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29 May 2015

The Local Paper

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TEL. 094-9622710 / 094 9622244 MOBILE: 086 3685680 Standing up for the small farmer on CAP

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THIS WEEKEND ONLY < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

-----Solicitors-----

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP

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Ministers, councillors told to step down

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert on Page 4

SEE PAGES 26 AND 27

Paschal Flaherty and Minister Michael Ring pictured at the official opening of Ballyleague Riverside Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Health Minister Leo Varadkar and Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch were urged to resign during a heated discussion on the county’s health services at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council in Boyle.

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice (Fianna Fáil), who called for ministerial heads to ‘roll’, also called for Fine Gael councillors John Naughten, Maura Hopkins and Michael Creaton to quit Fine Gael if the Rosalie Unit at Áras Naomh Chaolain, Castlerea, closes down.

The Castlerea man’s call came during a debate on the planned closure of the unit, which caters for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Speaking directly to the trio, he said: “Will you withdraw from Fine Gael if the Rosalie Unit closes?”

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

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Massive Sale this weekend at Kelly’s Londis, Boyle

Ambulance base in Loughglynn to open next month < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The ambulance base in Loughglynn is due to finally become operational next month, a meeting of HSE West Forum was told on Tuesday.

Construction work on transforming the old garda station into an ambulance base was completed earlier this year but, until this week, the HSE had been unable to indicate when it would open.

However, at Tuesday’s meeting, in response to a question from Cllr. Michael Creaton, of Fine Gael, an announcement was made.

Tony Canavan, the chief operating officer of the Saolta Group, said: “The National Ambulance Service have indicated, following extensive consultation with staff, that the National Ambulance Control will be allocating resources to and from Loughglynn ambulance base with effect from June 15. “In the interim, management will continue to be available to discuss any outstanding issues with staff.”

Welcoming the reply, Cllr. Creaton said that he hoped the opening of the base would improve ambulance response times in west Roscommon/east Mayo, an area regarded as an ambulance blackspot.

WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE ‘WIZARD’ ......

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(T&Cs apply). See back page of this week’s Roscommon People for further details.

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newsbriefs Cannabis seized at house in Rooskey Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing after the seizure of about €200,000 worth of cannabis from a house in Cloonfour, Rooskey.

The drugs, which were in various states of maturity, were taken from a house at midday last Friday.

Nobody was present at the premises when gardaí raided the house and no arrests have been made as of yet. The seizure was made by members of the divisional drugs unit and Rooskey gardaí.

Roscommon SPCA to host collections Roscommon SPCA are holding a street collection in Ballaghaderreen on Friday 29th of May 2015 and Saturday 30th of May 2015. The SPCA will also have Church Gate Collections on Saturday 30th of May 2015 and Sunday 31st of May 2015 at Loughglynn Church. All proceeds go towards the welfare of animals.

Dolores Gacquin Solicitor Tel: 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

Auction of sporting memorabilia in aid of Lean ar Aghaidh

WILLS

Viewing evening next week The Friends of Lean ar Aghaidh will host a viewing evening for anyone interested in putting a bid on any item of sports memorablia (from the list below) that has kindly been donated by various people.

Lean ar Aghaidh, Roxboro, Roscommon, is a playschool and support service, which caters for children with ‘identified additional needs’.

The event will be held at the school itself (beside O’Connor’s Recycling) next Thursday, 4th of June from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

The public will be able to table a bid on the following items signed items: Manchester United, Celtic, Ireland rugby, Ireland soccer, Roscommon GAA jerseys; Joe Canning jersey, hurley and boots; Derval O’Rourke running spikes; Padraig Harrington golf club, baseball hat and towel; snooker cue, signed by Steve Davis and Jimmy White; Connacht rugby jersey, worn by Robbie Henshaw, along with a pair of his boots.

Please check out the ‘Friend of Lean ar Aghaidh’ Facebook page to see photographs of all of the above.

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Pictured at ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on Saturday night last were Aisling, Conor, Olivia, Megan and Amy McDermott. Picture: Andrew Fox

Castlerea Prison ‘very well run’ – Report < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

A report on the operation of Castlerea Prison has said that it is “very well run”.

The Department of Justice released the annual report of the Castlerea Prison Visiting Committee on Wednesday.

The prison was inspected on numerous occasions during the year by the inspector of prisons.

The report added: “The prison complaints procedure is working well and prisoners have confidence in the procedure.”

The committee said that prisoners and staff had a good working relationship,

which had a positive effect on the day to day running of the prison.

The report said: “The members of the committee feel that Castlerea is a very well run prison, with very professional and courteous staff.”

The number of attempted non-serious suicides at the prison had reduced, the committee found.

The committee said it would “like to express its gratitude to the staff involved in saving the attempted suicides in custody”.

A total of 211 staff are required at the prison, the report said, while 209 are currently employed there.

I am a widow with three adult children. I own a large farm and I have a small amount of cash assets. My youngest son has shown an interest in farming and I would like to leave my farm to him. I do not want to go to the trouble of making a will as all of my children are aware of my wishes. What happens if I do not make a will?

If you die without having made a will, you are said to have died intestate and your property will be divided in accordance with the rules of intestacy as set out in the Succession Act, 1965. In your situation, your next of kin are your three children and your estate will be divided equally among them.

To ensure an equal distribution of your estate, your main asset, namely your farm, may have to be sold so that each child receives their share. In the alternative, your three children may be registered as equal owners of the land.

Whilst your two older children may be aware of your wishes to leave your farm to your youngest son there is no obligation on them to give their share to him after your death. If your other children decide to give their share of the farm, which may be quite valuable, to your youngest son this may give rise to additional tax implications for all of your children.

So as to avoid potential family disharmony and to ensure that your wishes are carried out it is essential that you make a will. You should immediately contact your Solicitor for advice.

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

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

Green flags for local schools 27 schools from County Roscommon received a Green Flag from An Taisce Green-Schools at a ceremony last Tuesday in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Northgate Street, Athlone.

The Green-Schools programme continues to grow at a remarkable rate with over 3,700 schools now registered with the programme, representing over 93 per cent of all schools in Ireland.

List of schools – First Flag: Litter & Waste theme: St. Mary’s NS; Second

and subsequent flags: Abbey Boys NS, Ardkeenan NS, Attyrory NS, Ballintleva NS, Ballyforan National School, Clooncagh NS, Cloontuskert NS, Croghan NS, Gaelscoil de hIde, Kilteevan NS, Lisacul NS, Mount Talbot NS, Naomh Atrachta, Rahara NS, Roscommon Community College, Roxboro NS, Scoil Mhuire, Scoil Mhuire, Scoil na nAingil Naofa, St. Anne’s NS, St. Bríde’s NS, St. Joseph’s B NS, St. Joseph’s Primary School, St. Mary’s NS, St. Michael’s NS and Tisrara NS.

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Paula Kerr being presented with her ‘special recognition award’ by Louis Walsh at the Pride of Ireland Awards at the Mansion House, Dublin, last week.

Simon’s invite for boys as Paula honoured < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Paula Kerr, whose sons have been diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), received a ‘special recognition’ prize at the Pride of Ireland Awards in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Tuesday, May 19.

She and her husband, Padraic Naughton, are the proud parents of Archie (nine) and his twins brothers, George and Isaac (four). They live at Galway Road, Roscommon town.

The Join Our Boys Trust was established to cater for the boys’ needs and to raise awareness about DMD. So far, it has raised over €750,000.

Ms. Kerr was presented with her

award by pop guru Louis Walsh, while music industry giant Simon Cowell sent a video message. In it, he invited the three boys to attend an X Factor show.

The judges noted: “Paula’s strength and determination to try to find a treatment or cure for her boys and other children like them is incredibly admirable.

“She’s managed to find superhuman, inner strength and instead of curling up in a ball, she’s raised a staggering amount of money, as well as awareness about DMD. She is the Pride of Ireland.”

The awards were broadcast on UTV Ireland.

Speaking this week, Ms. Kerr paid tribute to the people of Co. Roscommon for their “phenomenal generos-

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople HSE WEST ROSCOMMON COMMUNITY SERVICES

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Byrne Carolan See our Cunningham column on Solicitors page 2

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PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Saturday Driving to Dublin, we’re listening to radio coverage of the same-sex marriage referendum, and an on-air consensus is developing: it’s beginning to look as though Roscommon/South Leitrim could be the only constituency in the country in which a majority will vote no.

Er…what about Donegal?

Nope…we’re out on our own.

When the unique status is confirmed, it’s by 51.4% to 48.6% – not exactly a big rejection of same-sex marriage – but such small detail is overlooked, and soon we’re the target of some pretty strong online ‘commentary’.

According to the more abusive social media ‘twitterers’, we’re backward, drunks, bigots and generally to be damned.

And there was I thinking Roscommon people were wonderful, and that the quality of life here is exceptional.

The bile-spewing critics don’t appear to have taken account of the fact that more people (17,615) here voted in favour than in some other constituencies; that the margin between yes and no was pretty small; that the loss to emigration of so many of our young people was always likely to contribute to such a result…not to mention the no doubt bizarre (to them) notion that people here are entitled to vote as they see it and should not then be denigrated and abused by cowards.

I should add that I only read a bit of the online abuse; it gets tedious. I should also add that there was a lot of positive commentary, or certainly a rallying defence of Roscommon and Leitrim voters.

We weren’t going to Dublin to get away from conservative Roscommon or to join the parties breaking out in the city; we were attending a Communion celebration.

After the ceremony, the hotel in Sutton was buzzing, full of First Holy Communicants and their happy families.

The weather was beautiful.

Notwithstanding Friday’s vote and all the arguing that preceded it, it struck me that the world hadn’t changed at all.

Louisa Cox, Holly Lackey and Kelly Lackey pictured at the official opening of Ballyleague Riverside Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

discussing a ‘legal contract’.

Groucho is speaking…

“The party of the first part shall be known in this contract as the party of the first part.”

Followed by…

“The party of the second part shall be known in this contract as the party of the second part.”

All was going well, until Chico said: “I no like the second party…”

Every day…

To which Groucho replies: It’s amazing how some politi“Well, you should’ve come to the cians pack up their bags and first party. We didn’t get home ‘til say goodbye to their (political) around four in the morning...” family when an election is on the I don’t think much more of horizon.

Lucinda’s party. Anyways, I A chap we’d never heard of suppose we should give Renua defected from Fianna Fail a few a chance, but for now I think (a) weeks ago down Carlow/Kilthe lady doth wait too much and kenny way. (b) bad name choice.

Having been elected as a Fianna Meanwhile, fast-forward to Fail councillor last year, he set his Monday morning of this week, sights on running for the party in and Fianna Fail Senator Averil the next General Election.

Power storms out of her party, An ambitious man, going some- leaving Micheal Martin smartwhere fast. ing.

Or so he thought.

She says she’s had enough, that But then it became clear that the Fianna Fail are going nowhere, route to a comfortable passage that the leadership is weak. through the Fianna Fail Selection To paraphrase Chico, effecConvention (at which candidates tively a case of “I no like this are chosen by members) might party…” not be without obstacles, at which Micheal Martin says her point our dashing young hero walkout has nothing to do with decided to hop on a passing bus, principle and everything to do one called ‘Renua.’ with behind-the-scenes squabThis, by the way, is my first bling relating to her candidacy public comment on Lucinda’s for the party in the next General new party.

Election.

As parties go, I find it decidedly Asked on RTE Radio on underwhelming.

Tuesday if she plans to run as an To digress, I am reminded of the Independent in that election, Ms. scene in a Marx Brothers film in Power said she hadn’t decided, which Chico and Groucho are but added that she had been inundated with calls of support.

Think she might run?

Anyways, however the wrangling between Micheal and Averil ends, Groucho and Chico just couldn’t agree. They finished up as follows: An increasingly despairing Groucho: “That’s in every contract, that’s what you call a sanity clause.”

Chico: “You can’t fool me – there ain’t no sanity clause!”

Wild goose chase? A reader sent us this photograph of a traffic jam at Hodson Bay on Wednesday evening.

insulting personal remark (albeit meant as a joke) about Marty Morrissey.

Michael Lyster, often decried as being wooden, is certainly prone to playing things a bit safe with his panel, but it was one of his finer moments when he pulled Brolly up, sought (and received) an apology and then told the pundit that the comment had been out of order.

So, new respect for Lyster!

The episode reflected poorly on Brolly, but then we all make mistakes. No doubt he will entertain and aggravate and indeed infuriate as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, the second half of the Roscommon/London match was so dull that even Willie Hegarty struggled to maintain our interest in it. Willie switched to questioning the performance, pointing out that, as Division Two champions, Roscommon should really have been claiming a lot more scores against limited opposition.

There was very little of substance (on the field) for Willie and Donie to talk about, and inevitably Willie had to drift into commentary on the burgers and chips and pints that are readily available pitch-side in Ruislip.

One was almost tempted to phone in an order, but I suppose technology hasn’t quite advanced that far yet (note to self: check with kids).

Willie told us he had to head for Heathrow pretty sharpish after the Sunday game. If there was a stranger sitJoe Brolly, often brilliantly entertaining, was bang out of order ting beside Willie on the flight, he today. During RTE’s coverage of or she could never have guessed Cavan v Monaghan, he made an what Willie, with his unique turn

of phrase, had been talking about an hour or two earlier!

Normal service will resume for Willie and Donie against Sligo, as it will for all of us, not least for John Evans and his players.

An uninspiring display on the face of it, but I imagine John Evans was thinking ‘perfect, just perfect.’

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

Isolated Roscommon: After the abuse, the defence! < PAUL HEALY & EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Full Referendum coverage: Page 16 Online abuse and condemnation of the people of Roscommon/South Leitrim – the only constituency in the country to produce a majority no vote in the same-sex marriage referendum – has been responded to by an outpouring of support for the electorate here.

While there was much initial abuse of Roscommon voters on Twitter, several high profile Yes campaigners – and others – have taken to social media to defend and in some cases applaud the people of this constituency.

Senator David Norris tweeted: “Roscommon Sth Leitrim. 17,615 is a lot of YES. Thank you. Glad too of our people’s democratic right to vote no.”

Fellow high profile Yes campaigner Colm O’Gorman tweeted: “Big shout out to the 17,615 in Roscommon/Sth Leitrim who voted Yes to #MarRef

Every last one of you helped make this happen #WeMadeHistory.”

Author Marian Keyes apologised after she inferred that people in Roscommon/South Leitrim are bigots.

On Saturday night, she tweeted: “Tip?! I’ll give you a tip! Move to Roscommon/South Leitrim and pal around with your own kind. #OfHateFilledBigots.”

A number of people, including MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, reacted to the tweet, claiming it was unfair and pointing out how close the vote had been, with over 17,000 people voting in favour of same-sex marriage.

Ms. Keyes quickly deleted the tweet and apologised to individual people who were upset.

She said: “I’m so sorry for my tweet about Roscommon. I’m deeply ashamed of myself and I’m so sorry for the distress I’ve caused (to Yes and No voters). It was an idiotic, thoughtless tweet and I really am profoundly sorry.

“Sorry Roscommon/South Leitrim.

I apologise sincerely. I was going for a cheap laugh, but I was wrong! Hold my hands up. It was unforgivable and

I don’t know what I was thinking.”

Political hopeful Emmett Corcoran, from Strokestown, was among those who sympathised with Ms Keyes in the wake of a backlash.

“You’re forgiven,” he tweeted to her. “As a nation, we must heal the wounds of a divisive campaign, unite and work hard for a better tomorrow.”

Mr Flanagan also criticised those who slammed Roscommon. The Castlerea man tweeted: “To those on the Yes side putting the boot in on Roscommon, you are successfully p***ing off thousands from the county who voted Yes. Not nice.”

Boyle actor and writer Chris O’Dowd posted two humorous messages.

He tweeted: “I was awarded the Freedom of Roscommon. Martin McAleese has the same honour. In protest to the county’s No vote, we’re french-kissing right now.”

He also tweeted: “Seems the ‘No vote’ tactic of telling Roscommon people that ‘gays polluted the water’ worker. Also, maybe the gays really shouldn’t have.”

Cara Lally and Deputy Frank Feighan giving an update from the count centre via twitter. Picture: Andrew Fox

Local TD defends Roscommon’s No vote < SHANE REYNOLDS

Roscommon/South/Leitrim TD Michael Fitzmaurice has this week defended the people of the constituency following scathing criticism of the No vote in the Same-Sex Marriage referendum here.

“The decision of the people of Roscommon South Leitrim to vote No in the same-sex marriage referendum was their

democratic right, and no amount of sneering on social media or criticism from the Dublin-based media will change that fact.

“In the final few weeks of the campaign people on the No side, or those who might have been undecided and had questions to ask, were afraid to do so such was the avalanche of support for the Yes campaign in the Dublin led media and all the main political parties.

“The buzz-word now in Ireland is equality. I don’t see much equality for the people of Roscommon/South Leitrim in terms of mental health services and health services in general for instance. The total lack of job creation has meant that the majority of our young people have moved away and it is time for people to get things into perspective and get our priorities right,” he said.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople Fun Day for Irish Kidney Association A Family Fun Day, in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, will be held in Ned’s Bar, Knockcroghery, on Sunday, May 31, from 4 pm to 9 pm.

There will be a barbeque, music, facepainting, a magician and much more on the day. Admission will be €10 for adults, while children will be free.

The event is being organised by local man David Beirne, who himself is awaiting a kidney transplant.

It is also designed to raise awareness for kidney donation.

Niamh O’Rourke, (formerly of The Hair Lounge, Knockcroghery), has joined JACK EDWARDS, THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON Niamh would like to welcome all her existing customers and looks forward to meeting new ones

To make an appointment with Niamh call (086) 0377088 Monday: Closed Exclusive Salon Tuesday and Wednesday: 9.30am – 6.00pm Thursday and Friday: 9.30am - 9.00 pm Amonia Free Colours Saturday: 8.30am - 5.00pm

Pictured at ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on Saturday night last were Noreen, Áine and Ciara Flynn. Picture: Andrew Fox

Popular Roscommon town man mourned There was widespread shock and sadness in Roscommon town and adjoining areas last week at news of the sudden and untimely death of Michael McPhillips of Racecourse Road, Roscommon.

The late Mr McPhillips, who was in his mid-forties, died suddenly at his home on Wednesday, 13th of May. He was employed with Molloy’s Bakery in Roscommon and was a familiar presence in the town, in his capacity as a delivery driver.

A well-known member of the community, his wit and easy-going

Garden Party in Glenamaddy!

Glenamaddy Day Care are holding a Garden Party in conjunction with the Bealtaine Festival on Thursday (today) 28th May (2 pm4 pm) in the grounds of Glenamaddy Community Centre.

Both young and old are welcome. Please come along.

demeanour made him very popular with those who knew him. A keen sports fan, he was a dedicated Liverpool supporter and also an avid follower of local youth soccer. A huge greyhound racing fan, he was a regular at local greyhound racing meetings, particularly in Longford, often attending with his father and their friends.

The late Michael McPhillips was a great family man whose shock and untimely death has left a huge void in the lives of those closest to him.

He will be sadly missed by the many

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people who knew him.

The funeral was one of the biggest seen in the Roscommon town area for many years and a mark of the esteem in which he was held in the local community and further afield.

The late Michael McPhillips is mourned by his parents Syl and Marie, brothers Kevin, Declan and Alan, sisters Yvonne and Grainne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and a huge circle of friends and neighbours.

May he rest in peace.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

An Athleague success story!

N

eil Connaughton (42) is a native of Athleague, Co. Roscommon. A long-time prison officer, he is presently Assistant Chief at Loughan House in Cavan. He is son of Martin (former county councillor) and Josephine Connaughton.

Neil started out in business in his native village about fourteen years ago, as he has been explaining to the Roscommon People.

He knows he was fortunate to have “a good secure job” which meant that when he dipped his toes into the business world, any venture he took on didn’t have to realise a profit immediately.

That, perhaps, was just as well, because it’s been an interesting journey and quite a learning curve for the popular businessman!

What was formerly Finneran’s shop and post office in Athleague was initially leased by Neil in 2001, then purchased by him the following year.

“There were no multinationals in Roscommon at the time,” Neil reflects now. “People did their weekly shopping with us, but things changed and we had to react to the changes. To reduce overheads I contracted the business into the current shop along with a shop unit (currently Big Bites restaurant) and two apartments. Effectively it went from being a supermarket to a mini-market.”

“While conscious of competitors, I don’t fear competition. With Gem Sugar at 89c this weekend and Maxwell House coffee (100 g) at €2, I can still beat the bigger shops on many items.”

Always ambitious, always endeavouring to find “his niche”, Neil then created Roscommon Wholesale Supplies and began supplying local pubs with drinks (about 75% of his clients were publicans).

However, when the recession hit – with pubs being badly affected – Neil’s new business was soon facing an uncertain future.

Support of family Neil is very grateful for the support he receives from his family, particularly his wife Marguerite and son Ben. “Both Marguerite and Ben are very understanding. You need good family support behind you, people that will understand the sacrifices that sometimes have to be made.”

Key staff at Connaughton’s There are a number of key staff at Connaughton Post Office in Athleague. They include Neil’s mother, Josephine, who is postmistress there. She is joined in the post office by Carmel Fallon, who doubles as shop manager.

Neil says: “Lydia and Eamonn are most likely to be the people you will meet behind the counter, and Mary Clayton does the job that I hate, the paperwork! Angela Keegan is a very welcome addition to our team and is fantastic with customers, as are Eamonn and Lydia.”

As Neil arranges the deliveries schedule, he is conscious that he is “very reliant on the competence of our staff who process orders efficiently and quickly to me.”

Paying tribute to his staff, he says: “I know my customers are in safe hands.”

Neil Connaughton pictured outside Connaughton’s Shop and Post Office which also houses Connaughton’s Fuel and Big Bites Take-away and Restaurant. Picture: Andrew Fox.

“We had expanded – we had three vehicles on the road, we had five staff at one stage – but with the downturn in the pub trade taking effect, I reduced the wholesale business accordingly, to its current shape, operating as it now does from the base store in Athleague.”

In 2010, Neil set out on a new venture, and Connaughton Fuels was born. Five years on, this local business is now growing to an exciting degree.

“Despite the recession, Connaughton Fuels has continued to thrive. It’s my experience that in tough times it’s not a time to sell what the customer wants, but moreso what they need. My

previous businesses experience has served me well – it was a huge learning curve.”

There are obvious reasons why Connaughton Fuels is successful. With his business apprenticeship long served, and with his passionate interest in listening to his customers, Neil has a very good idea of what the public wants. Another ‘positive’ is his competitive pricing. And, very importantly, there is his remarkable commitment to delivering anywhere in the region – free of charge. A newly-constructed storage facility ensures that the fuel arrives to the customer bone-dry.

His absolute commitment is to always remain

customer-focused. He listens to his customers, assesses feedback, then responds. He learns as he goes along, something other business people will quickly identify with.

“I have found that there is no room for bluffing when you are dealing with a sizeable portion of housewives’ budget. You must know your product. You must be in a position to supply it at short notice. And you need to supply it at a very keen price. You cannot be the same as others (competitors).”

It’s been a tough recession for everyone involved in business, but Neil Connaughton, with his work ethic, his passion and a business acumen that grows with experience, is a great example of how entrepreneurs can succeed in rural Ireland today.

Asked what advice would he give to anyone starting out in business, he says: “I think firstly anyone starting out needs to acknowledge that it (success) won’t happen overnight. Also you have to expect you will have to work long hours.

Ultimately, if you have the drive and ambition that it takes to succeed, you will.”

What of the future?

“I plan to continue expanding the fuel business: I am driven by it. I will only stop expansion when I feel I can’t provide the personal touch.

“I’m very happy with the success of Connaughton Fuels. I’ve had to dust myself down from previous ventures that were not so successful and my message to anyone who has had a bad experience in business is to re-focus, use what you’ve learnt along the way and give it another shot.”

So for Neil Connaughton, the future is very much about expansion and looking after his customers’ requirements.

Neil concluded by thanking his customers for their continued loyalty and support.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN SAYING… “Excellent product…fantastic service…and good value” – Eileen & Steve in Strokestown “I’ve only been a customer of Connaughton Fuels for less than a year…whether you order one bag of coal or ten bags, delivery is free…they are by far the cheapest around, and very obliging. Neil is a wonderful businessman” – Kathleen in Ballygar “I’m dealing with Neil Connaughton since he started.

He is a perfect gentleman. He never left me short of a fire! All I do is pick up the phone and text. Thank you Neil for your fantastic service and value. Long may it last” – Kathleen Keegan (Athleague) “Excellent service and very good prices. Always really helpful and prompt delivery. I highly recommend them” – Ray in Donamon “Brilliant, just brilliant. Glad I started dealing with them” – Seamus (Roscommon)

“I’m dealing with Neil for the last two years and have found him obliging, reliable and very competitive” – Paul (Roscommon) “I highly recommend the efficient service with delivery directly into the bunker” – MG “Convenient and a great service. Glotherm coal is brilliant. Would be lost without Connaughton’s.

– Antoinette

Free delivery…wherever you live!

A truly unique aspect of the service provided

by Connaughton Fuels is the fact that Neil will deliver fuel to your home free of charge, irrespective of where you live!

Apart from all areas of County Roscommon, Neil has been delivering to places like Athlone and indeed further afield, as word spreads about the service and how competitively priced his fuel is. In fact, Neil says they will deliver anywhere in the region, whether it’s a big coal or gas order, or just a single bale of briquettes!

At the moment, it’s about customer service, and in the longer term, it’s about the Athleague businessman bearing the bigger picture in mind.

“You have to be able to see the bigger pic-

ture…you might lose money by bringing a very small order into a new estate, but it’s about getting more customers in that estate that will make it viable in the long run.”

His sales of Flogas have risen by 59% and he is selling a great coal which he is very enthusiastic about. “It’s flying, and customers love it” he says. While he continues to work in the prison service, Neil personally delivers the fuel.

“I value my job and I know its part in helping me do this…but I don’t let it get in the way of the business. Even if I’ve been working nights and customers need a delivery, they will receive it before I go to bed!”

Neil Connaughton pictured at Connaughton’s shop in Athleague. This Bank Holiday Weekend special is Gem Sugar 89c. (Customer quotas apply)

Advertising in ‘The People’…

Neil Connaughton strongly endorses advertising in the Roscommon People, something which he has found has been very beneficial for his expanding business. “I’ve had a great response to the ads I have placed in the Roscommon People. My motto is to be bold and advertise; it’s part of seeing the bigger picture.”

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

CONNAUGHTON’S Post Office & ATHLEAGUE – CO. ROSCOMMON. T. 090 66 63311. M. 087 8512921

Bank Holiday Weekend Special Offer

GEM Sugar only 89c

CUSTOMER QUOTAS APPLY

This week’s most improved area for Connaughton Fuels is: STROKESTOWN

FREE DELIVERY to every corner of Roscommon and beyond (including Athlone)

S I H T T A BE PRICE!

5 0 1 €

Flo Gas 47kg

FREE DELIVERY AND CONNECTION IF REQUIRED

CUSTOMER’S FAVOURITE!

€17

Glotherm Coal 40kg Neil Connaughton of Connaughton Fuels strongly recommends this product to his customers for open fires & stoves

12

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople newsbriefs ‘Midsummer Madness’ at Trinity Arts Centre John Carty, one of the finest names in Irish traditional music, is undertaking a summer stroll tour of Ireland with his daughter Maggie and guitarist Shane McGowan and they will be appearing at The Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea on Sunday 6th of June at 8 pm for some midsummer madness. This promises to be a great night of music and early booking is highly recommended.

Tickets are €10 and can be booked by calling the Trinity Arts booking line on 086-1021374.

Stars B4 Our Eyes in Glenamaddy Calling all clubs, groups and businesses in Glenamaddy parish. Promote your organisation while supporting Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre by taking part in the upcoming ‘Stars B4 Our Eyes’ competition.

Do you have a staff member, a customer or a team-mate who looks like Elvis, sounds like Joe Dolan, sings like Dolly Parton or just loves to dress up? Then why not register them by Wednesday 10th June through our Facebook page or text Nigel at 087-8297068 or Ellen at 087-6505560 (you must be over 16 years to perform). This great night of entertainment will take place on Saturday 11th July at 8 pm in the Town Hall Theatre, Glenamaddy.

St Joseph’s NS cinema fundraiser St. Joseph’s NS, Glenamaddy pedal-powered cinema fundraiser has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6th in the Community Centre. Two movies will be shown – Maleficent at 3 pm and The Commitments at 8 pm.

Please support. Tickets (including raffle) can be purchased on the day or reserved at 086-3351088.

Midlands Samaritans Church gate collections Midlands Samaritans Church gate collection takes place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May in Kilglass, Slatta, Scramogue, Roosky, Tarmonbarry and Whitehall Churches.

Your support would be gratefully appreciated.

Athleague Fair & Festival has entertainment for all the family Athleague Fair & Festival 2015 takes place this June Bank Holiday weekend. It’s one of the biggest such annual events in the region!

This is our third year to run the event and the schedule is packed with entertainment for all the family.

Friday (29 May) Friday 29th May is our opening night and commences with ‘The Suck Valley Way’ Quilt Exhibition and Craft Fair from 7 pm with a cheese & wine reception in the Heritage & Angling Centre, Athleague to mark the official opening of Athleague Fair & Festival 2015. For further information you can call Lynn on 087-9185054.

At 10 pm there will be an Irish Traditional music session in Hamrock’s Lounge with Athleague branch of Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann. There will be many guest artists on the night. Come along and sample the atmosphere of a traditional Irish night of

music and dance. Also, at 7 pm, there will be a Mass at the Holy Well in Kilmore.

Saturday (30 May) From 10 am ‘The Suck Valley Way’ Quilt and Craft exhibition continues and there will also be a competitive Swim from Castlestrange to Athleague. At 2 pm there’s a Splash ‘n’ Dash with Athleague Kayaking Club. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who would like to try out kayaking on the River Suck – both children and adults enjoy this event equally.

At 4 pm, enjoy a lovely walk through Araghty bog on ‘The Suck Valley Way’, Ireland’s largest inland walkway. Meet at the Heritage and Angling Centre. Transport provided to and from the walk.

From 10 pm dance the night away in Hamrock’s with music by The Three Amigos.

Sunday (31 May) The Fair & Festival Celebration Mass takes place at 10 am.

‘The Suck Valley Way’ Quilt and Craft exhibition also continues. At 11 am there’s registration for the 10k/5k Walk/Run at Athleague Community Centre.

At 5 pm the gala ‘Party in the People’s Park’ begins with an Athleague Lamb BBQ. Chill by the mill with the ever-popular Heebie Jeebies Band. There will be a Bouncy Castle, face-painting and other attractions.

Other entertainment locally – music by Paul Calvin in The Bridge House (10 pm). Music

by The Lancers at the annual Hospice function in Hamrock’s Lounge.

Monday (1 June) Fishing Competition begins at 10 am with a cash prize pool of €1000. At 11 am the Fair Day begins in the Fair Green field. Soak up Continued on next page –>

Fair Day in the village: Magical memories < JIM WALDRON

We may surmise that as long as people have crossed the Ford of the Flagstones, buying and selling of animals and produce has gone on in the locality. The earliest reference to a fair is found in a British government report entitled ‘A Royal Commission to inquire into the State of Fairs and Markets in Ireland, 1852-53’ published by His Majesty’s Stationery Office. The Report shows (1) a list of the several market towns in Ireland, showing the days on which markets are held in each (2) a list of towns visited by the commissioners, with the date of the inquiry held in each.

This report refers to a patent (privilege/certificate) granted to the Earl of Clanrickard on July 9th, 1634 to hold fairs in Athleague on Mondays. Such licensing of fairs and markets by the then-authorities allowed for tolls to be raised as a source of revenue from those attending.

Needless to say, taxes were as abhorrent then to citizens as they are still today and so a much later British government document, ‘Return of the Number of Disturbances in Ireland at Fairs and Markets in Collection of Tolls and Customs, 1840-43’, points out that Athleague had no disturbances in that period BUT NO TOLLS WERE COLLECTED. According to the document, although toll boards showing

charges should have been put up according to law, none were in evidence during the commissioners’ survey. This information was signed off on by Sub-Inspector Johnston of the Constabulary Force on 28th July 1843. The designated place for the erection of such a toll-board was the junction at the Carrarea Road, the site of the present Garda Siochana barracks. Older residents still refer to it as ‘the Customs’ Gap’.

In recent memory, fairs have been held in Athleague on July 11th and September 24th although, as with the Clanrickard patent, there is evidence that fairs were held on other dates throughout the year. Traditionally, the 11th July was a sheep fair and September 24th a horse fair, but there were no hard and fast rules about this. Generally, horse dealing was done in the Fair Green, part of which today forms the carpark of the Roman Catholic church; sheep and cattle were brought and sold along the village street and out the surrounding roads. The last fair took place in 1974. By then, the oncegreat fair had diminished in size to a fraction of what it once was.

Ireland was changing and the marts had arrived.

The onset of a fair day was marked weeks in advance when sheepmen dropped their ‘pens’ at traditional family locations around the village. So Cartys had their stand outside Fitzmau-

PJ Murray, pictured at the 2014 Athleague Fair Day. Picture: Andrew Fox

rice’s; Killians at Hoare’s Corner (the Athlone-Roscommon junction); Tremane people Fitzmaurices, Healys, Farrells around the grotto; Coyles outside Waldron’s; Bluefield families up the old school road.

Fair morning woke the village any time after 2 am. From then until mid-afternoon the streets and Fair Green hummed with bleating sheep, neighing horses, braying asses and the accents of local and outside buyers and sellers locked in the age-old tradition of striking the best bargain possible.

Forming a colourful backdrop to this twice-yearly ritual was the presence of the horse-dealers, ass-jobbers and sundry travellers and gypsies who wended their

way to the village from Limerick (Sheridans, Quilligans, Delaneys), Clare (Donoghues, Slatterys), Westmeath (Cashs), Armagh (Larkins), Offaly (Cashs), Wicklow (Cashs). It takes but a moment to summon up the whirr of the ‘trotters’ and traps as horses were raced up and down Main Street on the evenings before the fair to test their mettle.

It would be remiss, of course, to remember Athleague Fair as solely a place of livestock deals.

At fairs in the earlier part of the 20th century, it was not unusual to see stalls selling herrings and sugarsticks on the street opposite Waldron’s pub. One fair-goer remembers tarpaulins from boats in Larne, Co. Antrim offered for sale and bought up to cover

sheepcocks where haysheds were not yet available. Collars and straddles brought from England were sometimes on offer but, according to a source learned in equine matters, “a horse in Athleague would step out through them”, such was their design for much bigger horses.

Would any fair in the village be complete without the presence of Joyces from Ballymoe selling everything from keyrings to hammers? Can we forget either McKeagues’ blockbuster “hang sangwiches” that always tasted better than the ones you made at home?

The Castlestrange Road was a traditional traveller halting place but the Commons at the rear of the village was more favoured by the out-of-town visitors as a place to park your caravan and begin the serious business of wheelin’ and dealin’. Manoeuvring large caravans from the centre of the Ballygar turn into positions in the Commons was no mean achievement but nobody remembers any accidents in these delicate operations.

Once the families were in situ, fires lit and the clothes-line up, the matter of grass for the horses became an issue. As a character in John B’s ‘The Field’ opines: “Sure, a donkey would ate the hair off your head” – so too did wandering donkeys and horses cause tense stand-offs when fences were broken and precious

grass devoured. But squabbles aside, the fairs went on; when the September 24th fair ended, those interested in further equine dealing headed south to the great Cahirmee Fair in Co. Cork. In the olden days it was not possible to make it in time from one fair to the other; the arrival of the car/ van/lorry made this possible. As the horse-dealers left Athleague, it was common at one time to see horses being walked to Roscommon railway station.

Then one morning the village woke up and the fair was gone.

A twice-yearly ritual had slipped away and a new world of technology, travel and a thing called the EEC was coming into its own. But perhaps if we close our eyes for a moment and summon in the musician, his rendition of the tune, ‘A fair day in Athleague’, will recall for us the sights, sounds and smells that are the stuff of our childhood fairs. * This article would not be possible but for the wonderful memories and generous time of Vincent Gillane, Jimmy McDermott (Emo), Tommy Rogerson (RIP), Tommy Geraghty (Keenagh), Paddy Haughey (RIP), Michael Killian (RIP), Michael Boyle (RIP), Patsy Tiernan and Mike Moran. * Editor’s note: Due to space restrictions, this article, for which we thank Jim, has been slightly shortened.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

ATHLEAGUE Fair & Festival June Bank Holiday Weekend: 29 May – 01 June 2015 OVER 20 EVENTS

Looking forward to seeing you! Pictured is head co-ordinator Walter Young together with the other committee members Bernard Keane and Sephine Smythe.

Continued from previous page –> the old-world

atmosphere of a traditionalstyle fair day. Show your stock for free. For stall bookings, contact 087-6892384.

The Fair Day will feature Arts and Crafts, traditional fair, Face Painting, Bouncy Castle.

New this year is the addition of the Redmills Dog Show, with the overall class winner sponsored by Duke Motors, so bring your loveable pet dog along. Fun for all the family guaranteed!

At 5.30 pm there’s music by Dollar Daly in the Bridge House. At 6 pm there’s music by

Sean C. in Hamrock’s bar.

Monster Draw takes place at 9 pm in Hamrock’s. 1st prize is a 32” HD TV sponsored

by Tommie Kelly Electrical. 2nd prize is two concert tickets to Kodaline. Other prizes include hampers, etc. * See brochure for full details of all events. * If you wish to enter a trade or craft stand at the Fair Day, they must be pre-booked by 5 pm on 31st of May. Call Walter on 0876892384. * Follow us on Facebook/Athleague Tidy Towns for further details.

Incorporating Fair Day, Irish Traditional Music, Athleague Lamb BBQ, Kayaking, Family Events, Arts and Crafts in Athleague Village Fun weekend guaranteed for all the family!

Any info, please contact: Walter 087 689 2384 or Bernard 086 2647586

This project was funded under the Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative Funded by Roscommon County Council, IPB Insurance and Fáilte Ireland.

ATHLEAGUE FAIR & FESTIVAL This June Bank Holiday Weekend: 29 May – 01 June 2015 – OVER 20 EVENTS

Friday (Opening Night)

Sunday

7:00 p.m.

10:00 p.m.

The Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition and Craft Fair takes place at the Heritage and Angling Centre Athleague from 7.00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Exhibition of quilts will remain on display until Friday 5th June.

Traditional Irish night. Enjoy the sound of local & visiting singers, musicians, sean nos dancers and story tellers in Hamrocks lounge.

Everyone welcome. Come along and enjoy the ceol agus craic. Organised by: Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann – Athleague branch.

Contact: Tom Daly (087) 273 8408

Saturday

10.00am

Fair & Festival Celebration Mass St. Patrick’s Church, Athleague.

10.00 a.m.

The Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition and Craft Fair at the Heritage and Angling Centre, Athleague.

Open from : 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

12:00p.m.

5:00 p.m.

30th May 2015 10.00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2.00pm - 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

10:00 pm

The Suck Valley Way Quilt Exhibition and Craft Fair at the Heritage and Angling Centre Athleague.

Open from : 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Swim from Castlestrange to Athleague Registration 10:00 a.m. Heritage & Angling Centre, Athleague.

For further Information contact Pat Lane (086) 311 3802 Athleague Kayaking Club Splash n’ Dash. Family fun on the river Suck. Please dress appropriately for water sports. For further information contact Helen on (087) 639 5596 Walk – enjoy a leisurely walk along a section of the Suck Valley Way. Music by The Three Amigos – Hamrocks

For Information: Walter 087 689 2384

Bank Holiday Monday

31st May 2015

29th May 2015

10:00pm 10:00pm

10k/5k Walk/Run Registration at 11:00am in Athleague Community Centre. For Information please contact Kevin McGeeney (087) 984 8702 or David Carr (086) 883 6528 All proceeds in aid of Athleague/ Tremane underage Hurling.

Party in the People’s Park!

Enjoy a delicious Athleague Lamb B.B.Q. in a unique setting. BBQ served from 6pm – 8p.m.

Dance the night away to the sounds of The Heebie Jeebies Band followed by D.J. Turk3y Face Painting ~ Bouncy Castle Admission: Adults €10 each, children €5 each or Family Ticket €25 Children under 5 years go free.

Music by The Lancers – Annual Hospice function- Hamrocks Lounge Music by Paul Calvin – The Bridge House

1st June 2015

10:00 a.m.

Fishing Competition Registration in the Heritage & Angling Centre, Athleague at 10:00 a.m.

For further Information please contact Andrew Ely (087) 9215491 or Tommy Keegan (086) 406 1516

11:00 a.m. * - 4:00 p.m.

Traditional Fair Day in The Fair Green Soak up the old world atmosphere of a traditional fair day Horse & Livestock Show your stock for free Crafts & Fair Dog Show (new) Local Produce Arts & Crafts Bouncy Castle Face Painting Fun for all the family

5:30 p.m.

Music by Dollar Daly in The Bridge House bar.

6:00 p.m.

Music in the bar by Sean C. in Hamrocks

9.00 p.m.

MONSTER DRAW: Takes place in Hamrocks. Some of the great prizes up for grabs: t w 1MBTNB 57 4QPOTPSFE CZ 5PNNJF Kelly Electrical

t

*

*

5XP $PODFSU 5JDLFUT UP ,0%"-*/& (26th June Dublin)

If you wish to enter trade or craft stands at the Fair Day, they must be pre booked by 31st May.

IfContact you wish to enter trade or craft stands at the Fair Day, Walter 087 6892384 they must be pre booked by 31st May. Contact Walter 6892384 This project was funded087 under the

Community Tourism Diaspora Initiative Funded by Roscommon County Council, IPB Insurance and Fáilte Ireland.

14

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

HANLEY TURF SALES TURF PLOTS FOR SALE

Turf plots available just off Lanesboro Road, Roscommon PLOTS SPREAD IN FIELDS WITH GRASS SPRAYED OFF

Save the back!

SELF PROPELLED TURF TURNER FOR HIRE Turner, rower, loader available FOR HIRE ACROSS MIDLANDS

CALL: (086) 8803772

Rose Sarah gets supportive send-off!

Family, friends, Roses and Escorts gathered recently for a send-off at the Hollywood Bar, Roscommon to support and give their best wishes to Sarah Murphy the 2015 Roscommon Rose of Tralee before she represents Roscommon in the next stage of the International Rose of Tralee Festival Competition.

The Roscommon Rose of Tralee Chairperson Yvonne Corrigan Donohue made a presentation to Sarah (21) and wished her the best of luck

on the night. Yvonne also thanked all those who attended at the send-off, the Roscommon businesses and people who sponsored and assisted this year’s Roscommon events, John and Lily Murphy, Castlerea who sponsored Sarah herself to enter the competition and the Hollywood Bar for sponsoring the send-off for Sarah. Martin Conneally of Callington Ltd. (main sponsor 2015) was also in attendance on the night and made a presentation to Sarah.

The town of Portlaoise will once again host this year’s Regional Festival from 28th to 31st May when RTÉ presenter Dáithí Ó Sé will meet 56 Roses from all over the world, with 23 Roses qualifying for the 2015 televised selection in Tralee.

On the stage Sarah will wear a stunning couture dress designed and made specifically for her by Edyta Wylezal at All About You, Roscommon.

Sarah Murphy, the 2015 Roscommon Rose of Tralee pictured with members of Roscommon Rose Committee.

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

15

16

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople Letters: The Roscommon People received a number of letters on the outcome of the Referendum. We plan to publish a cross-section of these letters in our next issue.

Same-sex marriage: Roscommon votes NO, the country says YES Shane Reynolds The people of County Roscommon and South/Leitrim bucked the national trend last week when this was the only constituency in the country to return a No vote in the samesex marriage referendum.

Ireland became the first country in the world to give approval to same-sex marriage by means of a referendum, with 62% voting Yes and a 38% No vote.

In Roscommon/South Leitrim, 17,615 voted Yes, while 18,644 voted No. That was 51.4% against, with 48.6% in favour. Local politicians quickly moved to defend the constituency, citing Roscommon’s aging population, emigration, rural background and lack of a major urban centre as contributory reasons to why the referendum was not passed.

SAMPLE TALLIES Yes

No

Ballaghaderreen

140

217

Boyle

340

219

Knockcroghery

150

144

Ballintubber

192

119

Cloverhill

96

126

Moore

180

180

Roscommon NS

199

161

Carrick-on-Shannon

145

101

Castlerea

70

128

Monksland

332

203

Kilteevan

118

100

Drum

195

190

Kiltoom

172

123

Castlerea

81

Dysart

140

186

Cloonfad

149

155

Ballinlough

75

112

Castleplunkett

109

130

Bealnamulla

211

135

Castlerea

70

128

Cloverhill

96

126

Tisrara

112

111

Castlerea

72

Lucy Gannon, Declan Coffey, Julie Daly, Stephen Frayne, Daire Naughton, Cara Lally, Gillian Gannon, Sinéad Fallon, Ann Rigney and Will Keane pictured celebrating as the news of the likely outcome of the referendum broke. Picture: Andrew Fox

Yes Equality Roscommon criticises local politicians < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

88

69

* The above are merely tallies; also, please note that in many cases they are tallies of only some of the boxes in a given area.

Sorthing through the votes. Picture: Andrew Fox

Yes Equality Roscommon have criticised various politicians for their ‘failure’ to campaign strongly in the samesex marriage referendum.

The campaign group vented their anger after Roscommon-South Leitrim was the only constituency in the country to reject the proposal, though it’s believed that the counties of Leitrim, Longford and Monaghan did too.

The group said they “suffered from a lack of support from local politicians”.

In a press statement, they added: “We watched in envy as well-known politicians in almost every other area in the country got publicly and deeply involved in the campaigns in their areas.

“Our multiple letters, texts and emails to other elected representatives went for, the most part, unanswered.”

The group said that there were two exceptions, Cllr. Maura Hopkins and Deputy Frank Feighan, of Fine Gael, who, they added, had been supportive.

Yes Equality Roscommon said: “We also won’t forget the lack of support from other politicians when they ask for our votes.”

However, Cllr. John Keogh, of Fianna Fáil, issued a rebuke on Facebook.

The Monksland-based representative urged them to “demonstrate a little more humility” and said that “it is wrong to wrong to try to shame politicians”.

Separately, Yes Equality Roscommon thanked those people who volunteered during the campaign.

“People from all walks of life, who shared a commitment to making Ireland a better place for everyone…” they said. “Many canvassed in the rain, knocking on hundreds of door per person.”

They also acknowledged that 17,615 people in the constituency who voted Yes. “It’s worth noting too that many individual polling stations showed a majority for Yes,” they added.

They also celebrated the national result and the fact that gay people will be able to marry in the coming months.

“Now, same-sex couples in Roscommon and Ireland will be recognised as families through civil marriage, and be treated, under the law, as equal citizens in their own county and country,” they said.

What now for the Catholic Church? < SEAMUS DUKE

I was in London at the match last weekend and missed the reaction to the same-sex marriage referendum result here, but certainly there was huge coverage of the vote in the UK. The BBC TV News led with the story and there were three reporters on the ground in Dublin with reaction on Saturday night.

Regardless of which way people voted, this was a ground-breaking day in Ireland in many ways and the result of the vote is a huge wake-up call for the Catholic Church.

On Monday afternoon I listened with great interest to the parish priest of Ballyfermot Fr Joe McDonald and Fr Brendan Hoban from Mayo discussing the result on national radio and what

these two intelligent, articulate and very capable men had to say about the Church in the Ireland of 2015 will be of huge concern to anyone who is worried about where the Church is heading.

In the last Census, 85% of Irish people put down ’Catholic’ as their religion, yet 62% of the population voted for same-sex marriage last Friday. It is certain that many hundreds of thousands of Catholics voted ‘Yes’ last week. They simply did not listen to what they were being told by the bishops and priests.

Fr Joe said that the ‘Yes’ vote in his area was 80%. Both priests agreed that the Church here was sleep-walking to oblivion if they do not do something about what is going on. There was a call on the majority of bishops to resign. Interesting too that they excluded Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

(and one or two others) from that resignation call.

The reality is that while there are very, very few people under the age of 50 going to Mass, and the situation with Confession is even worse, the bishops are passing very little heed on the situation as it stands. In fact Fr Hoban says that in 20 years time there will be no priests left in many areas unless the problem is addressed in a realistic way.

He says that the bishops are ignoring the situation on the ground. They have written to them several times to seek meetings but nothing has happened.

The fact that very few young people are going to Mass or Confession does not mean a breakdown in the values that society here hold dear. In fact there are, in my view, far more caring considerate and far more responsible young people around than was the case many years ago.

The Church is not in a popularity contest. The rules are there in black and white. If people choose to ignore them, then that is up to them. However this referendum result is an indication of a changing Irish society. The bishops can choose to deal with the situation or stick their heads in the sand as they have been doing up to now.

The Church need far more people like Fr Joe and Fr Brendan to speak out. For far too long the Catholic Church in Ireland has been obsessed with sexual morality. The special place that the Church enjoyed in Irish society is now long gone and it will have to face that fact now.

The bishops and those who run the Catholic Church would do well to listen to their priests on the ground – and start from there. The alternative is more and more decline.

17

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

STARTING YOUR OWN FOOD PRODUCT BUSINESS? THEN THIS 2-DAY PROGRAMME IS A MUST FOR YOU Roscommon Local Enterprise Office and Mayo Local Enterprise Office are jointly organising a Start Your Own Food (Product) Business programme.

This programme is suitable for anyone thinking of starting or in the early stages of developing a food product(s).

Objective: To provide participants with base

knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food (product) business. Participants will be given handouts, best practice sheets and templates as part of the programme to back-up the verbal information they receive, together with audio back-up. The programme will also allow participants to make an informed decision as to whether or not to go forward onto food retail programmes such as the Food Academy Programme.

Dates: Time: Venue: Trainer: Cost:

Day 1: The focus will be on providing participants with an overview of the dynamics of the food market in Ireland and getting objectives for their project clear in their mind.

Areas such as food safety, labelling, insurance, how much money might a food start-up business cost, understanding the critical role of packaging and branding, etc. will be covered.

Tuesdays: 16th and 30th June 2015 9.30am – 5.00pm The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon James Burke MBA €30.00 Book online at: www.localenterprise/roscommon

molloys

Day 2: This focuses on the more practical aspects of setting up a food business, eg: how to build your pricing model, supports available, product costings, how to manage brand design process, deciding on route to market, succeeding with store managers and trade buyers, where to start and a step by step guide on how to get there, etc.

We would be delighted to hear from you, if you have any questions: Anne Browne Roscommon Local Enterprise Office: 090 6626263 Tanya Whyte Mayo Local Enterprise Office: 094 9047555

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18

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council intends to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified.

Road to be closed: R371 Ballyleague to Scramoge.

Period of Closure: 10.30 am to 3.00 pm on Saturday 11th July, 2015 Alternative Routes: N63 Ballyleague to Roscommon N61 Roscommon to Four Mile House R368 Four Mile House to Farnbeg N5 Farnbeg to Scramoge And vice versa.

Reason for Closure: To facilitate the cycle event associated with The Two Provinces Triathlon.

Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in relation to the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than 5pm on Friday 12th June, 2015.

Pat Murtagh A/Director of Services Roads, Community & Enterprise and Culture, Roscommon County Council Courthouse Roscommon 22nd May, 2015

PLANNING NOTICES EXTRA ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of four bay slatted shed, with ancillary development in existing farm yard at Ballymacurly South, Roscommon Signed: Michael Cahill.

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying for planning permission for erection of dwelling house and domestic garage, with sewerage treatment plant and percolation area, and associated site development works at Ardmullen, Kiltoom.

Signed: Derek Gilligan.

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

County Roscommon Public Participation Network Municipal District Information Evenings Inviting all community groups in County Roscommon A new framework for public engagement and participation, called the Public Participation Network (PPN), has been established in County Roscommon. The PPN replaces the previous Community Forum and is the main link through which Roscommon County Council connects with the community, social inclusion and environmental sectors without prejudice to other consultation processes. Please ensure that your group is registered with the PPN. You are invited to attend one of the following Municipal District (MD) Meetings: · Tuesday 2nd June 2015 at 8.00 pm- Athlone MD – Dysart Community Centre, Dysart · Thursday 4th June 2015 at 8.00 pm – Boyle MD – King House, Boyle · Tuesday 9th June 2015 at 8.00 pm – Roscommon MD – Kilbride Community Centre The purpose of these meetings is to: · Ensure that all groups within each municipal district are registered with the Public Participation Network · Inform community groups about the role of the Public Participation Network Secretariat Please note that Registration Forms will be available on the night of each meeting, with registration commencing at 7.30 pm For Further Information Contact: 090-66-37316.

Mr. Pat Murtagh, A/Director of Services, Roads, Community & Enterprise and Culture (incl. Library & Heritage).

At the public meeting in Frenchpark were Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr. Maura Hopkins and Cllr. Eugene Murphy and (on right) our reporter, Eoghan Young-Murphy. Picture: Michael McCormack.

Anti-social behaviour ‘rampant in Frenchpark’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Widespread anti-social behaviour in Frenchpark has “traumatised” residents, forcing some to live in fear and others to completely leave the area.

So a public meeting, hosted by Frenchpark Community Alert, in the village’s parish hall, heard last Thursday night. Over 100 people attended the meeting, expressing their concern at the growing problem in the area.

It was suggested that the problem was caused by the arrival into the area in recent years of some unsavoury individuals.

One man told a particularly harrowing story. He said he lived in a council house in in the village for 18 months, before leaving to reside in Tibohine, Ballaghaderreen, about four months ago. He explained in detail why he decided to re-locate.

“Our next-door neighbours terror-

Councillors criticise Council

ised us,” he alleged. “One guy was threatening to burn houses down in the council estate. There was a lot of drugs. There was one family looking for trouble. It was a nightmare. Taking a house in Frenchpark was one of the worst mistakes I ever made.” The man said that he contacted the gardaí, Roscommon County Council and TDs about the matter, but they were unable to resolve the matter.

An elderly man told a similar tale of woe. He said that he moved into a privately-owned estate, called The Oaks, in Frenchpark, seven years ago. He relocated there to retire, thinking the village was a “beautiful place”.

“Two or three families have caused us hell. They have traumatised us by banging on doors, egging (throwing eggs) windows, robbing oil. I have watched them taking drugs.”

A single-mother, who said that

she lived in a council house in Ashley Lawns, threatened to leave the area because of problematic neighbours.

Another lady said that her family were living “in fear” in the area. “I refuse to let my children go outside to play,” she added.

One woman bemoaned the number of break-ins in the area, along with cars being stolen and burnt out, looting and widespread drug use.

It was also claimed that elderly people were being intimidated and that illegal dumping was rampant in the area.

Seeking to address the various issues raised, Cllr. John Cummins, of Fianna Fáil, suggested that a subcommittee be formed. At the close of the meeting, five members were selected for this and a further meeting of Frenchpark Community Alert was arranged for June 18.

People urged to report crime

The gardaí have urged the public to inform them of all anti-social behaviour incidents after it was ncil claimed that people were Roscommon County Cou reluctant to do so. was criticised at a meeting Cllr. Eugene Murphy on anti-social behaviour in said at last week’s meetFrenchpark last Thursday ing that there was an night. Local politicians “ever-increasing refusal” accused the council of a by “decent members dereliction of duty. of the public” to report Cllr. Michael Mulligan, of crime.

Sinn Féin, said: “Since the The Fianna Fáil man foundation of the State, not added: “I met four people one person has been evicted last week who had breakfrom a council house for ins at their homes and anti-social behaviour. That’s a none of them reported disgrace.”

Cllr. Rachel Doherty, of Fianna. them to the gardaí.”

Responding to this Fáil, also slammed the councill “Regrettably, we have a loca ’t claim, Sgt. Kevin Sexton said: “I would ask authority who tell us we don have a problem, when we do,” anybody who who has any crime, please report she said. it to the guards. We can Cllr. Maura Hopkins, of Fine only deal with issues that Gael, said: “The whole policy have been reported to of the council allocating from us.” Sgt. Sexton said that houses, it would appear e listening to contributions her gardai were having some success in investigating tonight, needs to be looked crimes in Frenchpark. at.”

At the public meeting in Frenchpark were Garda Martin Coyle and Sergeant Kevin Sexton. Picture: Michael McCormack.

He pointed out that a number of suspects have been arrested in connection with recent criminal activity.

Meanwhile, Supt.

Aidan Foley pledged that the gardaí would do their utmost to clamp down on crime in the village.

“The policing of

Frenchpark is a priority.

Any initiative that An Garda Síochána can help you with, you have our full support.”

To widespread applause, he said that, after a gap of a “couple of months”, a new garda had been assigned to Frenchpark.

19

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim libraries to amalgamate in June < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The library services of counties Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim will amalgamate in June, Environment Minister Alan Kelly has revealed – but he insisted that no branch will close.

It emerged earlier this year that, for the provision of library services, there were plans for local authorities to be realigned to provide new structures serving a population in excess of 100,000. This shared-services arrangement would involve the merging of the libraries of Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim, with one of the three being the lead authority.

Minister Kelly has confirmed that the plans will be implemented in the coming weeks. In response to a parliamentary question from Deputy Barry Cowen, of Fianna Fáil, he said: “The target for implementation of the measures under Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services is June 30.

“Under the new model, frontline service will continue to be locally focused, people-centred, with opportunities for

Roscommon County Library, Abbeytown, Roscommon.

enhanced individual and community support services and engagement.

“The increased capacity resulting from the new structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country.”

However, this new arrangement has been widely opposed. Fears have been

expressed for the future of certain libraries, including in this county.

Of the six libraries in the county, Elphin’s is by far the least used, statistics obtained under the Freedom of Information Act revealed. There were just 4,950 visits to it last year.

Roscommon town’s library was the busiest in 2014, with 65,050, ahead of Boyle’s (60,700), Ballaghaderreen’s

(51,300), Castlerea’s (15,200) and Strokestown’s (14,500).

However, Minister Kelly insisted that no library was in jeopardy.

“This initiative does not involve the closure of libraries,” he said.

“And, over time, the shared management structures will increase the scope for developing and enhancing services to the public, providing a broader range of services to the same high standard across the country.

“Indeed, there will be no decrease in the number of library services or library branches arising from Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services.”

However, while at present each county has it own librarian, this will change under the new arrangement.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment said: “The new management structure will be led by one county librarian and will be based in a single library headquarters, the location of which will be a matter for local decision between the respective local authorities.”

Councillors object to amalgamation < EOGHAN YOUNG-M URPHY

Several councillors have voiced strong opposition to the propos to merge the libraries of countieal Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim s The amalgamation process is . begin at the end of next monthdue to Department of Environment , the have disclosed.

One of the councils would be lead authority in this shared the arrangement and there wou services just one county librarian. ld be Speaking at Monday’s month meeting of Roscommon Countyly Council, Cllrs. Orla Leyden, Lau Fallon, Tony Ward and Rachel rence Doherty were among those wh o objected to the proposal.

Ramune’s Hair & Beauty welcomes new stylist Quality never goes out of style Ramune and staff at Ramune’s Hair & Beauty are delighted to announce the arrival this week of Fran Wright to the salon at 5 Castle Street, Castle Square, Roscommon.

Since opening in late November 2014, Ramune’s has enjoyed a brisk business with customers enjoying the personal and professional range of hair and beauty services on offer. So much so that the team needs to be increased in order to deal with escalating demand.

With ten years of working at Galaxy Hair Salon,

Roscommon, behind her, Fran brings a wealth of experience and dynamism to the business. Staff are privileged to be joined by such a professional, personable and talented person as Fran. As a fully qualified stylist, up-styles, colour, cuts and any specialist hair requirements will be provided by Fran in a salon which caters for all occasions, including wedding, communion and confirmation parties.

The salon’s hours of business are from 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with late opening until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, or by appointment outside of usual hours.

So, call to Ramune’s Hair & Beauty to experience unique and individual treatment, in bright, welcoming and relaxing surroundings.

Contact Ramune on 085-1600663 for any queries.

Beauty Now Available

/ (090) 66 30627

Ramune’s Hair & Beauty welcomes

FRAN WRIGHT to the Salon

Ramune Daukse, Fran Wright and Alesia Vacmane pictured at Ramune’s Hair & Beauty. Picture: Andrew Fox

If you would like to make an appointment with Fran, CONTACT (085) 1600663 or (090) 66 30627

20

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

49 years of service…

Gerry Thompson and Bernie Moran, Roscommon Credit Union announce details of new bursary awards.

€1,000 bursaries to be won with Roscommon Credit Union Roscommon Credit Union recently launched a very attractive bursary for those who will attend college for the first time in September, with two prizes of €1,000 each for two students up for grabs.

Entry into the draw is free. It will be welcomed by the families of the two lucky students who will face huge upfront expense in September

with registration fees, accommodation and living expenses.

Manager Bernie Moran said: “This is Roscommon Credit Union’s little contribution to the education of the two lucky students.

“To be in with a chance to win the bursary application forms can be collected in our office which must be returned before September 4.

ROSCOMMON CREDIT UNION LTD www.roscommoncreditunion.ie Tel: 090-6626657

Would you like €1,000 Cash for College?

“A public draw will be held after this date and the winners will be announced. Check out our website and Facebook page for more details “We encourage any students that will be thinking of applying for a credit union loan for college expenses to become a member now and start saving, even little amounts every week all make a difference.

“It also gets students into a habit of saving, which in turn can be converted to a loan repayment, and this makes a prospective borrower appear a suitable candidate for a loan.

“Roscommon Credit Union offer competitive promotional educational loans to students and, with no charges or fees, it is the only place for many families.

“If the student has no income themselves, a guarantor is usually requested in this case. Lending rates as low as 6 per cent for educational purposes.”

Home Renovation Scheme 2 Bursaries to be won! still in place • Simply complete the application form available at

Roscommon Credit Union and return to office at Abbey Street, Roscommon to be entered into our free draw.

• All students who are entering third level college for the first time are eligible to enter.

• €2,000 to be given away between 2 students.

• Terms and conditions apply.

Roscommon Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

The Government’s highly attractive Home Renovation Incentive Scheme remains in place, but will expire at the end of this year.

Under this scheme, anybody who spends between €4,040 and €30,000 is entitled to claim a tax rebate of 13.5 per cent for the work completed. Áine Walsh and Josephine Foley, from Revenue, delivered a presentation on the scheme at Roscommon Credit Union’s members’ night recently, at which they explained how it works.

Bernie Moran, the credit union manager, said: “This is unfortunately not for newbuilds, but it will cover any renovations to an already constructed dwelling or stove installations, etc.

“Further details can be downloaded on Revenue.ie.”

Roscommon Credit Union has been part of Abbey Street in the county town for almost 49 years, from humble beginnings in St Coman’s club.

Today, it offers financial services that match even the biggest credit unions in the country.

There are 6,140 active members. Over €1.3 million has been lent out to its members in the local community this year.

The credit union illustrates better that any other organisation how members of a community can help each other in a very practical way.

The savings invested in the credit union stay in the community and money lent out helps to advance the welfare of the community.

It also helps to raise the standard of living.

Manager Bernie Moran said: “We are not exposed to wholesale markets, as with the banks. All our loans are funded from members’ savings.”

The credit union sponsors many local sports and drama events. It provides service of the highest standard – through Ms Moran and fellow staff members Alan, Catherine, Siobhán, Karyn and Lynda.

There is a community board of directors, run by the locals for the locals, who give of their free time to ensure the credit union is vibrant and thriving.

The credit union, in conjunction with the Irish League of Credit Unions, recently donated €50,000 to Nepal to aid their recovery. * Watch out for next big car draw on Thursday, 11th of June and make sure you are in with a chance to win a new car!

Meet the staff of Roscommon Credit Union

ALAN

BERNIE

CATHERINE

KARYN

LYNDA

SIOBHAN

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople

Roscommon Credit Union unveils Electronic Payment service Roscommon Credit Union recently launched their Electronic Payments Systems via CUSOP. There are just 70 credit unions scattered around the country offering the electronic service and Roscommon is proudly one of them.

CUSOP is a Credit Union-dedicated electronic payments platform which allows a Credit Union to offer EFTs to their members.

This will provide Roscommon Credit Union with the opportunity to develop services further and ensure that they continue to meet their members’ needs in the years ahead.

They may not be pioneers in electronic services, but they earnestly try to give their members what they need in financial services in a cost-efficient manner.

Under SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), which Roscommon Credit Union joined in September 2014, when there was only 50 Credit Unions on board, they can make and receive euro payments from a credit union account.

Manager Bernie Moran said: “So if our members are working abroad as many are, they can still lodge direct to their credit union account or vice versa. “Transferring funds between your bank account held in France is as easy now as if it was in Roscommon. All our members can now receive their own BIC and IBAN from our office within a few minutes. “This once again is very cost efficient for our members. The Credit Union is uniquely conscious of trying to provide the most professional, confidential and cost effective service to its members. The electronic services are added to our suite of free services. So a member can come to our office and request funds to be transferred to anywhere in Europe free of charge.”

Gerry Thompson and Bernie Moran pictured at the Roscommon Credit Union. Picture: Andrew Fox

H T I W ” S N I H O I T N T U O T I G D “I E R C Y M

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4 E BOYL96 6314 071 A 0 LERE CAST96 2091 094 0 IN ELPH96 3505 N 071 TOW N O OMM 7 ROSC66 2665 090

S N OA

L L A ON

S R E P

At a members’ night in Roscommon Credit Union on April 9, Marie McManus, of Patrick J. Neilan Solicitors, and Donal Keigher, of Donal Keigher Solicitors, advised members on the importance of making their will and the consequences of not making a Will.

Many questions were asked from the members gathered and all were comprehensively answered by the panel, which included our own credit union directors, Corrina Harlow and Sinead Neilan, who are qualified solicitiors.

Bernie Moran, manager of Roscommon Credit Union, said: “It is important to note that Bríd Miller, of Bríd Miller Solicitors, and Seán Mahon, of Mahon Sweeney Solicitors, are also offering free will-making to the members of Roscommon Credit Union.

“Appointments can be made with any of the solicitor firms listed above and once you can prove membership of Roscommon Credit Union, you will be given your free will service.

“We are hugely grateful to the local solicitor firms who have joined with the Credit Union to provide the service as we found many families without wills due to the cost factor they felt involved in engaging a solicitor.”

n o i t Un

i d e r

C

Free ‘Make a Will’ Service

WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply.

Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

coroscommoncus.ie

22

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

NewsPeople newsbriefs Garden plants sale a Lisnamult fundraiser There will be a sale of Garden plants as a fundraiser on Saturday, 30th of May in Roscommon town. Vegetables, flowering plants, etc. – some suitable for containers.

Sale from 10 am-2 pm at the Square, Roscommon, to raise prize-money for our front garden competition. Proceeds for Lisnamult Tenants and Residents Association.

Garvey Cup Angling on Sunday The Ballinlough & District Angling Association will hold the Garvey Cup Angling Competition on Sunday May 31st on Lake O’Flynn.

Fishing commences at 11 am and the weigh-in will take place on the shore at 4.30 pm. For further information contact John on 087-2536064 or Gerry on 0868585972. The Campbell Cup will be held on 28th of June. Further details later.

Comhaltas session Athleague branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will hold their monthly session in Hamrock’s Lounge, Athleague on Friday, 29th May, 2015 starting at 10 pm.

This is also the opening night of Athleague Fair and Festival. A raffle with spot prizes will be held on the night.

Minister Ring formally opens Ballyleague Riverside Park Summer Prom Festival starts today! < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

A huge crowd attended the official opening of the €300,000 Ballyleague Riverside Park, which incorporates a quayside wall and promenade, on Tuesday afternoon. It was a product of the endeavour of the Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns Committee, while numerous state agencies, including Roscommon County Council, helped to fund the project.

Minister for Tourism Michael Ring presided over the official opening.

“Today is a great occasion for the community,” he said. He described the project as “fantastic”. “What we need to do now is sell it, make sure people come in to spend time and money in the area,” he said.

Also speaking at the opening, the Cathaoirleach of the council, Cllr. John Cummins, predicted that facility would prompt a tourism boost to the area.

“I am confident that the project will benefit the economic and social development of the area and will bring an increased number of visitors to the county of Roscommon,” said the Fianna Fáil representative.

To further mark the opening of the facility, an extensive programme events will be held from today (Thursday) until next Monday in Ballyleague.

The Waterways Ireland Lough Ree Summer Prom Festival, as it is officially called, includes music, heritage and water sports events.

Minister Michael Ring cuts the ribbon to officially open Ballyleague Riverside Park.

Picture: Andrew Fox

Wheelchair Association’s thank you The Roscommon branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association wish to thank sincerely all who supported our recent fundraising table quiz in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on 27th March 2015.

Thanks to Ursula Hannon, those who attended on the night, donated raffle prizes, sponsored tables and donated money. A total of €2,460 was collected.

We also wish to thank all who supported our flag days on April 30th and May 1st 2015 in Roscommon town.

To the girls from Convent of Mercy Secondary School and all who helped with collecting and a total of €3,300 was raised – thank you.

All monies collected goes towards taking wheelchair users on days out and on annual holiday and Christmas Dinner.

Roscommon town clean-up on Tuesday Judging time is soon approaching for Tidy Towns groups around the country.

To get Roscommon town ready for the occasion, the members of Roscommon Tidy Towns have inviting business people and residents in the town to join them next Tuesday to help remove weeds, plant flowers, clean windows, remove ties from poles and other small jobs around the town.

Roscommon town has steadily increased its points in the competition over the years and won a bronze medal in the competition last year, which has over 800 entries.

This year the group has entered two groups in the special award categories: Mote Park Time and Place DVD in the Heritage Award competition and the CBS student’s project Stop the Fowl Play in the Supervalu Youth Award.

A detailed application form has been submitted with a map of the town showing the projects the members have completed since last year.

Judges will visit the town unannounced and mark the town in various categories.

A report sheet is then sent to the group in September following the announcement of the winners.

The judges will name premises which are in good order and also areas and property which need attention.

Kathleen Shanagher, chairperson of Roscommon TidyTowns, said: “As the competition is so competitive, it’s often the small things such as weeds outside a property and flagpoles with flags which are in ripped and torn that the judges point out in the report.

“Everyone is welcome to join the group on Tuesday at 7 pm outside Gleeson’s Townhouse. If people would like bags and gloves to organise a cleanup in their own area, please contact Kathleen on 086-3726743.”

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Weekend

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CHOICES FOR THIS WEEKEND…

Traditional music at Strokestown Park House

Lough Ree Summer Prom Festival A wonderful festival will take place in Ballyleague over the upcoming June Bank Holiday weekend to mark the official opening of the Ballyleague Riverside Park. The Waterways Ireland Lough Ree Summer Prom Festival, as it is officially called, will run from Thursday May 28th to Monday June 1st. An extensive programme of events is lined up to mark the unveiling of the €300,000 facility, which includes music, heritage and water sports.

Traditional music will take place in Strokestown Park House on Thursday (tonight) 28th of May at 8 pm. Join Edel Fox (concertina) and Neill Byrne (fiddle) for an evening of traditional music in the kitchen of the house as part of the summer sessions. Tickets, available from Roscommon Arts Centre, on 090-6625824. There are special discounted tickets on offer for €12 for the over50s.

Athleague Fair & Festival weekend Athleague Fair & Festival 2015 is happening this June Bank Holiday weekend. It promises to be a great weekend in Athleague!

The big event has been planned with something to suit all tastes. This is the third running of the event and the schedule is packed with entertainment for all the family.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

JJ HARLOWS

A night to remember with

Mike Denver

NEW RELEASES FRIDAY 29th

The Hub, Castlerea Saturday, 30th May

Preceeded by CELTIC CRU Starting at 9.00pm

Admission €15 Late Bar The Country Ballroom

TULSK INN FESTIVAL WEEKEND OF DANCING Saturday, 30th May

- Market Square, Roscommon Centre Point Retail Park Roscommon KIDS MOVIE CLUB (KMC) Adult & Kids Tickets ONLY €3 each For All Enquiries Tel: 090-6665333

Thursday 28th

kids playarea OPENING SATURDAY

30th 10:00am Week Commencing Friday 29th – Thurs 4th

Friday to Thursday

A ROYAL NIGHT OUT (12A)

16:30; 21:35

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 2D (PG)

13:30

CINDERELLA (G)

11:30 (KMC)

DANNY COLLINS (15A)

16:10; 19:00; 21:30

DINO TIME (PG)

11:30 (KMC); 16:55

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 2D (15A)

14:15

PITCH PERFECT 2 (12A)

13:35; 19:00; 21:35

SAN ANDREAS 2D (12A)

14:00; 19:00; 21:05

SAN ANDREAS 3D (12A)

16:30; 18:35; 21:25

TWO BY TWO (G)

11:15 (KMC); 12:10

TOMORROWLAND: A WORLD BEYOND (12A)

13:20; 16:10; 18:45

Saturday 30th:

The Hardchargers

Sean Brennan Sunday, 31st May

The Fahys Front Bar: SHARON TURLEY Monday, 1st June

Launch of Shane Owens Band

Sunday 31st:

with Brendan Shine, Sean Brennan, Frank Forde, Eamon Jackson plus many more ...

The Clandestinos

Fantastic weekend line-up at The Tulsk Inn

All parties catered for

It’s a Bank Holiday weekend musical extravaganza at The Country Ballroom at The Tulsk Inn this upcoming weekend where the ever-popular Sean Brennan will kickstart the dancing programme in style on Saturday night.

Music from The Fahys and Sharon Turley will provide the entertainment on Sunday night while the highlight of the weekend takes place on Monday as a new country sensation launches his new band.

With the help of a few well-known faces in the industry Shane Owens will launch his band at the Country Ballroom at the Tulsk Inn. Country’s newest singing sensation Owens will be joined on the night by a host of performers in what promises to be a fantastic musical extravaganza to round off the Bank Holiday weekend celebrations.

The Bridge House Athleague Sunday 31st May - music with

Gavin Ghee Monday 1st June music from 6-9pm with

Dollar Daly Lunch served Sunday & Monday from 12.30pm

Big screen with Sky Sports and Setanta Sports.

Enquiries: (090) 66 63534/(087) 8133406/(087) 6598078

Cairde Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar are hosting a Summer Gathering on Sunday May 31st in the Mattie McDonagh Centre. There will be a barbecue and music with a fully licensed bar from 8.30 pm on the night. The hugely-popular ‘Big Generator’ band will take to the stage later on in the evening. Admission on the night is €10, or alternatively tickets are available from the school on (090) 66 24740.

Ska sensations on stage in JJ’s A night of roots reggae, ska, latin and rock steady is anticipated on Sunday night at JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon, when one of Galway’s newest live acts ‘The Clandestinos’ perform there.

The Clandestinos are a sixpiece line-up who focus on playing roots reggae, latin and ska. Covering classic acts such as Bob Marley and Lee Scratch Perry, The Clandestinos also focus on some of the more hard-hitting styles of reggae played by artists such as Peter

Tosh and The Clash, as well as throwing in some up tempo latin influenced music into their sets.

They feature both acoustic and electric guitar, bass, drums, a saxophone and

trumpet duo with four-part vocal harmonies being handled by everybody in the band.

Make sure not to miss them this Sunday night in JJ’s.

* 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

Castlemine Farm selection of pies

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

BEER OF THE WEEK! The IPA is the flagship Bo Bristle brew. The recipe was crafted over a number of years by our master brewer. The IPA balances passionfruit & tropical fruit hops with biscuity marris otter malts to create the distinctive Bo Bristle taste.

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

25

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

Launch of 2015 ‘A Day with the Stars’

After the enormous success of the 2014 event, Shannonside Northern Sound has this week announced details of ‘A Day with the Stars 2015’.

The show, the biggest of its kind in Ireland this year, will be staged at the Lenebane Race Track in Roscommon town on Sunday, June 28th.

Once again the organisers have succeeded in attracting some of the BIGGEST names from the country scene to Roscommon’s county town.

Those who have already confirmed include: Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Jimmy Buckley, Michael English, Patrick Feeney, Jim Devine, Johnny Brady and

Lisa McHugh.

More names will be announced at a later date.

This week promoter Joe Finnegan expressed his delight that the concert will be hosted in the west of Ireland.

“I can’t believe that we are preparing for our third country festival and for me personally it’s a real thrill to have it staged in my adopted home town,” said Mr Finnegan.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the interested parties including the business community in the region. I would appeal to the hospitality sector to pull out all the stops so that we can make this event special.”

Mr. Finnegan has con-

Hamrock’s Athleague - (090) 6663325 Friday, 29th May –

Raffle on the night

Music Session in the Lounge Musicians, Singers & Story Tellers all welcome.

Saturday, 30th May –

The Three Amigos Sunday night, 31st May–

Music by The Lancers

Spot prizes on the night

Bank Holiday Monday, 1st June –

Music in the bar by Sean C

Kenny’s Rockfield, Roscommon

Saturday 30th May - music with

Derek Campbell 25 Card Game every Wednesday night Hope everyone enjoys the Bank Holiday weekend

Carthy’s Porterhouse & Guest Accommodation Saturday 30th May:

Toxic Twins

Carthy’s Porterhouse, function room available for all types of meetings, classes, parties etc...

- contact Paul on 087 2895986 or 090 6626459

Robert Mizzell.

firmed that thousands of people are expected to attend this year’s event and the biggest challenge facing his team is to secure suitable accommodation for visitors and tourists who will descend on the town over the weekend of June 28th. The well-known promoter has confirmed that the focus again this year will be on making the day special for families.

“All children under 12 accompanied by an adult will

be admitted free. We plan to build a spectacular family village on site which will include suitable play areas for all age groups with full bar and catering facilities for all patrons.”

Tickets, priced €25, are now on sale and available at outlets across the region.

Tickets can also be purchased through ticketmaster. Children under 12 accompanied by adults will be admitted free.

Last chance to book tickets for Mike Denver at The Hub It’s your last chance to grab tickets for one of the social events of the year as St Croans GAA Club present Mike Denver who will be performing at The Hub, Castlerea, this Saturday, 30th of May. For those who witnessed Mike Denver playing in Ballintubber for the past few years they will know what kind of a show to look forward to. The night will be filled with non-stop music to suit all ages.

This bank holiday evenings entertainment will kick off with Celtic Cru who are one of the most entertaining ballad groups on the scene at the moment, known for their rapturous ballads, lively music, unbelievable harmonies and fun and craic from the moment they take to the stage.

The great Mike Denver Band will then take to the stage and the adrenalin will start buzzing as they roll out one foot-tapping lively song after the other with hardly time for a breath in between!

Tickets are €15 and are available at the door or from the following outlets: Benny’s Deli, Castlerea; Cunnane Insurance, Castlerea and Mike Hollland Tyres, Ballintubber.

Get the weekend started at

Larry’s Bar

ew

N

(under the new management)

Goff Street, Roscommon Friday, 29th May:

€3

€3 Drinks Promotion on all drinks Sunday, 31st May:

BBQ in Beer Garden from 3pm Music from 9pm with

Eamon Kennedy Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 5 - 11pm Beer Friday & Saturday 1pm - 12.30 Garden Sunday 1 - 11.30pm Open Catering for all parties & special occasions Contact Paul on 090 66 26529

26

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Shane May, Louise Kelleher and John McLoughlin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Out & About

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Edel Gately, Stephen Frayne and Will Keane.

Picture: Andrew Fox

Ned’s Bar,

Knockcroghery Pictures: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Sinéad Fallon and Anne Rigney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Declan Coffey and Julie Daly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Cara Lally and Colm Gacquin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Ned’s Bar on Saturday night last were Tom Hogan, Alex Lopez and Ann Hughes. Picture: Andrew Fox --

27

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were John Fagan, Denise Conlon, Philip Fagan and Maureen Fagan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Margaret Heavey and Joe Casey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Margaret Heavey and Joe Casey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Out & About Shamrock Lodge Hotel

Athlone

Pictures: Andrew Fox Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Seán Heneghan, Mary Dunne, Deirdre Walsh and Bridie Nugent. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Bree Meagher, Catherine Keady, Anne Lynam and Breda Ryan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Noreen O’Connor, Alice Meagher, Patricia O’Meara and Marie O’Brien.

Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Mary Dillion, Mary Dunne, Denise Conlon and Roseanne McManus.

Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in the Shamrock Lodge were Mary Jo O’Farrell, Jacinta Digby, Annette Ryan and Joan Ormsby.

Picture: Andrew Fox

28

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day CASTLE STUDIOS

Bellas, Ballindrimley, Castlerea

Don’t allow your bridesmaids do a Pippa on you!

Miriam Kerins

Specialising in Wedding DVD Service provided for: Video to DVD Conversion Service, Weddings, Home Movies, Holiday, Sporting, Concerts, VHS to DVD, Camcorder to DVD, Photo to CD/DVD, Music to MP3, Editing Service, Musicals, Plays, Corporate Work, Conferences, Football matches and all types of sport.

Office: (094) 96 20610 Mobile: (087) 2308152 Email: info@seanbrownevideo.ie Web: www.seanbrownevideo.ie

Fairytale Brides Westmeath’s Centre of Bridal Excellence

Specialising in Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids & Flower Girls Main St., Delvin, Co. Westmeath www.fairytalebrides.ie

For Appointment Tel: 044 966 4620 / Text: 087 6340064

Martina’s Fashions Ballygar, Co. Galway.

Tel.: (090) 66 24561

Large selection of Summer Stock instore • Variety of Accessories • Catering from sizes 10-24 Gift Vouchers Available (Image for illustration purpose only)

• Hats and Fascinators For Hire • Selection of Kiddies Wear also in stock

Choosing your bridesmaids is probably one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a bride; choosing their dresses is probably way further down your list because let’s face it, none of us want to be upstaged by some taffetawearing terror a la Pippa Middleton who set pulses rising and dress sales soaring.

So, with that in mind, this week I’ve decided to put my stillettoed heel firmly down in my quest to help you co-ordinate your bridesmaids’ wedding attire.

Here’s my checklist…

Meet the dress maker on your own: Too many opinions aren’t helpful at this initial stage, but bring along some recent photos of the girlies and allow the dressmaker to study them.

You want your bridesmaids to feel comfy, happy and fashionable: Popular summer trends tend to lean towards spaghetti strap dresses in all lengths.

Bear in mind your curvier bridesmaids may appreciate a little shrug

to cover arms or broad shoulders, so give them the option.

You want your bridesmaids to fit in and flatter your overall theme: Make a list of their outstanding features and outline them for your dressmaker. For example, one lady may have a beautiful, elegant cleavage and a long neck and those are features you may like to highlight when choosing her dress style.

Your slimmest lady may have a tiny waist and long legs but dare I suggest it – a flat chest – so it’s important to keep this in mind and flatter her figure.

Remember: Proper fit is subjective and individual, so choose the dress size your bridesmaids feel most comfortable with. Order dresses to fit the largest part of their bodies and adjust to suit their individual body types.

If a dress is too large it can be altered; if it’s too small you’ve got a problem and your bridesmaids will be unhappy.

Some bridesmaids may even prefer a two-piece or separates rather than an all

in one design so discuss it with them but at the end of the day, you’re the bride, and you’re the boss!

And while I have to agree that there is something decidedly

wicked about forcing your friends to wear matching, bubble-shouldered, pastel confections showcasing bat-winged sleeves, elbow-length gloves and thigh-skimming hemlines

you should still try to be a courteous bride and allow your ladies in waiting to shine; but never, ever in such a way they detract from you and your own gorgeous gown.

Looking for summer’s best-seller?

Miriam Kerins

Well you’ve grafted hard all year paying for this wedding, the summer rain has been beating down on your pale Irish skin, and, quite frankly, even though you’re keen to be Green, right now, you’re far from concerned about those carbon footprints! What you want is sun, sun and more sun; and for that you’ve got to travel to exotic destinations; especially if an island retreat where you can while away those stressful pre wedding preparations whilst indulging in impeccable service is music to your ears.

It’s true, few people realise the importance of a holiday brochure. I mean, booking a honeymoon can be a highly emotional subject, especially as any old common or garden package holiday won’t do; so thorough research, as in airlines, travel times, travel deals, hotel accommodation, kiddies’ clubs (as lots of couples bring their little ones on honeymoon with them) or an ‘adults only’ resort if kids are not on your priority list, are all of major importance when choosing that dream destination.

So with varying travel trends showcasing some major European and world-renowned hotels who can replicate low cost, budgetfriendly deals in far-flung exotic places it’s

fair to say that if you’re getting hitched in 2015, the world is, indeed, your oyster.

And, for those of us who are used to spending our childhood holidays down on the farm with Nana and Grandad, maybe it’s time to broaden our horizons, gain a unique perspective and explore and embark on the aul longhaul stockade.

Therefore, if chasing the sun is top of your list this year, and you’re looking for inspirational ways to enjoy your holiday and aspirational destinations to consider, then it’s my opinion your travel agents’ shelves will most likely stock this year’s blockbuster read. So, with that in mind, why not pop down and explore luxurious, romantic honeymoon hideaways in the likes of beautiful South Africa where you can raise a glass of champers as you bask in the rugged shadow of Table Mountain or perhaps give in to the lure of those white hot sandy beaches on the Indian Ocean.

Then again the utterly romantic French Polynesian island of Bora Bora seems to conjure up images of love, legend and mystery and while it may seem like an unattainable fantasy those coconut palms, coral reefs and souring temperatures could well prove to be the perfect setting for loved-up couples to act out their wannabe Castaway fantasies!

29

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Luxury and style in heart of the West of Ireland

10th anniversary offers at McWilliam Park Hotel

The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, has become one of the most popular wedding venues in the West of Ireland, catering for weddings of all sizes.

Centrally located in Connacht, it’s an ideal location as a wedding venue for couples throughout the West of Ireland.

The McWilliam Park Suite is spacious enough to cater for weddings for up to 420 guests. It’s an approved wedding

venue for civil wedding services and has a beautiful garden available for photographs. The hotel is situated close to the scenic Clare Lake.

Planning your wedding for 2015 or 2016? The McWilliam Park Hotel has some fantastic all-inclusive packages available, starting from only €48 per person. To celebrate their 10th birthday, they are offering an amazing 10 per cent off their bride and groom delight package.

Also with their compliments, the hotel includes in its bride and groom package: red carpet arrival; champagne and canapés reception for all your guests; luxury bride suite on the night of your wedding; two deluxe rooms for the parents of the bride and groom; six rooms for the Bridal Party at 50 per cent reduction of the wedding rate; complimentary wedding taster; chair-cover and sash to compliment your bridal colours; fairy light backdrop; personalised tableplan and menus; plus more.

Call 094-9378000 today and arrange an appointment to meet with Alan Hynes, the general manager, or Suellen McKenna, the wedding coordinator, who will show you all the facilities of the hotel, including their luxury bridal suites – and go through all your options with you.

Call 094 93-78000 for further details or check out www.mcwiliampark.ie. Terms and conditions apply.

Watch the Birdie!

Pucker up and say CHEESE! Miriam Kerins

It’s your decision. You can trust what should be one of the most important days of your life to your brother – as I did because we were on a tight budget – or you could save like mad and invest in a professional wedding photographer.

Forget about the price tag: A professional will not come cheap but remember he/she should bring a wealth of experience to your day and should be capable of making even the most awkward of guests feel relaxed and blend together for that big group shot. However, make sure all fees are agreed upon and ask what happens in the event your photographer is indisposed on the day – does he/she have a back-up plan in place?

Speaking of back-up plans: A good photographer will probably need a year’s advance booking; so do your research now. Ask to see his/her previous work and get testimonials from other couples. Tell him/her that in order to get all the shots you want on your big day, like the cutting of the cake, the tossing of the bouquet or even staging your first dance together, (in case older guests want to leave early due to tiredness) your photographer will need to move swiftly and put in place an almost fool proof plan of action that suits every eventuality.

Bride & Grooms D

elight

TO CELEBRATE OUR

10th BIRTHDAY NEXT YEAR, WE ARE OFFERING...

10%

OFF

our Bride & Grooms Delight Package in 2016 *

* Terms and Conditions Apply

Champagne and Ca na Tea / Coffee / Bisc pés uits *** A Warm Salad of Spicy Chicken, Ch erry Tomatoes finished with a Pl um & Tomato Salsa & Red Onion Hot Bouchée of Cr Or eamy Chick served with Season en & Mushroom al Leaves *** Cream of Vegetabl e Soup *** Roast Prime Sir served with a Rich loin of Irish Beef Red Wine Reduct ion Or Grilled Fillet of At lantic Salmon with Crab & Chive Selection of Season Orzo on a parsley beurre blanc al Market Vegeta Creamed Potatoes bles, Roast and *** McWilliam Desser t Plate Chocolate Profitero consisting of Baileys Cheesecake, le and Homem and Hazelnut Brow ade Chocolate nie *** Freshly Brewed Te a or Coffee ** 2 pours of House * Wine plus a top up ** * Evening Bites: Sa ndwiches, Cockta il Sausages, Chicken Goujons, Tea & Coffee.

Price €48 per person

www.mcwilliampark.ie Call Suellen, our Experienced Wedding Co-ordinator on 094 93 78000 or email: events@mcwilliamparkhotel.ie

Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

30

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

MJ Farrell: Creating bespoke wedding rings for generations When it comes to wedding rings, whether you’re purchasing the latest fashion trend, converting your grandmother’s ring into your very own wedding ring, or choosing a bespoke style to match a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, there are few people as well placed to help you as you make your decision as jeweller Aidan Farrell, of MJ Farrell, Church Street, Roscommon.

The company has been supplying wedding rings for over 100 years and Aidan now has over 30 years’ experience in the business.

When asked about the trends Aidan has noticed in recent years, he immediately mentions the diamond-set wedding ring, a feature of many weddings in recent years.

However, wedding rings are also something very traditional and designed to be worn for life, so when choosing a ring, bear in mind that you want something which will wear well and which will not date.

“The Ladies ring, while fashionable and maybe set with

many diamonds, it must also be practical and wearable in the workplace that they can wear to work,” said Aidan Farrell.

“The trend of wearing engagement rings all the time is waning and many people get a diamonds in the wedding ring and wear it on its own.”

A very big part of the business at MJ Farrell is the creation of bespoke wedding rings.

“People get engaged all over the world and they come back with an unusual and exotic engagement ring and they have to get a fitted wedding band which will complement the engagement ring,” said Aidan.

“We specialise in hand-mak-

ing bespoke designs to match the engagement ring in gold or platinum.”

The price rise of metals, such as gold, on the commodity market means that people are looking for value for money now more than ever and that’s just what Aidan aims to provide at MJ Farrell.

A wedding ring is a very important purchase so you want to get it right. People having a special ring made worry ‘what if I don’t like it?’ or ‘what will it look like?’

With MJ Farrell, wax models of the rings are made, so you can fit it on and look at what the bespoke handmade ver-

sion will look like. All this takes time, so people need to be thinking about their wedding rings about three months before the wedding.

Budgeting is another important part of buying a wedding ring.

“You also need to have a budget,” added Aidan.

“If you have a budget, it’s possible to have rings in that range.

It doesn’t have to cost the earth.

The budget is a very important part of that and so is finding a jeweller who can deliver on that budget.”

With a history of one hundred years of wedding rings in the family, MJ Farrell have now

provided generations of Roscommon men and women with their wedding rings.

“We recently sold a wedding ring to a woman and she was the fourth female generation of her family to have bought her wedding ring in MJ Farrell,” added Aidan.

“It’s part of the tradition for many Roscommon families. We have people coming all parts of Ireland and indeed further afield simply because their parents got their ring here.”

Wedding rings are often associated with the bride-to-be, but men also have a large range of options to choose from.

The designs vary in terms of

colour and diamond set, as well as cut, but in general Irish men are more conservative than their European counterparts and sales of diamond set wedding rings would not be as big in Ireland as in Europe.

Most wedding rings are engraved with the name of the spouse and the date of the wedding.

Aidan said: “It is very useful for men to have the date of their anniversary on the inside of the ring, because then there is some chance that they might remember the date!”

Contact MJ Farrell on (090) 6626233 or email mjfarrell@ eircom.net.

Rosebud Weddings – the wedding decoration hire experts Church Street, Roscommon www.mjfarrell.com

Rosebud Weddings are Ireland’s leading suppliers of all wedding decoration hire service for Church, reception and ceremony including chair covers, rose arch, aisle arrangements, table centre pieces, silk or fresh flower arrangements, lanterns and more.

Rosebud Weddings also supply handmade wedding stationery and print and go range and ceremony booklets while they also sell handcrafted bridal bouquets, wedding candles and stands.

Their packages are designed as Sliver, Gold and Platinum and all packages can be customised to suit your style.

Why not add handmade wedding stationery to any Gold package and get 5% off the price of the wedding stationery and their platinum package get 10% off!

Rosebud Weddings also stock a fantastic range of candles including a three-piece candle holder set, a scattered pearl candle set and lace taper and candle sets.

For further information contact Rosebud Weddings Ireland on 086-0510501, log onto www.rosebudweddingsireland.com or email rosebudweddingsireland@gmail.com

31

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day Experience the splendour of an 18th Century Castle Manor Setting at the

ABBEY HOTEL ROSCOMMON

Mid week packages

from €39 and special packages from €43.50 on select weekend dates in 2015/16

Finalist for “Brides Choice” Castle Wedding Venue of the Year 2015 Mrs2Be

Pictured are Tom and Geraldine Grealy from the Abbey Hotel at the recent Weddings Online Black Tie Awards ceremony in Dublin, where the Abbey were selected as finalists for Wedding Venue of the Year in the Connacht Category and one of the top-50 wedding venues in Ireland.

Meet the newest addition to the Abbey Hotel team – weddings and events executive Aishling McConn. Email aishling.mcconn@abbeyhotel.ie or call 090-6626240 to discuss our range of wedding packages tailored to suit your individual taste and requirements. See www.abbeyhotel.ie

The Abbey Hotel - hosting weddings and events of distinction since 1963

Email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie or call Aishling on 090 6626240 for a private show around of our superlative award winning wedding venue.

Telephone: 090 6626240 • Email: weddings@abbeyhotel.ie Winners of the RAI 2014/15 Best Hotel Restaurant in County Roscommon

The Abbey Hotel is a fully licensed civil ceremony venue.

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa – a stunning venue for your luxury wedding Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa is a stunning venue for your luxury wedding celebration.

The romantic setting and breathtaking views are matched by creative menus and impeccable service.

This will truly be the luxury castle wedding day you have dreamed of...every bride wants her wedding to be as memorable and magical as it possibly can be and, at Kilronan Castle, the setting couldn’t be more perfect.

Tucked away from the rest of the world, the 200-year-old castle is a unique location on the shores of Lough Meelagh, situated between the beautiful villages of Keadue and Ballyfarnon, in north Roscommon.

Your day can be as relaxed as you want it to be, with the entire castle estate at your fingertips.

You can wander across our open lawns, and woodland pathways around Lough Meelagh

to find the perfect backdrop against which to set your timeless pictures.

The lawns provide a breathtaking setting for a champagne drinks reception on a summer’s day – and the castle’s backdrop is equally spectacular for a winter wedding.

Perfect for a grand affair, The Grand Ballroom in Kilronan

Castle can cater for 400 people while providing exquisite décor that sets a tone of opulence underneath magnificent chandeliers.

All-inclusive packages start from a superb €67 per person. For further information, please contact our sales department on 071-9618000 or email enquiries@ kilronancastle.ie

SHIRLEY SPELLMAN

Lanesboro St., Roscommon Tel: 090 66 30444 www.futureflowers.ie

32

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Sale & 2016 Collection coming soon at Dinagh Modes Bridal Boutique Dinagh Modes Bridal Boutique, The Demesne Road, Castlerea, are delighted to announce the arrival of their 2016 collection to their showroom in July.

These include the following brands: Essense of Australia, Stella York, Cabotine Novia, Moncheri, Sincerity, Lillian West and Sweetheart.

To make way for their 2016 collection, Dinagh Modes are holding a ‘sample sale’ in June. This sale will run for three days only – Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturay 27th – from 10 am to 6 pm. It will be by appointment only.

Dinagh Modes sample sale will host a selection from slim and elegant, sophisticated A-line to the romantically full fairytale styles in fabrics, which include French lace, duchess satins, thai silk, lustrous organza’s and crushed taffeta’s. All alterations on their sale dresses will be carried out inhouse by their qualified designers ensuring that they can stand behind every dress they sell.

For an appointment contact us on 094-9621688, from Tuesday to Saturday.

Follow Dinagh Modes on Facebook for more information and updates on their ‘sample sale’.

Our Stunning Bridal Suite.

Dinagh Modes

Bridal Boutique

Sample SALE

Thursday 25th June Friday, 26th June Saturday 27th June

CASTLEREA

from 10 am - 6pm

By Appointment Only

094 96 21688

2016 collection arriving into our showroom in July.

Follow us on

for information and updates on our sample SALE

Competition...

Sheraton Athlone Hotel in conjunction with the Roscommon People are delighted to offer one lucky reader 2 nights bed and breakfast Mid Week with one evening meal and a bottle of wine for 2 guests.

To win this wonderful prize please describe in one sentence why you would like to get married in Sheraton Athlone Please send your reply to sdowling@sheratonathlonehotel.com by the 14th of June and the prize winner will be announced on the 21st of July 2015

Offer subject to availability. T&C apply. Available on selected packages only.

090 6451060

www.sheratonathlonehotel.com sdowling@sheratonathlonehotel.com

33

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day Award-winning formal hire collection at Donnellan & Co

Situated just outside the quaint village of Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Glasson Country House Hotel could be your ideal wedding venue.

Glasson Country House Hotel – your wedding venue with a difference If you are looking for a wedding venue ‘with a difference’, with stunning panoramic lake views and superb food, then you have to pay a visit to Glasson Country House Hotel and Golf Club.

Situated just outside the quaint village of Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Glasson Country House Hotel could be your ideal wedding venue.

As you enter the gates and drive down ‘The Avenue’, with its ancient beech trees, you are welcomed by stunning panoramic views out over the golf course and the inner lakes of Lough Ree. Your arrivals reception takes place in a private room, blessed with floor-to-ceiling glass, designed to make the most of the spectacular setting, with a roaring ‘real’ log fire.

When you walk up the feature spiral staircase, you will once again get the ‘wow’ factor. The elevated setting further enhances the views and you can relax on the spacious balcony after your delicious meal.

The quality of the food and the warmth and efficiency of the service are both key elements of the success of all the weddings at Glasson.

Glasson have been consistently receiving excellent feedback; have a look at www.tripadvisor.com to see for yourself.

Let the wedding experts at Glasson help you arrange your special day. They are more than happy to tailor their sample packages to suit your own particular requirements.

Your wedding guests can enjoy four-star luxury with the added bonus of being able to choose from a private cruise, a game of golf or an on-site massage for the ‘day after’.

The hotel are proud to introduce the award-winning planning software Moposa – a fantastic tool that will help all brides and grooms with the wedding budget, RSVPs, the seating plan and much more.

Confirm your booking at Glasson and you can relax, knowing that they will take care of your every need on your special day.

Please contact the hotel on 090-6485120 or by email at info@glassoncountryhouse.ie if you wish to arrange your own personal viewing. Maybe take the time to arrange an appointment now.

Feel free to visit Glasson’s website, www.glassoncountryhouse.ie, to register your wedding enquiry details.

As a family-owned and managed property, you can be assured of a genuine commitment to making sure that you, your families and all your guests have a truly memorable occasion at Glasson.

One thing that never goes out of style is excellent craftsmanship, and the awardwinning formal hire collection at Donnellan & Co, Roscommon, adds a timeless quality to the art of looking impeccable on your wedding day.

Give yourself that distinctive edge and evolve your look to something new. Key trends this summer include the popular navy blue, a great alternative to black, and is certainly the perfect way to show off a sense of style.

Formal hire expert at Donnellan & Co., Siobhan Burgoyne explains the key points for every groom this season.

“Impeccably styled: a tailored suit looks relaxed and sharp for today’s fashionconscious, modern man.

“Blue is the colour of the season. Play safe with navy or stand out in electric blue.

Impeccable tailored suit – this look is effortless and you cannot go wrong with a classic three piece which is guaranteed to create a dignified impression.

“Accessorise – inject your unique touch with a quirky dickie bow and matching pocket square, it’s sure to catch the eye.

Most grooms now purchase their own suit, so remember, a navy suit is one of the most versatile items you can own, as it’s elegant enough for your big day but also smart enough to wear to any other formal occasion thereafter.”

To book your appointment at award winning Donnellan & Co., Roscommon you can call Siobhan on 090-6626334 or check out the full formal hire collection online at Donnellan.ie.

Call us to arrange your personal show around

or Trip Advis ’ Travellers s ard Choice Aw r – Winne 2015

Telephone: 090 64 85120 E: info@glassoncountryhouse.ie www.glassoncountryhouse.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Tullamore Court Hotel’sWedding Band Showcase See and hear some of the best local bands on June 7 The Wedding Band Showcase at the Tullamore Court Hotel is the perfect way to save yourself time by viewing some of the best local wedding bands from the Big Day Agency all in one day!

The Cosmonauts, The Vows, the Rockets featuring Derek Feery and the Satellites will be at the hotel on June 7, performing some of their best-loved wedding songs. All concerned will be happy to have a chat and discuss your favourite songs and playlists.

Also on hand on the day will be the hotel’s wedding team – their promise to you is to surpass your highest expectations.

With over 17 years’ experience, the wedding team at the Tullamore Court Hotel understand that every couple is different and are dedicated to making your wedding day as individual as you are.

The four-star hotel can accommodate weddings of up to 400 guests and with natural daylight a must, the wall-to-wall windows in the banqueting suite add the final touch.

Whether you dream of a big event, or a more intimate gathering is to your taste, the wedding team at the Tullamore Court Hotel would be

delighted to tailor-make a bespoke wedding day for you.

Put your trust in the Tullamore Court Hotel and you won’t be disappointed, but don’t just take our word for it. View testimonials and photographs online at www.tullamorecourthotel.ie Wedding packages begin at €42.50 per person for 2015/2016 weddings.

Call Donna on 057-9346689 for more details.

Telephone: 057 9346666

Shearwater Hotel’s intimate wedding showcase takes place on June 14th The beautiful Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe are having their intimate wedding Showcase on Sunday June 14th from 2 pm-5 pm. It promises to be a fantastic informative day for all couples planning their future wedding dates.

Your wedding day is a life-defining experience and the skilled Shearwater team are with you every step of the way. They understand the time, effort and cost of planning an event as big

as this. They will walk you through the day, answer all your questions and leave you fully informed to make the right choices.

Shearwater weddings are going from strength to strength. Wedding Consultant Karyn Berrigan told the Roscommon People that they are receiving enquires and bookings for as far as 2017/18.

“A lot of couples living abroad are

coming home to get married and we are simply thrilled they feel confident that we will meet all their needs,” she said. “The fact that we cater for large weddings from 50-450 guests helps!

We ensure that all our brides trust our capability and proficiency. They relax in knowledge that they are in good hands.

“I love weddings and still get excited before each Shearwater wedding – as a team we all work together to ensure every facet of the day is a success. It reminds me of my own wedding day so I understand the importance of things running smoothly.”

At the Showcase you will learn how to get that beautiful skin glow from our Heather and Earth spa team. They will be on hand to give complimentary consultations throughout the day. Once you book your wedding, get in shape with our couples free full years gym membership.

Shearwater’s wedding team have paid close attention to what’s on trend and have some fantastic visual ideas to show you not to mention a glass of Bubbles to celebrate the good news.

So mark your calendar June 14th (2 pm-5pm) – a date with Shearwater’s wedding team! To book your appointment with a wedding consultant contact: weddings@shearwaterhotel.com or call 090-9630400 for further information.

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Say I do to the Athlone Springs Hotel The Athlone Springs Hotel is a beautiful venue in the heart of Ireland. They are not just a venue; they are your wedding planners and can help you with all aspects of your wedding from the ceremony to the entertainment.

The most important part when choosing your wedding venue is that you feel welcomed from the moment you arrive, experiencing personal service with a smile and excellent food that will have your guests raving about your wedding for years to come.

“It’s all about the little things that make a big difference to your day and it is our promise that we will take care of everything, so you can celebrate with your family and friends” says wedding coordinator Nicola Nestor.

This contemporary venue hosts a welcoming lobby and drinks reception area in Cedar Cocktail Bar and the stunning Clonellan Ballroom caters for weddings of up to 300 guests.

The hotel also has its own private garden, where you can escape for your photographs and the Manhattan bridal suite is the height of luxury.

They know that planning your big day is not easy when you are trying to budget and still have the wedding of your dreams.

The wedding team have recently launched an amazing 2015/2016 wedding package that starts from €42.50 per person.

Their wedding packages include complimentary wedding favours and you can choose

from a wedding car, three-tier personalised cake, photobooth, music on arrival, three complimentary rooms for your guests on the night of the wedding, civil ceremony package, candy cart reception, personalised monogram and lighting for your ballroom, cocktail and canapé drinks reception and evening buffet ‘chipper-style’.

If you would like to pop in and visit Nicola and the team, just call 090-6444444 or email events@athlonespringshotel. com.

Capture you wedding day on video with Sean Capturing your special wedding day on video provides you with a family heirloom to keep for generations and Seán Browne, from Castlerea, a videographer with over 25 years experience, is renowned for his emphasis on quality productions at affordable prices.

Sean Browne is a well-known figure around Castlerea and County Roscommon.

He has been involved in the wedding video business for over 25 years, operating primarily within the counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo.

In that time, he has built up a very strong reputation, based on his relaxed manner and professional services.

Sean’s style of capturing your big day is based upon one important thing – your wishes.

“It is totally up to the bride and groom on how

Sean Browne is a well-known figure around Castlerea and County Roscommon.

we interact with them and their guests during the wedding day,” said Seán.

“If you prefer a discreet documentary-style of recording, that is how we will approach the shoot.

“If you like more interaction with some set-up ‘funny shots’, then once again this is no problem.

“Regardless of what style you select, you can be assured that your wedding day video will be produced by an artisan who aims to deliver a family heirloom.”

Seán uses Panasonic broadcast quality cameras for all of his wedding videos to ensure that his customers get the very best in picture quality.

Good sound quality is the mark of a professional videographer and Seán uses the latest wireless sound technology to ensure that the ceremony and speeches are recorded to the highest standard.

In these times, where money is not as plentiful as it once was, some couples are turning to friends and family to produce their wedding video and indeed wedding photography.

“My advice to you is simple – ask a friend who has been married recently if they’d exchange their professional wedding video for the price they paid for it,” said Seán.

“I guarantee you that the vast majority would say ‘never’ and that the wedding video is played more times than the wedding album is ever looked at!”

Castle Studios is the title of Seán’s videographer business.

He has carried out extensive work for a number of corporate clients over the years.

Seán regularly captures all the main sporting action for the GAA and he is available for all types of functions and family gatherings. Contact Seán on 087-2308152/094-9620610 or emailseanbrowne@eircom.net

35

36

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa

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Packages for 2016 from

€69 per person

Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon. 071 96 18000 or enquiries@kilronancastle.ie Download App − kilronancastle.ie/app www.kilronancastle.ie

37

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Wedding Packages Hold...” o t d n a e v “To Ha nths before wedding ms

“Here Comes the

6 mo Underar emoval— a R ir a H r Lase ini Are & Any Bik abrasions rm 3 Microde Facials 3 Bioline

80) sually €13 U ( 0 2 9 € Package 460 SAVE €

Bride!”

3 months b efore wedd ing 3 Advance M icrodermabra sion 1 Bioline Faci al 1 Teeth Whi tening

Package € 41

9 (Usually € 589) SAVE €170

“I Do!”

1 month before wedding 1 Advanced Microdermabrasion 1 Bioline Facial 1 Teeth Whitening

Package €239 (Usually €369) SAVE €130

“Here Come the Gir ls!”

3 Bridesmaids 1 Advanced Microd ermabrasion & 1 Teeth Whitening per Bridesmaid

Package €567 (U sually €807) SAVE €240

“Mama Mia!”ing

wedd 6 weeks before 1 per week 6 Bioline Facials—

sually €660) Package €450 (U SAVE €210

...check out: www.edenskinandlaser.ie RosMed Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Phone: +353 (0)90 6625904 • Mail: info@edenskinandlaser.ie

ALL OUR CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE

‘Hello – how can we change your life today?’

By Lucy Carty

W

e at Eden Skin and Laser Clinic are delighted to introduce to you our amazing wedding packages suitable of every member of the bridal party.

We have put these packages together based on our years of experience of what every bride wants.... beautiful glowing skin on their wedding day and hair-free for their honeymoon. Planning your big day can be great fun but very stressful at times so allow us to take prepping your skin off your hands.

These packages are designed to suit everyone’s timeframe and budget.

What do our packages include?

Laser Hair Removal: Have a hair-free honeymoon with Laser Hair Removal-no more ingrown hairs or waiting for your next wax. By far our most popular treatment here in Eden Skin and Laser Clinic.

Remove unwanted hair faster and more effectively with laser treatment. Note: We use the Cynosure Elite Medical Grade Laser system the industry’s leading system for achieving superior and longer lasting results.(not IPL).

Teeth Whitening: Smile with confidence for your photos with Cosmetic Teeth Whitening. At The Pearly Parlour we offer a stand-alone ‘Self-Treatment’ in clinic often referred to as a ‘laser’ treatment. The results can vary from 8-12 shades brighter. This treatment is painless, effective and safe.

Advanced Microdermabrasion: We at Eden Skin and Laser Clinic use the Derma Genesis M2 medical system to perform this effective exfoliating treatment. Dubbed ‘the lunchtime facial’ microdermabrasion is safe, pain-free and immediately helps restore a smoother younger looking skin. More and

Andrew Fox Photography ROSCOMMON TEL: 089 4146620 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Wedding Packages from €600 • Styling for all occasions • Specialising in cuts, colours and highlights

• Kilkerrin Rd., Glenamaddy.

• For an appointment call Carol or Hannah on (094) 96 38741

Lucy Carty of Eden Skin & Laser Clinic, Roscommon town.

more make-up artists are recommending this treatment to prepare the skin for perfect bridal wedding make-up.

Bioline Jato Facials: Preparing for your wedding can be stressful. Our advice? Relax and enjoy this time!

Bioline Jato facials combine the latest technology

in skincare with relaxing massage. Bioline products are filled full of vitamins and minerals to nourish and treat the skin. Compliment your microdermabrasion treatments with a relaxing facial that delivers results in the days coming up to your big day.

Remember we are always available to advise

you on prepping and maintaining your results.

For further information on these treatments or any of the many more treatments carried out at Eden Skin and Laser clinic go to www.edenskinandlaser. ie, contact 090-6625904 or email infor@edenskinandlaser.ie. All consultations are free.

Opening Hours Tues - Thurs 10am - 6pm Friday: 10am - 8pm Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday by request

Rosebud Weddings - Ireland Wedding Decoration Hire & Handmade Wedding Stationery

Proprietors: Gerry & Caroline Tobin

Loughenbrine, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Phone: 086

0510 501

www.rosebudweddings-ireland.com Email: rosebudweddingsireland@gmail.com

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Shearwater Weddings C R E AT I N G

LASTING

MEMORIES

INTIMATE W EDDING SHOW CASE SUNDAY JUNE 14TH 2 – 5 PM WEDDING CONSULTANT APPOINTMENTS WELCOMED

CALL 090 9630400

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WEDDINGS@SHEARWATERHOTEL.COM

www.shearwaterhotel.com

39

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Make cherished memories last with Klassic Cleaners Now available! The keepsafe wedding gown box Let Klassic Cleaners in Roscommon town make your most cherished memories last with their keep safe wedding gown box preservation system service.

Unfortunately the cake, flowers and reception don’t last forever, but your wedding gown is one of the few safekeeps that stays with you. So this is where the keepsafe wedding gown box comes in.

This service provides the protection essential to your heirlooms while offering an elegant package to showcase them. The features of this system ensure your gown will withstand the test of time and provide you with peace of mind.

The system begins with a careful cleaning process. Once cleaned and carefully inspected, your dress is gently hand folded with layers of protective tissue and lightly placed into the perfectly sized, archival quality storage chest.

The keepsafe box also provides a unique viewing window that lets you looks at your dress without disturbing the package. The sturdy double-reinforced construction prevents your gown from being crushed or damaged, bust form holds your upper gown’s shape while acid-free tissue paper helps prevent yellowing and fabric weakness.

But there are very important facts you should know about caring for your gown. Avoid leaving the dress on a hanger which can ruin the shape, or in a plastic bag which can retain moisture or cause yellowing. Get your gown cleaned or preserved as soon as possible to ward off irreversible damage.

Klassic

Church Street, Roscommon.

090 66 25995

Cleaners

Keepsafe Wedding Gown Preservation System

After preservation, store your dress in a dry, cool environment and avoid basements, musty attics and direct sunlight.

The keepsafe wedding gown box is also great for storage, which is another very attractive selling point of the product.

It is now available at Klassic Cleaners in Roscommon, who contintue to provide a first class dry cleaning and laundry service to the region.

Contact them today on 090-6625995 for further information.

For all your ‘special occasion’ wear, call to Clara Ellen!

Longford

Here at Clara Ellen we have a passion for exceptional style We cater for every occasion from casual daywear to glamorous occasionwear, Mother of the Bride & Groom outfits, Bridesmaid dresses and much more Clara Ellen Summer Stock now in store – perfect for all your special events Whether its for a Wedding, the Races or any special occasion our fascinators and headpieces are perfect for completing your outfit Large selection of Graduation Dresses now available

Longford • 043 3348361• Like us on Facebook/claraellenlongford

Located at Dublin Street, Longford, Clara Ellen caters for all types of special occasion wear.

At Clara Ellen, there’s a very evident passion for exceptional style and class. Clara Ellen caters for every occasion from casual day wear to glamorous occasion wear, while mother of

the bride and bridesmaid dresses and clothing for grooms remain amongst their specialties.

The boutique recently launched their new summer season stock in store. Why not pop along today to discover their considerable and stylish collection?

Offering trendy and unique

styles of clothing, footwear and accessories the collections at Clara Ellen are updated regularly, encompassing the latest popular looks of the season at affordable prices.

For further information contact Clara Ellen, Dublin Street, Longford, on 043-3348361.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Planning your Wedding Day

Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens wins ‘Best Castle Venue of the Year’ Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens is delighted to announce that they have won the Best Castle Venue of the Year category at the Mrs2Be Awards 2015.

The Awards were carried out on Twitter last week, which lead to #Mrs2Be trending in Ireland on Thursday last.

This is Lough Rynn’s second accreditation in this category this year, as the wedding venue won the same award at the Weddingonline Awards in February of this year also.

Lough Rynn is renowned as being one of Ireland’s most romantic wedding venues, this secluded castle is majestically set on the shore of Lough Rynn, surrounded by over three hundred acres of breath taking scenery Seamlessly blending old-world elegance with contemporary luxuries, Lough Rynn Castle delivers impeccable, unobtrusive service that is never compromised. The castle is tucked away from the rest of the world, this estate is entirely unique.

This will truly be the wedding day you have dreamed of..... every bride wants her wedding to be as memorable and magical as it possibly can be and at Lough Rynn Castle, the setting couldn’t be more perfect.

Lough Rynn are offering all-inclusive packages from only €65 per person, for more information or to sample the atmosphere please contact the Sales Department – tel: 071-9632700; email: enquiries@loughrynn.ie or visit www. loughrynn.ie

41

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Living&Lifestyle

Exam results are important but they don’t define you as a person ‘Relax, it’ll all be grand (but the weather will be sunny)’ says our columnist Miriam Kerins as she provides some timely advice for exam students – and their parents

T

he pressure is mounting, readers. It’s Junior and Leaving Cert week, meaning households right across the County of Roscommon are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, emotional exhaustion and displaying nails that are bitten right down to the quick…and that’s just the parents!

However, whether you’re a student whose mock exam results didn’t reflect the enormous effort you’ve put into studying or if you’re a parent who’s concerned for your child’s welfare during this important time, let me say that as a mother who has gone through this whole hell-inducing scenario twice, and as someone who was scarily tasked with trying to get a friend’s teen up from foundation to higher level English, (happily she got a B+), as we say in north Dublin, “ders no point in gettin’ up ta 90, day’ll be grand!”

Mind you that’s easy for me to say now; and I remember my own exams (back in the Stone Age), where, in the lead-up I experienced severe stomach pains, insomnia, changes in appetite and some pretty deep and manic mood swings in my efforts to file away the valuable information I’d studied; trying hard to retain it and being ready to whip it out at any time when the appropriate exam question arose.

Back then, I was the quintessential, obsessive, vi-

tal and vibrant student desperate for perfection and it nearly drove me to a nervous breakdown. It is for this very reason that I refused to put any pressure – well, very little pressure – on both my girls when their exams came round. Mind you it was impossible to put pressure on No. 1 daughter whose idea of sitting her Leaving Cert exams was to turn up and use ‘eeny, meeny, miny, moe’ as her selection process for answering multiple choice questions!

Seriously, her father had to dangle a large whiskey and a Prozac on the end of a stick to entice me off a high window ledge when she told me this!

So, in the interest of trying to share my experience with readers, I’ve put together what I hope are some helpful tips to get you and your precious babies through this important and stressful time.

Play is as important as studying: When they decide to cram in some extra study time the evening before an exam, help them to plan to do only an hour – two max – by making sure you’ve organised some relaxing and fun activity for them. This could be as simple as taping their favourite comedy TV show and sitting down to watch it together with some goodies. Better still, joining them for a nice walk or a swim at the local leisure centre will help you both wind down and get a good night’s sleep.

Speaking of sleep: Drizzle a few drops of one hundred per cent essential lavender oil on the tip of a clean, fresh pillowcase about fifteen minutes before they go to bed. For those who are doing Shakespeare’s Hamlet (I did Julius Caesar), you’ll know that Ophelia says “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance, pray, love, remember;” and she was right. Rosemary helps with concentration; consequently each morning I used to pin a fresh sprig of rosemary to my girls’ school jumpers. Of course they ripped it off the second they got out of my sight!

Goodies: While sweet treats are important and there’s nothing as comforting as a big fat Toblerone when watching the hilarious Modern Family, remember to offer some foods that can boost their concentration and energy like oily fish, nuts, broccoli, spinach and blueberries. Also, cut out fizzy drinks and try to get them to drink plenty of water.

(I know, it’s almost impossible given the state of our water but all you can do is try).

I was lucky in that when my two were doing their exams, due to my work schedule at RTE where shows I worked on ended in May and began in August, I was at home so I’d drive them to school, pick them up at lunchtime and take them out to a local café rather than have them stressing and trying to cram for the next exam, or worse, hold a postmortem with their friends. We are our worst critics and it’s not helpful to analyse where we’ve gone wrong when exams have finished and papers have been handed in; so a distraction is always best. Mind you No. 1 daughter didn’t – and still doesn’t – do stress in any situation. She has such strong self-belief we jokingly call her Maggie Thatcher.

So, with that in mind, if you’re a student who is sitting their exams, remember this; important though your results are, they do not define you as a person.

You are a valuable, beautiful, human being who has so much to offer this world. You’ve worked bloody hard which is why you will manage to get through the next two weeks. You will reach your goals and without a shadow of any doubt I can assure you, your family will be immensely proud of you.

I can also assure you without any irony whatsoever, that while you’re sitting those exams the temperatures outside will be soaring and the sun will be splitting the rocks in County Roscommon.

Go n-éirí libh!

From My Kitchen Table

MIRIAM KERINS

‘Our customers are at the heart of our business’ Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies and Health Stores celebrate 10th anniversary

Eirinn’s ponytail to be cut for charity!

Shane Reynolds An 11-year-old Ballaghaderreen girl will raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society through the Rapunzel Foundation, where participants cut their hair for charity.

Eirinn Hartley has grown her ponytail to several feet in length to help Rapunzel Foundation to make wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment. Eirinn will be in Boots in Roscommon town at 3 pm on Saturday 30th of May where Anne Kelly from Anne Kelly Hair & Beauty Salon will be doing the big chop!

Donations buckets are in store now and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies and Health Stores are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of two of their stores – in Bunree, Ballina and the Harrison Centre, Roscommon.

The first pharmacy in the west of Ireland based healthcare group opened in 1998 in Ballina and has now grown to include five Lifestyle Pharmacies and Health Stores in Ballina, Crossmolina, Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon.

On achieving another positive milestone in the group’s history with both stores celebrating 10 years in business Martina Geraghty, Director of Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies went on to say: “We are very proud of our company’s history and of working and living within the communities we serve.

“Our customers are at the heart of our business, and our staff, some of whom have been with us since opening the doors to our first pharmacy, play a key role in our success to date by delivering constant customer satisfaction and we all work hard every day to evolve and grow with our customer needs”.

Each Lifestyle Pharmacy in the group has a clear focus on delivering patient satisfaction and aims to provide preventative medicine and natural healthcare whenever possible to compliment traditional medicines. In addition to the dispensary, each store stocks a significant range of health food supplements.

Including a large variety of whole, organic and natural foods alongside a wide range of vitamins, minerals and supplements as well as offering many other healthcare services including: Cholesterol testing, Blood Glucose testing, Intolerance testing, Blood pressure monitoring, Free blister packing of medication and Private consultations.

Speaking on the direction of the group, Managing Director

Celebrating

Bunree, Ballina & Harrison Centre, Roscommon James Geraghty: “In the Molloys Lifestyle Group we have a clear focus on providing solid community based health care and our number one priority is the health of our customers. We have focused our attention, particularly in the past five years to develop our own range of products that will help improve the lives of our customers, these products include the ‘Benevits’ range of vitamins and supplements formulated by myself, for our customers and produced to the highest standards.”

The Molloys Lifestyle Group has also recently developed, tested

and brought to market a range of supplements called NutriSci. The range of products has been developed to bring health benefits to men and women both in who have sporting and/or lifestyle goals including Weight Management and Sporting Improvements.

“NutriSci is formulated right here in Ballina and is produced in Ireland with the highest quality Irish Dairy ingredients on the market,” continued James.

Each pharmacy has also invested significantly in the other key departments including Beauty with many stores now employing make up artist’s offering skin analysis and makeup applications as well as an extensive selection of giftware, suitable for all occasions.

While the Ballina-based pharmacy group is celebrating 10 years in business with a 20% sale this bank holiday weekend, the group is already looking to the future for the next 10 years that lie ahead.

“We wish to thank all our loyal customers for their patronage and support since we opened and we look forward to being of service for another 10 years to come,” echoed Martina and James.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Living&Lifestyle

FRANKLY SPEAKING

Frank Brandon’s unique take on life ...

The same-sex marriage vote: We did ourselves proud As I sipped a lovely creamy pint of Guinness in Mikeen’s last weekend (I didn’t go out at all this weekend), a friend of mine gave me an earful for, firstly not mentioning the samesex marriage referendum in any of my recent columns, and secondly for not advocating a ‘Yes’ vote.

I didn’t feel the need to make any excuse, because I didn’t think my own particular feelings on the subject would make any difference, and, in truth, it was up to everyone to make up their own minds, but I did tell him that when the result was known, I would give my reaction to whatever the people of Ireland had decided.

And today, in common with a large majority of Irish people, I am happy, indeed proud, that with a stroke of the pen, we have changed for the better the lives of so many fellow Irish men and women, and they need not now live their lives in fear, exclusion and loneliness. I think, in the end, it was the realisation that this referendum was about real people – uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters – that swayed the voters, and made us all realise that we held the futures of so many of our friends and relations in our hands.

I’m sure there’s lots of legislation to be done in the next few weeks and months, before the first marriage can take place, but I’m sure the news will be a boost to hotels, florists, bands and photographers, and anyone else who makes a few bob our of weddings. As for Ireland, we did ourselves proud with the eyes of the world upon us, and we should all be feeling that bit better for what we’ve just done.

Connacht’s woe Talking of feeling better, I don’t think I have ever felt worse than I did at around 5 o’clock on Sunday evening, as I watched a terrible French referee, Romain Poite, give a huge call against Connacht at

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

What It Said In The Papers

by SHANE REYNOLDS

Gloucester, which former England player Ben Kay called “disgraceful”, and which eventually cost the western province what in my opinion would have been their greatest ever victory, certainly in my lifetime.

There were only a couple of seconds left on the clock, with Connacht ahead by 25 points to 18, and a large number of Gloucester’s followers on their way home, when Poite (some papers are calling him ‘Potty’) gave a penalty to the English side, which should certainly have gone the other way. The rest, as they say, is history. A shattered Connacht side lost out, after extra-time, and Gloucester are into a play-off next weekend against Bordeaux, to earn a place in next season’s Champions Cup. As for Connacht, I’m sure they are desperately disappointed, but I have to say their commitment, desire, effort and bravery was extraordinary, and if ever a team died with its boots on, they did, and they could not have done any more in their quest for further glory. I think this was our own clubman Adrian Leddy’s last official outing as President of the Connacht branch and, apart from the result, what a way to go.

McShane’s courage Sticking with sport for another couple of minutes, yesterday (Sunday) was another of those days when I watched a lot of sport. I saw some Premiership soccer, the Connacht rugby match, and a bit of the ClareLimerick hurling match, and yet again, looking at the soccer was like watching paint dry. However I have often been very critical of overpaid, pampered, spoilt soccer players, and indeed, most of them are, but yesterday I actually saw one player, Paul McShane of Hull City, who showed true character and guts, and earned whatever money the now sadly-relegated Hull side pay him.

McShane, who is of course a true

Counting of votes in the same-sex marriage referendum at the Dr. Hyde Centre, Roscommon on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Fox

son of Wicklow, took a terrible tackle from Manchester United’s Fellaini, which left him with a bleeding leg and a bandaged head. Hull had already used up all their three subs and it looked as if they would have to finish the game with ten men. The funny thing is it wouldn’t have meant a lot anyway, as it was pretty much guaranteed at this stage that Hull were definitely going to get relegated, but, nonetheless, after a few minutes’ treatment, McShane got to his feet and took his place on the field for the final 15 or minutes or so.

He was in obvious pain, but he played as if he was 100% fit, and, while he may not be the most skillful player we have ever seen, he certainly is, and always has been, a footballer who gives everything he’s got, and is a credit to his county and his country.

What the future holds for manager Steve Bruce, the Hull City club and

50 Years Ago Girl’s Bicycle Was Taken “He thought someone else had taken his cycle by mistake and he knew the cycle he was taking was not his own.”

This was the position relating to the accused, it was said at Tuesday’s Roscommon Court, when a man was charged with taking away a pedal bicycle without the consent of the owner. He was fined £2. Supt. F. Keaney, Roscommon, prosecuted, and the defendant, who appeared, was not professionally represented. Sheila McDermott, a young girl, stated that on the date in question she came into Knockcroghery on her bicycle to do some shopping. When she went into the shop she left the bicycle outside. “When I came back it was gone,” said witness. “I did not see it until I got it back from the Gaurds a few days after. I did not give anyone authority to take it.”

Garda Matthew Reynolds told the court that after receiving a report that the bicycle was missing his investigations led him to the defendant. The accused lived near Knockcroghery and as witness approached his home in his car he met the defendant riding a pedal cycle. As he opened the door of his

McShane himself is not clear, but, if he has to move on, the Wicklow man will never give anything less than total effort to whatever club he may be at.

As for the hurling, it was a typical Munster Championship fare –hard, fast and tough, and, in the end, it brought a one-point victory for Limerick. I enjoyed the game, but Davy Fitzgerald’s interview at the end was the highlight. He wears his heart on his sleeve and makes no effort to hide his feelings or emotions. Davy felt his Clare lads had got the wrong end of the stick with referee Colm Lyons, and while not being specific, made sure we all knew it.

Tidy Towns Talking of competitions, one of the best ones to generate enthusiasm in local communities is the Tidy Towns competition, and all over the country

car, the defendant said to him “Are you looking for a pedal cycle?”

The cycle which the defendant was using at the time was the missing one.

The defendant, in evidence, said he had attended a clinic in Knockcroghery that day and left his blue bicycle outside.

One of the children apparently came along and took his bicycle when he was inside and when he came out he thought his own machine was taken in mistake and he took the one which was left. They were both ladies bicycles.

“It was all a mistake,” argued the defendant.

Justice: “You say you attended a clinic. Did you attend any other place?” Defendant: “No, no other place.”

Justice: “Miss McDermott had to walk for six miles because you took this bicycle.”

He then fined the defendant £2 and ordered him to pay 10p expenses.

100 Years Ago Carson on top For the last 10 years the Irish party kept the Liberal Government in power and now in its place we have a mixed

towns and villages are getting themselves ready in preparation for this year’s judgement, and here in Creggs it’s no different.

The volunteers are beginning to appear a bit late due to the inclement weather, and as they face into many hours of unpaid volunteer work it’s important for all to acknowledge the great work that has been done in improving the appearance of our little border village.

There is a very active committee of ten or so members in Creggs and over the years through sheer hard work and dedication, they have transformed the village into a place we can all be very proud of. Hundreds of plants and flowers and shrubs and trees have been sowed, with, I’m told, the financial support of the local businesses – and, to be fair, the end result has been spectacular.

Once again the committee is on the trail of whatever financial help they can get, and I’m sure everyone in the village will support them in whatever way they can.

And finally…

Finally, for this week, as another Eurovision Song Contest has come and gone, and as Ireland once again failed to qualify for the final, I have to say I enjoyed a programme on RTE during the week which looked back at 50 years of Eurovision.

It served to remind us of the wonderful contribution Ireland gave to it, particularly in the early years, and it was great to see showband stars Butch Moore “Spit on me Dickie” (Rock), Sean Dunphy and Pat McGeegan represent us, back in the 1960s. All the footage was in black and white, and it was great viewing.

‘Til next week, Bye for now

cabinet of Liberal and Unionists.

Sir Edward Carson, for whose arrest and trial a large section of the English Press were some months ago calling, has come on top with a salary of £15,000 a year, and a seat in the Cabinet.

The poor little Home Rule Bill about which so much has been written is now as dead as Brian Boru. Amongst the legions of place hunters there is now weeping and gnashing of teeth. All Ireland gets at the eleventh hour is treachery and backlashings.

The wheel of fortune has turned, and Carson is brought on top. He can now crow that he has beat the National Party tactics. Mr Redmond was offered a seat in Cabinet, but well he knew its meaning. Within the next few weeks the Coalition Government face the problem of Conscription, and Mr Redmond could not very well be a party to this.

A writer says: “’The Freeman,’ in its banishee wail for the Government that is gone, appears to hint that Mr Redmond’s Party can be relied on to oppose conscription.”

This seems to be somewhat absurd…under the late Government no matter what his former policies were every job seeker had to be branded ‘Nationalist’ or ‘Liberal’ before he could aspire to a Government situation.

43

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Living&Lifestyle

Lecarrow Benevolent Fund committee hoping to break €20,000 mark Carriage vintage drive, raffle and auction on Saturday < SHANE REYNOLDS

The Lecarrow Benevolent Committee are holding their main fundraising event this weekend as they host a carriage vintage drive followed by a raffle

and auction later that night in Kelly’s.

The Lecarrow Benevolent Committee raise large amounts of money every year and distribute it to very worthy causes in the locality. Last year their ef-

forts yielded an amazing €19,500 and this year they hope to break the €20,000 mark.

From 2.30 pm this Saturday 31st of May the Lecarrow Community Centre will host a vintage

carriage drive (strictly no sulkies). Admission is €10 and there will be driver’s prizes issued afterwards in Kelly’s Lounge, where refreshments will be served.

Later on the night a draw for the monster fundrais-

Pictured at the recent Lecarrow Benevolent Fund committee cheque presentation for €2,500 for the purchase of a Krank Cycle for use in the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department were committee members along with members of Roscommon Hospital.

ing raffle takes place in Kelly’s. On offer are a host of amazing prizes including €500 in cash, a sun holiday, a two-night B&B break, TVs, meal vouchers and much more. There will be music on the night from Mike and Michelle Slattery.

Following the raffle an auction will take place with some very interesting items going under the hammer. One of the more novel items is a wonderful hand-made miniature thatched cottage (30in x 30in x 18in), which will be on display in Lecarrow in the days leading up to the event. There are also a host of other items up for grabs including fuel vouchers, pool and gym memberships, meal vouchers, straw bales and soccer tickets in the Aviva Stadium for the upcoming Rep. of Ireland v Scotland game. The committee raised €19,500 last year and most of this went back into the community, but they also recently presented Elaine Prendergast, General Manager Roscommon Hospital with a cheque for €2,500 for the

One of the more novel items at the auction is a wonderful hand-made miniature thatched cottage (30in x 30in x 18in), which will be on display in Lecarrow in the days leading up to the event.

purchase of a Krank Cycle for use in the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

At the presentation of the Krank Cycle to Roscommon Hospital this week the Lecarrow Benevolent also announced they were donating additional funding to the hospital to buy a handheld tablet/computer to use for patient education throughout the hospital.

Elaine Prendergast commented: “Both pieces of equipment will enhance the cardiac rehabilitation service delivered to the patients of County Roscom-

mon and the surrounding area and for this Roscommon Hospital is sincerely grateful.”

Committee member Billy Kelly thanked the hardworking committee and sponsors of various prizes and items, but also wanted to acknowledge the work of non-members who continue to sell tickets for the annual major raffle.

He also praised the community of Lecarrow and the surrounding areas who turn out in such strong numbers and continue to support their very worthwhile fundraising efforts.

IzzyB’s fairy event set for Strokestown Park House < SHANE REYNOLDS

Calling all fairies and pirates! A magical family fun day not to be missed in aid of St. John’s Ward, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin will take place on the grounds of Strokestown Park House on Saturday June 7th.

Organisers of ‘IzzyB’s Away With the Fairies’ will be joined on the day by a fabulous band of fairy friends from The Irish Fairy Door Company and the members of the beautiful Youth Ballet West. There will also be a host of family activities to be enjoyed for both boys and girls and don’t forget to dress for the occasion.

The event was organised last year by local couple Laura O’Rourke and John Cullinan to raise funds for St John’s Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, where their daughter Isobel was treated after being diagnosed in February 2014 with a Wilms tumour.

Thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff, especially Dr. Michael Capra, IzzyB, as she is known to her family and friends, made a full recovery.

While the spell on St John’s Ward was relatively short for the O’Rourke/ Cullinan family, it has changed their lives forever, and they are eager to acknowledge the great ongoing work by the hospital by hosting another fundraising extravaganza on Sunday June 7th.

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44

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

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

On The Record with SHANE REYNOLDS

Guide to Life Fest 10 < SHANE REYNOLDS

The countdown continues this week to Life Fest 10 which takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend at Belvedere House (Mullingar, Co. Westmeath) and there are some very attractive late additions to the festival.

You all know and love District 8 club in Dublin.

Well, they have now announced they are establishing an all-night dancing arena to have you moving ‘til all hours of the morning.

Expect to see and hear some of Ireland’s finest names in house and techno joined by select international acts over the course of the weekend.

Ben Klock is making a huge return to the grounds of Belvedere House after his unbelievable set on the main stage last year.

Life Fest have even stepped it up a notch and given him the beach stage for an extended set. Bikinis and sunlounging shorts at the ready, this is one you’ll be telling your grandkids about.

They’ve also got a new surprise addition for you.

He’s from Berlin, he’s one of the biggest names in new wave techno, and he’s coming to entertain us all for one night only.

You may have been lucky enough to have caught a Rødhåd set on these shores in recent months, if you have, you’ll already be planning to see him again.

Those folks at The Genlemens Academy and Hidden Agenda have also come together and made a beautiful disco baby they’ve lovingly called ‘The Disco Agenda’.

Taking over your Friday night in the H&G Crea-

tions area, expect much dancing, much disco.

When the sun goes down the party doesn’t stop. Join

festival revellers at Life Fest in one of many latenight areas that go ‘till the small hours of the morn-

ing (6 am). Think disco, house, boogie and techno all set in unique intimate spaces.

< SHANE REYNOLDS

Niall, Johnny, Fergal and Keith enjoying a quick pint before one of their Unstable gigs in in Ballina.

the last few years. In the case of ‘Unstable,’ that’s meant playing weddings, and recently the four lads launched a new corporate band called ‘Bridal Wave.’

“The music scene sadly died out a couple of years back but that’s not to say that some places didn’t stay loyal to the art,” said lead singer Fergal. “My observation is live bands are on the way back, the

Shelly Madden

The Weaker Sex?

Unstable riding high on the crest of a (Bridal) Wave With members hailing from the greater Carrickon-Shannon area, fourpiece band ‘Unstable’ continue to enhance their reputation as one the region’s top cover bands.

Fronted by the very talented Drumlion native Fergal Harman, whose own family are steeped in music, the band also includes Drumboylan natives Keith and Niall McGuinness, and drummer Johnny Moffatt, who has been in the band since day one.

This electric four-piece are regulars on the local scene, but you can also catch them raising the roofs in pubs and clubs in Galway, Dublin, Sligo and in many other parts of the country which boast lively music scenes.

The band emerged almost ten years ago but since then members have come and gone. Right now they are a winning four-piece group which continues to excel and make ripples in the music scene.

Like most modern-day bands, and owing largely to the recession, they’ve had to diversify during

Cynic Gal

crowds are there and the appreciation for live music is certainly still alive,” he added.

“We were asked by people coming to see our gigs if we would be interested in playing at their wedding so we couldn’t ignore the signs. It’s a highly competitive market with top class bands nationwide but I believe we have hit a niche in the market and of-

fer a vibrant, fun, energetic show that people seem to really enjoy – that’s what its really all about.”

Even though it is a journey into unchartered waters, this quartet’s blend of experience and talent will ensure that they have every chance of breaking the lucrative wedding market.

To mark the official launch of their new wedding band, the lads have

uploaded a promotional video to YouTube, showcasing some samples from their set-list.

“It’s really the crowd and people we meet after the shows that makes the job so enjoyable. After the music we always respect the people who come to see us, who book us and those who spread the word for us. That’s what makes our day,” he concluded.

Self-defence. Hands up who thinks this should have been a module in P.E. instead of laprunning? There would have been fewer sick notes and complaints about cramps if this was on the curriculum.

Women are usually classed as the fairer or weaker sex, pigeon-holing them into a category where they exist only to look pretty or play the role of damsel in distress. While I do not encourage the use of the aforementioned terms, I think we are being far too politically correct by refusing to admit that if we take an average male and female, the likelihood is that he will weigh more and be physically stronger than her.

Of course I am not talking Katie Taylor vs.

Michael Cera, but in general, we females are built with less muscle. Our lack of testosterone means we are far more likely to bitch about a girl behind her back than punch her in the face.

Speaking personally, I think my disinclination to bring out the big guns makes me a target for a combatant male. For this reason, I have been taking self-defence classes for the past four weeks. One of the hugely important messages I have already gained from this course is that you should not be afraid to fight fire with fire. If someone is intending to harm or take advantage of you, they are the aggressor. They have no problem hurting you so you should feel entitled to hurt them back.

Your body is yours and you have to protect it.

Just in case, here are some helpful points to remember: If walking alone at night, do not listen to your i-Pod or wear your hood up. It impairs your senses, making you a sitting duck for an attacker. Having your hair in a ponytail also makes you easier to grab a hold of.

If grabbed from behind, rap your knuckles repeatedly on the space between their knuckles and lower finger. Try it, it’s painful and might hurt them enough to let go.

If grabbed by the throat, dig your thumbs as far into their eye sockets as possible. While their head is back, punch them fast into the throat and while they are disarmed, knee them as hard as you can into the groin. Even the suggestion is enough to make a man flinch!

If pushed to the ground in a potential rape position, do your best to turn on your side so one leg is freed. With all your strength, use the heel of your foot to kick the opponent full force in the face.

In general, these tips are focused on males attacking females, but don’t forget that girls can be the aggressors and men can be the victims. Research techniques and practise them (with extreme caution) on your friends.

While it is important to trust your instincts and be prepared for sudden attacks, be careful not to punch SO in the stomach for jumping out from behind a door.

Practical jokers, beware: if in doubt, we aim for the groin. Always aim for the groin.

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

45

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

PropertyPeople www.propertypartners.ie Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon.

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

EMAIL: jearley@propertypartners.ie

FOR SALE PRIME ATHLONE TOWN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. 3 NO PRIME INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LOCATED AT

“AUBURN RETAIL PARK”, DUBLIN ROAD, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH. Current passing rent: c. €90,300 per annum.

Price Guide: €650,000 + vat if applicable (the entire) (Tenants not affected)

A quality investment portfolio which can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate and which occupies a high profile trading position opposite Athlone Institute of Technology.

LEGAL: MESSERS MG RYAN & CO, GALWAY. (091) 564 011 BER: C1 – D1.

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

A PRIME LEASEHOLD INVESTMENT PROPERTY OF C. 2,476 SQ.FT LOCATED AT

UNIT 2, CUSTUME PIER, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH Current passing rent: c. €15,000 per annum.

Price Guide: Offers after €120,000 + vat if applicable.

(Tenant not affected)

A prime opportunity to acquire a frontline commercial leasehold investment property in the heart of Athlone town centre, just adjacent to the town bridge. Currently let to a quality c.60 seat restaurant under a 15 year lease which commenced c. 01/01/2014. The property is primely located beside many of Athlone’s most popular Bars, Clubs and shopping facilities.

LEGAL: MESSERS HUGH J CAMPBELL & CO. ATHLONE. (090) 647 2015.

BER: C1.

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

4 NO QUALITY 4 B/R DUPLEX STUDENT APARTMENTS LOCATED AT

38, 45, 49 & 50 CROI OIGE, DUBLIN RD, ATHLONE TOWN (OPPOSITE AIT), CO. WESTMEATH (Can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate) Guiding €90,000 each.

• 4 no quality student apartments in excellent condition throughout.

• Unrivalled location opposite Athlone Institute of Technology and all amenities.

• Passing rent of c. €8,800 per annum each.

• The Auctioneer invites viewing and all offers for immediate sale.

• BER: D1-D2.

LEGAL: MESSERS M.G. RYAN & CO. SOLICITORS, GALWAY 091 564011.

Hughes and Co. hosts successful machinery auction Pat Hughes and Co., Roscommon, is confirming this week that they held one of their most successful Machinery Auctions ever at Emoe, Co. Roscommon last Friday.

Over 1,000 people gathered from all over the country to purchase various items of machinery. Pat has confirmed that they had over 100 more lots for sale this year than last year.

The crowd was bigger, the day was good and approximately 75% of the items sold on the night of the sale with further sales on Saturday and continuing ever since.

For the first time ever Hughes and Company had a facility for phone bidding on site, resulting in the sale of a Vintage Ferguson Tractor which sold for €2,010. Anyone who is interested in unsold items pat is still available to talk to prospective purchasers.

This week Hughes and Company are offering for sale at The Spinney, Abbeytown, Roscommon a large five-edroom residence which is being sold fully furnished and generating a rental income of €8,400 per annum.

The residence can be sold with a sitting tenant if required. Pat is considering every offer in excess of €220,000 for this property.

They also have on offer this week at Drumdaff, Kilrooskey a circa 20-acre farm with an old residence.

For sale new to the market this week is

Property Sales

C.11 ACRES Cloonfower, Lanesborough, Co. Longford A most attractive parcel of prime pasture, suited to any farming enterprise, serviced with mains water supply and large cattle handling facilities with extensive road frontage. Located at Cloonfower, Lanesborough, approximately three miles from Killashee, alongside the Lanesborough road. Offers have already commenced.

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

Shannon Quays Marina Development, Rooskey, Co. Leitrim 34 Houses/22 Apartments Free use of berth with each purchase if required for two years.

Prices from €100,000 ---------------------------------------------------

Roscommon locals Mary Geraghty and Joe Coyle enjoying Pat Hughes’ Machinery Auction last Friday.

a three-bedroom townhouse, fully furnished and located convenient to the town centre. Offers in excess of €100,000 are being considered for this property.

They are also are confirming that they still have for sale circa 43 acres of top quality land located convenient to Curraghboy village, with excellent handling facilities for cattle. Hughes and Company are prepared to sell these lands to offers in excess of €250,000.

For details on all properties on offer with Hughes and Company please contact the office on 090-6627003 or email phughes2@eircom.net.

Quality Athleague property available at Earley’s John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is this week offering to the market a quality three-bedroom bungalow residence of c. 1,300 sq.ft. located at Araghty, Athleague, Co. Roscommon.

John describes the property as “ a spacious three-bedroom residence finished to a high standard with the benefit of an excellent location just off the main N63 Roscommon/ Galway route and only c.0.7 miles from Ath-

TP Walsh

league village. “The property is set on a select and spacious site with mature gardens, hedging and paddocks servicing. To the rear of the property lies an open double bay garage/storage shed and well apportioned patio area.

“Accommodation comprises of reception/hall-

way, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, utility, three bedrooms in all with master ensuite and bathroom.

Overall this is a select property to come on the market and viewing comes highly recommended by the auctioneers.”

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090-6626579, email jearley@propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

Offers over €20,000 sought for Cloverhill residence David Diffley, ASCSI of Property Partners Earley is this week seeking all offers after €20,000 for a character twobedroom countryside residence located at Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

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

New to the market with Earley’s John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley Roscommon, is this week offering new the market a quality fourbedroom semi-detached residence of located at 2 Garran Ard, The Walk Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Price guide: All offers after €125,000 to sell.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, contact John Earley FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090-6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

For further information please contact: TP Walsh Auctioneers, Main Street, Dromod and Rooskey Contact: 087 7691518 / 071 96 58652 Email: info@tpwalshauctioneers.ie, Website- www.tpwalshauctioneers.ie

For sale in Knockcroghery village ERA Oates Auctioneers, Roscommon, are now offering for sale this attractive four-bedroom bungalow situated in the centre of Knockcroghery village on a large elevated site within walking distance to all amenities. The asking price is €149,000. For further information contact the office on 090-6627878 or email info@ oates.ie.

Luxury Ballymote property Located at Cloonmeen East, Cloontia, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, is this luxurious fourbedroom two-storey residence in excellent condition throughout with outbuildings to side altogether standing on c. 15.24 acres located on the Mayo/Sligo/Roscommon border in a quiet countryside stetting, just a short distance from Knock Airport. The price region is €149,000. For further details and viewing contact Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague, on office on 090-6663700 or email info@ivanconnaughton.com.

Frenchpark premises now open to offers Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers, Athleague, are this week offering for sale this prime licensed premises ‘The Sideline Bar’ located in the village of Frenchpark on the main Western Route benefiting from a high volume of passing and local trade.

The auctioneer invites enquiries. For further information ocntact the office on 090-6663700 or email info@ivanconnaughton.com.

Newly-refurbished Creggs property for sale Sean Naughton Auctioneers, Roscommon, are delighted to offer for sale this newly refurbished 3/4 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 a family bathroom.

Viewing is highly recommended and this property has to be seen to be appreciated Price on application.

Also on offer this week is 30 acres of land for lease at Kilglass, Co. Roscommon.

For further details please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090-6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

46

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

PropertyPeople

Licence No. 001450

OFFICIAL OFFICIAL LAUNCH

LAUNCH

on Saturday 30th May on at 4.00pm th

Saturday, 30 May BBQ at 6 pm 4.00pm Music byat Aidan Quinn from 7 pm Music

by Aidan Quinn EVERYONE WELCOME

SHANNON QUAY, ROOSKEY

Location Location Location Shannon Quays is a prestigious gated waterside development of 2 Bed Apartments, 3 Bed bungalows, 3 & 4 Bed semi-detached houses and large 4 Bed detached houses.

Houses range in size from 1,200 sq feet to 2,145 sq feet

House prices from €99,000.00 FEATURES • Location, Location, Location • Just off N4. Approximately 1.5 hours from Dublin • 10 minutes from Longford & Carrick on Shannon • Stunning uninterrupted views of River Shannon and surrounding countryside

• 23 Berth Marina • Turn Key condition • Choice of tiling, kitchen, flooring • Gardens laid and base installed for garage/shed • Landscaped open green area • BER B3 & C1

SOLD OUT

Prior to launch Show Houses can be viewed by appointment Call Gerry on 086 8066701 for information

47

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

PropertyPeople GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Ph: (090) 66 27200 Fax: (090) 66 27201 Email: info@pburkeassociates.com www.sherryfitz.ie

FOR SALE PRIME RETAIL & OFFICE PORTFOLIO TENANTS NOT AFFECTED

- A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY 6 No. Retail Units Roscommon West Business Park with dual frontage onto the Circular Road (N63) and Golf Links Road (L1812).

Prime retail and office portfolio for sale in Roscommon town The pivotally located Roscommon West Business Park with dual frontage onto the Circular Road (N63) and Golf Links Road (L1812) comprises of a rare and unique opportunity to acquire a quality retail and office portfolio, and is currently for sale with Padraig Burke of Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke.

This landmark business park is directly adjacent to Roscommon town centre. The portfolio comprises of six retail units.

Ground floor area: 966 sq. m.

(10,397 sq. ft.) and four office

units – first floor area: 1,590 sq. m. (17,120 sq. ft.)

There is currently a number of high profile retail and office tenants there including Roscommon County Council, Roscommon Integrated Development Company, Ruby King Chinese Restaurant, Aphrodite’s Hair Studio, Furever Pets, Roscommon Dance School and Roscommon Chiropratic Clinic. The vacancy rate is approximately 5.6%.

Roscommon West Business Park also boasts free ample

parking for customers within the park and access to/from Circular Road (N63) and Golf Links Road (L1812).

Overall, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a quality commercial portfolio with quality tenants in a prime location adjacent to Roscommon town centre.

For further information contact Padraig Burke of Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke on 090662720, 087-9113436 or email info@pburkeassociates.com

Ground Floor Area: 966 sq. m.

(10,397 sq. ft.)

4 No. Office Units

First Floor Area: 1,590 sq. m.

(17,120 sq. ft.)

(All Floor Areas Approximate) LOCATED AT

ROSCOMMON WEST BUSINESS PARK CIRCULAR ROAD ROSCOMMON TOWN CO. ROSCOMMON

• 9 Tenants In Total • Total Floor Area 2,556 sq. m (27,517 sq. ft.)

• High Profile Retail & Office Tenants Include: • Roscommon County Council • Roscommon Integrated Development Co. • Ruby King Chinese Restaurant • Aphrodite’s Hair Studio • Furever Pets Store • Roscommon Dance School • Roscommon Chiropractic Clinic • Approximately 5.6% Vacancy • Free Ample Car Parking Spaces • Adjacent To Roscommon Town Centre

Contact: Padraig Burke MIPAV REV MCEI P/M:0906627200 / 086 2547050 Email: info@pburkeassociates.com

48

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

FarmingPeople

(Serving Farmers for over 55 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

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

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

Special Sales of Bullocks & Heifers Tomorrow Friday, May 29th – 11 a.m.

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

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

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

Feighan welcomes €2bn EU boost for Irish farming and rural jobs Roscommon/South Leitrim Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan, welcomed the European Commission’s formal approval for Ireland’s €2bn Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, under the revised Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

“The Rural Development Pro-

gramme 2014-2020 will stimulate jobs growth and support rural community development projects in Roscommon, Leitrim and Galway as well as co-fund the ongoing roll out of rural broadband projects.

“The RDP 2014-2020 is also designed to support young farmers, modernise farming practices,

protect the environment and help rural businesses to develop.

“This significant EU funding will act as a catalyst for renewed economic, infrastructural and social growth, in rural areas into 2020.

“It is a major investment in the future prosperity of rural Ireland, supporting innovation and farm

3,500 herd number applications await approval – Naughten

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

Chaos has been caused with a backlog of 3,500 herd number applications pending within the Department of Agriculture, claims Independent TD Denis Naughten.

“Because services previously available through the local Department of Agriculture offices, such as the issuing of herd numbers, have now been centralised, an unacceptable backlog has been created,” he said.

“This delay has implications for many farmers waiting to apply for schemes such as the Basic Payments Scheme, GLAS and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme.

“While special provision has been made for some categories of farmer, others are being left high and dry, and this is all down to the closing of local livestock offices, which we were promised, would not negatively impact on farmers.

“The Minister must now make provision for all those who are awaiting a herd number and allow them to apply for schemes, without penalty.”

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

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

Castlerea Mart Report Thursday, 21st May: There were 600 on offer with trade holding firm for most categories of stock on offer. Once again the quality store attracted most attention with strong farmer buying and export demand, while breeding stock and suck calves reported good clearances. The bullock, heifer and dry cow trade reported prices similar to last week.

Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 425kgs €1150 Ch 490kgs €1310 Lim 510kgs €1395 Ch 565kgs €1465 AA 560kgs €1315; Heifers: BBX 405kgs €1105 Lim 365kgs €1095 Lim 445kgs €1300 BB 540kgs €1590 Lim 515kgs €1530 Lim 585kgs €1435.

Dry cows: Lim 750kgs €1615 Sim 770kgs €1530 Sim 780kgs €1630 AA 620kgs €1295 Ch 725kgs €1475. Cows with calves at foot made from €1300 to €2250 for a sim cow with a sim hfr calf at foot.

Springer cows made form €1240 to €1690 per head.

Dairy cows made form €860 to €1640 per head.

Calves: Dairy-type calves made form €110 to €135 per head. AA and Herefords made from €250 to €400 while continentals and stronger-type lots made form €400 to €590.

Weanling bulls: Lim 260kgs €930 AA 290kgs €910 Ch 285kgs €900 Ch 385kgs €1170 Ch 370kgs €1140; Weanling heifers: Lim 250kgs €930 AA 290kgs €950 Lim 360kgs €1100 Ch 250kgs €885 Ch 360kgs €1095.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday the 28th May with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Keep your farm safe

Bloom 2015 is taking place in the Phoenix Park Dublin from this Thursday 28th May to Monday 1st June 2015.

Rollout of all TAMS schemes must be prioritised – IFA IFA Rural Development Chairman Flor McCarthy has said that the rollout of all the TAMS schemes under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme must now be a priority for the Minister for Agriculture.

He said the investment stimulus for the rural economy from the TAMS

scheme will be significant and the minister should ensure that all schemes and all sectors of farming are covered by this grant scheme.

The IFA Rural Development Chairman also pointed out that the definition of ‘Young Farmer’ needs to be applied in a much more flexible manner as the

€1280, 2 Char 455 kgs €1240, 2 Lim X 327 kgs €1085, 2 Char X 365 kgs €1055, HEX 410 kgs €1020, Char X 320 kgs €970, Lim X 285 kgs €920, 2 Lim X 357 kgs €1135.

Tuesday, May 26th: The numbers on offer were similar to last week. There was a good trade for bull weanlings in particular for quality lots. The prices for heifer weanlings were on par to last week. Weekly sales for weanlings and suckler cows continue on Tuesdays at 5 pm.

Weanling bulls made from €350 to €830 over.

Sample prices: Simm X 255 kgs €605, Char X

420 kgs €1250, Char X 415 kgs €1180, 2 Lim X 422 kgs €1090, 2 BBX 457 kgs €1020, Lim X 375 kgs €885, HEX 380 kgs €800, Lim X 305 kgs €720, Char X 355 kgs €1050, Lim X 305 kgs €805, Lim X 325 kgs €940.

Weanling heifers made from €385 to €635 over.

Sample prices: 2 Char 387 kgs €1020, Char X 330 kgs €965, Char X 340 kgs €960, Lim X 385 kgs €900, 2 Lim 310 kgs €790, AAX 330 kgs €830, Lim X 330 kgs €890, Lim 305 kgs €875, Char X 290 kgs €800. Cows with calves at foot made from €1050 to €1615.

five-year rule will exclude many young farmers who are under 40 years of age from the 60% grant. He pointed out that there are many young farmers who acquired a herd number a number of years ago but did not commence farming until recently. These farmers must be eligible for the higher grant.

Roscommon Mart Report Friday, 22nd May: There were slightly better numbers on offer this week.

There was no significant change in the trade for heifers. There was a strong trade for quality bullocks in particular for young stock. There was an improved trade for dry cows with all lots sold.

Special sale of heifers and bullocks on Friday next May 29th. Also dry cows.

Sales commence at 11 am.

Yard opens at 8.30 am.

Dry cows made from €820 to €1680 per head.

Sample prices: Char X 715 kgs €1680, Lim X 700 kgs €1630, Lim X 680 kgs €1600, Char X 710 kgs €1400, Lim X

745 kgs €1400, Lim X 590 kgs €1220, AAX 660 kgs €1190, AAX 620 kgs €1100, AAX 555 kgs €1025.

Heifers made from €415 to €855 over.

Sample prices: Char X 655 kgs €1405, Char X 535 kgs €1390, Lim X 540 kgs €1380,Simm X 555 kgs €1200, Char 385 kgs €1045, Char X 335 kgs €960, 2 Char X 347 kgs €990, Simm X 340 kgs €925, Char X 410 kgs €1035.

Bullocks made from €370 to €980 over. Sample prices: Lim X 545 kgs €1545, Char X 495 kgs €1435, Lim X 520 kgs €1400,Lim 475 kgs

modernisation and regenerating our rural communities.

“The RDF funding will complement existing financial supports for small businesses in rural areas, available from the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and also community development organisations.”

Serving Farmers since 1985 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:

Sheep sale, 27th May: There were better numbers on offer this week.

There was a dip in the trade for spring lambs with prices back on last week. The trade for cast wwes was also less; however there was full clearance of lots. Weekly sales for sheep continue on Wednesdays at 11 am.

Sample prices – spring lambs: 49.70 kgs €111, 46.20 kgs €109, 48 kgs €110, 46 kgs €107, 55 kgs €119, 53 kgs €120, 50.80 kgs €119. Cast ewes made from €70 to €120 per lot.

Ewes with twin lambs at foot made from €205 to €235.

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestrycoop.ie

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

Contact

TOM ROGERS

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

49

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

FarmingPeople Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd.

BUSINESS With over 30 years’ experience, Aengus Oates Financial Services provides expert financial advice and bespoke financial solutions to our highly valued clients

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: castlereamart@eircom.net web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249

Aengus Oates Financial Services Plan your future today

Tel. (090) 6627878. Mobile (086) 2573358

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

info@oates.ie • www.oatesfinancialservices.ie

For a confidential chat, ring Aengus on (086) 2573358

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

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE OF

BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS SALE OF ORGANIC CATTLE FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Reach your target market!

18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Keep your farm safe

Leyden objects to sale of Aer Lingus < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

Senator Terry Leyden, of Fianna Fáil, has strongly criticised the Government’s proposal to sell its stake in Aer Lingus.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Coali-

tion was recommending the sale of the State’s 25.1 share in the national airline to International Consolidation Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways.

The Exchequer would pocket €350 million from the transaction.

Speaking in the Seanad on Wednesday, Senator Leyden said: “The sale of Aer Lingus to IAG is absolutely undermining the airline and it is national sabotage to decide on it. It is absolute savagery.”

He said decision would be regretted in the future.

Arlene in the running for Entrepreneur Award A Roscommon-based social entrepreneur has been shortlisted for the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme, sponsored by DCC plc.

Over 180 entries were received by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, with 50 being shortlisted to attend Social Entrepreneurs Bootcamp in Dublin’s Liffey Trust Studios this week.

The shortlisted entry from Roscommon is Arlene Naughten of ‘Sugru Therapy’, an organisation which aims to help improve children’s happiness and wellbeing through the provision of contextual-based therapies.

The prestigious competition, now in its eleventh year, has supported 179 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €5.82m in direct funding to projects in areas ranging from community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability, and mental and physical health.

The successful applicants will be announced at a gala ceremony in October 2015.

Darina Casey, Minister Michael Ring and Maria Casey pictured at the official opening of Ballyleague Riverside Park. Picture: Andrew Fox

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It’s probably no surprise to learn that the way in which we do business online has changed enormously over the last decade.

From advanced online services to smartphones, we’re all becoming used to an ‘always on’ world.

The banking world is no exception.

More and more Bank of Ireland customers, both in their personal lives and in their businesses, are taking to online and mobile banking.

However, we are committed to helping all of our customers with their banking needs. While investing in advanced online banking services, we remain dedicated to our branch network. We believe that, as well as valuing online services, our customers also like to be able to come in and talk to us about their banking needs.

100 digital customer advisors We recently recruited 100 new digital customer advisors to work in our branch network – and with local community groups – to help our customers make the most of digital banking services as well as day-today branch services.

We have led the market in Ireland with the introduction of Visa Debit, contactless payments, and mobile banking services including payments to mobile and Business On Line. There are significant benefits to making and accepting payments using digital channels – they are much better value than writing cheques or making lodgements in branch so you save time and money.

Top tips for smarter banking Here are our top tips to help our personal and business customers bank smarter:

Set up online, mobile or tablet banking Not only do our digital channels offer the ultimate in flexible banking with 24-hour access to your account but online transactions cost just 10c per transaction. * Call 1890 365 500 to get set up. Business and Agri customers can also avail of our online services using 365 online and Business On Line. * Don’t forget to download the Bank of Ireland Mobile Banking App from the

Apple App store or from Google play for android.

Visa Debit Card At just 10c per transaction, using a Visa Debit card to make payments in-store, over the phone and online is better value than paying by cash or cheque.

Plus personal customers pay just 1c for contactless payments and there are now over 6,000 contactless payment terminals in retailers nationwide.

Accept card payments from customers Card payments are quick and easy to process and whether you’re a sole trader, SME or operate ‘on the go’, there is a card payment solution available to suit your needs.

Cut down on cheques At €1.30, the cost of writing a cheque is expensive, so consider the alternatives.

Making banking easier Since 2006, there has been a 26% decrease in cheques, paper and ATM transactions in the market and a 60% increase

in electronic credit, debit and card transactions. Irish consumers made over 28 million online and mobile banking payments in the first six months of 2014 – that’s about 1.1 million payments per week.

Michéal Curley, Branch Manager, Roscommon, Bank of Ireland, said: “In a great many sectors of the economy, the traditional ways of doing business are evolving very rapidly, and we are part of that evolution.

We’ve invested significantly in the technology behind our online, phone and mobile platforms – making banking easier, faster, accessible in more ways, and more convenient than ever for all of our customers.

“Alongside this, we remain as committed to our branch network as ever, offering our customers as many ways to access our services as possible and not losing sight of the importance of direct contact with local communities.”

Terms and conditions apply to Digital Banking services and Business On Line.

Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

50

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 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

DOCTORS’ ROTA WEEKEND ON CALL EMERGENCY ROTA From 6 pm Friday 29th May to Tuesday 2nd June 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.

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

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

BIRTHDAY PARTIES CLOWN OR MAGICIAN AVAILABLE for Children’s Birthday Parties, Christenings, Crèches, Communions, Weddings etc.

Phone: 087 6890161.

BOUNCING CASTLES ROSCOMMON CASTLES

BOUNCING CASTLES

CAREERS

CHIROPODIST

TRI BOUNCE

CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE

Super slide now available

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

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.

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE Traditional Chinese Medicine Better Health Naturally Michael Lennon, Lic. Ac. Galway Road, Roscommon, Health Insurance approved (090) 6626023 (086) 8225575

• 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

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

• Castles • Combos • Obstacle Courses Now taking bookings for Communions and Confirmations

BOUNCY BRIAN’S Bouncing Castles

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

Contact: (089) 2527317

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Treating all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

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

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon.

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

BUPA & VHI Covered

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts. No Fix No Fee. PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal.

Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance.

Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

DRIVING LESSONS NOEL’S Driving School ADI/RSA Approved Driving Instructor Reg No. 37840

Tuition in Car Car available for test

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

087 6870248 www.noelsdrivingschool.ie Email: noelsdrivingschool@gmail. com

To place a small ad in this section .... please call us on 090-6634633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie before 2.30pm on Tuesday We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

51

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Classifieds DRIVING LESSONS

SYL’s

School of Motoring

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

L

Call (085) 1348779

O TOW WI RN T TH EA SYL’s School of Motoring

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

DRIVING LESSONS

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

Have you a licence to tow a trailer?

Car/Jeep & Trailer Training available

Contact: 085 1348779

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.

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

FARMING

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

Learn to drive with ....

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

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

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

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

SERVICE < ABATTOIR AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing.

Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < FOR SALE: 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. < WEED LICKING SERVICE AVAILABLE: Quad and 4 metre weedlicker. ALSO spot spraying service, suitable for under electric fences, etc. All areas covered. Contact Kieran on 087 9125510. < LARGE QUANITY OF treated long lasting stakes for sale at rock bottom prices with free delivery: 6’ 4” stakes - €2.20; 6’ 3” stakes - €2.00; 6’ 2” stakes - €1.50; 5’ 4” stakes - €2.00; 7’ Strainer post - €7.00; Light pencil stakes - €1.20; 6’ 4x4 Square Stakes €2.50. Buy 20 of any stakes get 2 free. Contact Tom on 086 2628439.

FOR HIRE

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

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.

GLENNON CONTRACTING & PLANT HIRE • 10 Ton Digger Hire • Land Reclamation • Drainage, etc - Power Washing Service also available

Contact: 086 2679577

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

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

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

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

Micro-chipping service now available.

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

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

LETTINGS < PREMISES AVAILABLE TO LET: Suitable for shop or office at Main Street, Castlerea. Tel: 086 2505325.

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL

FIND YOUR Friendship, Love and Romance with

2 HANDS DATING Ireland’s leading dating agency

Telephone: 086 8793339 THE ROSCOMMON LADY who replied to Box Number 770, the gentleman has been in touch with us and there is a digit missing in the phone number supplied, could the lady in question please reply to Box Number again if she wishes. Box No: 770, 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

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

Located at Henry Street

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Pat McCrann intend to apply for Permission for (i) the demolition and removal of existing outbuildings (ii) the construction of 2 No. two bed and 4 No. one bed townhouse apartments (iii) A new roadside entrance (iv) alterations to facade of existing townhouse unit (v) connections to the public sewers and public water mains, along with car parking and all other associated site works at: Cloonbrackna Townland, Castle Street, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd., Engineers & Architects, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Ph (090) 66 34421 Fax: (090) 66 34423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS NOTICES CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank.

We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property.

If not no fees are payable.

Call (086) 8212732. < TO RENT: Two bedroom apartment, Castlecoote village. Fully furnished, OFCH. Tel: 087 2404367. < PERSON REQUIRED to share house in Roscommon town. Tel: 087 0519691. < TO LET: Two bed apartment, Roscommon town centre. Tel: 086 2514024.

APARTMENT TO RENT: Roscommon town centre.

Tel: 086 8538519.

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

PSYCHIC WHITE WINDS HEALING AND PSYCHIC CENTRE IRELAND

• Psychic Readings and Phone Readings • Many forms of healing • Excellent results Phone 087 7155025 for appointment www.thewhite windshealingcentre.com

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 • Exam Stress • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Colic • Pain Relief • Emotional Disorders - Hand Reflexology - Foot Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Tel: 087 2264951 E: fureymarina@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

LANESBORO RD., ROSCOMMON

Freelance Personal Trainer Required to teach exercise classes • Spinning • Kettlebells • Circuits, etc Tel. MICHAEL on 086 3861853 or 090 6634372 < CLEANER REQUIRED for family home in Aughrim, Hillstreet area. 3-4 hours a week. Please contact 087 2175243 for more information. < BAR STAFF REQUIRED for pub in Roscommon town. Please reply to Box No: 778, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < COMPANION REQUIRED: 5 days a week (Monday to Friday), 10.00am to noon and 2.30pm to 4.30 pm daily (times are flexible) for elderly lady in the Donamon area. Duties include light housework. Interested parties should send C.V. to adarelk@rcn.com. All age levels will be considered.

52

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Classifieds SITUATIONS WANTED < CARER AVAILABLE for sleepover/companionship in Roscommon town/surrounding areas. Please reply to Box No: 779, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < CHILDCARE STUDENT with Level 5 and 6 available for childminding - part-time or full-time work in Roscommon town/Athleague and surrounding areas.

Available immediately until late August. Contact: 087 6782166.

TWO GIRLS AVAILABLE for babysitting work. Both have experience. Roscommon town area. Please reply to Box No: 780, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < B A BYS I T T E R / C H I L D MINDER AVAILABLE for summer months - May to August during weekdays in children’s own home. Student with a Degree in Childcare and currently studying Early Childhood Care Health and Education. Garda vetted and Occupational First Aid Training completed. Has recent experience of working with children, from babies up to 6 years of age. Own transport, so flexible to travel (lives locally in Ballaghaderreen) Hourly rate negotiable. Please contact 086 3918535 by call or text.

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.

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

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < FOR SALE: 2014 dry screened hopper turf of high quality. Delivered by the load, 7.5 - 10.5 loads. Tel: 087 3831953.

USEFUL SERVICES

WASTE MANAGEMENT

PLUMBING & HEATING REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE SERVICE

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

(086) 8099503

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR PLOTS OF TURF LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON

CONTACT DONAL SCALLY 086 2721812.

TURF FOOTERS REQUIRED Contact 086 2721812 for further informaton.

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670

USEFUL SERVICES

TUITION SUMMER REVISION COURSE Junior and leaving Certificate Accounting and Business Ordinary and Higher Level

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849. < GERMAN AND SPANISH GRINDS AVAILABLE: Junior Certificate, all levels. Tel: 086 1940861.

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

• Bag BNM Briquettes, €2.50 per bag • Ton bag logs €35 • Ton bag of seasoned ash timber €45 Contact Tom: 086 2628439.

FIREWOOD FOR SALE: Ash, Whitethorn and kindling sticks. Stored in doors.

Phone: 086-2437376. < FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Tel: 086 7236301.

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

CONTACT DAVID CLOGHER ON 086 3275919

Glamorous Dogs

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

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169

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

J&K OVEN CLEANING SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL CLEANING OF YOUR OVEN/HOB/ EXTRACTOR. NO MESS. FOR FREE QUOTATION.

Contact Joe on 086 6030063

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc ....

094 96 31880 087 9100477

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

FUERTY, ROSCOMMON

KESHIA CASEY

Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

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.

REMOV< FURNITURE ALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < 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. Also available for footing turf.

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. < PLUMBER AVAILABLE: Oil and solid fuel heating systems. All plumbing repairs undertaken. Tel: 085 1543052.

FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 24/05/2015 FIRST PRIZE €60: Michael Cormican, Abbey Street SECOND PRIZE €30: Tanya Kelly, c/o Kelly’s Castle St. Roscommon THIRD PRIZE €20: James Nolan, c/o John Igoe 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Mia Fallon, c/o K Hoare; Michael Naughton, c/o K Collins; Aaron Curley, c/o K Hoare; Nora McEvilly, c/o K Hoare; Kirsty & Kay, c/o K Hoare; Mary Fogarty, c/o K Hoare; John Kilmartin, Kilteevan; Catherine Gleeson, c/o K Finan; Aaron & Kay, c/o K Hoare; Tanya Kelly, Castle Street.

10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Kathleen Gordon; Kathleen Collins; K Gordon; Tanya Kelly; Rita Walsh; Kathleen Collins; Nora Harrison, c/o Supervalu; Rita Walsh; K Hoare; Tomas Hoare.

TOTAL RECEIPTS: €334 TOTAL PRIZES: €260

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.

THANKGIVING NOTICES NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Blessed St. Jude, Glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus. The name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes you as the Patron of Hopeless Causes, of matters despaired of. Pray for me, who is so miserable.

I implore of thy particular privilege to bring visible and speedy help where help is most despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consultations and succour of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and suffering, particularly (request). That I may bless God with thee and all blessed throughout eternity. I promise thee, O Blessed Judge, to be ever mindful of this great favour and I will never cease to honour thee as my special and powerful Patron and do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen.

Thank you, St. Jude. Say for three days and publish. A.H. 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. A.H. 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.H. 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.

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need...

Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, You who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed.

I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favors. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church.

Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. Sean.

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. L.F. POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. EXPEDITE For desperate causes...

Pray to St. Expedite. 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 St. Expedite 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). This Saint is so very powerful, He has answered so many requests for me and I really have my Faith in HIM and LOVE HIM. Please do not doubt Him at all, He will take care of your intention in the best way. I am very grateful to this Saint.

He is very powerful and you should start this novena.

Thank you Saint Expedite for answering my prayers.

Amen. Janie Corcoran.

53

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

AtYourService BLINDS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

PIO TULLY

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

Tel: (090) 66 30521 Mobile: (086) 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

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

WINDOW/ DOORS

fergalkelly@live.com

Fergal 086 1016899

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

For Professional Advice Contact: Tel: 090

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

WINDOWS AND DOORS

CLEANING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Larkin Windows

STEPHEN HOARE

Contact

SHOWROOM:

Athlone Road, Roscommon Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors Special offer now on new range of Composite Doors

Call Donal Haughey - 086 8210710 www.roscommonwindows.ie

INSULATION

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

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

WINDOW/ DOORS

New Buildings & Retrofit

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

CRYSTAL CLEAR CLEANING and POWER WASHING

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

RECYCLING

Daily collection

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation

Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

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

BALLINASLOE

E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

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

JOHN GREENE

Gerry Monaghan

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

FARMING

TARMACADAM

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

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

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

Contact David (087) 9959417

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

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

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

FREE QUOTES AND ESTIMATES

Tel: 087 6242126 BUILDING CONTRACTOR

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

DRESS MAKING

• Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss

Contact: ALLEN GLYNN (086) 4087492

CONTACT EDYTA FOR ALL YOUR •Alterations •Dressmaking •Clothes Design •Clothes Improvement ... and much more!

Unit 3, Castle Street, Roscommon M: 087 2852890 E: allaboutyou.roscommon @gmail.com

• 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

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

ROSCOMMON ALLEN GLYNN

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

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

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 Member of

GROUP

GLASS WORKS

Boyle Glass

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

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

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

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

54

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

AtYourService/Appointments Appointments

• HEAD CHEF • SECOND CHEF Apply within with CV or contact 086 0668727 for more details

Atyourservice TARMACADAM

CARPENTRY

Donamon

Tarmacadam LTD

Gary Jameson 2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon

Specialising in Kerbing, Tar and Chips and Tarmacadam.

Machine or hand laid.

Contact Damian at (087) 9962361

• Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

(086) 0708833/ (090) 66 34426

MECHANIC SERVICES

Has a vacancy for a part-time A horticultural qualification, passion for gardening and retail experience are essential.

The successful candidate will be required to work flexible hours and weekends as part of a busy team. They will also be a good communicator, energetic and ideally have forklift experience.

Please apply in writing, enclosing your current CV, to:

Mary Frances Dwyer, Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd June.

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

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the posts of:

RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER (Part-Time) - Boyle Fire Brigade

RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER (Part-Time) - Strokestown Fire Brigade

SERVICES

Adrian Neilan - Kilteevan, Roscommon

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

T: 087 9294152

E: adrian.neilan@gmail.com BABY MASSAGE & REFLEXOLOGY CLASSES

Are currently recruiting the following position:

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT WORKER

SALES ASSISTANT

(Part-Time) - Roscommon Fire Brigade NEILAN

St. Fidelma’s Childcare Centre

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

• Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units • Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs

Tulsk Community Childcare Ltd

Ardcarne Garden Centre

Applicants must ordinarily reside and work within a 2 mile radius of the Fire Station to which they are applying.

Application forms and particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Roscommon County Council, Courthouse, Roscommon E-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie telephone 090 6637143 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 10th June 2015 Canvassing will disqualify.

Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer.

Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

JOB TITLE: SUPPORT WORKER Suitable candidate will be employed as a Support Worker in St. Fidelma’s Early Childhood Care and Education Services to promote the inclusion of a Child with Additional Needs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Support Worker will work as part of the ECCE Services Team to promote the Health, Welfare and Development of the Child in an inclusive environment.

9/12 Support hours weekly which will start on the 7th of September until the 13th of June 16 – Excluding midterm weeks (26th October 15, 15 February 16), Christmas holidays and Easter holidays.

ESSENTIAL:

• Full Award FETAC Level 5 Special Needs and at least 2 years experience working with children with additional needs • Experience of working with children with additional and/or complex needs • Be available for the identified days and hours the child requires support outlined in contract DESIRABLE

• Child Protection and Welfare Training • Valid Occupational First Aid Certificate • Manual Handling Training IN ADDITION, THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO HAVE

• • • •

Genuine respect and empathy for diversity and individuality Responsible and mature approach to work Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to adapt to new environments Enthusiastic, self-motivator who can provide holistic supports of the highest quality Please forward C.V. along with covering letter marked Private & Confidential to: Lorraine McGarry, St. Fidelma’s Childcare Centre, Corbally, Tulsk, County Roscommon. Closing Date for application is: 12th June 2015. _______________________________________________________________ INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

DIRECTORS: Fr. McKeon, Darena Hanly, Eimear Dowd, Martin Dowd, Michelle Keaveney, Seamus Conway, Fiona Crean

GLENAMADDY COMMUNITY CARE LTD

PART-TIME NURSE Required for Day Care Centre

Applications in writing on or before Friday 5th June 2015 to:

The Board Secretary, Day Care Centre, Creggs Rd., Glenamaddy. Co. Galway

YKSIGNS LTD Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) has a vacancy for

TEMPORARY MAINTENANCE PERSON (39 hours per week)

CARPENTRY

Carpentry & Roofing • Roof, 1st & 2nd Fix • Slate & Tile • Sheeting & Cladding • Free Quotations • Extensions & Renovations

In Cuisle Holiday Centre, Roscommon.

If you are motivated, hardworking and have experience in general maintenance/handyman work we want to hear from you.

A full copy of the job description and an application form is available to download at www.iwa.ie

Completed applications should be sent by email to hr@iwa.ie The closing date for receipt of applications is 12th June 2015 IWA is an equal opportunity employer

Athleague

Have a part-time position available for an experienced

SIGN WRITING TECHNICIAN Please forward CV to: signsyk@gmail.com

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

Lisacul, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

M. 087 962 5391 • Fully Registered • Fully Insured

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

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.

55

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McDONNELL Con

BEIRNE JP

Caltra, Curraghboy (4th Anniversary)

Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (7th Anniversary) Who died on the 31st of May 2008

In loving memory of Con, who died on 31st May 2011 Sadly missed by his wife Catherine and son Tomas.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Sunday 31st May at 10am.

McDERMOTT Eamon Drumdaff, Roscommon 9th Anniversary occurs on May 29th

Always remembered and sadly missed by Patsy and family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 30th May in Derrane Church at 7 p.m.

KEAVENEY Betty & Padraic Athleague, Co. Roscommon Whose anniversaries occur on 28th & 31st of May (11th Anniversary)

Time may pass but memories of you will never die.

No longer in our lives to share, But in our hearts you are always there.

DOLAN Leo

DOYLE Denis (Denny)

In loving memory of Leo Dolan, Munsboro House, Roscommon Who passed away on 4th June, 2009, R.I.P. (6th Anniversary)

Cloonlyon, Ballygar, Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Denis (Denny) Doyle, Cloonlyon, Ballygar, who died on 4th April 2012 Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 31st of May in Fourmilehouse Church at 11 a.m.

MALONE James (Jimmy) Cloonadra, Ballyleague (4th Anniversary) Who died on 20th May 2011

We will never forget your name And in our hearts you will always remain.

Missed by his wife Geraldine, children Paul, Aidan, Barbara, Sarah and Linda, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law and 13 grandchildren.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday 30th May at 7p.m. in Ballyleague Church.

Casey Mary (22nd Anniversary) In fond and loving memory of my mum, Mary Casey who died, aged 66 on 29th May 1993.

Sadly missed by Patricia and John.

Forever missed by Richard, Rosie, Dylan, Niamh, Liam, Liamog, Caoimhe, Evan, Michelle, Pauric and Darragh.

Mass offered.

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

PAT: 087 7799076 PAUL: 086 6052649

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

Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Deeply missed by his wife Delia and family.

Anniversary Mass on Thursday 11th June in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 10.30am.

CORCORAN Willie Toberdan, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (5th Anniversary) 2nd May 2010

DENNY Each time I look at your picture You seem to smile and say Don’t be sad, but courage take and love each other for my sake.

Sadly missed by your wife Rita. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD & GRANDAD We cannot bring the old days back When we were all together The family chain is broken now But memories last forver.

Always remembered by loving wife Martina and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday 31st May at 11.30am.

BRADY Denis Ballymacurley, Ballinaheglish, Co. Roscommon and formally Clooncraff, Ballymurray In loving memory of Denis Brady Keep us free from hurt and pain You’ll always be within our hearts Until we meet again.

Mass will be offered for Denis on the 5th of June at 7.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish, for all his friends and neighbours.

DUKE JOHN JOE

Araghty, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 31st May 2010 (5th Anniversary)

Aughagad, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

Trish, Dylan, Ryan and Dec. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD We miss you in so many ways We miss the things you used to say And when old times, we do recall It’s then we miss you most of all.

Always in our thoughts, Mary T. and John. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD We think of him in silence No eyes can see us weep But still, within our aching hearts His memory we will keep.

Anthony, Linda and boys. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just a prayer from the family who loved you, Just a memory fond and true, In our hearts you will live forever, Because we thought the world of you.

KELLY John

DAD & GRANDAD Everyday in some small way Memories of you come our way Though absent, you are always near Still missed, loved, and always dear.

Sadly missed everyday, Tina and Jack. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD It does not take a special day for us to think of you Each Mass we hear, each prayer we say is offered up for you.

Loved and missed, Denis, Breda and Cormac. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD Loving you is easy We do it everyday Missing you is a heartache That never goes away Missing you always.

Shelly and Paul. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dad A silent thought, a secret tear Keeps your memory ever dear God took you Home, it was His will But in our hearts you still live.

Loved always, Rita and Chris. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DAD I have lost, Heaven has gained The most wonderful dad this world contained There’s just one thing that makes me glad God choose you, to be my dad.

Love and miss you, Dee. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday 30th May at 7.30pm

We have a book of memories, It is not upon the shelf, It’s deep within our hearts and the key we keep ourselves.

We turn the key quite often and we think of bygone days.

We miss you so very much in oh so many ways.

Sadly missed by your loving wife Mairead, son Patrick, daughters Chloe and Olivia, your mother Valerie, father Bernard and sister Tracy, family and friends.

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

Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Sadly missed by your wife Mary B and family.

Anniversary Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty on Sunday 31st May at 11.30am.

Always in our thoughts.

GATELY Eileen

DONNELLY Gerry

Garrynagran, Dysart, Co. Roscommon Died 31st May 2007 (8th Anniversary)

Rahara, Athleague, Co. Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Eileen Gately In loving memory of Gerry, who died on June 5th 2004 R.I.P. Loved and respected wherever you went, Happy, smiling and always content; Helpful forgiving, but never unkind, These are the memories you left behind.

Sadly missed by his wife Teresa, daughter Orla, sons Luke, Anthony and Damien, brother Liam, daughtersin-law Ann, Siobhán and Helena and grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Keeva, Muireann, Róisín and Carly.

Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church on Sunday May 31st at 10.00 a.m.

Your life was love and labour, Your love for your family true, You did your best for all of us.

We will always remember you.

Loved and missed by your family.

Anniversary Mass on Saturday 6th June at 8.15pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople This weekend’s action This bank holiday weekend starts in Fairyhouse today with the launch of its 2015 programme on the flat, the stalls opening at 5.50pm. Racing takes place tomorrow at Down Royal starting at 5.40pm and also the first of a 2 day meeting at Tramore with tapes away for the first at 5.50pm and on Saturday at 5.00pm. All three meetings are national hunt cards. Flat racing also takes place on Saturday in Navan off at 1.55pm. Kilbeggan provide the jump action at 2.50pm on Sunday and flat enthusiasts can head to Listowel away at 2.40pm. Bank Holiday Monday sees racing over the minor and major obstacles at Listowel 2.25pm and Naas, the punter’s graveyard, race on the flat 2.05pm.

Horses for courses

by Tom Red

The 2000 Guineas at the Curragh last Saturday went to the short priced Ballydoyle runner Gleneagles with Ryan Moore in the saddle but the Sunday feature, the 1000 Guineas, Ballydoyle’s Found was touched off by the Jim Bolger trained Pleascach with son in law Kevin Manning in the plate. The Group 1 Tattersall Gold Cup went for export as Roger Charlton’s Al Kazeem pipped Dermot Weld’s Facinating Rock with Postponed a shorthead back in 3rd.

The going for the weekend is generally good to firm with Tramore and Kilbeggan forecasting good. Going at Listowel is still yielding on the national hunt course and soft on the flat track.

The Prix du Jockey Club, the French Derby, is being run at Chantilly for the first time on Sunday and with no British runners Aidan O’Brien has four possible contenders as he tries to land the race. The Ballydoyle quartet of Cape Clear Island, Highland Reel, War Envoy and Sir Isaac Newton, are among the 18 remaining entries.

The Aga Khan’s Karaktar, trained in France by Alain de Royer-Dupre, who has easily won a Listed racr at Saint-Cloud and followed up with a Group 3 contest at Longchamp last month. The Andre Fabre duo Harlem

Al Kazeem, blue check, from Facinating Rock, near side, and Postponed.

and New Bay are also in the field, along with Prix Greffulhe winner Sumbal, who is also in the Derby at Epsom.

General News Up and coming apprentice jockey, Oisin Murphy, rode his first classic winner in Germany last week Cologne when Karpino won the German 2000 Guineas. Kerry native Murphy is nephew of Jim Culloty, Gold Cup winner on , and started his career with Tommy Stack and then at Ballydoyle.

He moved to England and Andrerw Balding’s yard in 2012. Keep an eye out for a potential champion jockey.

Dancingwithangels, Tom Cleary’s Red Mills winner at the recent Lenebane meeting is doubly entered at Navan on Sunday.

After being 2nd in Roscommon The Doorman is entered in the handicap chase in Kilbeggan on Sunday and

will be fancied but the ground may be gone on him. Watch out for him at Listowel on Monday.

Point to Point View This weekend marks the finale of the season with 2 day meetings at both Kinsale and Ballingarry outside Roscrea. Racing at the Cork venue starts at 5.00pm on Saturday and 3.00pm on Sunday and in Tipperary racing begins at 2.00pm both Sunday and Monday.

Derek O’Connor is once more champion rider elect. In pole position in the ladys championship is Liz Lalor 7 clear of Maxine O’Sullivan.

Leading novice rider is Tim Donworth 6 clear of Eugene O’Sullivan in that race. However in the leading handlers race it a different story where there is a ding dong battle between Donnchada Doyle and Colin Bowe with Donnchada leading by 1 on 28.

Competition Time Off to Kilbeggan next Sunday for Family Day are Anne Gibbons, Seamus O’Donnell and Tom Beirne winners of our readers competition.

The second meeting of the year, a 2 day meeting, takes place at Lenebane on the 8th and 9th of June and to win one of the 3 pairs of tickets Michael Finneran has kindly given us all we want to know is which horse, trained in Athlone, won the Connolly Red Mills Handicap in the opening meeting of the year at Lenebane on the 18th May? Answers please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail.com by 12.00 pm Wednesday the 3rd of June for Roscommon not forgetting to include your name, address and a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Golf News

Athlone Golf Club Congratulations to the Intermediate Team who won their match against Carrick-on-Shannon last Saturday.

Best of luck in the next round!

Hard luck to the Junior Cup team who were beaten by Ballinasloe GC on Sunday. The team was managed

by Sheila Geraghty and Anne Egan Farrell.

Boyle Golf Club The inaugural Committee Cup for Ladies and Gents takes place next weekend. Format is an 18-hole stroke and players can play Saturday or Sunday. Tee times must be booked online; maximum three-ball.

The top ladies and gents will play a final nine holes on Sunday evening.

The weekend will commence with a 9-hole scramble on Friday evening – draw at 6.30 pm; tee off at 6.45 pm. Players in the Committee Cup are asked to please note that practice for the competition is not allowed on the course on Saturday or Sunday.

Other competitions during the week are the Men’s Competition on Thursday, the Ladies Competition on Tuesday and a 9-hole stableford on Bank Holiday Monday.

In King Harmon news, players are reminded that all first round matches must be completed by Friday 29th May.

In Interclub news well done to our seniors who beat to Enniscrone last Thursday and our Pierce Purcell Team who beat Castledargan on Saturday.

to keep up the good work and keep practicing. You never know with the Irish Open on this week we could unearth the next Rory McIlroy!

Castlerea Golf Club

Ladies results from the 19th May – 1st: S. Benedetti (3) 37 points; 2nd: C. O’Connor (13) 36 points; 3rd: M. Brennan (25) 34 points.

Men’s results from 24th May – 1st: M. Dolan (18) 42 points; 2nd: M. Costello (3) 41 points; Gross: T. Grehan (3) 34 points; 3rd: M. Daly (13) 40 points; Junior Prize: C. O’Connor (12) 42 points.

The winner of the Over 55s Men’s was J. Gunne (36 points); 2nd: P. Moran (35 points); 3rd C. Brennan (34 points).

The winner of the Ladies Over 50s – 1st: M. Egan; 2nd: M. O’Gara; 3rd: M. Cunningham; 4th: M. Lennon.

Friday Men’s Open Day from 22nd May – 1st: A. O’Connor 42 (points); 2nd: A. Hill (42 points).

Results from Sunday 24th May – Ladies 9-hole – 1st: J. O’Gara (18 points).

The Irish Men’s Seniors are playing at Roscommon Golf Club during next week. The course will be closed to members from Tuesday 26th to Friday29th May. Creggs Rugby Club will hold their annual classic on Saturday 30th May.

The results of this week’s Men’s Competition, sponsored by Hayden’s Shoes, and counting for Golfer of The Year points are as follows – 1st: John Keane (61); 2nd: Rev. Joe Poole (62); Cat. 1: Tony Mitchel (65); Cat. 2: Eddie Campion (65); Cat. 3: Eugene O’Connell (67).

Next Sunday’s competition is sponsored by Lyons’ Mace and the Ladies competition on Tuesday 2nd is the Maguire Cup. There will be a scramble on next Friday evening at 8 pm followed by the presentation for the following competitions: Club prize, Tony Brophy and Scahill’s Stores. All prize-winners are requested to attend in person. The Fore Club Alliance, sponsored by the Roscommon Herald, continues in Ballaghaderreen GC next weekend (Saturday-Monday).

On Thursday week last there was a successful clean-up of the clubhouse grounds and the club would like to thank all those who participated.

The very successful Adult Beginners programme, Get Into Golf, continues on Friday evenings and we would encourage all beginners

Roscommon

Ballaghaderreen’s David Crehan evades the challenge of Shane Duffy of Ballinasloe Town, who qualified for this weekend’s Challenge Cup final with a 2-1 win. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople

Dysart claim cup after thrilling final Roscommon & District League: Premier Division Cup Final DYSART

4

MOORE UNITED

3

Dysart goalkeeper Noel Fallon proved to be one of the heroes as he produced two top class saves late on to seal the Premier Division Cup for his side as they defeated Moore United 4-3 last weekend.

In a thrilling game Dysart were in front after

only four minutes when a neat through ball by Andy Higgins found James Coyne unmarked and he lobbed the ball over the advancing Adam McManus.

With eighteen minutes played Paul Kelly was fouled on the edge of the

Dysart penalty area and Andy Nevin found the corner of the net with a splendid drive.

Nevin then turned provider by delivering an excellent cross which was headed to the Dysart net

by Mark Nicholson.

Dysart equalised 21 minutes into the second half when Johnny Kiernan’s corner to the far post was headed to the Moore

net by John Coyne.

Moore responded when Ronan Keogh headed to the Dysart net to restore their lead.

Five minutes later Moore conceded a freekick on the edge of their penalty area and Johnny Kiernan’s drive took a deflection before nestling in the Moore net.

The best goal of the game turned out to be the

winning goal.

It was scored by Dysart with ten minutes remaining as Paul Higgins headed home a Coyne cross.

In the closing minutes Andy Nevin, Cathal Og Sullivan and Alan Duffy were denied by some outstanding saves by the Dysart ‘keeper Noel Fallon. Time ran out for an unlucky Moore United.

Clann na nGael to host fundraiser Clann na nGael GAA Club are hosting a fundraising Monster Table Quiz and ‘Clann’s Got Talent’ Show this Sunday, 31st of May at 8 pm in the Athlone Springs Hotel.

Tickets are €10 each for what promises to be a great night’s entertainment with well-known club members like Johnny Dunning, Brian Goode, Mike Keena, Mary Keena, Fran Nicholson and Eamon McManus Senior taking part. The event is also in support of Join Our Boys. Come along to what promises to be a great night.

St Faithleach’s to host annual 7-aside tournament St Faithleach’s Minor Club are holding their annual U14 Boys 7-a-side tournament at their club grounds in Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon on Saturday 20th of June 2015.

This tournament is one of the longest established tournaments in the country, being held every year since 1983.

This tournament will be confined to the first 16 teams to enter. The Paddy Bolger Memorial Cup and a set of trophies will be presented to the winning team. The runners-up will also receive trophies.

Meals and refreshments will be provided to all the players and officials. Clubs who wish to enter are asked to contact the secretary of St Faithleachs Minor Club secretarybng.stfaithleachs.roscommon@gaa.ie (Monica Connaughton). Closing date 31st May 2015. Entry fee for each team taking part is €50.

Dysart captured the Premier Division Cup after defeating Moore United 4-3 last weekend.

This Weekend…

Ballinasloe back in familiar territory!

Ballinasloe Town and Castlerea Celtic will contest the final of The Roscommon & District League Challenge Cup next Sunday at the League grounds, Lecarrow following Ballinasloe’s 2-1 win over Ballaghaderreen last weekend.

Aidan Dooney opened the scoring for the victors after 26 minutes but Ballaghaderreen were level within three minutes when Cathal Horan volleyed to the roof of the Ballinasloe Town net.

However with 58 minutes played the winner arrived through David Grehan who volleyed a goal at the second attempt, booking his team’s place in this weekend’s decider.

SICK AS A PARROT/ OVER THE MOON ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS

Thursday May 28th (8.15 pm) Ballinasloe Town v Prison Service. M. Murphy.

Friday May 29th (7.30 pm) Cloonfad Utd v Skyvalley Rovers. W. Stokes Saturday May 30th (7 pm) Glen Celtic v St Comans. G. Carmody CB Trotters v St Francis FC. T. Cormican

Ballinasloe poised to claim fourth successive cup title < SHANE REYNOLDS

Josh Gallagher and Malcom Flannery battle for possession. Picture: Andrew Fox

SOCCER FIXTURES MASTERS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVI SION FIXTURES

The finale of the Roscommon & District soccer season takes place this Sunday when cup holders Ballinasloe Town face Castlerea Celtic in the Challenge Cup Final at Lecarrow at 2 pm.

Castlerea Celtic face the unenviable task of trying to prevent the ‘Town side from securing the double, as well as a fourth cup title in a row in the process.

Celtic will be up against it on Sunday, but, buoyed by an impressive underage structure over the last number of years, they are taking steps in the right direction to restore former glory days.

Ballinasloe Town have been to the forefront of the local soccer scene for a number of years now. They boast a squad which oozes class and experience, and their pedigree in cup competitions is second to none.

Playmaker Darragh Concannon is the central cog in the team and he will set the tone and tempo of the game from the middle of the park for the reigning

champions. They also possess a number of other very seasoned and impressive performers in goalkeeper Aidan Fallon, captain Peter Keighery, Shane Duffy and Aidan Dooney. They also welcome back stalwart Gary Egan this weekend, a player who was unavailable for last week’s semi-final win against Ballaghaderreen.

Celtic qualified for the final by virtue of a 1-0 win over Shiven Rovers in the semi-final and will be looking to seasoned performers Ronan Curran, Nathan Blighe, Cathal Dineen, Giles McDonagh and Declan Creighton for leadership. Other players to watch out for include Stephen Ryan, Peter Farrell and James Joyce.

It’s very difficult to look past Ballinasloe Town, but everyone loves a good cup story and Celtic will believe that this year could be their year. However they will need to produce their performance of the season to dethrone the champions.

Prediction: Ballinasloe Town.

Roscommon GAA fixtures Friday May 29th Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior A Football Championship At Frenchpark: Western Gaels B v Ballinameen. 8 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior B Football Championship At Kilmore: Kilmore v Kilglass Gaels. 8 pm Saturday May 30th Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Section A) At Strokestown: St Brigid’s v Roscommon Gaels. 6.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Section B) At Kilmore: Kilmore v St Croan’s. 7 pm At Strokestown: Strokestown v Castlerea St Kevins. 8 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group IFC (Section A) At Cootehall: St Michael’s v St Aidan’s. 7.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group IFC (Section B) At Ballyleague: St Barry’s v Kilbride. 6.30 pm At Knockcroghery: Clann na nGael B v Michael Glavey’s.

8 pm Sunday May 31st Hodson Bay Hotel Group IFC (Section B) At Boyle: Eire Óg v St Ronan’s. 2 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Section B) At Boyle: Boyle v Elphin. 3.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group IFC (Section A) At Fuerty: Fuerty v Tulsk Lord Edward’s. 2 pm At Oran: Oran v St Dominic’s. 2 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior A FC (Section B) At Oran: Castlerea St Kevin’s B v St Brigid’s B. 3.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group SFC (Section A) At Ballyforan: Clann na nGael v Pádraig Pearse’s. 4 pm At Dr Hyde Park: St Faithleach’s v Western Gaels. 6 pm Monday June 1st Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior A FC (Section B) At Lisnamult: St. Dominic’s B v Strokestown B. 1.30 pm Hodson Bay Hotel Group Junior AFC (Section A) At Woodmount: Padraig Pearse’s B v Creggs. 1.30 pm

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Roscommon in London: ‘Move along, nothing to see here’ As the New York policeman said “Job done – move along – nothing to see here.”

That was the overwhelming feeling about last Sunday’s game between Roscommon and London and now the stage is set for a really interesting looking Connacht semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo on June 20th in Sligo.

The week before that we will have Galway and Mayo in the other semifinal. There won’t be much in either

game, that’s for sure.

Well done also to the Roscommon hurlers who have won through to the Nicky Rackard Cup Final on June 6th.

Tyrone have become a bit of a bogey team for Roscommon over the past few years, and to go to Carrickmore and win last Saturday was a great achievement. Armagh await in the final. It won’t be easy but Roscommon are on a roll and they will be hard to beat now.

Elsewhere, the hurling game between Clare and Limerick was a cracker.

The two dismissals were controversial and probably harsh. There was huge passion between the sides and it was a pity to see a loser.

Clare will be back this summer.

They have a super young team. I have always admired Davy Fitzgerald’s passion for the game but his interview with Clare McNamara of RTE after the match was bizarre.

He stood there like a bold child who

had just lost his dummy. It looked like he was going to refuse to say anything at first and then he blathered on for almost four minutes.

In Ulster, Cavan were in a winning position but they could not close out the game against Monaghan and they could rue that result before the summer is over.

This weekend there is nothing to get the pulses racing in the football championship. Tipperary should be too good for Waterford in Munster while

Irish Open Golf

Off-beat stories from the Internet over past week

The strongest field for many years will take part in this week’s Irish Open at Royal County Down. Whoever thought of the idea of putting Rory McIlroy in charge of the event should be congratulated because it has worked a treat.

It will be a marvellous event at a spectacular course and hopefully the weather will be good. McIlroy himself was very poor last week at Wentworth and he will be very anxious to play well on home ground this weekend. He should be there or thereabouts when the title is up for grabs on Sunday.

Well done to Shane Lowry, who clearly loves Wentworth. After a poor start, he put together three great rounds to finish 6th and collect another big cheque. I’d love to see him do well in the Irish Open this week.

Great club action on cards The second round of the Roscommon Senior and Intermediate Championships go ahead this weekend with some great games down for decision.

The games are previewed in detail elsewhere in the sports section this week. The shape of the various groups will be clearer by the end of the weekend.

Soccer musings With a very poor Premiership season now at an end the focus will switch to the FA Cup Final and other end of season games. The FA Cup Final looks likely to be an interesting game and a lot of Irish support will be behind Aston Villa as they take on the mighty Arsenal.

The Gunners look to have by far the best team but in a one-off game you never know what might happen and it will be interesting to see how young Jack Grealish gets on in a really big encounter. For no particular reason I will be shouting for Aston Villa, who will be the rank outsiders.

The following week we have two very interesting games for the Republic of Ireland when we play Scotland in the Euro qualifiers in a match that we must win. The big problem with the build-up to that game is that the friendly international against England a few days later will probably overshadow it in terms of hype. I hope there is no trouble at that game but I would not bet on it.

Scotland will come to Dublin looking for a draw and they are well capable of getting a point. The game against England should be just a sideshow but it will be the main event over the next week or so whether we like it or not.

Longford will be the lambs to the slaughter when they face the Dubs in Croke Park. Fermanagh face Antrim in Brewster Park but neither side will go beyond the next round.

The game of the weekend will certainly be Dublin v Galway in the hurling in Croke Park. Every year there are great hopes for Galway but it seems to me that Dublin are improving again under Anthony Cunningham and I am expecting them to win a tight game.

Say it ain’t so, Joe! Joe Brolly is in hot water (again) after calling Marty Morrissey ugly on live TV. He was talking about Cavan football when he said “Some people have called it The Black Death in recent years or the fact that it’s uglier than Marty Morrissey.”

Presenter Michael Lyster said “Now Joe you should apologise for that” to which Joe replied “I apologise to the people of Cavan for that remark.”

He later apologised to Marty Morrissey.

Shane’s London blast Challenge Cup semi-final action between Ballaghaderreen and Ballinasloe: Gavin Conway rises above David Crehan to move the ball forward. Picture: Andrew Fox

In defence of London role I have to disagree with Shane Curran’s comments on The Sunday Game with regard to the worthiness or otherwise of the games against London and New York in the championship.

I know first-hand the work that is going on in places like London to keep gaelic games going and these championship games

are very important for them every year. For other teams to have to put up with a little inconvenience every five years is not a lot to ask.

Is the Roscommon v London game any more relevant than the Carlow v Laois game a few weeks ago or indeed the Dublin v Longford game will be

next Sunday?

Last weekend I saw the plans that the London County Board have to develop the grounds at Ruislip.

They are really impressive and will cost five million pounds sterling.

They deserve to stage a big game at least once a year.

Bill – a superb broadcaster Like the rest of the sporting community I was shocked to hear of the sudden death of Bill O’Herlihy on Monday.

Bill was a superb presenter over many years and knew well how to stoke the fires with Brady, Dunphy and Giles. He threw the petrol on the fire so to speak and then just stood back and watched the fires burn.

His easy-going manner meant that he was always very watchable and he knew his place was to introduce the items and to generate and stimulate the conversation. Once the serious conversation started, he was just the referee.

He was a great broadcaster and a great professional too. May he rest in peace.

“They’ll come once every 35 or 40 years with a team that can compete but the overall job of what they’re doing to the championship isn’t that good” – Quote from Shane Curran on The Sunday Game (speaking about London).

Davy on defensive “I’ll ask everyone a question here – do ye think we’re a dirty team? And do you think we foul a lot? And I feel if you really look inside your souls, you’ll see” – Clare boss Davy Fitzgerald after Sunday’s game against Limerick in Thurles.

Six of the worst “Embarrassing day for all connected with LFC. 6-1 is not acceptable. Not saying anything but my son left at half time so it must’ve been bad!”

– Jamie Carragher tweet after Liverpool lost 6-1 to Stoke City last Sunday.

Scored 10-5 … take him off!

The late Bill O’Herlihy.

This story came to light over the past week in the Cavan U-16 Championship…’Cavan Gaels had a somewhat comfortable 11-7 to 2-5 win over Ramor Utd last week and one man in particular took scoring to a whole new farcical level. Bradley Okaidja helped himself to ten goals and five points in the first half of the encounter and we can only presume he was taken off at half-time under something of a mercy rule’ (balls.ie)

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Shane’s SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Sledging: Sometimes it’s not good to talk THE LEAD STORY Shane Reynolds

‘Sledging’ – the latest, albeit unwanted, addition to the GAA vocabulary.

Arising from the recent Tyrone and Donegal Ulster Senior Championship game, this phenomenon has hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and subsequent revelations and allegations regarding the practise has exacerbated the situation even further.

It’s been widely reported in the last week by very reliable sources that a

Donegal minor player was subjected to personal abuse from a Tyrone counterpart about the recent passing of his father.

A minor player, a teenager, remember.

If those allegations are true, then this latest development on the GAA field would leave you sick in the pit of your stomach.

One would assume that this extreme type of ‘sledging’ was not sanctioned and pre-meditated by the

Tyrone county minor setup and was, instead, an unfortunate individual act by the perpetrator.

Because if the GAA is now at the stage where – to get the upperhand on your opponent or to gain a psychological edge –players have to resort to this type of gross behaviour, then we have come a long way from the spirit in which the organisation was founded.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that personal abuse has always been part of the fabric of the game. Markers whispering something in an opponent’s ear, or the wry jibe after a free-taker misses a placed ball…that has always been part of the tension; perhaps lacking integrity, but accepted all the same.

One would just hope that this latest revelation regarding the taunt of a minor player losing his father, if a true example of sledging, is an isolated incident.

Certainly the entire episode has brought this type

of unsavoury tactic under the spotlight.

But it’s not a problem for the officials. It’s virtually impossible to police and referees have enough on their plate during highintensity championship encounters and don’t have time to be earwigging for every single word which is exchanged on the field.

Ultimately, only the players themselves can eradicate the sledging virus by taking responsibility for their own actions. But that requires opposition players to respect each other, which sometimes isn’t something that happens easily in the sporting world – but we should remember that winning can’t always be justified by the means used.

Like most modern-day dilemmas which the GAA faces, the problem of ‘sledging’ seems to be far more prevalent in Ulster than in the rest of the country. But one hopes that the excessive level to which it

is being used has not become an accepted and active strategy for teams; or even worse, that it is being sanctioned by management.

Players themselves know that there are certain lines that they should not cross.

The bitterest of rival players have always been likely to dish out both verbal and physical abuse at each other. But, generally speaking, after the final whistle sounds, any dispute which waged is eclipsed by a simple handshake to portray the mutual respect most players have for each other.

But I can’t imagine that the Donegal minor in question two weeks ago extended his hand to the opponent who had allegedly mocked the death of his father earlier in the game.

The GAA portrays itself as one big family. It’s time to start treating each other as such. At the end of the day, if the players don’t respect each other, who will?

Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh has revealed his concerns about the effect of ‘sledging’ or verbal abuse upon vulnerable GAA players.

Good Week Rossies honoured!

Two Rossies are being honoured for EirGrid All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship displays. Roscommon’s Cathal Compton and Diarmuid Murtagh were among those selected as recipients of the inaugural ‘EirGrid 21 U-21 Awards.’

Hurling heroics!

Congratulations to the Roscommon senior hurling team who qualified for the Nicky Rackard Cup Final with a 1-16 to 0-14 win over Tyrone.

A true hero There was a very special moment last weekend in the Premiership when Jonas Gutierrez, who just recently recovered from cancer, helped ensure his team avoided relegation by scoring a goal in Newcastle United’s 2-0 over West Ham.

Dysart crowned champions!

Dysart were last weekend crowned the Premier Division Cup champions following a thrilling 4-3 win over Moore United.

Winner of the A1 Singles Martin Fleming is presented with his prize by Seamus Duffy of A1 Roofing Ltd.

Bad Week

Impressive Fleming is ‘A1’ Martin Fleming reigned supreme at the recent annual A1 Roofing Singles competition which took place in Spell’s of Ballaghaderreen.

The final was contested between Fleming and Ronan McDonagh. An on-form Fleming made his way to the final with wins over Pat Reid and Peter Savage. McDonagh had been in similar scintillating form, recording wins over Denis Coffey and JP Feeney.

However the final turned out to be a one-sided affair despite both players throwing some impressive darts, and Fleming sealed a 6-1 win to scoop the title.

June Bank Holiday Round Robin A Round Robin competition will take place in The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon this June Bank Holiday Monday 1st of June. Contact David on 086-0823180 for entry.

Meanwhile the 3rd Annual Elphin Open will take place on Saturday 13th June at 1 pm in An Bothar Rua, Elphin.

For more details contact Gerard on 083-4613378.

It was a terrible end to the season for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, whose job now hangs by a thread following their humiliating 6-1 defeat to Stoke City last weekend.

3

FOR YOUR WEEKEND DIARY

Club action Pictured at the charity cycle hosted by the Lecarrow Lazers Cycling Club on Sunday were Jean, Ollie and Teigan Gethins. Picture: Andrew Fox

A full round of club championship games takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, with the local derby between Padraig Pearse’s and Clann na nGael and the meeting of St Brigid’s and Roscommon Gaels the pick of the ties.

Darts decider in The Hollywood!

WHO’S SAYING WHAT..

Nipper Mckeon @Nipper1989 No matter what’s going on Liverpool should never be losing to anyone 61. Rodgers has to go Sorry. Thanks for the memories. #KloppForTheKop (a frustrated Liverpool fan issues a plea for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to get the sack) Cian Smith @Smithie_1 Conor McManus is a class act (Boyle native Cian Smith pays tribute to McManus’ performance for Monaghan last Sunday)

Alan Shearer @alanshearer Congratulations @petercrouch on beating my record for headed goals.

Keep going for another 11 seasons you might break the other one (Alan Shearer congratulating Peter Crouch about breaking his Premiership headed goals record last weekend, but pointing out he has a long way to go before surpassing his overall one – 260 goals) The42.ie GAA @The42GAA ‘Cavan’s football is as ugly as Marty

Morrissey’ – (Joe Brolly gets into more hot water on the The Sunday Game with his controversial reference to colleague Marty Morrissey) Frankie Dolan @munited18titles Gr8 article by@tomas5ky 2day in d indo. Its d lads that dish out d s**t talk that are’nt able kick a ball over d bar and shut der mouths (Former Roscommon footballer Frankie Dolan praises Kerry legend Tomas O’Se for his piece on sledging in the GAA last Sunday)

Darts: A Round Robin competition will take place in The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon this June Bank Holiday, Monday 1st of June. There will be cash prizes for winner, runner-up, semi-finalists and highest checkout. Doors open at 1.30 pm; games at 3 pm sharp.

Creggs RFC Golf Classic Creggs RFC’s annual Golf Classic and the 3rd ‘Luke Daly Memorial’ Cup takes place this Saturday, May 30th. The time-sheet is being prepared by John Cunningham, so if you haven’t already signed up to play this weekend and you wish to enter a team of four, please call John on 087-2485725.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople

‘THE BEST I’VE SEEN US PLAY’ Now Campbell targets ‘red-hot’favourites in final Nicky Rackard Cup Semi-Final ROSCOMMON

1-16

TYRONE

0-14

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon produced some of the best hurling their manager has ever seen them play when accounting for Tyrone in last weekend’s Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final.

Now Justin Campbell, who has spearheaded the rejuvenated hurlers’ route to the final, says serious preparation will take place ahead of a showdown against “red-hot favourites” Armagh in the final at Croke Park.

Reflecting on the 1-16 to 0-14 win over Tyrone, Campbell said: “Some of our hurling was the best that I have seen since I have been involved.

“It was a great win and a great performance after a three-hour bus journey to the venue on Saturday. We

started well and we finished well and that was very pleasing.”

The manager commended his players who he said have put in a great effort all season.

Buoyed and all as Roscommon hurlers are, Campbell is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead if overall victory in this competition is to be achieved.

“Armagh will be red-hot favourites…but we came to Tyrone and beat the reigning league and Nicky Rackard champions and that will give us great confidence for the final.”

A strong second-half display was the key to the Rossies’ victory in Carrickmore on Saturday.

Having dominated the opening exchanges Roscommon led by 0-7 to 0-2 after 15 minutes with Jerry Fallon deadly accurate from frees and Adrian Murphy doing well in the full-forward line. Tyrone came back into it towards half-time and by the interval the scores were level at 0-9 each.

Roscommon were a different team on the restart and with substitute Cathal Kenny exerting a positive influence, Justin Campbell’s men made their decisive move.

The crucial goal came in the 37th minute when Adrian Murphy pounced to fire home, and Roscommon were now in command. Micheal Kelly and Ronan O’Meara added to the Roscommon lead with well-taken points.

Tyrone were battling away but with Jerry Fallon slot-

ting over crucial frees, Roscommon could always stay ahead and they maintained their lead right to the finish.

Micheal Kelly, Liam Kilcline, Ian Delaney, Ronan O’Meara, Jerry Fallon, Peter Kellehan, Adrian Murphy and sub Cathal Kenny were outstanding for Roscommon who will have been delighted to have travelled to Tyrone and won this semi-final. Tyrone have beaten Roscommon a number of times in league and championship over the past few years so this win is especially sweet. * Roscommon now face Armagh in the Nicky Rackard Cup Final in Croke Park on Saturday, 6th of June.

Time to be confirmed.

Roscommon: N Fallon; I Delaney, P Kellehan, L Kilcline; D Leonard, M Kelly (0-1), T Seale; C Dolan, K Kilkenny (0-1); J Moran, R O’Meara (0-2), J Fallon (0-8, 6 frees); C Egan (0-1), G Fallon, A Murphy (1-2).

Subs: C Kenny (0-1) for Egan, E Flanagan for G Fallon, J Coyne for Murphy, J Kilkenny for Moran.

Tyrone: J Devlin; C McNally, D Begley, M Grogan; P McHugh, J Kelly, T Morgan; R Devlin, A Kelly; C Crogan (0-2), S Og Grogan (0-1), C Cross; M Mulgrew (0-1), D Casey (0-8, 7 frees), G Gilmore (0-2).

Subs: M O’Gorman for R Devlin, M Winters for S Og Grogan, D Marshall for Mulgrew.

Referee: L McAuley (Antrim).

Jerry Fallon…impressed for Roscommon yet again.

!

Top docs pn hurralingismaed nager Justin

A delighted Roscommo k of the panel’s Campbell has praised the wor he said was critical in ich wh t por medical team, sup yed on Saturday. ensuring that Micheal Kelly pla ute to our physio, trib cial spe a pay to t “I just wan Daly for their rtin Ma Dr to Niamh Mulhern, and coming into red efforts. Micheal Kelly was injuand Martin worked mh Nia but e last week’s gam ready to play and tirelessly with him to have him Saturday.” he had another great game on

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

Job done in London, but Sligo will relish clash with Rossies All we can say about last Sunday’s game against London is that Roscommon got the job done and now we can look forward to a tasty clash against Sligo in three weeks time.

I was not in London but by all accounts there was a massive Roscommon support and there was a big party atmosphere in Ruislip. Having watched both their main rivals in action in Connacht over the past two weekends, Mayo will not exactly be shaking in their boots.

Roscommon and Galway will have to improve considerably if they are to be in with a chance of winning the Connacht title. I am sure that John Evans will be delighted with the win against what was a well organised and committed London team. Sligo will be relishing the prospect of the challenge against Roscommon and any complacency that may have been there should be well and truly gone after last weekend’s performance.

THIS WEEKEND’S CLUB ACTION

This weekend we have the second round of the senior and intermediate club championships and there are a lot of interesting matches down for decision. Pride of place will be the clash of St Brigid’s and Roscommon Gaels.

St Brigid’s are still cruising at Roscommon

club level although they have probably fallen back from the standard that they set in 2012.

Many observers in the county feel that Roscommon Gaels are best equipped to challenge St Brigid’s but they will have to improve considerably on their display against St Faithleach’s to do so. There is plenty of talent in the Roscommon Gaels squad but getting that on to the pitch on big-match day is a huge challenge for the new Gaels management team.

St Brigid’s will be the favourites to win but it should be an interesting clash.

Elsewhere, Clann na nGael will be hoping that they can repeat their first-half showing against Western Gaels when they take on near-neighbours and rival Padraig Pearse’s on Sunday.

There is no doubt that Clann are very much in a development phase under Paul Curran.

But they still have a strong core of experienced county players like Cathal Shine, Donie Shine, Jonathan Dunning and Ultan Harney.

Padraig Pearse’s have a strong outfit, especially defensively, but they seem to lack scoring forwards and are far too reliant on Seanie Fahy for their scores. I am expecting Clann to win what should be a tight match.

Western Gaels will be hoping that their secondhalf display against Clann na nGael was more of a true reflection of their team’s ability when they take on a St Faithleach’s team weakened by

the loss of Senan O’Grady and Brian Murtagh.

Western Gaels should prevail.

In Group B, I am predicting wins for Strokestown, Kilmore and Boyle. There is no doubt that when these two groupings were drawn up there are a lot of teams in each group of equal strength so we can expect a lot of tight and close games in the early stages of the championship.

DUBS NEED TO GO ON TOUR

This weekend is a relatively quiet one on the national GAA scene with the Dublin v Galway hurling match the pick of the games down for decision. I see that Dublin start favourites and whether that is because of an improvement in Dublin or a decline in Galway I am not too sure.

There does not seem to be much confidence in the Galway camp at the moment but all that would change with a good win. Nobody is in any doubt that there are plenty of good hurlers in Galway but to get them to gel as a team seems to be the big problem. I would not be gambling on this game on Sunday.

Elsewhere, in the football championship, I think that it is downright unfair that Longford have to travel to Croke Park to play Dublin. The Dubs are the strongest team in Leinster with a good bit to spare and it is unjust that they get to play all their games in Croke Park. That is unlikely to

change any time soon as revenue still matters to the GAA. Longford will be hoping to put up a good show but in reality they face a huge, if not impossible, task.

In Munster, Tipperary are certainly improving at football and they are definitely getting closer to Cork and Kerry and they should be too strong for Waterford. In Ulster, Fermanagh have made great progress this year under Pete McGrath and they should be too good for Antrim.

CALM DOWN, DAVY! Finally, last Sunday’s hurling clash between Clare and Limerick was a very good game but it was dominated by after-match reaction from the Clare bench to the small amount of injury-time added on at the end of the game.

I am not a big fan of Davy Fitzgerald but I must say that he wears his heart on his sleeve.

He is not a showman looking for attention and in fairness we all know plenty of those kind of people. Davy needs to row back a bit and show more restraint on the line. He is a top class manager and he has proven that at college and intercounty level but he is now in danger of being a hindrance to this Clare side.

Limerick are a team on the rise and Cian Lynch, the talented teenager, might just be the missing piece of the jigsaw that they need to win an AllIreland title.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople

Seconds out, round two! < SEAMUS DUKE

Hodson Bay Hotel Roscommon SFC (2nd round) Kilmore can do it Who’s in action?

Kilmore v St Croan’s.

Where and when? On Saturday evening in Kilmore at 7 pm.

Who’s in charge?

Stephen Coy (Kilmore); David Casey (St Croan’s).

First round? Elphin 1-12 Kilmore 1-11.

Strokestown 1-18 St Croan’s 1-7.

Key battleground: Both sides will be hoping for their first win. Croan’s were disappointing against Strokestown while Kilmore were pipped at the post by Elphin. Both will be hoping to ultimately avoid being threatened with relegation, so a win here will be vital. It is hard to look beyond Kilmore.

People Sport prediction: Kilmore.

Strokestown my tip Who’s in action?

Strokestown v Castlerea St Kevin’s.

Where and when? In Strokestown on Saturday at 8 pm.

Who’s in charge? Denis Johnston (Strokestown); Nigel Dineen (Castlerea St Kevin’s).

First round?

Strokestown 1-18 St Croan’s 1-7. Castlerea 2-8 Boyle 1-6.

Key battleground: Both sides were impressive in their opening-round wins. However a couple of the Strokestown players have gone to the USA for the summer, which will weaken them a little. Nevertheless at

home and with several talented young county players to call on they will be favourites to win this game. Nigel Dineen has got a good response from Castlerea and Fintan Kelly was very effective at midfield as they accounted for Boyle in the opening round.

Strokestown have more firepower and should win by a few points.

People Sport prediction: Strokestown.

Brigid’s behind them and they have many very good players in their ranks. Ultan Harney has to be a doubt for Clann following a facial injury sustained against London last weekend.

If he doesn’t play his loss could be key. Once again Donie Shine’s role will be crucial for Clann. I have a feeling that Pearse’s will win a tight game with the Daly brothers, Niall Carty, Davy Murray, and Seanie Fahy all playing well.

People Sport prediction: Padraig Pearse’s.

game of the weekend

Elphin’s edge?

Who’s in action? Boyle v Elphin.

Where and when? On Sunday in Boyle at 3.30 pm.

Who’s in charge? Mick Jordan (Boyle); Adrian Dockery (Elphin).

First round? Castlerea 2-8 Boyle 1-6. Elphin 1-12 Kilmore 1-11.

Key battleground: Boyle will want to improve on their very disappointing display against Castlerea in the first round. They will be depending on the Smith brothers, Seanie Purcell, Evan McGrath and Tadhg Lowe. The Elphin camp has settled down after a couple of problems prior to the Kilmore game although it is likely that Shane Killoran will be missing.

However Elphin look to be the stronger overall side and should be too good for the home side.

People Sport prediction: Elphin.

Derby date Who’s in action? Clann na nGael v Padraig Pearses.

Where and when? On Sunday in Ballyforan at 4 pm.

Who’s in charge?

Paul Curran (Clann na

‘West’ to be best?

Action from the first round SFC clash between Roscommon Gaels and St. Faithleach’s: David Harrison evades the challenges of Scottie Oates and Cian Connolly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Can Gaels stop Senan?

Who’s in action? Roscommon Gaels v St Brigid’s.

Where and when? On Saturday evening in Strokestown at 6.30 pm.

Who’s in charge? Liam McNeill (Roscommon Gaels); Paddy Carr (St Brigid’s).

First round? Roscommon Gaels 2-13 St Faithleach’s 0-8; St Brigid’s 3-12 Padraig Pearse’s 1-11.

Key battleground: Roscommon Gaels were impressive against St Faithleach’s but it took them 30 minutes to get into the groove. This game will represent a major step up for their young team. St Brigid’s were typically clinical against Pearse’s and they could score when they needed to, without

nGael); Shane Curran (Padraig Pearse’s).

First round? Clann na nGael 0-16 Western Gaels 2-7. St Brigid’s 3-

over-extending themselves. Senan Kilbride and Frankie Dolan remain their main men. If Roscommon Gaels could curb Senan in particular they might be in with a chance. The performances of Cian Connolly, Mark Nally and Mark Healy will be crucial for the Gaels.

It could be an interesting clash but Brigid’s have to be the choice.

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12 Padraig Pearse’s 1-11.

Key battleground: Clann looked a super side in the first half against Western Gaels

Who’s in action? St Faithleach’s v Western Gaels.

When and where? On Sunday in Dr Hyde Park at 6 pm.

Who’s in charge?

JJ Cattigan (St Faithleach’s); Donal Casserly (Western Gaels).

First round?

Roscommon Gaels 2-13 St Faithleach’s 0-8.

Clann na nGael 0-16 Western Gaels 2-7.

Key battleground: Both sides were disappointed to lose in the first round and Western Gaels will be favourites to win here.

The influence of Seanie McDermott, Cathal and Finbar Cregg and Ciaran Cafferky will be vital to them. Faithleach’s rely very heavily on the three Murtaghs and Brian Murtagh is on the injured list at the moment. I can see Faithleach’s giving Western Gaels a good game but I expect the Gaels to win by a few points.

People Sport prediction: Western Gaels.

and then they almost lost the game in the second half. Pearse’s will be anxious to put their defeat against

Contact: Ann: 087 668 3548 Pat: 086 9052437 Brendan: 086 302 6548

This weekend’s Hodson Bay IFC previews < SHANE REYNOLDS

At Cootehall on Saturday: St Michael’s v St Aidan’s (7.30 pm) St Michael’s were dismissed with ease by Michael Glavey’s in the first round, while St Aidan’s game with Oran was cancelled due to the inclement weather conditions. St Aidan’s will be looking to kick-start their campaign with a win, and should do so.

Prediction: St Aidans.

At Ballyleague on Saturday: St Barry’s v Kilbride (6.30 pm) Kilbride secured an opening-round win over Eire Og while St Barry’s received a drubbing at the hands of Michael Glavey’s.

Barry’s will be looking to bounce back, but Kilbride will have too much fire-power for them.

Prediction: Kilbride.

At Knockcroghery on Saturday: Clann na nGael B v Michael Glavey’s (8 pm) Clann na nGael’s second string sealed an impressive openinground win over St Ronan’s, while Glavey’s accounted for St Barry’s with ease. Glavey’s could be the surprise packet in this year’s championship, but Clann will be no pushovers this weekend.

Prediction: Michael Glavey’s.

At Boyle on Sunday: Eire Óg v St Ronan’s (2 pm) Eire Og performed reasonably well the last time out against Kilbride, while St Ronan’s were easily defeated by Clann na nGael. The smart money is on Eire Og to pick up their first win of the campaign, and leave Ronan’s contemplating relegation, even at this early stage.

Prediction: Eire Og.

At Fuerty on Sunday: Fuerty v Tulsk Lord Edward’s (2 pm) Title-favourites Tulsk were very impressive in their dismissal of St Michael’s in the opening round, while Fuerty defeated St Dominic’s in a re-scheduled game.

After recording such a resounding win the last time out, it’s hard to see Tulsk not registering their second win of the campaign.

Prediction: Tulsk.

At Oran on Sunday: Oran v St Dominic’s (2 pm) This will be Oran’s first outing in this year’s campaign and they will look to get off to a positive start with a win over St Dominic’s, who lost out badly to Fuerty the last time out. If Oran play to their potential, they should edge it.

Prediction: Oran.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Connacht SFC Quarter-Final: Roscommon 1-14 London 0-10

LOW-KEY IN LONDON! A case of ‘job done’ for Rossies, with sights now set on Sligo

Roscommon’s Cathal Shine

On one hand you could say that Roscommon were very poor in the second half of this dour affair at Ruislip last Sunday, but on the other hand you could also say that Roscommon came to win this championship game and that they surely did – and with seven points to spare as well.

When preparing to cover this game last week, I looked back at my report on the 2010 meeting between these two teams.

Here is one sentence from that report from five years ago: “How Roscommon or indeed London were able to play a serious football game with what was going on off the field was a miracle. Bars going flat out, music playing, and a massive hubbub of loud conversation from hundreds of people who never once looked out to see what was happening on the field of play is the reality of championship day in London”.

For 2010, read 2015.

These games are very important to the GAA in

THE VERDICT Seamus Duke London, but for the Irish teams they are a complete no-win situation. Yes, let’s not disguise the fact that for 33 minutes in the second half, Roscommon did not score from play. Let us not disguise the fact that London had 18 wides over the course of the game (and not 15 as appeared in some publications since Sunday) and also that the exiles had the best player on the field in Lorcan Mulvey.

But Roscommon had been by far the better team in the first half. Only for two marvellous saves from London goalkeeper Declan Traynor, Donie Shine and Cathal Cregg would have goals to their names, and Roscommon would have been out of sight by half-time. In that first half, Seanie McDermott, Cathal Shine, Ciaran Murtagh and Enda Smith were outstanding, with the Boyle man scoring four super points

from play.

In the second half, as London frittered away chance after chance, it became clear that Roscommon were never going to be in any danger of losing the game, and John Evans emptied his bench with lads like Cian Connolly, Ultan Harney, Thomas Fetherston and Ronan Daly all getting a taste of championship football.

So what have Roscommon learned from this first championship outing of the summer? I would have said ‘very little’ is the answer to that question. This was like asking two teams to play a match in the carpark behind the stand at the Galway Races while the Galway Plate was taking place. There was just too many distractions to treat the occasion seriously as a major championship game.

But that major champi-

onship game is going to come, against Sligo. Roscommon will have to be very, very careful in that game. They will have to go into Markievicz Park with all their guns blazing. Roscommon have a bigger picture. They make no bones about naming a Connacht title as their objective this year. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But for Sligo, the game against Roscommon will be their All-Ireland final. It will be a very tough assignment for Roscommon, make no mistake about that.

As for this game, the London County Board could not have been more helpful and co-operative. The London team and their excellent Roscommon-born manager Paul Coggins tried their hearts out, but it just wasn’t good enough.

But, calling a spade a spade, this is far more of a social occasion than a serious game. The serious stuff starts on June the 20th (7 pm) in the Yeats Country.

Murtagh’s goal, masterful Mulvey KEY MOMENTS Seamus Duke It was a fabulous day weather-wise with temperatures at about 20 degrees, and although there was a very light sprinkling of rain early in the second half, conditions were perfect for a game of championship football. There was a huge crowd (over 4,000) and Roscommon started with Ian Kilbride in at midfield for the injured Mark Healy.

Roscommon had three points on the board within four minutes. Donie Shine pointed a free after 40 seconds and that point was followed by excellent efforts from play from Cathal Shine and Enda Smith. London were winning ball in that vital middle sector early on and points from Adrian Moyles and a splendid effort from former Roscommon minor star Alan O’Hara left only a point in it by the 8th minute.

Roscommon completely dominated after that and they tacked on five points without reply to lead 0-8 to 0-2 by the 23rd minute. Enda Smith kicked three more super points from play while Diarmuid Murtagh and his brother Ciaran also weighed in with fine points from play.

Indeed Roscommon could have been far more

ahead, as in the 16th minute Cathal Cregg’s shot was brilliantly saved by London goalkeeper Declan Traynor, and in the 23rd minute a great Roscommon move saw Donie Shine clean though, but again Traynor was equal to the shot.

The sides traded points to half-time with outstanding full-forward Lorcan Mulvey scoring three points for London (two frees), while Roscommon points came from Ian Kilbride, Ciaran Murtagh and a Donie Shine free, to leave the score at the break Roscommon 0-11 London 05.

Cathal Shine popped over a lovely point within 20 seconds of the restart and although Lorcan Mulvey thumped over a free from all of 55 metres in the 37th minute, the goal that was to kill the game as a contest came in the 39th minute.

Donal Ward handled the ball twice in a great Roscommon move that also involved Senan Kilbride, and Ciaran Murtagh shot low and hard to open up a nine-point gap for Roscommon. It was game over after that.

Incredibly, Roscommon were only to score two points after that goal, a Diarmuid Murtagh free in the 55th minute and an Ultan Harney point from play a minute from the end of the game. In the interim, John Evans emptied his bench and gave several young players a taste of championship football. London dominated possession for long

stretches in that second half but they shot some woeful wides. Lorcan Mulvey kept up his oneman crusade, scoring four more excellent points (two frees) and he richly deserved the ‘man of the match’ award for his efforts.

Roscommon had done the job. It certainly was not pretty, but a seven-point win will do nicely.

Now it’s to Sligo and the Connacht semi-final.

Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, Cathal Shine (first half), Enda Smith and Ciaran Murtagh were all excellent for Roscommon last Sunday while for London, Lorcan Mulvey was outstanding. Others to show up well for the underdogs were Brian Collins, Mark Gottsche and former Roscommon man Alan O’Hara.

Eddie Kinsella of Laois was the referee and he was competent. He handed out a deserved black card to London’s Cathal Og Greene in the 21st minute, and two yellow cards to each side over the course of the game.

There was some hard hitting and some very tough tackles throughout but thankfully it never really got out of hand.

Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Seanie McDermott, Niall Carty, Neil Collins; Donal Ward, Niall Daly, Ciaran Cafferky; Ian Kilbride, Cathal Shine (0-2); Enda Smith (0-4), Donie Shine (02, frees), Ciaran Murtagh (1-2); Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2, 1 free), Senan Kilbride, Cathal Cregg.

Subs: Ronan Stack for Ward (40), Cian Connolly for S Kilbride (48), Ultan Harney (0-1) for E Smith (48), Donie Smith for D Murtagh (52), Thomas Fetherston for Carty (56), Ronan Daly for C Murtagh (61).

London: Declan Traynor; Brian Collins; Philip Butler, David McGreevy; Donnacha McCarthy, Caomhin Carty, Stephen Curran; Mark Gottsche, Martin Carroll; Scott Conroy, Cathal Greene, James Moran; Alan O’Hara (0-1), Lorcan Mulvey (0-8, 5 frees), Adrian Moyles (0-1, free). Subs: Peter O’Shea for Greene (21, Black Card), Padraig McGoldrick for Moyles (44), Michael Walsh for Moran (47), Ashley Carr for Carroll (54), Stephen Devine for McCarthy (56), Shane Buckley for Conroy (69).

Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois).

Man of the Match: Lorcan Mulvey (London) For Roscommon, Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, Cathal Shine and Ciaran Murtagh played very well, but Roscommon’s star performer was Enda Smith who kicked four super points from play in the first half. The best player on view was London’s Cavan-born full-forward Lorcan Mulvey who helped himself to eight points during the game.

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Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

Connacht SFC Quarter-Final: Roscommon 1-14 London 0-10 Match reaction on ‘tweet street’ Seamus Duke @SeamusDuke The goal was vital but London kicked 18 wides #hontheros

Roscommon v London: The numbers Roscommon Wides Frees Scores from play Black cards Yellow cards

The Irish Times @IrishTimes Roscommon negotiate first hurdle easily in London The42.ie GAA @The42GAA Roscommon went to London and edged a close game to advance to the Connacht semi-finals Ian Cooney @cooney_ian Enda Smith’s return to form is the big positive of the opening half in Ruislip #weareros

11 14 1-11 0 2

Ian Naughton @iannaughton2013 Good luck to the rossies. Second half of the season starts today. Well done to all @clubrossie for travelling today #best supporters Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan @lukeming In Ruislip. Looking forward to meeting the thousands of Roscommon people forced to emigrate. Hon the Rossies. Let the begrudgers go to hell.

London Wides Frees Scores from play Black cards Yellow cards

Crowd

18 16 0-4 1 2

Eugene Hanley @DanoHanley Best of luck today @RoscommonGAA #summerstartshere #gaa #ROSLDN @clubrossie #TheBestIsYetToCome Michael Duffy @mick_duffy @SeanieMac84 CONGRATULATIONS on your 10 year reign in the @RoscommonGAA & @clubrossie Primrose & Blue! #LEGEND

4,000

Frank Feighan @FrankFeighan Best wishes to Roscommon in Ruislip today. Population Ros 64000 London 10 million. Big pick. Heh heh #roscommon gaa #rte #shanonside

London Diary

SEAMUS DUKE

London hopes go ‘down the tube’ and I miss a YouTube moment!

This was the 10th time that I had been to London for a GAA match since 1990. I have been at every London v Roscommon championship game and I have to say that I’ve enjoyed it every time.

We travelled to London on Friday evening because we had to meet some family on Saturday in the city. The Aer Lingus flight from Dublin was hassle-free. At Heathrow we headed for the London Underground and the fare from Heathrow to the city centre was just six pounds, which is tremendous value. If you get a map, the tube is very easy to negotiate; within less than an hour we were at the door of our hotel. The staff at the London Underground were so helpful and friendly. I was very impressed.

However, despite the cheap travel to the city centre, it became obvious very quickly that the strong pound sterling meant that everything would be really expensive for the visiting Rossies. A pint at 4.50 sterling doesn’t sound too bad, but when you convert it into euro it works out at about 6.50. It was the same story with food. Lovely food, but very dear.

There were very few shopping sprees carried out by Rossie women (or men) in London last weekend, that’s for sure. Everything is just so dear with the weak euro now.

It was still great to be in the big city.

There is a certain scent you get when in a big city and there is a certain excitement; the hustle and bustle last weekend was typical of this. There

is a massive amount of construction going on in Central London. A friend of mine who was staying on the 13th floor of his hotel told me that he counted 150 construction cranes from his hotel room window on the skyline.

On Saturday evening we met with friends at a local hostelry. The news was filtering in from home that the Yes side would win a comfortable majority in the marriage referendum, but that Roscommon-South Leitrim was the only constituency in the country to vote No. I checked out the Twitter feed and some of the comments about Roscommon were actually very funny, but some were very nasty. It certainly dominated the conversation in that pub on Saturday evening.

When we went back to our hotel on Saturday night I watched the BBC News (it was not BBC Northern Ireland, but BBC London) and they spent a full ten minutes reporting on events in Dublin after the referendum.

They had three reporters on the streets. Several gay couples, women and men, were pictured kissing and cuddling as the celebrations went on.

‘The first country in the world to vote in gay marriage’ was the headline. It dominated the news agenda in the UK last Saturday night.

Needless to say a minor sing-song broke out in that hostelry on Saturday night and indeed something really funny happened. ‘The Fields of Athenry’ was getting an airing when suddenly a group of about 10 Chinese

gentlemen at an adjoining table started to join in. They knew all the words too! It turned out that they were all from a GAA club in Hong Kong and were in London for the weekend on a stag party! They know all the Irish songs. I never thought to record it on the phone. It would have made a classic YouTube moment!

We also spotted some Southport supporters who were on their way to Wembley to support their team in the League 2 Play-Off Final (they won 76 on penalties after extra-time). I have to say that despite the high prices, the food and the service that we encountered in London was top class all along the way.

Sunday Then on Sunday it was an early rise as we got ready to head to Ruislip. The London Underground was again the saviour and when we got off the train at West Ruislip Station there were two people there from the London County Board telling people the easiest route to get to the GAA pitch, which was a lovely touch.

We were there in plenty of time (about 1 pm) and it was clear that they were getting ready for a major invasion of Rossies. There was a huge marquee constructed in the carpark, with a bar at one end. There was another long bar outside under the balcony, in addition to the usual bar inside the GAA Centre. There were food stalls selling

everything from burgers and chips to salad rolls, tea, coffee, soft drinks and almost everything else you could think of.

I took my place on the balcony behind the goal, and sure enough Shannonside’s Willie Hegarty and co-commentator Donie Shine were there. Mick Rock, the Elphin man who is President of the Connacht Council, appeared for an interview as the build-up continued. The crowds got bigger and bigger and it became increasingly obvious that there was a massive crowd of Rossies over for the game.

I had intended to name some of the people I met in this piece but if I did it would take up the rest of this newspaper. By 2.30 pm Ruislip was thronged with Roscommon people who came from near and far. The bars were doing a roaring trade. On a balmy day a large crowd moved to the grass embankment to watch the game. However a big crowd also stayed in the bars and never even looked out onto to field to see what was going on. That’s Championship Sunday at Ruislip.

The centre, which had a massive screen, was showing Clare and Limerick in the hurling. It was jammed with people. I have been to Ruislip many times, but I have never seen a bigger crowd. One of the London stewards confirmed that to me later too. There is no doubt about it, the Rossies are a serious outfit when they are out!

The match? There is a report on the proceedings on the field elsewhere in

today’s Roscommon People. Let’s put it this way: when the Sunday Game team are looking back at the highlights of the year this game will not feature.

So we will just leave it at that.

We got our bits and pieces done in great time after the game, and, looking back, I was glad that my flight left Heathrow at 10 past 7 on Sunday night. I got there in loads of time despite worrying beforehand that I might have cut it fine time-wise. I know what would have happened if I had stayed in Ruislip! It was like someone took a piece of Roscommon and transplanted it to West London for the weekend.

When waiting for my cab outside the ground I met Eddie Naughton, the Knockcroghery man who has been in London since he was 18, and who is very much a part of the London GAA set-up through the years. Still a great Roscommon man, Eddie is a gentleman from a great Roscommon GAA family.

Let’s face it, this is a social occasion.

At least 3,000 Roscommon people made the trip and I’m sure most of them had a ball. Now it’s on to the serious stuff in Sligo on June 20th. Still though, New York beckons in May 2016! Start saving now!

Note: My thanks to the London County Board, their PRO Declan Flanagan and all their officers for their courtesy and co-operation over the past week.

It is much appreciated and made the job of covering the game much easier.

64

Roscommon People Friday 29 May 2015

SportsPeople Goodbye London, HELLO SLIGO! < SEAMUS DUKE

Only one date matters now to Roscommon senior footballers – and that’s June 20th. On that Saturday evening, Roscommon will face Sligo with a place in the Connacht Senior Football Final at stake.

While the consensus was that it was a fairly dull game, Roscommon manager John Evans was happy with last Sunday’s victory over London in Ruislip, and relieved that his players avoided injury.

Speaking to People Sport just after the final whistle, Evans said: “We came to do a job here and we did it, but London deserve a lot of credit. They were very enthusiastic under Paul Coggins (manager). They restricted us to 15 scores Roscommon manager, John Evans. Picture Andrew Fox.

and they got 10 themselves.” Evans said that Roscommon got some good scores in the first half but acknowledged that the team’s scoring rate dropped significantly after the break.

“Coming over here is a gala occasion for the supporters and it was good run out for us. The tackling was very, very strong at times and I hope that we don’t have any serious injuries out of it. We just did enough on the day.”

Evans said London were superb on the day and that Roscommon were happy just to leave Ruislip with a win.

“The Sligo match will be a different ball game. We will be preparing hard for that game, starting this week.”

London manager and County Roscommon native Paul Coggins was left to rue eighteen wides from his side.

“I couldn’t have asked any more from our lads today. To play that well and still lose the game by seven points is very disappointing. We had eighteen wides, and if we had taken even half of those chances it might have been a different outcome.

“We have to drive on from this now.

We proved today that we can live with the big teams and we will be putting in a big effort over the next few weeks ahead of our next game (qualifiers). We are improving all the time.”

Roscommon captain Niall Carty echoed his manager’s view.

“Our target was to come here today and win and we are happy now that it is over. It was a tough game here today and we expected that. London were well up for it. We will give Sligo our full attention now.”