2015 07 17 by Roscommon People

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

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SOCIAL PEOPLE

17 July 2015

The Local Paper

SEE PAGE 24

VOLUME: 434

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A private poll conducted by Fine Gael convinced the party that Deputy Frank Feighan was unlikely to be re-elected in the next General Election. Deputy Feighan said on Monday that he will not seek re-election due to the fall-out from the Roscommon A&E controversy. The Fine Gael poll suggests that Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice is well placed to take the first of the three seats in Roscommon/Galway constituency, that Denis Naughten is on course to take the second seat and that Fine Gael’s best chance rests with running Cllr. Maura Hopkins. More on pages 8, 18 & 19.

Byrne Carolan Cunningham -----Solicitors----T: 090 64 78433 Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert on Page 4

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Before the controversy: Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Deputy Frank Feighan pictured a number of years ago at Roscommon A&E. Picture: Michael McCormack.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople Heritage Day at Derryglad Museum

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Investigation into fall and death of Castlerea patient < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

An investigation is being carried out into the serious fall of a Ballintubber woman in a Castlerea nursing home and her subsequent death. Documents released by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) show that the resident sustained a serious injury to her head following a fall in Áras Mhathair Phóil, Knockroe, in the west Roscommon town, on January 10. The patient died in hospital two weeks later. HIQA documents on the mat-

ter were redacted before being released under the Freedom of Information Act. They describe the incident that took place in the home, which is run by the Health Service Executive. They state that the “resident fell in the main lounge and sustained a superficial laceration to left temple at 10.50 pm on 10/01/2015”. They add that the resident was “sitting in the lounge unsupervised in a chair with lap belt fastened”. “Resident suffers from dementia and opened lap belt, which resulted in the fall,” the HIQA document said. The resident was reviewed by

WestDoc and transferred to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, where she died on January 24. According to the HIQA documents, the “cause of death was unknown”. The HSE commissioned an investigation into the “fall and subsequent death”. Interviews with next-of-kin, staff and management were carried out, but the report on the investigation has not yet been completed. A HSE spokesperson said: “The HSE has policies and protocols in place to review any incident or unexpected outcome for service users. This is in line with best

practice and includes input from the family and next-of-kin. “Currently, there is a systems analysis under way in Áras Mhathair Phóil, Knockroe, Castlerea, in line with HSE policy. The report has not yet been received from the investigation team. “The HSE cannot comment on any individual service user.” HIQA also said that they did not comment on individual cases. A spokesperson added: “The remit of the authority does not extend to investigating incidents, but rather the regulations require providers to investigate adverse incidents and notify the authority.”

New Cloonakilla NS a step nearer to tender stage The building project for the new Cloonakilla National School in Bealnamullia, near Athlone, has taken a step nearer to the tender stage. The approved construction of this two-storey building project will comprise 16 classrooms, a general purpose hall, staff areas, library, stores, a hard-play area with three

courts and a new car-parking/set down area. Local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan, left, said: “This major building project for the school is currently completing the advanced stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 2b, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and

Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. “I am delighted that the project is making great strides. “As we all know, Cloonakilla NS has had an overwhelming case for a new school to cater for the ongoing expansion in enrolment numbers and I look forward to the project’s continued progress.”

My late grandmother left me a substantial inheritance in her will. Whilst I am obviously very grateful I am also concerned that I may now be liable for inheritance tax. I understand that an inheritance up to a certain amount may be taxfree, is this correct? A person is entitled to receive a gift or inheritance up to a certain value without being liable for inheritance tax which is also known as Capital Acquisition Tax. The amount of tax payable depends on the amount of the gift or inheritance and the relationship between the parties. Previous gifts or inheritances received since 5th December 1991 may also be taken into account and should be declared. The tax-free amount, or threshold, varies depending on your relationship to the person giving the benefit. For tax purposes the relationships are categorised into three different groups namely Group A, B and C. Group A applies where the beneficiary i.e. the person receiving the gift or inheritance is a child of the person giving that gift or inheritance (disponer). This includes a stepchild and an adopted child. It may also include a parent, foster child, and a favourite niece or nephew in certain limited circumstances. Group B applies where the beneficiary is a grandparent, grandchild, great-grandchild, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew or niece of the disponer. A parent who does not qualify under Group A will fall into Group B. Group C applies to any relationship not included in Group A or Group B. The amount that can be received tax free is known as the threshold. The current threshold for Group A is €225,000, Group B is €30,150 and Group C is €15,075. A gift or inheritance up to the threshold amount does not attract Capital Acquisition Tax. A gift or inheritance above the threshold amount will attract tax of 33% on that amount in excess of the threshold. If you receive a gift or inheritance from your spouse or civil partner, you are exempt from Capital Acquisitions Tax.

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

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS Tel. Athlone: 090 6478433 Moate: 090 6482090 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.com

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

Bishop slams politicians over church collections

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The Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has strongly criticised political parties for continuing to conduct church gate collections after Masses. He said that it showed a “lack of respect for people’s faith” and of “common decency” to raise funds for their parties in such a manner. A message was posted on the Elphin Diocese Facebook page last Sunday, which the diocese said was “the bishop’s words”. It said: “There is no obligation on any political party to support the Church, and certainly not to legislate in accordance with Church teaching. “It does seem rather lacking in respect for people’s faith, however, that political parties which have consistently advocated policies and introduced legislation which undermine marriage and the right to life of the unborn, should turn

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople newsbriefs Fuerty Cemetery Mass The annual Cemetery Mass in Fuerty will take place on Friday 24th July at 8 pm. If the weather is inclement Mass will be celebrated in The Church of the Assumption in Fuerty.

Lisnamult monthly draw winners June Lisnamult monthly draw winners are as follows – €100: Aoife and Sorcha Hegarty; €100: Thady Walsh; €50: Francis Lane; €25: Caroline Tully, Marie Spelman, Michael Ward. July winners – €100: Sr. Nora Fitzmaurice, Bob McCormack; €50: Brian Dervin; €25: Bridie Hynes, Marie Dowd, Jessica, Mark and Mia Dolan.

Clerical changes announced < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

New parish priests have been appointed in Strokestown, Frenchpark, Cootehall and Tarmonbarry, it was announced this week. Bishop Kevin Doran revealed that Fr Eamonn O’Connor, the current parish priest of Tarmonbarry, will now assume the same position in Strokestown, following the retirement of Canon Ciarán Whitney.

Fr Micheál Donnelly, based in Castlerea at present, will become the new parish parish in Frenchpark, following Canon Kevin Early’s retirement. Canons Whitney and Early have been given ‘pastor emeritus’ rank. Fr Jaroslaw Maszkiewicz, who is currently based in Athlone, will become the parish priest of Tarmonbarry, following Fr O’Connor’s move. Fr Brendan McDonagh, currently a priest in

Frenchpark, will become the parish priest of Cootehall. The current priest-in-charge in the village, Fr Brian Conlon, will leave to undertake a Masters in Healthcare Chaplaincy. This changes will become effective from Friday, July 31. Elsewhere in the diocese, Fr Pat Lombard will become parish priest of St Anne’s, Sligo, while Bishop Emeritus Christopher Jones became Chaplain of Nazareth House, Sligo, on May 17.

Annual Mass at Athleague Holy Well The annual Mass will be celebrated at Cluain Patrick, Athleague’s Holy Well next Friday 17th July at 8 pm. Everybody is most welcome to join. Be assured that you don’t have to be a Catholic or of any particular faith to join us – we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord. In the event of inclement weather the celebration will be moved to St Patrick’s Church in Athleague.

Local politicians welcome news on air ambulance < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

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Flashback to the launch of the air ambulance service at Custume Barracks, Athlone: then Health Minister James Reilly, Deputy Frank Feighan and then Defence (and Justice) Minister Alan Shatter.

Air ambulance service is made permanent < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The air ambulance service, based in Custume Barracks, Athlone has been made permanent – but it will continue to operate only during daylight hours. In a joint statement on Wednesday, Defence Minister Simon Coveney and Health Minister Leo Varadkar announced the establishment of the permanent Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), as it is officially known. It had been operated on a pilot basis since June 4, 2012, 12 months after the closure of the emergency department at Roscommon Hospital. It operates all over the country, but is especially beneficial to rural locations, such as Roscommon. It is designed to ensure that seriously ill or injured people in remoter areas have timely access to high-quality clinical care. A cross-sectoral working group had recently been examining ways to provide a permanent service. Ministers Coveney and Varadkar considered the group’s report, and it has been agreed to establish a permanent service, continuing the

current model. The current service runs from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days per week. The ministers said the new service would be subject to an ongoing review. Minister Varadkar said that he was “delighted” that the Government had agreed to put the EAS on a permanent footing. He added: “It’s a great example of co-operation across Government and it shows what can be achieved by using existing resources, even following a deep financial crisis. “The service has been great for patients and ensures that those in remoter areas, particularly in the west, have timely access to specialised treatment available in large hospitals.” The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and Air Corps have operated the service on a pilot basis since mid-2012. Minister Coveney also welcomed the news. He added: “The professionalism and commitment of the Air Corps in providing a dedicated helicopter service to date has been exemplary.” The air ambulance service performed 69 missions in Co. Roscommon last year, a 33 per cent rise on the 52 carried out the previous year.

There was a positive reaction in local political circles on Wednesday to the news that the air ambulance service had been made permanent. Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan warmly welcomed the news, but John McDermott, the chairman of the Hospital Action Committee, expressed disappointed that its hours of operation had not been extended. Deputy Feighan said that the service had been an “outstanding success” since it was introduced in June 2012. He added: “I am delighted that the Government has agreed to put the service on a permanent footing. “The service has been great for patients and ensures that those in more remote areas, have timely access to specialised treatment available in the larger hospitals.” Mr McDermott, while also welcoming the news, said the hours of operation for the service – 8 am to 8 pm – should be extended. He also said: “It is not sufficient that there is only one helicopter and that it only flies during the day. “People have these events at any time during the 24 hours. “If a 24-hour service cannot be provided under the current model, other community or charitable organisations should be able to come in and provide a service to supplement it.” Deputy Denis Naughten welcomed the Government announcement. “The pilot service which was introduced just over three years ago has been a phenomenal success, transporting over 1,000 people to hospital over that period” he said. “I have no doubt that were it not for this service, many of those people would not be around to tell of the excellent treatment which they received from the dedicated aeromedical team. “The fact that this important service has now been put on a permanent basis is not to be underestimated, because back in July 2011 the then Minister for Health was reported to have stated that the importance of an air ambulance service “probably lay in its psychological support rather than the actual use of it itself. “Not only has the air ambulance service proved the Minister wrong, but I’m glad, that after a lot of work behind the scenes, this will now be a permanent part of our emergency services” “As someone who has campaigned my entire political career for a dedicated air ambulance service, this is a significant step forward. In fact it is now just over 16 years since I first raised such a proposal with the then Health Minister, Brian Cowen. “Over time I would like to see this service expanded by providing 24 hour a day service and with the provision of an additional helicopter, but having said that, this is a very positive and welcome development” concluded Denis Naughten.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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Good progress made in new ﬁeld-school project < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

A positive start has been made to a new field-school project at Ballintubber Castle in Ballintubber, near Castlerea. The study is being led

by Dr Niall Brady, a renowned archaeologist, who is joining forces with colleagues from Foothill College, California, and Columbia University, New York, and more that 30 US students. Over a four-week pe-

riod, they are examining the 14th century de Burgo Castle. It became a stronghold of the O’Conor’s until the 17th century and was the scene of many military engagements. Two weeks into the field-school project, Dr

Brady said: “We are very impressed with what we have seen. Everything is living up to expectation, so we are delighted with ourselves. “The purpose of the excavation side of it was to trace some of the old

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walls inside the castle. We are beginning to see them as we were hoping to see them. It is really confirmation of what we were hoping we would get. “But it’s only early days.”

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Ava, Claire, Alana, Clara, Roisín and Aoibeann pictured at Scoil Mhuire Convent Primary School for the annual Family Day. Picture: Andrew Fox

Fitzmaurice wants public inquiry into Fr Molloy death Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has pledged his support to the family of Fr Niall Molloy in their pursuit of justice for his mysterious death. Fr Molloy was found dead on July 8, 1985, at the home of his friends, Theresa and Richard Flynn, but nobody has ever been convicted of the crime. Exactly 30 years after the death of the popular Castlecoote-based priest, his family have vowed to pursue a full public inquiry into the matter. Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “I am supporting them in that call. “This is an injustice that is ongoing for many years and it needs to be brought to a conclusion that is acceptable to the Molloy family.”

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

Meet Irish Rugby’s shining star Robbie Henshaw to meet fans at Athlone Towncentre

Saturday, 18th of July, have your chance to meet Ireland Rugby star Robbie Henshaw in Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre

On this Saturday, 18th of July, have your chance to meet Ireland Rugby star Robbie Henshaw in Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre. As all attention turns to the upcoming test games ahead of the hotly-anticipated Rugby World Cup this September, rugby fans will have a chance to wish local favourite Robbie Henshaw good luck in person as he continues his World Cup preparations. Henshaw, who famously scored the try that secured Ireland’s win over England in this year’s RBS Six Nations Tournament, has undoubtedly proved himself to be one of the rising stars of Irish Rugby over the past 12 months. The Athlone native has continued to go from strength to strength

on the pitch impressing commentators and rugby enthusiasts alike as well as amassing a legion of loyal fans. The meet and greet event takes place on Saturday 18th in Athlone Towncentre from 1-3 pm. Speaking as the event was announced, Shirley Delahunt, Marketing Manager for Athlone Towncentre said: “We are incredibly excited to host this meet and greet event with Robbie Henshaw in Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre. “I think that everyone in Athlone is extremely proud of Robbie and his achievements to date. To have the opportunity to wish him luck ahead of what will hopefully be a very successful Rugby World Cup campaign, for him and the for Irish team, is just fantastic.” On the day, customers will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis with the event concluding at 3 pm sharp. For full details see www.athlonetowncentre.com

newsbriefs Athleague NS to host fundraiser The Parents Association have organised a fundraiser for Athleague National School on Saturday 18th July at 9.30 pm. The Novelty Race Night commences at 9.30 pm in the Bridge House. It promises to be a wonderful night of fun for all. There will also be a raffle on the night.

Ballyforan Fair and Festival AGM The AGM of the upcoming Ballyforan Fair and Festival will take place this Friday, 17th of July at 9 pm in the Ballyforan Hall. At 10 pm three new cups will be unveiled – the Mattie Gately Memorial Cup for sheep, the Francis Dervan Memorial Cup for horses and the Damien Traynor Cup for car rallying. All are welcome to attend and anybody interested in getting involved can contact Dermot Kelly on 087-6776731.

Healing Mass in Curraghboy A Healing Mass will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Healing Centre, Rath Road, Curraghboy, Athlone on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2015 commencing at 8 pm. The Celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh from Limerick. Individual blessings will take place afterwards. All are most welcome. Contact 086-4054489 for further information.

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Supporting Roscommon in Fermanagh on Sunday were Ciarán Murray, Stephen Murray and Darragh Casserly. Picture: Andrew Fox

104 assaults in Castlerea Prison last year < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Over 100 assaults occurred in Castlerea Prison last year, the Department of Justice has disclosed. Information obtained by the Roscommon People under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed that, according to the governor of the prison, 95 assaults involving a prisoner on a fellow inmate took place. A further nine assaults by a prisoner on a prison officer also took place. Gabriel Keaveny, the assistant general secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), said that he was alarmed at the number of assaults that occurred in Castlerea Prison in 2014. He said: “104 for Castlerea – that’s two

assaults a week. That is an awful lot in what should be a rural location, where we know our clientele very well. “It is indicative of the violence in the prison. Staff also get injured intervening between prisoners when there is a dispute.” Confirmation of the scale of assaults within Castlerea Prison will add to the growing concerns over safety inside the country’s jails. Following serious attacks in various prisons, 3,200 prison officers (including 180 from Castlerea Prison) voted to go on strike in March. The Labour Relations Commission intervened in the dispute and mediation talks are still ongoing between the Irish Prison Service and the POA.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

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You Wynne some, you lose some! Gerry and Catherine Wynne supporting Roscommon in Fermanagh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Anger over new postcode system < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

There is anger in south Roscommon over the new postcode system ‘Eircode’ because many areas are being listed as being in counties Westmeath or Galway, instead of Co. Roscommon. The Government unveiled the new system on Monday. Every property in Ireland has its own individual identification number, designed to make it easier to deliver mail.

However, Roscommon People have found numerous errors in the system. Addresses in Bealnamulla, Monksland, Creagh and Brideswell all listed as Athlone, Co. Westmeath, instead of Co. Roscommon, including the Hodson Bay Hotel and the Athlone Springs Hotel. Secondly, addresses in Dysart, Taughmaconnell and Ballyforan are listed as being in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, instead of Co. Roscommon.

Cllr. John Keogh, of Fianna Fáil, strongly criticised these errors. He said: “It is just not acceptable. The members of the public are particularly exercised about this issue. “I have been receiving complaints about the fact people are being put down for Co. Galway and Co. Westmeath when, in fact, they live in Co. Roscommon. “They applied for planning permission in Co. Roscommon, paid their

development charges in Co. Roscommon and they want to live in Co. Roscommon.” However, an Eircode spokesperson said: “No address has changed – or will change – because of the introduction of Eircode. “You should use the address (including the county) that you have always used, and simply add the Eircode at the end. “The reason some addresses are

showing with the ‘wrong’ county is that Eircodes are based on the existing An Post sorting system. “In a small number of instances, the An Post sorting office is in a different county to the address. “This has been the case for years and nothing has changed.” Numerous Co. Galway addresses are actually listed as being in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, such as Glenamaddy, Glinsk and Williamstown.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Any day You collect the clutter, not thinking you’re collecting it – you’re just not throwing it away. How long are you meant to keep bank statements for, or indeed bills? How long are you meant to keep documents relating to house insurance or the car for? Into folders they go…for when you need them again… when they’ll be easy to find and handy to have. Yeah, right. It never quite works out that way. Then, when junk is being sorted, perhaps once a year – the big clear-out – the turmoil in your head as you wonder whether or not you should hold on to certain items. ‘We got that on holiday in such and such a place.’ ‘Keep that, it could come in useful.’ ‘There’s another part to that…I think it’s in the attic… we’ll keep it, just in case.’ ‘That would look nice in the hall.’ (No it wouldn’t). So we keep the stuff, relentlessly building up the clutter, week on week, month on month, year on year. Not letting go, but perhaps demoting them…from the ‘good’ rooms to the lesser rooms to under the stairs and eventually to the shed. Keep the stuff, throw nothing away, in a way we’re saving money, aren’t we? Then, the day inevitably comes when you ring up and order a skip – again. Hire the skip, pay for the skip, fling everything into the skip, including the paint cans with tiny quantities of paint, the bits of utterly useless timber, the broken toys and discarded lamps and ornaments. You keep filling the skip, you’re going well, and then… ‘Oh, look what I’ve found! Haven’t seen that in ages. Will we keep it…? It might come in useful some day…’

Sunday So we were at a very enjoyable family Christening celebration, and then, at the appointed time, we tuned into Willie and Donie from Brewster Park. The early updates were encouraging enough; then it got better and better, and by half-time Roscommon were in a great position, five points in front. Fermanagh started the second half well, but Roscommon steadied the ship. Willie was sending greetings to listeners all over the world and Donie was tut-tutting about the referee; but Roscommon were on the cusp of a great championship statement of intent, because any win away to Ulster opposition in the championship is a superb afternoon’s work. I left for seven or eight minutes to impart the good news of Roscommon’s healthy lead, returning to the radio just as Fermanagh were awarded a penalty. Or ‘not a penalty” as Donie would have it. (And replays that night on ‘The Sunday Game’ seemed to support Donie’s view). Roscommon were leading 0-14 to 0-8, but Fermanagh converted the penalty and now we got that old familiar heart-in-the-mouth feeling. A run-of-the-mill story was turning into a drama. Yet Roscommon steadied the ship again and led by five points with seven minutes remaining. Now drama turned to horror. Listening to the final minutes on radio was like having a horror story read to you, where you know there’s a gruesome new twist waiting to be discovered on each turning page. As we willed time to move faster there was a sense of grim inevitability about events as Fermanagh relentlessly dismantled Roscommon’s lead, point by ruthless point. We were in Paddy Finn’s in Kilteevan. Our pain was being shared in America, Australia, Asia and Europe. And in Keadue, Tulsk, Ballaghaderrren and Ballyforan. You could almost touch the shared sense of helplessness now linking Rossies all over the world. Fermanagh just kept scoring, ripping our lead to shreds, undoing over an hour’s good work by Roscommon in a few minutes. Not even the clock would save a sinking Roscommon. When they levelled, we thought Roscommon can’t realistically win in extra-time, as all of the momentum has switched, and Fermanagh players and supporters know they have their prey trapped. But there would be no extra-time. The suffering was brought to an abrupt end, with Fermanagh’s sixth point in eight minutes. It was an epic win for Fermanagh. We can’t deny that what unfolded is one of the very reasons why we are so attracted to sport. We congratulate Fermanagh on their victory. For Roscommon, it’s been a rough championship ride in 2015, a season of heartbreak. But we’ve a fine young, developing team and there will be much better days ahead. In the meantime, anyone for cricket?

HOSPITAL PASS: A fateful day for Frank Feighan (pictured) as then leader of the opposition Enda Kenny pledges to retain Roscommon A&E during a speech outside Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon in 2011. The commitment was later reneged on.

Monday evening I popped back into the office for a moment at about 7 pm, checked my emails, and there it was, a statement confirming that Fine Gael Deputy Frank Feighan will not be contesting the next General Election. Intentionally or otherwise, he made his announcement four years to the day since the fateful closure of Roscommon A&E. Notwithstanding my anger over the A&E closure and his misguided and ill-fated refusal to stand with the people of Roscommon at the time, my first thoughts were to feel some sympathy for Frank Feighan on a human level. As I’ve often written before, Roscommon Hospital is, at the end of the day, all about the people – but there’s always been this utterly fascinating political dimension to it too, with the shortterm ‘health’ of political parties locally and the fate of individual politicians in this county at the mercy of whatever twists and turns the saga takes. While the Roscommon People campaigned aggressively on the hospital issue when the ‘war’ raged at its peak a few years ago, and while I’ve had my strong differences with Frank Feighan on the issue over that time, I believe it’s only right to express some sympathy for the Boyle man this week on both a human and a political level. Feighan has talked a lot about standing by the Government and the country, yet he has now, to all intents and purposes, had to sacrifice his political career. He may end up in the Seanad in the future, but the cold truth is that a Dail career that might have continued for the next fifteen or even twenty years has come crashing down because of the Roscommon Hospital fall-out. Frank Feighan has, in the end, paid a big political price. Consultant Liam McMullin told Health Minister Leo Varadkar that the people of Roscommon had been thrown to the wolves; in some respects, Feighan, who can take a fair share of the blame himself, has been thrown on the political scrapheap, ending up there because of the calamitous handling by his party of the A&E issue. Leaving aside the premature ending of his Dail career, I also feel some sympathy for Frank Feighan this week on a personal, human level; the hospital war bruised him, isolated him and changed him. He must surely feel a weight off

his shoulders this week. I hope he does. All of this said, I haven’t changed my view that Frank Feighan could have done things differently; he made fateful decisions, he defended what I consider to be indefensible, and while one could acknowledge (admire is too strong a word) his loyalty to his party and to his own lonely position on the hospital, on every step of his journey since 2011 he was moving closer to his own political demise. This journey-end was pretty much inevitable despite the fact that Feighan can undoubtedly point to having delivered on a series of projects to the benefit of County Roscommon and the wider constituency. From the development of the marina at Lough Key, to the Ballaghaderreen Bypass, to funding for water and any number of other smaller projects, Feighan certainly got through a body of work. There was big investment for the hospital too. But his relentless claims that the hospital was safer – and busier – than ever before were met with scepticism by most people. In the end, Feighan, for all his endeavour, could not shake off the shadows of 2011. Without question Frank Feighan part-authored his own downfall, but he was assisted by ghost-writers – two that spring to mind are Enda Kenny and James Reilly. Had Feighan gone before the people, he probably would have lost his seat. He just could not shake the hospital ghost away. In reality, the decision not to contest the election was probably taken several months ago. That’s why, in 2014, FG HQ unearthed, groomed and continues to promote Cllr. Maura Hopkins as the Boyle man’s anointed successor. I have no doubt that, contrary to the public pronouncements, this was not Frank Feighan’s decision alone. The ghost-writers who, in grim instalments these past four years, helped pen his downfall, also helped write his resignation letter. Before the hospital war, Frank Feighan was a dream candidate for Fine Gael; personable, sociable, well-known, a vote-puller who, such was his popularity in North Roscommon particularly, could even attract support from Fianna Fail households. When Hospital-gate happened, the political fortunes of Fine Gael’s dream team – Denis Naughten and Frank Feighan – dramatically

changed. Naughten is now an ex-Fine Gael TD and Feighan will be an ex-Fine TD within a matter of months. Fine Gael’s folly on the hospital destroyed the dream team just when it looked set to dominate Roscommon politics for a generation. Something of an irony in this entire saga is the fact that Feighan hadn’t paid much attention to the hospital issue in the build-up to the 2011 General Election. Naughten was the top man on that issue and dealt with the HAC and with the Fine Gael health spokesperson, James Reilly. What subsequently unfolded when Reilly and Enda Kenny got into power is now history. Naughten made the decision to resign; he could hardly have stayed, having made the running on the hospital issue and effectively drafted the letter which James Reilly so irresponsibly sent to the people of Roscommon. Feighan made his own fateful call. Some will say there is merit in Feighan’s argument that he was better of “in government” working for the constituency than leaving Fine Gael over the hospital debacle. But ultimately Feighan could not escape from the hospital shadow. The betrayal (by Fine Gael and Labour) over Roscommon Hospital had been too big. The hospital ghost stalked Feighan since 2011. The party could not contemplate Feighan going before the people (private FG polls indicated their best chance of winning a seat was with another candidate). Feighan had to be sacrificed. Ultimately, the political dimension is interesting, even dramatic, a soap opera, a sport, real life too. But the hospital is about the people. The people were let down. The A&E closure should not have happened. It was a fiasco and a tragedy. Frank Feighan has paid his price. I think, looking back, he was naïve and he was used. Also bruised by the war, and with an election imminent, the people of Roscommon wait to see if anyone will address the deficit on emergency services here. Who will stand up, in a meaningful way (not idle promises) for the people of Roscommon? We were thrown to the wolves, Liam McMullin said. What political party or parties or individuals will save us from the wolves? And a word to ghost-writers everywhere; the people of Roscommon have long memories.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

Civic HQ to be completed next month < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Construction of the new Civic Headquarters of Roscommon County Council is due to be completed by August – but it will be another 40 years before the local authority have fully paid for the €15 million project. The entire building will be 6,250 sq.

ft. in size and among the amenities on site will be a council chamber and various meeting rooms. “The anticipated completion date of the new Civic Headquarters is August 2015,” said Brian Duffy, the council’s information officer, who added that staff would begin to occupy the building in September. The council have al-

Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

REVIEW OF POLICY ON ADVERTISING SIGNS Roscommon County Council is in the process of reviewing its current Policy on Advertising Signs. In reviewing this Policy, Roscommon County Council wishes to consult with the wider community and seek submissions with regard to the issue of advertising signs. Submissions should be sent in writing to Environment Department, Roscommon County Council, The Courthouse, Roscommon or environment@roscommoncoco.ie on or before 14th August, 2015. Submissions received will then be considered for inclusion in the Policy A copy of the current Policy on Advertising signs is available on request from the Environment Department, Roscommon County Council or on www.roscommoncoco.ie. Majella Hunt Director of Service Environment Section

ready started paying for the €12.86 million (plus VAT) project, Mr Duffy added. “Partial repayments have commenced,” he said, in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. “Repayments are processed twice annually, in June and December. “Roscommon County Council is financing the loan over a

40-year term.” At present, the local authority are spending €314,000 per annum for the lease of five buildings for various departments of the council and for office use. Mr Duffy added: “It is anticipated that all (lease) agreements will cease when the staff have relocated to the new Civic Headquarters.”

newsbriefs Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler Group A Tiny Tots Parent and Toddler group meets at Roscommon Women’s Network, The Old Mill, Castlerea every Tuesday morning (10 am-12 noon). All parents and babies/children up to school age welcome. For more information call 094-9621690 or Emma on 087-6224541.

RWN Charity Shop Having a summer sort-out? RWN Charity Shop will accept men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes, books and bric-a-brac. We are currently taking in school uniforms which will be sold at a very reasonable price ahead of the next school term. Call 094-9621690 or 0874073321 for more details.

Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

Local Property Tax-Public Consultation Process NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF SETTING A LOCAL ADJUSTMENT FACTOR

Anne Rigney and Cara Lally pictured meeting the team from ABC News Australia in The Spotty Teacup Tearooms, Knockcroghery. Picture: Andrew Fox.

Roscommon to feature on Australian TV referendum special < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), makes specific provision that elected members of a local authority may pass a formal resolution to vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax for their administrative area by a percentage known as the local adjustment factor. At the meeting set by Roscommon County Council to consider this matter, the members may set a local adjustment factor within the range of +/- 15% of the basic rate, or, may decide not to adjust the basic rate. Roscommon County Council will meet on 28th of September 2015 to consider the setting of a local adjustment factor. Roscommon County Council welcomes written submissions from the public on this matter specifically covering the potential effects of varying the basic rate of the Local Property Tax on businesses, individuals and on local authority services. Submissions must be received by 14th August 2015 and be sent to: Local Property Tax Consultation Roscommon County Council The Courthouse Roscommon or LPT@roscommoncoco.ie Signed: Tommy Ryan Chief Executive Dated: 14/07/2015

as Quaker Island in Portrun and Murray’s Pub, Knockroghery. Anne said: “They saw my poem, ‘Imagine It’s Your Child’, online and contacted me to feature me in the programme.”

Anne’s son Darragh, who is 32, is gay. On the ‘no’ side, local community activist Gerry Browne, from Roscommon town, was interviewed about his stance on the referendum.

Various people and places from Co. Roscommon will feature on a programme about Ireland’s recent marriage equality referendum on the Australian TV channel ABC later this month. Same-sex marriages are not permitted in Australia, unlike in Ireland, which passed the referendum by a majority of over 60 per cent in May. Historically, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote, which resulted in the referendum attacting publicity from various countries through the world. Roscommon-South Leitrim was, however, the only constituency in the country to reject the referendum, which led to ABC’s decision to feature this county in a special programme on the subject. They interviewed prominent ‘yes’ campaigner Anne Rigney at her home in Knockcroghery on June 30. They also filmed her at some Anne Rigney with the team from ABC News, Australia pictured in Knockcroghery. well-known sites in the area, such Picture: Andrew Fox.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

Fitzmaurice pledges support to postmasters the protest and warned that, if implemented, the plans would result in job losses. He added: “It appears to be Government policy that all payments be electronic by 2018. “Hundreds of jobs will be lost around the country if this goes ahead and it flies in the face of the many statements supporting the development of rural Ireland. “It is scarcely believable that postmasters are being asked to hand out forms that will directly affect their own livelihoods.”

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has pledged his support to postmasters in their protest over plans to make almost all social welfare payments electronic. As a demonstration of their anger, Irish postmasters sent back hundreds of parcels containing social protection forms that ask claimants to switch to electronic payments for their entitlements. Deputy Fitzmaurice said that he fully supports

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople newsbriefs

DOUBLE THE FUN ...

Grief at tragic death of Laura

Dear Old Elphin Festival 2015 The ‘Dear Old Elphin’ Festival organisers are holding a Market Day as part of our annual festival on Saturday 1st August. We are concentrating on small businesses, locally produced foods and products, etc. Stalls are free of charge. Previous years’ festivals have been very well attended. If you are interested or require more information, please contact Cathal Murray on 0872879721.

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Local artist’s exhibition at County Library An exhibition by local artist Robert Attenbury will be held at Roscommon Library for two weeks from the 18th July. This presents a mixture of Irish heritage, culture, myths, people and landscapes expressed in an exciting and imaginative manner. Roscommon County holds a wealth of sources from which creativity can be drawn. It is the heart of Ireland where tradition and the new stimulates the exploring mind.

Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives Notice of its intention to close the roads referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Ten-month-old twins, Lyla and Ellie Fallon, Lecarrow with Mum and Dad, Emily and Niall, at the opening of Lecarrow Playground on Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack.

Police in Scotland are not treating the tragic death of a Strokestown native in Edinburgh last week as suspicious. The body of Laura Cox, who was 29, was discovered at a seaside location in the Scottish city on July 6. She was in Scotland studying for her Masters in marine biodiversity and biotechnology at Heriot Watt University. Ms Cox, a native of Curraghroe, was the daughter of the Seamus and Eileen Cox, who also have two sons. The community of Strokestown were deeply saddened by Ms Cox’s death. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made because her body has not been released after a post-mortem examination. A Police Scotland source said: “The death appears to be non-suspicious.” Lanesboro Tri Club has paid tribute to Laura. “It was great sadness that we heard of the recent passing of Laura Cox, daughter of one of our club members, Seamus Cox. Lanesboro Tri Club would like to express its deepest sympathies to Seamus, Eileen, their family and friends. A minute’s silence was observed before the start of our recent Two Provinces Triathlon as a mark of respect. May she rest in peace.”

BOYLE

Road to be closed: The L-1012 (Corrigeenroe-Knockvicar) between Corrigeenroe Cross and the Blackfallow “New Line” will be closed from the Junction of the R285 to the Junction with the L-1013-15. Alternative Route: Traffic will be diverted from Knockvicar via R285 to “Bogside” Junction (LP-1008) to junction with the R 284 (Ballyfarnan-Keadue Road). Through Ballyfarnan to Boyle Road junction take LP-1006 to LP-1013 to Corrigeenroe Cross where the diversion will end. Vice versa in the opposite direction. Period of Closure: 10th August – 30th September 2015 Reason for Road Closure: To facilitate Irish Water with the Roscommon Countywide Water Conservation & Network Management Project, Stage 3 Mains Rehabilitation Works Contract no. 4, Watermain Replacement (Boyle) All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Map showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www. roscommoncoco.ie Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 4pm on Thursday 23rd July 2015. Pat Murtagh A/Director of Services, Roads, Community & Enterprise and Culture Roscommon County Council, Courthouse, Roscommon. 16th July 2015

OH MY GOD – it’s sástatime! A BLOG Alison McDermott #Intimidation Here we go, 10 am on Tuesday morning, #sástatime!! Arrive terrified of the unknown, thinking the place will be quiet, it can’t be busy it’s only 10 am! Oh how wrong I was!! The place is booming. Introduction time… Dermot introduces himself to me and the consultation begins. I already know what’s ahead…20 minutes of being told what food I should be eating, new foods I have never heard of, boring recipes, learning how to cook new foods and having to deal with fish. I hate fish! To my surprise the foods were all normal and just twigged differently to what I’m used to. Dermot pointed out tips/tricks to help me succeed i.e. eat every three hours, what’s best to eat after exercise, quick foods to have as a snack and most importantly what food to combine – carbs and protein. You’ll thank me later for this but that song about love and marriage and how you can’t have one without the other is now the theme tune to my diet! Then to stand on the scales and get my measurements taken. For a brief moment that awkward rush of “great he has to take my measurements” ran through my mind and then I remembered I am not the first lady he has meas-

ured. Both my mother and sister are frequent users of sásta and he has measured them, so nothing to lose here. So introduction and consultation done, I’m off to meet my new best friend the Pod – welcome nervous laugh! Got my suit fitted and hopped on the treadmill. Dermot started the machine up and decided we would start on Walk 3. He told me what to expect and how to adjust the essentials, what all the lines on the screen meant and most importantly where the emergency stop plug was and then, much to my reluctance, he pressed start. A few minutes in and I was thinking “ok maybe this isn’t too bad, maybe I’ll be able for this” #Optimistic…by 7 minutes I have to reduce my speed even though I’m going at 4 on a normal treadmill but with the vacuum and incline it feels as if I’m trying to walk at 8, I just can’t keep up. We reduce the speed and the incline down and start to build them up again slowly when I feel I have the energy... OH MY GOD – 30 minutes seems like a lifetime and when you think your catching your breath the vacuum increases and it feels like I have bags of coal tied to my legs as I walk. The last 7 minutes are the longest 7 minutes EVER! The greatest feeling I got was at 2 minutes when my new favourite words flashed before my eyes COOL DOWN #HAPPYDAYS. Cool down done and I can compose myself

again and get my breathing back to some sort of normal rhythm! I now have 15-20 minutes of sculpting to do, delightful. Out of the corner of my eye I spot a motivational quote on the wall “Sweat is fat crying” – LOL – I appear to be having a meltdown!! The sculpting is manageable, the weights and mats are all provided. All I have to do is make it through the next 20 minutes and day one is complete.

Meal Plan

For week one I found the diet very hard to get used to and more so the actual timing of eating rather than the foods itself. One major thing I found that helped, I packed my snacks in lunch bags for the week i.e. fruit and 5 nuts that I could grab handy enough as the day went on. I also stocked up on eggs, chicken breasts and veg. On the meal plan you are allowed both fresh and frozen veg which is great as it makes things a little easier. Friday after the show I headed off to the taste of Carrick, the smells were amazing but to my surprise I managed to steer clear of ALL the foods. Katie (my daughter) on the other hand had a great evening sampling all the foods... I knew on Sunday we would be eating out so I made sure I stayed away from the dreaded bread basket and just had a main course with no gravy on the dinner and I made sure to drink plenty of water to fill me up.. I surprised

Dermot Beggan (Manager, Sasta, Carrick) and our blogger, Alison.

myself at how well I coped with the meal plan it’s usually my downfall with every diet. During week one I completely cut the drink out, in fact, apart from my brother’s wedding I will but cutting out drink completely as I find generally I end up eating in the chipper after a night out or eating when I get home and as for the next day…well I spend it searching for foods in the sweet Isle to make me feel better but nothing ever works. For this process it’s just not worth a random night out when the results are such a big thing for me. * To follow my journey you can read my next blog in the Roscommon People.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

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SHEARWATER HOTEL HOSTING TOM GRIFFIN’S NEW BOOK LAUNCH The Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe are delighted to be hosting the launch of Tom Griffin’s new book in the field of Bio-energy and its healing powers on Saturday July 18th at 8 pm. Tom Griffin holds regular training sessions and seminars at the Shearwater Hotel’s conference facilities, and is available to speak with directly on the night of the book launch. This book will lead you on a journey back to the essence of yourself. It will explain the secrets of the Hidden Mind/Bio-energy, and Corrective Sound Programme as developed by Tom Griffin. It looks at the mind body connection which has long been forgotten about with the advancement of bio medicine. However, one of the most important trends in medicine in recent years has been the responsibility people are taking back for their own health. Healing is about the reintegration of Body, Mind, and Soul. When these three elements are out of balance the experience is that of illness or disease. One of the causes of stress in the body is cellular memory. Many issues have their source in cellular memories and are below the level of our conscious awareness. Contrary to conventional beliefs, recent research has demonstrated that our body cells are controlled by the conditions of the environment. The

cells respond to information derived from our thoughts, our mind-set and our behaviours and consequently influence our health in a positive or negative way. The Hidden Mind programme involves Bio-energy therapy, accessing the subconscious mind to determine the hidden energetic causes of diseases and correcting the energetic system using special sound frequencies. It is also a valuable treatment in the special needs area, such, Dyslexia, ADHD, ADD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The Hidden Mind programme is also very beneficial in the treatment of depression and anxiety both of which are reaching epidemic proportions in our society. The Hidden Mind is not limited in its ability to help other symptoms and diseases as supported by the testimonials. Further information can be found on the website www.hiddenmind.ie. Shearwater can accommodate conference from 10-850 people. For all conference/meeting room enquiries at the Shearwater Hotel call 090-9630400 or visit www. shearwaterhotel.com.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Business Roscommon businesses looking forward to Connacht ﬁnal weekend The President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce, Declan Molloy, says the businesses of the town and surrounding areas are looking forward to a busy weekend. Hyde Park will host the Minor and Senior Connacht Football Finals this Sunday and it is expected that up to 20,000 football fans will be in town. This offers local businesses the opportunity to showcase what’s best about Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Mr. Molloy said that hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets and pubs should all benefit from the influx of people over the weekend. Mr Molloy went on to say how important it is to the local economy that Hyde Park is developed as a premium venue for GAA games in the area. “Due to our location it will mean we can attract more matches, such as the likes of All-Ireland ‘Qualifiers’ when a neutral venue is required – and neutral supporters from neighbouring counties can easily access the

grounds. A developed Hyde Park will be good for generations to come.” Chairman of Roscommon Town Vintners Mr Larry Brennan said that having the Connacht Final in Roscommon town was a huge and very welcome boost for local pubs. “Not only will the pubs benefit but the whole hospitality sector including hotels, restaurants, shops, takeaways, B&Bs etc. will all benefit substantially from the town’s hosting of such a large event as a Connacht Final,” he said. “Many other towns on the Sligo and Mayo routes stand to benefit substantially also. It underlines the importance that the development of Hyde Park is to the entire business community of the county,” Mr. Brennan concluded. Mr. Molloy thanked everyone involved in organising the fixture in Roscommon this weekend. “Hopefully the sun will shine. My message to the public is come early and enjoy the atmosphere that ‘Connacht Final Day’ brings to the area.”

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€330,000 in funding for local food and artisan markets – Feighan

Declan and Mary T. Molloy pictured in Enniskillen supporting Roscommon on Sunday. Declan, in his capacity as President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce, has appealed to the public to come out early and enjoy Connacht Final day in Roscommon on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has encouraged organisers of food and artisan markets in Roscommon to apply for new Government funding. “I welcome the announcement of this total funding of €330,000 by Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney and Minister of State Ann Phelan,” he said. The funding is being made available under the CEDRA Rural Innovation and Development Fund for both community based markets for food/artisan produce along with existing social farming operations. These two schemes are being advertised nationally in local papers. “This funding programme will provide a great boost for community based markets across Roscommon,” said Deputy Feighan. Application forms and fuller schemes details can be found on the Department of Agriculture’s website (Agriculture.gov.ie). The closing date is August 14.

Roscommon’s favourite broadband provider’ RTE presenter Marty Morrissey, who was in Roscommon filming ahead of this weekend’s Connacht finals in Hyde Park, called into the Bank of Ireland and had a chat with manager Micheal Curley and the Bank of Ireland team.

Roscommon Tourism Showcase event RIGHT: Geraldine Beirne, Siobhán Cox Carlos and Rachel Feeley pictured at the recent Roscommon Tourism Showcase event in the Abbey Hotel. BELOW: Mary Gleeson, Deputy Denis Naughten, Tim Hayes, Michaela Dillon and Richard Siberry pictured at the recent Roscommon Tourism Showcase event in the Abbey Hotel. Pictures: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

TRAVEL IN STYLE. TRAVEL IN SPACE.

The wedding of Clodagh Martin and Garrett Spellman took place in Kilmovee, Ballaghaderreen last Saturday. The reception was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.

The new ŠKODA Superb is on sale in Ireland this July Open evening on Saturday at Burns Car Sales in Sligo! The new ŠKODA Superb was one of the big stars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and the third generation of the model is set for its Irish debut at Burns Car Sales on Saturday, 18th of July at 10 am, with prices for the diesel models starting from €27,795. The brand’s new flagship is, according to the brand, the best ŠKODA of all time and features emotive design, the most room of any vehicle in its segment, and innovative MQB technology from the Volkswagen Group. The previous version was a favourite among Irish buyers with over 1,150 sold in Ireland last year. The latest generation of the Superb still maintains the best in class legroom and luggage space. The new car is 28mm longer and has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the already vast current model and the already impressive luggage capacity has increased to 625-litres in the saloon model. The new Combi model will arrive in September 2015. The original Superb back in 2001 was famed for the storage compartment with umbrella. The new Superb now comes with two umbrellas with new compartments neatly tucked away in the front doors. The Superb enjoys some of the most advanced infotainment technology of any brand with Ambition and Style models all functioning with Apple Car Play, Mirror Link and Smart Link via large new colour touch screen interfaces. The new ŠKODA Superb boasts record values in consumption and emissions. All engines in the new Superb are turbocharged and EU6 compliant. Five new petrol and three TDI common rail diesel engines have been added. The volume seller in Ireland is expected to be the 1.6 TDI 120bhp that boasts 14% more power and 13% improved fuel economy when compared with the outgoing unit. There is a 15% improvement in fuel economy on two new 2.0 TDI units that have been introduced with 150bhp and 190bhp. New transmissions have also been introduced including a new 7speed DSG for the smaller diesel derivative and 6-speed DSG that can also be combined with 4x4 transmissions if one desires. A high performance 2.0 TSI, 4x4 with 6-speed DSG replaces

The new ŠKODA Superb. From €289 per month including three years servicing.

the normally aspirated 3.6, V6 that was offered previously. There are three specifications from launch; Active, Ambition and Style. A premium L&K model is expected at a later date. Pricing for the petrol models have yet to be finalised. Diesel entry prices start from €27,795 with standard equipment including Dual Zone Climate Control, 7-Airbags, Bluetooth, Front Assist, Electric Handbrake with Auto Hold. The Ambition model receives Colour Touch Screen Sound System, Bi-Xenon Lights with front and rear LEDs, 16” Alloy Wheels, Front Heated Seats and Rain Sensing Wipers. The top Style model receives Columbus Sat Nav unit, 3 Zone Climate Control, 17” Alloys, Full Leather interior and Reversing Camera. Commenting, John Burns, Dealer Principal of Burns Car Sales said: “The new Superb is arriving just in time for the 152 plate. The car is exceptional in every way and really needs to be test-driven to be appreciated. The car is 75 kg lighter than the previous version and when combined with improved aerodynamics ensures the new Superb has superior acceleration, fuel efficiency and emissions than the outgoing car. “We are already receiving queries from prospective fleet buyers for this vehicle which we are working hard to fulfil for July. Customers can also avail of our exceptional PCP Finance packages with rates starting from just 3.9% APR and monthly payments from €289. We are holding a special open evening on Saturday the 18th July to unveil the new SKODA Superb from 10 am where finger food and beverages will be available”.

Imagine a car that blurs the line between beauty and functionality. Where style and spaciousness are in perfect harmony. Where there’s room for everything, except compromise. We imagined such a car and we call it the new ŠKODA Superb. Longer, wider, taller, lighter and packed with the latest technologies, from €26,795 the new Superb represents 120 years of forward thinking. See the new Superb for yourself and enjoy some light refreshments at our special Open Event on the 18th July in our showroom from 10am or call one of our sales representatives for more information. skoda.ie

Clever inside The most popular Superb model, the Ambition, is available with a host of standard features such as:

Bi-Xenon Headlights with LED day time lights

Smartphone compatible with Largest interior in it class latest Infotainment Systems

Burns Car Sales, Dublin Road, Ballisadare, Co. Sligo. T. 071 9161500. W. www.burnscarsales.ie F. facebook.com/burnscarsales Terms and conditions apply. RRP prices displayed exclude dealer delivery and related fees. Typical Finance Example: Superb OTRP €27,395. Deposit / Part Exchange €8,390.95. 36 monthly payments of €289 (Including service plan of €13.99 per month). Optional Final Payment €10,718. Total cost of credit €1,764.31. Total hire purchase price €29,159.31. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy however n{{x{| vj xll~{ jwm |ynlrÔlj}rxw| vj lqjwpn r}qx~} y{rx{ wx}rlnÕ

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

€5m commercial development planned for Monksland Developer Donie Kenny is behind venture < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

A planning application for a huge development in Monksland, which would cost around €5 million to construct, was lodged with Roscommon County Council on Monday. According to the planning notice, the development would involve the construction of a district centre, measuring over 16,300 square feet. It would contain a discount food store, an off-licence and a café/ bar, along with 16 maisonettetype dwellings on the first floor, organised around residential open space in the form of a quadrangle, over-ground level parking. A second building, measuring almost 7,700 square feet, would also be built. This would comprise consulting rooms and offices. The proposed development also includes the construction of a proposed link road from the existing public road to the proposed site entrance, in order to access

A sketch of what the proposed development in Monksland would look like, according to the project architects, Brendan McGettigan & Associates.

what would be called Monksland District Centre. The businessman behind the plans is Athlone-based Donie Kenny, who has been attempting to build a similar development in the area in recent years. On June 3, An Bord Pleanála rejected his application to build a

retail centre at the Tuam Road site. His new plans, however, contain far less office and retail space and a residential element to the project. Mr Kenny is adamant that there is a need for his proposal development in the highly populated area of Monksland. “There are supermarkets requiring

property in the Monksland area and, contrary to what people think, there are none available for them,” he said. “There are 4,500 people in the Monksland area. There are 4,700 people in Roscommon town. The people in Monksland have to travel a minimum of 12 kilometres, round

trip, to do any sort of comparison shopping. “All of that travel is straight through the centre of Athlone.” Mr Kenny said that the project would cost “in the region of €5 million” and that the “anchor tenant would hopefully be a discount supermarket” (like Lidl or Aldi).

Drinking alcohol when pregnant…why risk it?

From My Kitchen Table

MIRIAM KERINS

Pregnant women should make their own informed choices – but they need more support, understanding, information and education on this issue Go anywhere in the world and tell people you’re Irish and they’ll fondly say things like “Aah Mrs Brown” – however, following last week’s staggering revelations that suggest nearly 80 per cent of Irish women expose their unborn babies to alcohol with around 45 per cent actually binge drinking during the first trimester, I imagine the next time I manage to go abroad and introduce myself as being a proud Irish mammy, the thorny subject of consuming alcohol while pregnant may raise its ugly head. Now this could be due to a recent study, led by Dr Linda O’Keefe of Cambridge University and published in medical journal BMJ Open, which revealed that Irish mothers-to-be are more likely to drink than their counterparts in the neighbouring UK or far-flung Australia and New Zealand. In fact readers, our little country actually emerged with the highest rates of drinking at 90 per cent prior to getting pregnant and 82 per cent while actually being pregnant. Now I don’t know about you, but as someone who has twice given birth, I find these revelations worrying and I have to ask myself why this is happening. You see, while there are both medical and government guidelines designed to advise and educate women regarding the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy, I wonder if they’re clear and concise enough to get the message across? I also wonder if different doctors are taking a somewhat more realistic and personal approach with their individual patients. You see, a few weeks ago TV presenter Maia Dunphy, whom I would regard as an intelligent motherto-be, someone who is in the public domain, some-

one that women would look up to and someone who is excitingly expecting her first child with her hubby, comedian Johnny Vegas, got rather annoyed when people made comments regarding her taking an alcoholic drink during pregnancy, saying “I’m not taking heroin, I’m having one drink,” adding, “I’m not drinking drinking, but I’m probably having one or two drinks a week, like a glass of wine with Sunday lunch or a beer.” Hmm. Interesting. Now this comment took me by surprise because it came from a lady with brains to burn and who presented a documentary on RTE called ‘Merlot and Me,’ where she focused on her own relationship with alcohol and while my first thought was – why risk it love – my second was well now, Maia is not the type of woman to put her child at risk and I’m sure she’s sensibly consulted with her obstetrician. Maia is a responsible woman, who, like me, researches and analyses all of the facts before making a decision. Now, while I believe all mothers want to do what is right for their child, please don’t think I’m on an awareness crusade here. That’s Leo Varadkar’s job as Minister for Health and maybe he (and his Department) needs to up their game when it comes to educating women, because it seems they’re getting mixed messages; but, having done my own research (while pregnant), on the worrying effects of alcohol on an unborn, which can include heart defects, poor muscle tone and problems with movements and balance, learning difficulties, problems with thinking and speech, etc., and, despite my doctor at the time saying an odd glass of wine or beer was ok, I decided that if, as an expectant mother I couldn’t, for the sake of my precious unborn’s health, go on the dry and stick to sparkling water or fruit juice for the nine months, then it was utter thoughtlessness on my part. But I stress that was me and I abstained because, having also read further literature on the subject, I concluded that perhaps those few beers or glasses of wine may expose my babies to Foetal Alcohol

Spectrum Disorder (FASD) because that aul gargle was going to travel down through my bloodstream and straight into my unborn babies’ tissues and organs, breaking down slowly in their fragile bodies, making their blood alcohol level increase, possibly rendering them harm and leading to lifelong, mild to severe damage. As I said, it was just a ‘risk’ but one I personally wasn’t prepared to take. Now I’m not campaigning for sainthood here because I actually do have a dirty little secret and it’s this…now that my child-bearing years are behind me I adore nothing more than winding down with a few drinks; I looovvvee my vodka, I looovvee my Jack Daniels, and, at this stage of my life, I’d imagine my official blood group is probably AB Smirnoff, but I have to stress that during both pregnancies, and even in the six months leading up to daughter No 2’s conception, not a drop of the hard stuff passed my lips. Swear to God! Oh, ok, I did have the odd swig out of the gripe water bottle. I didn’t say I was Mother Teresa! However, while I believe tackling the consumption of alcohol in pregnancy is critical, I most certainly do not agree with some scaremongers who insist that drinking whilst pregnant should be declared a crime; nor do I believe humiliating, annoying or berating pregnant women is the way to go either. And, for the record I don’t support those who want to control the minimum price of a bottle of wine saying it’s the only way to achieve zero tolerance in pregnancy. Instead I would strongly advocate for more support, understanding, information and education for parents-to-be, because let’s be honest, pregnant women should be afforded the right to make their own informed choices but they can only do this if they’re given all of the facts. I mean, c’mon, no mother wants to look at her precious new born infant knowing their future has been severely damaged by what was possibly her own irresponsible behaviour; now does she?

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

Brideswell Pattern Festival committee and supporters pictured at the launch in O’Connell’s, Brideswell.

Brideswell Pattern Festival launch The launch of Brideswell Pattern Festival took place recently in O’Connell’s Bar, Brideswell. Guest speaker on the night was Mayor of Roscommon, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff. Also present were Cllr. Tony Ward and Deputy Denis Naughten and all three spoke of great admiration of the Pattern and what the festival committee is trying to achieve on a limited budget. Chairperson Tomás Beades spoke of the highlights of the last few years and encouraged everyone to come out and continue to support

“the only festival of our kind in South Roscommon.” During the night the launch took place of a special Festival 50/50 Draw with all funds raised going to the Brideswell Pattern Festival Committee. The Draw takes place Monday 28th July. Tickets will be on sale throughout the weekend. The Festival, which gets underway on Thursday 23th July, promises to be even more popular and enjoyable than last year, with an action-packed schedule on offer – with something for all tastes.

Dancing, music and ‘The Cube’ amongst highlights of Brideswell Pattern Festival The annual Brideswell Pattern Festival will begin on Thursday, July 23rd next. Events will get underway this year with an excuse to get your dancing shoes on in the form of a céilí with the Anally Céilí Band in the Festival Marquee and Traditional music session in O’Connell’s Bar. This will be followed on Friday 24th when organisers host The Cube with MC Willie Hegarty in the Festival Marquee – so why not book a table now for the Traditional Gathering night for you and your family where you can eat a lovely choice of dish and enjoy local participants in The Cube afterwards. Groups of 10 or more are guaranteed a participant in The Cube. The group nominates one person. There will also be an open draw for all attendees. If you are interested in partaking in The Cube please state this when entering on the night. Cost of meal and The Cube – tickets on the door €10 per person or €25 per family (2 adults + family under 16). Doors open 8.30 pm with dinner at 9 pm. Saturday 25th is packed with entertainment for all age groups – young and old alike. Saturday’s schedule will involve a 6km walk in aid of the local Defibrillator group, Cycle trails around south Roscommon to choose from and a GAA blitz. The entertainment will continue on Saturday night with ‘Ireland’s newest country sensation’ Shane

Cllr. Paddy Kilduff pictured with Chairperson of Brideswell Pattern Festival Tomás Beades at their recent launch.

Owens and his band in the Festival Marquee with Sean Brennan. Tickets on the door are €15. Sunday 26th sees events get underway with the annual Pattern Mass at 12 noon in Brideswell Village followed by the family fun day which includes cake sale, wheel of fortune, local dancers, children’s entertainer and traditional Stations of the Cross. This year we are hosting a Monster Bingo in the marquee in the afternoon with a prize fund of €2,500.

Sunday evening also promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend with a special night of entertainment with the legendary Brendan Shine, supported by Sean Brennan and Andrew Kenny. The Festival will draw to a close on Monday night with music and a BBQ in Hamrock’s bar. For more information contact us on www.brideswellpatternfestival.com, email brideswellpf@gmail.com or find the Festival on Facebook.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

‘I’M GLAD YOU ASKED ME THAT’ POLITICAL BRIEFS, INSIGHTS & MUSINGS

Secret recording of Fianna Fail meeting HQ investigated recording at Strokestown meeting < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Cllr. John Keogh: ‘Aware there is apparently a recording.’

Fianna Fáil headquarters were asked to investigate the alleged secret recording of a party meeting in north Roscommon earlier this year. The practice has been condemned by a local party official and a local councillor, who described it as an “outrage”. This is the latest twist in a crisis that has engulfed Fianna Fáil recently. Currently the party is investigating complaints made by Cllr. John Keogh against Cllrs. Paddy Kilduff

and Ivan Connaughton, his south Roscommon colleagues. His complaints do not relate to the recording controversy. On being contacted by the Roscommon People, the recording controversy was confirmed this week by Mary Clifford, the secretary of Fianna Fáil in the Boyle Local Electoral Area (LEA). She said: “It was alleged there was a recording made of a conversation at a Boyle LEA meeting in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, on January 22. “We reported that detail to the headquarters of the party.” Ms Clifford said that she did not approve of the practice. She added: “As far as I am concerned, you cannot tape any meeting unless you actually specifically state that you are taping the meeting and

that it is for your own personal reasons… “In other words, if I recorded a meeting, I should not divulge, strictly speaking, what was in the recording. It would be for my information only.” Ms Clifford refused to disclose the outcome of the Fianna Fail investigation into the matter. “It is a party issue,” she said. “As far as we are concerned, the matter is closed. It was dealt with in the appropriate way.” However, Cllr. Ivan Connaughton disagrees. “I believe it has been reported to headquarters, but nothing has been done since about it,” he claims. “I believe it should be investigated.” He, too, condemned the practice. “I think it’s an outrage,”

he said. “I am aware that a meeting was recorded.” Cllr. Connaughton said that Fianna Fail councillors – with the exception of himself – had been made aware of the content of the recording. “I have not heard its content.” The alleged recording of the meeting is a source of “anger” for many party members throughout the county, Cllr. Connaughton said. “Many of them are afraid to attend meetings or are very wary about what they might say at meetings since,” he added. Cllr. Kilduff declined to comment on the matter. Cllr. Keogh told the Roscommon People: “I am aware that there is apparently a recording, but, obviously, I wasn’t at the meeting (it is not his area), so I am not in a position to make any comment in relation to its content.”

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Brother and sister to contest election? < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Anne Farrell, a sister of Labour Party Senator John Kelly, looks set to go head to head with her brother in the upcoming General Election. Ms. Farrell has been actively involved in Deputy Lucinda Creighton’s Renua party, on a local level, since it was officially launched in March. According to political sources, Ms. Farrell is set to be the party’s General Election candidate in the RoscommonGalway constituency. Her candidacy is expected to be confirmed at a Selection Convention next month. Mrs Farrell is particularly well-known in the Donamon and Oran areas and has engaged in a lot of overseas humanitarian work in the recent past. Senator Kelly has been confirmed as the Labour Party’s General Election candidate and his sister’s arrival into the race would prompt an unusual sibling battle!

Cllr. Paddy Kilduff : ‘No comment.’

Swanick set to run

HAC to ‘greet’ Kenny if he attends Connacht Final The Hospital Action Committee (HAC) will erect posters in Roscommon town on Sunday morning, in advance of the Connacht Final between Mayo and Sligo, anticipating Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s attendance at the match. The posters will read: ‘No A&E – not forgotten, not forgiven.’ It’s a sign that, even though it’s now four years since the accident and emergency unit at Roscommon Hospital closed, the issue hasn’t gone away. It is expected that Mr Kenny will attend the match, in a personal capacity, to support his native Mayo. Four years ago there was much media coverage of his absence from the 2011 Connacht Final, held in Roscommon at the height of the A&E controversy. The HAC chairperson, John McDermott, said: “It’s four years to the day since the A&E closed and the one thing that hasn’t improved is we don’t have an adequate ambulance service, as we were promised. “Everyone concedes that Roscommon is still an ambulance blackspot and there is still hours to wait for ambulances, in many cases.”

Cllr. Ivan Connaughton: ‘I think it’s an outrage.’

Deputy Frank Feighan, who won’t contest the next General Election, and Cllr. Maura Hopkins, who will. But will Fine Gael run one or two candidates?

FG’s dilemma: One candidate or two? < PAUL HEALY

Convention date set: Page 19 While Cllr. Maura Hopkins is now virtually certain to be on the Fine Gael ticket in the next General Election, some party activists in the Galway end of the constituency are advocating strongly for a two-candidate strategy. The risk with a two-candidate ticket is splitting the party vote and ‘leaking’ Galway transfers away from Cllr. Hopkins to other candidates. But some senior sources in Fine Gael in rural north Galway are unconvinced as of yet about securing a Fine Gael seat in the constituency without a Galway-based candidate to transfer to Hopkins. Fine Gael HQ seems to be keeping an open mind for the moment. Local activists have held meetings to discuss what strategy the party should adopt. On Monday night last Cllr. Hopkins addressed a well-attended North Galway Fine Gael meeting in

Cunningham’s Bar in Newbridge. The meeting was also addressed by Cllr Michael Finnerty (Ballinasloe). A number of speakers made the case for a two-candidate approach. However, at a meeting held in Ballinasloe in June, Cllr.Hopkins met with about forty Galway Fine Gael members. That meeting was organised by North Galway Fine Gael Senator Michael Mullins. The view at that meeting seemed to favour a onecandidate strategy. If Fine Gael decides to go with two candidates, there is speculation that Dr John Barton, recently retired Consultant Physician at Portiuncula Hospital, could emerge at the Galway-based candidate. Other possible contenders include Glenamaddy’s Cllr Peter Keaveney and Senator Mullins. It seems that, now that Frank Feighan is leaving the stage, Fine Gael bosses in Dublin may be giving Maura Hopkins the rest of the summer to convince local party activists that she is capable of delivering a seat on her own.

Castlerea native Dr Keith Swanick, right, has confirmed that he is considering running for Fianna Fáil in Roscommon/Galway in the General Election. He released a statement this week after the Roscommon People reported last week that there was growing speculation in political circles that he would contest the party’s Selection Convention. Dr Swanick, a general practitioner in Belmullet, Co. Mayo, said that he had been “encouraged by several Fianna Fáil members and individual units across Roscommon-Galway” to contest the convention. He said that these approaches had occurred since he addressed the Fianna Fáil councillors’ conference earlier this year and the ard fheis in the RDS, Dublin, in April. He added: “A final decision will not be taken by me in this regard until in-depth consultation has taken place with local units of the party across the constituency.” Dr Swanick is a long-term member of Fianna Fáil, stretching back to his involvement in Ógra Fianna Fáil. He was also active in former Minister Michael Finneran’s election campaign back in 2007. More recently, he has been involved with the party in relation to various policy issues.

Abortion: What they said < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Four of the five Oireachtas members in Co. Roscommon are thus far non-committal on whether the 8th Amendment of the Constitution, which relates to Ireland’s abortion laws, should be repealed. Website TheJournal.ie contacted all of the country’s TDs and Senators to ask them: “Are you personally in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment?” Of those in Co. Roscommon, Independent TDs Denis Naughten and Michael Fitzmaurice did not respond. Neither did Senator Terry Leyden, of Fianna Fáil. Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan indicated that he did not know what stance he would take yet. Senator John Kelly, of Labour, said that he was not in favour of repealing the 8th Amendment, a stance which goes against his party’s policy on the issue.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NewsPeople

‘If I ran in election, the A&E would be up at every doorstep’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has said that the main reason why he has decided not to contest the next General Election is because he had too much “baggage” over Roscommon Hospital. Speaking to the Roscommon People on Wednesday, he said: “If I was on the ticket for the General Election, the A&E would be up at every doorstep. “I believe we need someone fresh, without baggage. I think Fine Gael need to be united for the next election and I think I had a bit too much baggage. “I feel we need a new name and somebody different.” Deputy Feighan was non-committal on his future plans, refusing to rule out a rule out a return to the Oireachtas as a Senator or as Ceann Comhairle in the Dail. He also refused to respond to speculation that his decision not to seek to contest the General Election was based on private Fine Gael polling that had indicated he would not be re-elected. The Boyle-based deputy announced on Monday night that, after much consideration, he had decided to bow out as a TD. He has served the Roscommon-South Leitrim constituency continuously since 2007. Previously, he was a councillor for the Boyle area from 1999 to 2002 and a Senator from 2002 to 2007. Deputy Feighan would have faced a tough re-election bid, following the Government’s decision to close the round-the-clock accident

and emergency (A&E) Department at Roscommon Hospital in July 2011. Fine Gael had promised prior to the 2011 General Election that services at the hospital would not be reduced. Deputy Feighan said that the hospital would always be associated with his name, but that the decision to bow out was a personal one. He said: “I have decided not to put my name forward to contest the General Election for Fine Gael in the Roscommon-Galway constituency. “This is a personal decision which is one I have not taken lightly but one I feel is taken in the best interests of my party and my constituency. “Roscommon Hospital will always be associated with my name. And I’ll always take pride in the fact that not only is Roscommon Hospital safer, but has a long-term future with a €20 million investment plan taking place there. “The introduction of the air ambulance and advanced paramedics has saved dozens of lives.” The air ambulance service was introduced in the summer of 2012, a year after the closure of A&E at Roscommon Hospital. Deputy Feighan said that he was “honoured” to have been a member of the Government that “restored our nation’s sovereignty”. He said that he had helped deliver €200 million in infrastructure projects, including the Ballaghaderreen Bypass and €20 million’s worth of funding to help to resolve Co. Roscommon’s water crisis. He added: “I have worked hard to constituents. I have always tried to be honourable and decent. “My work as a TD continues. I will continue to fulfil my mandate as a local Fine Gael TD right up until polling day, whenever that may be, with energy and pride.”

Message from FG poll: Back Maura to win seat < PAUL HEALY

Deputy Frank Feighan

A private poll conducted by Fine Gael convinced the party that Deputy Frank Feighan was highly unlikely to be re-elected in the next General Election. The party conducted the poll in Roscommon/Galway constituency earlier this year. Reliable Fine Gael sources indicate that Feighan did not fare well in the poll, confirming a long-

held view that the party would have a better chance of winning a seat with a new candidate. In the poll, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice came out on top (exceeding the quota on 27.5%) and looking good to take the first seat in the new threeseat constituency. The poll suggested that Independent TD Denis Naughten is set to take the second seat. According to our sources the Fine

Gael poll has Cllr. Maura Hopkins well placed to take the third seat, fighting off strong competition from both Sinn Fein (Claire Kerrane) who polled strongly and Fianna Fail. Deputy Feighan this week declined to respond to speculation that his decision not to contest the General Election was based on private Fine Gael polling that had indicated he would not be re-elected.

FG organiser: ‘History will be kind to Feighan’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fine Gael’s western area regional organiser, Darragh Kelly, from Tulsk, has paid tribute to Deputy Feighan following his decision not to contest the next General Election. He said: “I think Frank Feighan has served the party with huge courage and dignity. I think history will be quite kind to him. “I would like to thank him for his contribution to the party, as a TD, Senator and councillor over many years. “I think Frank has been a very good public representative and a very good representative for the party and a very decent individual as well.” Deputy Feighan has been a public representative continuously for 16 years. He was a councillor for the Boyle area from 1999 to 2002, a Senator from 2002 to 2007 and a TD from 2007 onwards.

Date set for Fine Gael Convention < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fine Gael have announced that their Selection Convention for the new Roscommon-Galway constituency will take place on Friday, September 11, in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town. After Deputy Frank Feighan’s decision to bow out of Dáil politics, Cllr. Maura Hopkins is so far the only confirmed candidate for the contest, which will decide who will represent the party in the next General Election. She contested last October’s by-election. She gained 5,593 first-preference votes and finished third, behind Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, the winner, and Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, of Fianna Fáil. Cllr. Hopkins has joined in the tributes to Deputy Feighan this week. She said: “Frank Feighan has been a diligent parliamentarian, advocating tirelessly on behalf of the people of Roscommon/South Leitrim. “Frank’s hard work and positive influence as a Government TD has made sure the needs of the people of this constituency has been continually highlighted at the top levels of Government. “His advocacy over the past few years has helped secure the delivery of many services, initiatives and projects in a very challenging economic environment. “He has served the people with distinction and dedication and I wish him every success with all his future endeavours.”

Taoiseach pays tribute to Feighan < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has paid tribute to Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan after he announced that he would not be contesting the next General Election. Deputy Feighan announced on Monday in a “personal decision” that his term as a deputy will end at the conclusion of the Government’s term of office. The news will bring the curtain down on a career as a TD which saw Deputy Feighan serve RoscommonSouth Leitrim continuously since 2007. The Taoiseach said: “I was sorry to learn but fully accept Deputy Frank Feighan’s decision not to put his name forward to contest the next General Election for Fine Gael in the Roscommon-Galway constituency. “I want to sincerely thank him for his hard work and

excellent service to the people of Roscommon-South Leitrim over the past 16 years, firstly as a councillor, as a Senator and then as a TD since 2007.” Deputy Feighan was subjected to strong and relentless criticism for his decision to support the Government following the closure of the Accident and Emergency Unit at Roscommon Hospital in July 2011. However, the Taoiseach said that the hospital was now safer as a result of Deputy Feighan’s input in recent developments there. Mr Kenny said: “Frank has worked tirelessly to help this Government deliver infrastructure projects and enhanced services to the people of Roscommon and Leitrim, including making Roscommon Hospital safer and relentlessly working to resolve the water crisis in his constituency.”

The Taoiseach also commended Deputy Feighan for his work as chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and co-chairman of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly. “The passion, energy and commitment he has brought to these roles have helped to foster greater British-Irish relation, which will be evident for many years to come,” he said. The Taoiseach said that, on a personal level, he had know Deputy Feighan for his entire political career. “He is a man of great courage, integrity and loyalty,” he said. “I will continue to work closely with Frank over the coming months as he serves the people of Roscommon-South Leitrim and I wish him well for the future.”

Deputy Frank Feighan pictured with Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Living&Lifestyle

FRANKLY SPEAKING

Frank Brandon’s unique take on life ...

Keeping the home (bon)ﬁres burning The first time I took notice of the local tradition of bonfires at weddings, was at my brother Peadar’s wedding to Theresa, which must be close to forty years ago, when I got such a surprise to see one, as I came round a corner a few miles out of Creggs, that I very nearly lost control of my new 12-year-old car and almost drove straight into the massive blaze. Thankfully I avoided the fire, but, as that was the first wedding I had ever been invited to, I took it for granted that bonfires must be part of the tradition all around the country. I found out that I had made an incorrect assumption, on the occasion of my own wedding to Carol 35 years ago, in August, when friends who had travelled from different parts of Ireland couldn’t get over the sight of bonfires all over the place – I remember some of them wondering at how dangerous they were and they couldn’t understand how they were allowed at all, but at the same time thought it was a lovely local touch. My late neighbour in Crosswell Bernadette Keany, who had a little shop just down the road from me, was the woman who kept the bonfire tradition going year in year out in our little village, and hail, rain or snow, Bernie always had her fire lit – occasionally the cavalcade mightn’t be passing our way at all which would disappoint her greatly, but nothing deterred her, and for every local wedding out came The Bernie Bonfire. Fast-forward to last Friday morning and if you had passed my house from 12.30 onwards you would have seen a strange looking man (me) lovingly tending a fire that, at times, looked like an out of control forest fire but, at other times, looked as if it was on its last legs,

as myself and my neighbour, Gibby (Jacinta Hanley) piled on papers, magazines, bits of timber and turf, and even handfuls of wet hay in an effort to keep our bonfire alive. The occasion was the wedding of our neighbour Julie Keegan to Kilmore man Aidan Brennan, and I have to sadly admit that, after our herculean efforts, by the time the wedding parts passed by, our fire consisted of just a few fading wisps of smoke – it didn’t matter however, we had kept Bernie’s tradition alive, and, for all future weddings I promise to do better. A quick change after the shower to try and get rid of the smell of smoke, and off with us to the Country Club Hotel in Glasson outside of Athlone. Now I’m working in Athlone for ten of twelve years, but I never realised that such a gem existed and I confess that I was totally amazed at the wonderful facility – the adjoining golf club looked brilliant and the scenery, looking out over the lake, was truly spectacular. The reception inside was just as good as the outside had suggested it might be, and the almost 300 guests had a superb meal, and yet again, yours truly surpassed himself at the dinner table. I missed out on the wonderful music of The Busy Fingers band, as, sadly I was pencilled in for work on Saturday morning, but according to all reports it was a great night’s craic. To Aidan and Julie we wish you a long happy and healthy life together, and I’m off to enrol in a bonfire-lighting class.

Barrel(s) of laughs (and great music!): Members of the Tom Morrison Comhaltas pictured at the Glenamaddy Festival. Picture: Andrew Fox

the Donamon Castle Open Day is on next Sunday week, 26th July and The Busy Fingers are among the many musical acts, which also includes The Conquerors, The Heebie Jeebies, Patsy McCaul and The Castlerea Brass Band. The Duggan School of Dancers, who are stars of TG4 and The World of Dancing Championships and who were absolutely fantastic in Donamon last year, are back again, and whatever you do, don’t miss them. The whole thing kicks off with Mass at 12.30 pm. Castlerea legend Danny Burke is MC and parking and entry is still free – for the children there is face painting, bouncy castle, pony rides, and Bozo the Clown, while you can also see some lamas and eagles. A big draw, with €1,500 as first prize, will take place on the day. Open Day at Tickets will be on sale and the very Donamon Castle popular book stall will also be open for Sticking with The Busy Fingers business, you can go on a guided tour band, and Sean Beirne tells me that of the castle itself, and for the first time

the Inland Fisheries Board will have a display of the fish that can be found in the River Suck. It’s an amazing day’s entertainment with free parking, and free entry, so pencil it in, and I’ll see you all there.

No tie-break for Lewis at Wimbledon Changing subject slightly, and on today’s papers it’s interesting to see that no matter who you are, if you don’t tog out properly when you are invited to The Royal Box in Wimbledon, you won’t get in. World champion motor racing driver Lewis Hamilton was among a select group of guests invited to watch the Men’s Singles Final from the exclusive Centre Court area, but, unfortunately he didn’t dress properly for the occasion, and he was simply not let in. Apparently you have to wear a tie, a jacket and shoes (no mention of trousers but I’d say you should wear

a pair of them as well) and our man Lewis didn’t have either a jacket or tie, although he had a hat, and so there was no way in. I am surprised that a man of his wealth couldn’t have a tie and a jacket delivered fairly quickly, but maybe it wasn’t possible! Anyway it proves that, in Wimbledon, you had better toe the line, which is appropriate enough if you think about it.

And ﬁnally… Finally for this week, it was a good weekend for our local footballers who beat Ballinameen in the Junior Championship in Tulsk on Saturday evening! Also for Galway who went to Armagh and won, and for all those who want John Evans out in Roscommon – I’d say they might just get their way. ‘Til next week, Bye for now

‘Drive-In Bingo’ comes to Ballyleague!

Pictured at the announcement that the ‘Drive-In Bingo’ has come to Ballyleague and will be held for the first time on the August Bank Holiday Monday at 3 pm in St. Faithleach’s GAA club grounds.

Yes that’s right – the all-American style ‘Drive-In Bingo’ has come to Ballyleague and will be held for the first time on the August Bank Holiday Monday at 3 pm in St. Faithleach’s GAA club grounds to the sounds of legs eleven, two little ducks or kelly’s eye. The game, which is similar to the ordinary hall bingo, allows everyone to play the game in the comfort of their own car or on a bus with family and friends where they can check by honking the horn to win fantastic cash prizes. The volunteer croupiers will assist in the call backs from the cars and the payouts. Facilities include a shop, toilets and players attending on foot can play indoors. The proceeds from the event will

go towards the upkeep and further development of sporting facilities at the club grounds. The game will be run on three dates in 2015 with plans to roll it out to all Bank Holiday Mondays in 2016. The dates set for 2015 are as follows: August Bank Holiday Monday 3rd August, Sunday September 13th and October Bank Holiday Monday 26th October. Fantastic cash prizes to be won on the day to the value of €4,400 with a chance of winning an accumulative Jackpot starting at €1,000 if won in the first forty numbers and increasing in each game. For more information email pro. stfaithleachs.roscommon@gaa.ie find us on facebook or phone 086-8393964.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Weekend

PEOPLE

SOCIAL PEOPLE:

Bernadine’s big break

See page 24

CHOICES FOR THIS WEEKEND…

Solstice Choir Concert Continuing on with their successful summer 2015 concert series, Roscommon Solstice Choir return to Roscommon town for the aptly-titled ‘Summer Time and the Livin’ is Easy’ Concert this Sunday 19th July at 8 pm in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Proceeds in aid of Mote Park Conservation Group. Consisting of over 100 members from all over Co. Roscommon, the popular choir, under the direction and stewardship of Eimear and Andrew Reynolds, have enchanted audiences with their powerful, uplifting and inspirational music and songs.

Lake and Legends Solas Festival 2015 The second annual Lake and Legends Solas Festival will take place in Ballaghaderreen from Friday, July 17th, to Sunday, July 19th. Succeeding the extremely popular Solas Festival, this year’s line-up includes events and activities to suit all ages and interests.

Young Frenchpark woman is new lead vocalist with De Dannan See page 26

Carrick Water Music Festival The 11th annual Carrick Water Music Festival commenced this week, bringing five days of musical and artistic discovery to Carrick-on-Shannon. An exciting and innovative line-up is planned with something to please all artistic tastes. One of the highlights of this year’s programme is the Festival’s Gala Event, taking place on Saturday 18th July at Landmark Central in The Landmark Hotel. In between, patrons can experience fine Art exhibitions, Literary events, Children’s Art Workshops and a free musical trail throughout the town.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS Mid-Summer Madness at

NEW RELEASE FRIDAY 17th

Red Parrot THE SQUARE – ROSCOMMON. 090-6625700 Saturday 18th July - Music with

Cookies Corner

The Foyer Café

Centre Point Retail Park Roscommon KIDS MOVIE CLUB (KMC) Adult & Kids Tickets ONLY €3 each For All Enquiries Tel: 090-6665333 facebook/ C & L plex

JJ HARLOWS - Market Square, Roscommon -

Now Open

Thursday 16th

minnows

Big bucket deal on the night Sunday 19th July - Hit the Dip with

DJ Paul Clabby at 8 bells Best of luck to all teams in the Connacht final on Sunday

Launch of Rockin’ Rossies fundraiser on Friday night The Rockin’ Rossies – a one-off night of live music and a 70s, 80s and 90s disco –will be held at Carty’s Porterhouse, Castle Street, Roscommon on Friday 21st of August. All profits raised on the night go to Pieta House West. The fundraising night will be launched this Friday night in Carty’s at 8 pm. Organisers, some of the musicians involved and representatives from Pieta House will be there and refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

is Now Open at C&L plex Opening Hours Mon to Sat: 10am to 6pm Sun & Bank Holidays: 11am to 6pm

Week Commencing Friday 17th– Thur 23rd

Movie Times

ANT MAN 2D (12A)

12:10; 16:50; 19:00; 21:30

ANT MAN 3D (12A)

14:30; 19:10

JURASSIC WORLD 2D (15A)

13:50; 21:05

MAGIC MIKE XXL (16)

16:20; 21:30

SONG OF THE SEA (PG)

12:00 (KMC); 14:10; 16:50; 18:55

TED 2 (16)

16:30; 19:00; 21:20

TERMINATOR GENISYS 2D (12A)

14:05; 16:35; 21:30

THE MINIONS MOVIE 2D (G)

12:15; 14:25; 19:20

TWO BY TWO (G)

11:50 (KMC)

Traditional Irish music event this Saturday in Ballaghaderreen A Traditional Irish Music and Dance Show takes place on Saturday 18th of July at 9 pm on The Square, Ballaghaderreen as part of the Lake and Legends Solas Festival. It will feature a showcase of Sean Nos and traditional Irish dancing, also barrel and brush dancing, half-set and much more, featuring the Ganley sisters from Ballaghaderreen, joined by world-renowned musicians and dancers. This is a thrilling, lively and entertaining performance – a show not to be missed.

Your perfect weekend getaway or city break? I’d love to go to Florida and Disneyland of course! You’re booked into a top restaurant. Who would your perfect dinner guest be? My wife Maria! Your perfect weekend read? The Roscommon People and Roscommon Herald of course! Your perfect weekend TV viewing? Oireachtas Report!

Saturday 18th:

The Ronan Gallagher Band

Strange Brew

Michael Fitzmaurice is an Independent TD in Roscommon/South Leitrim

Your perfect weekend night out? A Chinese with Maria and the children.

Acts TBA

BLUES SESSION

Michael Fitzmaurice

What sporting event would you like to attend on your perfect weekend? A Roscommon/Galway All-Ireland Final please!

The Square House Social

Sunday 19th:

My Perfect Weekend

You can attend a concert of your choice. What would your choice be? I’d love to have attended Garth Brooks’ 5th concert in Croker!

Friday 17th

- 6 pm in Middle Bar * No Cover Charge, all gigs are at 10pm approx unless stated otherwise * Search for us on facebook: JJ-Harlows- The- Square-Roscommon-Town

Proudly serving John Walsh and Brenda Brennan pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Leitrim rockers for JJ’s JJ Harlow’s, The Square, Roscommon, welcomes The Ronan Gallagher Band this Saturday night, one of the region’s most popular original groups. Formed in October 2013, Leitrim-based The Ronan Gallagher Band spent six months rehearsing their all-original set of songs before gracing a stage for the first time in April 2014. Since then they have been gigging constantly, gaining a reputation as a great live act and building a loyal local fan base with their in-

fectious music, great lyrics, passionate performances, and memorable songs. Songs like ‘Never Let You Go’, ‘Take Me Down’, ‘Dreams’ ‘Won’t Do That’ and the pulsating ‘Long Gone’ written in Gallagher’s local train station after a chance encounter with a young man emigrating to Australia. The band’s motto, ‘Love Live Music’ epitomises their attitude to their live performance. High octane at times, other times soul searching and heartfelt,

it’s always delivered with energy, passion, and above all, a great sense of fun. The Ronan Gallagher Band are a band that clearly love playing live, and look like they are enjoying their gigs as much as their audiences are. They do come with a slight health warning though, as they have been known to cause outbreaks of uncontrollable dancing and joy. Make sure not to miss this talented five-piece when they take to the stage this weekend at JJ’s.

Castlemine Farm selection of pies

Pie and a pint of selected Irish craft beer €10 all day every day.

BEER OF THE WEEK! Independent Pale Ale Independent Pale Ale from Connemara is a hoppy, vibrant beer full of taste and flavour. The rye in the malt bill blends with the bitter spiciness of the hops for a refreshing bite. Double dry-hopped for extra aroma.

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS The Country Ballroom

Shane Owens for the Country Ballroom

TULSK INN Saturday, 19th July:

The Country Ballroom, Tulsk Inn are delighted to welcome the sensational

Shane Owens and his band

Dave Lawlor

Also 4 hours of non stop dancing. Doors open 9pm. Admission €15 Thursday, 23rd July:

Our first Concert and Dance with Carmel McLoughlin, Frank Forde, Emerald Storm and Ryan Owens (All Ireland Sean Nos Dancer) Admission €10

Shane Owens is Ireland’s newest country sensation, and he brings his live show to the Country Ballroom, Tulsk this Saturday, July 18th. Shane Owens is about to realise his lifelong dream. During 2015 this young and affable 18-year-old has hit the road with a new live dance show which is turning out to be the most exciting event on the country scene this year. Born in Reading just outside London – to Irish parents (both mum and dad are from Cavan) – from the age of three Shane fell in love with Irish country music. At every opportunity he would raid his dad’s record collection and listen for endless hours to Mick Flavin, Mike Denver and some legends from the USA including Waylon Jennings, George Jones and Willie Nelson. By the age of five, he was performing the country classic ‘Country Roads’ on stage at his local Irish club, and there and then he was bitten by the bug and has never looked back. J&C Promotions’ Managing Director and well-known broadcaster Joe Finnegan has already stated his belief that “Shane Owens has what it takes to be a huge international star,” adding “we are delighted to have him with us and already we see great potential in this talented young man.”

Seamus O’Rourke returns to Roscommon Arts Centre with ‘INDIGESTION’

Judy McNamara and Mary Holmes pictured at the Roscommon Races last week. Picture: Andrew Fox

Seamus O’Rourke brings his new play ‘INDIGESTION’ to Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday July 24th at 8 pm. According to Seamus his new play ‘INDIGESTION’ came about after a chance meeting with “a fella of my age and stature… he had a great story to tell and although it was a tough life he had led, he remained upbeat and positive. I just thought, with the times that are in it, it was an important story to get out there. There is hope for all of us, no matter how bleak things might seem.” The story revolves around a man who is shipped off to London when he is 17. He suffers with bouts of depression and has both obesity and anger issues; he both finds and loses love and returns to Ireland to more misfortune and mayhem.

“But there is loads of fun in that story too”, says Seamus. “There has to be, it’s real and in reality laughter and tears are never far from each other and that’s even more true when you bring stories to the stage.” According to Seamus, the reaction to the play so far has been great, because it is one of hope and it is a real story that people can and will relate to. It has been a busy time for O’Rourke recently, having just finished performing alongside Michael Harding in ‘The Field’ at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. Seamus O’Rourke continues to be hugely popular with Roscommon audiences and his latest offering promises yet another great night of theatre. Tickets are now on sale at Roscommon Arts Centre on 090-66 625824 or log onto www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School One of the highlights of the O’Carolan Summer School in Keadue is the concert to be held on Thursday, 30th July, 2015. This is always a popular concert of traditional music, song and dance when Ireland’s leading artists will be performing. The tutors at the Summer School have agreed to take part in the concert and the MC for the night is Eugene Murphy of Shannonside Radio. The following artists will be performing on the night – Graine Hambly, Holly Geraghty, Der-

bhla Finnegan, Bernie Geraghty, Michael Hurley, Junior Davey, Daithi Gormley, Padraig Sweeney, Lorraine Sweeney, Fiona Lavin, Angelina Carberry, Fionnuala Maxwell, Mairead Casey & Gerard Butler. A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Among the attractions at the O’Carolan Harp Festival in Keadue will be the many Craft Exhibitions and demonstrations which will take place on Sunday, 2nd August, 2015. Among the other highlights of the

O’Carolan Harp Festival over the years is the appearance of Liam Purcell and his many friends. Liam has toured with Comhaltas Ceoltoírí Eireann on many occasions appearing at concert venues in various cities throughout the world. He is the leader of the O’Carolan Country Ceili Band who are playing at one of the Summer School céilíthe on Tuesday night, 28th July and at the Door Dancing on Monday, August, 3rd. He will also be participating in the numerous music sessions throughout the Festival and Summer School.

Queen of The Woodlands 2015 Loughglynn Music Festival are holding their annual ‘Queen of The Woodlands’ competition on Saturday 1st August in Loughglynn Community Centre. The organising committee are looking for their next Queen of the Woodlands. If you would like to sponsor a girl for the night the committee would be delighted to hear from you. The winning ‘Queen’ not only gets to represent them at the Roscommon Selection night for Tralee 2016 but also receives a substantial cheque and numerous gifts and vouchers. There are a limited number of places available. It will cost €100 to sponsor a girl. If you require an application form or have any query regarding the Queen of The Woodlands please contact one of the committee – Annette Morris on 086-0684378, Dympna McDonnell on 086-0682109 or Mamie Creaton on 087-7857285.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Johnny Griffin and Gráinne Blighe. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Nigel Dineen, Emer Casey and Pat Lavin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Aileen Holland and Gráinne Cribben. Picture: Andrew Fox

Monaghan punter nets over €32,000 at Roscommon Races

Out B & About

oyleSports can report that one of their savvy customers from County Monaghan won big with their €25 bet on four horses at Roscommon on Tuesday of last week. The customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, staked a €1 Lucky 15 and a €10 Accumulator on the Paul Flynntrained Steel King to win the 7.05, Annie Alainn to win the 7.35, Westerner Lady to win the 8.05 and Poetic Lady to win

the 8.35 at Roscommon. Steel King won at odds of 5/1, Westerner Lady at 7/1, Poetic Lady at 8/1 whilst Annie Alainn won at 6/1 under David Mullins. The oracle-like punter netted €27,720 for his €10 Accumulator whilst their Lucky 15 netted €5,146.90 which included a 10% bonus for getting all four winners bringing the total winnings to €32,866.90.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Pamela Walsh, Laura Smyth and Sandra Walsh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Paul Kilkenny, Sabrina Kilkenny, Elaine Kelly and Paul Kelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Mary Smith, Maureen McGuire and Eileen Holland. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Roscommon Races recently were Caroline Winters, Laura Smyth, Lorna Flynn, Gemma McDonagh and Bernie Coen. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Interview

‘I love singing with De Dannan!’ – Bernadine Casserly follows in illustrious footsteps < SEAMUS DUKE

ernadine Casserly (28) is very relaxed and laid-back and a brilliant interviewee – a young woman who is friendly and outgoing and extremely grounded. When I met her at her home in Frenchpark last weekend she explained how she comes from a musical household – although she didn’t start singing until she was well into her teenage years. “I was never a singer at all growing up. I played the fiddle for years and years. My grandfather taught me my first few pieces on the fiddle. I was about eight or nine when I started.” Lessons followed, and they in turn were followed by Bernadine attending the odd music session. She didn’t take part however, preferring to play her music at home. A “little band” was formed in the Casserly household! “I played the fiddle and tin whistle and my sister Denise did the singing. I never sang, but everyone in the family played music so that was where the interest in music came from.” In fact Bernadine, who has a truly magical voice, never really started singing until she was about 16. “I was in school in St Nathy’s in Ballaghaderreen. We had a Carol Service every year. One day I went into school with no homework done and I was in trouble! There was solo practice going on so instead of getting into more trouble I went to the solo practice. I ended up singing solo with the choir – and that’s where it started. So it was by accident really!” Bernadine began to take singing seriously when she was told that she had a talent for it. “I was singing in choirs and in the Church and then I started doing vocal training down in Sligo.” After a couple of years Bernadine was now working in Frenchpark, but her singing talent came to the fore again when she won a major talent show which was held in Roscommon town eight years ago. ‘Roscommon’s Got Talent’ was run over a number of weeks and generated huge interest locally. “It was a huge thing. For eleven weeks I never left this house except to go and compete. I used to come home from work at lunchtime and practice. It was practice, practice, practice. It was a huge learning experience for me because it got me used to performing in front of people. That was the first time that I got up on stage and started performing on a formal

Bernadine Casserly, Frenchpark, lead vocalist with world-renowned Irish band De Dannan.

basis.” Having completing her education, Bernadine began working with Frenchpark & District Childcare, where she still works. “The music kind of took a back seat but gradually I went back to it.” This talented singer was never going to go without performing too long and soon her voice was in demand at weddings. “People started contacting me to sing at weddings. It was word of mouth mostly. I never really promoted myself or anything like that. A friend of my sister was getting married and she asked me to sing – and it took off from there.” Bernadine explains that there is a protocol involved in singing at a wedding. “I have a set-list of songs so I guide the couples who come to me. There is certain criteria that

A RISING STAR Bernadine Casserly is a woman on the way up in the Irish music world. The young Frenchpark native is a former ‘Roscommon’s Got Talent’ winner and is well-known as a wedding singer all over the West of Ireland. However, her career has moved up several notches since Christmas of 2014 after she got a call to join the world-renowned Irish band De Dannan as their lead vocalist. Bernadine’s predecessors as lead vocalist with De Dannan include Dolores Keane, Mary Black, Maura O’Connell and Eleanor Shanley. Now she is gigging with De Dannan around the country and internationally. She still sings at weddings and continues to work at the local crèche in Frenchpark. Bernadine is an incredibly busy woman but she made time recently to chat to Seamus Duke…

you have to follow for Church music but if the couple want certain pieces I will learn them for the day. I am doing a lot of weddings now, mostly around the West of Ireland.” So, with Bernadine singing

away at weddings and making a name for herself, a huge new break arrived prior to Christmas 2014. “In December I got a text from Frankie Gavin. My sister works in the Galway Clinic

and Frankie had told a friend of hers that their singer in De Dannan was leaving the band. She showed Frankie a video of me on YouTube and he contacted me as a result.” Bernadine met up with Frankie and by January she was playing her first gig for De Dannan, down in Clare. “It was a real nervous time because I had two days to learn a load of new songs. The band is so well-known that you have to make sure you don’t mess up the words because at their gigs everyone in the audience knows them! “It’s busy enough but not crazy with De Dannan and that suits me because I am working here in Frenchpark and I have the weddings too. “We are doing three or four gigs a month with De Dannan at the moment and I have to

say I love it. We were over in France recently in Lille and played at a festival – that went well. The line-up now is Frankie Gavin, Colm O’Cuiv from Kilkenny on guitar and Dan Bodwell on bass and Barry Brady, who is a Roscommon man. He plays the box. “Actually we are opening the Boyle Arts Festival on the 24th of July and we are really looking forward to that. It can be very busy. For instance, recently I was singing at a wedding in Leitrim and I had to be in Kerry that night for a gig, so that’s what can happen.” Bernadine loves all sorts of music. “I love listening to classical music to be honest and I love singing classical stuff too. I would have trained in that style. And of course I love traditional music. It’s what I was reared on and I am back playing the fiddle now again too!” So what does the future hold for Bernadine? “I’m gaining experience all the time. I would love to do something on my own in time, with a band. Singing with De Dannan is a level up from anything I did before and I have a few ideas about what I should do. I am happy enough at the moment but I need to settle on what direction I want to go. I like the De Dannan style of music. I love being with De Dannan at the moment. They are very good to me and I get on great with them.” Bernadine is doing a lot of travelling all around the country but she still lives at home with her parents Brian and Mary. She has two brothers and two sisters. “I have been working with Frenchpark & District Childcare for eight years. They have been brilliant to me…and very understanding with regard to time off for weddings and gigs. Only for them I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing at the moment. We will see what the future brings. But it’s going well at the moment” she concluded. A cup of tea and two beautiful scones made by Bernadine’s mother, Mary, finished the evening off in Frenchpark. I left the company of Bernadine Casserly with a clear sense that there is only one direction in which she is heading – and that’s upwards. It was a pleasure to meet her. Note: Bernadine has released a single, ‘Calico Sky’, which is a reworking of an old Simon and Garfunkel song. Bernadine’s single is receiving a lot of airplay on radio stations around the country. She intends to release another single over the next few weeks.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Living&Lifestyle

Annual Donamon Family Open Day launched The annual Family Open Picnic Day takes place in the beautiful grounds of Donamon Castle on Sunday, July 26th 2015 starting at 12.30 pm. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Councillor Paddy Kilduff recently launched the Open Day and wished Fr Pat Hogan and all the SVD Community and the or-

ganising committee a very successful and enjoyable day. Now in its 20th year, Councillor Kilduff noted that this event draws large crowds to Donamon Castle for a day of entertainment and fun for all the family and congratulated the committee and Divine Word Missionaries for running this event for the past 20 years.

Pictured at the recent launch of the Donamon Family Open Day was Fr Pat Hogan and Roscommon County Council Chairman Paddy Kilduff and Sean Beirne (committee).

Fr Hogan SVD stated that Divine Word Missionaries came to Donamon 76 years ago and when the order first arrived from Germany to a derelict castle neighbours and friends welcomed them and supported them in their mission. He also stated that Donamon Castle is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Ireland and dates back to 1154. Fr Hogan cordially invites everyone to come to Donamon on July 26th to a huge line up of entertainment with music and dance, tours of the castle, children’s entertainment and much more. He also acknowledged the huge community effort that goes into arranging this day. Full details of the Open Day will be published in next week’s edition of the Roscommon People.

Pictured at the recent launch of the Donamon Family Open Day were organisers and public representatives with Fr Pat Hogan and Roscommon County Council Chairman Paddy Kilduff.

In Praise of Perennials Every garden should make the most of these colourful plants say the experts at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre. Perennial plants are the life and soul of borders at this time of year. They are simply packed with flowers which bring splashes of fresh and vibrant colour to the garden. There are varieties which will flower in every season, but now is the time most perennials are at their most dazzling best. If your border lacks a bit of pizzazz at the moment, then look no further than frothy astilbes, spires of salvias and lupins, elegant Princess lilies and many other perennials for an instant show of colour. Perennials are plants that come back every year – so you can enjoy them in the garden for many years (even generations!). Almost all of them will naturally die down for the winter months, but they come up even better again the following spring. There was a fashion for grouping perennials together in

an herbaceous border, but it’s far better to use them among shrubs, so that you maintain a bit of structure in the winter.

Planting for impact The versatility of perennials is something that can be fully exploited in the garden. You can find varieties that are suitable for ground cover, shady areas, coastal gardens, and wet or dry soil. If like many gardeners in the west of Ireland, you have heavy wet soil or a damp area in the garden then perennials such as astilbes, hostas, arum lilies, perennial lobelias and rodgersias will all luxuriate. Ground covering perennials are extremely useful for keeping down weeds. Some of the best varieties for ground cover are ajuga, bergenia, geranium and Persicaria affinis ‘Superba’, which will knit together to form a dense carpet. For the best effect always plant perennials in groups, using 3-5 of the same variety together, or more if using

them for ground cover in a large area.

Aftercare Very little aftercare is needed with most perennials, apart from cutting the old stems back in the winter. Every few years most of them will usually benefit from being dug up and divided, replanting strong pieces back into compostenriched soil. This is best done in spring, just as new growth starts to appear. Most plants will divide easily, either by pulling pieces apart from the main crown or splitting through it with a spade or sharp knife, ensuring each piece has some roots and shoots. Dividing perennials like this keeps them vigorous and means that they will flower even better afterwards. It also means you can make a few extra plants to replant around the garden or give to friends! The choice of perennials at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre is one of the largest in the country and you’ll find many unusual varieties as well as the old favourites.

Our Top Ten Perennial Recommendations Geranium Rozanne – Recently voted the best plant introduction of the past 100 years! This hardy geranium has an extremely long flowering season and makes a pool of blue flow-

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

ers at the front of a sunny border. Penstemon Garnet – One of the hardiest penstemons and invaluable for its spikes of vivid garnet red ‘foxglove-like’ flowers from summer to late autumn. Phlox paniculata – A reliable cottage-garden favourite producing heads of scented flowers from July to September. Colours include deep and pastel pinks, purple, blue and purest white. Kniphofia – Aptly known as red hot poker, this longlived perennial has sizzling red-tipped, yellow flower spikes in summer. Some varieties can also be pure yellow, orange, greenish white or dusky pink and all of them add strong vertical shapes to a border. Hosta – Exceptionally lush foliage plants forming rosettes of green, chalky blue, gold or two-toned combinations. All of them are brilliant in shade and are easy to grow in pots. Helianthemum – Commonly called rock roses, these low evergreen perennials revel in a sunny bor-

der where they will flower all summer. Their simple satiny swirls of petals can be pink, white or burnt orange. Astilbe – The large feathery flower plumes of this easily grown perennial open in summer in shades of pink, red or white. Its ferny leaves are a lovely bonus and can be sumptuously shaded with bronzy red when emerging. Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ – This is one of the most striking plants for the late summer border when spikes of glowing redflowers stretch above its lush clump of swordshaped leaves. Heuchera – Amazing foliage plants forming lush leafy rosettes of rich purple, gold or amber. The leaves are retained during the winter so are invaluable for containers. Nepeta – Even before flowering, the low mounds of grey leaves on this aromatic perennial make a worthy contribution to a border. By midsummer the foliage is all but hidden under a froth of lavender blue flowers.

As the Twelve return from their first missionary journey in today’s Gospel, our readings continue to reflect on the authority and mission of the Church. Jeremiah says in the First Reading that Israel’s leaders, through godlessness and fanciful teachings, had mislead and scattered God’s people. He promises God will send a shepherd, a king and son of David, to gather the lost sheep and appoint for them new shepherds (see Ezekiel 34:23). The crowd gathering on the green grass (see Mark 6:39) in today’s Gospel is the start of the remnant that Jeremiah promised would be brought back to the meadow of Israel. The people seem to sense that Jesus is the Lord, the good shepherd (see John 10:11), the king they’ve been waiting for (see Hosea 3:1-5). Jesus is moved to pity, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. This phrase was used by Moses to describe Israel’s need for a shepherd to succeed him (seeNumbers 27:17). And as Moses appointed Joshua, Jesus appointed the Twelve to continue shepherding His people on earth. Jesus had said there were other sheep who did not belong to Israel’s fold, but would hear His voice and be joined to the one flock of the one shepherd (seeJohn 10:16). In God’s plan, the Church is to seek out first the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and then to bring all nations into the fold (see Acts 13:36;Romans 1:16). Paul, too, in today’s Epistle, sees the Church as a new creation, in which those nations who were once far off from God are joined as “one new person” with the children of Israel. As we sing in today’s Psalm, through the Church, the Lord, our good shepherd, still leads people to the verdant pastures of the kingdom, to the restful waters of baptism; He still anoints with the oil of confirmation, and spreads the Eucharistic table before all people, filling their cups to overflowing. – Dr. Scott Hahn, www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Parish Office/Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Rooskey Heritage Festival Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

TIGHE’S Rooskey Tel: 071 96 38080 Open 7 days for friendly service and all your shopping needs locally Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

EILEEN’S Hairdressing Salon Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

Tel: (071) 9638210 Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

Copper Still Bar & Restaurant

Dromod, Co. Leitrim Telephone: 071 96 38248 Like us on facebook

Serving food daily from 12 noon - 9pm

Live music every Thursday night 9 - 11pm during the summer months. Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

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CAB SERVICE Rooskey, Co. Roscommon - DAY AND NIGHT - FAST, EFFICIENT & FRIENDLY SERVICE

Pictured at the launch of the Rooskey Heritage Festival were members of the Rooskey Heritage Festival committee and elected representatives. Picture: Andrew Fox

First ever Rooskey Heritage Festival just over a week away! It’s all systems go for next week’s inaugural Rooskey Heritage Festival. < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

TELEPHONE

087 2646931 Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

KEENAN’S Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: (043) 33 26098 / 33 26052 Email: info@keenans.ie • www.keenans.ie Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

Patrick J. Nugent ELECTRICAL Ltd Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: 071 - 96 38034 email: p.j.nugent.electrical@gmail.com

An array of different events will be included in the extravaganza, which will run from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26. The festival was launched recently in Rooskey Community Centre, where a large crowd of residents, community activists and local politicians gathered to lend their support to the festival. As Geraldine Moran, the assistant secretary of the organising committee, told the attendance, Rooskey is one of many villages that

has been affected very adversely by the recession. While it was once a thriving village, she said, the past decade or so has seen a lot of negative developments, such as the closure of a local hotel and factory, and Dublin-Sligo bypass being developed. Yet this festival is a positive initiative, she said, designed to showcase the village to locals and tourists. Numerous water activities, music, heritage, food and craft events will be held over the course of the weekend. Local Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice, speaking at the launch,

Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from Tommy and Teresa Cox

Cox’s Bar ROOSKEY

Pictured at the launch of the Rooskey Heritage Festival were Sinéad Compton, Cllr Paddy Kilduff, Chairman of Roscommon County Council, Geraldine Moran and Pat Joe Farry. Picture: Andrew Fox

said that such events were crucial in keeping rural Ireland afloat. “We have to try to keep rural Ireland alive,” he said. “If we come together as a community, we can achieve an awful lot. “Show off your area. We have a lot to show in

rural Ireland for tourism. Smile and be friendly on the weekend. That is very important.” The cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, emphasised the positive aspects of Rooskey.

Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

COYLE Bus Hire

KILGLASS, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL. Michael ON 086 3153410 OR (071) 96 33924 Email: coylecabs@hotmail.co.uk

“This is a very picturesque village,” he said. “You are lucky at the moment that you have a garda station, hairdresser, barber, shops and pubs. “Many villages haven’t that. This is a very active village.”

Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

Cllr. Eugene Murphy and family Tonycurmeen, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 071 9633996/086 2507590 cllreugenemurphy@eircom.net

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Rooskey Heritage Festival

ROOSKEY, CO.ROSCOMMON

(071) 963 8300 / (087) 207 7559

info@shannonriveradventure.com info@shannonriveradventure.com www.shannonriveradventure.com www.shannonriveradventure.com

Wishing Rooskey Heritage Festival the very best from all of us See you at the festival and while you’re there, try out our Climbing Wall

Pictured at the launch of the Rooskey Heritage Festival were Karen Feeney, Angela Tighe, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Niamh Kiernan and Orla King. Picture: Andrew Fox

Great programme of events lined up for Rooskey Heritage Festival

s ’ n a A l l BARBERS

Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

Tel.: 086 - 1082473 OPENING HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday: 9.30 am - 6.00pm Friday: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm

Rooskey Heritage Festival will be held in four venues in the village: water activities at the Harbour; music in the Big Red Barn marquee; food and craft events in the school car park; and heritage events beside the local post office. < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The extravaganza will get under way on the Friday night, with the Raheen Pipe Band performing down at the Harbour, while White Chalk and supporting acts will perform in the Big Red Barn from 9 pm. Saturday and Sunday’s programme is jam-packed, with

a dog show, bouncing castles, water-based activities, a boat trip to Pigeon Island, a food and craft village and an art exhibition, to name but a selection. A heritage exhibition will be held during the entire weekend. The performance of Patrick Feeney, support by Aidan Quinn, on Saturday night, is sure to prove very popular.

Tickets, priced at €15, are available from www.rooskeyheritage.com Fourteen local acts will perform on Sunday night. Admission is free. There will be amusements on a daily basis. For further information, check of ‘Rooskey Heritage Festival’ on Facebook.

Best wishes to Rooskey Heritage Festival from

THE BRANDYWELL BAR & RESTAURANT

Dromod, Co. Leitrim Telephone:

Open DAYS a week

7 Pictured at the launch of the Rooskey Heritage Festival were Fr. Kevin Fallon, Joe Rogers, Angela Tighe and Michael McCormack. Picture: Andrew Fox

071 9638278 BED & BREAKFAST Breakfast served: 9.00 am - 12 noon Lunch: 12.30 pm - 5.00 pm A La Carte: 5.00 pm - 9.00 pm

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Send your photographs or articles, etc., for attention of Shane, to news@roscommonpeople.ie

On The Record with SHANE REYNOLDS

Hozier the star attraction at this weekend’s Longitude < SHANE REYNOLDS

For many revellers out there the climax of the festival year takes place this weekend when Longitude returns, commencing on Friday 17th July. This festival has experienced a major surge in popularity since its inception in 2010, and Marlay Park will be the venue for this year’s installment, which once again presents an exciting and varied line-up. Many top class international acts will perform over the three-day event. Longitude is set to welcome Wicklow sensation Hozier, Alt J from England as well as the classic dance duo The Chemical Brothers.

The highlight for many fans will no doubt be the performance of Hozier, who has experienced a meteoric rise to stardom following an unforgettable last 18 months. The ‘Take Me To Church’ singer will headline Friday night, and is set to be one of the star attractions of the weekend. The highlight for me, however, is the return to Ireland of The Chemical Brothers, one of the most original and popular dance duo acts on the scene. Since bursting onto the scene in the mid90’s, this band has endeared itself to electronic dance fans throughout the world and their set is one of the most lavish

SugarBeat Music Festival returns to Tuam Some of Ireland’s biggest acts will be on stage over the weekend of Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd August in Tuam, which will host the SugarBeat Music Festival. Some of the acts include The Stunning, Ryan Sheridan, Hometown, The Original Rudeboys, Interskalactic and many more. Saturday’s line-up promises to be an extraordinary day of fantastic music. Saturday at the Beat will be headlined by the legendary Irish band, The Stunning. The Galway outfit need no introduction and this will be their second time to play at Tuam Stadium having featured at the West Awake festival in 1991. Saturday at the Beat will also featureRyan Sheridan, whose biggest hit to date is ‘Jigsaw’. Ryan is from County Monaghan and has toured Europe, with a massive following in Germany. He is currently set to release his next album and SugarBeat will give fans an opportunity to hear these fresh songs live. Also featuring on Saturday @ the Beat is INTERSKALACTIC, Ireland’s only 11-member strong ska band. They play amazing music structured around a superb brass section and they have featured at all the top Irish Festivals including the Cork Jazz Festival. In keeping with the policy of bringing the best music to SugarBeat, they are proud to announce that the headline act on Sunday at the Beat are Ireland’s newest, biggest boy band created by Louis Walsh, the one and only Hometown. Their first single, ‘Where I Belong,’ was the fastest selling single from a debut artist and the quickest selling single from an Irish artist in 2014. Also featuring on Sunday at the Beat will be The Original Rudeboys from Dublin, formed in March 2011. They offer a distinct and refreshing sound with a combination of acoustic guitar and ukulele, blended with soul foul and hip-hop voices. It promises to be a wonderful occasion for all music lovers in the region. Tickets are available online from entertainment.ie.

Pictured at the last year’s Longitude Festival in Marlay Park were Shane Beirne, Charlie King and Ciaran Beirne (Elphin) and Michael Duffy.

around, combining their music with mesmorising light and laser shows. For the more easy lis-

tening fans, there are a number of other more soothing performances in prospect from the likes of

Alt J, James Blake, The Vaccines, Wild Beasts, Little Dragon and Jose Gonzalez.

New house night a great success < SHANE REYNOLDS

George’s Bar in Roscommon town broke relatively new ground in the local music scene last Saturday night when they hosted the first instalment of a new house-orientated event entitled ‘Something Deeper’. The new movement is the brainchild of local Roscommon town native Daniel Keigher, aka Noddyman) who was joined on the night by two talented DJs Socky and Sam P, who treated the generous crowd to a rapturous set combining many element of contemporary and classical

house music. After hailing the first instalment of this new house night a complete success, promoters are already working behind the scenes to establish the next event which is set to take place at the beginning of next month. “We were delighted with the way the night went and we are already planning the next one,” said Daniel. “The place was full and there was a great vibe all night and we are confident that this is something which can take off going forward,” he added.

Cynic Gal

Shelly Madden

Aussie Rules? Isn’t that a shampoo? I hate to fulfil such a tired cliché but I am a girl and I do not like sports. Sport is my Achilles’ heel, my Kryptonite and my lifelong foe. The discord stems back to when I was a kid. I never excelled on the physical field and I dreaded any break time spent outside. Getting a soccer ball to the face is one of my earlier childhood memories that was to signal a lifetime of apathy for the beautiful game. At summer camps, I wanted to sit in the grass and make daisy chains, not be a poor excuse for a corner back. And I was too afraid to ask what ‘mark up’ meant so of course, there were a lot of goals down my end of the pitch. A ‘Best Girl’ trophy once awarded to me was clearly a clerical error that confused me and my sister and it was probably far too awkward to rectify as I shuffled over to claim the prize. It was so undeserved, if Kanye himself walked over to interrupt the process, people would have cheered. At a school tag rugby blitz, I was thrilled to find I was inches away from a score only to be reminded that I was heading in the wrong direction, so I panicked, threw a heinous forward pass and hit a girl (a fellow team member, I might add) square in the jaw. In French college, I religiously opted for the jewellery-making class until one day it was full and I had to play football. Add a slew of directions en français and I’ll give you a fish perilously out of water. In P.E., I forged excuse notes. After three straight weeks of period cramps, the teacher didn’t know whether to send me to the emergency room or just tell me to get off my lazy arse. She opted for the latter. I gave camogie a shot too. It’s not like I didn’t try, people! I was traumatised on my first outing however, when a particularly intimidating older girl criticised me for etching hundreds of tiny purple stars on my brand new hurl. “Why’d you wreck your hurley?!” she demanded. Well, I thought it looked pretty damn fine. So I had the sad realisation long ago that I was never going to be the cool girlfriend who played sports with him. When he’s not trying to initiate a game of kickabout at every turn (seriously, ‘kickabout’? Are we some sort of street urchins from Coronation Street?), he is attempting to explain the offside rule. Good luck, Chuck. He has tried everything from pool to ping-pong and the defeats are always fairly spectacular. It’s not exactly fun to play bowling with someone who gets five gutter balls in a row. As I grew older, however, I began to accept my shortcomings. I no longer cared that I was the Derek in a sea of Zoolander alpha males, and began to search for my own niche. Scrabble is now my sport. The chequered board is my pitch and the points are my goals. I am more nerd than jock and I am fine with that. To suggest otherwise would be like Conor McGregor himself saying he was a little bit nervous about his next match. (See, topical sports humour? There’s hope for me yet.)

Check out even more sarcastic ramblings from Cynic Gal at http://cynicgal.ie/. Pictured right is DJ Noddyman who performed in George’s last Saturday night.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Boyle Arts Festival www.boylearts.com

• Visual Arts • Music • Theatre • Words • Film • Comedy • Family Events • Workshops & More

23 July – 01 August Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Exciting live gigs, comedy and ﬁlm Programme for Boyle Arts Festival Boyle Arts Festival kicks off in just a few days’ time, opening on Thursday July 23rd and running until Saturday August 1st. Getting things off to a great start in the Live Gigs programme, with a very special appearance in the Church of Ireland on Friday July 24th are Frankie Gavin and De Dannan. The concert will start at 8 pm. < BRENDAN MCGEE

One of the highlights of this year’s Festival will undoubtedly be a performance by up and coming ‘Indietronica’ band, Columbia Mills. The band, from Bray, Co. Wicklow, have just released their second EP, ‘Perfect Day’ and their set will include a hedonistic mix of musical textures, reverb saturated guitars, glorious beats and beautiful tragic sounds during a very special concert in Daly’s Storehouse on Saturday July 25th. The gig starts at 10 pm. On Sunday July 26th The Cornerboys, a six-piece Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Cllr. Eugene Murphy and family Tonycurmeen, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 071 9633996/086 2507590

band with a shared passion for American music will surprise you with everything from Honky Tonk to Blues Stomp. Featuring songs from the 1930’s to now, this promises to be an eclectic and lively session of music in Daly’s Bar at 2 pm. The Jazz Ladds are a fivepiece band with Trombone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Harmonica, Lead Guitars, Bass, Rhythm Guitar, Drums and vocals. They make a welcome return to Boyle with a gig in Clarke’s bar on Tuesday July 28th at 10 pm. Wednesday, July 29th is really music night with three super gigs lined up. With shimmering harmonies and delicate musicianship The Henry Girls interweave their traditional roots with contemporary elements, earning them both commercial success and spectacular critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. The Donegal sisters will perform in King House at 8 pm. At 10 pm, you can choose between two of the finest musicians in the area.

Henry Schwab

SOLUTION FOCUSED THERAPY EFT Master Practitioner (AMT), Adv, Practitioner of Meridian Therapies (incl. TAT and Matrix Reimprinting), Master in Reiki & Seichem(Tera Mai), clin. Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (Dip. Hyp./Psych., ADHP)

Call: Henry Schwab on 071 96 62114 www.henryschwabhealing.com • schwabhenry@gmail.com CALM, RELAXED AND IN PEACE WITH YOURSELF

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 071 9635384 Mob. 086 8887897 cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Craft Beer Specials

Fine Wines available

Columbia Mills.

David Byrne will play a free gig in An Craoibhín, where you can expect the very best in acoustic cover versions, to get your feet tapping. Also at 10 pm, The Tawnytaskin Centre is the venue for an intimate solo performance by local singer/songwriter, Donal O’Connor, who will perform songs from his own eclectic catalogue. On Thursday July 30th, Teenage Kicks will give an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy emerging young musical talent in our midst. So please come along and show your support in Daly’s Storehouse from 7.30 pm. Don’t miss the Cultural Fusion Evening at Ardcarne on Friday July 31st at 8 pm. Book your table now and enjoy a three-course meal in the

beautiful surroundings of the Cafe at the Ardcarne Garden Centre, accompanied by the sounds of Spain with music from Ocho Punto G, one of the best Latin Bands from Barcelona. Early booking is essential. Bring your own wine! If it’s comedy you’re after, comedian and author, David O’Doherty, (the Kevin McCloud of the tiny keyboard), is a recipient of the Edinburgh Comedy Award and a regular on UK television shows such as QI, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie to You. The show starts at 8 pm. This year’s film programme features a unique short film compiled by photographer and film maker Darren Purcell.

‘Boyle – Above & Beyond’ is a short film exploring Boyle in a way never done before, with sweeping vistas and spectacular aerial viewpoints. See it in the King house Auditorium at 4 pm on Saturday August 1st. For children, there’s also a chance to see ‘Paddington’ on Friday July 31st at 3 pm. BAF 2015 winds up with a gig by the Knotty Pine String Band in Daly’s Storehouse on Saturday August 1st. The band have a strong country roots influence with songs from the likes of John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Steve Goodman and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and they also like to take popular songs and give them a Bluegrass twist! A gig not to be missed!

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Cllr. John Cummins Abbeytown, Boyle (086) 8234050 (071) 96 63354

Cllr. Rachel Doherty (087) 8329092

Overcome Anxiety, Fears & Phobias, Stress, Trauma and Low Energy

Cllr. Valerie Byrne

cllreugenemurphy@eircom.net

Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT YOURSELF

Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival was Tom Ryan, RHA, who officially opened the King House Exhibition, pictured with Brendan Maloney, Boyle Arts Festival Chairperson and Patrick Murphy, Director RHA. Pic: Mary Regan.

Off-Licence / Bar & Lounge Live Music Venue Bridge St., Boyle, Co. Roscommon Daly’s Storehouse NOW OPEN for summer months

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Cllr. Michael Mulligan & Family The Square, Ballaghaderreen Contact me on (087) 7799781 Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Boyle Arts Festival www.boylearts.com

• Visual Arts • Music • Theatre • Words • Film • Comedy • Family Events • Workshops & More

23 July – 01 August

Exciting spoken word and drama programme at Boyle Arts festival Geraldine Kennedy, Carole Coleman, Jon Kenny, Mary McEvoy, Julie Sharkey, Patricia O’Reilly, Brian Farrell and Sean Boyne will all be in Boyle very soon as part of Boyle Arts Festival, which runs from July 23rd to August 1st. This year’s spoken word and literature programme will start off at 1 pm on Friday July 24th with an artist talk by Thomas Ryan RHA, who will conduct a tour of this year’s BAF Main Exhibition in King House. Later, at 6 pm, Oliver Fallon will discuss the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign of 1915, which cost the lives of many Irishmen, 100 years ago. The evening can be rounded of nicely in the company of Susan and Judith Boyle, who will present ‘Tales of Ales’ – an enjoyable and enlightening event, created especially for Boyle Arts Festival. Enjoy an evening of history, storytelling and beer tasting in Daly’s Bar where the fun will start at 10 pm. On Saturday July 25th, one of the highlights of BAF 2015 will be a conversation between journalist and author, Carole Coleman and former politician and Irish Times editor, Geraldine Kennedy. This unique

Matchmaker

David O’Doherty.

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

living as a recluse in Paris. On Wednesday July 29th, Bairbre Ni Fhloinn will discuss ‘From Ancient Greece to Green Street – John Reilly, Oney Power & the Hidden Histories of Boyle’. Later at 8 pm in King House, there will be a chance to hear prize-winning author Kevin Barry discuss his most recent work. Kevin will be joined by guest author Belinda McKeon. Friday July 31st will see three writers reflect on the role of environment, landscape and locality in their fiction and poetry. David Cameron, Martin Dyer and Marie Kennedy will read selections from their work and discuss the way in which their style has been shaped by their respective backgrounds. This event will take place in King House at 6 pm. On Saturday August 1st, Sam Moore will present ‘Visiting the Otherworld – Myth, Legend & Archaeology in the Lough

Arrow region’ from 1 pm. The Drama programme will jump into action with John B. Keane’s ‘The Matchmaker’ in St, Joseph’s Hall on Saturday July 25th at 8 pm.

For full details Full details of all the events are in the festival programme. For booking and further information, call to the Festival office in Bridge St., beside Marian’s, open every day (except Sundays) from Thursday July 16th until August 1st. Office hours 11 am to 4 pm and until 6 pm during the Festival. For more information go to www.boylearts.com, contact 071-9663085, email info@ boylearts.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

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event will take place at 1 pm in King House and is not to be missed. On Monday July 27th there will be a chance to hear a reading by former Irish Press and Sunday World journalist, Sean Boyne. Sean has written the first biography of the legendary Emmet Dalton, a colossus of 20th century Irish history and this will form part of his talk in King House at 6 pm. On Tuesday, July 28th Corkborn author David Murphy will discuss his latest book ’Walking on Ripples’ – a largely fictional account of ’romantic fishing’, taking an evocative and sometimes dark, sideways look at the world, down the length of a fishing rod! This is a free event in Mattimoe’s bar at 4 pm. Later at 6 pm in King House, author Patricia Reilly will discuss her latest book, ‘The Interview’, an account of the Irish designer and architect, Eileen Gray who by 1972, was

Ύ ŽĚĂ ŽƌŐ Ͳ ǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ YƵĞƐƚ ͚ ϭ ŶĞǁ ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ͊͛ Ύ dƌĞĞ ĂŶŽƉǇ tĂůŬ Ύ KůĚ ^ĞƌǀĂŶƚ dƵŶŶĞůƐ Ύ ĚǀĞŶƚƵƌĞ WůĂǇ <ŝŶŐĚŽŵ Ύ ĂƌĂǀĂŶ Θ ĂŵƉŝŶŐ WĂƌŬ Ύ >ĂŬĞƐŝĚĞ ĂĨĠ Ύ 'ŝĨƚ ^ŚŽƉ Ύ ϱϬ ďĞƌƚŚ DĂƌŝŶĂ Ύ KƌŝĞŶƚĞĞƌŝŶŐ Θ tŚĞĞů K dƌĂŝůƐ Ύ ,ŝƐƚŽƌŝĐĂů &ŽƌĞƐƚ dƌĂŝůƐ KƚŚĞƌ ĂƚƚƌĂĐƚŝŽŶƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌŬ ŝƉŝƚ &ŽƌĞƐƚ ĚǀĞŶƚƵƌĞƐ >ŽƵŐŚ <ĞǇ ŽĂƚ dŽƵƌƐ ŝŬĞ ,ŝƌĞ tŽŽĚůĂŶĚ ^ĞŐǁĂǇ

>ŽƵŐŚ <ĞǇ &ŽƌĞƐƚ Θ ĐƚŝǀŝƚǇ WĂƌŬ͕ ŽǇůĞ͕ Ž͘ ZŽƐĐŽŵŵŽŶ ;Eϰ Ͳ ƵďůŝŶ ƚŽ ^ůŝŐŽ ZĚͿ d͗ ϬϳϭͲϵϲϳϯϭϮϮ ͗ ƌĞĐĞƉƚŝŽŶΛůŽƵŐŚŬĞǇ͘ŝĞ t͗ ǁǁǁ͘ůŽƵŐŚŬĞǇ͘ŝĞ

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Boyle Arts Festival www.boylearts.com

• Visual Arts • Music • Theatre • Words • Film • Comedy • Family Events • Workshops & More

Henry girls.

Traditional music programme at Boyle Arts Festival This year the Traditional music programme will begin with a free performance by the band Rakish in the grounds of King House during the opening of Boyle Arts Festival on Thursday July 23rd.

The centrepiece of this year’s Trad programme will be a very special performance by Frankie Gavin and De Dannan in the Church of Ireland on Friday, July 24th. The superb current line-up includes the beautiful vocal talents of local singer, Bernadine Casserly. The concert will start at 8 pm. Colin Beggan will be joined by a group of friends for an evening of Bluegrass music in Mattimoe’s bar on Monday July 27th. Admission is free.

On Thursday July 30th, the always popular Singers Night will take place in Dodd’s Crescent bar at 10 pm. Booking is advisable for all events and this can be done at the Festival office, next door to Marian’s, Bridge St. Boyle. Drop in to pick up a programme or to find out about the other exciting events. For more information go to www.boylearts.com, contact 071-9663085, email info@ boylearts.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival were Majella Berne, Kay Sheerin-Whatley, Geraldine Beirne. Pic: Mary Regan.

23 July – 01 August

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Boyle Arts Festival www.boylearts.com

• Visual Arts • Music • Theatre • Words • Film • Comedy • Family Events • Workshops & More

23 July – 01 August

Something to suit all tastes at Boyle Arts Festival “There is something to suit all tastes at the upcoming Boyle Arts Festival,” declared committee PRO Brendan McGee, when he spoke to the Roscommon People during the week.

< SHANE REYNOLDS

The Festival kicks off on July 23rd next, and the committee have once again endeavoured to provide a programme of activities and events which will attract many visitors over the duration of the ten-day extravaganza. “We’re really looking forward to the event now and we are appealing to all people to come out and support this year’s event, which is bigger and better than ever before,” Brendan said. “There are a number of big attractions over the course of the festival. We have performances from Frankie Gavin and

De Dannan, The Henry Sisters from Donegal, comedian David O’Doherty, Columbia Mills and world-renowned trumpeter Niall O’Sullivan to name but a few, so it really is exciting,” he added. The Boyle Arts Festival was established in 1989 and now celebrates its 26th year. Starting out as a visual arts event, the event has grown and evolved in the intervening years into one of the most popular and well-rounded events on the calender. “It is a celebration of arts, culture and music and there is something for everyone. We also have a number of events

for the children taking place as well so we are urging everyone to come along and sample the atmosphere,” Brendan said. “One new novel event taking place this year is the Cultural Fusion Evening at Ardcarne on Friday July 31st at 8 pm, where you can enjoy a three-course meal in the beautiful surroundings of the Cafe at the Ardcarne Garden Centre, accompanied by the sounds of Spain with music from Ocho Punto G, one of the best Latin Bands from Barcelona. Early booking is essential and you can also bring your own wine!” Although the committee receives some

funding from the Arts Council, Brendan was quick to praise the supportive financial role of the businesses in Boyle once again, whom he confirmed had “outdone themselves.” “Without the support of the businesses in Boyle we would have no festival. They have been great once again and have completely outdone themselves this year, so we are eternally grateful for that.” The PRO concluded: “We’re just really looking forward to what should be another very successful event. Everyone should come along and sample the atmosphere.”

Visual Arts and Workshop Programme

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Boyle Arts Festival are delighted to announce that Mr. Paul Young will open the eagerlyanticipated 2015 Visual Art Exhibition, in King House, Boyle, on this Thursday July 23rd.

Drumderrig House Private Nursing Home Abbeytown, Boyle, Co, Roscommon Tel: (071) 9662561

Boyle native, Paul is a member of the internationally renowned Cartoon Saloon, who have just seen their Academy Award nominated film, Song of The Sea go on general release. The Boyle Civic Art Collection consists of almost 300 artworks representing the very best of contemporary Irish painting and sculpture. This year, the theme of the exhibition is Conversation and to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Boyle Arts Festival’s Visual Arts Exhibition, there will be selected artwork from the Civic Collection. In the spirit of extending the visual conversation and looking to the future, we have also invited a selection of recent graduates from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) to exhibit alongside Ireland’s creative elite. This year’s exhibition has been curated by Tony Murphy of NCAD. Practicing artists from near and far include

Sean McSweeney, Margaret O’Hagan, Nick Miller, Naomi Draper, Colm Brennan, Malachy Costello and Vivienne Roche. The Main Visual Art exhibition is open between 11 am and 6 pm every day and during events in King House, from Thursday July 23rd until Saturday August 1st. The Local Artists Expo in the Parochial School provides a forum for artists who would otherwise find few opportunities to display their work. The art is always of an exceptionally high standard and the exhibition provides an important showcase of talent. Many of the artists from this exhibition, such as Vera Gaffney, Vivian Murray, Annette Gaffney, Vida Pain and Tina Brooks have excelled to higher levels in their own private exhibitions, or have been invited to exhibit in the main King House exhibition. Entrants are judged for three prizes and the overall winner receives the Sue Hill trophy and the most promis-

ing U25 artist receives the Éilís Kilgallen award. This is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. The renowned Boyle Camera Club, with over 50 members, will showcase a rich and diverse range of their photographic images in the town library at King House, during library hours from July 23rd to August 1st. Work by the Roscommon Visual Artist Forum can be viewed in the Roscommon Herald building, from 11 am to 5 pm daily. Shifting Perspectives will showcase work by artists working outside the cultural centres, creating a dialogue concerning art in rural contexts. For more information, see the programme or call in to The Festival office, next door to Marian’s on Bridge St. The office is open every day (excluding Sundays) from now until August 1st. For more information go to www.boylearts.com, contact 0719663085, email info@boylearts.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE

Cllr. Maura Hopkins If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact me on

Mobile: 086 856 4206

Email: paula@drumderrignursinghome.com

email: cllrmhopkins@roscommoncoco.ie maurahopkinsfg @hopkins_maura

Website: www.drumderrig.com

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival Julian Hubbard.

Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival were Maria Diffley and Marie Greene, Strokestown. Pic: Mary Regan.

Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival were Maureen, Martin and Danika Casey, Roscommon. Pic: Mary Regan.

Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival were Deirdre and Conor Dowling. Pic: Mary Regan.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Boyle Arts Festival www.boylearts.com

• Visual Arts • Music • Theatre • Words • Film • Comedy • Family Events • Workshops & More

23 July – 01 August

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Traditional super group to perform in highlight concert One of the highlights of this year’s Boyle Arts Festival will be a very special performance by Frankie Gavin and De Dannan in the Church of Ireland on Friday, July 24th. The superb current line-up includes the beautiful vocal talents of local singer, Bernadine Casserly. The concert will start at 8 pm. For many years traditional super-group De Dannan were the forerunners in the Irish traditional music world but after a number of changes to the line-up, original founding member and world famous fiddle player Frankie Gavin unleashed a new De Dannan which in his own words “will reflect a De Dannan of the 21st century.” The band have performed for three American Presidents at ‘The White

House’ and at the ‘US Capitol Building.’ Other highlights include a tour of China with the ‘Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra,’ playing such venues as ‘Shanghai Grand Theatre’ and ‘Beijing Opera House’. This tour was aired on ‘China Central TV’ to over 500 million viewers. Frankie Gavin is the most celebrated Irish fiddle player of all time and has performed and recorded with rock legends The Rolling Stones, Jazz Legend Stephane Grappelli and worldrenowned violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin, amongst many others. The superb current line-up includes the beautiful vocal talents of local singer, Bernie Casserly. You can catch them in the Church of Ireland on Friday, July 24th at 8 pm.

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Wishing the Boyle Arts Festival continued success

Eclectic classical music programme at Boyle Arts Festival This year, audiences can look forward to some very special appearances from some of the country’s finest performers in both the Classical and Traditional music genres. The Classical music programme will begin with a coffee concert performance by pianist Peter Regan in King House on Saturday July 25th. Described by Michael Dervan of the Irish Times as a “major talent who plays with real musical maturity and easy command”, Peter is a multiple prizewinner having collected numereous trophies at both Feis Ceoil and the R.I.A.M. ‘An evening with Niall O’Sullivan and Friends’ showcases the trumpeter’s versatility performing in a variety of styles, from classical to jazz and musical theatre to tangos. This concert will take place in King House on Sunday July 26th at 8 pm.

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Pictured at last year’s Boyle Arts Festival were Eileen Duke, Nial Quirke and Kay Quirke, Roscommon. Pic: Mary Regan.

Showcasing the finest performers from the world of Classical Music has always been one of the cornerstones on which the Boyle Arts Festival is firmly established and the 2015 Festival, which will start on July 23rd, will continue that tradition.

● CHOICE

Harpist Fiona Gryson enjoys performing a variety of different genres including classical, traditional Irish, South American, contemporary and popular music. She will perform a lunchtime concert on Monday July 27th in King House. 21-year-old pianist Sean Rooney was this year’s Brennan Prize winner at the 2015 Dublin International Piano Competition. Sean will perform a concert in King House on Monday July 27th at 8 pm. Tuesday, July 28th will see a lunchtime performance in King House, by the Cue Saxophone Quartet – a talented and ambitious new chamber group composing, arranging and performing music in contemporary, classical, jazz and popular genres. At 8 pm on the same evening in King House, there’s a chance to hear renowned tenor Julian Hubbard perform the songs of Schubert. The lunchtime concert programme in King House

continues with performances by Violinist Patrick Rafter who will perform there on Wednesday July 29th. Pianist Adam McDonagh will take the stage on Thursday July 30th and will perform works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussey. Young musicians Liam and Alana McManus will perform at a lunchtime concert on Friday July 31st. The Classical programme concludes with an 11 am Coffee Concert on August 1st with tenor David Lynn and soprano Lynsey Curtin, accompanied by pianist Mary Scarlett. For more information, see the programme or call in to The Festival office, next door to Marian’s on Bridge St. The office is open every day (excluding Sundays) from now until August 1st. For more information go to www. boylearts.com, contact 071-9663085, email info@boylearts.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

Real loans, Real people, Real life Best wishes to Boyle Arts Festival from

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Military Road, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Opening Hours: 11.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday - Saturday Email: kinghouse@roscommoncoco.ie Web: www.kinghouse.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

FarmingPeople Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249 THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

ON MONDAY 3RD AUGUST, CASTLEREA MART WILL HOST

THE CASTLEREA AGRICULTURAL TRADE AND CRAFT SHOW ON MART GROUNDS

€6,000 paid for two charolais bullocks

This three-year-old charolais bullock that weighs 1130kg was sold for €2950 on Friday last. Picture: Andrew Fox

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

(Serving Farmers for over 55 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers, Weanlings, Suckler Cows & Dry Cows Each Friday – 11 am --------------------

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday – 11am ----------

Dates for your Diary Show & Sale of Weanlings (Autumn born) Tuesday, August 11th at 5 pm Autumn Special Sale of Bullocks & Heifers Friday, August 14th at 11 am Breeding Ewe Sales commence Saturday August 8th – 11 am Premier Show & Sale of Suffolk Sheep Wednesday, August 12th Pedigree Charollais Ram Show & Sale Saturday, August 15th Pedigree Texel Sheep Show & Sale Saturday, August 22nd Pedigree Vendeen Sheep Show & Sale Saturday, August 29th Please visit our website for full details of our Autumn Sales --------

New Booking Arrangements Please note from 1st August Bookings for all Special Sales will be accepted the week prior to the Sale on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday up to 5p.m by phone, email or calling into the office. Draw for the pens will take place on Thursdays at 5pm New Draw System for the Starting Pen on Sale Days Please note from the 1st August the draw for the starting pen for cattle will be made at 10.45 am on Fridays and at 4.45 pm on Tuesdays and for sheep on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10.45 am The first number drawn will be the starting pen and a second draw will be made to determine whether the draw will go up or down.

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Email roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website www.roscommonmart.ie Find us on facebook

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Eamon Morgan (owner), Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart Manager, Martin O’Connor, President of the Charolais Society and Michael O’Boyle pictured at the Roscommon Mart on Friday last with two charolais bullocks. Picture: Andrew Fox

This four-year-old charolais bullock which weighs 1280kg was sold for €3,000 on Friday last. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon Mart Report Friday, July 10th: Roscommon Mart celebrated its 56th Anniversary sale on Friday last with an outstanding display of stock. There was an excellent entry, buoyant trade, good volume of customers and a high percentage clearance of lots. There were customers and agents from Northern Ireland and the UK in attendance also. Compared to the same sale last year, prices of all stock are significantly up. The highlight of the sale was when two charolais bullocks, one born in 2011 weighing 1280 kgs fetched €3000 and another, born in 2012 weighing 1130 kgs, made €2950. Once again this week dry cows are commanding excellent prices in particular for quality lots. Please note weanlings and suckler cows will be sold on Fridays until further notice. Date for your Diary: Show & Sale of autumn born weanlings will be held on Tuesday August 11th at 5 pm. New booking arrangements: Please note as and

from 1st August bookings for all special sales will be accepted up to 5 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the week prior to the sale. The Draw for the pens will take place on Thursday at 5 pm, e.g. bookings for Weanling Sale on 11th August will be accepted on Tuesday 4th August, Wednesday 5th August & Thursday 6th August. – Draw for pens on Thursday August 6th. New Draw System for starting pen on Sale Days: The draw for the starting pen will be made at 10.45 am on Fridays and 4.45 pm on Tuesdays. The first number drawn will be the starting pen and a second draw will be made to determine whether the draw will go up or down. Dry cows made from €1070 to €2175 per head. Sample prices: Char 885 kgs €2175, BBX 760 kgs €1880, Lim X 775 kgs €1765, Lim 720 kgs €1720, Char 775 kgs €1550, Lim X 775 €1685, Lim X 655 kgs €1490, BBX 600 kgs

€1375, BBX 585 kgs €1245. Heifers made from €555 to €1270 over. Sample pices: Char X 690 kgs €1960, Char X 685 kgs €1800, Char X 565 kgs €1625, Lim X 495 kgs €1550, Lim X 580 kgs €1535, Char X 490 kgs €1470, AA 600 kgs €1535, Char X 465 kgs €1415, 2 Char X 492 kgs €1300, BBX 455 kgs €1290, Simm X 495 kgs €1230, Char X 425 kgs €1280, Lim X 395 kgs €1200, Char X 360 kgs €1100, BBX 415 kgs €1240, Char X 440 kgs €1230. Bullocks made from €520 to €1820 over. Sample prices: Char X 1280 kgs €3000, Char X 1130 kgs €2950, Char X 735 kgs €1860, Lim X 705 kgs €1790, Lim X 680 kgs €1750, Char X 655 kgs €1780, 2 Char X 597 kgs €1680, AAX 685 kgs €1620, Simm X 635 kgs €1600, Lim X 570 kgs €1600, 2 Char X 580 kgs €1525, 2 Char X 540 kgs €1520, 2 Lim X 540 kgs €1400, 2 Lim X 380 kgs €1030, Char X 560 kgs €1310, 2 Char X 483 kgs €1365, SAX 390

kgs €1245, AAX 430 kgs €1055, AAX 390 kgs €1030, AAX 450 kgs €1085. Weanlings heifers, sample prices: Fr 465 kgs €990, Char X 300 kgs €985, Char X 355 kgs €975, 2 Lim 217 kgs €770, Char X 270 kgs €900, Lim 375 kgs €970. Weanling bulls – sample prices: Lim 585 kgs €1545, Lim X 560 kgs €1430, Lim X 450 kgs €1255, Char X 420 kgs €1240, Lim X 295 kgs €910. Char X 275 kgs €850, Char X 350 kgs €1065, Char X 325 kgs €995. Sheep Sale, Wednesday July 15th: There were large numbers on offer this week. There was a good trade for the store lambs with nice quality ewe lambs making up to €114. The trade for heavier lambs was a little easier but despite this there was a good clearance of lots. The trade for cast ewes was also slightly back on the previous week. Weekly sales for Sheep continue on Wednesdays at 11 am.

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Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

FarmingPeople Castlerea Mart Report

Novel fundraiser to raise funds for Irish Cancer Society The families from Scramogue and Ballyforan (pictured) are supporting a highly innovative new initiative, called ‘Wrap it Pink’. The focus of this initiative is designed to raise cancer awareness in rural Ireland, as well as raising much-needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Farmers all over Ireland are being encouraged to wrap their silage bales in pink this summer. Fields around the country will feature a new bright colour, with farmers using pink wrap to bale their silage. The distinctive high-quality, Irish-made wrap is available through Dairygold Co-Op Superstores and, for every bale of wrap purchased, a donation will be made to the Irish Cancer Society. “Many farming families throughout Ireland have been affected by cancer and the Irish Cancer Society provides terrific support for sufferers and their families”, said John O’Carroll, Head of retail at Dairygold. “We’d love to see farmers embracing this initiative with pink silage bales visible in every parish this summer, knowing that in doing this, we are not just raising cancer awareness but also helping to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. “Farmers will be buying the black wrap anyway so why not ‘wrap it pink’, brighten up the fields and put a smile on people’s faces. We believe it’s going to be a huge success.” The 2015 silage season is already underway, so watch out for fields of pink in your area as a result of this unique partnership between Dairygold and the Irish Cancer Society.

Pictured are supporters of the Irish Cancer Society on the Hasting family farm in Ballyforan, Co. Galway, where Pink Silage Bale wraps are being used to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Paul Power, Paul Rogers, Garry Rogers, Joanne Rogers, Sarah Rogers, Clodagh Rogers and baby Tom Rogers, just after finishing wrapping their bales in pink on their farm in Scramogue, Strokestown, recently. ‘Wrap it Pink’ was launched by the Irish Cancer Society, in association with Dairygold Co-Op, with donations made to breast cancer research for every bale of wrap purchased.

Reseeding demonstration in Four Roads next week Top speakers will be present on July 24 < JAMES KELLY

Now is the time of year that a farmer may consider autumn reseeding. Many silage and grazing swards now contain high levels of weed grasses. These grasses are not only lower yielding than perennial rye-grass, but they also produce lower quality silage and grazing grass. In this article we will look at the minimum tillage technique of introducing a new grass seed. This technique is a less expensive method than the conventional method of ploughing to introduce a reseed. Before reseeding it is important to determine the soil fertility. A soil sample can be taken to your

local Teagasc Office that will determine this. For the successful establishment of reseeds, soil fertility must be good. Aim for a soil pH of 6.3 – 6.5, and phosphate and potash indexes of 3. Therefore, always carry out soil analysis before reseeding. Minimum tillage reseeding involves: Spraying off the old pasture; Two runs of a power harrow to produce a fine and firm seedbed to preserve as much soil moisture as possible; Reseeding and light rolling thus ensuring good seed to soil contact; Fertiliser application to ensure optimal soil P and K indexes are present. The management of the reseed is vitally important. All benefits of a reseed can be lost afterwards due to poor soil fertility, poor

grassland management (e.g. poaching) and weed infestation hence a post emergence spray is necessary to control weeds. It is important to remember that a new reseed must be properly fertilised and tightly grazed to maintain it productivity in future years. A reseeding demonstration regarding minimum tillage techniques will take place on the farm of John Curley, Carntleva, Four Roads on Friday the 24th of July at 11 am. Three different minimum tillage reseeding methods will be on display with speakers available to answer any of your queries. This demonstration is also a STAP qualifying event for those in sheep discussion groups.

Thursday 9th July: There were 500 cattle on offer and the strong trade that has existed for the last few weeks has continued with strong farmer activity and increased Northern demand for stock this week. This demand was very evident in the bullocks and heifers rings while the dry cows and breeding stock also reported a very lively trade. Weanling and calves are also much sought after at the moment with farmer and exporters driving the trade. Sample prices: bullocks: Lim 460kgs €1340 Ch 435kgs €1325 Lim 530kgs €1475 Ch 595kgs €1535 AA 580kgs €1460 Ch 640kgs €1700 Lim 760kgs €1870. Heifers: Lim 420kgs €1320 Sim 380kgs €1200 Lim 485kgs €1460 AA 485kgs €1325 Ch 620kgs €1855 Ch 590kgs €1595 BBX 615kgs €1590. Dry cows: Lim 700kgs €1780 Ch 695kgs €1770 Lim 735kgs €1650 Lim 700kgs €1600. Cows with calves at foot made from €1210 to €1900 per head. Springer cows made from €1230 to €1350 per head. Dairy cows: 15 dairy cows on offer with milkers making from €740 to €1320 and springers made from €980 to €1390 with a full clearance taking place. Calves: Stronger type coming on offer at the moment with strong farmer demand. Calves made from €240 to €700 for the continentals on offer. Weanling bulls: Ch 290kgs €940 Ch 270kgs €920 Lim 240kgs €785 BAX 450kgs €1190 BBX 420kgs €1120. Weanling heifers: Lim 280kgs €950 Ch 290kgs €895 AAX 260kgs €765 Ch 370kgs €1155 BBX 330kgs €1090 Ch 330kgs €1045 Sim 340kgs €1030. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday 16th July with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings on offer. All sales commence at 11 am.

BETTER Farm Sheep Open Day John Curley, Four Roads, Roscommon Friday, 24th July 2015 | 11am Topics to be covered will include: • Reseeding • Grass • Lamb Performance • Flock Health STAP Approved Event

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

PropertyPeople Luxury houses in Elphin town

Corbo, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon.

Restored ‘Eco’ friendly cottage on the market Loretta Dowd Properties is delighted to present for sale this appealing twobedroom cottage at Corbo, Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon. Loretta Dowd commented: “A hidden paradise sums up this well-maintained ‘Eco’ residence standing on c. 15 acres of good quality land and offering a range of outbuildings, wooden stables and tack room.” This residence is a traditional cottage and is located at the end of a private country laneway. To avoid disappointment immediate viewing of this fine property is strongly advised! Price to sell: €160,000. For immediate viewing contact Loretta Dowd on 0872233223, email lorettadowdpropertylettings@gmail.com or visit: www.lorettadowdropertylettings.com.

Two Cloverhill farms for auction Two adjoining prime farms at Cloverhill, just outside Roscommon town, are for sale by Public Auction on Friday 7th August next at Kenny’s Rockfield Inn with Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague. The first farm comprises c.36.5 acres and the second farm comprises c.29.5 acres with derelict residence standing thereon. The lands are located on the main Roscommon/ Castlerea road and the farms will be offered for sale independently. For further details contact Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer, MSCSI MRICS of Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700.

Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague, are sole selling agents for three houses that have come on the market in Goldsmith Drive, Elphin, a development of only seven houses and located adjacent the schools and church. On offer are one detached bungalow with a price tag of €110,000 and two semi-detached houses with an asking price of €75,000 each. Speaking to the Roscommon People, Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton MSCSI MRICS confirmed: “There has been a large volume of enquiries and viewing comes highly recommended. Built to a very high standard in this attractive development, we invite offers on all houses for immediate sales”. For further details contact Connaughton Auctioneers today on 0906663700 or visit their website www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Surge in sales at Connaughton Auctioneers Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton, MSCSI MRICS of Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague has reported a large surge in sales over the past three weeks in all locations with an ever-increasing volume of enquiries and purchasers from the United Kingdom and first-time buyers. Ivan states: “The market went flat in May into midJune and this is consistent with other years of late and I believe students completing their exams/end of school year was a contributing factor with this being the focus of many families at that time. “Together with the strengthening sterling currency, the market has been buoyant over the past month or so and all auc-

tioneers are reporting an increase in activity. “At Connaughton Auctioneers, we have agreed the sales of 19 houses in recent weeks with many more under offer and sales imminent. Therefore we require all types of properties in particular residential/cottages and farmland with or without residences for disappointed under bidders and new prospective purchasers in all locations. “If you have a property to sell, we can provide a FREE VALUATION and all we ask is the opportunity to quote you a competitive Sales Fee and Marketing Proposal.” Ivan adds: “Marketing is key to selling property. We advertise on www.daft.ie, www.myhome.ie, www.

Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton.

connaughtonauctioneers. ie and local/national newspapers. We also offer to view houses seven days a week, so if someone can only view on an evening, Saturday or Sunday, we will accommodate same if required”. For a free quotation and no obligation, contact Connaughton Auctioneers today on 090-6663700 on Ivan on 086-8985013.

Luxury living at Golf Links Road, Roscommon €180,000 is the price guide for this outstanding fourbedroom detached residence with garage which is finished to a very high standard located just off the Golf Links Road (Roscommon) in a quiet cul-de-sac comprising of only three houses in all. Further enquiries and viewings can be made to Loretta Dowd Properties on 087-2233223, email ldowdproperties@gmail.com or contact joint selling agent: Cathal O’Brien Estate, Cleaboy, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon, on 087-2613617.

Superior Roscommon town residence for sale ERA Oates Auctioneers, Roscommon, are now offering this superior dormer-style residence presented for sale in showhouse condition by its present owners, with no expense spared. Located at No. 1, The Orchard, The Walk, Roscommon, accommodation includes four bedrooms (1 ensuite), sitting room, kitchen, dining room, utility and family bathroom. The asking price is €145,000. For further information contact the office on 090-6627878 or email info@oates.ie.

Superb Kilteevan residence now available Loretta Dowd Properties is delighted to present for sale this superb six-bedroom dormer bungalow offering spacious accommodation throughout with garage, stables and tack room to rear at ‘Ballinaboy Lodge’ located at Ballinaboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon (just off main Roscommon/ Lanesboro route). For immediate viewing contact Loretta Dowd on 087-2233223, email: ldowdproperties@gmail. com or visit www.lorettadowdropertylettings.com.

SALES BY MORAN & CO

LISHEENTEIGE & CLOONRUFF, BALLYGAR Lands For Sale c. 23.5 hectares ( 58 acres ) together with derelict One Storey Dwellinghouse and Sheds thereon (The property can be sold in one or more lots) The lands are mostly top quality farm lands, with some callow lands and turbary. The lands have a prime location just a short distance from Ballygar and have future building potential, subject to planning permission. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORRACOOLIA, BALLYFORAN Lands For Sale c. 9.7 acres ( 3.6 hectares ) together with 2 Bay Slatted Shed thereon The lands are laid out in one division and have a good location off the Ballyforan to Ballygar road. The 2 Bay Slatted Shed and Slab make this a very attractive small holding. This sale offers an excellent opportunity to acquire additional lands or to purchase a property. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KILMORE, BALLYGAR 3 Bed. Bungalow For Sale Excellent opportunity to purchase a compact home in a delightful rural location with commanding views of the countryside convenient to Ballygar.

●

PROPERTY SALES ● LETTINGS ● VALUATIONS

Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013.

www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie

NEW TO THE MARKET Gailey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon c. 7 Acres of Prime Lands with huge potential • c. 7 acres excellent quality land • Across from St. Dominics GAA Grounds

For Further details contact the office on 090 6663700

Land To Let c. 6 acres at Donamon, Co. Roscommon • Excellent quality lands • Well fenced with pen standing thereon • Available on a 5 year lease

For further details contact the office on 090 6663700

Meadows To Let c. 20 acres in Knockcroghery c. 12 acres in Knockcroghery c. 14 acres in 2 lots in Fourmilehouse c. 9 acres in Four Roads/Dysart area

Call the office for further information

NEW TO THE MARKET

7 Circular Road, Roscommon Town

40 Cluain Fraoigh, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town

Price Region: €70,000

Price Region: €80,000

Auctioneers & Chartered Surveyors MAIN STREET, BALLYGAR. • T. 090 6624531 • M. 087 2786664 • E. moranandco.ie • PSRA No. 001472

• Prime 2 Bedroom semi-detached residence with one bedroom apartment adjacent • Ideally located within walking distance of Roscommon Town Centre and all amenities • Large garden to rear • Oil fired central heating • Excellent rental potential

• Prime 4 bedroom semi-detached residence with spacious living accommodation • Tarmacaden driveway • Garden to front and rear • Oil fired central heating • Excellent rental potential

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

PropertyPeople

Final offers sought for quality Curraghroe property David Diffley, MIAVI of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a quality three-bedroom bungalow residence of c. 1,080 sq. ft. located at Curraghroe, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. David describes the property as “a spacious three-bedroom residence located in a select countryside location close to Lanesboro, Ballyleague and Roscommon town. The property has been extensively modernised to include rewiring, replumbing, pumped cavity wall insulation and

the installation of a solid fuel stove with back boiler system.” Accommodation comprises briefly of reception/hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility area, three bedrooms and bathroom. Externally there is a spacious garage with a 2-bay open storage shed to the rear of same. A spacious and mature site area of c. 0.64 of an acre enhances the property which is serviced by a private well water supply. Overall this is a select property to come on the market and

TREMANE, ROSCOMMON

LICENCE 002905

NEW TO THE MARKET – FOR SALE 2 B/R “Sweeneys Cottage” standing on c.15 acres Located at CORBO, KILROOSKY,

CO. ROSCOMMON

PRICED TO SELL: €160,000 Appealing two bedroom “Eco” cottage, standing on c. 15 acres of good quality land and offers a range of outbuildings, wooden stables and tack room. Immediate viewings and enquiries invited for this fine property.

e-mail: lorettadowdpropertylettings@gmail.com Web: www.lorettadowdpropertylettings.com

TEL: 087 2233223

Sean Naughton MIPAV COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS, AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, ESTATE AGENTS THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TEL: (090) 6625080 ((offi office) ce) Mob: 087 2479486 — Fax: (090) 6627161 Email: seannaughton@eircom.net

NEW TO MARKET FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY COOLDERRY, FOUR ROADS, CO. ROSCOMMON

22 Acres of Top Quality Land for sale, at Coolderry, Four Roads, Co. Roscommon. Price on Application -----------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO MARKET FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY TOBBERVADDY, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON 13 Acres of Top Quality Land at Tobbervaddy, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Price on Application ----------------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY CORNALEE, CURRAGHBOY, CO. ROSCOMMON Circa 13 Acres of good quality land for sale at Cornalee Curraghboy Co. Roscommon. Land has been reseeded and is well fenced. OPP for 4 Bedroom Detached Residence Price on Application

viewing comes highly recommended by the Auctioneers. Asking price: €75,000 ono to sell. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie, or log onto www. propertypartners.ie.

FORTHCOMING AUCTION Of a superior dual purpose agricultural farm containing c. 65.604 acres, together with farmyard and silage facilities. Also incorporating c. 9 Acres of oak (hardwood) plantation which was planted c. 2010 with an annual premium of c. €1879 P/a for 20 years LOCATED AT

KINARD, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON. ON THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST 2015 AT 4PM IN CENTRAL BAR, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON Curraghroe, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

For sale: one of Roscommon’s landmark properties John Earley, of Property Partners Earley is this week offering for sale one of Roscommon’s landmark properties – Gate House Lodge located adjacent to Roscommon Golf Course. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a unique property situated just outside Roscommon town and adjacent to Roscommon Golf Course. The Lodge was built circa 1859 by Lord Crofton as a gatehouse to his Mote Park estate. It has been completely renovated over the past ten years, blending traditional features with modern living. The Lodge was built by Lord Crofton (Sir Edward Crofton) as a Gate House during an extension to the Mote Park Crofton Estate in an area known at the time as ‘Rose Hill’. It was the last of the gatehouses to be built at entrances to the estate and provided gated access to the Roscommon Avenue. The property is locally referred to as ‘Salter’s Lodge’ due to the pre-

www.propertypartners.ie Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon. Tel. 090 66 26579. Fax: 090 66 25405. EMAIL: jearley@propertypartners.ie

(UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SOLD) This is without doubt one of the finest farms in the district offering quality grounds in a renowned farming area. Outbuildings include 3 bay hay barn with 2 x 3 leanto off, large yard, silage pit, cattle crush and slurry pit. The said lands are set out in permanent pasture on a gentle hillside setting offering fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Excellent location c. 1km from Elphin town, Livestock Mart and all amenities. The auctioneer highly recommends this prime farm for its location, quality and potential. LEGAL: DECLAN O CALLAGHAN, MESSER’S KILRANE O CALLAGHAN, BALLAGHADERREEN, CO ROSCOMMOMN -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

FORTHCOMING AUCTION Gate House Lodge located adjacent to Roscommon Golf Course.

vious long ownership by the Salter family. This property is conveniently located beside Golf Club and walking distance from Roscommon town and boasts cut stone exterior. The interior is restored to the highest standard whilst retaining a number of original features. There is an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, solid oak floors, solid oak doors and porcelain tiling throughout, a fitted oak kitchen with range of built-in appliances including a Neff oven. There are three well-proportioned bedrooms (master bedroom with ensuite

wet room), low voltage spotlights and feature lighting throughout, under floor heating with economical geo-thermal heat pump, an installed security system and laid lawns adjacent to golf course. There is also a stone-cut shed at rear of property housing geo-thermal heat pump. This is an exclusive property to come on the market and the auctioneer invites viewings and offers. Viewings strictly by appointment. Please contact John Earley, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090-66 26579, email jearley@propertypartners. ie log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

On the market this week at Sean Naughton Auctioneers Sean Naughton Auctioneer is delighted to offer this week new to the market at 44, Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon, pictured right, a stunning three-bedroom bungalow for sale by private treaty set in mature gardens. Accommodation includes on the ground floor: kitchen cum dining room, living room, two bedrooms and bathroom; on the first floor: bedroom and en-suite. The property boasts many additional features including dual heating system with OFCH and solid fuel, mature gardens and large shed. The property has additional features of back entrance to the property and offstreet parking at the side of the property. This property is in turnkey condition and viewing is highly recommended. Offers in region of €65,000 are being sought. Also on offer this week is a number of parcels of land. New to the market are 22 acres of top quality highly fertilised land at Cloonderry, Four Roads,

PRIME PARCEL OF ROADSIDE LANDS CONTAINING C. 8.7 ACRES WITH THE BENEFIT OF AN OLD ONE STOREY RESIDENCE LOCATED AT CLOONSHANNAGH, ROOSKY, CO. ROSCOMMON

ON THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST 2015 AT 4PM IN CENTRAL BAR, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SOLD)

AMV: €55,000

An extremely attractive roadside parcel of lands set out in one lot in a much sought after farming district with the benefit of An old one storey residence and storage sheds standing thereon at the road front. The said lands are located only c6.2 km from Tarmonbarry Village and the main N5 Strokestown/Longford route and must offer neighbouring farmers an excellent opportunity to increase their existing holdings. The auctioneers now invite viewings. LEGAL: MS CARME LEAHY, FJ GEARTY LONGFORD TEL: 043 33 46452 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET AN ATTRACTIVE 3 B/R TOWNHOUSE (END OF TERRACE) LOCATED AT

ST. PATRICK’S STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Price Region: €55,000 O.N.O. TO SELL

Co. Roscommon, which would suit a neighbouring farmer or someone looking for small holding in recognised farming area. Also new to the market is 13 acres of top quality land at Tobbervaddy, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Also Sean Naughton Auctioneers is accepting final offers on 3.5 acres of land at Lysterfield, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon. Selling to every offer in excess of €20,000. For futher details please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090-6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

An attractive town centre property holding potential as a select private residence or an investment property to let. The said property offers 3 bedrooms, sitting room, living room, kitchen and two bathrooms, together with the benefit of an enclosed yard to rear, storage shed and an attractive garden area located off same. The said property is also located adjacent to all amenities in town, including shops, bars, church, etc. It is an attractive in-town property for which the auctioneers now invites all offers to sell. Note sign on the property. Viewing by appointment only. BER: E2 LEGAL: KIERAN MADIGAN, MESSERS KIERAN MADIGAN & COMPANY SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON. TEL.: (094) 962 2552.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

PropertyPeople – SALES BY – PAT HUGHES & CO. LTD. AUCTIONEER & VALUER ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL: 090 66 27003 FAX: 090 66 26296 EMAIL: phughes2@eircom.net

New to the Market For Sale circa ½ Site at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon with full Planning Permission. ------------------------------------------------------------------FINAL OFFERS: For Sale at

KILLEENBOY, KILTEEVAN Circa 70 acre Residential Farm

Most of the Lands are of top quality and well fenced with mains water. The residence is a two bedroomed farmhouse with a good range of out offices. The lands are located only 2 miles from Roscommon Town. Final Offers are now been accepted. LEGAL: PATRICK J NEILAN & SONS SOLICITORS, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON. PH. 090 6626245

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

FINAL OFFERS: For Sale convenient to

CURRAGHBOY VILLAGE

Prime residential farms available with Hughes and Co. This week Hughes and Co., Roscommon are confirming that they are accepting final offers on a circa 70-acre residential farm which is located at Killeenboy, Kiteevan and only two miles for Roscommon town. Pat is confirming that most of the lands are of top quality with the benefit of €5,000 between entitlements and forestry payments. Pat is hopeful of concluding a sale in the coming weeks. They are also accepting final offers on a circa 43acre farm located convenient to Curraghboy village. The lands have been for sale for a number of months and Pat is hopeful of concluding a sale in the coming days. Also on offer this week with Hughes and Company at Morganstown, Athleague, Co. Roscommon are circa 53 acres. Most of these lands are of top quality with a good range of out-offices including horse stables and a sand arena. The lands are located approximately one mile from the village of Athleague on the main Four Road to Roscommon road. At Kilteevan, Roscommon they have a circa 57-acre residential farm for sale. The residence is a three-bedroomed bungalow with the advantage of direct access to the River Shannon by way of the Clooneigh River which runs alongside some of the land. The property is located approximately two miles for the village of Kilteevan in a nice rural setting. For further details on this property please contact the

office on 090-6627003 or email phughes2@eircom. net Hughes & Company are also offering for sale at Drumdaff, Kilrooskey a circa 21-acre residential farm. The residence is in need of total modernisation. Most of the lands are of top quality located less than one mile from Derrane School and Church. The property has extensive road frontage and would be suitable for development subject to planning per- No. 3, Arch Court, St. Ciaran’s Park mission being granted. For further information please contact Pat. Pat is urgently looking for all types of property in and around the Roscommon area due to recent sales. Hughes & Company are still looking for circa oneacre site in the Sandfield, Kilcash area of Knockcroghery for a cash customer. For more information on all properties on offer with Hughes & Company please contact them on 090 6627003 or email phughes2@eircom.net.

Offers invited for Roscommon town apartment Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke Auctioneers, Roscommon are now inviting offers for this well-maintained two-bedroomed ground floor apartment at No. 3, Arch Court, St. Ciaran’s Park, boasting a host of modern features set adjacent to scenic St. Ciaran’s Park and Roscommon Town Centre. The property has been excellently maintained by its present owners. Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, living room, kitchen dining room, bathroom and two double bedrooms. For further information contact the office on 090-6627200 or email info@pburkeassociates.com.

Kilrooskey.

Circa 43 acre farm with excellent handling facilities The lands have the benefit of road frontage and would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands are located less than 1 mile from the village of Curraghboy. All of the lands are of top quality. For further details please contact the office. LEGAL: MR. JOHN O’DONOVAN, SOLICITOR, O’DONOVAN BAKERS SOLICITORS, 15 SOUTH MALL, CORK. PHONE: 021 480 6787. E-MAIL ODBSOLICITORS.IE

Athleague

MEET THE TEAM

an Trevor Finner

psey Rachael Dem

Kilrooskey.

SEAMUS CARTHY REA Seamus Carthy Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Chartered Valuation Surveyors hy

Seamus Cart

Nuala Diffley

Castlerea Ofﬁce number: (094) 9625990 Roscommon town ofﬁce number: (090) 6630001 Email: info@reacarthy.ie PSRA No. 002782

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL APRIL AUCTION, WE ARE NOW INVITING PROPERTIES FOR OUR NEXT AUCTION Traditional Style Residence

Quality Detached Family Home

Bellinacarrow, Athleague, Roscommon

Carrowdangan, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon

Quality Family Home on 5 Acres with traditional 3 Roomed Cottage situated thereon

Dromod, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon

oole Aishleen O’T

Quality Detached 4 Bedroom Family Home with Detached Garage situated on a Prime Rural Site.

Site With Full Planning Permission

Carrowmurragh, Kiltoom, Roscommon Planning to Erect 4 Bedroom Dormer Type Dwelling and Domestic Garage Approx .42 Hectares/1.03 Acres. Planning Reference PD/05/509 Folio No: RN33662F

Detached two storey traditional 3 bed residence with rear return and single storey porch set on 0.72 acre with mature gardens. Kitchen -Living Room -Dining Room -Sitting Room -W.C -3 Double Bedrooms –Bathroom

Approximately 12 years old, the said property comprises of a Livingroom, Kitchen/Diningroom, Utility & W.C., 4 Bedrooms (1 ensuite) and a Bathroom. Attic Area Floored 50m2. Dual Central Heating, Double Glazed Windows and Doors. Externally, Detached Garage (28m²) with Floored Attic, Roller Shutter Door, 1 Velux Roof Window and 2 Double Glazed Windows with Separate Doorway and served with electricity

Immediate Offers Invited

Price Guide: €20,000

Price Guide: €145,000

Contact Sole Selling Agents. REA Seamus Carthy

3 bedroom detached dormer bungalow on 5 Acres of land. Comprising of kitchen/ dining room, sitting room, living room, 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom

Every Offer above €132,500 Contact Sole Selling Agents. REA Seamus Carthy

PROPERTIES WANTED: Urgently Required – Residential, Commercial and Agricultural Properties

Contact: REA Seamus Carthy on 094 9625990 or 090 6630001

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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

WEEKEND ON CALL EMERGENCY ROTA From 6 pm Friday 17th to Monday 20th July for Medical Emergencies Please Contact WESTDOC FOR APPOINTMENT On: 1850 365 000 EMERGENCY SURGERIES WILL BE HELD ON SAT 11am TO 12 Noon OR 4pm TO 5pm AND SUN 11am TO 12 Noon.

All Patients must Contact WESTDOC on 1850 365 000 for an appointment for these surgery times.

DOCTOR SURGERY

NEW GP PRACTICE DR. ALEXANDRA ROBINSON G.P. ABBEY STREET MEDICAL CENTRE, ROSCOMMON (Has taken over Public patients from Dr. Carmody Morris)

Public and Private patients welcome FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE: Mirena Coil, Implanon, Copper Coil by appointment SURGERY HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday MORNINGS: 9.30-11.30am: Walk in Surgery AFTERNOONS: 2.30-4.30am: By appointment WEDNESDAY (AFTERNOON): CLOSED

FREE CAR PARK AVAILABLE AT REAR OF SURGERY

PHONE: 090 66 25650

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

The local paper!

DENTAL Dental Design Studio • Natural Cosmetic Dentures • Palate Free Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Repairs & Re-lines • Express replacement of lost/broken dentures

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE: 090 66 65917 087 228 8780

ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS To farmers and small businesses at fees that the small businessman can afford. Advice and consultations free. Pat Baxter & Company, Accounting Services, Clondra. Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591.

ACCOUNTS NEED HELP IN COMPLETING YOUR TAX RETURNS Eg. Farmers, B&B, Rental Income, help with school grant applications. Contact Margaret on 087 6430717.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON

Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon Phone: (01) 4538988 or (091) 767777.

BOUNCING CASTLES

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BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

Super slide now available

Fully Insured - Keen Rates BOOK NOW FOR • Birthday Parties • Summer BBQs • Family Gatherings, etc

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Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie

• Castles • Castles with Slides • Slides • Obstacle Courses Good rates available

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‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 (086) 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

• New Crocodile 50ft Obstacle Course • Soccer Stadium • New Castles with slides - all weather obstacle courses • Pillow Basher and big slides

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TEL.: (087) 2315448 or (090) 6624797

CAREERS

Tel: 087 2798704 CHIMNEY CLEANING CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys (Power Sweep and Vacuum - no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Oil Boilers serviced and repaired Carpets and Upholstery cleaned Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Tel: 071 91 97984 Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaningservice.com

CHIROPODIST 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: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

Find us on facebook DO NOT BE DISAPPOINTED – BOOK EARLY

New power brush and vaccum technology Can clean from the bottom up, eliminating broken roof tiles. Also firebacks replaced and flues repaired. Fast efficient and no mess guaranteed. Carpentry and General Repairs TV Aerial and Satellite

CARER AVAILABLE CARER (male) AVAILABLE with vast experience. References available with five years experience working with Irish Wheelchair Association and many years with private clients. Own transport, flexible hours. Tel: 086 8054297.

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

(090) 66 26023 086 8225575 PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved Every Monday - Cuan Aire Resource Centre, St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

Tuition in Car Car available for test

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE

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

Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

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

www.noelsdrivingschool.ie Email: noelsdrivingschool@gmail. com

BUPA & VHI Covered

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

087 6870248

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Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor SPECIAL RATES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS Gift vouchers now available

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Have you a licence to tow a trailer? Car/Jeep & Trailer Training available

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ADI/RSA Approved Driving Instructor Reg No. 37840

Specialising in:

DOCTORS’ ROTA

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

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EDT Lessons Available

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

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

Telephone: (094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012 This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Classifieds DRIVING LESSONS

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

R.S.A. Approved Driving Instructor Tuition in Car Also 16 seater mini bus Car Available for Tests Gift Vouchers

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

Excellent pass rates CAR - 12 EDT LESSONS CAR & TRAILER (B&E) TRUCKS - RIGID, ARTIC & CPC

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Learn to drive with ....

Roscommon Driving School CONTACT: (090) 66 61102 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < CAN’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE - LARGE QUANITY OF treated long lasting stakes for sale at rock bottom prices with free delivery: 6’ 4” stakes - €2.20; 6’ 3” stakes - €2.00; 6’ 2” stakes - €1.50; 5’ 4” stakes - €2.00; 7’ Strainer post - €7.00; Light pencil stakes - €1.20; 6’ 4x4 Square Stakes €2.50. Buy 20 of any stakes get 2 free. 200M high Tensile barbed wire only €25 per 200m roll. Contact Tom on 086 2628439. < GOOD SHEEP HAY FOR SALE: €22 per bale, Lecarrow area. Tel: 086 1945562.

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

FARMING < SUMMER GRAZING TO LET: Up to 25 acres. Suitable for horses or cattle. Mount Talbot area. Tel: 087 9676301. < MEADOWS TO LET: Ready to cut now. Loughglynn area Co. Roscommon. Bale Storage if required, options on aftergrass afterwards. Tel: 087 2972947 or 094 98 80286

FOR HIRE RM TOOL HIRE Unit 1, Abbey Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon Hire – Sales – Repairs – Construction DIY & Garden Equipment Mini Digger Hire Tel: (090) 6630700 Mobile: (087) 8299628. < FOR HIRE: Tractor and hedge cutter for hire. All areas covered, keen rates Tel: 087 1476117.

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: New complete double divan bed including leather base and headboard, memory foam pocket sprung mattress. Still in packaging. Retail €950, will sell for €240 including free delivery. Tel: 086 4438919. < FOR SALE: 3+1+1 suite, dark green, in perfect condition. Contact: 087 4662988. < FOR SALE: Round extendable oak dining table, plus 4 chairs and 2 carvers. Good condition, worth viewing. €200ono, must collect. ALSO 2 large 2 seater high backed sofas, very comfortable, good condition. Can be sold separately, €150ono each. Tel: 085 7393589. < FOR SALE: Triple size solid light oak wardrobe, very good condition. Will need to be flat packed for removal. €250ono. ALSO dark blue 2 seater leather sofa and 1 armchair. Very good condition. €150ono. Tel: 085 7393589.

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

GARDENING PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member. Telephone: (086) 6077307/(086) 8125165. www.parklawntreeservices.com

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE Woodchipping & Shredding Splitting service also available Insured and c2 Registered Contractor

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd., Creggs

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

HOLISTIC KATHLEEN KELLY M.I.R.I.L. • Reflexology • Reiki • Indian Head and Shoulder Massage • Gift Vouchers Available • Evening appointments available

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

Phone: (086) 3614230

IRONING SERVICE < IRONING SERVICE AVAILABLE: 18 Abbey Street, Roscommon. Call in or tel: 089 9883802.

KENNELS LISBROCK BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon • Spacious Kennels provided • Spacious exercise areas outside • Short Term - Long Term boarding welcomed • Dogs walked on request. Micro-chipping service now available.

For further details contact Mary (087) 6162191 or Barra (087) 9764250. www.lisbrockkennels.ie

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

(087) 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

HOLISTIC SEAMUS HUNT • Massage & Sports Therapist • Holistic Massage • Injury Assessment & Treatment • Ultrasound & Infra Red Available

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon Phone: (086) 1930766

Members of IBKCA

HAPPY TAILS BOARDING KENNELS Lanesborough WHERE TAILS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY! • Large heated sleeping areas with large covered runs • Nine large play areas • Secure, Safe and fun for our guests Check out our website www.happytails boardingkennels.com 043 33 30804 083 0037577

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic 18 years experience in treating babies to adults Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire

Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com

Located at Henry Street

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Aishling Dunning intend to apply for permission for a storey & half dwellinghouse, new entrance, effluent treatment system, polishing filter including all ancillary site works and services at Cloonown Td., Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Aishling Dunning.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Convent of Mercy Secondary School, intend to apply for Permission for the replacement of existing windows to the north eastern, north and south western elevations of the front wing of an existing school building adjacent and running parallel to Convent Road along with all other associated site works. The proposed works are on and within the curtilage of the Convent of Mercy Secondary School, Protected Structure, and associated protected structures No.03900501 and No. 03900502 of the Roscommon County Council record of protected structures at: Ardnanagh Td, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd., Engineers & Architects, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090) 66 34421 Fax: (090) 66 34423 Email: info@ collinsboydeng.com

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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

www.morrislohan.ie ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Teresa Mulryan, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning to erect a singly storey conservatory extension onto the side of my dwelling house and all associated siteworks at Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Lo-Homes Limited, Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 090 66 21941 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. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the 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.

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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, APK Architects and Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Marcin and Dace Budzyn, for Permission to construct a house extension, connections to all services and all ancillary site works at: Stonepark, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: APK Architects and Engineers, Galway, Roscommon and Castlerea. Roscommon office: 118 Abbeyville, Roscommon. E: adam@apk.ie P: 090 66 65832 M: 086 2102190 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.

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT

HOUSES TO LET 4 b/r The Walk 4 b/r Roscommon Town 4 b/r Ballymacfreine, Donamon 2 b/r Newtown, Donamon 3 b/r Lanesboro WANTED – WANTED

Houses/Apts in Roscommon Town!

For Further Details: Tel.: 087 2233223 www.lorettadowdpropertylettings.com 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. Call (086) 8212732. < TO LET: One bedroom apartment in The Walk, Roscommon Town. Tel: 087 6949253. TO RENT: Three bedroom house in the Four Roads area. All mod cons. Rent reasonable. Tel: 087 4614776.

PSYCHIC DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT REIKI HEALER

• Tarot & Angel Card Reading • Honest & Confidential • Spiritual Guidance • Need Direction? Phone for an appointment - (090) 66 23898 or (085) 7857191

Athleague

REFLEXOLOGY

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) Diploma Classical & African Reflexology/ B.Sc. (Honours) Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Eczema • Migraine • Back Problems • Gynaecological Disorders • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Insomnia • Stress • Exam Stress • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Colic • Pain Relief • Emotional Disorders - Hand Reflexology - Foot Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 2264951 E: fureymarina@gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Classifieds SITUATIONS VACANT < CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to mind children in children’s own home, plus housework duties in the Castlerea area. Full Driving Licence required. Please reply to Box No 798, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. < KIND RELIABLE LADY REQUIRED to mind two children in their own home, in the Derrane area. Three days per week, from early August. Own car essential for school pick-ups. Previous experience and references required. Tel: 087 6287969 after 6 pm. < ONE PART-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE for Counter/Store person. Experience preferred. Roscommon town. Please reply to Box No 799, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. HARRISON COFFEE SHOP REQUIRE full-time Catering Assistant for 4-6 month period. Experience and fluent english essential. Please reply to Claire or Jack on 090 66 34772 between 9am - 6pm. ASSISITANT REQUIRED for two or three afternoons per week for busy drycleaners/laundry in Roscommon town. Experience desired. Please reply to Box No: 801, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < PART-TIME BEAUTICIAN REQUIRED in Castlerea area. Must have experience or fully qualified. Please contact 094 96 22539 for details/ interview.

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS ROSCOMMON PHONE-A-CAB PADRAIG HEALY Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair accessible Call car direct

(086) 2714879

ATHLEAGUE CABS 1-8 Seats Wheelchair Accessible

PADDY PURCELL 087-3186590

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service (086) 2479829 HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

SITUATIONS WANTED < KIND EXPERIENCED LADY AVAILABLE to mind children in her own home or in children’s home, car owner, non smoker. Available for school runs. References available. Tel: 087 2540950 < DO YOU NEED HELP – cleaning, cooking, minding children or learning a new language, or transport/lifts. Tel: 086 1940861.

SOULMATES SOULMATES - LOVE IS ALL THERE IS: Find that special person for friendship and romance with like-minded people in a safe, secure and trusted environment. Tel: 087 9216302/087 7720250.

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

TUITION GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business and Accountancy. Go to www. mcgowanaccountancy. com to download voucher

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS Would you like to do Accounting or Business as an extra subject? Higher or ordinary levels catered for

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Large bags seasoned logs, delivered to your door, only €2 per bag; buy 20 bags, get two bags free • Also 10x6 tractor trailer load of logs, only €175 delivered

• Bag BNM Briquettes, €2.50 per bag • Ton bag logs €35 • Ton bag of seasoned ash timber €45 Contact Tom: 086 2628439. FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Ash, Whitethorn and kindling sticks. Stored in doors. Phone: 086-2437376. < FOR SALE: 10 x 6 loads of turf, also bags of turf delivered. Tel: 086 3776948 < FOR SALE: 10 x 6 trailer loads of black hopper turf. Well seasoned good quality turf. Delivered in Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark, Castlerea and Boyle areas. €400 delivered to your door. Tel: Mark 085 7767295. < FOR SALE: Good black hopper turf, delivered in trailer loads, also bags, Creggs area Tel: 086-2544294. < FOR SALE: 10 x 6 loads of black turf €400 a load. Tel: 087 9915899. < FOR SALE: Plot of footed turf for sale near Lanesboro Tel 087 6175160. < FOR SALE: 7 and 7.5 loads of turf. This year’s new turf. Delivered throughout Co. Roscommon. Tel: 087 4475320.

ROSCOMMON Telephone: 083 4748882

USEFUL SERVICES

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAINS JETTED & CLEANED Waste Collection Permit No: NWCPO-12-11038-01

MAN AVAILABLE

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

For garden maintenance, hedge trimming, knocking trees, cutting up timber and general garden work. Also patios made and garden borders catered for. Gardens designed, brick and patio laying. Keenest rates. Also available for footing turf and turf for sale.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINES, REPAIRS, DISHWASHERS REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on (086) 0538977. www.appliance-repairs.ie

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

CAN’T FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ...

WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 96 31880 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

PLUMBING & HEATING REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE SERVICE

• GAS/OIL BOILER SERVICING • GAS COOKER INSTALLATION • RGI AND OFTEC REGISTERED

CONTACT DAVID CLOGHER ON 086 3275919

Ring Gerry anytime on 089 4182430 or 089 4913747. < MAN AVAILABLE FOR flat roofing, roof lights fitted, re-roofing, facia board and gutter repairs, roofing, timber, slating, tiling, stone work, chimney repairs, Insurance claims handled, attic conversions, lights, general building, etc. All types of farm work, repairs to sheds, cattle crushes, yards, concrete, fencing and painting. Contact: 087 9188170. REMOV< FURNITURE ALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring. All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329. HAVE YOU GOT A house or garage that you want cleaned out and unwanted items removed. If so, ring 087 9657933. PLASTERER AVAILABLE FOR small jobs - dry lining, garden walls, sheds, old walls replastered. Neat work, keen rates. Tel: 087 2519912. < MAN AVAILABLE FOR gardening, painting, farmwork, odd jobs, etc. Tel: 086 2200520.

WANTED

CONTACT DONAL SCALLY

OLD JEWELLERY

086 2721812

Call Sean on 087 6929113

LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON

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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Appointments RESTAURANT COOK/ CHEF WANTED For busy restaurant in Roscommon Town. Only experienced staff need apply.

WANTED

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

GERRY HARKIN TAXI

USEFUL SERVICES

Please reply with CV to: Box Number 800 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town.

DRIVER REQUIRED For milk collection

Artic truck, HGV licence essential. Must be honest and punctual. Please forward CV’s to: Box No 660, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon Will people who replied to this advertisement on 27th June 2014, please reply again

PART TIME MAINTENANCE PERSON REQUIRED By Roscara Housing Association Ltd. for our properties in Co. Roscommon Good general skills in interior and exterior maintenance a necessity. Applications with an up-to-date CV and References must be submitted to: The Roscara Housing Association Ltd., Lanesboro St. Roscommon. OR admin@roscarahousing.ie By close of business on 31 July 2015 Shortlisting may apply.

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB? To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

AtYourService BLINDS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

PIO TULLY

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON. Tel.: 090 6625470 Mobile: 087 2869496

• Chimney Repairs • Removal of cracked flues and relining • Firebacks replaced • Free Insurance Quotations • Fully Insured

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

fergalkelly@live.com

Fergal 086 1016899

Chimney Repairs Ireland ● Relining and

rebuilding ● Smoke and

soot problems solved ● Free estimates ● Free assistance with insurance claims ● CCTV Camera Inspection

Tel: Office 1800 283067 or mobile: (087) 7997671 or 087 2583483 www.chimneyrepairs.ie

WINDOWS AND DOORS

CLEANING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Larkin Windows

STEPHEN HOARE

Contact

Ballinamuck, Co. Longford Tel. (043) 3324047Mobile: (086) 2513779

Manufacturers and installers of the latest designs and colours in uPVC window and door products and impressive composite door ranges

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed

TARMACADAM

ELITE CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining • Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

INSULATION

Gerry Monaghan

TARMACADAM Contact: Gerry Monaghan

SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT HRI SCHEME

Contact us for further information Kiltoom, Athlone, Co. Roscommon T: (090) 64 93386 M: (086) 8207242 E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net

CARPENTRY

● 20 year guarantee ● 25 years experience

FARMING

Call us today for free quotation or call and see our showroom

RECYCLING

Daily collection

CHIMNEY SWEEP • Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

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

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

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

New Buildings & Retroﬁt Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

C ASTLEREA ELV RECYCLING LTD., CLOONKEEN, CASTLEREA KEVIN & MARTINA KEENAN TEL: 094 96 21250 MOB: 086 2522231 CONSTRUCTION

V.B.R. CONSTRUCTION • BRICK WORK • PLASTERING • ROOFING • ALL TYPES OF BUILDING WORK CARRIED OUT

FREE QUOTES AND ESTIMATES

Tel: 087 6242126

For Professional Advice Contact: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

WINDOW/DOORS

Gary Jameson

M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892 VETERINARY SUPPLIES & SERVICES

All Creatures -VETERINARY CLINIC & Shop -

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel/Fax: 090-6626898 SERVICES AVAILABLE: SHOP OPENING HOURS: • Gas Anaesthetic Monday to Friday, • Digital X-Ray 9am to 8.00pm; Saturday, 9am to 6.00pm • Bovine & Equine Scanning AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY • In-house Blood Testing 087 2596055 - 24 HOURS

• Grooming • All your Dosing & Mineral Requirements

2nd Fix Carpentry • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units

• Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

(086) 0708833/ (090) 66 34426 TARMACADAM

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS

Tarmacadam LTD

• Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted Double Glazed Units

Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam. Machine or hand laid.

Contact Damian at (087) 9962361

GROUP

SHOWROOM:

Athlone Road, Roscommon

Munsboro, Roscommon

Donamon

Contact David Martin on (087) 9959417

ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!

PLEASE RING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

WINDOWS/DOORS

GLASS WORKS

Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors SPECIAL OFFER NOW ON NEW RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

• We supply and fit new & replacement energy efficient uPVC windows and doors • Large range of colours – FREE ADVICE AND ESTIMATES –

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

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

Member of

• Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

• Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suites • WINDOW CLEANING • Rental Cleaning • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ CAR VALETING

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

Donal Haughey - 086 8210710 www.roscommonwindows.ie

Registered contractor for Home Renovation Incentive Scheme

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Boyle Glass

Ballinameen, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071 96 68368 Mob: 087 6449709 Stained Decorative and Frosted Glass (over 100 designs on display) We also manufacture: - Double Glazed units & Table Tops - Bevelled Glass/Mirrors and Wedding Mirrors - Toughed and Laminated Glass - STOVE GLASS & Fire Rated Glass - Glass Shelving - We also supply glass for stairs/balconies & painted glass splash back

Find us on: DoneDeal/boyleglass Monday-Friday 9-6pm Saturday 9-1pm After Hours by appointment

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

AtYourService/FamilyNotices WINDOWS/DOORS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS AND SERVICES

Sean Doyle & Sons Ltd ESTABLISHED 1978

• Circular Road, Roscommon • Whitestown Business Park Tallaght, D 24 • Over 35 Years in Business • Removal of old Windows and Doors • All Fitters Fully Insured • Registered for Home Improvement Grants • Timber, PVC, Aluclad and Aluminium Windows and Doors • Double and Triple Glazed • V Welded and Mechanically Welded Frames CONTACT 090-6626753 • www.seandoylewindows.ie • info@seandoylewindows.ie

CHIMNEY REPAIRS & SERVICES • Relining • Rebuilding • Chimney Repairs • CCTV Surveys and reports • Insurance Quotes

Telephone: 086 2592002 SEPTIC TANKS

CARPENTRY

SEPTIC TANK PROBLEMS Carpentry & Roofing • Roof, 1st & 2nd Fix • Slate & Tile • Sheeting & Cladding • Free Quotations • Extensions & Renovations Lisacul, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

M. 087 962 5391 • Fully Registered • Fully Insured

MECHANIC SERVICES NEILAN

SERVICES

Adrian Neilan - Kilteevan, Roscommon

* PLANT * TRACTORS * FARM MACHINERY * VANS * 4X4

* MOBILE HYDRAULIC HOSE SUPPLY & REPAIRS

T: 087 9294152

E: adrian.neilan@gmail.com HOME MAINTENANCE

House & Garden Maintenance

Alan Somers Cluain Árd, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 27970 Mobile: (086) 8161651 Email: aboutthehouse@imagine.ie

Powerwashing - House, Driveway, Roof Complete Painting Service DIY Solutions

Chimney Cleaning Service NOW AVAILABLE

• Existing Septic Tank Systems Upgraded • New Sewage Systems designed and constructed • New Sewage Treatment Systems supplied (choice) • Qualified Soil Suitability Assessor • Fully insured • All work to current standards

MARTIN BRADY PLANT HIRE Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon Tel. 086 3898360 Email: martybrady1@yahoo.ie

PUBLIC NOTICE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 11/07/2015 FIRST PRIZE €60: Mary McEvoy, c/o Kelly’s, Castle Street SECOND PRIZE €30: Marie Kilmartin c/o Donnellans THIRD PRIZE €20: Julia Walsh c/o K Finan 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Maura Cronnolly, c/o K Hoare; Peggy & Sinead, c/o K Hoare; Noelle Brady, c/o K Hoare; Emma and Amy, c/o Magnums; Charles Travers; Tony & Alan, c/o Mary Hicks; PJ Dwyer, Goff Street; Kerry Barry, c/o Denis O’Shea; Kathleen Finan, Celtic Avenue; Noel Coyle, c/o K Hoare. 10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Maureen Buckley; The Hollytree; Kathleen Collins; Kathleen Hoare; Kathleen Collins; Kathleen Finan; Kathleen Finan; John F Kerrigan; Breda Healy; Maureen Beirne, Corboley TOTAL RECEIPTS: €336 TOTAL PRIZES: €260

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

THANKGIVINGS POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. EXPEDITE Prayer for desperate causes... My Saint Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Succor me in this hour of affliction and despair, my Saint Expedite. You who are a Holy warrior, You who are the Saint of the afflicted, You who are the Saint of the desperate, you who are the Saint of urgent causes, Protect me, Help me, Give me Strength, Courage and Serenity. Hear my plea. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency. Bring me back to the state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted.) Amen. (Say one Our Father, one Holy Mary, and make the sign of the cross.) (Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition). This Saint is so very powerful. He has answered so many requests for me and I realy have my faith in him and love him. Please do not doubt him at all. He will take care of your intention in the best way. Thank you Saint Expedite for hearing and answering my prayer. I am very grateful and hope people will start Novena. Amen. J.C.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HAYDEN Joe Lisagallon, Roscommon Passed away 21st July 2014

As Joe’s first anniversary is approaching, his wife Bernadette, sons John, Joseph and Paul, daughters Niamh and Colette, sister Mary, daughter-in-law Mary, sons-in-law Steve and Phil and adored grandchildren Jack, Harvey, Lauren and Amy and extended family, would like to express their sincere thanks to all who supported them on the sad loss of Joe. To all those who attended the Removal and Burial. To those who sent Mass Cards and letters of sympathy and those who called to our home. Thanks to Fr. Glennon for celebrating Joe’s Funeral Mass, thanks also to Fr. Browne and Fr. Mullaney for their attendance. To Cloverhill Church Choir and to our neighbours who prepared Joe’s final resting place - thank you. Thank you to Dr. John Keenan and staff of I.C.U. University Hospital, Galway, for their care and to those who gave donations towards I.C.U. To Smyth’s Funeral Directors who looked after the Funeral arrangements and staff of Cuisle for catering provided - thank you. As it would be impossible to thank everybody personally, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Joe’s Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Friday 17th July 2015 at 7.30 pm.

GUCKIAN (nee Feeney) Nellie Gowel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim and formally of Ballinaheglish, Co. Roscommon 22nd July 2014 R.I.P.

GRADY Mary Kate (Mai) Carnamadda, Lecarrow, Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary Kate (Mai), who died on the 17th July 2014 As we approach our beloved Nellie’s First Anniversary, her sons Pat and Michael, daughters Sheila, Mary and Dolores and their families along with Nellie’s brothers and sisters wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us at the time of Nellie’s passing. Thanks to all who called to Nellie’s home, attended the Removal or Funeral, sent Mass Cards, sympathy cards, flowers and gave donations to the North West Hospice. To Fr Michael Guckian and Fr Tommy Leahy, Ballinaheglish, we would like to extend our thanks for concelebrating the Funeral Mass. We hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as an expression of our sincere thanks. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Nellie’s Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday 19th July as 10.15am in St. Patrick’s Church, Gowel, Carrick-onShannon.

TREACY Al Frenchlawn, Ballintubber and Burt, Co. Donegal (5th Anniversary)

She never failed to do her best Her heart was true and tender She worked and toiled for those she loved And left them to remember. We sat beside your bedside Our hearts were crushed and sore We did our duty to the end ‘Til we could do no more. In tears we watched you sinking We watched you fade away And though our hearts were breaking We knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts That loved you most sincere We never shall and never will Forget you mother dear. Rest in Peace

Sadly missed by her sons Willie, Joe and Padraig, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday 19th July at 11.30am

HARRIS Barrie Corlackin, Creggs, Roscommon (20th Anniversary) In loving memory of our dear brother Al, who passed away on 23rd July 2010 Rest in Peace

In loving memory of a dear husband and father, who died on 17th of July 1995 Always remembered by Bina and family. Anniversary Mass on Friday 17th July at 7pm in Kilbegnet Church for Barrie and deceased members of the Harris family.

ANNIVERSARY NOTICES CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

Remembered with love always by Sylvie, Nora and family.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HEAVEY Una

SMYTH Eithne

CASSIDY Teresa

Knockroe, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on 27th July 2014

Weekfield, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

We, the family of the late Una Heavey would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised and supported us during our sad loss. Thank you to Una’s very good neighbours and dear friends for your generosity, thoughtfulness, kindness and support, which meant so much during those difficult days. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all who called to the house, those who sent Mass Cards, letters of sympathy, and to all who attended Una’s Removal and Funeral Mass, especially those who travelled long distances. Thanks to Fr. Maloney, Fr. Donnolly, Fr. Hogan SVD and Fr. Breslin for officiating a beautiful Funeral Mass. To the Mass servers and all who participated in the Mass. Thanks to the choir who provided the beautiful music and hymns during the Mass. Sincere thanks to all the Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Kelly Henry Medical Centre, Castlerea, Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, who looked after Una so well. Our sincere gratitude to Moran Funeral Undertakers for their great understanding and professionalism and to the gravediggers who prepared Una’s final resting place. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually we would ask that you accept this acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt appreciation. First Anniversary Mass for Una will be offered on Friday 24th July at 7.30pm in Ballygar Church and on Friday 28th August at 11 am in Castlerea Church.

In loving memory of Eithne Smyth who died on 20th July 2004 R.I.P. It does not take a special day For me to think of you Each Mass I hear Each prayer I say Is offered up for you You are wonderful to think of but so hard to be without.

Always remembered and missed by your loving husband Johnnie. Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday 19th July at 11 am.

KEARNEY Martina Hawthorn Drive, Roscommon (5th Anniversary) Who passed away on 15th July 2010

No special day is needed, For us to think of you, You are always in our thoughts, No matter what we do. You’re more than a precious memory, From whom we had to part. You are the light that burns within us, In the centre of our hearts.

Sadly missed by her husband Danny, daughter Rita, son David, son-in-law Robert, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass offered on Wednesday 15th July at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

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Treasured memories of a dear daughter and sister, who passed away on 28th July 2007 Just a prayer from the family who loves you, Just a memory fond and true, In our hearts you will live forever, Because we thought the world of you. Will those who think of Teresa today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and remembered by your heartbroken parents, Seamus and Breege and your brother Lorcan. ~~~~~~~~~~ We cannot stop the hands of time, Nor live again the past, But we will love and think of you, As long as life will last.

For our dear niece and cousin, sadly missed and always remembered with love and affection by your aunts, uncles and cousins. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Fourmilehouse on Sunday 19th July 2015 at 11 am.

CARTY Joey Ballydooley, Donamon 24th April 1989 - 19th July 2009 (6th Anniversary)

There is always a face before us A voice we would love to hear A smile we will always remember Of the one we love so dear. We think about you always And talk about you too We have lots of precious memories But we wish we still had you.

Lovingly remembered always by your family and friends. Joey’s Anniversary Mass is on Sunday July 19th in Donamon Castle at 10am.

RAFTERY (nee Healy) Mary Cooltigue Cross, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon 21st July 2014 R.I.P.

Mary’s husband Tommy, daughter Maria, son-in-law Paul, grandchildren Cormac, Mark and Senan, brothers, sisters-inlaw and extended family, wish to express our heartfelt thanks, appreciation and gratitude to all who sympathised with us on our sudden loss. We are deeply grateful and humbled by all who called to our home, attended the Removal, and Funeral Mass. Thank you to everyone who travelled long distances, sent Mass Cards, Mass Enrolments and letters of sympathy. A special word of thanks to Fr. Raymond Browne for celebrating Mary’s Funeral Mass and delivering such a meaningful Homily, and to concelebrants Fr. Tom Leahy, Fr. Brendan Dunning and Fr. Con Mullaney. Thank you to Fourmilehouse Folk Group for making the Funeral Mass and Month’s Mind so special with their beautiful singing and music. Sincere thanks and appreciation to our wonderful neighbours and friends who helped us in every way possible during this very difficult time. A heartfelt thank you to the Paramedics, Roscommon Ambulance Service, Doctors and Nursing Staff of I.C.U. Portiuncula Hospital for their wonderful care of Mary in her final hours. A special thank you to Pat, Tom and Rene Smyth for the professionalism, care and dignified manner in which they carried out Mary’s arrangements. Thanks also to the gravediggers who prepared Mary’s final resting place. A sincere thank you to the Committee and staff of Kilbride Community Centre for providing refreshments after Mary’s removal and Month’s Mind Mass. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Mary’s First Anniversary Mass will be held on Friday 24th July at 8 pm in St. Briget’s Church, Fourmilehouse.

GARVEY Kitty The Grove, Kilteevan 2nd Anniversary on 12th July

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

Sadly missed but always remembered by her loving family. 2nd Anniversay Mass on Sunday 19th July at 10 am in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan.

BURNS Conor (7th Anniversary)

In memory of our precious son, who went to Heaven 21st July 2008 Aged 3 months There is a special little boy In Heaven up above So precious and dear to us, For he was our pride and joy. We think of you with love today Conor As we do each and every day. For you were our loved, adored little boy. We love and miss you And send you all our love. Your always in our thoughts, But forever in our hearts Conor.

Miss you each minute of each day, your heartbroken Daddy, Mammy, sister Leah, granny,Godparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

KEANE William and Nora Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon

In loving memory of our dear parents William, who died on the 15th January 2002 and his wife Nora who died on the 22nd July 2008 We feel warmth around us, Like your presence is so near, And we close our eyes to visualise Your face when you were here, We cherish the times we spent together, They are locked inside our hearts, For as long as we have those memories, We will never be apart.

Loved and missed by your loving daughters Maureen, Kathleen, Margaret and Anne, sons-in-law and grandchildren xxxx Anniversary Mass in Kilbegnet Church at 11.30 am on Sunday 19th July.

HYNES Tom and Lettie Celtic Avenue, Roscommon and formally of Cargins, Tulsk

In loving memory of Tom, who passed away on July 18th 2009 and his wife Lettie, who passed away on February 19th 2007 We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To care for us throughout our lives Until we meet again. So Rest in Peace dear Tom and Lett And thanks for all you’ve done We pray that God has given you The crown you’ve truly won.

Sadly missed by J.P., Tommy, Julie, Lisa and Darren. Anniversary Mass in Killina Church on Saturday 18th July at 8pm.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Our deadline for receipt of family notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE PUBLICATION AFTER THIS TIME

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

SportsPeople

Dick O’Brien, Roscommon Race Committee Chairman pictured making a presentation to Gerry Duffy, Godolphin after Moonlight won the Irish Stallion Farms Maiden Race (4th race). Picture: Andrew Fox

Russell Ferris, AT THE RACES, pictured making presentation to Mick Cunnane after Affinisea won the At The Races Maiden Race (7th race). Picture: Andrew Fox

Gabriel Lynch, Lynch Flooring pictured presenting the sponsorship cheque for the Best Turned Out Award to Dick O’Brien, Roscommon Race Committee Chairman. Picture: Andrew Fox

AT THE RACES

Padraig Glancy, Glancy’s SuperValu (Carrick-on-Shannon), Anthony Cahill, Cahill’s SuperValu (Castlerea) and Shane Fleming, Fleming’s SuperValu (Roscommon Town) pictured making a presentation to Tom and Nuala Brennan after Versilia Gal won the SuperValu Roscommon Apprentice Handicap (2nd race). Picture: Andrew Fox

John and Helen Earley, Property Partners Earley pictured making a presentation to Cyril Farrell after Cruidin won the Property Partners Earley Fillies Handicap (3rd race). Picture: Andrew Fox

Dick O’Brien, Roscommon Race Committee Chairman pictured making a presentation to Anna O’Brien after Antelope Canyon won the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (1st race). Picture: Andrew Fox

Alan Beirne, Roscommon Herald pictured making a presentation to Eddie, James and John Jones after Azzuri won the Roscommon Herald Handicap Race (6th race). Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

SportsPeople This weekend’s action

Horses for courses by Tom Red

Today is the final day of the Killarney Summer festival with a national hunt card away at 2.05pm. There is flat racing in Leopardstown off at 5.50pm and after racing The High Kings will entertain the crowd with their rendition of Irish folk music. Tomorrow Kilbeggan is the place to be when the Midland National provides the centre piece of a jumping card at 5.55pm. Saturday is the first day of the 2 day Irish Oaks meeting at Headquarters. The Oaks takes place on day one with the Curragh stalls opening for the first at 3.05pm. On Sunday the Curragh starts at 2.05pm and national hunt racing takes place at Tipperary at 2.25pm. On Monday the first of a two day card is on the level at Ballinrobe at 6.00pm with jumping enthusiasts catered for on Tuesday tapes away at 5.50pm for the first race. Trained by Hugo Palmer, Covert Love was supplemented on Tuesday for the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh next weekend. The Azamour filly is unbeaten as a 3-Y-O in 3 runs since winning a maiden at Chelmsford last May. David Wachman’s Curvy has also been supplemented at a cost of €40,000. There are 16 potential runners in the fillies classic at the Curragh on Saturday. Aidan O’Brien has 7 in the race but Diamondsandrubies, winner of the Pretty Polly, is a notable exception. Qualify will be trying to add the race to her Epsom crown for the yard and may be joined by Together Forever and Words. Hugo Palmer’s Covert Love could be joined by Ralph Beckett’s Forte, John Gosden’s Gretchen and James Fanshawe’s Speedy Boarding to complete a raiding party of 4. Jim Bolger has 3 entered, Pleascach, Stellar Glow

and Deontas. Jessica Harrington’s Jack Naylor completes the field. This is a very open race and Quality, if O’Brien’s main selection, could win. We said that bumper in Roscommon on the 9th June had “the look of a decent race and will produce winners” and it has thrown up its second winner last Friday when the 5th home, Hows Patsy, won in Wexford for Tipperary trainer Stephen Ryan, however the 3rd horse Brian Hamilton’s Canadian Steel was caught on the line in Downpatrick on Tuesday.

Kilbeggan Preview Tomorrow’s card is an all national hunt fixture featuring the Midland National over 3m 1f. Racing opens with the Tom McCormack Memorial Hurdle for mares over 2m 3f. The 2nd is a 2m maiden hurdle followed by a handicap hurdle over a similar distance. The last hurdle race on the card is a handicap over 3m sponsored by Michael Moore Car Sales Athlone. The first of 2 chases on the card is the EBF sponsored beginners chase over 2m 6f. The penultimate race is the feature and racing closes with the Sean Kane 70th Birthday Flat Race, a bumper, over 2m 3f for qualified riders under INHS rules. Ladies don’t forget the Best Dressed Lady Competition on Friday with great prizes. The Best Dressed Lady will win a €1,000 voucher from both The Dundrum Shopping Centre and The Wine Port Restaurant joint sponsors of the competition. This year’s judge is former presenter of RTE’s Nuala Carey. On the racing front Gordon Elliott has three horses owned by Gigginstown seeking a hat trick Make A Track, Fort Smith and Akorakor in the feature.

Make A Track, near side, challenges Rathlin before going on to win at Punchestown.

Make A Track winner at Punchestown and Down Royal looks the pick. Guitar Pete, 2nd in Cheltenham makes his debut over fences and should have the class to win the beginners chase. Locally trained Princess Lir caught the eye in Roscommon and Adrian Murray’s mare may improve enough to collect here at a price.

General News Co Limerick jockey Brian Toomey finally made his race course comeback last Sunday at Southwell aboard the odds on fav Kings Grey. The fairytale did not have the perfect end as Toomey pulled up the 11Y-O after he lost his action. A fall in Perth off a horse called Solway Dandy two years had ago left Toomey clinically dead for six seconds with little chance of survival, just 3%. By coincidence Solway Dandy also ran on Sunday at Perth, where he finished 2nd. Toomey may be riding again at the weekend for Phil Kirby. Paul Carberry could miss Tuesday and Wednesday of Galway after picking up a

2 day ban at Downpatrick on Tuesday. If he does not appeal he could be ruled out of contention for the Galway Plate.

Competition Time Off to Kilbeggan on Friday for the Midlands National are Cathal O’Brien, Joe Rooney and Patrick Flanagan, the winners of our reader’s competition and don’t forget to pick up your tickets in the office from this, Thursday, morning. First chance to enter a competition for tickets for the next meeting at Roscommon on Tuesday 4th August. We have 3 pairs of tickets and to win we want to know, and you will have to wait ‘til Saturday, the name of the winning horse in the Irish Oaks? Answers please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail. com by 12.00 pm Wednesday next the 29th July, not forgetting to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Golf News

Boyle Golf Club Competitions for this week are the Men’s Competition on Thursday, and a 9-hole scramble on Friday. Next weekend, Saturday and Sunday is Boyle Traders Weekend. Format is three ball shambles. Entry €15 per person. Re-entry is €5. Date for your diary is the Boyle Arts Festival Open on Saturday 25th July. Format is 18-hole Stableford. Entry is €7. In Interclub news good luck to our Jack O’Sullivan Team who play Rosses Point on Thursday, our Cecil Ewing Team who play Enniscrone on Saturday and our Connacht Shield Team who play Ballymote next Monday.

Castlerea Golf Club The results of this week’s Men’s Competition sponsored by Hester’s Golden Eagle – 1st Ignatius Hayden with 59; 2nd Peter Hester with 61; Cat. 1 Jimmy Joyce with 64; Cat. 2. Pyers O’Connor Nash

with 66 and Cat. 3 David Greene with 64. The winners of the Ladies competitions sponsored by Padraic Newman and Hester’s Golden Eagle were Maura Tully with 40 points and Dympna McGarry with 35 points. Liam Walsh Financial Services is the sponsor for next Sunday’s Men’scompetition and also the Ladies competition on Tuesday 21st July. Hard luck to our Junior Cup team who played in difficult weather conditions last weekend in Athlone. Congrats to Liam Walsh who had one of the best scores on the day. Our Club would like to acknowledge the preparation and commitment given by the players during the year. Best of luck to the Cecil Ewing team who are playing Tuam next Saturday afternoon in the zone semifinal and also to or Jack O’Sullivan team who start their campaign against Roscommon this Thursday. All support would be appreciated on the day.

Roscommon Golf Club Congratulations to Marc McKinstry, Cairndhu Golf Club, Co. Antrim, the clear winner of the Connacht Boys U-18 Open Championship which took place in Roscommon Golf Club, with a great score of 208 (68,70,70). In second place was Jack Hearn from Tramore with 216 (76,70,70) and in joint third place were Marc Boucher, Carton House Golf Club, Joseph O’Neill, Tralee Golf Club, and Peter Kerr, Royal Portrush Golf Club, all with 218. The winner of the Sunday competition, sponsored by Donnellan & Co Menswear, was Francie Grehan with 66 nett. Albert Looby was in second place with 68 nett. Mario Costello won the gross prize with 73 gross. Charlie Farrell was in third place with 68 nett and James McNally won the junior prize with 67 nett. Bernie Browne won the ladies’ 9 hole competition on Sunday with 20 points

and Jackie Maxwell was in second place with 18 points. Liam Casey won the Open Friday competition with 42 points. The Over 55’s had a very enjoyable outing to Slieve Russell on Thursday and John Cunningham was the overall winner. Terry O’Keeffe and Patricia O’Gara take on Peter Casey and Sandra Kelly in the final of the Club Mixed Foursomes Competition. Good luck to Lady Captain Marie McManus and to all the participants in the Lady Captain’s Prize which takes place this week. Members are reminded to get the tickets for the club draw sold and the stubs and money returned to Mike McHale or any committee member as soon as possible. The draw takes place in conjunction with the club classic on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July and the proceeds of both the draw and classic will go towards the purchase of essential machinery to maintain the course.

Captain Eamonn McGirl pictured as he presents prizes at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club 2015 Classic to Barry Crowe, Ollie Duignan and David Greene.

Ladies winners at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club 2015 Classic: Phil McWeeney, Siobhan Talbot, Ann Campbell, Maureen Egan and Captain Eamonn McGirl.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

SportsPeople Hurling round-up

Roscommon Gaels setting the pace Kepak SHC round-up Roscommon Gaels 2-12 Padraig Pearse’s 0-16 Roscommon Gaels are proving to be the surprise packets of the hurling championship so far. They followed up their big first round win against Tremane with a dramatic win against Padraig Pearse’s last Sunday. A goal in the final minute of play from David Clogher settled what was a very competitive and hard-fought game. Cillian Egan’s goal helped the Gaels into a one-point lead at half-time, 1-6 to 0-8. Shane Naughton and Adam Finnerty were on song for Pearse’s who edged ahead in a hard-fought second half. The Gaels had plenty of scoring chances but they shot some bad wides until Clogher struck late. This win almost certainly puts the Gaels into the semifinals. Roscommon Gaels: D Healy; N Tannian, B Concannon, L Clogher; O Hession (0-1), B Mullen, L Tiernan; F Doyle, G Egan (0-1); C Egan (1-6), G Clogher, G Waldron (0-4); D Clogher (1-0), A Clogher, C Duignan. Subs: C Tarmey, T Mullen, T Cullen. Padraig Pearse’s: D Mulvey; S Berrigan, D Loughnane, A Naughton; B Fallon, A Sweeney, K Feehily; M Donoghue (0-1),G Downey; A Finnerty (0-5), A Sweeney, J Donoghue; S Naughton (0-5), C Kelly (0-3), E Cogavin. Subs: T Sweeney (0-1), L Feehily (0-1), D Sweeney.

C Shaw (0-1), J Martin (0-1), L Kilcline; A Beades (02), M Beirne (0-2); J Murray, N Connaughton (0-2), R Beirne (0-1); T Doyle (0-2), B Hanley (0-1), M Miley (08). Sub: A O’Riordan. Oran: P McInerney; MT McCormack, P Crehan, K Crehan; M Gunning, E Kenny, S Moylett; J Fallon (27), P Kenny; M Dwyer, H Rooney (0-1), S McDermott; T Feely, D Ryan, G Keenan (0-2). Subs: J Gunning, K Carty, K Whyte.

Four Roads 2-18 Tremane 1-19 Four Roads edged out Tremane in a thrilling contest at Athleague. Tremane were vastly improved from the performance of the previous week. First-half goals for Four Roads from James Donnelly and Darren Fallon saw them edge ahead by half-time. Four Roads opened up a six-point gap at one stage in the second half and while Tremane never gave up and got a late goal from Joe Brennan, they couldn’t bridge the gap. Four Roads: N Fallon; C Dowd, M McLoughlin, C Hynes; J Rogerson, M Kelly (0-2), J Fitzmaurice; C Coyle (0-1), C Dolan (0-4); A Lawlor (0-5), J Lawlor (0-3); P Higgins (0-2); D Fallon (1-0), J Donnelly (1-1), B Lawlor. Subs: D Dolan, D Kelly, S Byrne. Tremane: K Kellehan; C Farrell, J Blighe, A Flanagan; D Keaveney, S Melia, W Boyle; S Mahony (0-3), N Keenan (0-3); M Kellehan (0-1), M Keaveney (0-2), D Mullen (03); P Brennan (0-2), J Brennan (1-3), John Brennan. Subs: N Gately (0-2), F Carr.

St Dominic’s 0-19 Oran 2-10 St Dominic’s had a three-point win against Oran last Sunday in Athleague. This result means that Oran have now lost two games and are in danger of going out of the championship before the play-off stages. With Mark Miley accurate from frees and play, Dominic’s led by three points at half-time. Oran got back in contention in the second half and two goals from Jerry Fallon (one a free, the other a penalty) saw Oran close the gap, before late points from Naos Connaughton, Mark Miley and Robbie Beirne sealed a great win for the Knockcroghery men. St Dominic’s: D Dowling; P Joyce, S Finneran, C Hunt;

Four Roads’ Cathal Dolan scored 0-4 on their way to their 2-18 to 1-19 victory over Tremane last weekend.

Tommy Fallon, Iona Hanley, Euan and Ollie Hanley and Eileen Fallon pictured in Fermanagh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Rossies face Kildare after Offaly setback Fr Manning Cup OFFALY

1-15

ROSCOMMON

1-10

Roscommon were defeated by a superior Offaly side in this second round game played in Kiltoom last Thursday night. Brian Derwin was once again outstanding for Roscommon and his goal and a number of classy points helped the home side into

a 1-7 to 1-6 lead, Darragh Tierney grabbing the goal for The Faithful County. But Offaly were by far the better team in the second half and, inspired by a brilliant performance from full-forward Conor Lynam, they pulled away to win easily in the finish.

Roscommon play Kildare this week at a Kildare venue. Roscommon: A Brady; E Minagh, E Grady, M Conroy; M Kavanagh, C Kennelly, R Beisty (01); P Halpin, N Murray; C Heneghan, S Henry, G Galvin (0-2); D Gately, B Derwin (-7), M Hanley. Subs: F Doyle, N Cunniffe, O Kelly, E Killoran, C Corcoran.

Camogie

No denying Dubs Liberty Insurance Junior Championship Round 2 DUBLIN ROSCOMMON

U-16 and senior competitors pictured at the Connacht Long Puck last week. Roscommon were represented by Shauna Fallon and Lisa Mullen at U-16 and Niamh Farrell and Fiona Connell at senior level.

The Roscommon junior camogie team were defeated away to Dublin in the second round of the championship in Crumlin on Sunday. Dublin got off to a great start and had racked up 1-1 before Roscommon opened their scoring account. Roscommon came storming into the game courtesy of goals from Niamh Coyle and Annette McGeeney. Roscommon were beginning to dominate and led by one point going into half-time. Straight after the interval Dublin scored to level the scores. Roscommon were dealt a blow when midfielder Kelley Hopkins was

2-18 2-8 given a straight red card. Dublin capitalised on having the extra player and pushed on to record their first win of the championship. Next game is at home to Armagh on Sunday at 2.30 pm in St Dominic’s GAA grounds. Roscommon: Caroline Connaughton, Carmel Killeen, Niamh Farrell (0-1), Catriona Morris, Caroline Gunning, Siobhan Coyle, Elaine Daly, Susan Spillane, Kelley Hopkins (0-1), Rachael Fitzmaurice (0-2), Niamh Coyle (1-2), Rebecca Brennan, Claire Curley (0-1), Annette McGeeney (1-1), Fiona Connell. Subs: Michaela Fallon, Margaret Fannon, Sheila Carney,

Maeve Brennan, Niamh Conway, Edel Gately, Aisling Byrne, Caoilfhionn Cox, Noeleen McCormack, Eala Coyle, Joanne Beattie. Meet and Greet: Roscommon County Camogie Board held a successful Meet and Greet on Friday evening in Athleague. It was preceded by the U-8 Blitz. The stars of the future got to meet the present County Junior Panel and had their pictures taken with them. Thank you to all the clubs who turned up on the evening and a special thank you to Athleague GAA for hosting the event. Gannon Landscape U-12 League: Four Roads defeated Roscommon Gaels Hawks and Roscommon Gaels Eagles defeated Tulsk in the first round of the U-12 championship at the weekend.

Round 2 ﬁxtures Four Roads v St. Dominic’s Padraig Pearse’s v Tulsk Roscommon Gaels Eagles v Athleague Oran v Roscommon Gaels Hawks

Roscommon Herald Junior Championship Round 3 results Padraig Pearse’s 0-3 Four Roads 3-9 Oran 5-9 Roscommon Gaels 2-1 Athleague 4-7 St Dominic’s 4-5

Round 4 ﬁxtures Four Roads v Oran St Dominic’s v Padraig Pearse’s Athleague v Roscommon Gaels

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

Shane’s SPORTS SPOTLIGHT McGregor is new sporting poster boy – is that the right example for young children? Ireland toasted its latest champion over the weekend. Breaking new ground completely, Conor McGregor captured Shane Reynolds the interim UFC lightweight belt with victory over Chad Mendes in Las Vegas, thus sealing his reputation as a global superstar. McGregor has become the latest poster boy of Irish sport. The Irish public appear to have become engulfed in all the fanfare which surrounds the Crumlin native – the trash-talk, the cigars, the money, the suits – it seems the 26-yearold has it all – the world at his feet. But his meteoric rise in the sporting world may have far-reaching consequences. As the new poster boy of Irish sport, he will become a role model for children and teenagers throughout the country – but what type of an example What effect could new Irish poster boy Conor Mcwill he set? Gregor have on children as the surge in popularity of Boxing, another combative but ad-

THE LEAD STORY

MMA continues.

mittedly less violent sport, has always been scrutinised for its violent nature, notwithstanding the disciplined and skilled aspects associated with the sport. But MMA pushes the boundaries even further, and some of the exchanges between competitors are quite brutal and vicious. As with boxing, there is a referee in MMA whose duty it is to ensure the competitors’ well-being, and the moment a fighter’s safety looks like becoming compromised the man in the middle intervenes to stop the bout. But that could sometimes happen after a fighter – or indeed both of them – has already shipped potentially careerthreatening injuries. Boxing has always been a controversial sport which many people feel children should not be exposed to, but MMA is on another ‘level’, despite its

obvious components of professionalism, skill and athleticism. After the bout last Saturday night (before the McGregor fight) between Rory McDonald and Robbie Lawlor, both competitors were rushed to hospital after a gruesome battle – and during the week both fighters posted pictures of brutal head injuries which they sustained. Although there are rules which fighters adhere to, to the naked eye the MMA exchanges appear to pit one man against another in an almost ruleless bare-knuckle bout, where knees to the face and elbows to the head are fair game. Adults may be able to tell the difference between two trained athletes in a ring competing under strict combative rules, but what about children looking on? Will they have the foresight

McDonagh stars in Irish European success DARTS: Roscommon Youth player Ronan McDonagh increased his haul of European medals this past week with two Gold Medals at the WDF Europe Cup held in Vingsted, Denmark. Ireland played Holland in the final where they sealed a 9-7 win. Overall this meant that as well as returning as Boys’ Team European Champions, the Irish Team also secured joint Gold in the overall rankings. Roscommon Darts wishes to congratulate all members of the team and in particular Ronan who topped off a highly successful year in which he captained Roscommon to the All-Ireland Youth Finals by representing his country with distinction and securing two European Gold Medals along the way. Concannon wins: Round Robin event continued in The Hollywood Bar this past Friday, concluding in a top class final where high scoring and clinical finishing were seen throughout. Mark Finneran played Thomas Concannon in the final, where a clinical two-dart 60 finish helped the latter to a 4-1 win.

Good Week European succes Congratulations to Roscommon dart player Ronan McDonagh, who was part of the Irish youth team who won European medals at the WDF Europe Cup in Denmark last weekend.

UFC title It was a great weekend for Irish UFC sensation Conor McGregor, who won the lightweight UFC Interim title by defeating Chad Mendes in Las Vegas last Sunday morning.

Bad Week Rossies raided It was very frustrating weekend for John Evans and his Roscommon team who shipped a disappointing defeat to Fermanagh in Round 2 of the All-Ireland Qualifiers. Leading the game by five points with as many minutes remaining, Roscommon looked home and dry, but Fermanagh rose from the ashes to kick six points without reply to seal an eyecatching win.

Given the blues The Roscommon junior camogie team were defeated away to Dublin in the second round of the Championship in Crumlin on Sunday by 2-18 to 2-8.

to make a distinction between trained combat and just merely thuggish violence? If McGregor cements his place as the new poster boy for Irish sport then it may cause a problem. If kids replace imitating Robbie Keane or Colm Cooper at break-times in school with the new UFC sensation then it will promote a level of violence which children have never been exposed to before. If schoolyards become sanctuaries for children to play out real-life MMA battles then it may prompt a level of violence never witnessed before. The days of using your school jumpers for goal-posts and trying to impersonate Robbie Keane and Damien Duff may become a thing of the past, and if it is replaced by the likes of McGregor and his MMA counterparts, it is certainly a worrying development.

WHO’S SAYING WHAT.. Conor Mortimer @Conmort Fair play to Damien duff giving his wages to charity .... no bother to him lads .... Will go watch in Tallaght soon (former Mayo star praises Duff’s decision to give his Shamrock Rovers wages to charity). Nigel Owens Just watching my first game of Hurling Kilkenny v Galway. Think I am going to be a Hurling fan. Very enjoyable and exiting I must say. (Well-known Rugby referee gives his verdict on the game of hurling). Paddy Barnes @paddyb Federer is the Paddy Barnes of Tennis! #Wimbledon2015 (Irish boxing star compares himself to tennis player who lost out in the Wimbledon final last Sunday) Roscommon fans Grace, Evan, Shauna and Seán Corrigan pictured in Fermanagh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Update on Roscommon football legends book Last call for submissions There has been a huge response from all corners of the globe to the Roscommon Football Legends book, which centres on supporters’ memories of the great 1977-80 Roscommon team. All proceeds from the book will go towards Pieta House, the charity which continues to do such valuable work in the area of suicide prevention. Since the project began and a call for submissions was made via local media,

the Facebook Page ‘Roscommon Football Legends’ and a dedicated email address, roscommonfootballlegends@gmail.com, there has been a massive response. The final call for submissions for the book is this week, so if you want to be part of what will undoubtedly be a great book, get jogging the memory now! Please make sure you leave your name and preferably your general location when making a submission.

FOR YOUR WEEKEND DIARY

Connacht Finals in Hyde Park For the first time since 2011, the Connacht Final returns to Roscommon town, where up to 20,000 GAA fans are expected to attend the tussle between Mayo and Sligo. Mayo are red-hot favourites to retain their crown, but Sligo, buoyed by their win over Roscommon, will be hopeful of causing an upset on Sunday.

Ladies face Tipperary The Roscommon senior ladies football team’s quest to capture the All-Ireland intermediate title begins this Saturday when they face Tipperary in the Qualifiers on Saturday afternoon at 4 pm in Kinnity, Co. Offaly. Despite missing several players due to emigration and J1s, hopes are high that they can overcome their Munster rivals whom they already defeated in the league earlier this year.

Masters Cup semi-ﬁnals The Roscommon & District Masters Cup semi-finals take place this Sunday July 19th at Lecarrow, where Ballinasloe Town face Cloonfad United at 12 noon, and St Francis or Glen Celtic play Skyvalley Rovers at 2 pm.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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Ladies hoping to topple Tipp McLoone and Gunning return TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship Qualifiers: Roscommon v Tipperary on Saturday at 4.30 pm at Kinnity, Co. Offaly < SEAMUS DUKE

The Ward Bros sponsored senior ladies team play Tipperary in the prelimi-

nary round of the TG4 AllIreland Championship on Saturday next at 4.30 pm. Roscommon had six points to spare over Tip-

perary in their last outing in a league game played in Kiltoom earlier this year. Roscommon will be without a number of play-

ers from that game due to a number being away on J1s and the fact that other panel members have also travelled abroad for the summer. That said, Roscommon still have players to step up to the mark and should book their place in the next round against Connacht

Championship runners-up Sligo on Saturday, 1st August. Roscommon manager Kieran Kilkenny says that the game against Tipperary is a 50/50 one. “When we played Tipperary at Kiltoom it was a home game for us and we won it by a few points but they are a really good side

and it is a hard draw. In fact they are probably the best team in the section that we are in. “We have Amanda McLoone and Caroline Gunning back from injury which will strengthen the panel. We were happy enough with our display against Leitrim but we

have to sharpen up in the scoring department. “We are missing too many scores at the moment and if can put that right we will be in with a big chance on Saturday. We are looking forward to it and it is a game that we are well capable of winning” he concluded.

Ladies Football

Minors face Ulster champs Armagh on Saturday There’s a busy week in store for Roscommon ladies football in the county. The long wait is nearly over for the Roscommon minor ladies as they travel to Mullahoran to take on Ulster champions Armagh on Saturday next at 2 pm. The team and management have been training meticulously since their emphatic win over Sligo in the Connacht final on the June bank holiday weekend. The ladies board would like to wish both team and management the best of luck in the semi-final. Roscommon minor panel to face Armagh on Saturday next: Caoimhe Reilly, Claire McCormack, Tess Murtagh (captain), Alaine Morris, Nicole Dolan, Christina Beirne, Emma O’Beirne, Shauna Connell, Rachel Corcoran, Meaveen Green, Jill Mullooly, Niamh Feeney, Therese Lennon, Rebecca Finan, Katie Daly, Courtney M Gibbons, Rachel McDermott, Katie Kelly, Niamh Murray, Vivien Mulryan, Megan Finnerty, Niamh Farrell, Chloe Whyte Lennon, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Rebecca Brennan, Grainne Lohan, Rachel Brady, Caoimhe Lennon, Aoife Beades, Ashling Egan, Eleanor Hanley, Niamh Scally.

Pictured at the recent launch of the TG$ ladies intermediate All-Ireland championship was Roscommon captain Jenny Higgins (pictured back, fourth from left) with her counterparts from all other counties. Roscommon will play Tipperary in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 18th July (venue and time TBC).

Closing date for Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative is looming The closing date for applications to the Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative is this Sunday July 19th. The initiative, which is organised by the GAA, Foróige, and NUI Galway is fully supported by the family of the late great Dermot Earley Senior, is designed to support the next generation of young GAA leaders in achieving their full potential and in doing so to make their mark in their clubs, their counties, and indeed their country. The application process is open to young GAA club members, male and female, aged 15-18 years-old and the initiative will run over three modules between September 2015 and May 2016. The programme is structured to include 30 hours of workshops, which are designed to develop the leadership skills that Dermot epitomised on and off the field, as well as 30 hours of self-directed learning. Participants can then put their enhanced leadership skills into action through a club or community-based action project and those who complete all three modules will graduate from NUIG with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action. The workshops will take place in The Quad, Roscommon town and the lucky participants will also be gathered for at least one special event in Croke Park. For more information on how to apply please contact Stacey Cannon, GAA National Health & Wellbeing Coordinator on stacey.cannon@gaa.ie or 01-8192387 or visit www.gaa.ie/community/community-development/ dermot-early-youth-leadership-initiative/

Roscommon GAA ﬁxtures Friday July 17th Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior B Football Championship At Johnstown: Clann na nGael C v St Aidan’s B. 8 pm At Fuerty: Fuerty B v Kilbride B. 8 pm At Kilmore: Kilmore B v Boyle B. 8 pm King & Moffatt Group AFL Division 4 At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels B v Ballinameen. 8 pm At Strokestown: Strokestown B v St Dominic’s B. 8 pm Saturday July 18th King & Moffatt Group AFL Division 1 At Frenchpark: Western Gaels v Pádraig Pearse’s. 7.30 pm At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Tulsk Lord Edward’s. 8 pm King & Moffatt Group AFL Division 2 At Creggs: Creggs v St Aidan’s. 8 pm At Enfield: St Croan’s v Fuerty. 8 pm Sunday July 19th King & Moffatt Group AFL Division 3 At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearse’s B v Michael Glavey’s. 11 am

Underage GAA ﬁxtures Thursday July 16th Keen Print U-14 Division 1 Football Championship At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Clan na nGael. 7.30 pm At Knockcroghery: St Dominic’s v Oran. 7.30 pm At Boyle: Boyle v Strokestown. 7.30 pm Keen Print U-14 Division 2 Football Championship At Castlerea: Castlerea St Kevin’s v Pádraig Pearse’s. 7.30 pm At Frenchpark: Western Gaels v St. Ciaran’s. 7.30 pm At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edward’s v Eire Óg. 7.30 pm Keen Print U-14 Division 3 Football Championship At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels/St Barry’s v Kilbride. 7.30 pm At Cootehall: St Michael’s v St Aidan’s. 7.30 pm At Ballinlough: Michael Glavey’s v St Faithleach’s. 7.30 pm Keen Print U-14 Division 4 Football Championship At Boyle: Boyle v Clan na nGael B. 7.30 pm At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels B v St Croan’s. 7.30 pm

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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Seamus Duke ON SPORT Big spenders Manchester United and Liverpool have fairly stepped it up in terms of transfers over the last few weeks. Liverpool have added six players to their squad and United have done well in the past week to add Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to their ranks. If they could get Ramos and hold on to De Gea, then United fans could start getting excited about next season. Chelsea have been fairly quiet in the transfer market although it will be very interesting to see if Falcao is a success under Mourinho. The biggest signing could well be the move of Petr Cech to Arsenal. He is a top class keeper and they have needed one over the past few seasons. If they have all their players fit they could be the dark horses for the Premier League title.

Hurling musings I got plenty of stick over the weekend having tipped against Roscommon Gaels in their opening two games in the senior hurling championship (they have scored two great wins). The lads told me to keep tipping against them too. They have made a great start to the championship and are now almost certainly into the semi-finals. Well done to all concerned and well done also to St Dominic’s who have also started their campaign with a win.

Spieth the man to beat The British Open Golf Championship is being played this weekend at the home of golf in St Andrews in Scotland. Who would bet now against Jordan Spieth winning again? He is on fire at the moment. He won in the USA again last weekend and he shot rounds of 64 and 61 on his way to victory. Tiger Woods reckons that he can win this week but it would be the biggest comeback of all time if that was to happen. Although it has to be said that this is a course where he won twice before. It will be interesting to see how he does. I like the chances of Shane Lowry. He faded out of contention last weekend in Scotland but he is great links player with a great short game. Rickie Fowler has to be a consideration as he is on form and I like the chances of Luke Donald, who might be coming into form at just the right time. About eighteen under will win it come Sunday evening.

Time to take stock There is no disguising it, the defeat to Fermanagh last Sunday was one of the most disappointing that I have ever witnessed in the championship for Roscommon footballers. It’s not that Roscommon played too bad at all but it was an incredible finish as Fermanagh got the bit between their teeth and their momentum became unstoppable as the game came to its conclusion. What Roscommon needed was a player or two who could catch the ball in the middle of the field and carry it into Fermanagh territory. I doubt if the ball crossed the halfway line in the last nine minutes of play. Despite the freakish nature of the finish this is a game that Roscommon should not have lost and now we have to reflect on a championship summer in which we lost to both Sligo and Fermanagh. With the prospect of Division One football coming in February next, the County Board, team management and players from U-21 level to senior will have to sit down and take stock and work out a set of priorities for 2016. I am convinced that we have a talented young panel of players who are capable of winning a Connacht title or two at least but we are in a quandary with regard to the league now. From the first week in February 2016 we will be facing tough games every week and we will have to try and have our best team on the field for those games. But it is the championship that matters and we have a dismal championship record over the past five years.

The demands being made on our younger players in particular are absolutely huge and we have to look at that too. Lads like Diarmuid Murtagh, Enda Smith and others have a huge amount of football played over the past two years and those demands are only going to increase as 2016 comes into view. John Evans has had a lot of success with Roscommon. The team has improved out of all proportion and the league performances have been top class. But the bottom line is that Roscommon have made little or no progress in the Connacht Championship. It was great to play against Cavan and beat them and we probably should have beaten Fermanagh too, but what most Roscommon followers wanted this year was a trip to Castlebar to take on Mayo in a Connacht final. After three years under the current management set-up everyone should take stock now. Preparations for 2016 will have to start in September/October and it would be prudent for all the stakeholders – players management and County Board – to sit down and to see where they are going. John Evans said last Sunday that he is going to take stock – and that is only right. Has he taken this group of players as far as he can or can he drive things forward more? These are some of the questions that have to be addressed and answered honestly and in a calm and constructive manner. There is no point in people getting carried away. Things must proceed in the best manner possible for

UFC ‘barbaric’

John Evans pictured at Brewster Park last Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon football. There are plenty of good players there. We will have a good U-21 team again in 2016 and there is grounds for optimism for the future. However it would be a crying shame and a fierce waste of talent if this team were not to win at least one

Connacht senior title and challenge the top teams in the country over the next four or five years. We have to get it right, whether it is with the current management set-up or with a new one. Let everyone have their say and let’s move forward after that.

Mayo will be too strong for Sligo It was an interesting rather than an exciting weekend in the GAA championships Westmeath did okay in the Leinster Football Final but in reality all they did was they kept the score down. Dublin are still the team to beat in the football championship. In the Munster Hurling Final Tipperary were the better team but it was a boring enough game and tactics are becoming a major factor in hurling now. It is taking away from the quality of the games. There were a number of big hurl-

ing games on last weekend but there were very few goals and indeed very few goal chances. I saw all three major games and I feel that Tipperary will put down a major challenge for the All-Ireland and Waterford will be there or thereabouts too. However I cannot see Dublin or Cork being in contention. Cork are a reasonable side but Dublin beat a very poor Limerick side on Saturday night. Cork v Galway will be a cracking game. In the football champion-

Off-beat stories from the Internet over past week

ship Galway had a great win against Armagh and they could easily get to the quarter-finals as they have a great chance of beating Derry this weekend. Another very interesting game will be Tipperary versus Tyrone. Tipp are certainly a team on the rise and they will give Tyrone plenty to think about on Saturday. Fermanagh now play Westmeath and that will be a 50/50 affair. Kildare will have to wait for the Cork v Kerry replay. It is not an inviting prospect for the Lilywhites.

This weekend I am expecting that Kerry will beat Cork in the Munster replay and Donegal to beat Monaghan in what should be the best game of the weekend. Here in Hyde Park I am expecting a comfortable win for Mayo against Sligo in the Connacht Final. Mayo were gearing up for a final against Roscommon but they should have it easy enough against Sligo. I hope that everything goes well on the day and that there is a big crowd and a good game, but I think it might be a little one-sided.

Well-known sports journalist Paul Kimmage questioned whether mixed martial arts (MMA) should be taken seriously by the mainstream media, calling it “barbaric”. The combat sport’s popularity in Ireland has grown considerably in recent years, with poster boy Conor McGregor becoming one of the country’s most talked about athletes during that time. Over the weekend, thousands of Irish fans travelled to Las Vegas to watch the Dubliner win the UFC featherweight interim title by claiming victory over Chad Mendes thanks to a second round TKO. The UFC hosted a sold-out event in Dublin 12 months ago and it will return to the 3 Arena in October, while Croke Park has been touted as the venue for McGregor’s title defence next year if he can overcome Jose Aldo. The success of McGregor and a host of other Irish fighters has inevitably led to MMA, and, in particular its premier franchise the UFC, receiving far more coverage in the mainstream media. However speaking on TRE Radio last week well-respected sports journalist and former cyclist Kimmage says he is “repulsed” by the sport. “It’s barbaric. I’ve watched it and I’m repulsed by it. And I’m thinking ‘should the mainstream media engage with this?’. Clearly he (McGregor) has got a lot of support.” (the 42.ie)

Brolly v Brady Joe Brolly used his Sunday Indo column to deliver an assessment of what is stopping Mayo from winning an All-Ireland. It comes down to one simple factor according to Brolly – ‘shit defending’. That’s not us paraphrasing him. Those are his words and he uses them quite frequently. His main example of this ‘shit defending’ is Mayo’s tendency to leak goals. The Derryman outlines how last year’s All-Ireland semi-finalists can improve this aspect of their game by “creating a defensive structure to prevent goals” – an uncomplicated process according to Brolly. Someone who does not care for this advice is David Brady. The former Mayo player is a recent Twitter convert and doesn’t hold back with his response to the RTÉ analyst’s column. Brady questioned Brolly’s credentials to be offering such suggestions regarding Mayo’s tactics. Brady tweeted the following in reply: “Great piece a managerial advise 4Mayo in indo 2day by a man that hasn’t Managed a team in his life..U8 & U16s do count when ur a bullshitter.”......ouch! (Balls.ie)

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

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Evans: Will he stay or will he go? < PAUL HEALY

Uncertainty surrounds the future of manager John Evans following Roscommon’s dramatic exit from the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in Enniskillen on Sunday. Roscommon County Board are remaining tightlipped on the question of whether or not Evans will be asked to stay on as manager. However, judging from Evans’ comments directly after Sunday’s dramatic defeat to Fermanagh, it looks like the Kerry man is likely to want at least another season in charge. Roscommon have enjoyed considerable success during the Kerry man’s tenure, but a hugely disappointing and relatively short 2015 Championship campaign has placed a firm focus on Evans’ position, with some fans believing the time has come for a parting of the ways. Some fans believe that Evans has made crucial selection errors and criticism has been voiced of the substitutions he made in Enniskillen at the weekend. Under Evans, Roscom-

mon have achieved backto-back promotions – from Division Three to Division One – as well as success in this season’s FBD League. Evans would appear to retain the support of the majority of the Roscommon public, with widespread acknowledgement that the team has improved under his management and that the big achievement of winning promotion to Division One should not be overshadowed by underachievement in the championship. Calls made by the Roscommon People to the County Board on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week were not returned. It would be usual, in the aftermath of a championship defeat, for some time to elapse before any big decisions are made about the fate of the management team. As for Evans himself, it is not certain that he will wish to continue. He has now completed three seasons with Roscommon and has alluded to the demands on his time and family. However, Evans, whose passion for Roscommon is not in question, is excited

Will he stay or will he go? John Evans and Roscommon players pictured prior to throw-in on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

about his developing team and may well relish a crack at Division One and the opportunity to make real progress at championship level next season. Speaking to Seamus Duke after Sunday’s stunning defeat to Fermanagh – Roscommon led by five points with five minutes to

play, only to be overhauled – Evans hinted that he may want to continue. Perhaps it was a throwaway line, but Evans said: “We have to learn from this because we have to go again next year in Division One.” Asked about his plans, he said: “I will stand back

and take a look at it now. I agreed to a year last year and I have to look at the whole package. Today is not the day to take any decisions and I will sit down and take a look at it and talk to my family. “We have to look at the progress that we have made and the players

know that we have made progress too. I have always said that we are on a journey and that there would be hard knocks along the way and by God was today a hard knock. “We have a lot of young players on our team and these young lads are go-

ing to make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process. We have to learn from this because we have to go again next year in Division One.” It is expected that the County Board will clarify the management position in the coming weeks.

Tony Mac Talks GAA READ ROSCOMMON GREAT TONY MCMANUS EXCLUSIVELY IN THE ROSCOMMON PEOPLE!

We must learn lessons following this very disappointing end to championship The curtain came down on Roscommon senior footballers’ championship campaign for 2015 in Brewster Park in Enniskillen last Sunday evening. It has turned out to be a nightmare of a campaign this year with the only saving grace being a win against a mediocre Cavan team. John Evans can talk all he wants about the cups in the cupboard but he cannot sugar-coat the fact that it was a very disappointing end to the 2015 campaign. Every year at the start of the season teams lay down their goals for the year, culminating in trying to get things right for the premier competition, the championship. Throughout this year we have been touted as realistic contenders for the Connacht title, especially when we got what looked like a favourable draw. But it has turned out to be a major disappointment. With due respect to Sligo and Fer-

managh they could not be considered as teams who are at or near the top table, yet both managed championship wins against Roscommon. After all the work which has been done at underage level over the years we have now assembled a strong group of quality young players. While it was good to see progress in the league it is their championship performance that teams are judged on. John Evans made a big issue last Sunday evening about the inexperience of our players, implying that was probably the cause of our defeat. I would disagree with him on that score. There have been huge issues with regard to team selection and game management and those factors come under his watch. We saw last week that the Kerry manager Eamon Fitzmaurice put his hand up and acknowledged that he had made mistakes in the drawn

Munster final. When someone is taking the credit when things are going well then they must be prepared to stand up and take responsibility when things are going the other way. There is no doubt that we should have won that match last Sunday as we were in control for almost the entire game. Having said that Fermanagh had a number of bad misses in the first half, especially from their talisman Sean Quigley. For Roscommon there were some very good displays and they played some excellent football in patches. Seanie McDermott and Cathal Cregg deserve special mention for outstanding displays but we made some strange substitutions which allowed Fermanagh back into the match. While that was true, the Fermanagh comeback was also aided and abetted by some poor refereeing from Cormac Reilly. The penalty award was a joke,

but not very amusing if you were a Roscommon supporter. What annoys me about this referee and several others is that we continue to see them throughout the championship, regardless of what blunders they make. Everybody agrees that the real All-Ireland Championship does not really start until August, so it is very disappointing that we did not make it that far. But if we learn from our mistakes it might be worth it in the long run. We are a better team than we showed in this championship.

This weekend’s action This coming weekend we have the Connacht SFC Final in Dr Hyde Park. Mayo will be hot favourites and Sligo will do well to make a match of it. Mayo, while not looking great, easily dispatched Galway in the semi-final. Sligo had a great win over Roscommon but they will face a bigger challenge on Sunday.

Mayo look too powerful and I expect that they will win with a bit to spare. In Ulster Donegal will have to be at their best if they are to overcome Monaghan. Don’t expect this to be pretty – I don’t think Mick O’Connell will be watching. It will be tense and tough and I expect Donegal will double-mark Conor McManus, thus reducing Monaghan’s scoring power. Donegal to win a low-scoring game. In the qualifiers I am predicting wins for Tyrone and Galway. Galway did very well last weekend to beat Armagh but might find Derry more difficult this weekend. Galway are playing a more defensive system now and while it appears to be the way to go, the northern teams are more used to playing it and are better at it. I am not sure about this Derry team so I am going for Galway to get to the next round.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers (Round 3) : Fermanagh 1-14 Roscommon 0-16

THE NINE-MINUTE Roscommon crash down to earth after amazing Fermanagh comeback THE VERDICT Seamus Duke In over 25 years of covering Roscommon championship games for the newspapers and radio, I cannot remember a more devastating defeat than this one. Roscommon were not playing that well but were still cruising to a comfortable win. Even after Fermanagh scored what was a very, very soft penalty, Roscommon came back and scored two nice points to restore order. I’m looking at my match notes: 64 minutes gone, Roscommon 0-16 Fermanagh 1-8. What happened after that almost defies description. Fermanagh found a momentum that was nowhere evident before that point. Suddenly Roscommon couldn’t get their hands on the ball. The ball was flying over the Roscommon crossbar from almost every possible angle. The lead was down to four, three, two. The game was slipping into injury-time. Sean Quigley hammered a ’45 over in the 71st minute. The roars of the home crowd grew ever louder. A disputed line ball, and then Tomas Corrigan arrowed an incredible kick between the posts. If The Gooch or Diarmuid Connolly did it there would be TV replays on every sports bulletin for the next six months. The sides were level. Roscommon players were shellshocked. They could see their championship hopes slipping away and they

were unable to do anything about it. Sean Quigley had a poor enough game by his standards but he was the hero, taking a pass in the 73rd minute and arrowing over the winning point. The final whistle sounded shortly after that. Disbelief all round. Fermanagh could not believe they had won it and Roscommon could not believe they had lost it. It was a stunning end to the game. So, what happened? How did Roscommon lose it? Taking off Enda Smith and Ultan Harney certainly didn’t help. Both players are very well capable of winning their own ball and when we needed someone to get their hands on the ball and carry it up the field in the final 10 minutes, they were off the field. It was also very strange to see Ronan Stack, who is a defender, playing in attack – and it was an even bigger surprise to see Niall Carty come on in attack after he had played the last two years as our full-back. The loss of players like Senan Kilbride, Mark Healy, Conor Daly, Donal Ward and Cathal Shine was no help but there were some serious mistakes made on the line which certainly contributed to this defeat. But it wasn’t that Roscommon were playing so bad. They just completely lost their way in the final nine minutes of play. Neil Collins, Seanie McDer-

Ciaran Murtagh loses his footing as he attempts to turn away from the incoming challenge of Mickey Jones. Picture: Andrew Fox

mott, Ian Kilbride, Enda Smith Donie Shine, Ultan Harney and Cathal Cregg in particular were fantastic on the day and they took the fight to Fermanagh. The home side looked poor, especially in the first half. Even the Fermanagh supporters could not believe that they had actually won the match when it was all over. It was like something out of a Roy of the Rovers comic book – and The Rossies were the villains. After a fantastic FBD League and National League campaign this has been another poor cham-

The Roscommon team pictured standing for the national anthem. Picture: Andrew Fox

pionship for Roscommon. In fact our championship record in recent years has been very bad indeed and Roscommon fans will not need reminding that the team have not beaten Galway or Mayo in the championship since 2001. It is nice to be looking ahead to playing in Division One of the National Football League, but the disastrous defeats that we have suffered in the championship this year to Sligo and Fermanagh will be a huge blow to the confidence of the players. John Evans and his management team have

three years behind them now and they have many achievements to point to, and there is no doubt that the Kerryman is one of the most passionate football men that I have ever met. However all sides will have to sit down now and see if further progress can be made under the current regime. There is no doubt that we have a big panel of young and talented players but as every year slips by the chances of progress in the championship lessens and it is time now for a calm and constructive debate about where we are and where we want to go.

The championship is where it is at, and the facts are that Roscommon have made very little progress in the premier competition over the past five years or so. The challenges are going to increase too. Next February, March and April the team will be playing the top seven teams in the country in the league and the last thing we need are more demoralising defeats. Our championship record is not good enough and last Sunday’s incredible defeat is further adding to the pain. We have to start planning for 2016 and beyond in the next few weeks.

Roscommon is a mighty football county. There was a huge crowd of supporters there to support the team last Sunday. People here are desperate for success. Next Sunday 23,000 people will pack into Dr Hyde Park for the Connacht Senior Football Final between Sligo and Mayo. The best of luck to both sides but Roscommon fans, players and management know that we should be preparing to travel to McHale Park to take on Mayo. It has been another disastrous championship summer for Roscommon.

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015

All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers (Round 3) : Fermanagh 1-14 Roscommon 0-16

NIGHTMARE

Roscommon GAA @RoscommonGAA Thank you to all who travelled to Enniskillen today and all who followed the team throughout the season. Anthony Madden @anthonytmadden @clubrossie Congrats to Cathal Cregg on GAA team of week. What an ambassador for Ros GAA - class acts, super role model. Gratitude. LiveGaelic @GAALive Listening to Willie on Shannonside waiting for Roscommon bet to come back. Entertainment isn’t the word for this commentary!

KEY MOMENTS

Hugh Lynn @lthugh I know game is over etc but I hope the Fermanagh penalty is examined on @TheSundayGame just so I can put all that behind me!

Seamus Duke came a crucial score for the home side. Niall Cassidy drove the ball in long and hopeful to the Roscommon square. Sean Quigley fisted the ball into the path of the onrushing Marty O’Brien, who appeared to go to ground with little or no contact from any Roscommon player. Referee Cormac Reilly saw it differently and awarded a penalty. Sean Quigley sent Darren O’Malley the wrong way –now the gap was down to three. Roscommon reacted magnificently to that hammer blow, Donie Shine and Enda Smith responding with scores. The clock read 64 minutes and it seemed that Roscommon had weathered the storm. Scores from Ryan Jones (65th minute) and Tomas Corrigan (66 minutes) closed the gap to three. Roscommon could not get their hands on the ball now. On 67 minutes Damien Kelly lofted over a point. Fermanagh were on a roll.

Anthony Madden @anthonytmadden @clubrossie Gratitude to squad, management and supporters for super memories of 2015, Team back home in Div 1 - players have all shown their potential. Mark Murphy @MarkMurphy66 @RoscommonGAA Thanks to the team for some of the grand football they’ve played at times this year. Don’t let today stop your progress.

Sensational comeback denies Roscommon It’s tempting to start this report in the 64th minute, because the final six minutes and the three minutes of injury-time played were where this match was won and lost – but in truth this was an entertaining game that was going the way of Roscommon until those final incredible moments. Roscommon were by far the better team in the opening half. Ultan Harney was on fire and opened the scoring after 40 seconds. A minute later Cathal Cregg took advantage of a poor kick-out to score from 30 metres. Fermanagh were struggling (they shot nine firsthalf wides) and their talisman Sean Quigley was wayward from frees. With Cathal Cregg and Donie Shine providing key scores the visitors led by 0-9 to 04 at the break. Roscommon went into a six-point lead (0-14 to 0-8) by the 54th minute. John Evans’ team were in control. Then in the 55th minute

Match reaction on ‘tweet street’

Michael Finneran @soilsitheoir F**k. Too gutted for words

Man of the Match: Cathal Cregg wins a free as Richard O’Callaghan is deemed to have used a high tackle by Cormac Reilly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Cathal Cregg (Roscommon)

In the 70th minute Sean Quigley belted over a ’45. A one-point game. Three minutes of injury-time were signalled. There was a minor scuffle on the sideline about 30 metres from goal. Line ball to Fermanagh but it looked like a Roscommon ball to me. Tomas Corrigan stood up and pointed with the outside of his right foot. A sensational kick. The sides were level. The crowd were on their feet, scarcely believing what was happening. On the kick-out Eoin Donnelly found Sean Quigley who pointed. Sensational. The Fermanagh crowd were in ecstasy. Soon after, Cormac Reilly

For Fermanagh, Niall Cassidy had a storming game at corner-back and scored two excellent points. Eoin Donnelly, Marty O’Brien, Ryan Jones, Tomas Corrigan, Sean Quigley and sub Ruari Corrigan all played well. For Roscommon, Neil Collins, Seanie McDermott, Ian Kilbride, Donie Shine, Enda Smith and Ultan Harney were excellent. The best player on the field was Cathal Cregg. He won almost every ball that was kicked in his direction and his direct running was a joy to watch all through. He kicked four great points from play too. What a pity he was not on the winning side.

blew the final whistle – and it was over. For Roscommon this was a nightmare that it will be hard to recover from. Fermanagh: Thomas Treacy; Mickey Jones, Tiernan Daly, Niall Cassidy (02); Declan McCusker, James McMahon, Marty O’Brien; Eoin Donnelly, Richard O’Callaghan; Barry Mulrone (0-1), Ryan Jones (0-1), Ryan McCluskey; Paul McCusker, Sean Quigley (1-3, 1-0 pen, ’45, 1 free), Tomas Corrigan (0-5, 3 frees). Subs: Ruairi Corrigan (0-1) for McCusker (h-t), Che Cullen for Daly (black card, 45), Conall Jones for P McCusker (51), Damien Kel-

ly (0-1) for Cassidy (black card, 62). Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, David Murray; Niall Daly, David Keenan, Ciaran Cafferky; Ian Kilbride, Kevin Higgins (0-1); Ronan Daly, Cathal Cregg (0-4), Enda Smith; Ultan Harney (0-3), Donie Shine (0-5, 4 frees), Ciaran Murtagh (0-3, frees). Subs: Ronan Stack for Kilbride (h-t), Niall Carty for R Daly (45), Donie Smith for C Murtagh (60), Cian Connolly for E Smith (65), Brian Murtagh for Cafferky (67), Michael Finneran for Harney (71). Referee: Cormac Reilly (Meath).

The Big Game – in Numbers Fermanagh Wides Frees Yellow cards Black cards Scores from play Attendance

12 (9) 20 (13) 3 2 0-9 8,750

Roscommon 4 (1) 14 (7) 0 0 0-9

‘It’s part of learning process’ – shell-shocked Evans < SEAMUS DUKE

A clearly shell-shocked Roscommon manager John Evans emerged from a hushed dressing room to address the media. He said that he will take a few weeks to consider his position after this defeat. “I will stand back and take a look at it now. I agreed to a year last year and I have to look at the whole package. Today is not the day to take any decisions and I will sit down and take a look at it and talk to my family. “We have to look at the progress that we have made and the players know that we have made progress too. I have always said that we are on a journey and that there would be hard knocks along the way and by God was today a hard knock. “I have been talking to the players in there now and they are gutted. We certainly didn’t see that coming in the last few minutes. They were kicking unbe-

lievable points from everywhere and they got the momentum going and that is why home venue is so important in these games. It was a huge help to them. “There were a lot of calls that went against us too in the last few minutes but that is the way it goes. We were seven points up but we couldn’t hold on to that lead. We have a lot of young players on our team and these young lads are going to make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process. We have to learn from this because we have to go again next year in Division One. “The penalty decision was crucial. It was not a penalty from where I was standing and to add to that we should have got four or five frees there toward the end but that’s how it goes sometimes with referees. “I am impressed with our young lads and their attitude. We went seven points ahead playing some great football but we just couldn’t see it out. But you had

to credit Fermanagh. They showed incredible spirit and the home support was massive.”

Pete McGrath (Fermanagh manager) “If you look at the first half we had nine wides and Roscommon had one and we were coughing up possession and missing easy chances. At half-time we were five points down but I said to the boys that this game is not over. I said to them if we are in it in the last ten minutes we will have the legs. “Obviously the penalty was crucial and after that we had the momentum. We showed tremendous character there at the end and in games like that the opposition become bystanders and there is nothing they can do. That’s the way it transpired today and it was a thrilling win and I am delighted for our players and everyone involved.” John Evans pictured in Brewster Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 17 July 2015