telly moments of the entire lockdown. The reason of course is one controversial Cork man, the great Roy Keane. His punditry on the game was even more outspoken and critical than usual, and both

his half-time and full-time assessments were pure TV gold. If you don’t follow the sport, United were a goal down at half-time. In Keane’s opinion, defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw (to a slightly lesser extent), and goalie David De Gea were all severely at fault. Maguire, who cost United in excess of £80 million, was pretty easily beaten by the goalscorer, Bergwijn, before De Gea let the shot fly past him into the net. The shot was well struck, but it was straight at the ‘keeper. This was the cue for an unforgettable half-time rant by a fuming Keane. Among his many points, he declared that neither Maguire or De Gea should be allowed to go back on the team bus, but should have to share a taxi. He also said that if he was still playing he would be swinging punches at the goalie in the dressing room at half-time. And he said that De Gea was the most overrated goalkeeper in the world. Keane added that they should both hang their head in shame and that (effectively) they were a disgrace to the Man United jersey. To see Keane so fired up and – as he said himself – “thoroughly disgusted”, is one of the great sights in sport. It certainly begs the question: if he’s like that at

half-time in a game in which he is only a pundit, and a middle-aged one at that, what must he have been like in his prime as the captain of the all-conquering Man United team? I shudder to think what it must have been like to get the famous Keane stare if you had failed to deliver! As a player he wasn’t the most skillful, or the fastest, but he more than made up for it with his desire, his determination, and his total commitment. In fairness to United they (apparently) had a better second half against Spurs and actually drew the game. The good news for pundit watchers is that Keano was still not a bit happy. Like him or hate him (I like him, by the way) there is no-one anywhere able to stir it up and dish it out like our Roy. I hope he never again gets a management job and that he stays as he is for a long time to come. If he does, while I won’t watch many, maybe any, games, I will always tune in at both halftime and full-time for his assessment. I wonder did the boys get back on the team bus? Either way, the former United player Patrice Evra offered them a lift back, so at least they would have been spared the taxi fare.

Rise in dog theft is despicable

Members of An Garda Siochana pictured in Castlerea last Thursday morning. Picture: Mick McCormack.

A sense of loss that was felt across the nation The tragic death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan will be covered in detail in other areas of this newspaper, but for me, the funeral service which was shown on TV on Sunday morning will live forever in my memory. That ceremony showcased the value and importance of the Gardaí Síochana to our little nation. The sense of loss was shared by everyone in the whole country, epitomised by the minute’s silence that was observed nationwide – including in our own kitchen – at twelve midday, and the

way the Irish flag was so carefully folded and presented to Marty Horkan, Colm’s heartbroken father, was just so appropriate and dignified. I have to say I found the entire ceremony to be very touching and emotional. All over Ireland, his colleagues, friends and even total strangers have been badly affected by the terrible events that unfolded in Castlerea last week, but obviously his family are suffering the most. All I can do is express my sincere sympathy on their immense loss. May Colm rest in peace.

From the days of my childhood when we were told that the dog was ‘man’s best friend’, and when we watched enthralled at the adventures of Lassie as she survived the most extraordinary dangers and challenges, dogs have been firmly established as vital members of so many aspects of Irish life. The farmer has his sheepdogs, we have rescue dogs, guide dogs, sniffer dogs and even police dogs, and I’m sure many other types of service dogs, but it is as a pet that the little Jack Russell or the big Labrador (amongst many others) have become almost as integral a part of our families as any of the humans. We have all heard of amazing stories of the unparalleled devotion of many of our pets, of their heroism in oftentimes saving their owners’ lives, and their refusal to leave their masters’ side, even in death. It is true to say that many people would be completely lost without their favourite pet. Loyalty, devotion and love are three qualities that dogs have in abundance. With this in mind, I find the current upsurge in dog theft leaves me almost speechless with annoyance. The scum that is going round all our local areas – Curraghboy, Castlecoote, Glenamaddy, Williamstown, to name a few – and stealing people’s treasured pets are the lowest of the low, and obviously couldn’t care less about the heartbreak, upset and desolation they leave behind. I am not advocating theft of any sort, but at least if you lose a telly or some such item of technology, it’s really only a yoke, and it can be replaced…but losing your most lovable pet dog is something

you may never get over, something that may affect you for the rest of your life. I don’t know what type of penalty there is for theft of pets, but in my opinion it needs to be looked at and we should make it a very serious offence, punished by equally serious jail-time. Maybe if those lowlifes thought they would be severely dealt with by the law they might think twice before destroying the lives of so many people. In the meantime, keep a very close eye on your pets, look out for suspicious activity in your area, and don’t hesitate to call the local Gardaí. Make it as difficult as possible for those who carry out such despicable, horrible crimes. It also goes without saying that if they have so little regard for the feelings of the dogs’ owners, you would have to wonder how well they treat the dogs themselves. I don’t really want to think about that.

And finally… Finally for this week, out here in Kilbegnet our local parish priest Fr. Donal Morris recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination. I want to congratulate him and wish him well. It’s some achievement and milestone. While celebrations have to be muted, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, I am sure it will be suitably marked in the future. Well done Fr. Donal, and here’s to many, many more.

‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

FarmingPeople

A minister without a mandate – and compliant Greens! IFA critical of agriculture changes to TB Programme

IFA Animal Health Chairperson Pat Farrell has sharply criticised the Department of Agriculture changes to the TB Eradication Programme. He says the Department implemented these changes without discussion or consultation with farmers. Pat Farrell said the move by the Department of Agriculture to remove animals that were previously inconclusive in TB breakdowns and to deem tests where four or more animals test inconclusive as reactors is a significant change to the programme that impacts severely on farmers. The IFA chairperson said the Department of Agriculture had shown yet again that they have no difficulty in increasing the cost burden on farmers while refusing to address the enormous shortcomings in the compensation schemes. He said: “This latest change to the implementation of the TB programme severely impacts on the income of farmers and was imposed without any consultation. This is despite claims that all stakeholders would have the chance to input into decision-making on the programme”. The IFA chairperson said this latest move by the Department of Agriculture is particularly disappointing given the enormous efforts made by farmers throughout this Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the TB programme continued.

< LUKE ‘MING’ FLANAGAN

A minister without a mandate is currently pushing for an end to convergence of farm payments. So even before the respective parties have voted on the programme for government it has already been reneged upon. Their promise to protect the small family farm will mean nothing. So who is directing agricultural policy in Ireland? In whose interests are decisions being taken? Which priorities are regarded as paramount – protecting an elite, or serving the majority with fairness and equity? These are pertinent questions that deserve answers, that arise from the Minister’s actions during the negotiations on the transitional regulation, a regulation designed to act as a bridge between the current CAP reform due to expire at the end of this year and the new reform not ready yet for implementation. In this process, the Parliament having adopted amendments that I had tabled, called for continued convergence of Pillar one payment during the transition period. At the ongoing trilogue negotiations,

Minister Creed and others are blocking this proposal, insisting that convergence remains optional during the transitional period. The Green Party must explain why they are letting this happen. Convergence of payments would benefit the majority of farmers in Ireland with the knockon beneficial effects on the wider rural economy. We have heard many fine words recently in the wake of the publication of the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy about the need to support sustainable farming practices, but unfortunately it appears that these are empty, hollow words. Actions speak louder than words and it is blatant hypocrisy to be publically extolling the virtues of the family farm system at home, while simultaneously opposing any change to a discredited outdated system in Brussels that would benefit and support these same farmers in Ireland. Can the Green Party please explain how we can take the programme for government seriously when their proposed coalition partner (Fine Gael) is busying away in the backward making sure that when it comes to agriculture, nothing will change? * Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan is an MEP for the Midlands-North-West constituency

(Proudly serving farmers for over 60 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

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MART WATCH Roscommon Mart Report There were good numbers on offer at our weekly sale for bullocks, heifers and dry cows which included both bidding at the ringside and online with our LSL App. There was a firm trade for all

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TOM ROGERS

stock with a good demand and prices on average up from the previous week. There were good numbers of dry cows on offer with prices ranging from an average of €1.67 per kilo up to €2.15 per kilo. Heifers fetched from an average of €2.19 per kilo up to €2.54

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

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per kilo, while bullocks made from an average of €2.07 per kilo up to €2.50 per kilo. Our next sale for dry cows, heifers and bullocks will take place on Friday, 26th of June. Intake from 7.30 am up to 9.30 am. Viewing by appointment from 10.15 pm to 11.45 pm. Sale at 12 noon. Limited access to the ring for buyers only. Weanlings: We had smaller numbers on offer this week, however there was a brisk trade and a good demand resulting in a high clearance of lots. Weanling heifers ranged from an average of €2.85 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. Weanling bulls fetched from an average of €2.18 per kilo up to a maximum of €2.87 per kilo. Please note that weanlings will be sold on Fridays until Tuesday, 14th of July when our 61st Anniversary Special sale will be held. Weanling heifers made from an average of €2.85 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. Weanling bulls made from an average

of €2.18 per kilo up to €2.87 per kilo. Sheep sale: There was a similar entry of sheep on offer at Wednesday’s Sheep Sale. Spring lambs made up to €114 for 57kgs. Stag ewes made from €45 up to €120 per head. Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. Our next Sheep Sale is next Wednesday, 1st of July. Sheep to be penned by 10 am on day of sale.

Castlerea Mart Report On Thursday last we held a sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanling heifers. Good numbers of stock were presented for sale with a lively trade prevailing, especially for the quality stock on offer. In the heifer ring the top lots topped out at €2.64 a kilo while in the weanling heifer ring the top quality lots made up to €3.31 a kilo. Cows with calves at foot made up to €2200 for a Charolais cow

and her heifer calf at foot. Dry cows with good numbers on offer reported a strong trade also while the calves and runners reported a good clearance. Cows with calves at foot made from €1060 to €2200 for a Charolais cow and her heifer calf at foot. Dry cows: Chx 920kgs €1720; Lm 850kgs €1580; Lm 765kgs €1380; Lmx 840kgs €1490; Lm 485kgs €840. Springers made from €900 to €1100 per head. Calves/runners: Calves made from €80 to €360 with runners making from €400 to €440. Bullock and weanling bull Sale, Monday, 15th of June: 250 lots on offer and trade was helped by the recent improvement in grass growth. Bullocks made up to €2.66 a kilo and the weanling bulls topped out at €2.85 a kilo. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart. On Thursday, 25th of June we have a sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanling heifers. All sales commence at 11 am. All stock need to be penned by 10 am.

Property Services Providers Licence No. 002249

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SALE OF BULLOCKS AND BULL WEANLINGS Thursday 2nd July:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

(PLEASE NOTE AS AND FROM 2nd JULY BULLOCKS AND WEANLING BULLS WILL BE SOLD ON THURSDAYS) • YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. • ALL STOCK TO BE PENNED BY 10 A.M. • ALL SALES START AT 11 A.M. Protocols will be in place due to Covid 19, buyers only allowed in the rings. Sale can be viewed on line with martbids.ie

For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Vist Our Website For Details.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople Tributes to the late Detective Colm Horkan For me, the tribute paid by a man who I hold in very high regard, retired Garda Sargeant John Hynes, says it all about Colm: “His attention to detail was meticulous and the rights and needs of victims were paramount to him”. That attribute helped secure convictions and prevent further abuses of women and children across the West of Ireland. We have no idea of the countless lives that would have been destroyed but for the perseverance and dedication of Detective Garda Colm Horkan – Deputy Denis Naughten, speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday This is a truly terrible incident and has caused major shock amongst the entire community in Castlerea and the wider region. My thoughts are with Sergeant Horkan’s family and colleagues at this very difficult time. I hope that whoever is responsible is speedily brought to justice – Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane It is a sharp reminder right to the heart of the nation of the harsh danger that garda officers who serve this nation put themselves in every single hour of every day. It is a brutal and sad tragedy. Our guardians of the peace live and work among us. The loss to An Garda Siochána is immeasurable. All our thoughts and prayers are with Garda Detective Horkan’s family and those he worked with – Deputy Frank Feighan Detective Garda Colm Horkan served with distinction and pride during his 24 years with An Garda Síochána. It is a very sad occasion for the family and Garda colleagues of Detective Garda Horkan and unfortunately it reminds us of the major sacrifices that members of the Garda make to keep society safe – Senator Eugene Murphy His death is a tragedy. Colm Horkan was a proud Mayo man and a passionate GAA supporter. Colm’s death highlights the dangers that members of An Garda Siochána face on our behalf on a daily basis. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and to those Gardaí who worked with Colm and especially those in Castlerea Garda Station and the Detective Unit he served in – Minister Michael Ring Garda Horkan had a long and distinguished career in the Castlerea district both in Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen and will be sorely missed by the community he served. He was a valued member of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA club with whom he played. The Gardaí, like the GAA, are very much at the heart of the community. This has been very visible over the Covid emergency period that we’re experiencing. This latest incident has had a numbing effect on us all – Roscommon GAA Chairperson, Seamus Sweeney My husband Ray is a retired Sergeant who knew Colm personally so I’m well aware of the huge upset and sadness Colm’s death has caused to the An Garda Síochána family and to the whole community. My sincere sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan – Cllr Kathleen Shanagher We at the RDFL would like to offer our condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Detective Colm Horkan who was killed in the line of duty within our league area last week. Colm, a renowned sportsman, many times represented the then Roscommon/ Galway East and later Roscommon/Longford Garda Divisions soccer team with pride and great ability. – Roscommon & District Football League

Members of An Garda Siochana pictured in Castlerea on Thursday morning. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Murder of popular Detective stuns nation Detective Garda Colm Horkan laid to rest President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar led tributes to Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was shot dead in Castlerea last week. The shocking murder stunned the nation. On Wednesday night, June 17 last, Detective Horkan (49) was on duty in Castlerea when he responded to a call-out shortly before midnight. There had been reports of a man causing some disturbance as he drove through the town on a moped. When the Garda Detective approached the man at the junction of Main Street and Patrick Street, an altercation took place. Detective Horkan was shot a number of times, with his own firearm. Within minutes, two Gardaí arrived at the scene, where they arrested a man. The suspect was detained at Castlerea Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. Paramedics rushed to the aid of Detective Horkan, but his life could not be saved. An Garda Síochána confirmed the death of their colleague in a statement issued in the early hours of Thursday morning. “It is with deepest sadness An Garda Síochána confirms the death of our colleague, resulting from fatal gunshot wounds received during an incident in Castlerea shortly before midnight on Wednesday, 17th June 2020”. Through Wednesday night/Thursday morning, there was a huge Garda presence in Castlerea, with streets sealed off so that a forensic examination could be conducted by the Garda Technical Bureau.

On Friday night, Stephen Silver from Aughaward, Foxford, Co. Mayo was charged with the murder of Detective Garda Horkan. He was remanded in custody to appear in court (by video link) this Friday, June 26th. The State Funeral for Detective Garda Colm Horkan, celebrated in St. James’ Church, Charlestown, Co. Mayo on Sunday, was attended by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. The chief celebrant was Monsignor Tommy Johnston, Parish Priest of Charlestown. Bishop-elect Paul Dempsey, Fr. Dermot Meehan (Diocesan Administrator), Monsignor John

Doherty and Fr. Joe Kennedy CP, Garda Chaplain, concelebrated. The chief mourners were Colm Horkan’s father, Marty; sister Deirdre; brothers Aiden, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, as well as further relatives. Detective Horkan was predeceased by his mother, Dolores and twin sister, Colette. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, just 25 people were allowed into St. James’ Church. However, in poignant scenes, hundreds of Gardaí gathered outside the church to pay their last respects to their popular colleague. Following the Funeral Mass, a private burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.

Members of An Garda Siochana pictured in Castlerea on Thursday morning. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople Timeline of events ... Wednesday night, 17 June: Detective Garda Colm Horkan, based in Ballaghaderreen Garda Station, was on duty in Castlerea. He had started his shift at 4 pm that day. It seemed to be a normal, quiet midweek night, but there had been reports of a man acting suspiciously in the town centre. Briefly in the company of a second man, the man who was causing some disquiet was on a moped. Detective Horkan, who was in an unmarked Garda vehicle, approached the man in the vicinity of the junction of Main Street and Patrick Street. It is understood that the man physically attacked Detective Horkan. In the struggle, Detective Horkan’s firearm was taken and he was shot a number of times. Before the fatal escalation of the incident, Detective Horkin had radioed for back-up. Within minutes, two Gardaí arrived at the scene. They came to their colleague’s rescue, immediately calling for

medical assistance. The Gardaí arrested a man at the scene. He was detained at Castlerea Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939. Local parish priest Fr. John McManus was called. Paramedics arrived within minutes. Sadly, Detective Horkan’s life could not be saved. Fr. McManus anointed Detective Garda Colm Horkan in the presence of distraught colleagues from An Garda Síochána.

Thursday morning, 18 June: At 6 am in the early hours of Thursday morning, An Garda Síochána confirmed the terrible news. In a statement, they said: “It is with deepest sadness An Garda Síochána confirms the death of our colleague, resulting from fatal gunshot wounds received during an incident in Castlerea shortly before midnight on Wednesday, 17th June 2020. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”. The body of Detective Garda

Horkan was removed from the scene to Castlebar General Hospital where a postmortem by the State Pathologist was scheduled to take place. Through Wednesday night/Thursday morning, there was a huge Garda presence in Castlerea, with streets sealed off so that a forensic examination could be conducted by the Garda Technical Bureau. Many of the Gardaí were visibly shaken and deeply emotional at the loss of a friend and colleague. As a shocked nation tried to come to terms with what had happened, Gardaí issued an appeal for witnesses or anyone with any information following the fatal shooting.

Thursday evening, 18 June:

Parish priest Fr. John McManus led prayers for Detective Garda Horkan at an outdoor vigil in Castlerea. Devastated colleagues from An Garda Síochána attended, along with hundred of local people.

Friday, 19 June: Crowds lined the streets in Ballaghaderreen and Charlestown as the remains of Detective Garda Horkan were brought home to his native Co. Mayo.

Friday night, 19 June: At 10.17 pm on Friday night, a 43-year-old man who was already in garda custody was arrested and formally charged with the murder of Detective Garda Horkan. The accused was named as Stephen Silver from Aughaward, Foxford, Co. Mayo. At about 10.30 pm on Friday night, Mr. Silver appeared at a special sitting of Castlerea District Court. Judge Mitchell remanded the accused in custody to appear in court again this Friday, June 26th.

Sunday, 21 June: A State Funeral, held in Charlestown, was attended by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Minister for Justice Charlie Fla-

nagan. The chief mourners were Colm Horkan’s father, Marty; sister Deirdre; brothers Aiden, Brendan, Dermot and Padraig, as well as further relatives. He was predeceased by his mother, Dolores and twin sister, Colette. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, just 25 people were allowed into St. James’ Church. However, in poignant scenes, hundreds of Gardaí gathered outside the church to pay their last respects to their popular colleague. Following the Funeral Mass, a private burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. In his homily, Monsignor Tommy Johnston, PP, Charlestown, said that the gunshots that rang out in the early hours had been heard not just in Castlerea, but right across the country – spreading a story of tragedy and sadness and the loss of life of a Detective Garda. Colm Horkan, the priest said, was “a good man, one of nature’s gentlemen”.

The funeral cortege of Detective Colm Horkan, R.I.P. Picture: Mick McCormack.

‘Colm Horkan was a good man, one of nature’s gentlemen’ Homily by Monsignor Tommy Johnston,PP, Charlestown The gunshots that rang out in the early hours of Wednesday morning echoed not just in the town of Castlerea but right across the country, spreading a story of tragedy and sadness and the loss of life of a Detective Garda. A news reporter on an early morning bulletin said the community of Castlerea is shocked and deeply saddened by this death. The name has not yet been released but we know he was from Mayo and so another community will be shocked and saddened by this death, and I thought, I pity the priest who has to do that funeral. Little did I think I would be that priest and that the Detective Garda was Colm. Colm Horkan was a good man, one of nature’s gentlemen, that and more, as someone said. On Friday night as his body was brought back home, hundreds of people lined the streets from the GAA pitch to his home. As the hearse passed on its way those lining the street joined in a silent walk of welcome for a man who was dearly loved

and respected in the community. Old and young gathered for that walk with the various teams, senior and underage, women and men flanking the hearse and the following cars, a silent salute for a man whose voice was gentle and his approach respectful. That gentleness and respect earned the goodwill of so many and endeared him to young and old. Today we have gathered in the church to bring Colm before the Lord with prayer. This is the church where Colm was baptised, where he received his First Communion and Confirmation. Here for a number of years he was a Minister of the Word and now he is here for the final farewell. As we pray our farewells for Colm we remember also in prayer his family and the many friends who mourn his passing. We sympathise with his Dad, Marty, his brothers Brendan, Aidan, Paraic, Dermot and his sister Deirdre, his nephews, nieces, his sisters-in-law and aunts and uncles, his colleagues in the Garda Síochána, the community of Charlestown, his home, and the communities of Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea where he served. Service is such an apt word for Colm

for he truly was a man of service, dedicated and diligent. Colm loved his life as a guard and gave it his complete commitment. One of the good things that have emerged from Covid-19 is that it has helped us to recognise the importance of our frontline workers and up there, very much to the fore, are our guards helping to keep the nation safe. Their work never ceases, 24/7 a guard is on duty, in the words of a prayer they ‘watch over us while we sleep and protect us while we are awake’, under the protection of their patron, Blessed Michael, the Archangel. We thank our guards for their commitment and dedication. Long may we be blessed by men and women of true dedication and service, men like Colm Horkan. Death brings sadness and grief and loneliness and loss, and it also brings questions, questions that may take us beyond ourselves in our search for answers. In the case of Colm, questions have us wonder why did this tragedy happen, why did Colm die, why was this life which had so much to offer taken away so soon. I cannot answer those questions,

but it seems when God takes the young he takes only the very best. Why? Has God some special task for them? Has God some special task for Colm? God’s plan has a purpose way beyond our imaginings. Into the darkness of grief, of sadness, of loss, of hurt, of anger God can bring a light of goodness, a ray of hope to open heart even fleetingly to the reality of his goodness. We pray for a ray of hope, a light of goodness to bring its blessings to those remembering in grief and sadness this good man, Colm. I read recently words from the late Fr. Thomas Finan, a Maynooth professor who said, ‘The next life begins by grace in this world. Death is a raising up to glory, a transfiguration of the life that is already in the Christian’. The many excellent qualities we knew in Colm spoke clearly of that grace within, of a goodness that can one day be transformed and become the goodness of glory. We pray for that transfiguration to glory for Colm, that gift of resurrected life in the happiness and peace of Heaven. May his gentle soul rest forever in the peace and joy of Heaven.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople

LOCALS ATTEND VIGIL IN MEMORY OF DETECTIVE COLM HORKAN Hundreds of local people attended a poignant and emotional outdoor vigil in Castlerea on Thursday evening where prayers were said in memory of Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was shot dead in the town on Wednesday night, 17th of June. Parish priest Fr. John McManus asked people to join him in a special prayer. Work colleagues of Detective Garda Horkan were joined by members of the local community, where there is a deep sense of shock and grief. Locals have been devastated by the brutal murder of a very popular member of An Garda Síochána. The late Detective Garda Colm Horkan, a native of Claremorris, Co. Mayo, served in Co. Roscommon for most of his career. Pictures: Mick McCormack.

Statement from Garda Commissioner Drew Harris “I am deeply saddened by the death of my colleague, Detective Garda Colm Horkan. My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Detective Garda Colm Horkan at Castlerea Garda Station and the Detective Unit he served in. “Colm served the communities he worked in with distinction and pride during his twenty-four years as a member of An Garda Síochána. Detective Garda Colm Horkan is the 89th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the line of duty. This is a terrible reminder of the significant sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, that Gardaí make to keep people safe. “I want to thank the local community in Castlerea and the country as a whole for the support they have shown to An Garda Síochána and individual Gardaí since the incident”.

Statement by President Michael D Higgins “News of the tragic death of Garda Detective Colm Horkan on duty in Castlerea has come as a shock to us all. An Garda Síochána play a crucial role in our communities and this loss of life damages our society as a whole. “May I offer my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the Garda, and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. “I have contacted the Garda Commissioner to express my deepest sympathies on this terrible loss of a member of the force”.

Tributes to the late Detective Colm Horkan

A nation is grieving – An Taoiseach Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that a nation is grieving after “the loss of a member of An Garda Síochána in the most tragic of circumstances”. In a statement delivered on the steps of Government Buildings, Mr. Varadkar said that Detective Garda Colm Horkan gave his life protecting the community he had served with distinction and courage during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Síochána. The Taoiseach added: “This tragedy is a heart-wrenching reminder of how much we owe our Gardaí for the work they do all over our country”. Mr. Varadkar said that the Government has been in contact with the family of Detective Garda Colm Horkan to offer its condolences and support. The Taoiseach said: “I extend that also to all of his colleagues in Castlerea Garda Station, every member of An Garda Síochána, his friends, and all who knew him. Detective Garda Colm Horkan gave his life protecting the community he had served with distinction and courage during his 24 years as a member of An Garda Síochána.

Pictured carrying the coffin of the late Det. Garda Colm Horkan, and on right Colm’s father, Marty.

“Colm’s story is the same story of the thousands of men and women who wear the uniform, a story of courage and sacrifice and service. “Our Gardaí are our guardians of the peace and our defenders of the rule of law and they are role models in our society.

“They protect and serve our citizens, our communities and our country every day, putting themselves on the frontline of crime prevention on behalf of all of us”. Mr. Varadkar said the thoughts of everyone are with those who are grieving as a result of this tragic incident.

Roscommon IFA extend deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. We would also like to offer our condolences to all the members of An Garda Síochána. During the course of his career, Detective Horkan built strong ties with the farming community while helping farm families. The rural communities acknowledge the work of the Gardaí in protecting its people and are grateful for their continued fight against everpresent rural crime – Jim O’Connor, Roscommon County Chairperson The close-knit community of Castlerea, the county of Roscommon and indeed the entire country are deeply shocked at the loss of this hard-working member of An Garda Síochána. We extend our sincere sympathies to his griefstricken colleagues at this difficult time – Cllr Tom Crosby

Pictured are relatives, friends and colleagues of the late Detective Garda Colm Horkan who was laid to rest last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

NewsPeople Day Centre manager’s frustration over lack of clarity on reopening < SEAMUS DUKE

The manager of Elphin Day Care Centre, which is one of the biggest such facilities in the county, has voiced her frustration over “lack of direction” from the HSE and Government on reopening. The Elphin Day Care Centre was dealing with up to 25 people a day before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. During lockdown, no people have been catered for at the facility, but staff have been supplying attendees with a ‘meals on wheels’ service. This has maintained daily contact between staff and the service users. Now, with restrictions easing in several other sectors, Elphin Day Care Centre Manager Catherine McGrath says that day care facilities have had no direction from the authorities whatsoever. “There are specific guidelines about the reopening of several other industries, but we have heard nothing at all. I am very confident that we would be able to reopen our centre and safely care for 14 people a day, and carry out all the social distancing restrictions to the letter of the law” she said. “We have been chatting our service users every day and they are looking at ‘the news’ and asking us when they will be able to come back. But I cannot give them an answer, as we have had no guidance. I have been on to our local politicians about this but we have heard nothing. It’s very frustrating” Catherine said. “A lot of our regulars would love to come back. A lot of them live on their own and they love to have a bit of company during the day. I know that they are in the most vulnerable category, but I am very confident that we could look after them every day here in safety”. Ms. McGrath said that there are many of these day centres around the country catering for thousands of people and they are all now “in limbo, like ourselves”. She concluded: “Hopefully the HSE and the Government can give us a bit of leadership on this. We would love to be able to welcome at least some of our people back to the centre”.

Cloonycolgan Community Centre 50th anniversary booklet on sale

Senator Murphy embarks on novel charity fundraiser Plans to walk 10km – backwards! Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy is embarking “I know it might sound a little wacky walking on a novel fundraising event this July by attempting to walk 10km backwards across Sliabh Bawn – all in aid of local charities. Backstepping 10km across Sliabh Bawn mountain outside Strokestown is no easy feat but the Fianna Fáil Senator is taking on this novel task as a fundraiser for The Hub Community Café in Strokestown and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre in Ballinasloe. The event is due to take place on Saturday, 4th of July and social distancing guidelines will be in place as Senator Murphy embarks on his mission with a cohort of supporters. “We have all heard of backstabbing in politics, well this is a new one with backstepping across a mountain,” laughed Senator Murphy. “But it’s all in good jest and in aid of two local charities,” he added.   The fundraiser is in aid of two charities close to Senator Murphy’s heart namely the Hub Community Café in Strokestown and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre in Ballinasloe.

10km backwards across Sliabh Bawn but I decided to come up with a novel fundraiser to help some local charities as we all know that charities have been very badly hit due to Covid-19 and they have little or no income from fundraising during these difficult times. “I have been training hard every day and while I do get some strange looks from other walkers along the way when I explain what I am doing they are all very supportive,” laughed Senator Murphy.  The Hub Café in Strokestown is a communityowned social enterprise initiative which was established in 2012 for people with intellectual disabilities. The East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre in Ballinasloe, formed in 2012, is a nonprofit charitable organisation, which provides a network of psychological, emotional, and practical support for those diagnosed with cancer. An online fundraising platform has been set up on ifundraise.ie at the following link shorturl.at/ hKTU1

All events in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Oran have been cancelled since Friday, 13th of March. In the meantime, editor Michael Monaghan has completed a commemorative booklet of 100 pages on the 50th Anniversary of the opening of Cloonycolgan Centre, which was Lisaniskey School from 1896 to 1969. The booklet contains lots of photographs and interesting articles and is for sale for the price of €15. All those interested in the book should place an order in advance. The planned reunion of Lisaniskey N.S. past pupils in August 2020 is postponed. A mini-launch of this commemorative booklet will be held at a later date. Sincere condolences to the relatives of Gerry Mahon (former principal of Lisaniskey N.S.), Joe Flynn, Gerard Corcoran and Bridie Connaughton, who died in recent months. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a nanamacha. It is hoped that many activities in the hall will resume when all Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Jimmy Furey – Roscommon’s master boatbuilder leaves a wonderful legacy

Jimmy Furey: Born March 29, 1926; died June 20, 2020

Jimmy Furey was very probably the finest boatbuilder of his generation.

Jimmy Furey, who has died at the age of 94, was very probably the finest boatbuilder of his generation. He was also a man strong-willed enough to do what very few others ever do – live life totally on his own terms. Almost entirely self-taught, Jimmy painstakingly clinkerbuilt over 20 Shannon One Design (SOD) dinghies between the early-1970s and mid-2000s. Clinker building (or lapstrake) is an incredibly intricate discipline involving the precise overlapping of planks (or clinkers) of wood from the keel up. So complete was Jimmy’s mastery of the form that most – if not all – of the craft he built are still slicing through the Shannon some 50 years after they first left his workshop. Like his four siblings (brothers Jack and Paddy and sister Mary all predeceased him, while sister Kitty survives him), Jimmy was born and raised in a tiny stone cottage on the banks of Lough Ree.

Paddy served as a merchant seaman during World War Two. Jack migrated to England and raised a family. Mary and Kitty each got married and raised their own families just up the road. Jimmy on the other hand found all the sustenance he needed in boatbuilding amidst the beautiful surroundings where he lived for all bar the last few months of his life. As a result, Jimmy and his canine companions (almost invariably black or brown Labrador Retrievers called ‘Jet’ or ‘Brownie’) never felt the need to venture very far from home. While still a young man, Jimmy made his living as an eel fisherman, subsequently supplementing his income by first repairing and later constructing rowboats. In 1972, he was asked to build the racing dinghy that eventually became SOD 107. Given the extraordinarily stringent measurements such competitive craft must satisfy, and the fairly rudimentary tools available 50 years ago, moving up to building SODs was quite a leap. Happily, it was a move Jimmy made with his characteristic lack of fuss. While always refreshingly unsentimental about the boats he’d

built, a picture of the SOD he subsequently made for himself – No. 108 – remained displayed on the press in his cottage until his death. When not hard at work sculpting and peat-smoking inch-perfect larch clinkers in the lean-to shed that doubled as his workshop, Jimmy loved nothing more than to craft incredibly detailed scale models. Several of them have gone on to win accolades – such as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Medal – or go on permanent display in places like the Greenwich Maritime Museum. So exacting was the work involved that each tiny recreation would take up to three times longer to build than an actual full-sized boat. Jimmy once told a fellow boatbuilder that an exquisite scale model of a Viking longboat required the securing of some 3,000 minute nails and rivets. Like almost all Irish people of his generation, Jimmy grew up in an era when children were taught little more than the ‘3 Rs’ – reading, writing and arithmetic. With hardly any in-home entertainment beyond perhaps a wireless, people back then relied on ‘ramblers’ – visiting neighbours

and friends – for their news and gossip. For the remainder of his long life, Jimmy’s other great pleasure remained chatting to any modern-day ‘rambler’ fortunate enough to be welcomed into his home. And, boy could Jimmy chat! Refusing to allow his lack of formal education to hold him back, Jimmy was a voracious reader and could – and frequently did – converse for hours on any topic under the sun. The Shannon One Design Association’s (SODA’s) website defines the character of Shannon One Class boats as being: “a lot of fun, in which conviviality, wit, character and friendship are on a par with the high quality of the racing”. Their site goes on to add that “individual boats seem to develop their own idiosyncrasies to complement the eccentricities of those privileged to sail them” – or in Jimmy Furey’s case – proficient enough to build them. With many youngsters joining older sailors in taking to the waters of Lough Ree and Lough Derg each weekend of every new sailing season, Jimmy Furey’s boats will continue to excite and delight all who sail them for many, many years.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

PropertyPeople

PSRA Licence No: 003201

New to the Market: -

3 Grecian View, The Walk, Roscommon Town F42 F599

Quality 4 bedroom bungalow situated in a quiet cul-de-sac of just 5 properties. Located in a highly sought after mature residential area within walking distance to the town centre and all amenities. A rare opportunity to acquire a property in this area. Accommodation comprises:- entrance hallway, sitting room, open plan kitchen/ dining area with utility, toilet and whb off, 4 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom Outside, tarmac drive and attractive gardens to front and rear. PRICE REGION: €215,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market: -

17 Dun Ard, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon, F42 DY23

Spacious 4/5-bedroom two storey residence located in the picturesque village of Knockcroghery, located just 15 minutes to Athlone town centre. The property is finished to a very high standard by its present owners with a host of extras including cobblelock drive, manicured grounds, water filtration system to name but a few. Accommodation includes entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, utility and guest W.C., five bedrooms (Master ensuite) and family bathroom. Price Region: €275,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market: -

Luxury residence new to market in Ballyforan Oates Auctioneers are pleased to offer this luxury five-bedroomed dormerstyle residence new to the market, situated in a quiet country setting two miles from Ballyforan village and convenient to the towns of Athlone, Roscommon and Ballinasloe (Eircode: H53 DE88). Built to the highest standards with attractive cutstone façade, this residence boasts five bedrooms, two of which are ensuite and with walk-in wardrobes. Superb internal finish with excellent fit-out and no expense spared. Open plan large feature kitchen/dining room to the rear with emphasis on natural light. Extras include slabbed

exterior walls, four zone dual heating system and excellent cut-stone walling

John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is this week offering new to the market to let a prime established hairdressing/beauty salon/business (Anne Kelly’s) located at Goff Street, Roscommon Town (Eircode: F42 K293). John describes the property as “a rare opportunity to lease an

established business with over thirty years loyal clientele. This property is to be let fully equipped and ready to go. The hairdressing salon is located on the ground floor, and beauty salon located on the first floor. Businesses can be let independently dictated by market

Impressive 4-bedroom residence nestled in the popular residential area of Shannon Grove, just off the main Roscommon/ Lanesboro route. Situated in the sought after front row. This property would make an ideal family home overlooking the green area, as its spacious interior boasts both superior and tasteful design. Accommodation briefly includes, Entrance Hallway, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Dining, Utility, 4 Bedrooms (Ensuite) and 2 Bathrooms. Price Region: €160,000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market: -

Brackloon, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon F42 WV30

Church Street, Roscommon town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

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

arrange a viewing contact 090-6627878 or email: oates@info.ie.

New to the market – prime established business to let

No 5 Shannon Grove, Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon N39 H018

This 5 bedroom residence (3 ensuite) with its stunning view and elevated site at Mount Prospect Roscommon is located just 2 miles from Roscommon Town and 2 miles from the scenic village of Castlecoote. This elegant property features ornate stonework and is built to the highest standards with no expense spared. An added bonus is the c. 0.8 acre of garden which is bounded by mature poplar trees and beautiful hedgerows. The features of this house are almost too numerous to mention, therefore a thorough inspection is highly recommended

to the front together with landscaped grounds. For further details or to

Prime shop unit to let in Roscommon Town REA Seamus Carthy is pleased to advise of a prime shop premises now available to lease and which is situated in the heart of Roscommon Town. The premises is offering an excellent opportunity for a variety of uses. The said unit benefits from its high profile location. Contact sole letting agents REA Seamus Carthy today for lease details and further information on 090-6630001 or email info@reacarthy.ie.

interest. Note that a walk-through video can be viewed on my home. ie. BER: D2”. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

PropertyPeople

TO LET

THINKING OF SELLING?

CARROWBEHY, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 WA46

EMLAGHKEADUE HOUSE, CASTLECOOTE, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 DX36

32 CNOC NA GAOITHE, LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD, N39 C579

Quality 4 Bedroom Detached Dormer Bungalow presented in excellent condition, set on a 0.5 Acre picturesque Site, offering Countryside living yet within close proximity to the Towns of Ballyhaunis, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea. Seamus now invites immediate enquiries and offers for immediate sale. Guide Price: €165,000

ROSCOMMON TOWN

WE HAVE BUYERS!

Personal – Qualified – Experienced

Contact: 090 66 30001 www.reacarthy.ie | info@reacarthy.ie

T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie

PSRA Licence No. 002782

Attractive three-bedroomed bungalow at Cloonbrackna Court Pat Hughes & Co. Auctioneers are now accepting final offers on an attractive three-bedroomed bungalow located at Cloonbrackna Court, Roscommon Town. The property, which went on the market in recent weeks, is situated at the end of a nice quiet cul-de-sac. Accommodation consists of a sitting room, kitchen-cum-dining-room, three bedrooms, a bathroom, and two large garages to the rear with a back entrance. The property is located convenient to

Earley’s require agricultural lands

all local amenities and within walking distance of the town centre. Pat is confirming that he has had a number of enquiries and offers, and is hopeful of concluding the sale in the coming days. Pat is encouraging anybody who may have an interest in this property to contact him immediately. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com. Cloonbrackna Court, Roscommon Town

PROPERTY PARTNERS

Following on from a number of successful farm sales in the region over the past number of weeks, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are now urgently seeking lands in all areas for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. For further details or to arrange a consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV, TRV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

ipav

Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers

PSRA Licence No. 001481

EARLEY

FINAL OFFERS INVITED

FOR SALE

NEW TO THE MARKET

A primely located retail unit of approx. 700 sq.ft offering vacant possession located at

A quality 4 B/R detached bungalow residence of approx. 1,370 sq.ft located at

2 STONECOURT (FORMER TRAVEL AGENTS – EAST WEST TRAVEL),

BALLYBRIDE, CARROWNABRICKNA, ROSCOMMON, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 DD40.

A superior quality 2 B/R duplex apartment of approx. 775 sq.ft located at

All offers after €80,000 to sell (+ vat if applicable).

All offers after €120,000 to sell.

All offers after €80,000 to sell.

A primely located commercial unit of approx 700 sq.ft (Former East West travel agents) located in the busy Stonecourt development on the town Square and benefiting from ample free car parking facilities at the rear and on the Square. The sale of this said unit offers a prime oppoertunity to re-establish the former travel agency business or would suit various commercial pursuits due size and location and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €80,000 to sell. BER: G.

Property Partners Earley are please to bring to the market this most attractive 4 B/R countryside bungalow residence located in a select residential district. The said property offers spacious living accommodation throughout and stands on a large mature site area of approx. 0.44 of an acre. This is a property that must be viewed to be fully appreciated and the auctioneers now invite immediate enquiries and all offers after €120,000 to sell. BER: E1.

A primely located duplex apartment located in the heart of Roscommon town in the popular Stonecourt complex. The property boasts quality, spacious living accommodation throughout and with the benefit of free parking facilities at the front and rear of the complex. This is a quality investment property to come available and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €80,000 to sell. BER: F.

The Square, Roscommon Town Centre, Co. Roscommon, F42 KV80.

10 STONECOURT, THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON.

Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Valuers PSRA no. 001090

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

FOR SALE - NEW TO THE MARKET

FARNAKELLY, CASTLECOOTE, ROSCOMMON CIRCA 26 ACRES

Spacious turnkey retail unit located at The Square, Roscommon Town, this is a rare opportunity to come to the market

Prime shop unit for lease in heart of Roscommon Town Sherry Fitzgerald P. Burke are pleased to advise that a spacious turnkey retail unit situated in the heart of Roscommon Town centre is now available for lease. The property is adjacent to Bank of Ireland as well as a host of varying businesses. Located at The Square, Roscommon Town, this is a rare opportunity to come to the market. The town centre premises comprises a large, bright sales/reception area, with storage area plus WC, wash hand basin, etc., approximately 1,300 sq. ft. The location of this property is perhaps one of the best in Roscommon Town, being convenient to supermarkets, banks, restaurants, post office, pubs, shopping centre, etc. Another great advantage to this property is the fact that it is directly adjacent to a free carpark

Call 090 662 7200

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie

CO. ROSCOMMON

CARRICKMORE, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

€180,000

FOR SALE AT

CIRCA 10 ACRES OF TOP QUALITY LAND LOCATED ON THE MAIN CREGGS TO ATHLEAGUE ROAD. The lands have development potential subject to planning permission being granted. The Lands also have the benefit of River frontage.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TO LET

Derrane Road, Roscommon

Cottage for sale at Derrane Road, Roscommon €50,000

CARNAGH, KILTOOM, CO. ROSCOMMON

This week Pat Hughes & Co. Auctioneers are offering for sale at Derrane Road, Roscommon, a cottage on an elevated site and located conveniently close to the local church and school. The property is located only three miles from Roscommon Town. This is an ideal opportunity for somebody to acquire a property with huge development potential and convenient to all amenities. For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

€20,000

CLOONCAH, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Glenbally, Tulsk

Offers above €30,000 invited

• Circa 1 acre site subject to planning permission. • Located in a sought after residential area of Clooncah Strokestown. • Approximately 10 minutes from Roscommon Town and 5 minutes from Strokestown. • Boasts fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200

It’s not just about property. It’s about people. PSRA No. 001316

• At Rahara, Roscommon circa 20 acres, suitable for 2nd cut silage or Sheep until 31st December. • At Dysart, Roscommon circa 26 acres. Grazing or Meadow until 31st December 2020.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINAL OFFERS

Are now being invited on an attractive 2 bedroomed cottage located at

CLOVERHILL, ROSCOMMON

On circa 1 acre site with a range of out offices.

ER F F O

Accommodation consists of Sitting Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, 2 Bedrooms with 1 En-Suite, Toilet and Wash Hand Basin. The residence is situated approximately 4 miles from Roscommon Town in an excellent location. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200

• Circa 8 acres or thereabout of good quality land. • Excellent development potential. • Convenient to Boyle Town. • Ideal for future development with substantial road frontage. • Situated just off the N4 National Primary Route.

• Circa 16 acres of land for 2nd cut silage located at Four Roads, Roscommon. Slurry can be provided if required. For further details contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

A FIN

• C. 54 Acre Site. • Sought after residential area. • Approximately 10 minutes from Athlone Town and Roscommon Town. • Close to all amenities – primary school, golf course, driving range • Site boasts fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

CO. ROSCOMMON

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TUBBERVADDY, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

(to the rear). This property is ideal for any type of business, given the location, size and the fact that it is in walk-in condition. Viewing by appointment only. For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact David Flynn on 090-6627200.

CO. ROSCOMMON

The land would have development potential and parts of the land would suitable for Forestry subject to planning permission being granted. Approximately ½ of the lands are of top quality. For further details or to make an appointment to view contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail info@ pathughesauctioneers.com

Pat Hughes & Co. Auctioneers in Abbey Street, Roscommon are pleased to advise that a two-storey residence at Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon is on the market. Pat is confirming that they are prepared to accept offers in excess of €30,000 for this dwelling, which is in need of total refurbishment. The property is situated in a much sought after area and conveniently located close to Tulsk, Frenchpark and Ballinagare. For further details or to make an appointment to view, contact the office on 0906627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneer.com.

Lands for sale at Fearagh, Ballymurray and Moycarn, Ballinasloe

Pat Hughes & Co. Auctioneers are offering circa 12 acres of land for sale at Fearagh, Ballymurray, with excellent road frontage. The lands are located within walking distance of Portrun bay and would have huge development potential subject to planning permission being granted. Pat Hughes & Co. Auctioneers are offering circa 25 acres of land for sale (new to the market) at Cloonulty, Moycarn, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The lands are located a short distance off the main Athlone to Ballinasloe Road in a nice rural setting. The lands have excellent road frontage. Most of the lands are of good quality but have been neglected over recent years and would need some clearance. For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or email info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

PropertyPeople PSRA Licence: 001350

PROPERTY SALES

LETTINGS l VALUATIONS

ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013 • www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

FOR SALE New Five Bedroom Residence at

Lissaneaville, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon F42 XE61 • Luxury new five bedroom residence with detached garage to rear • Standing on c. 0.6 Acres • With commanding views of the surrounding countryside • Located on a quiet cul-de-sac road • Just off the Roscommon/Creggs road, c. 4 miles from Roscommon Town • Built to a very high standard • For further details contact the office on 090-6663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays are also

FOR SALE c.17.10 Acres at

Kilnanoonan, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon • Prime parcel of lands c.17.10 Acres • Located in renowned farming district just off N5 • Close to Elphin, Tulsk, Castlerea & Ballinagare • Auctioneer invites enquiries and offers for immediate sale • For further details call 090-6663700

FOR SALE New Four Bedroom Residence at

Torpan More, Ballyforan, Co. Roscomon • Spacious new four bedroom residence with a gross internal area of c. 1,898 sq. ft • Standing on c. 0.59 Acres, located c. 1 mile from Ballyforan Village, on the Four Roads/Roscommon road • Being completed to builders finish • The residence will have a BER rating of A • Viewing comes highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting the office on 090-6663700 • Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated. • (First time buyers can avail of a tax rebate of 5% of the purchase price for this property. See Help to Buy Scheme for First Time Buyers)

TO LET c.20 Acres of MEADOW

Feevagh, Dysart For further information contact the office on 090-6663700

Ardsallgh Woods close to Roscommon University Hospital on the Athlone Road in Roscommon

Final offers invited for Ardsallagh residence Connaughton Auctioneers are inviting final offers for this attractive five-bedroomed dormer residence located in the much sought after area of Ardsallgh Woods close to Roscommon University Hospital on the Athlone Road in Roscommon. Final offers by this Friday, 27th of July at 12 pm. This property is in excellent condition throughout and is an ideal family home boasting spacious living accommodation with large private rear garden and ample parking. No. 13 is ready to move into and has the addition of oil-fired central heat-

ing, mains sewerage and mains water. Accommodation includes sitting room, kitchen, dining/living room and utility, two double bedrooms and main bathroom, all on ground floor. On the first floor there are three bedrooms with master ensuite and another large bathroom. The property requires no works and is ready for occupation. All offers after €230,000. For additional information, viewing and offers contact the office on 090-6663700 or email info@ connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Connaughton Auctioneers are pleased to welcome this four-bedroomed detached residence to the market, a property in excellent condition and ready for immediate occupancy. Located in the picturesque town of Ballyforan, No. 3, Pairc Caislean is a detached house in a low volume estate, within commutable distance of the towns of Roscommon, Athlone and Ballinasloe. The large reception hallway is bright with stairs leading to the first floor. The sitting room is located off with wooden flooring, feature marble fireplace (with inset) and window overlooking the front. To the rear of the property is the large open plan kitchen/dining room. Good quality fully fitted kitchen units with integrated appliances, breakfast bar, tiled flooring and splashback with double sliding patio doors to the rear garden. Both utility room and guest WC are off. Utility is plumbed for washing machine/dryer with tiled flooring and fitted units and worktop. WC has tiled flooring and wash hand basin. On the first floor there are four bedrooms, all with wooden flooring and master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Externally the property needs no attention with

driveway tarmacadamed with enough parking for two cars, good-sized garden to rear with fencing to both side boundaries. Services include mains water and sewerage, and gas-fired central heating. For further information and to organise a viewing contact the office on 090-6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Four-bedroomed house for sale in Ballyforan

Advertorial

BidNow.ie through REA Seamus Carthy – excellent results REA Seamus Carthy are market leaders in selling properties via their online platform REAonline auctions, selling on a daily basis all types of property be it a house, shop, agricultural land. On Wednesday, two properties went for sale by online auction, Curry, Strokestown and Barrymore, Athlone. Seamus Carthy says: “We would encourage everybody to follow these sales and see how the system works. Simply log on to BidNow.ie, do a property search and you can follow the sale process every step of the way. “We are changing the way property is sold in order to improve the efficiency and provide transparency and complete confidence in the bidding

process and more importantly assisting in bringing the property sale to a successful conclusion” commented Seamus. “It’s not just the traditional auction properties we sell online, we also now sell properties by private treaty as well. The market is changing and you have to move with the market or else you are left behind and you are then not offering your client the best method of disposal of their most valuable asset to ensure they secure the best outcome”. Considering selling? Please give your property every chance of securing the best price, contact REA Seamus Carthy today on 090-6630001 or email info@reacarthy.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Classifieds

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

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

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ROOM 14, 1ST FLOOR ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON EIR CODE: F42YT51 Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Wednesday 1pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon

Tel: 01 4538988 or 091 767777

CAREER ADVICE CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

Grace O’Reilly B.Sc. Psych., B.Comm., H.Dip. in Ed., MBPS & PSI Registered Occupational Psychometrician Assistance with: • Interview Preparation • CAO & UCAS Course Application • Subject & Course Choice • Study Skills / Exam Preparation

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6630760

Email: grace@finbaroreilly.ie Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly

Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPODIST FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY

Complete Chimney Services

Chimney Cleaning

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

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

087 2798704

CHIROPODIST

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Department of Health Approved

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

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Telephone: 086 8433433

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

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

VHI and Laya Covered

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233

CONSTRUCTION

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

Construction

Stephen Casey

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

l General Building Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

Department of Health Approved

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

085 1503353 086 8538404

Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com

• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services

Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

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

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

NO FIX NO FEE

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

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

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

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

EDT Lessons Available Telephone:

094 96 20099 Mobile:

086 8936012

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

FARMING BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock parts fitted on site (if necessary) Dept. of Agriculture regulations. From 2020 all sprayes are required to be tested every 3 years Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@gmail.com D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EL000083

< ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: 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: Full-bred Aberdeen Angus Bull. Ready for service. Tel. 086 0605050. < FOR SALE: Good quality top soil. Tel: 086 3776948.

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Beko Washing Machine, 6kg Dryer, Kitchen Table and man’s Raleigh Bicycle. All in good condition. Tel. 087 6216890.

GARDENING

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING

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

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

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklawntreeservices.

JOE HEALY

Tree Services

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

Phone:

087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY

ALL ABOUT THE GARDEN • Roscommon Town • Grass and Hedge Cutting • General Maintenance • Strimming and Weeding • Clean-up/Maintenance

CONTACT KEVIN:

090 6630879 or Mobile

087 2835742

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

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Classifieds GARDENING

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

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

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

WALDRON LAWNMOWERS

BALLINTUBBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON F45 HY38

Push lawnmowers 123cc c/w grass box €129 139 cc self propelled €299 Strimmers 22cc bent shaft €129 Strimmers 22cc straight shaft €159 Hedgecutters 24” €209 Lawn tractors 32” 382 cc c/w grass catcher €2,200 Back up service available, spare parts stocked

Please call 086 7866774 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 SHARE: Double room with ensuite in house in Lanesboro. Mini-fridge and microwave oven in room. IFCH, Wifi, private parking. Close to all amenities. ESB/Binds/Wifi/Oil – all included in rent. €110 per week. Usual terms and conditions. References a must. Tel. 086 824 6638.

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

PAINTING & DECORATING

PHYSICAL THERAPY

PAINTING & DECORATING

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

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 CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798 < PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

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

Phone Alan on:

090 6661635 or Mobile:

087 2683079

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

USEFUL SERVICES

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

ADRIAN CUFFE

Powerwashing & Cleaning Services

HOLISTIC 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

• Slatted Sheds • Yards • Footpaths • Driveways • Fascia & Soffit

086 860 6281 Aughamuck, Kilrooskey. Co. Roscommon

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

USEFUL SERVICES Storage facility available in Ballyfarnon (Close to Boyle and Carrick on Shannon areas). Ideal for storing belongings for personal or business reasons. Short or long term contracts. Keen rates. Available from late September 2020. Tel. 087 6591787.

COVID-19 PREPARATION Returning to work – Safety Protocol WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? Email us: bsacovid19@gmail.com

Tel. 086 8562040

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.

< 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:

facebook.com/moleskinarch

< FOR SALE: Top quality hopper turf. Delivered. Call 094 9860270/087 681 0849. < FOR SALE: Large lorryloads of turf. Screened and delivered. Orders for this year’s turf taken now. Tel: 086 7236301 < FOR SALE: Turf – 10 hoppers saved. Excellent conditions. Easy access €1,200. Convenient to Castlerea. Tel. 086 8255313.

CONNAUGHT AREA

evoroofingandguttering.com

TUITION

ROSCOMMON

MATHS GRINDS

Now enrolling for September 2020 Roscommon Town

PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

Experienced Higher Level Teacher Excellent notes provided Outstanding results record LIMITED PLACES DUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING Contact by phone/text:

Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302

EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com

086 3482387

< FOOTED TURF FOR SALE: Near Lanesborough. Also loads and bags available. Tel. 087 6175160.

Call on 091 734122 or 085 1240639

No job too big or too small

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

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

Evo Roofing & Guttering Experts

• All types of roof repairs • Gutter cleaning from €49 • PVC fitted • Roof moss removal • Chimney repairs • Power washing • Ridge Piping • Lead valley repair • New tiles • Quality work, guaranteed

PLANNINGS

086 2437376

< GOOD QUALITY 10’x6’ loads of turf. Can be delivered. Also bags of turf. Tel. 086 3776948.

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

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

SITUATIONS WANTED KIND AND RESPONSIBLE Leaving Certificate student available for childminding or babysitting. Has experience. Roscommon town area. Please contact Ciara at 087 3374496.

SITUATIONS VACANT CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to mind 2 children (age 1 & 3) in the Roscommon Town area 3 days per week in child’s home. School term only from end of August 2020. Own car essential. For more information call 086-0252848 or email roscommonchildminder@ yahoo.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We Ciaran Hickey & Lori Victory intend to Apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect a New Dwelling House and provide a sewerage system and a treatment plant, to provide secondary and tertiary treatment , and all associated works, At Cloonarragh Td. Kilroosky, Co. Roscommon

The Planning Application May Be Inspected Or Purchased At A Fee Not Exceeding The Reasonable Cost Of Making A Copy, At The Offices Of The Planning Authority During Its Public Opening Hours. A Submission Or Observation In Relation To The Application May Be Made In Writing To The Planning Authority On Payment Of The Prescribed Fee Of €20.00. ,Within A 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 Subject To or Without Conditions, or May Refuse To Grant Permission Signed : Ciaran Hickey & Lori Victory

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Application is being made to Roscommon County Council for permission to undertake the following developments:- demolish existing two-storey dwelling and separate single-storey garage and construct two-storey dwelling and reconnect associated facilities to the Public Services at Ballinagard, Galway Road, Roscommon town. Signed: Lorenzo Morelli 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 a 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 subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We wish to apply for outline planning permission to remove existing shed and mobile home and construct 3 no. Detached houses at Knockglass, Ballinameen, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Marc & Nicole Cunningham 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 a 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 subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Eugene & Karen Hanley, hereby give notice that we are applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to erect an extension onto existing dwelling house and construct a domestic garage/store on site and all associated site works at Garraun North, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile:086 8551835 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 in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL. I am applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sean & Orla Glennon for permission to retain and complete (a) an extended site boundary and (b) the relocation of a site entrance, at the site at an existing dwelling house previously granted planning permission, Ref- PD/16/41 at Skeavally, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Castle St, Roscommon. Ph- (087) 2222874. 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 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 & such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES GREHAN STEPHEN Killeghan, Taughmaconnell (1st Anniversary) who died on July 1st, 2019

July comes with sad regret It brings a day we will never forget. You closed your eyes without goodbye Sweet memories of you will never die. The hardest thing in life to bear Is to want your son when he’s not there With a broken heart we whisper low Rest now, Stephen, We miss you so.

Sadly missed and deeply regretted by his family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Wednesday 1st July at 9.00am

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

SCALLY Raymond 21st June

The angels sang Amazing Grace, God came down and touched your face, then He whispered soft and low, “Come with Me its time to go.” The gates of Heaven opened wide, The Angels lined up side by side, A special guest is on his way, The day they took Raymond away.

Loved and missed by Aileen, Hayley, Mum, Dad, Sonya, brothers and sisters, extended family and friends.

KILCOMMONS Martin Kilbegnet, Creggs (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Martin who passed away on July 3rd 2018 Until We Meet Again Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. But you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife Bridie, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law. ~~~~~~ A Heart of Gold A heart of gold stopped beating Working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best Leaves and flowers may wither The golden sun may set But the hearts that loved you dearly Are the ones that won’t forget.

Always loved and remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchild Anniversary Mass for Martin will be broadcast in the local area on Kilbegnet Parish Radio (106.5 FM) on Sunday 28th of June at 11:30am.

HOARE Tom (TP) (10th Anniversary)

It hurts like yesterday You always had time to spare Time to give and time to care A loving nature A heart of gold The very best this world could hold.

Sadly missed by your loving wife Rita and daughter Lorraine ~~~~~~~~~~~~  A date that’s filled with sadness Returns to us today To mark the day You left us And gently slipped away

Always rememberd by Derek, Orla, Dillon and  Katie and Eloise  ~~~~~~~~~~~~  A little tribute Small and tender Just to show We still remember

From Francis, Natasha, Evan, Emily, Rebecca and Eoghán.

FALLON Paul Ballyglass, Dysart (9th Anniversary)

BANAHAN Kathleen Creevy Road, Roscommon In loving memory of Kathleen, who died on the 3rd of July 2014, aged 53 years (7th Anniversary)

When I am gone. When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to do. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love; you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, but now it’s time I travelled alone. So grieve awhile that we must part and bless the memories in your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on, and if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me I’ll be near, and if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all my love around you soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a welcome home.

Rest in peace, Kathleen. You are always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. Your loving parents, Michael and Josephine, and your brother, Michael. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon, on Friday morning the 3rd of July at 8:00am.

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

Lovingly remembered by Mam, Dad, David, Lisa, Aoife and family.

HEALY Austin Snr.

CONNAUGHTON Brodie

Cherry Drive, Roscommon (15th Anniversary - June 28th)

Athleague (17th Anniversary) Who died on 26th June 2003

We can shed tears that he is gone Or we can smile because he has lived. We can close our eyes and pray that he will come back Or we can open our eyes and see all that he has left. Our hearts can be empty because we can’t see him Or they can be full of the love that we shared. We can turn our back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or we can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. We can remember him and only that he is gone Or we can cherish his memory and let it live on. We can cry and close our minds, be empty and turn our back Or we can do what he would want: Smile, open our eyes, love and go on.

Treasured memories, Catherine, Assumpta, Liz, Siobhan, David, Marina, Elma, Megan, Mikayla and Zoe x Anniversary mass will be broadcast on Rosfm radio at 11am Monday June 29th

GERAGHTY Teresa Correal, Athleague Who died on 25th June 2004 (16th Anniversary)

HOARE Owensie, Annie & Tom (TP) Racecourse Road, Roscommon Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day Happy thoughts of time together Hold memories that will live forever.

Remembered with love by your family.

Time may pass and fade away But silent thoughts and memories stay No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts You are always there.

Fondly remembered by your loving sons, daughters, family and friends.

A special place within our hearts is set aside for you As long as life and memories last, we will love and remember you.

Greatly missed by your family, Martina, Bernard Mark, Kate and Aidan and grandchildren.

McDONNELL Bridie 27 Glenview, Galway Road, Roscommon (5th Anniversary) Who died on the 21st June 2015

You were so very special and had the nicest ways, You did so very much in life and never asked for praise. Remembering you is easy, We do it every day, But losing you is the heartache, That never goes away. You had a smile for everyone, You had a heart of gold, You left the sweetest memories, The world could ever hold. Life goes on that’s true, But it’s not the same without you.

Always remembered and forever loved by your husband James and family.

McMANUS (nee Murtagh) Geraldine Aughmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Geraldine McManus, who passed away on the 24th June, 2013. As I sit in heaven And watch you every day I try to let you know with signs I never went away I hear you when you’re laughing And watch you as you sleep I place my arms around you To calm you as you weep So I try to send you moonbeams So you know you’re not alone Heaven is truly beautiful Just you wait and see So live your life and laugh again Enjoy yourself, be free.

Sadly missed by her husband Liam, her mother May, her brother Peter and her sisters Annette, Madeline, Bernadette and Catherine, also her nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends and colleagues. Anniversary Mass will be held at a later date due to Covid-19 restrictions

COYNE Harry Sandfield, Knockroghery In loving memory of Harry who died on 7th July 2004 R.I.P (16th Anniversary)

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

Always remembered by his loving wife Phil, sons Michael and Ciaran, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass for Harry and deceased members of the Coyne family will be offered privately on Saturday 27th June.

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES

Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey

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

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

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

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

(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

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Email or call for Sample Pack

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Ciaran King, intend to apply for Permission for the construction of a two floor Dwelling house (single storey over basement) consisting of 4 bedrooms, 2 bay basement garage and ancillary areas, along with the installation of a sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, access road and connections to all services and all other associated site works. At: Tumna Townland, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd., Engineers & Architects, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090)6634421. 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. : info@collinsboydeng.com

APPOINTMENTS

PART-TIME PRACTICE NURSE required for

Abbey Street Medical Centre • 3 days per week • Flexible days • Practice experience desirable but not essential Contact: Practice Manager, Abbey Street Medical Centre, Roscommon on 087 9269218

THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer). A.H. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer). A.D. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer). F.M. + C.M. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer). M.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER – THANKSGIVING May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Healer of the hopeless, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. Amen. (Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, and your request will be answered – publication must be promised). P.L.

SALES EXECUTIVE/ STORE MANAGER REQUIRED

For Well Established Roscommon Town Flooring Business Experience desirable but not essential as training will be provided Excellent Working Conditions Please reply with CV to

Require a

ACCOUNTS/ ADMINISTRATION PERSON • Part Time Position • Flexible Hours • Experience Essential

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

PLANNINGS

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

Please CVs to807870 Box number Boxsend Number:

Box No: 2017 Roscommon Herald, c/o Roscommon People, Unit 3, Ballypheasan House, Abbey Street, Roscommon Athlone Road, Roscommon

HGV/ Construction PLANT FITTER REQUIRED • Part-time /Flexible Hours • Experience essential Please reply with CV to: jason@doranbros.com

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to

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

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 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

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

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

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes

Telephone: 090 66 33026

Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

BLINDS

www.roscommonwindows.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

Window and Door Repairs BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

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

WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSTALLATION

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

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

087 2596055

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!)

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT WEEKS

EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS

OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com

Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment. We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food. While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.

The Right Vet for your Pet

GlenamaddyVeterinary Clinic F45 F430 Office: 094 9659428 Mobile: 087 2543722 24 Hour Service

l l l l l

Vaccinations Pet Passports Pain Management Neutering & Dentals Digital X-ray

For appointment call me on 086 8229606

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

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

www.glenamaddyveterinaryclinic.ie

Contact Pat Hanley on

086 6002721

LOCKSMITH

to discuss your requirements

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

Chris’s Locksmith Service

RECYCLING

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

LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMON Tel: 090 662 6898

New clients welcome Established 1990

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

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

ALL CREATURES VETERINARY

Contact David Martin on 087 9959417

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

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

LIFE COACH

VETERINARY

WINDOWS/DOORS

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

Call John 087 610 8499

Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

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

Tel: 090

6621220

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

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

Sports PEOPLE

Reeling in the Archives

From 2014: Donie Smith sends the ball into the back of the Mayo net from the penalty spot as Matthew Flanagan fails with his attempted save. Picture: Andrew Fox

6 YEARS AGO Ladies remain top of league Roscommon Ladies NFL Division 4 Roscommon 3-12 Louth 0-4 Ballyfeeney Rock sponsored Roscommon senior ladies are still top of Division 4 table with four wins out of four following a comprehensive victory over Louth in Strokestown on Sunday afternoon last. This was a very important win for the Roscommon ladies as it guarantees them top of the table spot and a perfect chance to make it to the final as first plays fourth on the table in the semi-finals. The Roscommon ladies got the perfect start, a point from play from Jenny Higgins within 45 seconds of the throw-in. Her clubmate Martina Freyne extended the lead a minute later. The first of Roscommon’s three goals came in the fifth minute. A long ball out of defence by Gillian Dufficy was gathered by Natalie McHugh on the 45-metre line. She showed a clean pair of heels to her marker and fired to the bottom corner of Una Pearson’s net. McHugh extended Roscommon’s lead to six with an excellent point on the run. Siobhan Tully extended the Roscommon lead to seven with a fine individual score on the quarterhour mark. Roscommon were the dominant team at this stage and finished the half very strong and went on to score a further 2-2. A Laura Fleming point in the 18th minute was followed by a pointed free from Martina Freyne. A Jenny Higgins point in the 23rd minute left it 1-8 to no score. There were two further goals before Laura Fleming got her second point of the afternoon a minute later. Martina Freyne finished what was a good first half for the Roscommon ladies with a super goal into the top corner to leave it Roscommon 3-9

Louth 0-0 at the break. Roscommon: Carol Manning, Kimberley Finlass, Sarah Brady, Gillian Dufficy, Joanne Cregg, Meabh Holmes, Ruth Finlass, Catriona Regan, Sinead Kenny, Emer Callaghan (0-1), Jenny Higgins (0-2), Laura Fleming (0-1), Siobhan Tully (1-1), Martina Freyne (1-2, one free), Natalie McHugh (1-3, one free). Subs used: Sinead Clabby, Kaylaigh Dunning, Niamh Ward (0-1), Jenny Downey, Niamh O’Beirne. (From 4 April 2014)

Comans swimmers’ success with Connacht

Comans swimmers Sam Connolly, Mikey Moran, Kevin Lannon, Riona Delaney and Rebecca Carroll swam to victory as part of the Connacht Team in the National Aquatic Centre recently. This is the first time that the Connacht Team has won the title. In order to be part of the team the Comans swimmers qualified through their superb swims at the Connacht Schools gala in January this year. The swimmers had a fantastic day and it is a tremendous achievement given the population of Connacht compared to the other provinces. It must also be borne in mind that Connacht is the only province without a 50-metre pool. The Comans swimmers were a fantastic asset to the strong Connacht team, with Mikey Moran winning the 100 metre butterfly and coming in 2nd in the 100 metre backstroke. (From 20 June 2014)

Glynn seals win for minors All-Ireland Minor B Hurling QuarterFinal Roscommon 2-25 Donegal 2-22 Roscommon’s minor hurlers survived a

searching test from Donegal before coming through after extra-time in a pulsating game at Athleague last Saturday. Roscommon were on top early on and two goals from minor football star Noel Gately saw Roscommon lead by 2-8 to 0-9 at half-time. Donegal were better on the restart and goals from Stephen Doherty and Cathal Doherty saw the Tir Conaill men ahead. But Roscommon stuck to their guns and a late point from the prolific Daniel Glynn in injury-time sent the game into extra-time. Roscommon were just the better side in added time and four points from Glynn, who scored 0-16 in the game, helped Roscommon to a great win in a welter of excitement. Roscommon: K Kelly; M Kellehan, M Beirne, J Gunning; B Fallon, J Martin, T Clayton; G Keenan, A Finnerty; N Gately (2-2), D Keaveney (0-1), B Lawlor; D Glynn (0-16), D Ryan (0-1), J Brennan (0-3). Subs: D Kelly for Lawlor, J Walker for Keaveney, R Farrell (0-1) for Brennan, D Mullen for Finnerty, B Lawlor for Kelly. (From 15 August 2014)

3 YEARS AGO Brigid’s blow Gaels away! < SEAMUS DUKE

The strength of the St. Brigid’s club at all levels, but particularly at underage, was underlined again last Sunday when their junior side, backboned by some of their star minor and U-21 players, easily dealt with the challenge of Kilglass Gaels to land the junior ‘A’ title at Dr. Hyde Park. Not only were St. Brigid’s far too good for an experienced Kilglass side, they will certainly be more than capable of giving a good account of themselves at intermediate

level too. The Kiltoom-based team continued where they left off in the semi-final and played some fantastic attacking football, laced with some classy scores in this onesided final. Kilglass afforded the fleet-footed Brigid’s attackers far too much space and that was ruthlessly exploited. With a sprinkling of experienced players like David Nestor, Robbie Kelly and Alan Daly to steady the ship, Brigid’s young guns set about their task with gusto and the perfect weather conditions and a fast pitch suited them down to the ground. (From 20 October 2017)

The times they are a-changing… From Seamus Duke Column How times have changed in rugby. Not that very long ago a match against the Springboks would have been dreaded by most Irish fans. It usually ended in defeat and lots of soulsearching. Not any more. Last Saturday Ireland hammered what was probably the poorest South African team that has ever been on tour. Having said that, Ireland can only beat what’s put in front of them and some of the new recruits were excellent including Andrew Conway, Jacob Stockdale and Connacht’s Bundee Aki. I was glad Aki played well because of the criticism he had to endure last week. He followed the rules set down and is entitled to play. Let those who were giving out campaign to change the rules if they feel so strongly. If the same logic was applied to some of our soccer players then they would not be pulling on the green jersey either. This weekend Ireland will have a chance to try out more new players against Fiji. The game will hardly be as one-sided as last Saturday’s. (From 17 November 2017)

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

SportsPeople

Club Championships brought forward < SEAMUS DUKE

The roadmap for a return to GAA club action has been brought forward by another two weeks, meaning championship action will now begin in mid-July. The Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship is now scheduled to begin on the weekend of July 18th and 19th, with the Roscommon Football Championships starting a week later (July 25th/26th). The clubs were due to meet last night (Wednesday) to sanction the proposals. The additional two-week playing ‘window’ means that the third place play-off will be reintroduced into the football championship. Therefore the competition format will be exactly the same as in 2019.

Roscommon GAA County Board have this week indicated that they intend to livestream a number of club games on the Internet this year. They will make the formal announcement when they come to an agreement with the GAA and national broadcasters. With the numbers allowed to attend games being capped at 500 (from the 20th of July), it means that supporters who cannot be present will be able to watch matches online, for a small cost. The full details will be revealed in the coming weeks. The draw for the 2020 Roscommon Club Championships will take place this Monday, 29th of June. This will be streamed live on the County Board Facebook page.

Horses by Tom Red for Courses

Jan Wellans wins the 6th race in front of nearly empty stands in Lenabane on Monday

PROP-ER ORDER!

Connacht rugby star Denis Buckley (who is from Roscommon Town) is brand Ambassador for Dermot Hughes Cars (Toyota) in Roscommon. Our photograph shows Denis pulling a Toyota Hilux (weighing 3210 KG) on the main Creggs RFC pitch last Monday morning (as part of a marketing initiative). It shows how a top rugby prop can train solo during Covid-19…with the help of his Toyota Hilux!

Toasting a Connacht double – two wins 60 years apart! When the Connacht rugby team – featuring Roscommon natives Denis Buckley and Jack Carty – defeated Ulster in Ravenhill in 2018, it was the first time the western province had triumphed there in 60 years! John Dillon, a retired doctor living in Castlerea, was a member of the successful Connacht team in 1958. Creggs Rugby Club was delighted to welcome John to their venue on Monday morning last, where an informal ceremony took place. The event was facilitated by well-known Castlerea businessman Anthony Cahill, a friend of Mr. Dillon’s. Present were Denis Buckley and Jack Carty, with the Connacht players making a special presentation to Dr. John on behalf of the current Connacht team. They presented John with a Connacht No. 12 jersey which was worn by Connacht and

Ireland star Bundee Aki. Dr. John was also presented with

a framed memento of the 1958 win in which he featured.

Today’s action is on the level at Fairyhouse away at 4.15pm. Tomorrow sees two meetings with an afternoon National Hunt meeting at Tipperary off at 1.00pm and the start of the 3-day Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby meeting at the Curragh with the Apprentice Derby, Saturday features the Group 1 Irish Derby and Sunday the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes. There is racing across the Shannon on Monday when Kilbeggan stage their first meeting of 2020. There are 19 entered in the Derby at the Curragh on Saturday, 10 of them trained in Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien. Joseph O’Brien having supplemented New York Girl has 3 and Donnacha 1. New York Girl is a daughter of New Approach was added to the Classic field after finishing 4th to Peaceful in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh. She is bidding to become the first filly since Balanchine in 1994 to land the mile-and-a-half star prize. Jim Bolger, Jessica Harrington, Ger Lyons, Emmet Mullins, and Andrew Slattery each have 1. Review of the Week This day week the Royal Ascot Gold Cup was won most impressively by Gosden and Dettori with the odds-on fav Stradavarius by 10l and 8l from Nayef Road and Counter Cross. Once Dettori asked the horse to quicken over a furlong out he went clear leaving the field for dead. Will he now try to emulate Yeats by winning 4 Gold Cups on the bounce next year? Elsewhere Aidan O’Brien horses finished second in the second and third race with Sir Dragonet and Monarch Of Egypt gained compensation in the 4th when Ryan Moore won on Battleground. Jim Crowley had a double bringing his total for the week to 6. There was no compensation for Lope Y Fernandez or Millisle in Friday’s Commonwealth Cup as Golden Hoarde ridden by Adam Kirby and trained by Clive Cox beat Kimari and Ventura Rebel by 1½l and 2½l claimed the spoils. On Saturday the advice last week to include Dettori in a small Group 1 patent paid off with the Jessica Harrington trained Alpine Star winning the Coronation Stakes at 4/1 and Palace Pier the St James’s Palace Stakes at 9/2 giving a nice return of €38 for €7 stake. It could have been €155 if Sceptical, 3rd, having looked a winner of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes had held on. He was the shortest price of the three at 2/1. Dettori also won the Group 2 Queen Mary on Campanelle for American Wesley Ward at 9/2.

Making the presentation to John Dillon…left to right: Jack Carty (presenting the Connacht jersey), John Dillon, Denis Buckley and Aidan Farrell, President, Creggs RFC.

The leading jockey was Dettori with 6 winners and 4 seconds from Jim Crowley who also had 6 winners but only 1 second. John Gosden was leading trainer and Hamdan Al Maktoum was leading owner breaking Coolmore’s strangle hold on the award. At Belmont Park last Saturday in the first

leg of the American Triple Crown the 4-5 favourite, Tiz The Law, travelled well in third and when jockey Manuel Franco asked him with 2f down Barclay Tagg’s colt quickened and went clear for an easy win from Dr Post and Max Player by 3¾l and 1½l. The Kentucky Derby is on September 5th and the Preakness October 3rd and gives Tiz The Law plenty of chances to collect more Group 1 races even if he goes for the Triple Crown. There was a flat, on Monday, and a jumping meeting, on Wednesday, in Lenabane this week both behind closed doors. Racing started on Monday with a poor result for punters a 28/1 winner aptly named No Stopping Her trained in Dunboyne by Jack Davidson and ridden by Ronan Whelan. Favourites won the next 2 races Dermot Weld’s Baraniya and Ger Lyons’ Frank Arthur. John McConnell’s Ally Cay provided relief for the layers at 22/1 in the 4th but it was short lived as the fav, Johnny Murtagh’s Wilderness, won the 5th. Jan Wellans, at 6/1, gave Ger Lyons a training double and Ronan Whelan a riding double in the 6th. The fav in the 7th, Gordon Elliott’s Bigbadandbeautiful, gave punters the final say. She had won 3 bumpers, 2 Listed, for Elliott. At the national hunt meeting in Roscommon yesterday Rachel Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead got off to a flying start wit the even money fav Tellmesomethinggirl winning the first division of the Maiden Hurdle beating Moll Dote and Floating Around 14l and 7l. The second division went to Bonarc trained by John Ryan and ridden by David Mullins at 3/1. In the third the punters got it right again as Email Rose at 11/8 gave Blackmore and de Bromhead a double getting the better of Only Human and Dakota Beat. Emmet Mullins and jockey Brian Hayes denied Blackmore and de Bromhead a treble in the 4th with Sneaky Getaway beating Premium Package. General News Trainer Emmet Mullins has been fined €5,000 by the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and will not be permitted on a racecourse for 3 months after flouting Covid-19 protocol by entering Leopardstown on 14th June having been refused entry because he did not have the appropriate barcode needed to gain access. RTE’s cameras will be at the Curragh this weekend with live coverage each evening of the weekend. On the point to point scene former trainer and handler Eamon Finn from Moigh near Ballymahon well known in these parts passed away recently. He is best remembered for Cornel Lemon, Carhoon and Buddy Burke. Eamon took great satisfaction in training Moigh Star to win the last race run on the old Mullingar track, his local. RIP

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

SPORTS PEOPLE with PAUL HEALY ‘When George Best came to play, we always went to get a look. He was magic’ HEROES

another, an outrageous, measured, ludicriously audacious chip over several defenders and goalkeeper; six goals in an FA Cup game (v Northampton), and any amount of other marvellous solo efforts following mesmerising dribbles. Loving Best was easy – not only did he have ALL the skills, he actually introduced new ways of beating defenders. Some of his dribbling techniques had never been seen before, and could not be replicated. I also loved him because of his great courage. He took ferocious abuse from the hardmen of his era, great men like Tommy Smith, Norman Hunter and Chelsea’s ‘Chopper’ Harris. Best had amazing balance, and frequently he somehow danced away when these formidable men tried with all their might to fell the genius who threatened to torment them. He was also an excellent tackler, and a superb header of the ball! Best won two leagues and a European Cup with Manchester United, and was European footballer of the year in 1968.

REFLECTIONS ON SPORTING INSPIRATIONS

‘He could do more things better than any player I have ever seen. He was a magnificent distributer of a ball, he could beat a man on either side using methods that no one had ever thought about, he could shoot, he could tackle, he was competitive and yet cool under pressure. What more could you want? I mean what is the perfect player? Two good feet? The kid had them. Strong in the air? He could beat men twice his size. Ability to score goals? Only Greavsie and Law have equalled him and I think his ability to score a goal out of nothing was even greater that theirs. Courage? I’ve never seen a braver player. He could play at the back, in midfield or anywhere up front. He was probably the best bloody keeper at the club too, but we never tried him!’

‘For five years, from the beginning of 1966 to the end of 1970, he was comprehensively better than the rest – the most accomplished player on God’s earth. The lucky ones, who has seen him from the cramped terraces of Old Trafford and Windsor Park, boasted of the fact and sympathised with those who, through the unfortunate circumstance of not being born soon enough, were deprived of the privilege and had only glimpsed him secondhand on grainy monochrome or early colour film. They spoke of a variety of treasured goals scored from near impossible angles or spun out of the least promising thread – dinks as gentle as a caress and shots of rippling power. They spoke reverentially of skills that were supernatural and which stirred the spirit, gloriously precocious labyrinthine runs that began on the half-way line and increased in pace the further he travelled. They spoke of poise and balletic balance, classified as being otherworldly. They spoke also of a fabulous tensile strength that enable his willowy body to survive challenges that, if committed outside the marked perimeter of a football field, would have counted as common assault or grievous bodily harm. He was the complete player’ – From ‘George Best: Immortal’ by Duncan Hamilton (2014)

– Paddy Crerand on his teammate George Best, as quoted in ‘Best: An Intimate Biography’ by Michael Parkinson (1975) It was the mid-1980s, and I was behind the counter in our family pub in the centre of Rooskey village. The mornings were busy, with workers from Hanley’s factory taking breaks. The afternoons were less predictable. On a good afternoon, there might be five or six characters in, the conversation a fascinating mix of gossip, banter, mischief and…fake news. On quieter days, the young barman (yours truly) might be trapped with the dreaded…lone customer. There are only so many times you can reference the weather, and the objectionable price of a pint. Still, they were good times. There was one man who seemed old to me, but looking back, he may only have been in his 50s! He often fell into the ‘lone customer’ slot, popping into the village for a few afternoon drinks. I liked him. He was intelligent, softly spoken, a bit of a dreamer, but cursed a touch by drink and loneliness. I always felt, when chatting to him, that he had to be dragged away from the grip of melancholy. He’d been in England for years, and now, like many of the men who frequented the pub, he was inclined towards sentimental speeches, what might have beens. When I’d suggest that it must have been wonderful to be in London in the 1960s, he returned there in his mind, but before he could embrace any happy memories, a slumbering sadness took over…a lament at the passage of time perhaps, or for a romance that might have been. One day we got talking about the soccer in the 1960s, and I asked if he’d gone to any games during his years in England. His eyes came to life. We talked a little more, then I asked about George Best. “George Best” he exclaimed gently, savouring the magic of the words. “Ah…George…Best”. I waited and watched as he closed his eyes and went back in time. Because he was a dreamer. Then he looked at me. “When George Best came to London, the crowds came out. It didn’t matter who you supported, the stadiums were bulging when he was playing. I used to go to lots of games, I saw all the top teams, all the top players. But when George Best came to London, we’d seen nothing like it. Any time he came to play, we went to get a look. He was magic”. He cradled his whiskey glass and closed his eyes again. “Ah, when George Best went down the wing…”

And he smiled and smiled…and there was nothing I or the redundant melancholy could do to break this beautiful spell, the joys of yesterday.

genius – that it places George Best in the company of Pele, Maradona, Messi and a handful of other footballing Gods.

By the time I became aware of George – and what a discovery that was – the genius was fading. It was the late 1970s, and the ‘Belfast Boy’ was on tour, a selfdestruct one at that. He’d left Manchester United in 1974 at the age of just 27, frustrated by a great team’s decline – and seemingly having fallen out of love with football. He was also in decline himself, just when he really should have been peaking. By then, Best was living an undisciplined and somewhat reckless life, his nights on the town beginning to take their toll on his health, his fitness and his performances on the pitch. He was still a great player, but he was burning the proverbial candle at both ends. That’s probably putting it kindly; ‘selfdestructing’ perhaps sums up this phase of Best’s life more accurately. Best became a shadow of the player who, at his peak, was arguably the world’s best footballer. ‘Touring George’ played for a number of clubs around the world, a fairly bizarre list, it must be said. He had some success in America, where he was a high profile recruit (he scored a wonder-goal for San Jose Earthquakes which you can enjoy on YouTube). A period with Fulham was marked by flashes of the old magic, as an overweight Best partnered with soul-mate Rodney Marsh. There were less successful stints with Hibs in Scotland, Dunstable United, Cork Celtic and Stockport United. But that is quite enough from me on Best’s decline! Because, before the fall, there was a career of such brilliance and magnetism – such sheer

By the time I became aware of George, his best days may have been behind him, but he was still playing, still hypnotic. I quickly went about discovering everything I could about the man. I consumed the books, the videos and documentaries. And I soon discovered that the scout (Bob Bishop) who sent a 15-year-old George Best to Manchester United was right when he told the club manager Matt Busby – “I think I’ve found you a genius”. Best made his Manchester United debut when he was 17 – and soon the whole world was taking notice. Quickly it became apparent that this was an extraordinarily gifted footballer. A winger, he ravaged the best full-backs in the country. After Best had destroyed Chelsea’s highly-rated Ken Shellito, George’s teammate Paddy Crerard memorably quipped: “Shellito was taken off, suffering from twisted blood”. Best will always be revered by fans, not just because of his brilliance as a player, but because of the joy he gave. He was a showman. Occasionally he taunted opponents, inviting them to tackle, invariably eluding them when they dived in. Often he humiliated defenders, beating them a second time in the same dribble. Some of his goals are amongst the most celebrated in the history of the English game. I advise readers to look them up on YouTube. There’s a stunning solo goal against Spurs; two famous goals against Benfica in a European Cup semi-final on a night which catapulted Best to superstardom; his decisive goal against the same opposition in the 1968 European Cup Final;

Having found him, I never let him go. In 1982, I was beside myself with excitement when there was speculation that Northern Ireland manager Billy Bingham might include the veteran Best in his panel for the World Cup. I was devastated when it didn’t happen. He finally retired in 1984, after electrifying the world with his magic. Ravaged by alcoholism, George Best died in 2005, aged just 59. Back in Rooskey, the nice man who wasn’t old died when he wasn’t old. He liked a drink too. Melancholy was his partner to the end. He had his good days too, and he purred wirh dreamy nostalgia that day I asked him about George Best. That’s George Best, the sometimes troubled genius. Unforgettable. Unstoppable. He will always be celebrated as one of the greatest and most entertaining footballers of all time. Go to YouTube now!

The series so far… 1: Tony Currie & Trevor Brooking 2: Steve Davis, Jimmy White & Ken Doherty 3: Con Houlihan 4: Eamonn Coghlan 5: Bjorn Borg 6: Muhammad Ali 7: Dermot Earley 8: Liam Brady 9: Tony Ward & Ollie Campbell 10: Seve Ballesteros 11: Sonia O’Sullivan 12: George Best For previous columns, see www.roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon People Friday 26 June 2020

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