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

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news@roscommonpeople.ie sport@roscommonpeople.ie advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

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OUT & ABOUT

20 March 2015

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THE BANKS VERSUS THE PEOPLE Several Roscommon families set to lose their homes!

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Several Roscommon families are set to lose their homes after banks were given permission to repossess 15 properties at a sitting in the

courthouse in the county town on Monday. The robust new approach by banks and financial institutions, much in evidence in the New Year, has prompted calls on the Government to step in on behalf

of stressed mortgage-holders.

Various land league organisations from around the country converged on the courthouse to stage a protest to highlight the fact that 97 repossession applications were

listed before the County Registrar.

The majority were adjourned for a later sitting, but up to nine family homes were among the possession orders granted on the day.

See pages 10 & 11.

E: lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu www.twitter.com/lukeming www.facebook.com/lukemingflanagan

30 years experie nce in the busine ss

See photographs from St. Patrick’s Day Parades from around the county on page 24 and 25.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

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Motorcyclist dies in Carrick crash < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

A man, aged in his 20s, died in a road traffic collision near Carrick-on-Shannon on Wednesday afternoon.

The crash occurred between Fenagh and Ballinamore when a car and a motorcycle collided at 3 pm. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and his body

was removed to Sligo General Hospital.

The road remained on closed on Wednesday evening to facilitate a forensic collision investigation and local diversions were in place.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident has been asked to contact Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station on 071-9650510.

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Celebrations at the final whistle at the Sportsground yesterday (Wednesday). Picture: Andrew Fox

Four days after GAA win, CBS makes rugby history! < PAUL HEALY

What a few days it’s been for Roscommon CBS…four days after the school’s GAA team sensationally won the Connacht Colleges SFC A Final (defeating Summerhill College, Sligo in Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday), their rugby team scored a historic triumph, storming to success in the Top Oil Connacht Schools Junior Cup Final.

When Roscommon CBS defeated Summerhill College by 0-8 to 0-7 in a nailbiting provincial decider on Satur-

day, it was the school’s first Connacht success in the A grade since 1998.

Then yesterday (Wednesday) the focus switched the Sportsgrounds in Galway where the Roscommon CBS rugby team took on Colaiste Iognaid in the Top Oil Connacht Schools Junior Cup Final.

A superb, commanding performance resulted in an astonishing 36-0 win for the CBS – and a place in the history books, as they became the first side from the county to win a major schools trophy in the province.

See reports on pages 43 & 45.

LRC intervenes in prison row < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) will hold talks today (Thursday) between both sides involved in the prison officers’ dispute.

The news comes after a ballot

of officers throughout the country on Wednesday of last week resulted in 93 per cent being in favour of strike action.

As of now, some 3,200 prison officers, including 180 from Castlerea Prison, will start a work-to-rule on March 26.

However, the Irish Prison Service and Prison Officers’ Association (POA) have agreed to mediation talks with the LRC, in an attempt to avert that. “The LRC have invited ourselves and the Irish Prison Service into talks tomorrow,”

said Paul Purcell, information officer of the POA, on Wednesday.

The row resolves around serious safety concerns inside the country’s jails, in light of recent violent incidents and planned cutbacks.

I accidentally crashed my car into the back of another car a few weeks ago. I was uninjured but the back seat passengers of the other car were injured and taken to hospital at the time. Unfortunately my insurance had lapsed so I was not insured to drive my car when the accident occurred. I have now received a letter from the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland solicitors seeking very large compensation from me. Can they do this?

The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) compensates victims who have been involved in an accident caused by an uninsured or unidentified vehicle. The 2009 MIBI Agreement covers personal injury claims, subject to liability, in a situation where the offending vehicle is uninsured or cannot be identified. Costs of such MIBI claims are in general paid for by insured drivers through their annual insurance premiums.

However, the MIBI will pursue the offending motorist who is legally obliged to pay for the cost of the claim. Rather than waiting until the claim is settled with the injured party the MIBI’s solicitors are now writing to uninsured drivers within a short time of the accident seeking a compensation figure with a view to promptly settling the MIBI’s claim against the uninsured driver. This figure will be based upon a professional estimate of the amount of compensation and associated costs likely to be payable to the innocent victims of the accident.

Failure to pay a settlement figure at this early stage will result in litigation against the uninsured driver together with the likelihood of pursuit for debt recovery into the future.

You should immediately contact your solicitor for advice regarding your options.

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

03

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

Geoff Cooper pictured with illegal fyke nets which were removed from Kilglass Lake in 2014.

‘A bullet in the post won’t stop me’ < PAUL HEALY

This man’s ‘reward’ for tirelessly highlighting the theft of fish from waterways throughout Ireland was to receive a bullet in the post last week.

Geoff Cooper, who lives in Kilglass, a couple of miles from Rooskey village, was also branded a racist by his anonymous correspondent.

When Geoff opened his post last Friday, he made an unwelcome discovery.

A bulky envelope addressed to ‘Geoff Cooper, Kilglass, Rooskey, Roscommon’ contained a low velocity .22 bullet along with a sheet of plastic with the words ‘racist out’ written on it. (In fact ‘racist’ was spelt ‘racest’).

Geoff, who is in his sixties, was undaunted.

“I laughed when I saw the bullet” Geoff told the Roscommon People.

“I’ve obviously ruffled a few feathers. It’s nothing new. I’ve been told in the past that there are contracts out on my life – just because I tell the truth.”

Geoff Cooper knows he has ‘ruffled feathers’. For a number of years now the internationally renowned coarse angler has been drawing attention to what he claims is unscrupulous behaviour by some Eastern Europeans.

Mr. Cooper, who writes for a number of angling magazines and is also a regular blogger, says some Eastern European “criminals” are catching fish and then selling them on. He explains that under Irish law a coarse angler may not take or kill any more than four fish on a given day.

He alleges that gangs of “Eastern European men” who are living in Ireland have been intimidating genu-

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The bullet and note which angling writer and campaiger Geoff Cooper says he received in the post at his home in Kilglass, Co. Roscommon.

ine anglers while they “regularly steal hundreds of fish and sell them on.”

Mr. Cooper says this practice is a massive problem throughout Ireland, North and South, and is a major threat to our angling industry.

Laughing off claims that he is a racist, Mr. Cooper said “I’m a realist, not a racist.”

“The simple fact is that I am highlighting a problem which the Fisheries Board here is failing to address. I have video evidence of these people in action. They are brazen about it too, and often intimidate genuine anglers.” He has consistently raised the matter with relevant authorities.

Geoff, who is originally from England, added: “As for the racism

charge, I’m an immigrant to Ireland! I’ve been living here now for 25 years, 12 of them in the Rooskey area.”

Mr. Cooper reported the bullet incident to local Gardai, who are now investigating.

The angling enthusiast says the criminal activity means a lot of waters that used to provide good fishing are now “almost barren of fish.” Pointing to the decline in angling tourism in places like Rooskey, Tarmonbarry and Lanesboro, Mr. Cooper says he will not be silenced and will continue to support the development of angling in Ireland.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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There is a real sense of deep loss in Roscommon town and beyond at news of the death of Dr. Pat McHugh. He was a much-respected doctor in Roscommon County Hospital for over thirty years. In my limited dealings with him, I found him to be an absolute gentleman. He always seemed to be in good humour and he had a very positive effect on anyone he met.

This perhaps is not the week to trawl over the past, but suffice to say that the people of Roscommon felt greatly slighted when what turned out to be false claims were made about cardiac death rates at Roscommon County Hospital.

One can only imagine how upsetting these claims must have been for staff at the hospital, and particularly for Dr. McHugh and his family.

In fact, the reality is that the people of Roscommon were deeply indebted to Dr. McHugh for his medical brilliance and for his genial disposition. The people of Roscommon had huge regard for and confidence in Dr. Pat. The whole hospital controversy in recent years has been wretched on so many fronts. Dr. McHugh’s response was to lend his vocal support to the campaign (against downgrading) with both dignity and a firmness that was not to be underestimated.

His untimely passing, after a period of illness that was bravely borne, is profoundly sad. He will be greatly missed by his immediate family and by the wider community. I extend my sympathies to Dr. Pat’s wife Bridie, children and wider family.

Dr. Pat McHugh will be remembered with great fondness throughout Co. Roscommon and further afield long into the future. He has left a distinguished legacy.

Monday

Pictured at Ballaghaderreen’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Mick McCormack.

really. I must, as Editor of the Roscommon People, hold up my hands on this one! John P. has well and truly put us in our place – and put his place to the forefront. I should quickly point out that we are indeed aware that Cloonfad is in Co. Roscommon. We are also aware of the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day Parades there.

We basically overlooked Cloonfad in what was a roundup of local parades in last week’s issue. It wasn’t ever meant to be a definitive guide (we didn’t reference parades in Longford town, Athlone or Carrick-on-Shannon either) but it was meant to refer to all parades that we knew of in Co. Roscommon, and a few more in ‘border areas.’ (Of course it does help when organisers of such events make contact with us and provide us with details, and our door is open in that regard).

Bottom line, we got it wrong, in that we omitted Cloonfad. We apologise for this. But I do wish to stress again that we are aware

that Cloonfad is in Co. Roscommon and we are glad that this is so. In sending apologies to our readers in Cloonfad, we thank John P. for his suitably chastening correspondence.

To borrow from John P.’s final sentence, you could say we really put our foot in our mouth on this one…

Tuesday You can generally only get to one parade and we try to get around to different ones each year (Cloonfad next year?!)

– this St. Patrick’s Day we made the short trip to Ballyleague/ Lanesboro.

The weather is beautiful. There are seven of us, including the puppy that Santa eased down the chimney. It’s the puppy’s first parade, in fact almost her first day in the outside world. A few bigger dogs growl and linger, but because of the day that’s in it, there’s harmony all around.

The parade, while small enough, is excellent. There are some great floats. I had a small

puppy where I might normally have a small notebook, so I took no notes. I know that the ‘12th Ballyboro Scouts’ were fabulous; great detail in their costumes, great fun, great effort. Superb.

There was at least one excellent school float too, and of course the Men’s Shed showed off their commendable boat-building project.

The reports from parades throughout the region were very positive. Unfortunately we could only be in one place at the one time. I don’t know how the politicians manage to get to two or three reviewing stands on the same day!

Our four-year-old discovered the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day parades (for his age group) – i.e. picking up sweets off the ground that had been thrown by generous ‘floats’ to by-standers.

Our pup survived the big, real world and we indulged in small talk with strangers with green hair, dubious-looking beards and ridiculous hats, like you do on St. Patrick’s Day.

We received this correspondence, by email, from John P. Burke of Cloonfad, Co. Roscommon on Monday. It was entitled ‘Where is Cloonfad anyway?’

Dear Editor, At one time I used go to Roscommon town every week and on meeting various people, I would be asked is Cloonfad in Mayo or Galway.

It seems to me that once you pass Ballymoe nobody cares where it is, not even your reporter. In his article on St. Patrick’s Day parades he gives a list of parades around Co. Roscommon – and even Galway and Longford – but not a word of Cloonfad Parade which is going strong since 1975.

By the way I don’t get to Roscommon that much any more – legislation, post foot and mouth 2001, put paid to that form of entertainment for me.

Yours sincerely, Pictured at a ‘60s Night in aid of Athleague Community Centre in the Bridge House, Athleague on Saturday night John P. Burke last were Brian Murray, Jacqueline Conboy, Mary Clayton, Hazel Murray and Mike Conneally. More in our next Well, what can I say? Not a lot, issue. Picture: Andrew Fox

05

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Motivation’s success is founded on the company’s unique approach to weight management, which focuses not just on what people eat, but why. This groundbreaking concept was pioneered by worldrenowned French-Canadian Bariatrician Dr. Maurice Larocque, who developed the revolutionary ‘Mental Weight’ concept, to help people achieve and maintain their ideal weight by identifying and tackling the root cause of their eating habits and behaviours.

So come along and meet the Motivation team at Athlone Town Centre on Thursday, 26th March between 9 am and 8 pm to avail of your free screening.

“I believe I was at a very high risk of stroke, heart problems and diabetes within a year if I didn’t lose the weight when I did. Every aspect of my life has changed. I feel extremely confident and proud of myself now.”

The number of people seeking social housing in County Roscommon has more than doubled over the past two years.

Information obtained under Freedom of Information legislation showed that, as well as a

sharp rise in the number of repossession cases coming before our courts, more and more people are seeking council accommodation.

Roscommon County Council said: “There were 649 applicants on the approved housing list as at March 9, 2015.

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Tyres slashed in Roscommon town A car, which is used for charitable purposes, was subjected to criminal damage in Roscommon town last weekend.

Sgt. Adrian Queeney, of Roscommon Garda Station, said the car was parked up by residents

Sharp rise in numbers seeking social housing < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Before

“A Statutory Assessment of Housing Need was carried out in 2013. This showed that there was 256 approved applicants on the waiting list for social housing support in March 2013.”

The council’s housing stock is currently 1,348 units.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Road Project

MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING DAUGHTER (5) < CONOR GALLAGHER

A Roscommon man has been jailed for six months for sexually abusing his five-year-old daughter over the course of two years.

The court heard that the young girl was also “prostituted out” by her mother to their neighbour.

The girl’s mother is currently serving a 14-year sentence, with four and a half years suspended, for sexual assault, sexual exploitation and child cruelty.

The neighbour received a 14-year sentence for a variety of sexual offences against the child, including rape.

The mother was in a relationship with the neighbour and would make the child available to him for sexual abuse.

The child’s 59-year-old father pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexual assault of the girl at the family home in Roscommon between July 2004 and July 2006.

On Monday, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced the man to two years in prison but suspended all bar six months of that having taken into

Anger at threat to Castlerea psychiatric unit < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Rumours that the Rosalie Unit at Áras Naomh Chaolain – a long-stay psychiatric facility in Castlerea – is in danger of closure, have led to a firm response by a local doctor and politicians.

The Government’s blueprint for mental health care, ‘Vision for Change’, recommends that the number of community hostels in counties Roscommon and Galway be reduced from 58 to just nine.

The Health Service Executive plans to put more resources into community-based psychiatry instead.

The HSE have yet to officially announce their intention to close any

specific hostel, but it is expected that the Rosalie Unit, which caters for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, will be axed in the coming months.

“If these plans are allowed to proceed, it will have serious consequences for the elderly psychiatric and Alzheimer’s patients who reside in these facilities,” said Dr Greg Kelly, who works in Castlerea.

“It is planned to transfer them to other nursing homes and other facilities, where their needs would not be met.

“It is very important that the HSE plans are stopped as a matter of urgency.

“There are vulnerable, voiceless people involved, whose lives will be adversely affected

by these plans, and it behoves us all to stand up for their rights and entitlements.”

Independent TD Denis Naughten has stated that he is disappointed that the HSE has not outlined a long-term future for the unit.

He said: “The fact is that when concerns were raised regarding other mental health services in the past, they usually tended to come true.

“Therefore, I’m very concerned that the HSE, in its statement on the Rosalie Unit, has failed to outline a long-term plan for the unit.”

Fellow Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has added his voice to concerns expressed locally about the unit’s future.

He said: “I visited the

facility las weekend and saw first hand the excellent work that is going on there, carried out by a hard-working and dedicated staff.

“Any plans by the HSE to transfer the patients to private nursing homes would be totally unacceptable.”

A local councillor in Castlerea, Fianna Fáil’s Paschal Fitzmaurice, has raised concerns of further closures.

“I believe that all psychiatric services at Áras Naomh Chaolain and psychiatric hostels are now under threat of closure,” he said.

“I have been informed by a very reliable source that the HSE intend to move all patients to nursing home. The HSE plans must be stopped as a matter of urgency.”

account the man’s plea of guilty, remorse and the fact that he has a severe medical condition.

He said the girl had been abused in an awful way and “prostituted” by her mother.

“The trauma inflicted on this child is beyond imagination,” Judge Nolan said before he added that she now appears to be getting on with her life with the aid of very good foster parents.

“For a father to abuse his child in this way is reprehensible,” he added before he declared the man a sex offender.

Judge Nolan told Caroline Biggs SC, prosecuting, that he didn’t think there was a necessity for post release supervision as the man doesn’t represent “an on-going threat to society”.

A local garda told prosecuting counsel Philipp Rahn BL (with Ms Biggs) that social workers were involved in the care of the family and there were concerns about the victim showing “over-sexualised” behaviour.

The child was taken out of the family home and a “wide-ranging investigation” took place.

During interview by specialist garda interviewers the girl said her father would sit her on his knee and kiss and molest her.

She said this happened two or three times when she was aged five or six.

During garda interview the man denied molesting her and said he may have touched her genitals “by accident.”

In a victim impact report read to the court the girl said her father “has left permanent scars that will never go away.”

“He had no right to hurt me,” she wrote. “No one ever said I love you. Every child needs to be told they are loved and he never did.”

Defence counsel Paul Greene SC said his client had nothing to do with the more serious abuse orchestrated by the girl’s mother.

Counsel said his client was in fear of the mother and “was in a family environment that had become chaotic and dysfunctional.”

Mr Greene added that a medical report showed the man would find custody very difficult due to medical problems.

Engineer praised for service to Strokestown A local councillor has paid tribute to engineer Frank Flanagan following his departure from the Strokestown Area Office of Roscommon County Council.

“I would like to say a sincere thank you to him for all of the work he put in,”

said Cllr. Valerie Byrne, an Independent councillor.

“I would like to thank him for all of the hard work he put in in the Strokestown electoral area. He did a terrific amount of work and it was appreciated.”

Pictured are Pat Murtagh (Director of Services, Roscommon Co. Council), Mary Butler (Executive Librarian) and Richie Farrell (Co. Librarian) at the launch of eBooks at Roscommon Library.

Library adding eBooks to its services Roscommon County Council: Library Services will be adding eBooks to its growing provision of electronic resources, as part of the ongoing library development programme.

Riche Farrell, County Librarian stated: “As more and more information becomes available in digital format and the way

people now access resources continue to change, the public libraries need to constantly keep pace with developments so that our users and readers can have access to our services when they require. It is about complimenting delivery of services both from a physical building and in a virtual context.”

07

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople Enrolment in Loughglynn NS begins Enrolment/ Open Day on Thursday, 26 March

Loughglynn National School ENROLMENT/OPEN DAY Thursday 26th March Phone No. 094 9880165 • Email: loughglynnns@gmail.com Facebook. scoil mhuire lourdes loughglynn

Timetable of Events 2:30pm: Welcome by Principal to parents of New Entrants followed by a talk by Infant Teacher Children will visit their classrooms at this time.

3:00 – 4:00pm: Meet and greet by Staff and Parent’s Association

Loughglynn National School is a modern, spacious primary school that is situated halfway between Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen on the R325.

Boasting three mainstream class teachers and a Learning Support Teacher, the school also has a full-time Resource Teacher and a full-time Special Needs Assistant.

Over the past number of years the school has invested heavily in modern educational technology. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and fourteen laptops with educational software are available to pupils.

Of course the importance of play has not been forgotten with the school boasting a huge tarmac

play area and a purpose built infant play area complete with see-saws, three slides and soft flooring.

High levels of academic achievement are a characteristic of the school but they also realise the importance of mindfulness in the children. Lough-

glynn NS is one of the first schools in Ireland to start the Fun Friends and Friends for Life anti-anxiety programmes.

The school also realise the importance of sport and its contribution to physical and mental development. The boys soccer team are the reigning county 7-a-side champions and the girls were runners-up.

The boys were also runners-up in the Gaelic football. The

school also participate in athletics and quizzes.

Extra PE is provided during lunchtimes in our community centre, which is next door.

Loughglynn NS has a buddy system in place that ensures that all of the younger children have an older buddy who helps them along their school journey. They are also involved in the Blue Star programme On European citizenship, Green Schools, Active Flag and Junior Entrepreneur (Junior Dragon’s Den).

There is a wraparound service in the community centre provided to parents from 2 to 6 pm, running from Monday to Friday.

The school are hosting their Enrolment/Open Day from 2.30 pm to 4 pm on Thursday 26th of March. Contact can be made on 094-9880165, at loughglynnns@gmail. com or through Facebook page – scoil mhuire lourdes loughglynn.

‘Westport bus service must adapt’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Independent TD Denis Naughten has strongly criticised the plan by Bus Éireann to issue a “use it or lose it” demand to communities along the Athlone-Westport bus route.

The state company said

Sarah Agnes Lennon, Derryvode, Williamstown celebrated her 100th birthday last week with family, neighbours and friends. In wonderful health, this amazing woman is an inspiration to all that know her. Pic: H.G. Photography, Dunmore.

Roxboro NS 150th anniversary celebrations Roxboro NS Derrane will be celebrating its 150th anniversary on June 7th next. Plans are now at an advanced stage for publishing a history of the school to mark this historic event.

The finance and history committees are offering one last opportunity to people who wish to support the publication. Patrons and sponsors are asked to donate by March 27th in order to be included in the book.

Also, people who would like to submit articles or photograph are asked to do so by the same date.

Further details are available by contacting the school on 0906625703 or by email at roxboroschool.ias@eircom.net.

recently that the route was among those in jeopardy and that a decision on its future would be made in the coming months.

Its closure would represent a blow to residents from Kiltoom, Knockroghery, Ballymurray, Roscommon town and Castlerea.

Deputy Naughten is among those vehemently

opposed to the move.

Speaking in the Dáil last week, he said: “Instead of Bus Éireann threatening to close down the Westport bus route, they should be trying to alter it, to ensure that more people can actually avail of the service.

“For example, Bus Éireann needs to ensure that the Westport bus service

connects with flights into and out of Knock Airport, thereby increasing the potential for people to use the bus service”.

“Every year, over 100,000 people, either from Co Roscommon or visiting the county, pass through Knock Airport yet, the bus service to the airport is nothing short of a joke.”

09

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

Fire-fighters expected to declare strike action dications are that it will be strongly supported.”

If the ballot is carried, the strike would come into play when the Department decide to implement reductions in fire fighting crewing level, announced in January under its ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ initiative.

Mr O’Brien added: “We are extremely concerned that the Department is seeking to push through reductions in fire-fighting crewing levels which could jeopardise the health and safety of the public who rely on this critical emergency service, as well as of fire-fighters themselves.”

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Rumours that the Rosalie Unit at It is expected that, on Friday, fire-fighters working for local authorities throughout the country, including around 60 employed by Roscommon County Council, will officially declare their intention to strike.

At the end of January, some 1,700 of the country’s retained fire services began balloting for industrial action following a direction issued that month by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

The result of the ballot will be

declared on Friday afternoon and it is likely to result in overwhelming support for a strike.

“Anecdotally, there is strong support for it,” said Brendan O’Brien, SIPTU sector organiser. “The only thing that is in doubt is the margin that are in favour. Certainly, the in-

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Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice (centre) pictured outside Roscommon Courthouse on Monday.

Picture: Andrew Fox

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Up to 15 families in the locality are set to lose their homes after possession orders were granted at Roscommon courthouse in Monday.

Monday’s sitting was preceded by a vigil hosted by protestors (see opposite page).

When Monday’s protest was complete, the majority of those involved in the vigil and protest made their way into the courthouse itself, to watch as each of the 97 repossession applications were heard.

The public gallery was packed. Gardaí were present, which would be usual for court sittings. There were rumblings that the Land League West movement might attempt to disrupt proceedings, but that didn’t materialise.

Their presence was a peaceful one, although Gerry O’Boyle, of Land League West, was spoken to by the County Registrar, Fintan Murphy, as he (Mr. O’Boyle) had sat in a bench allocated for legal practitioners only. He was ordered to move to a different seat.

Mr Murphy did note the large attendance, seeing it as evidence that repossessions are an “emotive issue”. Mr Murphy worked his way through the 97 cases with great efficiency.

He adjourned the majority of them, giving clients further time to engage with their lenders, but 15 orders of possession

were granted on the day. As a guide to the remarkable increase recently, Monday’s level activity compares to 22 repossession orders being granted for properties in County Roscommon in the whole of 2014.

A large bulk of the 97 cases before the court on Monday were taken by Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB, while there were also a sizeable number from subprime lenders Pepper Asset Servicing and Start Mortgages.

Call on Government Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has urged the Government to take immediate action to prevent further repossessions of family homes.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “I am calling on the Government to introduce emergency legislation to protect family homes, particularly where there are children involved, from repossession.

“I am also supporting Deputy Willie Penrose (Labour), who is introducing a Bill which will ease the situation with regard to insolvency and bankruptcy in the Dáil very shortly.

“I am told that this situation with regard to repossessions is set to get worse if something is not done immediately, and the Government must act to address this situation before more families lose their homes.”

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

Banks accused of using ‘bullying tactics’ Claim that stress has led to suicides < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

At a well-attended protest outside the courthouse, Roscommon town, on Monday, it was claimed that many people have recently died by suicide due to the threat of being evicted from their homes.

Up to 50 people gathered on the steps on the building to highlight their anger at the fact that 97 repossession applications were listed to be heard by the County Registrar.

It was not a standard protest demonstration, however. A makeshift altar was erected and the Rosary was said – devoted to those who have allegedly died through suicide after losing their homes or having faced the threat of same.

The brief ceremony was led by Tullamore woman Anne Devaney-Dillon.

The chief organiser of the proceedings was Gerry O’Boyle, of Land League West, but various other land league groups nationwide were also present.

The counties of Kildare, Louth, Wexford, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo and, of course, Roscommon were represented at the solemn ceremony.

Many of those picketing carried banners and signs. “This court is driving people out of their homes,” read one. “Boycott solicitors work-

ing for banks,” encouraged another.

“97 repossession cases in this court,” said another.

The most striking one, though, named a number of banks and added: “Wanted for murder by suicide…”

That was a recurrent theme among many people at the demonstration.

“It is ludicrous to take people’s homes,” said Dundalk man Eugene Dooley, who drove for two and a half hours to stand in solidarity with protesters on Monday.

“It runs contrary to the very basic nature of the community, which is the home. That leads to depression and suicide, in a number of cases. A lot of suicides are attributed to debt.”

Garie Beattie, from Ballina, told a particularly heartwrenching tale.

“I came down here predominantly because of the suicide issue,” he said.

“I worked on that for a number of years.

“We had a case on Friday morning of a lady who took her life because of a repossession order. Instead of letting the bailiffs in to take her out of her house, she took her life and the bailiffs were the ones who found her.

“It was horrible.”

Mr O’Boyle said that, over the past year, he had been dealing with four people who took such drastic action in similar circumstances.

“I was dealing with a man down the country before the Christmas and he committed suicide,” he said.

“You see the Road Safety Authority pumping millions of euro into (preventing) road traffic accidents – and it’s a good cause – but the reality is that they are not dealing with

the issue that we are faced with here today.”

One of the few locals among the contingent on the picket was Therese Doolin, of Ardsallagh More, Roscommon town.

She was horrified by the amount of cases due to be heard.

“97 cases is an absolute disgrace, the day before St Patrick’s Day,” said Ms Doolin, who added that, apart from Independent Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, there was a glaring absence of local politicians at the protest.

“They are sailing all over the world for St Patrick’s Day and they should be home here in Ireland, looking after the ordinary poor person, instead of gallivanting all over the world.”

Ms Doolin said that banks were using “bullying tactics” by seeking to evict “ordinary people” from their homes.

She was also among those who said that people in the throes of financial distress were extremely embarrassed about their plights.

“There is a big stigma attached to it,” she said. “A lot of people are ashamed that they might be in a situation like this.”

Mr O’Boyle concluded by saying that Monday’s demonstration was highlighting the fact that “rural Ireland is dying a death at the minute”.

He added: “We have to say stop to what is going on. We are sending a message across to the people of Ireland today and the Government.

“The Government are saying they are coming up with solutions to people’s mortgage problems, but there are 97 cases today. You will see more of this in the future.”

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Gerry O’Boyle pictured with protesters outside a court sitting in Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

Dr Pat – a gifted professional with the personal touch Tributes paid to the late Dr Pat McHugh < PAUL HEALY

The late Dr. Pat McHugh.

Large crowds paid their respects last weekend to Dr Pat McHugh, whose passing last week has been widely mourned. Dr. McHugh, of Athlone Road, Roscommon, who was in his early seventies, was synonymous with Roscommon County Hospital where he worked over the course of four decades.

A native of Co. Mayo, the late Dr. McHugh served for over thirty years as a Consultant Physician at Roscommon County Hospital.

He died on Thursday, March 12 last, following an illness which was borne with courage and dignity.

The late Dr. Pat McHugh is mourned by his loving wife Bridie, children Cathy, Shane, Clodagh and Caroline, brothers John, Dan and Kieran, sister Mary, mother-in-law Catherine

Sharkey (Ballaghaderreen), sons-in-law Rod and Paul, grandchildren Eoghan, James, Conor, Saoirse and Diarmuid, extended family and many friends.

After reposing at his home on Saturday and Sunday, Removal took place on Monday morning to the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. Mass of the Resurrection was followed by burial in St Coman’s Cemetery.

The HAC’s John McDermott said: “The service he gave to the people of Roscommon over many years is acknowledged by everyone. He was a professional, who had something special. He chatted with everybody the same.

“His medical expertise has been acknowledged – he got several awards as a tutor – but the real acknowledgement he got was from the people themselves.”

Born in Claremorris in Co. Mayo, Dr. McHugh went to school in St Jarlath’s in Tuam and then to University College, Galway, where he completed his medical studies and was awarded his degree in 1967. He continued

his studies and was appointed as a Consultant General Physician in Roscommon County Hospital in August 1977. For the first 16 years, Dr. McHugh worked on his own, and that included the fields of paediatrics and obstetrics.

At the time of his retirement, Elaine Prendergast, Manager, Roscommon County Hospital, said, “Dr. McHugh was an excellent and most approachable consultant. He was always available to patients, relatives and their carers. A word of reassurance or empathy from Dr. McHugh soothed people and helped them cope with their illness or diagnosis.”

Dr. Patrick McHugh was renowned for being a great teacher and many medical students, junior doctors and GPs benefited from his knowledge. In 2008 he was awarded the best Consultant Clinical teacher from the Department of Medicine in NUIG. He received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Irish Healthcare awards in 2009 and a perpetual trophy for the best student teacher in NUIG from the students themselves.

Political figures ‘The top man pay tribute to ‘vocal in the hospital’ campaigner and – An Appreciation medical expert’ < SEAMUS DUKE

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The chairman of the Roscommon Hospital Action Committee, John McDermott, has paid tribute to Dr Pat McHugh, who died last Thursday.

Dr McHugh was a long-serving consultant at Roscommon Hospital.

He was also a vocal campaigner for improved services there and vehemently opposed the closure of the Emergency Department in 2011.

Mr McDermott, who worked closely with him at that time, said that he would be sadly missed by the community at large.

“The service he gave to the people of Roscommon over many years is acknowledged by everyone,” he added.

“He was a professional, who had something special. He chatted with everybody the same.

“His medical expertise has been acknowledged – he got several awards as a tutor – but the real acknowledgement he got was from the people themselves.”

Mr. McDermott also remember how “courageous” Dr. McHugh was during the turbulent events of almost four years ago, challenging data produced the Government to help to justify the closure of the Emergency Department.

“He said what he believed,” said Mr McDermott. “At the time of the coronary data, he came out at that stage to say that the data was

incorrect. “If he felt that it needed saying, he said it.”

In a press statement, Deputy Frank Feighan said: “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Dr Pat McHugh on his passing. A Mayo man who adopted Roscommon as his home county, Pat served the medical profession with distinction during his long career.”

Senator Terry Leyden described Dr. Pat McHugh as “the most talented, brilliant physician to practice at Roscommon County Hospital or any other hospital”, adding that “he also had a natural ability to connect with people – he was a true gentleman.”

Senator Leyden said he considered Dr. McHugh to be a personal friend since Dr. McHugh was first appointed in 1977 as Consultant Physician at Roscommon County Hospital: “He saved so many lives over his career and we all owe him a great debt of gratitude. Dr. McHugh was totally dedicated to the welfare of his patients and throughout his life he continued to be a sterling advocate for the services at Roscommon County Hospital. He will always be remembered for his unique service to the community and the people of Roscommon.”

Senator Leyden extended his deepest sympathies to his wife Bridie and his children, Cathy, Shane, Clodagh and Caroline and family.

knew Dr Pat McHugh since I was a child. He was always ‘the top man in the hospital’ around the town and further afield. Growing up in Roscommon town, it was clear the respect and admiration that everyone in the town and county had for ‘Pat McHugh’, as he was affectionately known.

Then in later years when I had some medical problems myself I found myself attending Dr McHugh as a patient and I couldn’t speak highly enough of him, his professionalism and kindness.

Apart from the medical matters, a visit to see Dr Pat McHugh included a chat with his wife Bridie, and also a chat about the progress (or otherwise) of the Mayo footballers. He seldom missed a big match and he was very knowledgeable about the game and who was playing and the quality of the games themselves.

He used to ask me “will we (Mayo) ever win one?”

He was extremely proud of Roscommon County Hospital, and while he was such a perfect gentleman, it hurt him deeply when he was there to see

I

services being withdrawn from the facility. He made his strong objections in his own way at meetings and in the media, without being overbearing or arrogant. He took a personal interest in what was going on in the hospital and in the patients who were there.

I also know, from having relations in the medical sphere here in Ireland, that Dr Pat McHugh was highly regarded as a top class consultant and teaching doctor. Many doctors have mentioned to me that the advice and guidance given to them by Dr Pat McHugh over the years was invaluable.

Dr Pat McHugh was also a great family man and he and his wife Bridie were a familiar sight around the town over many years as they went on their almost daily walks, stopping to chat to people along the way.

For such a talented man with such a responsible job he was down to earth, humble and a lovely man to meet and chat to.

I am glad to have known Pat McHugh. To Bridie and the entire family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy.

May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

13

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

Dignity and death: ‘I feel lucky and privileged to be there for people’ y: Daffodil Da

Daffodil Day, the Irish Cancer Society’s big fundraising day, takes place all over Ireland on Friday, 27th of March. Funds raised on Daffodil Day finance the Society’s night nursing service.

The Roscommon People has been speaking to Patricia McKiernan, an Irish Cancer Society night nurse for Roscommon, to find out more about the services and supports that are available…

M

y name is Patricia McKiernan. I work as a night nurse for the Irish Cancer Society. I cover County Roscommon and other areas; generally within an hour’s drive of my home.

I live in Longford town with my husband Frank and our three children, Sarah (17), Frank (16) and Eleanor (13).

The Irish Cancer Society’s night nurse service is entirely funded

by Daffodil Day, which is coming up on Friday, March 27th.

Typically the service is accessed through your home care nurse, the public health nurse, GP or local palliative care team.

Essentially when I get a call it means I am going to a house where a person with cancer is terminally ill at their home. Night nurses are provided to a person or family free of charge for up to ten nights. The aim of the service is to provide extra support for the person who is ill and for his or her carers during what is a difficult time.

My involvement begins when I am contacted by the Irish Cancer Society asking if I am available to go to a particular person’s home. This could be in any remote part of County Roscommon. The Cancer Society will have been contacted by, for example, the palliative care team. I get called when a person is terminally ill. The Cancer Society will give me the relevant details and then I will receive a report from the palliative care team. The arrangements are then put in place. An hour or so before I call to the person’s house, I will contact the family for an update on how the person is at that point, etc.

As a night nurse, my shift is

from 11 o’clock at night to 7 o’clock in the morning, so I usually leave home at about 10 o’clock at night.

When I get to the person’s house, I assess the patient and assess the symptoms and deal with them accordingly.

Every house is different, every family is different and every client is different. Sometimes there might be difficulties within the family; if there are, you just have to deal with that appropriately. I am there to support them. I am conscious that I am a stranger in the house and that it is often an emotionally charged situation. To be honest, I feel humbled when I am there. You have to use your instinct; there’s no handbook on how to deal with these situations.

Where required, I will blend into the background.

Dignity is so important. You try to promote calmness, whether it’s through lighting or music or both…I advise family members to go to bed, to get some rest, but obviously it’s different from one house to another. Sometimes there could be up to twenty people in the room. I know I’m a guest and I am sensitive to people’s needs. There can be a whole range of emotions in the room at any one time: anger, frustration, sadness…you have to deal with them as they arise.

Sometimes the person who is ill is coherent and can talk and at all times you assume they can hear what is being said; when you are talking about the person you need to always be conscious of this, always be conscious of the importance of dignity.

Sometimes the person will speak at length to me; sometimes they are more comfortable

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Day 2015 –visitor Callsave ie/daffodilday volunteer on 1850-606060 tohy not organise Daffodil Day. Wevent in your a Daffodil Day workplace? community or

Patricia McKiernan who works as a night nurse for the Irish Cancer Society, pictured in Roscommon town last week. Picture: Andrew Fox.

speaking to strangers. Every situation varies.

The one question all relatives tend to ask is ‘when will it happen?’ No one can answer that question. Sometimes people just go, and that can be great for them, because it can be without pain and it’s peaceful…

I feel it’s very important that there’s honesty and openness around death. People are afraid of using certain words, but I feel you have to be honest. If the patient asks me if they are dying, I will always be honest with them.

I stay throughout the night. I leave at 7 am in the morning. A lot of people wonder about my job, about the fact that I have to drive alone at night, that I am going to places I don’t know, and about the fact that my job, by

Volunteers from Co. Roscommon pictured with GAA pundit Marty Morrissey at the national launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s 28th Daffodil Day 2015, supported by Dell. Left to right: Anne Flynn, Gertie McDermott, Anne Donoghue, Margaret Clarke, Valerie Finneran.

its nature, involves dealing with death.

The driving is okay. I always tell my husband exactly where I am going and of course I get very precise directions. If it arises, someone will come and meet me at an agreed point to bring me to the house. I have been down dark lanes alright, but it has been incident-free, thankfully.

You don’t get hardened to what you experience in this job. If it was me, I’d like to think I was being cared for in a dignified situation. I’d like, where possible, to be at home myself if I was in this situation.

Often it does stay with me. I get home from a person’s house, I go to sleep or go for a walk, but it stays with me.

There was a wonderful lady

who was 57…she had three gorgeous children. She was so full of life when I called to her at the beginning of the week, but she passed away, and I remember thinking ‘I’d love to have known that lady.’ I felt drained after her passing.

It can seem very cruel sometimes…particularly when you see a person taken before their time. That can really take its toll.

The pain of loss is still the same when it is an older person. It is always difficult.

I have been doing this particular job for five years. I qualified as a Psychiatric Nurse in 1987 and as a General Nurse two years later. I left Ireland at one point and travelled the world. When I returned, I spent ten years working in St. St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin.

Volunteers from Elphin, Roscommon, pictured with ex-rugby star Tony Ward at the national launch of the Irish Cancer Society’s 28th Daffodil Day 2015, supported by Dell.

Left to right: Joanne Murphy (Community Fundraising Manager at the Irish Cancer Society), volunteers Bernie Carty and Pat Clarke with Lorraine Toner (Community Fundraiser, Irish Cancer Society).

I have had personal experience of the comfort night nurses can provide. My mother, Peggy Murray, died at home two years ago. She had been ill with cancer for a couple of years. She wanted to die at home, as so many people do. When we got night nurses in, we saw the relief and comfort they can provide.

For me, I was seeing a different side; and I was certainly very impressed with the night nurses.

Something that has certainly stayed with me and which puts what people go through into context happened last year. At a point in the year I had received a present of a beautiful magnolia tree. We have a puppy at home.

I came home from night-duty, went to bed, and then, when I got up, I found the puppy had chewed the magnolia tree to bits! I was furious.

Then when I looked at my phone, I saw that I had received a text message at 5.30 in the morning. It was from a woman whose husband had died three months earlier. He was 56 years of age. It was obvious that she hadn’t been sleeping…people are so nice; she hadn’t forgotten me, she had been waiting for the right time to contact me. In her text the woman thanked me and expressed how grateful she was for the service she had received.

I’ve still kept her text. It’s the last words of it that I remember.

She ended up saying ‘I’m here and I miss him so much.’

The sentiment that she showed, that stays with you. It also put my earlier anger over the tree and the pup into perspective, obviously.

To be honest, I feel lucky and privileged in my work. I get very close to families. When I was a nurse in hospital I found it frustrating that I couldn’t get to know a person in the way that I can now . I feel now that I can give one on one time with people. It’s what makes this the most rewarding job I’ve ever done. * In an interview with Paul Healy

15

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

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Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Matthew, Micheál, Michael and Antonia Corbett.

Picture: Andrew Fox

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CONSTITUENCY CLINICS STARTING THIS WEEK AS FOLLOWS: All on Friday 20th March 6pm- Cloonfad-Community Centre 7pm- Ballinlough-Campbell’s 7,45pm- Gortaganny-Coney Island 8.30pm-Ballaghaderreen- Spellman’s Roadhouse I look forward to meeting you all at the clinics.

Please ring the Constituency Office (090 66 28479) in advance for appointment

St Patrick’s Day burglary in Drum Brazen thieves took advantage of a house being unoccupied on St Patrick’s Day by raiding the residence near Athlone and robbing expensive jewellery.

Sgt. Adrian Queeney, of Roscommon Garda Station, said that entry was gained into the house in Clonrulla, Drum, by forcing open a rear window.

The culprits thoroughly ransacked the house, in searching for valuables, and made off with €1,200 worth of jewellery.

The incident took place between 3 pm and 4 pm, when a variety of parades were being held throughout the region.

ps: tell a friend

16

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

NewsPeople

More weddings mean more cake! But first, take my ‘just for fun’ Compatibility Test From My Kitchen Table

MIRIAM KERINS

You must be best friends, be willing to compromise and say “I’m sorry”, because sometimes marriage can be like raising an emotional child as both of you strive to have the upper hand…

On May 22nd we will be required to vote on the Referendum for Marriage Equality whereby, according to the official wording, we are being asked if we think that ‘Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.’ And, while I firmly believe it’s up to every individual to decide whether they wish to vote for or against marriage equality, as is their right – and while it’s not my remit to try to sway anybody (I am certainly no activist) – I will mention here that I hope the ‘Yes’ vote will win the day. But that is simply my opinion.

Now, as you can imagine, this referendum has generated lots of heated debate amongst some of my family members, friends and acquaintances and while opinions differ, which is perfectly fine, I have always, and I will always, believe that all Irish citizens should be treated equally and unlike some, I do not buy into the belief that a couple’s right (any couple) to be legally married to each other and raise a family, should be determined by the constraints of a religion. ‘Nuff said.

However, on a lighter note, I came across a novel little checklist compiled by those good folks at Relate – a British relationship organisation – which was in the form of a do-it-yourself- style quiz to suss out a couple’s compatibility towards each other. And while I took the quiz and scored 53

– the top scoring bracket being 25-60, it’s probably fair to say, according to the quiz’s creator, I’m in a compatible relationship, I deleted the results because you know what? I believe quizzes like this don’t define a couple; sure they’re only a bit of fun.

However, for those who may be planning on celebrating that possible ‘Yes’ vote in May – a poll earlier this week showed a resounding 78% of voters are in favour of same-sex marriages – then go grab a pen and a piece of paper because before you cordially invite people to help you celebrate your marriage, I cordially invite you to take my compatibility quiz…just for a bit of harmless fun of course. Here it is and it’s in no particular order.

• The Out-Laws: They’ll put you under the microscope and through an emotional wringer – make sure you like them.

• The Vows: ‘Till Death Us Do Part: Get rid of it. “I’ll stay with you as long as you continue to make me happy” seems fair. I mean, what would motivate you to be shackled to an idiot ‘till you die?

• Compatibility: Do you have a low sex drive and is he/she a Martini type of partner – you know, any time, any place, anywhere? Could be awkward.

• Kids: Do you really want kids with this man/woman? Yes? Ok, but first check out his relatives to see if they’ve been beaten by the ugly stick…just sayin’.

• Will he/she make a good parent: Does he/she have patience or have they already invested in an electric cattle prod?

• Finances: Is he/she a miserable git and do you

have to lie about the price of those designer shoes?

• Socialising: Are you a partaaay animal and is he/she a party pooper who curtails your alcohol and your fun intake?

• Priorities: Does he/she put you first? Don’t compromise on this – I mean it; do not! Trust me; you must be his/her No. 1.

Remember folks, marriage is not just a piece of paper giving you the right to live together with sex on tap. It’s often a battle of wits and it’s during the trial of marriage that we learn each other’s true colours.

Compatibility doesn’t just happen; it has to be created and the illusion can easily be shattered when one partner, sadly, doesn’t live up to the idealistic expectations of the other.

You must be best friends, be willing to compromise and say “I’m sorry,” because sometimes marriage can be like raising an emotional child as both of you strive to have the upper hand.

I firmly believe none of us is guaranteed eternal bliss and that all relationships need a challenge to keep them fresh.

However if you believe you can shelter each other and can draw strength from that belief, then the very best of luck to you. I truly hope the citizens of this country give everyone that equal chance and that right to say ‘I do,’ and when you get that wonderful opportunity to marry the man or woman of your dreams, you go seize it with both hands before someone else snaps them up!

I wish you all a happy, healthy and whole life together. And remember, more weddings mean more delicious cake!

Award-winning sásta fitness, in Carrick does it the right ‘weigh’

Pictured are Billy and Luke O’Neill who took part in National Pyjama Day in Greenfields Childcare, Roscommon. Proceeds were in aid of Irish Autism Action.

newsbriefs Community/Text Alert meeting in Ballyleague A Community Alert and Text Alert meeting will take place at the St Faithleachs GAA Clubhouse in Ballyleague on Wednesday 25th March at 9 pm.

In attendance will be local community Gardai, Sergeant Paul McDermott and Bernie Kearney from Muintir na Tire.

The meeting is to set up a Community Alert and Text Alert group in the Ballyleague, Balla, and Curraghroe areas. All representatives are asked to attend.

Athleague/Tremane Community Alert An important meeting of Athleague and Tremane Community Alert will take place in the Community Centre in Athleague on Thursday night, 19th of March at 8.30 pm.

såsta fitness are achieving unbelievable results in the areas of improved health, fitness and weightloss through use of the Boyle-manufactured sásta fitness pod. sásta is unique in that clients can exercise on the patented sásta fitness pod for 30 minutes and are reporting results equivalent to what they would achieve after two hours’ regular exercise.

With studios located in Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Cork, Drogheda, Galway, Naas and Sligo, såsta offer a free trial.

What’s so special about sásta? sásta understands the importance of combining exercise with good nutrition, so, in addition to the fat burning pod workout, sásta offers their clients, as free extras, a tailored nutrition plan and toning programme. sásta is like your own personal trainer with one to one coaching where the sásta team are committed to motivating clients to achieve their goals without feeling deprived – and in a fun way. The sásta format is so successful, it comes with a consumer money back guarantee – compelling advertising invites users to ‘Get in the shape of your life with the guaranteed sásta format’.

They are determined that the invention should be independently tested to give sásta a science basis and real credibility.

To this end, Fiona of sásta approached

Professor Niall Moyna, Professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University and Associate Director of the Vascular Health Research Centre, to complete medical trials. His passion for fitness and his concerns about the rising obesity epidemic, meant he was eager to complete validation trials on the sásta fitness pod.

Professor Moyna says: “The sásta fitness pod has phenomenal potential to assist individuals lose weight and body fat while exercising at lower intensities than any other form of exercise. The short 30-minute sásta exercise sessions will contribute to a major change in obesity figures and change people’s lives forever.

“I found a major boost in my energy levels after the first two sessions,” said Elaine Harmon from Carrick. “After my third session I noted an improvement in my skin tone and my cellulite seemed to be disappearing. As all us women know, cellulite is hard to get rid of and I was delighted to see the improvement – after my full 13 sessions my cellulite was gone, my energy levels are great and everyone is telling me how good I look. I’m loving the compliments!”

Another client, Mairead Blain, also from Carrick, said: “Since joining sásta fitness my health has improved dramatically. I was referred to sásta by my doctor as my only other option was to have a Gastric Band fitted and there was no way that was an option!

“Thanks to sásta I have lost 6 stone 9lbs and my cholesterol has lowered from 7.0 to 4.2. Overall I have never felt more alive and healthy. sásta fitness isn’t intimidating like a gym and the staff are lovely and encouraging, which makes me want to come back, session after session. It’s a tough workout, but my weekly weigh-ins always put a smile on my face.”

Don’t miss the sásta free trial (worth €25). Call today on 087-2026382 or email on hello@sastafitness.ie.

17

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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Ballinlough student into Enterprise final This year Ballyhaunis Community School decided to enter the Student Enterprise All-Ireland Awards for the first time and one of their second year Business Studies students from Ballinlough, Jack Cloney is through to the All-Ireland Student Enterprise Awards in Croke Park on April 22nd.

The Student Enterprise awards is the flagship enterprise programme at second level with 16,000 students from all areas of the country involved each year.

This is a practical programme that offers students the opportunity to take a business from idea stage through market research to production, selling, record keeping, management and finally writing a comprehensive report on the business.

newsbriefs Gardai investigating weekend burglaries

Lanesboro student makes his Mark 4th year student, Mark Lyons was one of the winners in this year’s BT Business Boot camp as he walked away with a trophy and a two-week all expenses paid course in NUIM after winning first place in this prestigious event.

The talented team of four teenagers claimed the winning spot at the 2015 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp with their project entitled An Tionchar (The impact hurling boot).

The group presented to a judging panel of accomplished business professionals, a mock pitch to compel the Leinster Council of the GAA to support a sponsored trial of the boot.

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Ulster Bank postponses Castlerea closure 4th year student, Mark Lyons was one of the winners in this year’s BT Business Boot camp as he walked away with a trophy and a two-week all expenses paid course in NUIM after winning first place.

nity College, Mr. Jimmy Flanagan, congratulated Mark Lyons on his success and highlighted all

the great work being done in the school to prepare students to shine in events such as this.

Ulster Bank have decided to postpone the closure of their branch in Castlerea until April 17, after which customers will be able to bank with An Post.

An Ulster Bank spokeswoman said that the decision to extend the closing date from March 27 was following “consultation with customers”.

However, Roscommon People understands the extension is due to a partnership arrangement Ulster Bank are about to launch with An Post.

Under the new arrangement, Ulster Bank customers will be able to carry out some of their bank-related business in post offices.

That agreement between the pair will commence in mid-April. It is understood that Ulster Bank deemed it more appropriate that this would happen simultaneously with the closure of their Castlerea branch.

The news will be positively received in west Roscommon.

Local contingent for Dublin water protest

Bord Bia presented its annual Garden Industry Awards recently: Ardcarne Plantplus Garden Centre (pictured) based in Boyle won a 4 Star Garden Centre Award while the Ardcarne Plantplus Garden Centre in Roscommon town and Homeland in Ballaghaderreen both received 3 Star Garden Centre Awards.

Contact Tonya on 0906634319

Hundreds of people from Co. Roscommon are expected to travel to Dublin this weekend to attend the latest protest against water charges.

A group called ‘Roscommon Says No To Water Charges’, which has around 1,000 members, are organising several buses to attend the National Right2Water Demonstration in the capital on Saturday.

Buses will depart from Ballaghaderreen at 9 am, from Castlerea at 9.30 am and from Roscommon town at 10 am. To book a seat, call Teresa on 085-8259618.

Knockcroghery Knitters selling brooches for Daffodil Day The ladies of the Knockcroghery Knitters have been very busy knitting and crocheting over 60 daffodil brooches in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

These will be sold in the Spotty Cup Tearooms, Knockcroghery on Daffodil Day, Friday 27th of March.

They are hoping to raise over €200 for this great cause.

Please drop into the Spotty Cup Tearooms on the day to support the ladies.

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Sinn Fein to select candidate on Sunday Sinn Féin will hold their Selection Convention in Durkin’s, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, on Sunday night, to select a candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency for the next General Election.

It is expected that 22-year-old Claire Kerrane, from Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen, will be confirmed as their sole representative in the election in this constituency.

She is currently studying a Masters in Education at NUI, Galway, and previously worked as a secretary for Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP. Nominations for qualifying candidates will close tonight (Thursday) at 5 pm.

The convention will be chaired by Matt Carthy MEP, while Deputy Pearse Doherty will be a guest speaker at the event.

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There were a number of burglaries in the Strokestown and Elphin areas last weekend.

A house in Edenan, Kilclare, Mantua, was broken into last Saturday afternoon, with entry gained via a rear window. The house was ransacked and thieves made off with a quantity of cash and cheques.

Another house in the Mantua area was broken into some time between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.

The property was ransacked, after entry was gained through a rear window, but nothing was taken.

The parochial house in Strokestown was broken into on Saturday evening. After entry was gained through a door, a sum of cash was robbed.

Thomas J. Crummy Landscaping of Cloonloo, Boyle (pictured) received a Landscape Quality Award.

The LCA students at Roscommon Youthreach are fundraising for a very worthwhile cause, the ‘Join Our Boys’ campaign. They have organised a 5KM Walk on Saturday next, 21st of March, leaving the Youthreach Centre in Lisnamult at 12 noon. Registration takes place at the centre from 11.30 am. Entry is €5 and children under 12 years are free. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served on the day. Please support this great cause.

Please contact the centre at 090-6630497 for further information.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Weekend

PEOPLE

OUT AND ABOUT:

Now WE ask the questions!

3

See pages 22 & 23

CHOICES FOR THIS WEEKEND…

Now for Meath…

Turning the tables on Quiz Master Dermot

After last week’s scintillating win over Kildare, Roscommon look forward to welcoming Meath to Dr Hyde Park this Sunday in another crunch Allianz Division 2 National Football league encounter with promotion hopes still well and truly alive. Throwin is at 3 pm.

Nostalgic event at The Dock This Thursday 19th of March (tonight) The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon will host a commemoration event to mark the 25th anniversary of the closing of the Arigna Mines.

Renowned Irish writer Brian Leydon returns with special guests to share an intimate and heart-warming evening of memories and music.

Proceedings kick-off at The Dock at 8.30 pm.

Show Time in Glenamaddy The 54th annual Glenamaddy Theatre Festival kicks off tonight, Thursday 19th of March with tenspelling blinding consecutive shows throughout this week and on into next week.

Doors open at 7.30 pm nightly with curtains at 8 pm sharp. Make sure not to miss this wonderful opportunity to witness Irish amateur acting at its very best.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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

C&Lplex

FUNDRAISING DANCE IN AID OF LOURDES ASSISTED PILGRIM FUND ROSCOMMON DEANERY

in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Monday, 23rd March 2015 Music by: Frank Nelson, The Lancers, Gerry Keenan, Patsy McCaul, Mark Finn, Top Level, Derek Campbell, Hearts Delight, Stephanie Feely, Ita Trimble amd many more ...

Raffle and Spot prizes on the night

Tickets available at Hotel reception, from any committee member and at the door on the night.

Admission €10. Dancing from 9 pm to 1.30 a.m.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES Every Tuesday night in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown Starting at 7.30pm Every Sunday night in the St. Mary’s Hall, Carrick-On-Shannon Starting at 7.30pm Learn to Jive, Waltz, Quick Step, Slow Waltz etc. (Wedding couples catered for also) Followed by Line Dancing at 9.30pm.

Contact Chris on 086 8474744

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Aisling Cooney and Kate Smith. Picture: Andrew Fox

My Perfect Weekend

Cinema & Leisure Complex Unit 10, Centre Point Retail Park Roscommon. Tel: 090-6665333 www.facebook/C & L plex

Entertainment For All

JJ HARLOWS - Market Square, Roscommon Friday 20th:

The Square House Social

PREMIERE THURSDAY 19th 21:20

See Sponge Bob & Friends in both English and Irish

Previews Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd

Full Release Friday 27th Week Commencing Friday 20th –26th

Sat & Sun

Fri, Mon-Thu

AMERICAN SNIPER (15A)

13:50; 16:00

16:00

BIG HERO 6 (PG)

11:45 (KMC); 14:00; 16:15

16:15 18:30; 21:10

DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT (12A)

18:30; 21:10

FAIRYTALE: STORY of THE SEVEN DWARFS (PG)

13:00 (KMC);

16:40

FIFTY SHADES of GREY (18)

18:50

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FOCUS (15A)

19:00; 21:20

19:00; 21:20

RUN ALL NIGHT (15A)

18:50; 21:20

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SHAUN THE SHEEP (G)

11:50 (KMC); 14:30

SPONGE BOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (G)

13:50; 16:40

SPONGE BOB AN SCANNÁN: SPÚINSE AS UISCE (G)

15:00

SUITE FRANCAISE (15A)

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Saturday 21st:

MONGREL STATE

Sunday 22nd:

Hickory Wind - 6pm Middle Bar

16:30: 21:20

THE BOY NEXT DOOR (15A)

17:00

17:00

THE GUNMAN (12A)

18:50; 21:20

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Derek Campbell Derek Campbell from Roscommon town is a popular singer and song-writer You can attend a concert of your choice. What would your choice be?

I would have to say Coldplay. I saw them in concert before and I was very impressed. I’d also have to say Daniel O’Donnell, as I’m a keen admirer of his as well.

What sporting event would you like to attend on your perfect weekend?

Any game of football or hurling involving my son Jack!

Your perfect weekend night out?

A nice meal, followed by a comedy somewhere, or even a musical act.

Your perfect weekend getaway or city break?

I’d love to go and see New York – just to experience what it is all about!

You’re booked into a top restaurant. Who would your perfect dinner guest be?

Were he still alive, it would be Nelson Mandela. I watched all the film about him and his humility and sense of forgiveness was amazing.

Your perfect weekend read?

I’m actually reading a book at the moment called ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron, a very intriguing read.

Your perfect weekend TV viewing?

I’m going to be a bit controversial here and say Top Gear. And if they’re looking for a new presenter to fill Jeremy Clarkson’s shoes I’d be more than willing!

* 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 Fergus O’Dowd, Noel Murray, Colm Daly and Bobby Finan were at the Showband Nostalgia Night in Smokey Joe’s in Balluntubber before Christmas.

Mongrel State to perform in JJ’s JJ Harlow’s, The Square, Roscommon, will provide the backdrop for one of the country’s most unique rock bands when Dublinbased band Mongrel State (formerly known as Moo) perform there this Saturday night.

Mongrel State are a fourpiece band from Dublin with a sound that incorporates a wide sonic palette from Rockabilly to Rock, Latin-American grooves and Cinematic Western Scores.

Apart from their unique songwriting, what really sets them apart is the fire, commitment and energy that goes into their live per-

formances. This is a band made up of true believers in the power of rock n’ roll!

These proselytes come from all over: Claudio Mercante – guitarist and vocals, from Italy; Darren Flynn – basstist and vocals, from Ireland, Sebastian Jezzi – drummer, percussionist and vocals, from Argentina and Guillermo González Rodríguez – pianist and vocals, from Spain. They have been drawn together, almost as if by fate, each bringing with them their own individual sound, to make up a whole which is definitely more than the sum of its parts.

They are currently putting the finishing touches to their latest album, working with producer Gavin Glass on what is turning out to be an amazing record.

To date they have released two records – Wanted (2011) and Tall Tales (2013) – both available on iTunes.

2014 was their biggest year yet, with touring the UK, headlining the Trailer Park Stage at the Electric Picnic, playing at Life Festival, Fortstock, Carlow Arts Festival, and Light Colour Sound to name but a few, along with touring extensively all over the country.

Castlemine Farm selection of pies Pie and a pint of Irish craft beer €10 all day every day.

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JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

21

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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

John Glynn to play first Tulsk gig One of the country and western music greats John Glynn will play his first gig at The Country Ballroom at The Tulsk Inn this Friday night.

The popular entertainer guested last year at a Carmel McLoughlin launch at the Country Ballroom and went down a treat.

Doors open at 9.30 pm with John taking to stage at around 10.30 pm. This promises to be a great night for all dancers Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Ann Raftery, Elizabeth Fleming and Jasper. Picture: Andrew Fox

Comhaltas session in Athleague

particularly those who danced to John in the past. Admission, €10, and a draw will take place.

There will also be live dancing again on Saturday night with Dave and Al. Doors open 9.30 pm. Admission is just €5. This two-piece group played at the venue some months ago and were an instant hit. Formerly of Dave and Bluetax, the duo play regularly throughout the west and the midlands.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE GLENAMADDY

Athleague branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will hold their monthly session in Hamrock’s Bar, Athleague on Friday, 27th March, 2015 starting at 10 pm.

All musicians, singers and story-tellers welcome to join us. A raffle with spot prizes will be held on the night. Come along and enjoy the ‘ceol agus craic’.

Friday, 20th March -

JOHN GLYNN to play first Tulsk gig Doors open at 9.30pm. Adm €10 Draw will take place on the night

Dave and Al Doors open at 9.30pm. Adm €5

Castlecoote Lodge BAR AND LOUNGE

Castlecoote, Roscommon - Friday 20 March -

Trad Night from 10pm All Musicans, Singers, Dancers, Entertainers welcome Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Emma Boyle, Isabelle Boyle, Linda Boyle and Bobby Beattie. Picture: Andrew Fox

Trad at the Lodge A great night of traditional music, song and dance is promised this Friday night, March 20th at Castlecoote Lodge.

The third Friday of the month is the now well established date for your diary when the very best in trad may be enjoyed in the comfortable, friendly surroundings of the Lodge.

So why not come along and keep the spirit of St. Patrick’s festivities alive for the weekend. You never know who might drop in!

Castlerea Drama Group presentations

Castlerea Drama Group will present two one-act plays in Trinity Arts Centre from Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st of March nightly at 8.30 pm.

‘Guests of The Nation’, based on the short story by Frank O’Connor and adapted for the stage by Gareth Wall, is a drama set at the time of the Irish Civil War, while ‘Johnny Don’t Jump’ is a present-day farcical comedy by Alan Ogden.

Tickets available on the door. For more information, visit Trinity Arts on Facebook.

TULSK INN

Saturday night, 21st March -

Roscommon County Fleadh countdown

Roscommon County Fleadh Cheoil will take place in Elphin over Easter weekend – 4th, 5th, 6th April 2015.

On Saturday 4th April a Fleadh Ceili takes place with Moylurg Ceili Band at 10 pm, in An Bothar Rua, Elphin.

On Sunday 5th April dancing competitions and a Grand Fleadh Concert will take place at the Community Hall with Frank McArdle and family from Glasgow Irish Minstrels CCE and Pat Callaghan (Accordian).

There will also be a Comhaltas performance from ‘Ceoltoiri an Iarthair,’ a group of musicians, singers and dancers from all five counties of Connacht. Also taking part will be musicians, singers and dancers from Roscommon branches of Comhaltas.

On Monday 6th April music competitions take place all day and there will be a pub session trail with all musicians welcome to join.

The Country Ballroom

Dancing classes in Ballinagare

Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Amy Caulfield, Maria Lyons, Mary Grealy and Olivia Golden. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ballinagare Health and Leisure Centre are holding Social Dancing lessons on Tuesdays at 8.30 pm starting on Tuesday 7th April 2015. All levels are welcome to come and enjoy learning how to jive, quickstep, waltz, foxtrot and more.

If you are interested please call 094-98 70777.

22

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were Bernie and Jarlath Walsh.

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were Donnie Keavaney, Kathleen and Padraig Gordon and Margaret Keavaney.

Red Parrot 20th Anniversary Celebrations own Roscommon T

t u o b A Out &

rew Fox

Pictures: And

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were Larry Brennan, Delores and Stephen Banahan and Seán Mullaney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were David, Patricia, Tommie and Rochelle Mullaney.

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were Kathleen Gordon, Margaret Keavaney, Patricia Mullaney, Ann Mullaney and Bernie Walsh.

Pictured in the Red Parrot for their 20th Anniversary Celebrations were Joe and Pauline Murray.

23

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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

Pictured in the Oakland Hotel were Michael Mannion, Melissa Keane, Seamus Mannion and Bríd Ward.

Pictured in the Oakland Hotel were Seamus Mannion and Sr. Annmarie Shaughnessy.

Out & About

otel H d n a l k a O y Glenamadd

Retirement social for Seamus There was a large attendance at a retirement function for Seamus Brennan which was held recently in the Oakland Hotel in Glenamaddy.

Seamus started working in the bakery in Glenamaddy in 1960 – at the age of 14 ¬– and has now retired from West-Bake after a remarkable 55 years’ service.

Also a keen musician, he played in a band called ‘Seamus and the Rockin’ Rebels’ along with his own brother Miko, brothers Padraig and Peter Gilmore and Sean Walsh.

In later years, Seamus was a presenter (with John Duggan) of ‘John & Seamus’ on Mid-West Radio. Seamus is a diligent pioneer and has received his gold pin award.

Work colleagues joined with the directors of West-Bake and Seamus’ neighbours and friends as over 200 people converged on the Oakland Hotel. The attendance in-

cluded Seamus’s uncle Michael and his wife Ann, who travelled from Dublin, as well as close friends including Brid Ward and Sr. Ann Marie Shaughnessy from the Sisters of Mercy.

Work colleague Eileen Keegan-O’Brien told the Roscommon People: “Many people there on the night said they had not seen the likes of it in years. There was no space for parking around the town – it reminded them of the night when Big Tom played in The Sound of Music! Everyone was delighted for Seamus. He deserved this as he is a true gentleman.

John Donlon, who worked alongside him for 50 years, spoke of his time working with Seamus and shared some stories and memories.

Company Directors Aidan Fanning and Kevin O’Connor paid warm tributes to Seamus, describing him as “one of the best.”

Pictured in the Oakland Hotel were Tommy O’Grady, Mary Gaffey, Seamus Mannion and John Gaffey.

Pictured in the Oakland Hotel were Seamus Mannion, Padraig Gilmore, Miko Mannion and Pete Gilmore. Those pictured were part of a band known as Seamus and the Rockin Rebels.

Pictured in the Oakland Hotel were Eileen O’Brien, Seán Naughton, Seamus Mannion, Bríd Ward and John Donlon.

Pictured at a retirement function for Westbake employee Seamus Mannion, held in the Oakland Hotel, Glenamaddy were Eileen O’Brien and Catriona Finnegan.

24

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

GLENAMADDY

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Joe Divilly sends a message to the Sunday Independent at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Andrew Fox

HAPPY FACES…. A group of locals enjoying the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Lee Hegarty, Rosaleen Hegarty, Elaine Golden, Elizabeth Hussey and Betty Hussey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Glenamaddy St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Mary Kilmartin, Mary Donelan, Carmel Mahe, Alan Beames and Maureen Beames. Picture: Andrew Fox

BALLINTUBBER

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Claire Moran, Niamh Kilroy, Seán Kilroy, Una Kilroy and Lisa Moran. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Conan Flanagan, Adam Bracken and Noel Burke. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Claire Keegan, Sinéad Kenny, Leah Malone, Diane Kenny, Ruth Finan and Claire Quinn. Picture: Andrew Fox

STUBBORN AS AN ASS… Padraig Conama tries to get Bobby moving with the help of a steward at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Cliodhna O’Brien and Ella Kelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Pictures by Mary Regan

Pictures by Mick McCormack

BOYLE

BALLAGHADERREEN

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Interview

A very full and varied life Dermot Cox was born, bred and reared in Roscommon town.

To detail all his interests over a very full and varied life (so far) is quite a task. Apart from his work in the architectural business over 40 years, Dermot has been an avid Fianna Fail member and activist as well as a voluntary community figure.

Most notably he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of euro for various charities as quizmaster in hundreds of table quizzes over the years.

He is currently Vice-President of Roscommon Lions Club and over the past two years he has even got involved in acting with Roscommon Drama Group!

Dermot is married to Rita (a retired nurse) and they have three children, Blathnaid, Sean and Siofra.

He is a sporting fanatic, being passionate about soccer (Athlone Town, Manchester City and the Republic of Ireland) and horseracing (in particular, Point to Point). He has travelled all over the world following the Irish soccer team.

He has also followed Roscommon gaelic footballers for many years and is a regular at AllIreland Hurling and Football finals.

So how does he fit it all in and what are his special memories of his varied and interesting life to date? Dermot Cox has been speaking to SEAMUS DUKE…

DERMOT COX

Larger than life Dermot lives life to the full! < SEAMUS DUKE

D

ermot Cox was born, bred and reared in Roscommon town. “My mother was from Abbey Street and my father was from Boyle. I lived in the town almost all my life. One thing I miss now is that there are very few doors in the town where you can turn the key and go in for a cup of tea and a chat. When I was growing up that was the way, but I suppose life moves on.

“Roscommon is a progressive town and has always been that and it is a lovely town to live in. The national figures say that we have very little crime in this area and let’s hope it stays that way.

“I got married (to Rita) in 1973 and at that stage we were in London and we had our first child (Blathnaid) there. An opportunity arose in Roscommon town in 1975 and we decided to come home.

I wanted to bring up my family in Roscommon. I loved London, I was three years there and if I ever had to move anywhere again I would go back to London. But we raised our family (two girls and a boy) and we have had a great life in Roscommon town.

“I took over a practice owned by Jack Gavin at the time, an architectural and engineering business, and spent almost 40 years at that and now I’m in semiretirement. I was lucky really because we did well enough prior to the downturn so it didn’t hit me as much as it did others…I was happy with it overall.”

Dermot Cox has always been a Fianna Fail man.

Over the years he saw the good times and now over the past four or five years, the not so good times. He has very strongly-held views about what happened the party and where it should be going.

“I was always a Fianna Fail man. My father John H. Cox from Boyle was one of the founder members of the party in this county and my neighbour and good friend Des Bruen was a councillor here in this area for many years.

“We had plenty of good times but we have gone through a bad patch in recent years and we have to take responsibility for what happened ourselves as a party. I believe that the rank and file members have to take responsibility too. They nominate and put forward candidates for election and they have a chance to voice their displeasure at that level and we didn’t do it, simple as that.

“I think it will take two or three general elections to get back anywhere near where we were in terms of sharing power, etc. I have to say that I agree with Ivan Connaughton in that Micheal Martin was the wrong choice as leader of the party. They should have appointed someone neutral to tide the party over until they found someone more permanent.

Micheal Martin was too much of the old school. It’s hard to know what the future holds. They seem to be stuck around 20% in the polls and it will take a lot of

Dermot Cox pictured at his home in Roscommon town. Picture: Andrew Fox.

hard work to increase that.”

Anyone who has lived in the Roscommon town area over the years will, at some stage, have taken part in a table quiz run for some charity or local club. If you did, then the quiz master was Dermot Cox. Over the years he has been quizmaster at hundreds of table quizzes that have raised hundreds of thousands of euro for good causes.

“The quiz thing started with Des Sweeney when he had the pub in Goff Street. We did quizzes for every club and charity in Roscommon. Willie Dolan took over after that and then it became Larry’s and we continued. But the arrival of the mobile phone sounded the deathknell for table quizzes, but we had a good innings.

“Most of the questions I made up myself. I read the papers every day and I cut out photographs, etc. and it built up over the years. When I got a computer I could store the questions and the photos. At one stage I had tens of thousands of questions of every

The story behind THAT photograph…

A photograph first published in the Roscommon People and taken by enthusiastic amateur photographer Dermot won deserved acclaimed a few years ago.

I couldn’t chat to Dermot Cox without mentioning ‘that photograph’, the one he took a few years ago when a unique cloud formation appeared in the sky which bore a remarkable resemblance to the map of Ireland. It was put on Facebook and over 50,000 hits were recorded within a few days.

“That photo was taken in Strokestown. There was a convoy of cattle trucks arriving on their way for the export market and I went down to take a photo and I thought that if I stood at the roundabout in the middle of the town it would be a good spot to get a good snap. I looked up and there it was in the sky. A lot of people thought that the photo was doctored but it was there and I just took it. It was someone else who put it on the Internet and it went viral after that, which was amazing. It was one of those things. I was in the right place at the right time, that’s all.”

category and I made up 100 questions at a time. I have to say I really enjoyed it and we raised a lot of money for charity over the years. On our best night we raised 3,000 – and that was pounds. It was my contribution to charity locally. Some people give money or join committees but that was the way I did it and I really enjoyed the banter that I used to have with the contestants and I made great friends.”

Sport has played a huge part in Dermot Cox’s life.

He followed Roscommon footballers all over the country at one stage and he regularly attends AllIreland hurling and football finals. But Dermot is a huge soccer follower and Athlone Town, Manchester City and the Republic of Ireland have been his three favourites over the years and indeed he has been all over the world to follow Ireland over the years.

“It is amazing that the three teams that I follow all closed their old grounds in the same year (St Mel’s Park, Maine Road and Lansdowne Road) and moved to new grounds. I have been at thousands of soccer games over the years. The best day with Athlone was down in Limerick when they won the league title.

“With Ireland the win against England in Stuggart in 1988 was the best memory I have. I spent the last 80 minutes of the game looking at my watch and not at the match! I have been all over the world including the World Cup in Japan and South Korea but the only place I have not been to following Ireland is the USA. My worst memory was the night that we played England (in 1995) and the riot stopped the game. That was very sad.

“On the Roy Keane thing in Saipan my views are well-known. I was 100% against what Keane did and I have to say if he is ever appointed manager of the Republic of Ireland I would find it very hard to support them under him.

“With regard to Manchester City, Sunday May the 12th 2012 is a day I will never forget. I was sitting behind the goals with my grandson when Dzeko Continued on next page –>

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Living&Lifestyle

The drama ends… the memories remain!

DRAMATIC PAUSE <CAROLINE EGAN’S ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL DIARY Dermot is Vice-President of Roscommon Lions Club. He is pictured at the launch of the Images of Roscommon 2014 Calendar with Martin Connaughton (then Mayor of Roscommon) and fellow Lions Club member James Donlon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Continued from previous page –> and Sergio to the time they were arranging Cheltenham Aguerro scored the goals to give City the Pre- Previews. Ciaran Mullooly got me to join that mier League title. I have never seen anything time and I’m involved since. I’m Vice-Presilike the celebrations that day. The fact that dent this year so we will see what happens we pipped Manchester United made it all the after that. I enjoy that too and the charity sweeter. I have not been there this year but I work that they do is very worthwhile.” watch them whenever they are on TV.” As is always the case with Dermot Cox we A new iron in the fire for Dermot in recent could have stayed talking for hours. Dermot years is his involvement with Roscommon has had a few health problems in recent Drama Group. years. “I have had a few setbacks and it is up “Two or three years ago Tom Costello to myself to look after that end of things now. asked me would I play a small part in a play But I have had a great life. I’m 64, going on called ‘The Lady in The Manor’ – I did, and 65, have three great kids and a great wife and I enjoyed it. Then this year again I took a I have grandchildren now too. I have been small part in their play ‘The Mundy Scheme.’ very lucky.

It was about politics, so it was right up my “Very few people that I grew up with have street.” had a chance to be able to live and raise their Another major part of Dermot Cox’s life is family in Roscommon town and for that I am his love of horseracing and Point to Point rac- very grateful.” ing in particular. “I love horseracing but I love the Point to Point most of all.

It is the real salt of the earth people that you meet at the Point to Point races and I have been all over the country, North and South. The main trainers are now realising that they can get great horses at Point to Point meetings and I can tell you that if Cheltenham and a Point to Point meeting was going on in the back garden I would go to the Point to Point meeting every time.

“My involvement in the to Point racing in Roscommon….Dermot Cox’s first sporting love. local Lions Club goes back Point Picture: Hurson Photography.

Dermot Cox MC (on right), Hugh Mulvihill, Declarations and Helena Mulvihill, Clerk of the Scales, at the Roscommon Point to Point Races a few years ago. Pic: Hurson Photography.

Picking up where we left off (!)…and Tuesday night saw us welcome near-neighbours Phoenix Players with their production of ‘Play On’ by Rick Abbott.

It’s a hilarious tale of a theatre group trying to put on a play where the author keeps changing the script. A delightful production that was well received by the audience. We were all well looked after in Beár na Ráille after the proceedings.

Wednesday On Wednesday we were presented with ‘Woman and Scarecrow’ by Marina Carr from Rasper Players, Wexford. A woman lying on her deathbed comes face to face with her mortality. This poignant play was delivered brilliantly. The audience were on the edge of the seat from start to finish.

Michelle Reade, in the leading role, went on to win Best Actress at the Festival. P Kelly’s on Castle Street provided us with the respite needed after such performances.

Thursday We were over the halfway mark on Thursday when Estuary Players from Dublin brought us ‘The Drawer Boy’ by Michael Healey.

Two farmers encounter an eager young actor whose theatre collective is writing a play about farming. We had another awardwinning performance in John Furlong who played Angus and won Best Supporting Actor. J J Harlow’s provided the fire and refreshments.

The authors loved the performance given by the group as did the audience. The laughter continued in Foxe’s Bar and culminated in a singsong by all present.

Saturday Kilmuckridge Drama Group presented Jimmy Murphy’s ‘The Kings of the Kilburn High Road’ on our final night. Six young Irish men emigrate to London in the 1970s. All are in their late 40’s/early 50’s and all, but one, are broken from loves of hard work and harder drinking. The Group provided an excellent production. A fantastic end to the week.

After the play the audience exited to reception for a wine reception where many a discussion was held as to who the winners might be as Mr Terry Byrne, the adjudicator, was whisked away to make his final decisions.

Mr Byrne committed on the high standard and competitive festival. The ever important placings were as follows: In the Confined Section – 1st Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society for ‘Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me’; 2nd Take 5 ‘MOMologues’; 3rd Seumas O’Kelly Players ‘The Communication Cord’.

In the Open Section – 1st Bunclody-Kilmyshall Drama Group’s ‘Stolen Child’; 2nd Estuary Players’ ‘The Drawer Boy’; 3rd Kilmuckridge Drama Group’s ‘The Kings of the Kilburn High Road’.

For a full list of all of the nominations and winners of all the awards please go to www.

Roscommondramafestival.com or our Facebook page or Twitter @Roscdramafestival.

Friday Friday saw the arrival from Boston of the authors of ‘MOMologues’, Lisa Rafferty, Stefanie Cloutier and Sheila Eppolito to Roscommon.

Their play was presented by Take 5 who themselves hail from Fermoy, Co Cork.

MOMologues took the audience through all the wonderful (and not so wonderful) experiences that go hand in hand with motherhood.

Pictured at Roscommon Drama Festival in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Frank and Mairéad Nally. Picture: Andrew Fox

At Roscommon Drama Festival opening night Pictured at Roscommon Drama Festival in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday nightMary last Finn wereand were Festival Committee members Maria Hickey, Emer Hickey and Nora Lohan. Picture: Andrew Fox Elaine Morris.

28

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

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

On The Record with SHANE REYNOLDS

Emma and Stacey launch recipe book TY students at Roscommon Community College, Emma Nally and Stacey O’Beirne, have launched their TY Enterprise Project – their ‘Sweet Treats’ Recipe Book.

They are delighted to have won first prize in their school category and look forward to the regional finals next week in The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.

The response from family, school and the general public to the recipe book was tremendous and they have decided to do a second print of the recipe book. Copies of the recipe book are on sale for €5 and can be purchased by ‘phoning Emma at 0862640243.

The idea of presenting a Recipe Book comes from Emma and Stacey’s passion for baking.

Emma’s Delights are regular prize-

winners at Roscommon Agricultural Show and in house competitions at their school Roscommon Community College. Emma was also winner of the ‘So Sligo Food Fes’

in 2013. Stacey enjoys baking for family and friends.

Many of the recipes hold special memories for their owners and they are thankful to them for sharing them. The girls hope many more happy memories are made from the recipes brought together in such a special way in this book.

Producing a Recipe Book of this calibre was made possible thanks to their generous sponsors.

The girls would like to acknowledge the financial support of the following: Bank of Ireland; The Comfy Café; Timothy’s Londis; Damien Lohan and Co; Magnum’s; Norio’s; McGuinness Total Healthcare; Roscommon Livestock Co-Operative Mart; Roscommon People newspaper and SuperValu.

Electric Picnic 2015 reveals its first acts!

The darling buds of spring have sprung as the light grows longer in the sky and Electric Picnic extends another warm invitation to all lovers of music, art, culture and the altogether unpredictable.

Join them for a staggering display of sound and vision at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois on the 4th, 5th and 6th of September. A sumptuous world to entice, tantalise and enthrall you all. You don’t have to be the adventurous type, in the Everest sense of the word, but a little curious and a good pair of boots would be a distinct advantage.

There is no stopping this star’s meteoric rise to the top since FLORENCE + THE MACHINE delivered her mind-blowing performance at her very first Irish gig in a small tent at Electric Picnic ’08.

Those lucky enough to see her knew they were in the presence of greatness. Since then she has continued to unleash her ethereal, near-operatic live performances across the globe. With the release of her eagerly anticipated third album How Big How Blue How Beautiful, her giddy ascent to the top has been cemented. This September she returns to Stradbally storming the main stage with her power house vocals which are guaranteed to have Florence fans in a frenzy.

Born Slippy electronic duo UNDERWORLD will be helping revellers dance into the wee hours of the night performing epic tracks from the 20th anniversary of their album dubnobasswithmyheadman along with other landmark hits.

Having first graced the Stradbally stage back in 2007, MANIC STREET PREACHERS need no introduction. Futurology the Manic’s 12th studio album was released in July 2014 and received immediate critical acclaim.

Having stormed the charts with Budapest GEORGE EZRA is sure to get a huge crowd at this year’s Electric Picnic. Ezra found his way onto numerous Ones To Watch 2014 lists and has become a Top Ten staple with his debut album Wanted On Voyage. He is sure to warm the souls of Picnickers with his booming, bluesy voice this September.

Tickets on sale now as follows from www.ticketmaster.ie. Tickets subject to availability.

Fish Go Deep.

Excitement builds for Carrick-onShannon Festival < SHANE REYNOLDS

With just over two weeks remaining, excitement is building for the third annual Phase One Electronic Music and Arts Festival will take place on the 4th and 5th April 2015 at The Dock, Carrick-onShannon.

Presenting cutting edge electronic music, visual art, animation, film, master classes and workshops in the superb surroundings of The Dock, this event is a celebration of electronic music and art in all its forms offering an intimate connection a diverse range of Electronic arts.

Having attended the event personally last year, I can confirm that this flourishing festival is well worth a visit for anyone in the region who is looking to get value for money at a local event without the hassle of traveling or camping.

If, like me, you attended last year, you will now know what to expect; electronic

musicians, DJs, Producers, Art installations, workshops and more! If you didn’t make it last year prepare yourself for an excellent weekend!

The line-up for 2015 is excellent and includes Horse Meat Disco, Fish Go Deep, Donal Dineen, Sleep Thieves, Elaine Mai, Nanu Nanu, Ghosts, Haüer, Imploded View, Keith Marshall, Grounds for Invasion, Marcin Bryles and T/A/S/T/E DJ’s.

Phase One is organised by volunteers with a passion for all genres of electronic music, art and an appreciation of what makes a great music and arts festival. It is our vision to bring together both popular and less well-known genres of electronic music and incorporate them with multimedia and electronic art for the entertainment and enjoyment of all.

So if your looking for a festival which won’t break the bank but still packs a heavy punch, Phase One Festival on the 4th and 5th of April is the place for you!

Cynic Gal

Shelly Madden

Licence to Kill: The Theory Test “It’s a pity you have to take the bus back to Cork, Shelly. If only you could drive!” Thanks, everyone. Duly noted.

You may have previously read about my inability to drive and lack of desire to do so.

I am a proud passenger of public transport despite its tardiness and persistent attempts to break my soul on a daily basis. Furthermore, my knowledge and interest in cars has always been minimal at best. I have to memorise licence plates to differentiate SO’s blue car from stranger’s blue car. I can’t even stand Top Gear.

Nevertheless, the time has come. I have given in to peer pressure and societal norms.

Much like the reluctant purchase of health insurance and the less reluctant bottle of red wine, the next adult step is learning to drive.

T-minus Three Weeks The driver theory test has been booked. No going back now. 45 quid like!

T-minus Two Weeks The book has been purchased. Browsing begins. It all seems pretty straightforward!

Don’t intentionally knock down an elderly woman at a pedestrian crossing? Fair enough.

I spoke too soon. Hello, technical section.

Coolant temperature and tyre pressure? I’ve never felt like more of a ditzy girl in all my life.

When God was dispensing information on catalytic converters, it appears I was dancing in pink glitter and painting my nails.

T-minus One Week Serious flashbacks to Leaving Cert revision time. I am currently in search of a yellow highlighter. Procrastinating by contemplating necessity of other colours of highlighters… does anyone even use the blue one?

T-minus Two Days The book has been completed. Now to bask in the glow of having absorbed very little. Rereading begins.

T-minus One Day AAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHH. I’ll study in the morning.

Morning of Test I should have studied last night. Last minute cramming for an exam that many people don’t study for and manage to sail through.

The shame if I fail. Reconsidering ideas for new article.

Entering Exam Room Everyone else is 12-years-old. There’s a guy in his school blazer. Keep head down and pretend to look 17.

Exiting Exam Room I’m the first to leave...is that good or bad?!

Although the depressed RSA worker didn’t fling confetti or even confirm that I had actually passed, I did! Evidently I still do not understand cycle lanes, so pedal hard and fast away from me.

So the hard part is well and truly over. Now for the tiny obstacle of learning how to drive without killing or maiming self/others.

SO congratulates me by expressing his disdain for my ineptitude at the wheel of his Batmobile, so apparently I will be learning the ropes in a cardboard box.

Stay tuned!

Check out even more sarcastic ramblings from Cynic Gal at http://cynicgal.ie/.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Living&Lifestyle

FRANKLY SPEAKING

Frank Brandon’s unique take on life ...

Technological torment and memories of ‘electric atmosphere’ on match-days of yore It’s a little after two o’clock on Saturday afternoon, and panic is beginning to set in – my lads have told me how to get to see the Ireland-Wales match via RTE Player on the shop’s computer, but somehow or other nothing seems to be happening.

I’m frantically hitting buttons and switches, but everything is frozen, and sadly I resign myself to the fact that technology and me don’t get on, and I realise that it’s through the medium of the radio that I’m going to keep track of the happenings in Cardiff.

To tell you the truth, the radio is no great shakes either, but after another bout of fiddling with knobs and twisting and turning a piece of wire that’s supposed to be an aerial, I eventually picked up commentary on what, as it happened turned out to be a disappointing afternoon in the principality, and as I listened to a slightly crackly line from across the Irish Sea, I was transported back in time and all of a sudden I was a young gasun visiting Uncle Mickey’s farm down in Tipperary where the electricity didn’t arrive until the very late fifties or maybe even the early sixties.

How many times have we been told of people gathering around the radio, in whatever house was lucky enough to have one, listening to Micheál O’Hehir as he recounted every action on the field to his captive audience – well in my case it was slightly different as it was an old black and white PYE TV set, which belonged to a big farmer, George Johnstone, a few miles over the road, and around which a huge crowd gathered, all male, whenever there was a big match being broadcast.

Looking back now, I don’t know why the Johnstones had the electric when Mickey didn’t, but I can tell you there was no stone left unturned to make sure we all enjoyed our visits – chairs and stools were provided for everyone, and at half-time the woman of the house would dish out cups of steaming hot tea, and plate upon plate of thick ham sandwiches, and there was never a question of anything being handed back.

I’m sure Mrs. Johnstone must have been delighted when the neighbours

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

What It Said In The Papers

by SHANE REYNOLDS

caught up with the electricity and got their own television sets.

However, just as quickly as I went back in time the Welsh lads brought me back to reality, and while the result could probably have gone either way, it’s fair to say that the home side deserved their win. I’m not too bothered about the result, and I actually think it might be a good thing as it will dampen expectations a bit before the World Cup and will also mean that our coaches will have time to sort out a few problems.

Joe Schimdt is a shrewd operator and I firmly believe that he will have a few new tricks up his sleeve when the World Cup comes around, and in the meantime I’m getting ready for another Saturday afternoon listening to my slightly crackly radio, as we try to win the Championship with a tricky away tie to the Scots, over in Murrayfield.

Rural Ireland – again!

Changing subjects, but sticking with television matters, during the week I happened by complete accident, to tune into a documentary on (I think) TV3 about the decline of Rural Ireland. Now I know you’ll be thinking to yourselves that that fella must be completely out of things to write about, when he’s going back to the Rural Ireland story (maybe you’re right) but once again a portion of the programme brought me back a good few years to when I was a young lad working in the Bank of Ireland, Ballina.

One of the big perks of the job at the time was to get a sting on the Travelling Bank, which used to service North-West Mayo, out as far as Belmullet, and for some reason I was lucky enough often be called on to do relief on what, actually was a vital service, for all the people who lived in those particular areas.

One of the biggest stops we had was in a village called Bellacorick, where a major ESB power station was situated, and where there would always be a queue of people waiting for us, and as a result there was a thriving shop, pub and post office in what could only be described as a vibrant, lively community.

The Belacorick that was presented in

100 Years Ago St Patricks Day in Roscommon National Volunteers Display The enthusiasm which usually characterises Roscommon celebrations was in evidence again in this the National Festival. There was practically a general suspension of bonfires, and the wearing of shamrock was duly observed. In the churches the religious services peculiar to the Feast of our Patron Saint were conducted in the presence of large congregations.

From an early hour in the morning the streets were busy, the huge gathering mostly comprising the inhabitants of the surrounding country districts. In the afternoon when it was known that a volunteer parade through the town would take place the assembly was largely augmented.

Shortly after 2 o’clock the Roscommon Irish National Volunteers Corps under the direct command of Instructor J Keavey, who was ably assisted by Commanders D Harrington, F

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Aaron Forde, Emma Corcoran, Ciara Forde and Nathan Conneally.

Picture: Andrew Fox

last week’s documentary was a very different place to the one that I remembered – the pub, shop and post office were closed and derelict, the power station is gone, and no matter how it’s dressed up and presented this is a community that has died on its feet.

In the years since I was there, another of the perks of being on the travelling bank was the fact that we used to have an odd pint on the way (I wasn’t driving by the way) and many’s the pint I had in the pub in Bellacorick as I also did in Micky O’Boyle’s in Moygownagh, another village which featured in the documentary and which has lost a huge number of its youth to emigration.

Politicians on every side of the fence would have us believe that things are on the up, and there are thousands of jobs being created – maybe they are, and if they are, they’re in Dublin, and my village Creggs and hundreds more villages like it around the country are losing all the amenities they once had and sooner, rather that later, Rural Ireland will cease to exist.

and I can only tell you I was absolutely amazed – the crowd was enormous, there were so many participants, it was just brilliant and the whole thing was incredible! For a small village which in the summer had a massive carnival with my favourite, Mike Denver, headlining the festival and St Croan’s in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club football final in Croke Park, it just shows what can be done with goodwill and effort. Fair play to everyone involved.

I played football for Creggs for nearly forty years and the only time I was sent off was against Croan’s! But as they say that’s another story.

Gospel Choir for local fundraiser

Great parade in Ballintubber

On to local matters and on Saturday March 28th, the Ignite Gospel Choir from Galway are performing in Donamon Church at 7.30 pm (sharp) in aid of the Creggs National School Sunshine Room and all are welcome. Admission is €10 and the work the Sunshine Room is doing is amazing so if you can at all, please support this fantastic show.

Talking of Rural Ireland…today, St. Patrick’s Day (as I write), I headed down to Ballintubber for their annual parade

Back to rugby for a second, and I’m

Gannon, and DJ Johnston, wearing full uniform, were drawn up in front of the Harrison Hall. The volunteers were partially equipped, and their generally smart appearances was the subject of much favourable comment.

Preceded by the Roscommon Gaelic Athletic Club fife and drum band with banner and the Roscommon National School boys fife and drum band, the volunteers made a circuit of the Hall and proceeded in the direction of Kilteevan, meeting the Killteevan National Volunteers Corps, commanded by Instructors Michael Kilmartin and Patrick Gill, and accompanied by the members of the Kilteevan AOH with fife and drum band about halfway.

The combinded companion, marching to stirring airs, arrived in town in the late afternoon. A parade of the principal streets, which were littered with onlookers, followed, the processionists now some hundreds strong, making a striking display. A halt was finally made outside the Harrison Hall.

The public were subsequently admitted into

Local link to rugby success

the main body of the Hall, where addresses were delivered by Very Rev Cannon Cummins, DD, PP, and Mr JP Neilan, solicitor. The celebrations were fittingly concluded by another parade through the town.

50 Years Ago School caretakers in Roscommon get increases Co Roscommon Vocational Education Committee has agreed to increase the wages of school caretakers, to £9/10/0 a week and to increase bonus for schools with over 150 pupils to £20 a year.

The committee had had an application for an increase at their meeting on Friday night last. Very Rev P Canon Gillooly, PP, Chairman, presiding.

Mr M Mescal, CEO, said he had obtained particulars of caretakers wages paid in other

told that yesterday (Paddy’s Day), my old school, Cistercian College, Roscrea won their first ever Leinster Schools Senior Cup by defeating Old Belvedere in a rip-roaring final in the RDS. I’m also told that Creggs player Brian Diffley, of the famous Diffley brothers from Oran, brought off an amazing lastminute try-saving tackle to make sure of a famous victory. Well done Brian and well done to my Alma Mater. It was a long time coming.

Sincere sympathies Finally for this week, as a small community, we are devastated by the sudden death of Paul Devaney, at a relatively young age.

Paul was the son of the late Tommy and Mary Devaney, of Friaryland, Creggs and the Devaney family are one of the most popular and respected families in the whole parish.

To his wife Pettina and his two children, Tara and Paul, we extend our sincere sympathies and to Mary D and all Paul’s brothers, sisters and extended family, all I can say is may he rest in peace. He was one of the best.

‘Till next week, Bye for now

counties. Caretakers of Schools in Athlone are paid £10/16/4 and in Killucan and Castlepollard.

Mr Mescal said that they pay a flat rate of £9 and a bonus of £10 a year.

Archdeacon Kelly: What are road workers paid?

It was stated that the road workers pay was £7/16/0 for a five-day week.

In reply to Mr Dan Dalton, Mr Mescal said that their caretakers have a 55 to 60 hour week.

Mr BJ Forde said he would not object to giving them a bonus but we would object to any increase in wages at this stage.

Mr P. McGuinness said that the caretakers should be paid after they work a 48 hour week.

Mr Mescal said they would increase the bonus where the school attendance is over 150. The increased bonus would then apply to the schools in Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen.

A resolution was passed, on the proposition of the Chairman, increasing wages from £9 to £9/10 a week and to increase the annual bonus from £10 to £20 for schools where the attendance is over 150.

30

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

PropertyPeople

Auction fever hits Athleague www.propertypartners.ie Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon.

Tel. 090 66 26579. Fax: 090 66 25405.

EMAIL: jearley@propertypartners.ie

FORTHCOMING LAND AUCTIONS A quality portfolio of properties to include: • A c. 29.1 acre farm with residence located at Ballinderry, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon.

• A c. 20 acre farm with old residence located at Ballinderry, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon.

• A c. 83 acre farm with comprehensive farmyard located at Raheen, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.

• A c. 16.45 acre parcel of roadside lands located at Lisagallon, Cloverhill, convenient to Roscommon town.

• A c. 13.5 acre parcel of lands with P/P for 4 no residences located at Gallowstown, (opposite Roscommon Racecourse) Roscommon town.

Full details in next edition.

For further details contact the office.

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OFFERS INVITED LUXURY 4 B/R DETACHED DORMER STYLE RESIDENCE OF C. 1,800 SQ.FT FINISHED TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD WITH GARAGE SET TO SIDE LOCATED AT

22 CORRAUN VILLAGE, (CORRAUN HOUSE) RACECOURSE ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN

• A most attractive luxury 4 b/r dormer style residence.

• Finished to a very high standard incorporating numerous energy saving features such as solar panels, also PV panels to produce electricity and offset against electricity bills, together with a water harvesting and filtration system, etc..

• This spacious property offers quality living accommodation throughout and has the benefit of side access to a mature rear garden area.

BER: C1.

We now invite viewings and offers.

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WANTED - LANDS TO LET Having agreed a substantial amount of lands to let in the past number of weeks we now require lands of all sizes in all areas to meet demand for both long and short term durations. Replies in confidence to the office.

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LANDS TO LET c. 38 acres located at Casheltauna, Fourmilehouse. Long or short term. c. 17 acres located at Clooneenbaun, Rockfield. Long or short term. c. 48 acres located at Lismurtagh, Tulsk – suggested lease term say 5 years. c. 16 acres located at Gailey, Knockcroghery from now until 1st November 2015.

Pat Hughes and Co., Roscommon is confirming that the interest in their upcoming auction on this Friday 20th of March 2015 in the Bridge House, Athleague, Co. Roscommon is gathering a lot of momentum.

A lot of enquiries have been coming in over the past number of days. Pat is hopeful of a good attendance for two of the finest farms to come on the market in recent years.

The farm containing circa 66 acres for the representatives of Michael and Marie Killian on the outskirts of Athleague is offering the opportunity to farmers and developers to acquire a very valuable portion of land in a very sought after area.

Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon

They are also auctioning circa 53 acres of land at Morganstown, Athleague for the representatives of the late Thomas Fitzmaurice. This is also an excellent farm of land with a good range of outoffices. The lands Morganstown, are located only Athleague, Co. one mile from Ath- Roscommon league and this is an ideal opportunity for somebody to acquire a nice compact farm of land.

Hughes and Company are also confirming that they have placed on the market a circa 70-acre farm at Kilteevan, Roscommon. These lands have the benefit of a

two-bedroom townhouse with a range of out-offices. There is also circa 10 acres of the land planted with an income of €2,500 a year on same.

The company also have on offer at Killeenboy, Kilteevan a circa 20-acre residential farm. All of these lands are of top quality and located in one block. The lands are located less than two miles from Roscommon town. Pat is advising people interested in investing in land that this is probably their best opportunity to do so.

Pat is confirming that they have had a number of successful sales in the last number of weeks and that they urgently need residences in and around Roscommon town for cash customers.

Pat is confirming that they recently have had sale agreed on a four-bedroom bungalow at Cloonbrackna Avenue, Roscommon; four-bedroom two-storey at Celtic Avenue, Roscommon; three-bedroom townhouse, Roscommon Town; three-bedroom semi-detached, Galway Road, Roscommon; three-bedroom cottage, Kilteevan, Roscommon.; four-bedroomed bungalow, Beechwood, Roscommon; three-bedroom bungalow, Emoe, Kilteevan, Roscommon.

They are now urgently looking for bungalows in and around the Roscommon area for a cash customer.

Pat is also confirming this week that they will be holding there 15th Annual Machinery Auction on Friday 22nd of May 2015 at 6 pm at Emoe, Kilteevan, Roscommon.

Anybody interested in entering lots and selling their items can contact the office immediately and have them entered (call 090-6627003 or email phughes2@ eircom.net).

Prime Strokestown house and lands on books of Earley’s John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering to the market a primely located residence standing on c. 1.3 acres located at Moyglass, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. (also option to purchase c. 4.4 acres and c.8 acres set adjacent to the said residence).

The agents describe the property as “a select three-bedroom residence located in a peaceful countryside setting conveniently located close to Strokestown and all amenities. The property can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate and are set out as follows: Lot A: The Entire; Lot B: Bungalow residence standing on c. 1.3 acres; Lot C: c. 4.4 acres of lands located adjacent to the said residence; Lot D: c. 8 acres of lands located on the op-

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

LANDS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION THIS FRIDAY 20th March 2015 at The Bridge House, Athleague, Co. Roscommon at 3.30 p.m.

AT CLOONEEN, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON, (circa 66 acres)

Residential Farm, for the reps of Michael & Marie Killian.

The residence is a four bedroomed two storey property with a range of out offices. The lands are all of top quality located in two main blocks on the outskirts of the village of Athleague. Pat is confirming that this is one of the finest farms to come on the market in recent years.

Viewing is highly recommended.

The land will be offered for sale in three different lots.

Lot 1: The Entire Property containing the Residence and circa 66 acres Lot 2: Residence on Circa 53.5 acres Lot 3: Circa 12.9 acres.

LEGAL: JENNIFER LIDDY FEHILY, SOLICITOR, PATRICK J NEILAN & SONS, SOLICITORS, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON. PHONE. 090 6626245

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LANDS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION on Friday 20th March 2015 at The Bridge House, Athleague, Co. Roscommon at 4.00 p.m.

FOR SALE AT MORGANSTOWN, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Circa 53 acres of Agricultural Land For the reps of the late Thomas Fitzmaurice, Deceased.

The lands have the benefit of a good range of out offices, horse stables and sand arena. The lands are located approximately 1 mile from the village of Athleague.

LEGAL: SEAN MAHON SOLICITOR, MAHON SWEENEY SOLICITORS, MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON. PHONE. 090 6627350

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NEW TO THE MARKET: FOR SALE at Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Roscommon Circa 70 acre Residential Farm.

Most of the lands are of top quality with approximately 12 acres planted for 10 years with an income of €2,500 per year tax free for the next 10 years.

The residence is a two-bedroomed farmhouse with a good range of out offices and silage base.

Viewing is highly recommended.

LEGAL: MS. SINEAD NEILAN, SOLICITOR, PATRICK J NEILAN & SON’S, SOLICITORS, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON. PH. 090 6626245

posite side of the public roadway.

The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www. propertypartners.ie.

New to the market at Chesnut Grove in Tulsk David Diffley, ASCSI of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon is this week offering new to the market two number quality twobedroom semi-detached bungalow residences located at Chestnut Grove,

– SALES BY –

Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.

David describes the properties as “attractive residences located in a much sought after development on the main western route adjacent to Tulsk village and all amenities.

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PRELIMINARY NOTICE NEW TO THE MARKET: FOR SALE

AT PORTEEN, DYSART

For the reps of Michael Naughton, Deceased Circa 20 acre Residential Farm. The Lands are located in a number of different lots with an old derelict residence thereon. For further details please contact our office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net LEGAL: MR. JOHN GLYNN, SOLICITOR, PATRICK HOGAN & CO. SOLICITORS, DUNLO STREET, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY. PH. 090 9642110 FAX 090 9642107

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PRELIMINARY NOTICE For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact David Diffley, ASCSI of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email ddiffley@propertypartners.ie.

15th Annual Machinery Auction To be held at Emoe on Friday 22nd May 2015 at 6.00 p.m. Sharp Entries are now been taken.

Please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net

Earley’s report a hugely successful property exhibition Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week reporting that a hugely successful spring London property exhibition took place on Saturday 7th March 2015 in The Copthorne Hotel in Kensington in London.

John Earley reported to the Roscommon People: “We are delighted to say that the UK/London ex-

hibition was a huge success with a very well attended event which was run by the Property Partners property network.

“Overall we enjoyed over c.100 enquires from a broad spectrum of people wishing to register their interest in purchasing property in this region.

“We are optimistic given this

level of interest to secure a number of deals in the coming months. Properties in all locations were in demand with a particular emphasis on town and countryside houses, public houses and businesses, agricultural lands, etc.

“Most buyers are drawn to our region as a result of the quality of

housing stock, affordable prices and the fact that sterling is c. 35% stronger that the euro at present.”

To have your property listed contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 0906626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log onto www. propertypartners.ie.

31

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

PropertyPeople Prime showhouse available in Roscommon ERA Oates Auctioneers, Roscommon, are now offering for sale this superb four-bedroom former show house at No. 7, Carraun Village, Racecourse Road, Roscommon town, being sold fully furnished and in excellent condition throughout.

Situated in a hallmark development adjacent to Roscommon Racecourse and within walking distance to local shops, restaurants etc, this fine family home comprises of entrance hallway, sitting room, open plan kitchen/dining/family room, utility, four large bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside are landscaped grounds with cobble lock driveway and garden shed. The asking price is €215,000. For further information contact the office on 090-6627878 or email info@oates.ie.

On the market this week with Sean Naughton Sean Naughton Auctioneers, Roscommon, is delighted to offer new to the market this week this attractive three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, centrally located in a quiet cul-de-sac, just off Castle Street, and within walking distance of Roscommon’s main shopping area. Accommodation includes sitting room, kitchen/dining, three bedrooms and bathroom. Offers in the region of €130,000 are being sought.

Sean Naughton is also delighted to offer for sale this newlyrefurbished three-bedroom residence, with a large garden at Creggs, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. Accommodation includes kitchen cum dining room, sitting room, dining room, utility, three bedrooms and family bathroom. The property is located in a rural setting off the main Roscommon to Glenamaddy Road 8km from Glenamaddy and 5km from Creggs. Viewing is highly recommended and this property has to be seen to be appreciated. Offers in the region of €90,000 are being sought.

Sean Naughton are delighted to place on the market three new sites at Cloonminda, Mountkelly and Dunmore Rd., Glenamaddy Co. Galway.

Attactive Ballaghaderreen residence on view this Sunday No. 2, College Court, Charlestown Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon will be on view with Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke Auctioneers, Roscommon, this Sunday 22nd of March from 1-2 pm.

This three-bedroom end of terrace residence with small rear garden situated adjacent to Ballaghaderreen town centre and all its services and amenities (in need of repair).

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises of entrance gall, sitting room, kitchen dining room, utility room, guest WC and storage under staircase. On the first floor are three bedrooms, en-suite and main bathroom.

The property is pivotally located opposite SuperValu Supermarket as well as been within walking distance of St. Nathy’s

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Ph: (090) 66 27200 .

Fax: (090) 66 27201

Email: info@ pburkeassociates.com www.sherryfitz.ie

FOR SALE

College and St Nathy’s Cathedral and near a host of other services and amenities.

Overall, the excellent location of this property coupled with its potential makes this property very attractive.

For further information contact the office on 090-6627200 or email info@pburkeassociates.com.

NO. 2 COLLEGE COURT, CHARLESTOWN ROAD BALLAGHADERREEN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Strokestown property for sale Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke Auctioneers, Roscommon, are offering for sale this spacious two-bedroom cottage at Cloonfree, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon (approx. 645 sq. ft.) with small shed and fuel store nestled on half of an acre or thereabouts and located less than two minutes from the town of Strokestown on the N5 National Primary Route.

The residence which is in need of complete renovation offers much development potential affording a discerning purchaser the opportunity to renovate

PROPERTY SALES

and decorate the property to their own desired standard and taste. There is also potential to extend this property subject to planning permission.

Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen dining room, utility room, rear entrance hall, two bedrooms and main bathroom.

To the rear of the residence is a small shed and attach-

ing fuel store with separate entrances plus large garden area directly to the rear of the cottage.

The vehicular access to the property extends to the rear of the residence.

These are also a second vehicular access point beside the property.

Overall, the development potential of this property coupled with its pivotal location close to Strokestown makes this a very attractive property.

For further information contact the office on 0906627200 or email info@ pburkeassociates.com.

ON VIEW THIS SUNDAY, 22ND MARCH 2015 1-2PM Three bedroomed end of terrace residence with small rear garden situated adjacent to Ballaghaderreen Town Centre and all its services & amenities (in need of repair). The property is pivotally located opposite Supervalu Supermarket as well as being within walking distance of St. Nathys College & St Nathy’s Cathedral.

BER NO: 106711146 PSRA No. 001316

CALL FERGAL FINNEGAN 09066 27200

LETTINGS VALUATIONS

● ● ● Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013. www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie NEW TO THE MARKET

NEW TO THE MARKET

M.S.C.S.I

NEW TO THE MARKET

C. 9.5 ACRES AT

RESIDENCE ON C. 4.05 ACRES

C. 29.5 ACRES AT

CLOONEEN, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

“POPPYFIELD”, CLOONNACROSS, WILLIAMSTOWN, CO. GALWAY

LISAGALLON, CLOVERHILL, CO. ROSCOMMON

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR AUCTION LATER • Prime parcel of lands containing c. 9.3 acres • Being of excellent quality • With site potential (subject to planning permission) • The lands are located c. 1 mile from Athleague Village, just off the Athleague/ Roscommon Road • With commanding views of the surrounding countryside • These lands have a pen and crush standing thereon • All offers invited For further details and map contact the office on 090 6663700

Price Region: €145,000

BER C2

• Spacious four bedroom dormer residence c. 2,040 sq. ft • In excellent condition throughout • Standing on c. 4.05 acres • Located c. 4 miles from Williamstown, Glenamaddy and Ballymoe • Located on a quiet cul de sac road • A unique opportunity to acquire a residence with adjoining land holding huge potential.

• 5 ring polytunnel to rear • Laid lawns to c. 3.5 acres • Orchard consisting of apple, pear, plum and cherry trees For further details contact the office on 090 6663700

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OR AUCTION LATER

• Prime parcel of lands comprising c. 29.5 acres • With c. 10 acres being of excellent quality • There is a derelict bungalow residence and outbuilding standing thereon • The property is located on the main Roscommon/ Castlerea road • c. 3.5 miles from Roscommon Town For further details contact the office on 090 6663700

32

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

FarmingPeople

IFA calls on Department to address eligible land issue IFA President Eddie Downey has said the Department of Agriculture meetings on CAP implementation and the 2015 area aid application, currently taking place around the country, must address the issue of eligible land and assist farmers by providing practical guidance before they submit their ap-

plications. Eddie Downey said during the recent meetings on the Charter of Rights for farmers it was agreed that the Department of Agriculture would send out a booklet on eligible land to all applicants at this time.

“There is a lot of confusion around the eligible land issue and there is a

responsibility on the Department to give practical guidance to farmers that avoids an overzealous interpretation, which would unfairly penalise farmers.

The Department booklet on the issue should be made available to all farmers without delay.”

The IFA President said that some

farmers are being left in a precarious situation due to uncertainty over the eligibility status of some of their land.

Eddie Downey said it is very important that farmers are allowed to maximise their payments under the new Basic Payment scheme, Greening, ANC’s and GLAS in this critical first year of

Major increase in supply of Roscommon land in 2014 < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel for a public meeting on the CAP issue were Bernie Brennan and Lynda O’Regan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: castlereamart@eircom.net web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249 THURSDAY 19TH MARCH:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS 3 RINGS IN OPERATION ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. MONDAY 23RD MARCH:

BULLOCK SALE THURSDAY 26TH MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS MONDAY 30TH MARCH:

There was a significant surge in the supply of land offered for sale in County Roscommon last year – but there was a price decrease.

In its ‘Agricultural Land Price Report 2014’, the Irish Farmers Journal reported last week reported that the county was “definitely one of the standouts” from the year.

A total of 157 farms, made up of 5,079 acres, were brought to the open market for sale. This represented a massive 39 per cent increase in supply from the 3,655 acres offered in 2013.

The newspaper added: “Remarkably, this made Roscommon the third highest ranked county in terms of land offered for sale, putting it ahead of much larger counties such as Tipperary and Galway.”

However, the greater supply of land does appear to have reduced values, with the average price of land taking an 11.6 per cent fall from €6,712/acre in 2013 to €5,932/acre in 2014.

Yet John Earley, of Property Partners Earley in Roscommon town, said that those figues “don’t reflect the true picture”.

He added: “Last year, there was a steady market, but it had eased during the course of the year.

“We could see, in some situations,

where we had lost up to €1,000 an acre, but that was up until the back end of the year – October, November and December, when it picked up again.

“The year finished very strong for land.”

Pat Hughes, another auctioneer in Roscommon town, also disputed the newspaper’s finding that the price per acre reduced last year.

He said: “To me, they are €1,500/acre below the average. I would be inclined to say that the average would be €7,000 to €8,000/acre.

“There is a lot of investors out there at the moment, looking for land for planting, and they are paying €3,500 to €4,000 max/acre, which would be pulling back the average price.”

The report said that prices in the county ranged from €1,915/acre for a 23.5-acre holding near Ballintubber to a top of over €21,667/acre for a small parcel on the outskirts of Roscommon town with obvious development potential.

Smaller parcels represent the bulk of the land brought to the market for sale in Roscommon as they attract more competition than larger holdings.

Of the 70 transactions competed during the year, 55 were for farms less than 40 acres in size. These 55 farms averaged €6,152/acre, compared with the average of just €5,127/acre realised by the remaining 15 farms.

BULLOCK SALE FORTHCOMING SALES: MONDAY 6TH APRIL AT 1 P.M. CLEARANCE SALE OF

52 SUCKLER COWS WITH CONTINENTAL CALVES AT FOOT, AND ONE 3 YEAR OLD CHAROLAIS BULL TOP CLASS SUCKLER HERD. HERD PERFORMANCE TOP 1% IN IRELAND. MORE DETAILS IN NEXT WEEKS ISSUE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

Contact

TOM ROGERS

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel for a public meeting on the CAP issue were Michael Gately, Mike Gately, Barbara Taylor, Manager at AIB, Roscommon and Fintan Cruise. Picture: Andrew Fox

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon Tel. (071) 96 34783 and (071) 96 33344

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel for a public meeting on the CAP issue were Kenneth O’Brien, John Hanley, IFA Chairman and James Fitzgerald. Picture: Andrew Fox

the implementation of the new CAP. Eddie Downey said farmers who have concerns in relation to eligibility on any of their land area need to take advice from their planner/advisor to ensure that all of the land claimed on this year is eligible, and avoid any penalties on ineligibility in the future.

Opening of TAMS II must now be the priority – IFA IFA Rural Development Chairman Flor McCarthy has said that the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney must immediately open the TAMS II scheme to support the investment plans of farmers.

Speaking following a meeting with the Department of Agriculture in Athlone, Flor McCarthy said the details of the scheme, which are now emerging, must be available to farmers without delay.

Flor McCarthy said that when the scheme opens, the priority for support in the initial stages will be for Young Farmers (farmers less than 40 years of age), dairy equipment, low emissions slurry equipment, specialised pig and poultry investment. At a later stage, grant aid will be available for all sectors for animal and nutrient storage, as well as for farm safety. The grant aid for Young Farmers who are setting up for the first time will be 60% on an investment limit of €80,000.

The general grant aid for other farmers will be 40% up to €80,000 investment limit. In partnerships, this can be doubled in the event of two partners and trebled in the case of three partners. The Young Farmer element of the partnership will qualify for the higher grant for the €80,000.

The IFA Rural Development Chairman said that the TAMS II has an allocation of €395m in the Rural Development Plan. It is important that the scheme opens immediately and additional items can be added to ensure a full uptake of this allocation. The tranche system of allocation of funding, which applied in TAMS I, needs to be more flexible, so as to allow more farmers into the scheme at the early stages following its opening. This will give farmers more time to complete their work and will ensure a full utilisation of funding.

Castlerea Mart Report Thursday 12th March: There were 660 cattle on offer on Thursday last. Light store bullocks and heifers were a very lively trade while plainer lots tended to be a little easier this week.

Suck calves were a very strong trade this week, with almost 100% clearance. The store heifer trade and cow trade remained firm also, while breeding stock remain a very strong trade at the moment.

On weanlings, there were good clearances with the heifer weanling in particular a very strong trade on the day, with increased farmer activity evident. There has been increased demand in bulls in the last few weeks too.

Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 735kgs €1750 Ch 700kgs €1680 Ch 600kgs €1425 AA 590kgs €1350 Ch 500kgs €1245 Ch 435kgs €1200 Lim 475kgs €1300 Lmx580kgs €1420; Heifers: Chx 420kgs €1265 Ch 405kgs €1065 BBx 475kgs €1380 Lim 495kgs €1375 Chx 580kgs €1520 Lim 510kgs €1470 Ch 550kgs €1435.

Dry cows: Lim 495kgs €1110 AA 765kgs €1625 BHer 640kgs €1195 Lim 640kgs €1335 lim 760kgs €1595 BBx 670kgs €1400. Cows with calves at foot made from €1650 to €2210. Springers made from €1010 to €1840 per head.

Calves: Bigger numbers presented this week with a much stronger trade, especially for the quality lots on offer.

Her hfr €500 AA hfr €485 BB bull €480 Fr bull €148; Weanling bulls: Lim 185KGS €635 Ch 290KGS €935 Ch 255kgs €875 BB 450kgs €1350 Ch 545kgs €1335.

Weanling heifers: Ch 295kgs €995 AA 295kgs €775 Lim 260kgs €765 Ch 300kgs €1030 Lim 310kgs €1020.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday the 19th of March with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation. As and from Monday 23rd of March the bullocks sale will resume on Mondays.

33

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

FarmingPeople

Sportextra

Greater reward required at farm level – IFA Cheltenham 2015 IFA President Eddie Downey has said the latest strong growth figures for the Irish economy for 2014 show clearly the major role agriculture is playing in the Irish economic recovery.

Eddie Downey said: “While the Irish economy grew by almost 5% last year, agriculture grew by more than double this rate, with

the value of agricultural output increasing by 10% in 2014.

However, this increased output, which contributed to record agrifood exports and employment growth, was not reflected in farm incomes, with many farmers experiencing a difficult 2014”.

He continued: “This is not a sustainable situation, and farmers

must be fairly rewarded for delivering a high quality product, produced to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards”.

Mr Downey said the new strategy for the agri-food sector for 2025 must deliver increased profitability at farm level, with actions required by all stakeholders to achieve this.

Serving Farmers since 1985 Pictured in the Hodson Bay Hotel for a public meeting on the CAP issue were Shauna and Billy Conlon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon Mart Report Friday, March 13th: There were good numbers on offer at this week’s sale which included a big entry of super quality Heifers. There was a brisk trade for Heifers with plenty of customers in attendance and a very high percentage clearance of lots. The trade for bullocks was slightly better.

There was an improved trade for dry cows with all lots sold. Sales continue on Fridays weekly for bullocks, heifers and dry cows at 11 am. Mid-spring special sale of heifers and bullocks takes place on Friday March 27th at 11 am. Also dry cows. Bookings accepted at 5 pm on Thursday next March 19th.

Dry cows made from €915 to €1615 per head. Sample prices: Char X 750 kgs €1615, Lim X 795 kgs €1590, Lim 725 kgs €1520, Lim 685 kgs €1375, Simm 715 kgs €1300, 3 Fr 691 kgs €1145, AAX 650 kgs €1090,Char X 525 kgs €950, BSX 525 kgs €920, Char X 715 kgs €1305, Lim X 700 kgs €1455.

Heifers made from €565 to €1260 over.

Sample prices: 2 Lim X 473 kgs €1285, Simm X 480 kgs €1285, 2 Char X 495 kgs €1300, 2 Lim X 530 €1490, Simm X 540 kgs €1450, Char X 625 kgs €1885, Char X 605 kgs €1770, Lim X 545 kgs €1650, AAX 585 kgs €1370, 4 Char X 503 kgs €1380, 2 Lim X 460 kgs €1360,4 Char X 471 kgs €1335, Lim X 395 kgs €1105, 2 Char X 380 kgs €1185, 5 Char X 442 kgs €1200, Char X 390 kgs €1110, 3 Char X 340 kgs €1000, Bullocks made from €549 to €960 over Sample prices: Char X 600 kgs €1560, Char X 655 kgs €1500, Char X 550 kgs €1470, 4 Char X 395 kgs €1180, 3 Char X 388 kgs €1160, 5 AAX 434 kgs €1000, PTX 405 kgs €1005, AAX 415 kgs €1040, Char 355 kgs €1025, Char X 360 kgs €1020.

Sheep Sale, March 18th: There were good numbers on offer this week. There was a lively trade for hoggets with prices well improved. The trade for cast ewes was a little easier however the majority of lots sold.

There was a good demand for the special entry of in lamb breeding ewes. There was also a brisk trade for ewes with lambs at foot.

Weekly sales continue on Wednesday at 11 am for lambs, cast ewes, in lamb ewes and ewes with lambs at foot. Yard opens at 8.30 am. There is a sheep scanning service each Wednesday 9 am to 10 am and each Wednesday thereafter. Included in the sale on Wednesday next are 50 excellent quality strong suffolk X breeding hoggets Sample prices: wether hoggets: 51 kgs €130, 42 kgs €105. Mixed lots: 52.90 kgs €137, 55.60 kgs €147, 49.80 kgs €138, 48.10 kgs €120, 55 kgs €140. Ewe hoggets: 44.50 kgs €110, 52.70 kgs €138.50 55.20 kgs €140, 60.30 kgs €141, 46.40 kgs €121.

Cast ewes made from €55 to €145 per lot. In lamb ewes made from €125 to €175. Ewes with twin lambs at foot made from €170 to €255 per lot. Ewes with single lambs at foot made from €175 to €292.

THINKING OF FORESTRY: • Tax Free Annual payment • Full grant to cover planting costs • Harvesting/Forest Roads/Felling License • Group Forest Insurance Scheme

Colm Freyne BSc (Forestry) Galway/Roscommon Ph: 087-6606043 Call in to our office at the Mart in Ballinrobe or call:

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestrycoop.ie

(Serving Farmers for over 55 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Each Friday – 11 a.m.

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

Mid Spring Special Sales Friday, March 27th – 11 a.m.

Bullocks & Heifers – Bookings accepted at the Mart office this Thursday March 19th at 5 p.m.

Also Dry Cows --------------------------

Weanlings, Suck Calves & Suckler Cows Each Tuesday – 5 p.m.

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

Mid Spring Special Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, March 31st – 5 p.m.

Bookings accepted at 5 p.m. on Monday, 23rd March ---------------

Sale of Breeding Heifers Friday, April 10th – 11 a.m.

Bookings accepted at the office at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 2nd ---------------------------

Lambs, Cast Ewes, In Lamb Ewes & Ewes with Lambs at foot Each Wednesday – 11.am.

Included in the sale Wednesday next March 25th Special Entry of 50 Excellent Quality Strong Suffolk X Breeding Hoggets -----------------------

Sheep Scanning Service Each Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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

LANDS TO LET At Emoe, Roscommon Approx 78 Acres – can be set in lots Ist April 2015 to 28th February 2016

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

By Tom Red

Day 3 In the JLT Novice Chase the Willie Mullins band wagon rolled on with Vautour, the favourite, giving him his 5th winner of the week and Ruby Walsh his 4th. Noel Meade’s Apache and the winner’s stable mate made it a clean sweep for the Irish. The selection finished 5th just outside the money.

The Pertemps Final finished without the sign of any Irish trained horse as Nicky Henderson’s Call The Cops beat Unique De Cotte and The Tourard Man by 1¾l and ¾l the placed horses trained by David Pipe and Alan King respectively.

In the Ryanair Chase the sponsor’s Don Cossack could only finish 3rd to Uxizandre and Ma Filleule beaten 5l and 3¾l ensuring AP McCoy a winner at his last Festival meeting. Eduard finished 4th.

The World Hurdle winner, Cole Harden, was ridden by young Cork born jockey Gavin Sheehan for Warren Greatrix. The Paul Nicholls pair Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar finished 2nd and 3rd.

The Handicap Chase had 23 runners and provided some relief for the layers as 33/1 shot Dama beat the favourite Monetaire by 1¼l with Rawnaq, best of the Irish, 1½l back in third.

A wide open Kim Muir was won by The Package trained by David Pipe and ridden by crack Irish amateur Jamie Codd. He won by 12l and 1 ¼ l from Bless These Wings and Buddy Bolero trained by Gordon Elliott and Tony Martin respectively.

Day 4 Friday the 13th did not prove unlucky for the Irish who registered 4 more winners.

The Triumph Hurdle opened racing and ended with a clean sweep for Nicky Henderson as Barry Geraghty won on the favouite Peace and Co with Top Notch and Hargam filling the places a neck an 4l further back. My banker for the meeting, Kalkir, unfortunately pulled up before the last when well beaten.

In the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle the first 6 home were trained in Ireland with Wicklow Brave giving the man of the meeting Willie Mullins his 7th winner of the meeting at 25/1. Sort It Out, Eddie Harty, and Quick Jack, Tony Martin were 2nd and 3rd, with Max Dynamite, Analifet and Sempre Medici next 3 home all stable mates of

Coneygree and Nico de Boinville clear the last in Gold Cup.

the winner.

The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle again went to a Mullins but this time to WP’s sister-in-law Mags, with Martello Tower ridden by Adrian Heshin for Barry Connell. Willie trained the runner up with Milsean and Gordon Elliott the third in No More Heroes.

A field of 16 faced the starter in the Blue Riband of the festival and Mark Bradstock’s Coneygree under Nico de Boinville led them all a merry dance from pillar to post holding off Djakadam and Road To Riches trained by WP Mullins and Noel Meade. The winner is the first novice to win the Gold Cup since Captain Christy in 1974.

The fav Silvinaco Conti finished 7th.

The amateur Gold Cup, The Foxhunters had 24 runners and Enda Bolger and Nina Carberry collected ample compensation for Quantitiveasing’s defeat on Wednesday as expected.

The coming into the race after the penultimate fence the winner went on easily accounting for the outsider Following Dreams and the favourite Paint The Clouds by 17l and an neck. Carsonstown Boy finished 4th for Colin McBrathney jockey Neil McParlan.

Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle for conditional jockeys brought WP back into the winner’s enclosure when Luke Dempsey, son of trainer Philip, got Kilultagh Vic back up to pip Gordon Elliot’s Noble Endeavor by a head. The

winner’s stable mate and favourite Roi Des Francs finished third.

In the Grand Annual Chase AP failed to win his final Festival race with Noel Meade’s Ned Buntline beaten by 5l in 4th. The race was won by Next Sensation from Eastlake and Croco Bay. The Cheltenham Festival 2015 belongs to trainer Willie Mullins who recorded his eighth success at the meeting beating Nicky Henderson’s record of seven winners, set in 2012.

He drew level with Wicklow Brave in the County Hurdle and then 18-yearold Luke Dempsey earned the trainer the record in his own right on Kilultagh Vic. He now stands on 41 winners for the Festival.

The Irish trained 13 of the 27 winners at the festival including 7 Grade 1 races.

Leading trainer and winner of the Dessie Hughes Award is once again the man from Clonsutton in Carlow with Ruby Walsh piping Paul Townend, 4 to 3, for the leading rider award.

The national hunt seasons now rolls on to Fairyhouse at Easter and ends with the Punchestown Festival in May where we hopefully will see the renewal of most of the cross channel rivalries fought out in the Cotswolds on this side of the small pond.

All that’s left now is to look forward to Cheltenham 2016 where WP Mullins is 2016 to win all 4 major races, a crazy price with 12 months to go.

Martello Tower, centre, wins the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

34

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 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 20th to Monday 23rd March 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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

BOUNCING CASTLES ROSCOMMON CASTLES

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

Phone No: (087) 4136355

BALLYGAR Bouncing Castles Super Slides – Combi Units – Sumo Suits – Activity Trailers (all weather) – Marquee Hire - New Obstacle Courses • Keenest rates • FULLY INSURED

TEL.: (087) 2315448 or (090) 6624797 Find us on facebook DO NOT BE DISAPPOINTED – BOOK EARLY

TRI BOUNCE BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

Fully Insured - Keen Rates Book early to avoid disappointment for Communions/Confirmations

Tel: 087 6358949/ 086 3443462 Email: tribouncecastles @gmail.com Follow us on facebook

J.C. CASTLES & SLIDES Tel: 087 6482887 Find us on Facebook Castles For Every Occasion Very affordable prices

CHIROPODIST

COUNSELLING

CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

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

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

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.

CHIMNEY CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIRS 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.

Tel: 087 2798704

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 Mary Lennon SRN, HSE Approved.

Galway Road, Roscommon

• Castles • Combos • Obstacle Courses Now taking bookings for Communions and Confirmations

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

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

(090) 66 26023 086 8225575

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

CV/INTERVIEW PREPARATION DO YOU NEED HELP TO complete your CV and/ or prepare for your job interviews. Please call Evelyn on 086 4416656.

DRIVING LESSONS NOEL’S Driving School

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

David Connor

ADI/RSA Approved Driving Instructor Reg No. 37840

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

Tuition in Car Car available for test

BUPA & VHI Covered

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIROPODY

BIRTHDAY PARTIES CLOWN OR MAGICIAN AVAILABLE for Children’s Birthday Parties, Christenings, Crèches, Communions, Weddings etc.

Phone: 087 6890161.

CAREERS

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

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

087 6870248 www.noelsdrivingschool.ie Email: noelsdrivingschool@gmail. com

SYL’s

School of Motoring

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

Call (085) 1348779

L

DOCTORS’ ROTA

O TOW WI RN T TH EA SYL’s School of Motoring

Have you a licence to tow a trailer?

Car/Jeep & Trailer Training available

Contact: 085 1348779

DRIVING LESSONS

Paul McStay

DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver.

GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

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

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

35

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Classifieds DRIVING LESSONS

COYLERi DRIVING SCHOOL RSA APPROVED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR DUAL CONTROLLED CAR FOR BEGINNERS CALL GEORGE ON 086 2779983 OR LOG ONTO WWW.COYLEDRIVINGLESSONS.IE

FOR DETAILS

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing.

Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < FOR SALE: Large round bales of silage, €10 per bale, delivered. ALSO: Tonne bags of sawdust, suitable for bedding horses, €20 per bag or 3 for €50. Contact: 086 2628439.

FOR SALE: Angus and Hereford suck calves.

Bull and heifers. Call Mark 086 1996367. < FOR SALE: Round bales of silage for sale Ballagh/ Curraghroe area. Tel: 086 8696166. < FOR SALE: Aberdeen Angus and Friesen Calves for sale. Tel: 086 3976040. < LAND TO LET: 30 acres in two lots. Strokestown area.

Tel: 087 9280872.

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. < MINI DIGGER WITH DRIVER FOR HIRE: Lawns and driveways, foundations for garages, extensions and all groundworks. Rockbreaker also available. Contact: (086) 1708518.

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.

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

GARDENING

HEALTH & SAFETY

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

ROSC Health and Safety Ltd. Providers of Health and Safety Training ● Occupational First Aid ● CPR + AED (Irish Heart Foundation)

Sports First Aid Manual Handling

● ●

More courses available

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 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

CONTACT

M: 086 0742743 M: 086 0530277 E: roschealthandsafety@gmail.com

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

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 ROSCOMMON YOGA STUDIO • MONDAY: Beginners at 5.30pm; Core & Tone at 7pm • TUESDAY: Gentle Beginners at 10am; Yoga for teens at 5.30pm; Relax & Meditate at 8pm • WEDNESDAY: Rise and Shine at 7am; Beginners at 6.45pm; Flow & Tone 8.15pm (Intermediate) • THURSDAY: Gentle Beginners at 6.45pm; Flow & Tone 8.15pm (Intermediate) • FRIDAY: Core Work & Flow at 7pm (Intermediate)

**SPORTS YOGA – WORKSHOP FOR ATHLETES** Saturday, 21st March at 10am/12.30pm ‘Return To Your Sport Strong’ Improve your performance & reduce your injuries **BOOKING ESSENTIAL**

Contact Avril Mullally 087 7020562 Roscommon YOGA • STUDIO SITUATED AT CASTLECOURT, CASTLE STREET, ROSCOMMON

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.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL < GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady between 30-50 years of age for companionship. Please reply to Box No: 752, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

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

Members of IBKCA

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

HAPPY TAILS BOARDING KENNELS

Located at Henry Street

www.lisbrockkennels.ie

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

LETTINGS < PREMISES AVAILABLE TO LET: Suitable for shop or office at Main Street, Castlerea. Tel: 086 2505325. < TO LET: 1,200 sq.ft commercial unit at Circular Road, Roscommon. Tel: 086 2563000.

PAINTING & DECORATING

K.P.C. PAINTERS • Painting and Decorating • Wallpapering Specialist • Power Washing • Chimney Cleaning

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of Alan and Catherine Beirne for planning permission to construct an extension to the existing domestic garage and all associated site development works at Cloonybeirne Td., Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd., Consulting Engineers, c/o Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon.

Tel: 090 66 28184 Mobile: 086 8167365 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 a few of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS

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

PROPERTIES TO LET 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. < FOR RENT: Two bedroom apartment. Castlecoote Village, fully furnished, OFCH. Tel: 087 2404367. < TO RENT: Three bed semidetached house in Roscommon town. All mod cons and in excellent condition.

Within walking distance to schools and shops. Tel: 086 3840451. < TO LET: One bedroom apartment. Fully furnished, off road parking. Roscommon Town. Tel: 086 3915847. < TO RENT: One bedroom apartment to rent in Bawn Street, Strokestown. Very reasonable rent. Tel: 086 8106655. < TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT TO LET at Castle Street, Roscommon. Tel: 086 8335645. < TO LET: Two bed apartment to let. Athleague village. Tel: 087 7541730.

Contact Kevin on 087 7694947 No job too small.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL < GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady between 45-50 years for companionship - to go out socialising and to music in the Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 749, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

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

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 • 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

SAFEPASS MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING In Glenamaddy On Saturday 21st March

SAFE PASS In Glenamaddy On Saturday 11th April

Contact Tom Comer on 086 1956950

SITUATIONS VACANT CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to mind 3 children in children’s own home.

Roscommon town. One school going. Hours flexible to accommodate shift work.

Must have full clean driving licence and references required. Please contact 087 3639839.

SITUATIONS WANTED < MAN AVAILABLE to work on the farm every day. Has car and full licence. Roscommon area. Contact 087 7177978 by text only.

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.

36

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Classifieds SPECIAL NOTICES < A SEVENTH SON HEALER will attend in the Hannon’s Hotel, Athlone Road, Roscommon, this Saturday 21st February between 12noon – 4pm. Cures for depression, sinus, migraine, acne, headaches, blood pressure, ear noise, vertigo, back pain, shingles, chest asthma, panic attacks, nerves, anxiety, stress, arthritis, blushing, lack of confidence, rheumatisim, phobias, fatique, Eczemca, psosrias, pelskin rash etc. 100% success rate. No appointment needed, call on the day, in private. Any enquiries to 0494335497 or mobile 086 1921955 Anytime

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

TOM KILDUFF CABS Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503

Pete’s Cabs

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

TUITION < MATHS GRINDS AVAILABLE: All levels for Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate. Phone: 087 7800565. < GERMAN GRINDS AVAILABLE for Junior certificate in Roscommon town area. Contact Jenny on 086 1737099. < TUITION AVAILABLE in Junior Certificiate and Leaving Certificate Maths to all levels. Also in Physics/Chemistry and Applied Maths.

Higher and Ordinary Levels Leaving Certficate. One-toone tuition in student’s own home. Teaching council registered. Tel: 086 1237232. < TUITION REQUIRED for National School children to help with homework. Please reply to Box No 758, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < FREE BEGINNERS INTERNET AND EMAIL CLASSES: Starting in Castlerea on Friday 27th March at 2pm in the Roscommon Women’s Network Training Services centre. Please contact James on 087 9653991 or 094 96 21691 for further details.

GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business and Accountancy.

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood, Ash, beech, birch, sycamore, whitethorn. Good price paid. We are safety certified and insured.

Phone: 086-2437376. < TURF FOR SALE: 50 bags of turf. Roscommon area.

Contact: 086 8284187. < FOR SALE: Turf bank, Castlemine. Tel: 087 6547688.

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

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

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

LOFT LADDERS

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.

0 ONLY €15

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

< THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Large bags of quality seasoned timber delivered to your door - only €2 per bag, buy 20 bags, get two bags free. • Also 10x6 large tractor trailer loads of timber, only €175 per load, delivered. • Also bags of BNM briquettes, €3.00 per bag. • Tonne bags of firewood, €35, delivered • Bags of coal, €4.50 per bag. Tel: 086 2628439.

Go to www. mcgowanaccountancy. com to download voucher

Roscommon

– Contact –

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Aluminium

Supplied & Fitted From

The company that can do all them small jobs 094 96 31880 087 9100477 www.oddjobsolutions.ie

J&K OVEN CLEANING SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL CLEANING OF YOUR OVEN/HOB/ EXTRACTOR. NO MESS. FOR FREE QUOTATION.

Contact Joe on 086 6030063

USEFUL SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Glamorous Dogs

FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 14/03/2015 FIRST PRIZE €60: Joe Rooney, c/o K. Hoare SECOND PRIZE €30: Alan & Kevin Connaughton, c/o Ros Office Supplies THIRD PRIZE €20: Mary Casey, c/o K. Hoare 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Tanya Kelly, c/o P. Kelly’s; Gladys and Kevin; Nora McEvilly, c/o K. Hoare; Brandy, c/o K. Collins; Paul Grehan, c/o K. Hoare; Callum, c/o K. Hoare; Michael Beirne, Corboley, Knockcroghery; David Kilduff, c/o K. Hoare; Sr. Lena, c/o K. Collins; Paul Byron, c/o R. Walsh 10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: John F. Kerrigan; Kathleen Finan; The Five Grandkids; Bridie Glennon, c/o Supervalu; Kathleen Finan; Kathleen Finan; Michael Ward, Goff St.; Kathleen Hoare; Joseph Hoare; Breda Healy.

TOTAL RECEIPTS: €304 TOTAL PRIZES: €260

FUERTY, ROSCOMMON

KESHIA CASEY

Professional Dog Groomer

(087) 2731228 < 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. < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Re-wires, extra sockets, fuse board up-grade, farm buildings and garden lights.

Tel: 089 2302228. < FURNITURE REMOVALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < MAN AVAILABLE 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. Ring Gerry anytime on 089 4182430 or 089 4913747. < SHANE NAUGHTON ROOFING CONTRACTOR Roofing, slating, tiling, 1st and 2nd fixing and flooring.

All aspects of carpentry and building undertaken. Tel: 086 3155329.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

THANKGIVINGS PRAYER TO ST. ANNE (TO OBTAIN SOME SPECIAL FAVOUR) Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection. Vouchsafe to recommend it to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted.

(Here ask for favor you wish to obtain.) Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with You and Mary and all the saints, praising and blessing Him through all eternity. Amen. Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. (Three times). A.K. NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays.

Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s.

Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. A.K.

THANKGIVING NOTICES A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN NEVER FOUND TO FAIL O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. (Make request). O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this my necessity. There are none than can withstand your power. O, show me here herein you are my mother.

O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, (3 times).

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you publish it and it will be granted to you. Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands, (3 days). This prayer must be published. A.K. PRAYER TO ST. PADRE PIO O God, You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, the great privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of your son, grant me through his intercession the grace of ...... which I ardently desire; and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the father... (3 times) A.K. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE 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 those 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). A.K.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I impore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Publication promised for a great favour received. B.R. A PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN NEVER FOUND TO FAIL O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. (Make request). O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this my necessity. There are none than can withstand your power. O, show me here herein you are my mother.

O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, (3 times).

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you publish it and it will be granted to you. Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands, (3 days). This prayer must be published. B.R. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it).

Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted.

Never known to fail. A.M.K.

37

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

AtYourService BLINDS

WINDOW/DOORS

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

WINDOWS AND DOORS

CLEANING

Gary Jameson

Larkin Windows

STEPHEN HOARE

2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

• We supply and fit new & replacement energy Showroom open Athlone efficient uPVC Road, windows and doors Roscommon • Large range of colours – FREE ADVICE AND ESTIMATES –

www.roscommonwindows.ie

Tel: (090) 66 30521 Mobile: (086) 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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 fergalkelly@live.ie

Fergal 086 1016899

Athlone Road, Co. Roscommon Registered contractor for Home Renovation Incentive Scheme

INSULATION

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

Chimney Repairs Ireland ● 20 year guarantee ● 25 years experience ● 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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact

www.ecowise.ie TARMACADEM

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

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

Lowest price guaranteed

BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Daily collection

WINDOWS/DOORS Shannon Side Upvc WINDOWS & DOOR REPAIRS Repair or Replace: Locks, Handles, Hinges Misted or Broken Double Glazed Units.

Letter boxes Reseal windows & doors

Frank Grehan & Sons Ballyforan, Co. Roscommon Phone 090 66 22230 086 2599836/085 8550051 Email: fgrehan@eircom.net Building & Civil Engineering Contractors

~ For all your building requirements ~ Fully registered for the new building regulations ~ Quotations on request ~ Building for the future

VETERINARY

Contact David (087) 9959417

MARBLE - PORCELAIN - MOSAIC - CERAMIC

Tel: (094) 96 51889 (086) 2536105 Knockalaughta, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Remodelling Bathrooms & En-suites, Plumbing, Tiling, Electrical, Drylining, Waterproof Tanking System in Showers & Wet Areas, Carpentry work. Also catered for Special Needs and all Tiling Needs.

ALL GRANT WORKS UNDERTAKEN QUOTATION FREE OF CHARGE

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

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!

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

PLEASE RING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT GROUP

Member of

MECHANIC SERVICES NEILAN

TILING Michael Mulryan Tiling

CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

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

WINDOW/DOORS Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

RECYCLING

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

Tel: 090 Email:

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

BALLINASLOE

info@ecowise.ie

For Professional Advice Contact:

(086) 0708833/ (090) 66 34426

JOHN GREENE

091 768 768 - Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

• Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

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

• Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs

FARMING DONAL HAUGHEY - 086 8210710

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

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

SERVICES

Adrian Neilan - Kilteevan, Roscommon

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

T: 087 9294152

E: adrian.neilan@gmail.com CONSTRUCTION

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

FREE QUOTES AND ESTIMATES

Tel: 087 6242126

38

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

newsbriefs

Appointments BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES ROSCOMMON

STAFF NURSE VACANCIES We currently have vacancies for enthusiastic and experienced Staff Nurses as follows:

2 X SPECIFIC PURPOSE HALF-TIME STAFF NURSES, BOYLE (Ref: CF/06/15 – Post A & B) Both vacancies are specific purpose to cover a maternity leave commencing immediately. The successful candidate(s) will work 39 hours per fortnight rostered flexibly Monday to Friday (day work).

1 X PERMANENT PART-TIME STAFF NURSE, BOYLE (Ref: CF/06/15 – Post C) This is a contract of indefinite duration commencing immediately. The successful candidate will work an average of 47 hours per fortnight rostered flexibly over a 7 day roster (day & night work).

2 X PERMANENT PART-TIME WAKING NIGHT NURSES, BALLINTUBBER (Ref: CF/06/15 – Post D & E) Both vacancies are contracts of indefinite duration commencing immediately. The successful candidate(s) will work an average of 25 hours waking night duty per week rostered flexibly Monday to Thursday with 1 X split-weekend per month.

STAFF NURSE POOL Required for a Nursing Home environment, based in Lanesborough • Pool of Nurses required to provide on-going relief with varied shifts as and when required • Flexible terms and conditions, with an extremely competitive salary for the ideal candidate • Experience with Care of the Elderly not essenital, as full training will be provided on-site • This may suit retired individuals or people who require flexibility with their working hours • References & Garda Vetting Required • An Bord Altranais Pin No will be required All applications will be dealt with in strict confidentiality

Apply in confidence to: costellosnursinghome@gmail.com Or alternatively, please ring the Clinical Nurse Manager Geraldine, directly on 043 33 21361

DRESSMAKER REQUIRED

IN ADDITION TO HOURS SPECIFIED, EACH CANDIDATE MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK EXTRA HOURS FROM TIME TO TIME TO COVER OTHER STAFF LEAVE AS NEEDED.

For busy shop in Roscommon Town

LOCUM STAFF NURSE PANEL – MID- ROSCOMMON

Reply to Box No 757, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

(Ref: CF/06/15 – Post F) Candidates are required for a locum relief panel to cover absences of staffs leave such as annual leave / sick leave etc. in day/residential services in the Roscommon town and surrounding areas. Hours are rostered flexibly over a 7 day basis.

Each candidate should have a recognised qualification in nursing (RNID desirable) and be currently registered in an appropriate division of the Register of An Bord Altranais (N.M.B.I.). An interest in, and ideally experience of working with people with severe intellectual disabilities and behaviour support needs. A full clean driving licence is essential.

Approximately 20 hours per week, hours flexible

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published.

The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication.

Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration.

Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

URGENTLY REQUIRED ON A FULL/PART-TIME BASIS For a Nursing Home in Roscommon Please reply to Box No 713,

c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

OAKWOOD NURSING HOME Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

AtYourService HEALING

REQUIRES NURSING STAFF Immediate start

Please contact Eithne on

086 8725201 for further detailsz

HERBAL REMEDY TRADITIONALLY USED FOR ARTHRITIC PAIN, BACK, NECK AND MUSCULAR PAIN, TRAPPED NERVES, INFLAMMATION, GOUT, SCIATICA, TENNIS ELBOW, BURNS AND SPORT INJURIES, PAIN INFLAMMATION, TRAUMA INJURY, TENDON/LIGAMENTS

TESTIMONIAL FROM SATISIFIED CUSTOMERS Bill, Roscommon, had severe pain in the back of his neck and could not move his head, had to sleep sitting up, after three days using The Rub he said he felt as free as a bird and said Thank God and you Dorrie I can move my head around again and get a good night sleep.

AVAILABLE IN: • Rosmed and Hynes Pharmacies, Roscommon • Tully’s Pharmacy, Castlerea • Johnston’s Pharmacy, Ballygar • Brogan’s Pharmacy & Natural Options Boyle • McGorisk’s, Cunninghams, Cooney’s Pharmacies and the Honey Pot Health Shop, Athlone • Cox’s, Kieran’s and Janet Dillion Pharmacies, Carrick-on-Shannon • Riverstown Pharmacy • Kearney’s Chemist, Castlerea, • McGuinness Pharmacy, Roscommon

CONTACT DORRIE ON 090 96 83616/086 1651106 WEB: WWW.THERUB.IE EMAIL: dorriekilleen@gmail.com YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT ANN ON 087 1277644

WINDOWS/DOORS

TARMACADEM

Donamon

Tarmacadam LTD

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

Loughglynn Auction postponed The Loughglynn Auction in aid of Loughglynn United Football Club has been postponed until Sunday 29th March, at 3 pm.

If you have items of no value to you and which may be of use to someone else we would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact Pat on 0876503933, Patsy on 086-0749117 or Annette on 086-0684378 for further information, or items can be dropped to the community centre on Saturday 28th March from 2 pm.

Cuisle (The Irish Wheelchair Association), Donamon, Co. Roscommon are holding a three-day clothes sale in the Harrison Centre, Roscommon on Friday 27th, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March.

All proceeds generated will go towards the refurbishment of the Centre. Check out facebook page for clothes donated.

Informal enquiries to the Human Resources Department on (090) 6628500.

Closing date Thursday 2nd April 2015 at 1pm.

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

Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Roscommon Gaels GAA club are holding their annual big club quiz night on Friday, 20th of March 2015 in the Abbey Hotel at 9.30 pm.

Tables of four are €40 and there are lots of prizes to be won on the night. All are welcome to attend and a great night of fun and craic is assured, as well as raising muchneeded funds to provide equipment for the GAA activities that the children of Roscommon enjoy.

Cuisle to host clothes sale

For further information and application pack: Please refer to our website at www.brothersofcharity.ie/roscommon

STAFF NURSES

Roscommon Gaels annual Table Quiz

Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam.

Machine or hand laid.

Contact Damian at (087) 9962361

Run/Walk event in Loughgylnn A 5km/10km Run Walk event will take place in the Loughglynn Woodlands on Sunday 3rd May in Loughglynn. It is certified and timed. Further details in due course.

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

39

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KEAVENEY Dell

MANNION Martin

NAUGHTON Tommie

HOLIAN Tom

KERINS Donal

Carane, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Carntleva, Four Roads, Roscommon (13th Anniversary)

(3rd Anniversary)

Racecourse Road, Roscommon 9th Anniversary - 24th March

(7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our wonderful mother, who died on 27th February 2012 We lost a mother with a heart of gold, How much we miss her can never be told, She shared our troubles and helped us along, If we follow her footsteps we will never go wrong.

Loved and remembered everyday by her family.

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

GIBLIN John

In loving memory of a dear husband, father and grandfather, who died on 22nd March 2002 May he Rest in Peace.

Sadly missed and forever loved by his wife Phil, children Martina, Adrian, Deirdre and families.

Anniversary Mass in The Church of Christ The Good Shepherd, Tisara on Saturday 21st March at 7pm.

LOHAN Tom, Delia and Kathleen

In loving memory of Tommie Naughton, Tully East, Ballygar, Co. Galway, who died on 23rd March 2012 Though absent, You are very near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by his wife Mary, son Michael and family.

LEONARD Ellen Corry, Kilrooskey Who passed away on the 17th March 2014 Age 99 years

Mote Park, Roscommon

Mote Park, Roscommon (4th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our parents, Tom and Delia and our sister Kathleen, whose anniversaries occur around this time In loving memory of my brother John who died on March 21st 2011 Deep are the memories Precious they stay No passing of time Can take them away.

Sadly missed by your sister Winnie.

Anniversary Mass at 7pm in Knockcroghery Church on Saturday March 21st 2015.

Rest in Peace, John.

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

Always remembered by their loving families.

Mass offered.

MULRY Michael Rosario, The Walk, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

DOLAN Buddy Cloonslanor, Strokestown (10th Anniversary) Treasured memories of a loving husband, dad and grandad, who died on 23rd March 2012 R.I.P.

In loving memory of Buddy, late of Cloonslanor, Strokestown Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Mai, sons Padraic, Brian and Cormac, daughters Fiona, Michelle and Hazel, grandchildren, brother and sisters.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday 22nd March in Carniska Church at 10am.

Precious memories are forever With which we’ll never part God has you in His keeping We have you in our hearts.

Remembered with love, Eileen and family.

Masses offered.

The family of the Late Ellen, wish to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who sympathised with us on our recent bereavement.

Our thanks to all who attended the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial. To those who sent Mass Cards and called to the house.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Fr. John McManus PP, Fr. Joe Poole and Fr. Sean Neylon for their beautiful service and for their prayers and support.

We wish to thank Sean and Margaret, who supplied beautiful music at the Funeral Mass.

Thanks are also extended to Tom and Pat Smyth, Funeral Directors. We also thank the gravediggers who prepared Ellen’s final resting place.

We would like to thank Dr. Sharkey and all the wonderful staff at Cloverhill Nursing Home, who looked after Ellen so well and treated her and the family with such dignity.

It is not possible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will show our genuine gratitude and appreciation to all.

Ellen’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Kilrooskey on Saturday, 21st March 2015 at 8pm.

Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be A resting place along the road To sweet Eternity.

We all have different journeys Different paths along the way We all were meant to learn some things But never meant to stay.

Always in our thoughts and prayers, sadly missed, Nuala and family.

Anniversary Mass on Monday 23rd March at 10.30am Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD Softly the leaves of memory fall Gently we gather and treasure them all A thought, a prayer are all we can give Those you will have as long as we live.

Always remembered and sadly missed, Kathleen, Robert, Ella and Robyn xx ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD Dad is gone but not forgotten And, as dawns another year In lonely hours of thinking Thoughts of him are always near.

Many think the wound is healed But little do they know of the sorrow That lies in the heart concealed.

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

“Never more than a thought away Loved and remembered every day”

Teresa and Family Anniversary Mass in the Parish Church, Strokestown on Monday, March 23rd at 7.30p.m.

McDONAGH Patrick & Peggie and their son Pat (31st, 8th & 7th Anniversaries) Late of Tully, Four-Mile-House, Co. Roscommon

CONNAUGHTON Michael Curragh, Castlecoote (5th Anniversary) In loving memory of Pat, who passed away 19th March 1984, his wife Peggie, who died 12th September 2007 and their son Pat who died 18th September 2008

We think of you with love each day The things we used to do and say.

That brings a smile Sometimes a tear But always a wish that you were here.

Always remembered by Anne Mae, Kay, Marie, Sean and extended family.

Anniversary Mass in Castlecoote Church, on Friday 20th March at 7 p.m.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication.

Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper.

Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

As each day dawns, we think of ye, As each night falls, we pray for ye, And throughout our lives, No matter where, In our hearts your always there.

Sadly missed by their loving family.

Anniversary Mass on 22nd March in St. Bridget’s Church, Fourmilehouse, at 11a.m.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Our deadline for receipt of family notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday.

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

40

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople This weekend’s action Racing today is at Thurles with the first off at 2.15 pm.

Tomorrow the action is on the all-weather at Dundalk with stalls for the first opening at 6.05 pm. Saturday racing takes place at Gowran Park starting at 2.20 pm. There is a meeting at Downpatrick on Sunday with tapes away for the first at 2.10 pm. The going at Thurles is yielding to soft with Gowran expecting soft, heavy in places on Saturday and yielding, soft in places at Downpatrick on Sunday.

Cheltenham A full report on the final 2 days can be found on page 33.

General News

Horses for courses

by Tom Red

Hope regular readers of the column had a few bob on Jim Dreaper’s Gooneyella winner of Saturday’s Midlands Grand National. He may now go for the Scottish Grand National at Ayrif he misses the Cut at Aintree, he is currently 70th in the list.

Carlingford Lough, joint top-weight for the Grand National, will not run at Aintree.

The JP McManus-owned nineyear-old Hennessy Gold Cup

winner at Leopardstown may head for the Punchestown Gold Cup, if he recovers in time.

Best of luck to Rachel Blackmore who had her first ride as a professional on Tuesday at Down Royal aboard the Shark Hanlon trained Redwood Boy in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle finishing 5th.

Once more on the final day in the Cotswolds 4 Irish jockeys were in bother with the stewards. Brian Cooper has got an accumulated ban of eighteen day for winning on Don Poli and finishing 3rd in the Gold Cup and the Albert Bartlett, Paul Carberry 4 days for on Thursday and finishing 2nd on Eastlake, Adrian Heskin for his ride on Martello Tower winner Albert Bartlett and amateur rider Noel McParlan for finishing 4th on Carsonstown Boy in the Foxhunter.

It is understood Cooper plans to appeal the suspension handed out for his rides on third-placed Road To Riches in the Gold Cup and also No More Heroes, who filled the same spot in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Cooper will be banned for April 1-2, 4-6 and 9-14 inclusive. The Irish Grand National is on Easter Monday, April 6 and the Aintree spectacular five days later.

Carlingford Lough and AP McCoy win the Hennessey.

Carberry, who picked up a two-day whip ban on Thursday, got another one spanning March 28 and 29 for using his whip above the permitted level on Grand Annual runner-up Eastlake.

Heskin received two days for using the whip above the permitted level on Albert Bar-

tlett winner Martello Tower, while McParlan was hit with the same punishment for his ride on Carsonstown Boy in the Foxhunters.

Point to Point View There are 5 meetings this weekend starting at Maralin in Co Armagh on Saturday. On

Sunday racing is at Borris in Carlow, Liscarroll in Cork, Lisronagh in Tipperary and in the west at Rathmorrisey outside Athenry.

A winner at the Pigeons Sunday week, Champers On Ice was sold for over €200,000 at the Cheltenham sales during racing last week.

Golf News

Great players we adored…!

(An occasional series) Week one: Tony Currie Quite appropriately, this completely random series begins with a Leeds United great. At least my memories of him are that he was great, though it is a bit worrying that when I googled him, he came up under ‘worst

haircuts in football history’ or something along those lines. While Currie could have done with the proverbial ‘trip to Paddy Joe,’ I can overlook this and unashamedly hail his brilliance as a midfield maestro.

Undoubtedly he was lazy and wouldn’t ‘tackle back,’ but then tackling was for people like Billy Bonds and Norman Hunter (have I got my eras slightly mixed up there?).

Currie made his name at Sheffield United and later blossomed at Leeds.

Boyle Golf Club The second round of the Spring League took place last weekend with Brendan Gaffney, Sandra McCrann and Cillian Doyle leading on 125 pts. Final round this week can be played any time between Wednesday and Sunday.

Draw for the foursomes competition takes place next Sunday, March 22nd. A club outing will take place to Mount Temple on Saturday, March 28th. Please check noticeboard or website for details.

Date for your diary is the first Golfer of the year competition on Sunday March 29th.

He was an artist, a cultured player with scored some magical goals from midfield.

Needless to say, playing for Leeds in the late 1970s, he won nothing.

Still, we remember the magic – and the hair.

Castlerea Golf Club

– Paul Healy

SICK AS A PARROT/ THIS WEEKEND… This weekend the soccer spotlight meet in a Preliminary Round game falls on the Herald Cup, at Lecarrow on Friday (8 pm) and OVER THE MOON locally with games on Friday and Sunday. then there’s seven first round games

ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS SOCCER FIXTURES Friday 20th March 2015 The Herald Roscommon Cup Preliminary Round (8 pm) At Lecarrow: CP Ajax v Kilkerrin Utd. E. Collins Sunday 22nd March 2015 The Herald Roscommon Cup First Round (2 pm) Shiven Rovers v KC Celtic/ Ahascragh Utd. D. Kiernan Brazukas v Ballinasloe Town B. M. Murphy Ballaghaderreen FC B v Rahara Rovers (11 am). N. Larkin The Herald Premier Division (2 pm) Dysart FC v Fohenagh FC. E. Deering, C. O’Reilly, H. Loughlane Ballaghaderreen FC v Castlerea Celtic. J. McLoughlin, A. Deering, D. Jordan Skyvalley Rovers v Ballymoe FC. R. Stokes, D. Dully, G. Kelly Cloonfad Utd v Moore Utd. J. McCrossan, M. Devlin, A. Goncalves

CP Ajax and Kilkerrin United

on Sunday.

Hope springs eternal Connacht Cup holders Ballinasloe Town had a superb Connacht Cup fourth round win last weekend

when they defeated Galway side Corrib Rangers 3-2 after extra-time.

Headed goals from de-

St John’s next for Skyvalley Skyvalley Rovers will play Sligo/Leitrim side St John’s (away) in the last sixteen of the Connacht Cup after the Roscommon & District League team beat Galway side Renmore at Taughmaconnell last weekend. Ethan Keogh, Cormac McDonnell and Shane Blackweir scored for Skyvalley in a fine 3-1 win.

MD Town exited the cup when they were beaten 2-0 by Corrib Celtic, while Dysart conceded their game away to Real Tubber.

Ballaghaderreen best in all-Roscommon clash Also in the Connacht Cup, Ballaghaderreen beat Castlerea in an all-Roscommon clash. After finishing 0-0, Ballaghaderreen won 4-3 on penalties.

fenders Des Hope (cue our awful pun in headline) and Mike Lynch put Ballinasloe 2-0 up; a rare miss from the penalty spot by Darragh Concannon kept Corrib hopes alive.

The Galway side drew level (in normal time) Convent of Mercy, Roscommon captain Rachel Fitzmaurice pictured after her team won the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Junior Girls AllIreland Cup Final recently.

Picture: Andrew Fox

through Michael Murphy and Mark Golby but with two minutes of extra-time remaining Peter Keighery headed a winner for Ballinasloe Town. They now have the fancied Sligo side City United at home in the last sixteen of the competition.

The entry sheet for the Mulligan Matchplay is now posted in the locker room. The draw will take place on Friday 3rd April.

Next Sunday’s competition (22nd March): 1st prize subscription voucher. Please note your membership must be paid prior to competition to be eligible to win the prize. Contact Club Registrar Mickey Freyne at 087-1278066.

The Ladies competition on Tuesday 24th of March is sponsored by Silke’s Bar.

Roscommon Golf Club The winner of the St Patrick’s Day Competition, sponsored by John Corcoran Menswear, was Francis Ferguson with 42 points. Andy Lawlor was second with 41 points. Mario Costello won the gross prize with 38 points. Fionn Hoare won the junior prize with 45 points.

The winner of Sunday’s competition, sponsored by John Keane & Sons, was Enda Daly with 42 points.

Jim Grogan was second place with 41 points. Alan Craven won the gross prize with 37 points and Richard Browne was third with 39 points. Simon Walker won the junior prize with 43 points.

Chloe O’Connor won the ladies’ competition, also sponsored by John Keane and Sons, with 35 points.

Ruth Lennon was in second place with 34 points.

Mary Seymour was the winner of the ladies’ 9-hole weekly competition with 21 points. Bretta McCarthy won the ladies’ Tuesday competition with 22 points (back 3) and Evelyn Bruen was in second place with 22 points also.

The Over 55s had a very enjoyable outing to Slieve Russell on Tuesday and the winners were Jim Finn, Michael Sharkey, Michael Lennon and Frank Mullen.

Next Sunday’s Men’s and Ladies’ competitions are sponsored by McGuinness Total Health Pharmacy.

41

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople

Can Roscommon dethrone The Royals?

Allianz National Football League Division Two: Roscommon v Meath on Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 3 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

It would almost be easier to predict the winning lotto numbers than to forecast what will happen in the National Football League this season, and especially in Division Two. When Roscommon fans looked at the league programme when it was drawn up, the games in Newry and Newbridge were certainly the hardest fixtures in prospect. Games against Cavan and Laois looked very winnable.

We all know what has happened. Roscommon have gone to Newry and Newbridge, played some great football, and won both those games. Equally so John Evans’ men were average enough against Cavan and poor against Laois. But I am convinced that we have a rapidly improving team full of excellent players, and last Sunday’s win against Kildare will give the panel huge

confidence going into what will be a tough game against Meath on Sunday.

What Roscommon need to find now is consistency. The manner of last Sunday’s win has to be a major plus ahead of this weekend. Kildare scored two goals in the first half last Sunday and Roscommon looked in trouble. But they never buckled and they swept to victory in the second half, playing some stunning football.

Roscommon have what a lot of teams in Ireland would give their right arm(s) for – and that’s scoring forwards. Roscommon scored 0-16 against Laois (playing badly) and 0-24 against Kildare.

If Roscommon can do as well around the centre as they did last Sunday then they can win this encounter. Cathal Shine was a revelation there last weekend and I would like to see Mark Healy get another chance in that sector. He is

a very good young player with a good football brain and he deserves another opportunity.

I like what the selectors have done in defence. Neil Collins has been arguably our best player in this league so far. He deserves another go at filling the full-back position. He did well last week. I also think that Niall Carty could make the centre halfback position his own.

He looked very assured there in Newbridge. Niall Daly also looks at home at wing-back and it may well be his best position. Davy Murray is a very tenacious corner-back and he will not let the side down, while in the corner Seanie McDermott seems to be improving with every passing campaign.

We have so many options up front. Cathal Cregg is a man reborn in the past few weeks. Senan Kilbride is so important to our forward line in terms of linking the

play and bringing others into the game. Ciaran and Diarmuid Murtagh are playing really well. Enda Smith is also chomping at the bit while Ultan Harney looks like an accomplished county senior footballer already. What a player he is going to be. Conor Daly, Donie Smith, Cian Connolly, Donie Shine, Mark Nally and Colin Compton are also in that mix!

Meath will provide a very strong challenge. They have some very good players. Paddy O’Rourke, Brian Menton (a man with Roscommon connections), Graham Reilly, Stephen Bray, Eamon Wallace and Mickey Newman are just some of the better-known names on The Royals’ side.

Meath are level on points with Roscommon (on five), and a win will guarantee safety and will put the winners in with a great chance of challenging for promotion. There is

GAA fixtures Friday March 20th Adult Football League Division 1 At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v Pádraig Pearse’s. 8 pm At Lisnamult: St Faithleach’s v Roscommon Gaels. 8.15 pm Sunday 22nd March Adult Football League Division 1 At Abbey Park: Boyle v Tulsk Lord Edward’s. 11.30 am At Strokestown: Strokestown v Clan na nGael. 11.30 am Adult Football League Division 2 At Kilmore: Kilmore v Creggs. 11.30 am At Kilbride: Kilbride v Castlerea St Kevin’s. 11.30 am At Enfield: St Croan’s v St. Dominic’s. 11.30 am Adult Football League Division 3 At James Timothy Park: Eire Óg v St Michael’s. 11.30 am At Parc Naomh Bearraí: St Barrys v Michael Glavey’s. 11.30 am At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Kilglass Gaels. 11.30 am Underage fixtures Saturday March 21st Connacht Minor Football League At Kilglass: Roscommon v Leitrim. 5 pm

John Evans

a justifiable growing belief among Roscommon supporters that the team are genuinely progressing and are getting closer to the big boys with every game they play. If The Rossies can play with the spirit and panache they showed in Newry and Newbridge, we can certainly win this game. Hopefully there will be big home support in Hyde Park on the day.

Match odds: Roscommon 8/13; Meath 13/8; Draw 15/2.

Prediction: Roscommon.

Sunday March 22nd Minor Hurling Championship At Athleague: Athleague/Tremane v St Dominic’s At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v Oran At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearse’s v Four Roads Minor Football League Division 2 At Orchard Park: Elphin v St Faithleach’s. 11 am Minor Football League Division 4 At Ballinlough: Michael Glavey’s v Eire Óg. 11 am Tuesday March 24th Connacht Minor Football League At Kiltoom: Roscommon v Mayo. 7.30 pm Camogie fixtures Tom Harlow U-14 Féile Championship Saturday 21st March Padraig Pearses v Oran Tulsk v St. Dominics Four Roads v Roscommon Gaels Lorcan Dowd Physio Spring League Sunday 22nd March Athleague v Oran St. Dominic’s v Four Roads

Hurlers win again as Fermanagh see red Allianz Hurling League Division 3A ROSCOMMON

0-16

FERMANAGH

0-6

< ROBERT MCCONN

Roscommon senior hurlers continued their winning ways in Division 3A when they defeated Fermanagh in Athleague on Sunday by ten points.

Fermanagh were the first to score with a free but then Roscommon’s Jerry Fallon scored five frees to lead 0-5 to 0-1 after 12 minutes.

This was a big strong Fermanagh team, and the game was strewn with frees which didn’t allow the game to flow as it had the previous week against Fingal.

A good point from play from Gary Fallon and another free from Jerry Fallon, and two points from frees for Fermanagh completed the scoring in the first half leaving Roscommon leading by 0-7 to 0-3

at half time.

The Fermanagh full-back Declan McGarry was sent off after twenty eight minutes in the first half, having received two yellow cards, This more or less sealed Fermanagh’s fate.

Roscommon started the second half well with two points from play from Cillian Egan and Adrian Murphy.

Fermanagh responded with three frees, reducing the Roscommon lead to just three points. Then in the 58th minute Fermanagh’s Andrew Breslin was sent off and this left Roscommon with two extra men.

Roscommon introduced brothers Keith and Jason Kilkenny and Cathal Dolan and that was the beginning of the end for Fermanagh. Roscommon went on to score seven

points without reply after that. This game was littered with fouls and stoppages with a lot of yellow cards and two reds given out as well.

Best for Roscommon were Michael Kelly and Alan Moore while best for Fermanagh was Paul McGoldrick.

Roscommon: David Dolan; Liam Kilcline, Peter Kellehan, Alan Moore;

Tomas Seale, Michael Kelly, Declan Leonard; Hugh Rooney, John Moran; Gary Fallon (0-1), Stephen Kilcommins, Adrian Murphy (0-2); Adam Finnerty, Ronan O’Mara (0-3, one free), Jerry Fallon (0-8, six frees two 65s). Subs Cillian Egan (0-1) for Kilcommins, Jason Kilkenny (01) for Gary Fallon, Cathal Dolan for Finnerty.

Ronan O’Meara breaks away from John Duffy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Can Rossies pass Tyrone test?

Allianz Hurling League Division 3A: Tyrone v Roscommon at Omagh on Sunday at 2 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers face a difficult trip to Omagh on Sunday to face Tyrone and it is a game that they must win to secure a chance to appear in the Division 3A final and gain promotion.

The situation is that Roscommon must beat Tyrone on Sunday as they are on 7

points, one ahead of Roscommon. Monaghan are on 6 as well and they face Fermanagh on Sunday. A win for Roscommon will put them into the final but a loss will rule them out of the final if Monaghan beat Fermanagh.

Roscommon will be searching for consistency as they have played

well in the games against Louth and Fingal, putting up some big scores, but they have been less than impressive against Monaghan and against Fermanagh last Sunday.

The Roscommon side looks settled with Peter Kellehan operating at fullback with talisman and captain Micheal Kelly

the key man at centre half-back. John Moran and Hugh Rooney were at midfield last weekend, but team manager Justin Campbell has options in that sector. Up front the free-taking of Jerry Fallon is vital and others like Gary Fallon, Adrian Murphy and Ronan O’Meara will have to chip in with

the scores from play if Roscommon are to have a chance.

On their best form Roscommon have a great chance to win, but they know that anything less than a 100% effort will not be good enough against a home side who will be expecting to win this clash.

Prediction: Roscommon.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Shane’s SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Will it be bullseye for An Bothar?

THE LEAD STORY Shane Reynolds

With the Roscommon Darts League reaching its climax, An Bothar Rua have put themselves in a very strong position to take the coveted title this year.

After bowing out at the semifinal stage last year, the Elphinbased team currently lead the way

and will be hoping to capture a title which has proved elusive for them in previous years.

Standing in their way are defending champions McDermott’s, led

by Irish number 1 David Concannon, and Charlie’s from Roscommon, who shipped a heavy 6-1 reversal to McDermott’s in the last round.

They are likely to be joined in the Cup semi-finals by The

Hatch, who had last week’s game cancelled, but who have two outstanding games left to play which should seal their qualification.

All roads will then lead to the semi-finals which will take place on Friday 27th March while the second legs will take place on Friday 10th April (3rd April off, due to Good Friday). The finals will take place on Saturday 18th April in Hannon’s Hotel.

An Bothar Rua are very much the favourites to take the title at this stage, but you can’t rule out McDermott’s from Ballinaheglish who boast some very experienced darts players, and who will be determined to retain the title.

On current form it is An Bothar Rua’s title to lose going into the semi-finals, but anything can happen in what promises to be a gripping run-in.

Enda Daly@dales2012 Serious performance in Newbridge today. 24 points away from home, great return #rossies Stephen Lohan@LohanStevie What a second half performance in newbridge great support great win away days are the best @RoscommonGAA Mark Murphy@MarkMurphy66 @clubrossie TWENTY-FOUR points in 70 mins!!

How wide are the Newbridge posts?? :-) Mad division.

Could still go up. Well done all...

Frankie Dolan @munited18titles Good win for ros snr today big scoreline good kickn CBS Reaction Seamus Duke @SeamusDuke Fantastic win for roscommon cbs well done to all #hontheros

Lanesboro/Ballyleague Badminton Club

Noel Fallon @fallon_noel Defensive masterclass from Roscommon CBS in @ ConnachtGAA post primary final. Team showed discipline and intelligence to carry out game plan.

Reply Retweet Favorite2 Ian Cooney @cooney_ian Roscommon CBS have won Connacht Colleges Senior A Football Championship final with 0-8 to 0-7 victory against Summerhill College #weareros Natasha McDonald, Rachel McDonald and Michael Daly pictured supporting Roscommon CBS in Carrick-on-Shannon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Rossies succumb to Waterford whirlwind Roscommon 2-9 Waterford 5-6: The Roscommon ladies’ chances of promotion to Division 2 of the National Football League received a deadly blow as they spurned an eightpoint half-time lead to succumb to table-toppers Waterford in Dungarvan on Sunday last.

The old cliché that ‘goals win games’ came to the fore again as The Deise

ladies hit Roscommon for five second-half goals which obliterated Kieran Kilkenny’s charges after they made such a promising start in the opening period.

Roscommon will be very disappointed with the manner of the result considering they were in the ascendancy during the opening half, but this team is improving all the time

and rubbing shoulders with formidable sides such as Waterford is a valuable experience.

Roscommon are still in the promotion race lying third in the table three points behind secondplaced Leitrim, which has represented a very encouraging league campaign so far considering they were only promoted from Division 4 last year.

No joy for local handballers Despite many valiant performances, a number of Roscommonbased handballers were unsuccessful in their attempts to secure All-Ireland glory last weekend.

Linda Connolly came up short in her bid for the Ladies Junior B All-Ireland title when she was decisively beaten by Laois’s Niamh

Hoganstand FL2: rampant Rossies leave Kildare reeling #roscommon #gaa

St. Faithleachs Gaa@FaithleachsGaa Big win in newbridge today for roscommon. Great stuff .Well done to our lads

Western Gaels Ladies Gaelic Football club have just announced details of an exciting new programme called Gaelic4Girls. The registration evening is on the Friday 20th March from 8-9 pm.

Gaelic4Girls is initially an 8-week programme aimed at increasing participation in Ladies Gaelic Football. The programme targets girls aged between 8-12 years who are not currently registered with a Ladies Gaelic Football Club.

For more information contact Phil O’Connor 087-7538377.

Padraig Whyte and Willie Hegarty celebrate after the final whistle following the great Connacht title win by Roscommon CBS footballers. Picture: Andrew Fox

Paul Earley@earleyconsult 0-24 to 2-12. 0-12 points in each half. One of the great team performances from Roscommon.

Club Rossie@clubrossie Super stuff from the Rossies!!! John has a lot of media attention!

‘Gaelic4Girls’ comes to Western Gaels

Congratulations is in order to the Lanesboro Grade 4 and Grade 5 mixed teams who won the Mixed Midland League Competition in St Mary’s Community Centre in Edgesworthstown on Monday the 9th of March.

Well done to the teams who consist of Karl Crawford, Frank Casey, Ann Duffy, Mary Flanagan and Edel Mc Dermott in Grade 4, with Frank Casey, Mark Bermingham, Niall Healy, Owen Casey, Edel Mc Dermott, Carol Manning, Gráinne Gallagher and Regina Scally in Grade 5.

Who’s saying what on tweet street

Dunne, while Lauren O’Riordan lost out in the Intermediate AllIreland semi-final on a 21-12, 2111 scoreline.

There was no joy for Roscommon in the three juvenile All-Ireland semi-finals they were involved in last Sunday in St. Coman’s with Dylan Hanley and Liam Egan los-

ing out to Tipperary’s Sean Hayes and Matthew Spain.

Next up was the U-15 doubles combination of Fionn Cusack and Magomed Yakhyaev, against Tipperary’s Darragh Madden and Delvin Courtney. The Rossies lost 15-7, 15-6.

Cathal O’Connor also had a

very disappointing outing when he took on another Tipperary opponent in Aidan O’Flaherty in the U-17 singles. Despite trailing for most of the game O’Flaherty took the first 21-15. In the second Cathal completely faded and he lost by the surprisingly wide margin of 21-1.

3

FOR YOUR WEEKEND DIARY

Rossies to rule?

On Sunday afternoon at Dr Hyde Park a resurgent Roscommon side take on Meath in a game which could determine the Rossies’ promotion hopes. After last week’s sensational win over Kildare, confidence will be sky-high but we face another tough task playing a Leinster side who harbour their own ambitions of promotion.

Roscommon Pool League The Roscommon Pool League is reaching its climax with the second leg of the Div. 2 Shield involving The Cosy Bar and home side Foxe’s from Roscommon taking place this Sunday night, with The Cosy Bar holding a considerable 6-2 lead going into the second leg.

Meanwhile in the Div. 1 Cup The Silver Eel have qualified for the final – they defeated An Bothar Rua 9-7 – while The Lifebelt lead Kenny’s 5-3 going into their second leg encounter this weekend.

Hurlers go for broke Roscommon hurlers will put their league promotion ambitions on the line when they travel to Omagh to take on home side Tyrone in the Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A on Sunday at 2 pm.

43

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople

The Roscommon CBS team, subs and management pictured with Connacht Rugby President Adrian Leddy after they won the Connacht Schools Junior Rugby Cup. Picture: Andrew Fox

Historic Connacht Schools Junior Cup win for CBS Top Oil Connacht Schools Junior Cup Final ROSCOMMON CBS

36

COLAISTE IOGNAID (THE JES) < ROB MURPHY

It was a case of one year older and one year wiser for CBS Roscommon at the Sportsground on Wednesday as they produced a domineering display in the Top Oil Connacht Schools Junior Cup decider, becoming the first side ever from the county to win a major schools trophy in the province.

Having lost out to St Gerald’s of Castlebar in a thrilling final last season, CBS Roscommon showed the kind of composure and workrate normally associated with a schools rugby powerhouse during this contest. This was especially key in the first half as they kept a spirited Colaiste Iognaid at bay before grinding out two hardearned tries for a 12-0 half-time lead.

0

The Jes started very well with Jake Gallagher, Jack Browne and Cathal McGuinness to the fore allied with some intelligent outhalf play from Diarmuid Codyre but the early attacks didn’t yield points and CBS Roscommon slowly began to gain the ascendancy as the half wore on, especially in the forward exchanges.

The first try for CBS Roscommon underlined the difference between the sides when it came to power around the fringes as second row Rian Biesty burst through three tackles on his way to a barnstorming opening score which Shane Purcell neatly converted.

The lead was extended to 12 by halftime after tighthead prop Melvin Conteh took advantage of a

Action from Wednesday’s game in Galway. Picture: Andrew Fox

small gap at the fringe of a ruck five metres out and got in for the second try despite the desperate effort of two defenders The Jes needed to score first after halftime but an injury to key man Codyre didn’t

Eric Elwood congratulates Aidan Farrell and team captain James Brandon.

Picture: Andrew Fox

help in that regard.

CBS weren’t easy to contain either and five minutes into the second half Conteh scored his side’s third try to stretch the lead to 17 after some hard work from the likes of Killian Higgins and Daire Byrne in the build-up.

As the game drew to a close CBS Roscommon continued to shine with the excellent Jason Hoare – part of a strong centre partnership with Niall Cunniffe – notching two tries and the superb James Brandon underling a great allround game with a try of his own to crown a resounding performance.

Under the guidance of Dave Purcell,

Aidan Farrell, Patrick O’Farrell and Noel Galvin, CBS Roscommon made history on Wednesday and might well have inspired emerging schools around the province for future campaigns.

CBS Roscommon: Tim Lambe; Ben McGahon, Niall Cunniffe, Jason Hoare, Cian Gately; Shane Purcell, Eoghan Coyle; Ian Conlon, Killian Higgins, Melvin Conteh; Patrick Fannon, Rian Biesty; John Martin, Daire Byrne, James Brandon.

Replacements: Cormac Miley for Higgins, Gavin Carberry for Fannon, both 46 mins; Dylan Horan Lambe 59 mins.

Colaiste Iognaid:

Adam Cunningham; Jack Grealish, Conor Briscoe, Cillian McCabe, David Molloy; Diarmuid Codyre, Ruadhan Durkin; Gary Keane, Jake Gallagher, Adam Corbett; Aaron Mannion, Darragh Coen; Diorai O’Connor, Jack Browne, Cathal McGuinness. Replacements: Ralph Solan for Codyre, 34 mins; Hugh Keavney for Browne, 36 mins; Patrick Smyth for McGuinness and Ciaran Anthony for Grealish both 53 mins; R O’Connor for D O’Connor, J Costello for Molloy and J Kennedy for Corbett, all 59 mins.

Referee: Mike Forrestal.

THE GAIN LINE Creggs RFC Report

Creggs in Connacht U-16 Final on Sunday U-16s: Our U-16 squad had a big win in the quarter-final of the Connacht U-16 Cup last Wednesday night week ago in Creggs when they defeated Westport RFC U-16s 33-0.

They play Galwegians RFC in the final of the Connacht U-16 League next Sunday in Tuam at 1.30 pm. Please come along and support this very good young team.

Creggs U-13s: Good luck to our Creggs U13s team who start their Connacht Cup campaign next Saturday against Dunmore RFC in Dunmore at 12 pm.

Creggs U-14s – Loughrea RFC 12 Creggs 27. Creggs beat Loughrea RFC in the first round of the Connacht U-14 Cup in Loughrea last Sunday.

Creggs began the game very well with Adam Downey, Jack Hanley, John McDonnell and Roddie McGuinness very prominent carrying ball early on and Creggs had the much better of territory before Thomas O’Brien scored their first try. Tries followed from Mark Purcell, Tom Farrell, Jack Keegan and Leigh Doyle and a conversion from Mark Purcell left the half-time score 27-0.

In the second half only some great tackling

by Aaron Hannon, Aodha Hession, Jack McGahon and Kevin Brennan kept Loughrea at bay. They did however score two late tries from their impressive centre Eoin Clarke and full-back Luke Healy, leaving the final score 27-12 to Creggs.

Creggs U-14 squad: Aaron Hannon, Jack McGahon, Kevin Brennan, Conor McCormack, Leigh Doyle, Mark Purcell, Aodha Hession, Thomas O’Brien, Adam Downey, Tom Farrell, Jack Rucker, Roddie McGuinness, Jack Hanley, John McDonnell. Jack Keegan, Evan Comiskey, Diarmuid Quinn, Cian Glennon, Eric O Doherty, Lorcan Maher, Andrew Naughton.

Creggs Minis – U-11s: Creggs U-11s took part in the U-11 Connacht Blitz last Saturday in Athlone, playing Sligo, Buccaneers and Ballinasloe. Thanks to all who travelled.

The U-11s will take a few weeks’ break now while the other underage blitzes go ahead over the next two weeks. It has been confirmed that they will play at half-time in the big Connacht v Ulster game in Galway on Saturday 12th of April.

U-10s: Next weekend Creggs U-10s will play in the Connacht Blitz in Ballina RFC. Kick-off time will be confirmed to players during the week.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

A brilliant win in Newbridge A

fter the game against Down in Newry, I cautioned Roscommon followers not to get carried away after what was a great win and a great display. When we went to Portlaoise two weeks ago again we said that it was equally right not to get carried away by the poor display that we saw that day too. After last Sunday’s game in Newbridge I really don’t know what to say!

The second half was certainly the best football that I have seen a Roscommon senior team play in many years. It is hard not to be excited by what we saw last Sunday. When the fixtures for this league were drawn up even the most committed Roscommon supporter would have

been looking at the trips to Newry and to Newbridge with trepidation. But we have gone to both venues and not only won, but we have played great football in the process.

We have two home games left, and while you can only take one step at a time, there is no doubt that these are exciting times for Roscommon football.

We have a panel of talented young players who are gaining confidence with every outing, and what is special about this Roscommon team is that we have plenty of scoring forwards. There are eight or nine players now fighting for the six places in the attack and that has to be good news. There are many counties who would give their right arm(s) to have the talent we have

at our disposal right now but we have to look after these players and make sure they have the time to develop their talents even further.

At midfield we struggled against Laois, but last Sunday Cathal Shine was a revelation and with several options there I am sure that we can get a settled pairing. I’d like to see Mark Healy getting another chance. If we want to succeed further down the line we need to solve the midfield conundrum.

In defence the changes that the selectors made last Sunday seemed to have worked out well. Neil Collins looks ready-made for full-back while I would love to see Niall Carty at centre-back again. Niall Daly had a great game at wing-back last Sunday

and maybe that is his best position. The team seems to be taking shape nicely.

It would be hard not to be impressed by last Sunday’s performance and win. We were trying afterwards to remember the last time (if ever) that Roscommon scored 24 points in a competitive match and we were not able to do so.

I know that the Kildare game was only one league game, but when you add that to the style of football that the team played against Down in Newry, there is no doubt that we are rapidly improving.

Well done to the management and players. It was some transformation in a week from the Laois game. What we need now is to find consistency.

However, and before I am

accused of getting ahead of myself, I fully realise that we saw a very old style game of Gaelic Football on Sunday. It was allout attack on both sides.

What we are going to do when we meet a northern style defensive wall is quite another matter.

But we can only play what team is in front of us and Meath are next up.

They play a conventional style and it will be a very tough game.

Predicting what will happen in this division is a wasted exercise at this stage, but I think we have every chance of winning in Hyde Park.

We have two home games in a row now and if we could beat Meath on Sunday then we could start looking up at the top of the table instead of

down. Let’s see how that goes first. One final thing from last Sunday I want to mention.

I met with a well-known Roscommon GAA supporter who told me he left from home 15 minutes

early and went out to visit Dermot Earley’s grave in Newbridge on Sunday morning before the match and he asked him to help ‘The Rossies’ out on the day. Dermot must have been listening!

Local leagues begin This weekend will see the long-awaited start of the county (GAA) football leagues for 2015. The games will be slightly diluted in importance because of the absence of the county senior players, but there are some fascinating contests in prospect, not least the clash of Padraig Pearse’s and St Brigid’s.

Shane Curran makes his managerial debut against his own beloved St Brigid’s. That will be worth a look.

In Lisnamult, Liam McNeill meets JJ Cattigan as St Faithleach’s take on Roscommon Gaels.

It is hard to predict the outcome of these games because of the absence of the county players.

Boyle take on Tulsk in a repeat of the Intermediate final of 2013. In another very division one clash Strokestown play Clann na nGael, and it will be interesting to see how Clann start their season under Paul Curran. I hear that training is going well in Johnstown and we will see how well it is going on Sunday morning.

The hectic schedule of county games means that the club scene will not really get into full swing until April, but nevertheless it will be interesting to see how these opening games go.

Heartbreaking loss for Ireland In the rugby, it was a nailbiting defeat for Ireland in Cardiff and they were misfortunate in my view. In that second half they were knocking on the Welsh door for at last 20 minutes and the Welsh defence never flinched.

It was a mighty spectacle to watch and Ireland were just unlucky. I thought that it was significant that Ireland lost on the day that Johnny Sexton played probably his poorest game in a long time. He is so influential for this team. He is not a machine, and he cannot play brilliantly every day he goes out, but when he plays well Ireland invariably win.

I don’t think Ireland will win the championship now.

They will probably beat Scotland but they will lose out on points difference.

But it is not all bad news. We have an excellent team and an excellent manager going forward and if we can keep our big players fit we will give the World Cup a rattle later in the year.

KINGS OF CONNACHT… Aengus Lyons and Noel Gately of Roscommon CBS celebrate after the final whistle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Glory day for CBS The victory by Roscommon CBS was certainly one of the local sporting achievements of the year.

In the league final six weeks previously Summerhill won easily by 3-11 to 0-9. When the sides qualified for the Connacht championship final it would have been the easier thing for the CBS players and management to just accept the situation and hope that they might surprise the favourites on the day. But they

knuckled down and worked harder than ever and under Willie Hegarty and Seamus Heneghan they came to Carrick-on-Shannon with a game plan last Saturday and boy did they stick to that plan.

I have seldom seen such a hardworking team at any level as they tackled like tigers and ran themselves to a standstill. They blocked, harried and hassled as if their lives depended on it – and it paid rich dividends.

It was a tremendous win and a great day for the school. It was the first victory at this level for the school since 1998. It is another great boost for Roscommon underage football and now Roscommon CBS are preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final against Good Counsel of New Ross.

I wouldn’t back against that CBS team if they show the same appetite for hard work that we saw in Carrickon-Shannon last Saturday.

Cheltenham magic I am not a huge racing fan but I love Cheltenham, and I watched as much of it as I could last week. I have never seen a better performance than that delivered by Vautour.

If Willie Mullins can get this horse back to Cheltenham fit and well next year then he will win the Gold Cup for sure.

Last week he would have won his race pulling a trailer behind him and he looks a legend in the making.

It was a great week for the Irish with 13 winners, including some great performances. But a lot of money was lost on Annie Power when she fell on day one.

There is no doubt about it that Cheltenham is something special. It seems to get bigger every year and the battle between the Irish and English horses, trainers, and jockeys is a huge feature of it all. It is certainly one of the sporting highlights of the year.

45

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople

Jack Casey, Diarmuid Cunniffe, Noel Gately and James McDonald celebrate after the final whistle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Aengus Lyons lifts the trophy aloft. Picture: Andrew Fox

CBS ARE CROWNED CONNACHT CHAMPIONS Connacht Colleges SF ‘A’ Championship Final ROSCOMMON CBS

0-8

SUMMERHILL COLLEGE, SLIGO

0-7

< SEAMUS DUKE

A superb display of character, dogged determination, will to win, and discipline saw Roscommon CBS win their first Connacht SF ‘A’ title since 1998 after a fierce battle against pre-match favourites Summerhill College, Sligo at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada in Carrick-onShannon last Saturday.

When these two sides met in the league final two months previously, Summerhill won by 11 points, so this was some achievement by the Roscommon school to make a 12-point difference up in that period.

It may not have been pretty to watch but Roscommon CBS arrived in Carrick-on-Shannon with a game plan, they stuck to it to the letter of the law and it paid off in spades.

The Roscommon lads tackled and harried their opponents at every opportunity as if their very lives depended on it. They turned over possession time after time and denied the Sligo players any space. Then they attacked with purpose when they had the chance, and on the balance of play Roscommon CBS deserved to win by even more than the one point margin.

On a cool but dry afternoon, conditions were perfect for football and from the first whistle it was clear that Roscommon

CBS were in no mood to stand idly by and watch Summerhill play football.

Richard Hughes, who had an outstanding game and was a deserved man of the match winner, converted a free after he himself was fouled after only two minutes.

Two minutes later the Sligo side were level when Sean Power was on target from 30 metres. The exchanges were tough and physical and Roscommon CBS were hunting in packs, closing down the Sligo men at every opportunity and it was working superbly. Richard Hughes converted another free in the 7th minute and in the 13th minute the sides were level when Nathan Rooney was on target with a 35-metre free.

Scoring chances were at a premium but we saw the score of the game in the 21st minute when the rampant Hughes played a clever one-two with Kieran Whyte before popping over a great point from 20 metres out. Two minutes later Summerhill were level when Cian Lally scored a fine point from 30 metres. The sides went in at half-time at 0-4 each after Noel Gately and Nathan Rooney exchanged points within 90 seconds.

Roscommon CBS played their best football on the restart. In addition to Richard Hughes, Evan Concar and Aidan Duignan were heroic in defence

while Jack Casey, Kieran Whyte, Gearoid Keenan Noel Gately and sub James McDonald were all outstanding for CBS as they edged ahead in this tense final.

Noel Gately (who had kicked five wides up to then) found his range, and he pointed from a free in the 42nd minute to edge the Roscommon lads ahead. It was nerve-tingling stuff as both sides refused to give an inch. With nine minutes to go Gately put his side two ahead with a well-taken point from play and with four minutes remaining sub James McDonald made it 0-7 to 0-4 for the Roscommon lads. It was a big lead in a game like this.

But there was another kick in the Sligo side. Kyle Cawley pointed from play in the 58th minute and a minute into injury-time Darragh Cummins pointed a free from 30 metres out to reduce the margin to a point. Down the field came Roscommon CBS and Kieran Whyte was fouled and Noel Gately pointed the resultant free.

In the 64th minute Darragh Cummins pointed a long-range free out of his hands from 55 metres but there was time for no more and Roscommon CBS had scored a remarkable victory.

Roscommon CBS now play Good Counsel of New Ross in the All-Ireland semi-final on March the 28th.

Roscommon CBS: James Fetherstone; Shane Casey, Evan Concar, Adam Whyte; Brendan Mullen,

Aidan Duignan, Richard Hughes (0-3, 2 frees); Gearoid Keenan, Diarmuid Cunniffe; Aengus Lyons, Jack Casey, Brian Cleary; Kieran Whyte, Conor Shanagher, Noel Gately (0-4, 2 frees).

Subs: James McDonald for Shanagher (41), Ryan Horan for Mullen (48), Daniel Foley for Cleary (49), John Brennan for Keenan (56), Oisin Lyons for K Whyte (62).

Summerhill College: Niall Crawley; Adrian Cummins, Conor McGovern, Alex Selby; Sean Power (0-1), Paul McNamara, Darren O’Hara; Darragh Cummins (0-2, frees), Kevin Banks; Patrick O’Connor, Nathan Rooney (0-2, 1 free), Diarmuid Mulcahy; Brian McGowan, Kyle Cawley (0-1), Cian Lally (0-1).

Subs: Cathal Herron for O’Connor (12), Ross Hickey for Rooney (41), Hadi Mousa for Mulcahy (49).

Referee: John Glavey (Mayo).

Noel Gately engineers space for a shot at goal. Picture: Andrew Fox

‘Brilliant’ players put in massive effort – Hegarty < SEAMUS DUKE

The Roscommon CBS Connacht win represented some training feat by the joint managers, Seamus Heneghan and Willie Hegarty.

After the game Willie Hegarty told the Roscommon People that it was a victory for a magnificent bunch of players who put in a huge effort.

“I couldn’t be happier on behalf of a brilliant bunch of players. We got together last September. We decided that we would give the ‘A’ league and the ‘A’ championship after that a lash.

“I can tell you that this team has trained so hard, Bank Holidays, Halloween, Christmas, mid-term break and the rest. They put in a massive effort. Last Saturday morning we had a two-hour training session that was the

best we ever put in. We turned around an 11-point gap between ourselves and Summerhill in five weeks. It was fantastic to see it today.

“It’s a panel effort and the subs who come in are just as important as any player who starts and you saw that there today. We won this championship and we have conceded no goal at all, which is some record. We got the breaks today but that’s down to hard work.

“It’s great to win this championship. It is far too long for Roscommon CBS to be without an ‘A’ title (since 1998) and this will be good for Roscommon underage football too.

“I also want to compliment the clubs who have been coaching these young lads – today is their reward. It was a great win and we are thrilled. We will enjoy it over the next few days and after that we will start training for the All-Ireland semi-final” he concluded.

46

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople

Forget Newbridge Silver, this was 24-carat Gold from Roscommon!

24 scores in stunning victory confirms exciting Roscommon progress Allianz National Football League Division 2 ROSCOMMON

0-24

KILDARE

2-12

< SEAMUS DUKE

A scintillating second-half display, during which they outscored the home side by 0-12 to 0-3, saw Roscommon footballers sweep to one of their best league victories in many years in a thrilling game played before a huge crowd at Newbridge last Sunday.

Playing some wonderful football, Roscommon came from six points down at one stage in the first half to overhaul the home side and Roscommon supporters leaving Newbridge were scratching their heads trying to remember the last time they had seen their team score 24 points in a competitive game. Given the rather anaemic display against Laois the previous Sunday, this was some transformation from Roscommon and it will give them huge confidence as they look ahead to their final three league games, two of which will be at home. The players, management and all connected with the team deserve great credit for the turnaround in form.

In the second half Roscommon played some of the finest football seen from a Primrose and Blue side in many years. The previous week against Laois, Roscommon were well beaten around the middle of the park. This week Cathal Shine totally dominated the midfield sector and turned in his finest display in a Roscommon jersey. Seanie McDermott was his usual tigerish self at corner-back. Davy Murray was excellent on his competitive debut. Niall Daly was superb in a new position at wing half-back. Niall Carty and Neil Collins did well in new roles at centre-back and full-back too.

Up front, Cathal Cregg was again outstanding. He is a footballer who has certainly rediscovered his mojo in recent weeks. The Murtagh brothers, Diarmuid and Ciaran, were sensational and they terrorised the Kildare defence in that second half. Senan Kilbride was again prominent and his intelligent and superb team-play is so vital to this Roscommon team. Then there were subs Enda Smith, Ultan Harney and Colin Compton, all of who made valuable contributions.

It all added up to a fantastic Roscommon display and, after watching this game, one thing is for certain: Roscommon are a rapidly improving team capable of playing some super football. All they need to find now is consistency.

This was a thrilling roller-coaster of a game that was fantastic entertainment for the spectators. Instead of blanket defences it was almost a case of blanket attack as both sides went for each other from the first whistle. To detail all the incidents in this game would take the entire sports section of the paper this week. It was hammer and tongs from the first minute to a bizarre finish which saw three major skirmishes, three red cards (two to Kildare), and a penalty awarded to Kildare that was never actually taken – and all that happened in the final five minutes of the game!

On a perfect day for football it was clear that both sides were intent on all-out attack from the throw-in. After 10 minutes we had ten points on the board (0-5 each). Roscommon’s scorers were Ciaran Murtagh (free), Conor Daly, Cathal Cregg (2) and Niall Daly.

Then, in the 11th minute, Kildare got in for a very well-taken goal.

Roscommon lost possession in their half-back line and Eamon Cal-

laghan raced through to shoot low past Darren O’Malley.

Roscommon were having trouble with Kildare’s short kick-outs and midfielder Paul Cribben was having a field day getting lots of possession and scoring four great points in the first half alone. Indeed Roscommon looked in serious trouble when they conceded a second goal in the 17th minute when Eamon Callaghan’s shot for a point hit the top of the post and the ball fell into the arms of Fionn Dowling who slammed it to the net from close-range. Now it was 2-6 to 0-6 for the home side.

But Roscommon got to grips with the Kildare kick-outs, Enda Smith came on the visitors and they to get far more of the ball after that. Points from Cathal Cregg, Senan Kilbride and Diarmuid Murtagh (a free) saw Roscommon back in touch and when Cathal Shine and Conor Daly kicked two super efforts in first-half injury-time, the Rossies were within touch at the break. Half-time score: Kildare 2-9 Roscommon 0-12.

Indeed there were goal chances on both sides late in the first half.

Eamon Callaghan had a chance for Kildare that went wide and at the other end Conor Daly was through, but his shot was blocked. It was that kind of game and the huge crowd were lapping it up.

Roscommon were simply superb on the restart. Ciaran Murtagh (two frees) and Cathal Cregg (two from play) saw Roscommon ahead for the first time in the game by the 47th minute and the Roscommon supporters were on their feet, sensing a sensational victory.

With Cathal Shine now lording the midfield exchanges, the Rossie tide continued towards the Kildare posts. Diarmuid Murtagh kicked a super point with his right foot and when Cathal Cregg kicked another fantastic score Roscommon were three ahead (0-18 to 2-9). It was football from another planet.

Kildare did arrest the slide and Gary White and Eoghan O’Flaherty kicked good points to bring them back into the game, and with 15 minute left there was only a point between the sides. But Roscommon were on a roll and were not to be denied. Sub Ultan Harney kicked a mighty point with his first touch after coming on and points from the Murtagh brothers, Ciaran and Diarmuid, saw Roscommon extend their lead to four with 10 minutes left to play.

An Eoghan O’Flaherty pointed free in the 66th minute gave the home side some hope but then in the 68th minute came an incident that typified the Roscommon performance on the day. Roscommon hoofed the ball upfield. Seanie McDermot went for the ball with three Kildare men around him. He brought off a spectacular catch and was fouled 40 metres from goal. When Senan Kilbride powered over the subsequent free you knew that this was going to be a special day for The Rossies.

Subs Colin Compton and Enda Smith kicked two more super points as the Roscommon tally grew. Injury-time was pot-marked by rows, pulling and dragging and three red cards as tempers flared. Eoin Doyle and Eamon Callaghan saw red for their part in the shenanigans while Roscommon’s Davy Murray also saw red in injury-time.

There was also a bizarre conclusion to the game. Referee Fergal Kelly awarded a penalty to Kildare but it was never actually taken, and he blew the final whistle amid confusion. Despite the less than satisfactory ending it was a wonderful game of football and one of Roscommon’s best wins in many years.

The bandwagon rolls on and now Roscommon face Meath in their game in hand on Sunday next in Hyde Park. A win there and we can start to dream. On the evidence of this display it is entirely possible.

Diarmuid Murtagh kicked a super point in the second half.

Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Davy Murray, Neil Collins, Seanie McDermott; David Keenan, Niall Carty, Niall Daly (0-1); Cathal Shine (0-1), Mark Healy; Conor Daly (0-2), Ciaran Murtagh (0-4, 3 frees), Ciaran Cafferky; Cathal Cregg (0-6), Senan Kilbride (0-3, 1 free), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Enda Smith (0-1) for Healy (29), Ultan Harney (0-1) for Cafferky (54), Ian Kilbride for C Murtagh (65), Colin Compton (0-1) for D Murtagh (66), Cian Connolly for Cregg (70).

Kildare: Mark Donnellan; Ollie Lyons, Mick O’Grady, Emmet Bolton; Keith Cribbin, Fergal Conway, Eoin Doyle; Gary White (0-2), Paul Cribbin (0-4); Daniel Flynn (0-1), Eoghan O’Flaherty (0-4, all frees), Padraig O’Neill; Eamon Callaghan (1-0), Tomas O’Connor, Fionn Dowling (1-0).

Subs: Alan Smith (0-1) for Dowling (32), Ciaran Fitzpatrick for O’Neill (54), Padraig Fogarty for O’Connor (58), Darach Mulhall for Flynn (65).

Referee: Fergal Kelly (Longford).

Training ‘no place for faint-hearted’ after Laois loss < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon manager John Evans gave his reaction to the win over Kildare when he spoke to the Roscomon People.

“I can honestly say that we as a management team, selectors, physios and everyone connected with the team, took a long hard look at our-

selves after last Sunday (the defeat to Laois). We made a few changes in our structures and the team we sent out as well and I have to say we were really, really disappointed with our display against Laois. It was not a Roscommon performance. But we came out today and kicked 24 points.

“We went at it hard last Sunday evening, Sunday night, Monday

morning and Monday night and we were ready for Tuesday night’s training. The players were just fantastic at training and that training was no place to be for the faint-hearted I can tell you.

“Any other team would have wilted after the scores that Kildare got in the first half and they got a couple of lucky breaks with the goals. But our

lads have great pride and we played some great football to get back into it.

And you know, I thought that a lot of (refereeing) decisions went against us out there today but we kept fighting and that’s the spirit that we have here in Roscommon.

“John Evans can do all he likes to help the team but one thing he cannot do is instill that Roscommon fighting

spirit that is there and it is great to see it. We won’t have four weeks with people telling us how good we are (like after winning in Newry) – we have one week to prepare for two hard battles two weeks in a row in Hyde Park and I hope that the pitch is dried up enough so we can show the football that we are capable of playing.”

47

Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople Man of the Match:

Cathal Shine (Roscommon) For Kildare, Paul Cribbin had a sensational first half. He scored four superb points from long-range. Others to shine for The Lilywhites were Keith Cribbin, Fergal Conway, Daniel Flynn and Fionn Dowling. For Roscommon, Davy Murray, Seanie McDermott, Niall Carty, Cathal Cregg, Ciaran Murtagh, Diarmuid Murtagh and sub Enda Smith were all outstanding. My choice is Cathal Shine, who was superb throughout. He totally dominated the midfield sector and won oceans of possession.

It was his finest display in a Roscommon jersey.

things

3

THINGS WE LEARNT LAST SUNDAY

This Roscommon Team is on the Rise The football we saw in the second half last Sunday and the football we saw in the first half in the game in Newry shows that Roscommon are certainly improving – and rapidly, at that. We need to find some consistency now. We have some wonderful young players.

Elsewhere in Division Two Cavan 0-12 Galway 0-10 Cavan went to Salthill and came away with a precious two points. Martin Dunne was the scoring hero, with four points from play.

Forwards Win Games It might be obvious to state but for the first time in many years Roscommon have at least eight or nine excellent forwards challenging for the six available spots. The previous week, in a poor display, Roscommon kicked 16 points.

They added 24 last Sunday.

Meath 0-13 Laois 0-13 It took a late Eamon Wallace point to save Meath at home.

They led Laois by 0-11 to 0-4 at one stage but Laois, for whom John O’Loughlin was outstanding, staged a secondhalf rally to earn a share of the spoils.

Changes in Defence Look Promising

Down 2-17 Westmeath 0-10 Down blitzed Westmeath in Mullingar and are now odds-on to be promoted. Donal O’Hare, with 1-5, led the scoring for the Mournemen.

Neil Collins at full-back and Niall Carty at centre-half back was a bold move to make. It needs time, but it is very promising on the evidence of last Sunday. Niall Daly was also excellent on the wing.

Maybe that is his best position.

Neil Collins did well in his new role at full-back. Picture: Andrew Fox.

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

Can Roscommon build on exceptional win with victory over Meath?

I was cautioning here last week for Roscommon supporters not to be getting too excited after winning some games but I must say that last Sunday’s win against Kildare was one of the most pleasing that we have had in a long time.

To score twenty-four points was an exceptional performance. Maybe it was a too naive game where there was little emphasis on defensive play but it was a tremendously enjoyable encounter with outstanding pointscoring on both sides.

The changes made to the Roscommon defence last Sunday were certainly worth trying out. Niall Carty may have been a very effective performer at full-back but I feel he offers more in the number six jersey, while Niall Daly was far more productive on the wing and he had an outstanding game last Sunday.

Cathal Shine silenced a lot of his doubters with a powerhouse performance at midfield

while up front Cathal Cregg continues to dazzle and he got tremendous support from all his forward colleagues. Senan Kilbride is playing a lovely gelling role in attack with subtle passing and unselfish team-play.

This weekend coming we face another big challenge when Meath come to Dr Hyde Park. It would be nice if we could repeat last Sunday’s performance and attain a bit of consistency that we need now.

The winner of the match against Meath will see the winners contend for promotion while the losers will still be looking over their shoulders at relegation. I feel that we should be good enough to take the two points in what will definitely be a tough battle.

CBS – TREMENDOUS! Elsewhere last weekend pride of place must go to Roscommon CBS who won an his-

toric ‘A’ Connacht Colleges championship, beating Summerhill of Sligo in the final in Carrick-on-Shannon.

It was interesting to note that no school from Galway or Mayo were in the final this year. In what was, I believe, a dour and low-scoring game, it was still a tremendous achievement for Roscommon CBS. There is no doubt that Roscommon CBS have made great progress in recent years and great credit must go to Willie Hegarty and Seamus Heneghan. They can now look forward to a big All-Ireland semi-final against Good Counsel in a couple of weeks’ time.

STRANGE RESULTS Also last weekend we saw the usual array of strange results in all divisions of the National League. Mayo’s heavy defeat to Dublin may well prove a very significant result

before this year is over. It also proved that despite their big panel, Dublin need their marquee players like Diarmuid Connolly, Paul Flynn and Bernard Brogan if they are to challenge for the big prizes.

Mayo were made to look very ordinary and that will certainly be a worry to the new management team there.

Cavan’s surprise win against Galway in Salthill was another shock and by all accounts Galway looked very pedestrian.

Their style of play was slow and ponderous and not something we expect from Kevin Walsh’s team. However they will welcome back the Corofin contingent who looked excellent in that facile win in the All-Ireland club final on St Patrick’s Day. Michael Lundy looks a very special player and he will certainly bring a huge improvement to the Galway attack. Their match against Laois on Sunday could be pivotal to their season but I expect them to win.

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Roscommon People Friday 20 March 2015

SportsPeople Roscommon U-21 footballers pictured in Kiltoom last night (Wednesday) prior to taking on Sligo in the Connacht U-21 Championship. Picture: Andrew Fox

Smith and Murtagh lead rout of Sligo Connacht U-21 FC semi-final ROSCOMMON

6-18

SLIGO

0-12

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon handed Sligo a 24point hammering to reach the 2015 Connacht U-21 football final after a total mismatch in Kiltoom last night (Thursday).

Played in perfect weather conditions Roscommon treated the big crowd to an attacking masterclass and by half-time they were already home and hosed as they led by a whopping 5-9 to 0-4.

It was breathtaking attacking football from the first whistle as Roscommon poured forward.

In the 6th minute Enda Smith ghosted in behind the Sligo defence to score the home side’s first goal and less than a minute later Smith was in for another goal, fisting a Shane Killoran pass to the net.

The rout continued unabated.

Goal number three arrived in the 15th minute. Diarmuid Murtagh was fouled and Paul Kenny dispatched the penalty to make it 3-4 to 0-1. Roscommon were ruthless as they disman-

tled the hapless Sligo defence.

In the 24th minute Enda Smith was in for his third goal after a super catch from Cathal Compton and a minute from half-time Diarmuid Murtagh blasted home a brilliant goal to help his side into a 5-9 to 0-4 lead at the break.

The second half was like a training game as Roscommon continued to dominate and the sixth Roscommon goal came in the 36th, minute, another superb effort from Diarmuid Murtagh. Team manager Mark Dowd emptied his bench after that as Roscommon ambled to the easiest of victories.

The one down side was that Roscommon had no challenge in this semi-final and they will have to be ready for a mighty battle in the Connacht final against Galway or Mayo on Easter Saturday night. But they can only beat the team that are in front of them, and it has to be said that while Roscommon were superb Sligo were awful.

Best for Roscommon were Ronan Daly, Cathal Compton, Cathal Kenny, Ultan Harney and the scorers in chief Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh.

For a shell-shocked Sligo only Cian Breheny and Conor Kerins made any impression at all.

Roscommon: Shane Mannion;

Niall McInerney, Sean Mullooly, Denis Barron; Conor Hussey, Cathal Kenny (0-1), Ronan Daly (0-3); Cathal Compton, Tadhg O’Rourke; Shane Killoran (0-2), Ultan Harney (0-2, 1 free), Jack Earley (0-1); Diarmuid Murtagh (2-5, 3 frees), Enda Smith (31), Paul Kenny (1-2, 1-0 pen,

1 free). Subs: Noel Gately for Smith (40), Kieran Kilcline for Killoran (43), Michael Murtagh for Earley (48), Diarmuid McGann (0-1) for Murtagh (48), Evan McGrath for Daly (56), Philip Neilan for Barron (58).

Sligo: Eoin McDonagh; Dara Long, Kevin McDonnell, Barry

Walsh; Conor Kerins (0-1), John Francis Carr, Cathal Surliss; Brian Smith, Cian Breheny (0-1); Kevin Henry (0-1), Cathal Henry (0-3, 2 frees), Christopher Davey; Stephen Curley, Seamus Cawley, Michael Casey (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Ciaran O’Connor (0-2) for Curley (34), Oisin

Kennedy for Long (42), Kenneth Gavigan for Smith (50), Kieran O’Connor for Cawley (53), Gerard Brady for Davey (56).

Referee: Ray McBrien (Leitrim); Shane Hehir took over after 10 minutes when Ray McBrien was injured.

CBS CONNACHT CHAMPIONS

The Roscommon CBS panel pictured after their Connacht Colleges SF ‘A’ Championship Final win on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Fox