2016 02 05 by Roscommon People

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

www.roscommonpeople.ie www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303

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Faces & Places

05 February 2016

SEE PAGES 50 – 51

The Local Paper

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

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THIRD SEAT – THE BIG TARGET < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY & PAUL HEALY

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

IN FERGIE TIME, TOO! Roscommon joint manager Fergal O’Donnell can’t hide his frustration as Roscommon concede a match-winning 71st minute goal against Monaghan on the Rossies’ return to Division One football. Picture: Andrew Fox

With the General Election confirmed for Friday, February 26, a fierce battle is underway for the third seat in Roscommon/ Galway constituency. It is widely expected that Independent TDs Michael Fitzmaurice and Denis Naughten will retain their seats. Current favourite to win the third seat is Cllr. Maura Hopkins of Fine Gael, with both Cllr. Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) and Claire Kerrane (Sinn Fein) having prospects of being in contention. In all, there are nine declared candidates locally. Emergency health services are expected to feature prominently in the campaign in Roscommon. The Hospital Action Committee has written to all nine candidates to ascertain their policies in that regard. Independent TD Denis Naughten revealed in recent days that he would be prepared to go into government with Fine Gael after the election without the A&E Department at Roscommon Hospital being reopened. It was over the closure of the unit that he severed ties with the party in 2011. All the latest election news inside.

CASEY’S

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Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

Painting Services

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

Professional Painters & Decorators Stephen Reynolds (086) 1987023 Enda Hoban (087) 2739726

AGRICULTRUAL LEASE I own a large farm and I currently all of my land on a short term basis to a neighbouring farmer. He recently approached me and asked me to enter into a longer term lease with him. Are there any tax advantages of entering a longer term lease agreement? Please advise me.

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire

Recent Budgets have attempted to encourage farmers to lease their lands on a long term basis to other active farmers. Land leasing occurs when a land owner (Lessor) leases his land to another active farmer (Lessee).

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Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Niamh Egan and Elaine Duffy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Mental health facility in Roscommon town closed for 14 months < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fourteen months after closing for “refurbishment”, a mental health facility in Roscommon town remains shut, the Health Service Executive has confirmed. In December 2014, Cloonbrackna Hostel closed and there are concerns that, despite previous assurances that it would, it has not reopened. A permanent closure would be in line with the HSE’s Vision for Change document, which recommends the number of hostels in counties Roscommon and Galway be reduced from 58 to nine. Asked for an update on Cloonbrackna Hostel, a HSE spokesman said that refurbishment works began on the facility in December 2014. “When the engineers examined the building, there were additional works re-

ENROLMENT EVENING

The tax reliefs do not apply to leases to a spouse/ son/daughter/sibling but are applicable on leases to a niece or nephew. The rental income up to each threshold is income tax exempt but the universal social charge (USC) and PRSI still applied on this lease income. Leases for five years or longer will now be exempt from stamp duty. A Department of Agriculture Private Contract Clause should also be entered into between the Lessor and Lessee to arrange for the transfer of agricultural entitlements under the Basic Payments Scheme to the Lessee. Said Private Contract Clause should also facilitate the transfer of entitlements back to the Lessor after the lease has finished.

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

* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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The rental income eligible can include income from both land and agricultural entitlements. The lease must be in writing and stamped by Revenue Commissioners in order for the Lessor to avail of the enhanced income tax incentives.

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.

Thursday 11th February Our enrolment/information evening for parents and children will be held on Thursday 11th February, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

quired than originally anticipated, including roofing, wheelchair and porch works,” he said. “Previously, there were four residents in Cloonbrackna Hostel. “Two are living independently in the community and two are living in Athleague Hostel. We have been informed that they are happy with their current residence at Athleague.” The spokesperson also said that a new rehab and recovery consultant had been appointed, and would assume their position next month. He added: “The local community mental health team will be reviewing the needs of all the patients who are currently residing in hostel-type accommodation in the Roscommon Community Mental Health Service.”

In particular Budget 2015 introduced attractive tax advantages to encourage farmers to lease their lands on a long term basis. Budget 2015 introduced a measure where a land owner would be exempt from income tax on lease rental income to up various exemption limits. The lease term and the maximum tax exemption limits are as follows: • 5 to 7 year lease: up to €18,000 rental income per year; • 7 to 10 year lease: up to €22,500 rental income per year; • 10 to 15 year lease: up to €30,000 rental income per year; • 15 year plus lease: up to €40,000 rental income per year.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Due to the success of their Wedding Showcase on January 24th the Abbey Hotel have extended their promotional Weddings offer, which includes 10% off all wedding packages, booked before the 21st of February. All couples who book before this date will also be included in a free draw for a chance to win a bespoke designed Wedding Cake by ‘Cakes By Una’ in Ballymahon, Co. Longford and a free ‘Engagement Photo Shoot’ by Nicolette Spellic. “The Abbey Hotel are also a fully licensed civil ceremony venue and we look forward to welcoming back some of the happy couples who took the time to visit us at the recent wedding showcase”, said Tom Grealy. Abbey Hotel have been shortlisted by ‘Weddings on

Line’ as finalists for Wedding Venue of the Year in Connacht at next week’s gala awards ceremony in Dublin. Don’t forget to follow the Abbey Hotel on Facebook and Twitter for further updates or call wedding co-ordinator Aishling McConn to arrange an appointment on 090 6626240. Email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie

SAY! WHAT GUESTS Abbey l day at our wedding in the

“We had a wonderfu food was magnificent and Hotel in Roscommon. The helpful. In particular the ely rem ext f all the staff were g who always made hersel wedding executive Aishlin ng preparations.” available to discuss weddi – Rebecca Beattie

Enrolment Evening New Entrants 2016 Monday 8th February from 6pm to 7pm

Parents are invited to come along with their child to view our school, our facilities and meet with our teachers, who will be happy to answer any queries you may have. All welcome. If this date does not suit please contact the school to make alternative arrangements.

Abbey Hotel, Roscommon have extended their promotional Weddings offer, which includes 10% off all wedding packages, booked before the 21st of February.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople

Ballymurray National School ENROLMENT EVENING

Thursday 4th February at 7.00 p.m.

Kenny in pledge over boundary

‘Save Roscommon’ cautiously welcome remarks

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Our enrolment / information evening for parents will be held on Thursday 4th February 2016 at 7.00 p.m. We invite you to come along to view the school, its facilities and to meet the teachers. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has sought to quell a lot of the “scaremongering” over proposed changes to the Roscommon boundary by promising the county would not be divided if he was returned to power. He was pressed on the matter by Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil on Tuesday. Deputy Fitzmaurice said: “Will he please

give an undertaking that if he is in the next government and if the review is not finalised before then, that he will make sure Monksland will stay in Roscommon?” The Taoiseach said: “I will answer the deputy’s question in the affirmative. “Monksland is a developed and thriving area in terms of investment and the creation of jobs. People would be very upset if it were to be shifted administratively to another district.”

Roscommon woman appointed as Intel vice-president

TEL: 090 6661217

E.mail: ballymurrayns@gmail.com

Glinsk N.S.

Glinsk, Via Castlerea, Co. Galway

ENROLMENT EVENING

On Monday 15th February, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Parents are invited to come along with their child to view the school, its facilities and meet the teachers. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have. Phone: 094 9655257 E-mail: glinskschool@gmail.com Website: www.glinskns.ie If this time is inconvenient for you, please contact the school to make alternative arrangements.

Enrolment Afternoon for new entrants for September 2016

TARMON NATIONAL SCHOOL CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON on Wednesday 10th February from 2.00pm-3.30pm Child and Parent/Guardian invited to attend.

If you are unable to attend please contact the School Secretary on 094-9621143 or 087-2261364 for an enrolment form. Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED

The Save Roscommon group, who are completely opposed to the Athlone boundary review, cautiously welcomed the remarks. Spokesman Ger Aherne said: “There was certainly some reassurance, but we will not be fully satisfied until this is taken off the table, never to arise again.” The review is considering the possibility of moving around 38 square kilometres of south Roscommon into Co. Westmeath. See page 16.

Roscommon town native, Ann-Marie Holmes,

Roscommon town native, Ann-Marie Holmes, the factory manager of Intel’s Fab 24 advanced manufacturing facility, located in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, has become the latest Irishwoman to be appointed as a vice president of Intel. She is responsible for Intel’s manufacturing on the 14nm technology, which was recently brought online following a $5 billion investment by Intel to upgrade the Irish facilities. Ann-Marie joined Intel in 1991 as a new college graduate and since then has gone on to work in all four manufacturing facilities in Ireland. This brings to eight the number of Irish people who hold vice-president positions in Intel, three of which are women.

€11.4m boost for Roscommon roads Fine Gael’s General Election candidate for Roscommon-Galway, Cllr. Maura Hopkins, has welcomed the news that €11.4 million has been allocated to Roscommon for road improvement and maintenance works. The funding is part of a €298 million national investment programme for 2016 for regional and local roads. Independent TD Denis Naughten has also welcomed the allocations. “Roscommon is getting a real boost from this significant investment of over €11 million in our local and regional roads,” said Cllr. Hopkins. “The announcement of this funding allocation this week by Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe allows Roscommon County Coun-

cil to plan its work programme for the year.” Cllr. Hopkins added: “Projects to receive funding include the R368 Killukin to Cortober road, which is set to receive €350,000 investment and there has also been €364,000 allocated to fix various bridges across the county.” Funding has also been allocated to improve the safety on the Athlone-Ballyforan road at the Culleenirwan Junction (€35,000) and to improve the sightlines on the Curraghboy-Four Roads Junction at Caltrabeg, which has been extremely busy since the closure of the Curraghboy-Rahara road as a result of flooding (€20,000). An allocation of €30,000 has been provided to remove a pinch point on the Croghan to ‘Four Ps’ road at

The Hermitage and €25,000 to improve sightlines at a cul-de-sac, T Junction at Drumacoo, Ballaghaderreen. Cllr. Hopkins said: “It is thanks to our recovering economy that we can make these kinds of investments in our road network which is a hugely important. “It is good for tourism, increases efficiencies for businesses and benefits the local people who use the roads on a daily basis.” Deputy Naughten said that works are about to commence on realignment and improved traffic calming at the cross roads at Frenchpark village, which was again the location of a recent serious accident. He added: “The works will initially be on a temporary basis with a view to putting

Deputy Denis Naughten

them on a permanent footing, if found to be successful in reducing accidents at the junction. “While the sums of money in most instances are small, the objective is to try to improve the road safety at these locations in order to reduce the risk of further accidents,” said Deputy Naughten.

newsbriefs Clooncagh ready to enrol for September Enrolment forms for Clooncagh N.S., Strokestown for September 2016 are now available. Please contact 071 9633253 or 085-8819245. For more information about our school go to www.clooncaghschool. blogspot.ie.

Roll up, roll up to Glanduff NS In preparation for classroom planning in September, Glanduff NS is now accepting enrolment applications from interested parents. An information evening for prospective parents of Glanduff students will take place in the school on Monday, February 15th at 6 pm. If you would like to consider Glanduff NS please get in touch with the school on 090 6489317 or glanduffns@eircom.net. To find out more about our school, check out our website www. glanduffns.scoilnet. ie.If you want to visit the school, please telephone in advance to arrange a suitable time – it’s a busy place!

Social dancing begins on Valentine’s Day Social dancing will begin on Sunday, 14th February from 3-6 pm in Culleen Hall, Knockcroghery. Admission is €6, with refreshments served and music by Joachim Dunne.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople

On the right road: N61 improvement ‘by year end’ The N61 Ratallen and Treanagry road improvement project comprises 2.7 km of Type 2 Standard Single Carriageway, comprising of a 1.2 km section in the townlands of Ratallen and Runnaboll and a 1.5 km section in the townlands of Cloonshaghan,

Treanagry and Knockroe. The two sections are approximately 2 km apart and located 10 km south of Boyle. Both sections are currently deficient in terms of road width, horizontal and vertical alignment. The construction contract was

awarded to Clare Civil Engineering Ltd. in November 2015. The contract was signed and sealed by Eugene Cummins (Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council) and Andrew Whelan (Managing Director, Clare Civil Engineering Ltd.) in the pres-

ence of Councillor Paddy Kilduff (Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council) last week at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon town. Works are anticipated to commence on site in the coming weeks and are expected to be complete by year end.

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Pictured in Kiltoom on Sunday last were Declan Flanagan and Mick Rock. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Over 50 cattle rescued due to Castleplunkett ﬂooding < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

xtensive flooding at Castleplunkett continues to cause major problems, with 54 cattle rescued last week and moved to Roscommon Mart. While water levels have receded in most of Co. Roscommon, the turlough at Castleplunkett has, in fact, risen by about two and a half feet over the past four weeks. That has left many roads impassable, with the Castleplunkett-Tulsk road closed and the Castleplunkett-Ballintubber road impassable for cars. At least two houses in the area are also blocked off. There was also an animal welfare issue at the townland of Bushfield on Wednesday, January 30: Michael Earley’s cattle were in danger. John Hanley, the chairman of the Roscommon branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association, said: “They were in a shed and it was in a foot of water. It was an emergency situation. We transported 54 of them to Roscommon Mart.” Mr Hanley said that the mart currently housed around 90 cattle that were relocated because of flooding: Michael Earley’s group are joined by livestock belonging to three farmers from south Roscommon. “They are all safe and sound,” said Mr Hanley. “They are in a good home.” Declan Conboy, who runs Dec’s Bar on the Tulsk side of Castleplunkett, has also been very badly affected. The road to the pub is closed and, though he remains open, business is virtually

Declan Conboy pictured in an empty Dec’s Bar and on right on the Tulsk Road, just outside Castleplunkett. Picture: Andrew Fox

non-existent. Custom is at an all-time low,” said Mr Conboy. “The road is fully blocked December 27. It couldn’t have come at a worse time.” He said that Roscommon County Council officials tried to address the situation by raising

Tisrara National School Four Roads, Roscommon

OPEN EVENING Thursday 11th February, 2016 from 7 pm - 8 pm

Parents, friends and those wishing to enrol their children for September 2016 are most welcome to come along See what our school has to offer for your child

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Email: tisrara.primaryschool@gmail.com

the road, but more rain forced its closure once again. He has called for urgent action from the Government, which has now been dissolved ahead of the General Election on February 26. “I would like to see the Government getting

behind the county council in Roscommon in relation to funding and seeing what can be done,” he said. “Try to do it today, rather than tomorrow. It’s not good enough that people would just have to get used to it.”

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Fitzmaurice wants Coveney to intervene over cattle prices Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called on Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to act over the falling prices of cattle. “The prices being given to farmers for their cattle, especially the heavier cattle, are dropping all the time and Minister Coveney must now intervene to tackle the factories who are dictating the prices once again,” he said. “Farmers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the falling cattle prices especially for heavier lots and it is the factories who are to blame. They are penalising farmers for the heavier cattle, which is very unfair.

“Farmers are being led down a different path with regard to cattle size, which is very unfortunate. Farmers are been penalised at the factory gate but the housewife is not seeing any reductions in meat prices at retail level. “Once again the big producers are showing their greed on this matter and also their distain for farmers and their livelihoods. “Minister Coveney must intervene in this matter immediately as many farmers will be driven out of the cattle business if the factories are allowed to dictate prices as they have been doing.”

MAURA HOPKINS LOCAL OFFICE: Castle St., Roscommon. Tel. 090-6630474 E-mail: maura.hopkins@gmail.com • MauraHopkins • @hopkinsmaura Also ofﬁces in Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Ballinasloe Pictured in Kiltoom on Sunday last were Declan and Mark Molloy. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople IN THIS WEEK’S PEOPLE…

20-page supplement on Macra na Feirme

This week’s Roscommon People features a 20page supplement on Macra na Feirme, ahead of a dinner dance to mark its 70th anniversary at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, on February 13. A voluntary organisation for young people between 17 and 35, Macra has a nationwide network of clubs, with six key areas of activity: agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking performing arts and community involvement. It is believed that the first Roscommon club was formed at Athleague in 1945, the year after the national organisation was established.

This week’s extensive coverage includes an interview with one of the founding members of the Athleague branch, Joe Murphy. It also features interviews with the two national presidents from Co. Roscommon over the last 70 years: Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who filled the role from 1989-91, and Ballinlough’s Seán Finan, the current president. * Our thanks to members of the current Macra executive and Macra members past and present for their assistance. Particular thanks to Sean Finan (national president) and Sean Doorley, Roscommon PRO.

Pictured in Kiltoom on Sunday last were Tommy and Nicola Carty. Picture: Andrew Fox

County Council accepting applications for funding under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants Scheme 2016 Roscommon County Council is currently accepting applications for funding under the Tidy Towns and Amenity Grants Scheme 2016. Funding will be made available to Tidy Towns Associations and Local Development Groups to help them to carry out small scale amenity projects. Roscommon County Council will prioritise the Tidy Towns Associations who enter the National Tidy Towns Competition during 2016 in order to support their ongoing work. Local development groups who carry out small scale local enhancement or amenity works but do not enter the National Tidy Towns competition will also be considered for funding. Unfortunately due to the limited amount of funding available large scale capital projects cannot be considered for funding in 2016. Applicants should be aware that payment will only be made in respect of eligible, approved projects on receipt of valid vouched expenditure and confirmation that proposed projects have been completed. The maximum grant payable will be the amount allocated or 75% of the value of invoices submitted, whichever is the lower. Grants will be payable retrospectively. Successful applicants will be required to ensure that their tax and insurance affairs are in order and that they have evidence of same. Roscommon County Council recognises the benefit of this scheme for local communities and also recognises the amount of work that is undertaken by local communities each year. It is important that all applicants make themselves familiar with the terms of the scheme to ensure their eligibility prior to making an application. The closing date for completed applications is Thursday, 3rd March 2016. It is intended that decisions in relation to funding will be made at the March Meeting of Roscommon County Council and that all groups will be notified thereafter. Further information, application forms and schemes are available from: Community & Enterprise Section, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Circular Road, Roscommon. Tel: 090-6637316. E-mail: amandas@roscommoncoco.ie. Application Forms can also be downloaded from: www.roscommoncoco.ie

Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

Tidy Towns & Amenity Grants Scheme 2016 Roscommon County Council is currently accepting applications under the Tidy Towns & Amenity Grants Scheme 2016 Applications will be accepted from: - Tidy Towns Associations - Local Development Groups - Sub-Aqua Groups Funding is available for eligible small scale capital amenity projects. Please note that it is important that all sections of the Scheme are read in full before completed application forms are submitted. Application Forms and details of the Tidy Towns & Amenity Grants Scheme are now available from: Community & Enterprise Section, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Tel: 090-6637316 E-Mail: amandas@roscommoncoco.ie Application Forms can also be downloaded from: www.roscommoncoco.ie CLOSING DATE for receipt of completed applications is: Thursday, 3rd March 2016 at 4.30p.m. Martin Lydon Director of Services Roscommon County Council

Damage to house ‘not linked to traveller issue’ – Dalton Terrace residents Residents in Dalton Terrace in Ballaghaderreen say they do not believe there is any link between criminal damage to a house in the estate and plans to move a Traveller family into the area. The group have taken issue with a report published in last week’s Roscommon People. In last week’s issue we stated that an incident of criminal damage in a house in Dalton Terrace may have been linked to plans to house a Traveller family there. The Roscommon People said that there had been opposition to plans to house a family in the area and quoted a source who speculated that the criminal damage may be linked to that issue. In response, Dalton Terrace Residents Association issued a press statement on Friday. The group said that the criminal damage to a council house in Ballaghaderreen on Monday, 25th of January cannot be condoned by the Dalton Terrace Residents Association. The statement continued: “Dalton Terrace is a quiet, respectable estate which has never come to the attention of Gardai for any anti-social or criminal behaviour in the past. It has recently launched its Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and there are plans for further development of the estate this year.” Referring to the Roscommon People ar-

ticle and the suggestion that the criminal damage may be linked to residents objecting to travellers moving into the estate, the group said: “Roscommon County Council has allocated a house to a travelling family and has commenced work on preparing it for the move. To imply that what happened last week may have been carried out by residents in Dalton Terrace to deter the move is very wrong and damaging to the reputation of the residents and where they live. “There is no proof whatsoever that this is the case and the members of the Residents Association are disappointed that the local press did not contact them for a statement on the matter before publishing the article. It should also be clarified, that as far as the Residents Association is concerned, this incident is not linked to travellers moving into the estate. “The matter is in the hands of the Gardai and it is hoped that whoever is responsible will be apprehended and brought to justice.” Eoghan Young-Murphy, who wrote the article, has stood over his report. “A reputable source suggested that the incident may have been linked to the controversy about the allocation of a council house in the estate to a family who are members of the Traveller community. I merely reported that.”

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Main Street, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. T. 090 66 63867

FOOT CLINIC– Chiropody and Podiatry Clinic – €30 over 65 – regular rate €40 Reduced rates for senior citizens (over 65) for a limited time, register now Services include: • Nail reduction • Corn removal • Ingrowing toenail treatment • Verruca treatment • Hard skin reduction • Diabetics care • Orthotic support & insoles • Cryotherapy

Gerry Fitzmaurice receiving his Hall of Fame award from last year’s winner, Gerry Markham and specials guests Kevin McStay and Brian Carroll at Michael Glavey’s GAA presentation Dinner Dance in the Ard Ri Hotel, Tuam on Saturday night last.

A heroic community effort has been underway since last weekend to prevent a house at Rahara, south Roscommon, from flooding. A turlough called Lough Fushinagh has risen significantly over the past ten days and, in recent days, it has become dangerously close to flooding one house in the townland of Balla. A middle-aged couple, with two young children, live in the property – and have remained there over the past week. Cllr. Laurence Fallon, who lives 400 yards from the house,

said: “Last Sunday, we had 50 people filling sandbags and we have now surrounded the house on three sides by sandbags, which are about threefeet high. “We have about 4,000 sandbags surrounding the house. We have a pump going continually, pumping out the water that is seeping through the bags.” Council officials and residents have been working constantly at the property, on a rota basis, to prevent it from flooding. “We are in a constant battle, but the community spirit is extraordinary,” said Cllr. Fallon. “When you put out a call and

Cllr. Laurence Fallon

you get 50 people in the space of half an hour, that’s the sign of your community.” Cllr. Fallon would also like to thank council staff members Conor Fallon, Willie Kilcline

and Jimmy Creaven for their assistance in the relief effort. Flooding has receded markedly in most of Co. Roscommon over the past few weeks, since the height of the torrential rain experienced before Christmas, but Lough Fushinagh at Rahara has risen relentlessly. “The turlough rises in the winter and goes down in the summer,” said Cllr. Fallon. “It is at its highest ever: we have people in the village 80 years of age and they had never seen it near as high. It is a terrible sight. “It has only begun to encroach the house in the past ten days.”

Over €1.5m funding for Strokestown bypass < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has allocated over €1.5 million towards continuing the N5 bypass project, which would mean that commuters would no longer travel through Strokestown. Roscommon County Council has identified a preferred route for the Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Road Project, tying in the recently completed Ballaghaderreen Bypass and Scramogue. When the 35 kilometre stretch is completed, drivers would avoid Strokestown, Tulsk, Ballinagare and Frenchpark. In its road allocations for 2016, TII (formerly the National Roads Authority) assigned the council with €1.55 million towards proceeding with the planning stages of the project. Speaking at a recent council meeting, Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins welcomed the news. However, several businesses in Strokestown object to the project, feeling it will result in a loss of passing trade. A total of almost €10.9 million was

allocated by the TII towards national roads in the county this year. Councillors expressed mixed views on

Physical Therapist is instore Wednesday & Friday •Sports Injuries •Remedial Therapies •Muscular injuries

We can dispense all prescriptions. Blister-packing and delivery service available GIVE LOUIS A CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS OR QUERIES’

Heroic efforts to stop Rahara house from ﬂooding < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

the allocation, with Fianna Fáil’s Paschal Fitzmaurice describing it as “very, very poor funding”.

Pictured at the opening of Console’s new counselling centre in Athlone were Gda. John Noone, Athlone and Yvonne Tierney.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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St. Mary’s NS KNOCKCROGHERY Tel. 090 66 61963 Email: knockcroghery.ias@eircom.net www.knockcrogheryns.scoilnet.ie

Enrolment Evening ON TUESDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2016 from 6.00 – 8.00pm Parents are invited to come along with their child to view the school, it’s facilities and meet the teachers

If this date does not suit, please contact the Principal to make alternative arrangements

An ENROLMENT AFTERNOON will be held in

St. Anne’s National School CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON on Wednesday February 10th

between 2.15 and 3.45 pm

PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL WITH THEIR CHILD

Enrolment Forms will be available that evening or by contacting the School on 094 9620482 Email: anneschool@eircom.net

Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

NOTICE OF RATES HAVING BEEN MADE COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT OF ROSCOMMON Notice is hereby given that the County Rates have been made on the property thereto on the above named County Health District. The Annual Rate on Valuation of the ordinary expenditure of the County Council for the service of the financial year ending 31st December 2016 is 7144 cent. The Rate Books are now in my custody and may be inspected by any person affected thereby, at the Offices of the Roscommon County Council between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. exclusive of Saturdays , Sundays and Bank Holidays. The said rates will be payable from and after publication of this notice. The above rates were made on the 29th January, 2016 Dated this 5th February, 2016. Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Finance Housing and ICT Roscommon County Council Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED

Pictured at an exhibition in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow were Najla Sabir, Nora Fallon, Louise Finnegan and Eileen Conboy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at an exhibition in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow were Nora Fallon and Naila Sabir. Picture: Andrew Fox

(Artistic) life begins at 80! N

ora Fallon recently held her first art exhibition – at the age of 80! Nora, assisted by the wonderful Carers’ employee Najla Sabir, held the art exhibition in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow, just before Christmas. Nora received great support from her family, friends, neighbours and the wider local community for undertaking such an innovative and inspirational project. So, at the age of 80, how did this all come about? Nora explains that in May 2015, Najla Sabir, an employee from The Carers Association in Roscommon, starting visiting her on Mondays. Najla, who is from Iraq – and a qualified art teacher – began doing art with Nora. Says Nora: “The only creative thing I would have done in the past was when my children were growing up, I made all their dresses, as I have seven girls. I would also have knitted cardigans, scarves and gloves for my two sons. I wasn’t sure what Najla was going to do for two hours when she first came, as I already have a carer who comes to me to help in more practical ways as my mobility is not as good as it used to be. I was somewhat surprised when on the first day Najla arrived with her bag of art materials!” Nora went on to say that not only is Najla extremely talented, she is also so warm and kind. “Every Monday, Najla would come with an idea of what I could make and we would work together for two hours – not even my own family had any idea of what we were doing! “By December, I had so many art items made that the idea of doing a small exhibition was suggested by Najla. Initially, I was hesitant about this but I got encouragement from Najla, Bernie Dowling of The Carers Association and my family, who all said that it was a great idea and would also highlight that the work a carer does is not always of a domestic nature. “Najla and my daughter, Noreen, organised the exhibition, so until I walked into the Community Centre in Lecarrow on that morning, I had no idea what it was going to look like. I was so surprised and even taken aback to see all the items, which were beautifully laid out and all the people who turned out to support me.” Items that Nora had made ranged from paintings to vases to mirrors, as well as candle holders and mosaics, to name a few. Nora also made a piece of art for each of her

Nora Fallon pictured with friends at her exhibition in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at an exhibition in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow were Noreen, Patricia, Nora, Bertie, Sarah and Jo Fallon. Picture: Andrew Fox

nine children, with their names and a special memory, and these were all on display. Nora has since given the piece of art to each family member – and she didn’t forget her husband of 56 years either! The proceeds of items that were sold on the day went to The Carers Association. All items were sold! Nora says: “I would like to thank Najla for encouraging and supporting me and for the excellent work she does, not only with

me but with other people she works with. I feel it is very therapeutic and has helped me immensely. There is already talk of a second exhibition!” At the recent exhibition, Louise Finnegan and Eileen Conboy from The Carers Association welcomed everyone and congratulated Nora and Najla on what they achieved in a short space of time. Louise made apologies for Bernie Dowling who could not attend due to a previous commitment.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Abbey National School, Roscommon

A hive of activity nestled on one of the most attractive and historical sites in Roscommon town

Angling Hub table quiz Lough Ree Angling Hub is holding a table quiz in the Yacht Bar, Lanesborough on Friday night (February 5th) at 9.30 pm. The hub is hosting the world championship angling finals in the town in October and four other major fishing competitions here this year in June, July and August, so your support would be appreciated as we try to put the name of Lanesborough and Lough Ree back on the world angling map. Teams of four will cost €40 on Friday night and there are great prizes on the night so please come along to ‘The Yacht’ and support the angling hub.

Fleadh Cheoil set for Easter weekend Fleadh Cheoil Roscommon will be held in Elphin over Easter weekend. Dance Competitions will take place on Sunday, 27th of March with all other competitions on Bank Holiday Monday (the 28th). Fleadh Entries must be in by Friday, February 26th. Please note late entries will not be accepted after this date. Entries only accepted on the Comhaltas Fleadh entry form which can be downloaded from the Comhaltas website; scroll down to pressroom, then downloads, entry form can be printed. For more, go to www. comhaltas.ie.

Paul Reynolds from Cloverhill, Roscommon, graduated with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering & Polymers from AIT. Paul is now employed by Boston Scientific as a heart valve engineer and is a son of Bernadette and Tommy Joe Reynolds.

TEAMWORK WITH VISION – SERVING ROSCOMMON TOWN

Abbey NS, Roscommon Open Evening & Enrolment on Tuesday 16th February Principal, Teresa HandCampbell, is justly proud of the achievements of the pupils of the Abbey NS as they thrive under the diligent and caring hand of a hard-working team of teachers who offer a broad education which goes far beyond the confines of prescribed curriculum. The Abbey N.S., Circular Road is a Roman Catholic primary school which has been the stable provider of primary education to senior boys (7-13years) from the town and its environs. From September, 2017, senior boys and girls will be welcomed to sit side by side in sharing that unique educational experience, benefiting from those strong foundations laid down over the years. The Abbey N.S. brings together the work of Home, School, Church & Community in supporting each stage of the formation of our young and acting as the glue that binds and fortifies the strong community links enjoyed in Roscommon Town. Pupils from all backgrounds, those of all faiths and none, are welcomed at our school. We are indebted to our Boards of Management, past and present, who invest so much time and care to ensuring the very best for our school and its future. Teachers at the Abbey NS are among the best to be found in the Irish primary sector. Their track

Teresa Hand-Campbell, Principal Abbey NS. record is unrivalled in providing a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere in which each child is encouraged to reach his full potential – intellectually, spiritually, physically, morally and culturally. Individuality is respected as each child is recognised, cherished and nurtured on his journey. The promotion of positive behaviour, self-discipline and responsibility is couched in a reward-centred atmosphere which is fostered on a whole-school basis through Discipline for Learning. Genuine care and sincerity lie at the heart of our endeavours as Educators who make such a strong and positive impact on young minds in formation. The Arts, Sport, Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths are embraced ageappropriately as the educational experience is broadened through involvement in Discover

Primary Science & Maths, Green Schools, Heritage Ireland, Coder Dojo, Scratch Programming, Orienteering to improve flexibility which is measured and monitored using the SpeedFlexer, Inter-School games, Cumann na mBunscoil, Hurling, Spikeball, Community games, Cycling programme in conjunction with Roscommon Sports Partnership etc. Our highly qualified staff implement the most upto-date approaches and methodologies, grounded firmly in common-sense and the traditional solidness for which the Abbey N.S. has always been recognised and applauded both by parents and past pupils who have excelled in further studies and contributed to society through excellence and innovation in the workforce. Strong home-school links have been forged over the years at the Abbey N.S. and a very active and supportive Parents’ Association works with staff in the day-to-day running of the school and the enhancement of delivery in subject areas such as Science & Maths. Parents from all walks of life assist teachers through delivering workshops grounded in real-life situations at home and in the workplace, during Science & Maths Weeks, Seachtain na Gaeilge,

OPEN EVENING & ENROLMENT at

ABBEY NATIONAL SCHOOL CIRCULAR ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Tuesday, 16th Feb. 2016 at 7.00pm Principal’s Address: 7.30pm Followed by talk from Chairperson, Parents’ Association

Parents, friends and those wishing to enrol children for September, 2016 are most welcome to come along Further information telephone The Principal, Teresa Hand-Campbell, 090 6625100 YOUR CHILDREN – THEIR FUTURE TEAMWORK WITH VISION annual Arts Festival, Healthy Eating campaigns and Abbey Options after-schools programme delivery which offers Computers, Foreign Language teaching, Orienteering ‘Army

Training’, Soccer and so on. For a guided tour of our facilities and more in-depth information on what we offer, why not call to our Open Evening on Tuesday, 16th February, 2016 from 7pm.

‘Mass for the Sick’ in Glenamaddy A special Mass will be celebrated by parish priest Fr. Paddy Mooney in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy on Thursday, 11th February (World Day for the Sick) at 6.30 pm for those who are sick. Any sick person who is present and those feeling the burden of their years may receive the anointing of the sick on the night. If you know someone who is sick, perhaps you would like to attend this Mass and pray for them or perhaps you might offer them a lift and bring them along. The names of the people who are sick and wish to be prayed for can be placed in the petition box, which is located at the Baptismal Font. Homemade refreshments will be served afterwards. All are welcome.

DRAMA … we come to life on Stage! .... ‘Away with a Manger’, ‘The Lion King’ & ‘Ralph the Reindeer’ ... Pupils enjoy public performances to packed halls – Christmas 2015

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE - our strength ... Overall Winners ‘B’ Team - Roscommon Credit Union Annual Quiz - Next on to Connaught Luke Stephens, Finn Carroll, Joe Farrell and Dara Hughes V & VI classes, Abbey BNS

Poetry Reading and Workshop’ A ‘Poetry Reading and Workshop’ with Gerry Boland will be held in Ballaghaderreen Library on Friday, 5th of February from 10 am-12 noon. It’s an open session and anyone can come along. There is no charge. Gerry will be reading from his new collection of poems, ‘In The Space Between’ and he will also facilitate a poetry workshop. All enquiries to Ballaghaderreen Library.

A GLIMPSE OF THINGS TO COME … FROM ALL BOYS ….

to ... BOYS & GIRLS together (September, 2017)

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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From My Kitchen Table

http://www.google.ie/url?q=http:// www.carloweducatetogether.ie/ home/operation-transformation/

MIRIAM KERINS

The strife of Brian – it’s time foul-mouthed McFadden grew up T

sk, tsk Mr McFadden, a decade ago you were a chart-topping icon, last year you were a respectable married man, this week you’re a ridiculed public spectacle. Yes folks, as an ahem, ‘singer,’ I’m sure Brian McFadden shows flair…look, I’m trying my hardest to be nice to a fellow Dubliner here; but his latest infantile yobbo-esque tantrum towards a follower who responded to his Twitter tweet leads me to ask once again if Brian is about to unravel. Apparently, the former No Lifer, sorry Westlifer, reacted with an outrageous foulmouthed tirade of abuse when someone made, what was in fact, in my humble opinion, quite a humorous and harmless remark regarding McFadden’s career. When reading the papers online, the www. independent.ie headline ‘Brian McFadden launches foul-mouthed attack on Twitter user,’ caught my attention because, well, Brian and his first wife Kerry Katona were once neighbours of mine and, er, well, I remember a previous Twitter outburst whereby Brian, ever the keyboard warrior, allowed his kneejerk emotions get the better of him regarding negative comments (concerning his parenting skills) allegedly made by his ex-wife and mother of his kids. Brian’s creative response was to call Kerry ‘a pig-faced mole.’ Very imaginative. That was back in 2010, and, six years later it appears poor Brian, perhaps in an attempt to garner a few much-needed column inches and possibly a viewer or two to watch him perform in Channel 4’s sports-themed TV show, The Jump, tweeted ‘This year @ TheJumpC4 has gone to new heights!” to which a response, “Unlike your career hey?!” was illicited by a troll. However, conveniently with Twitter, it appears now the serial husband and wannabe TV star has stumbled on a style that suits his limited vocabulary – well what other conclusion could one come to when one reads Brian’s quite aggressive reply which was, disgustingly, “Shut your face cxxx!” Then threatening, “Or I’ll find IP address find out where you live and strangle you with your f***ing mouse.” Later, when another user jumped on the bandwagon with, “I’d be angry to, if I had to resort to dreadful reality TV to

make a living! (sic) taking the bait once again, McFadden retorted, “As angry as you working in Tesco and shopping at lidl?” (sic). Now what’s wrong with working in Tesco – and I shop at Lidl! I have to say Brian I remember a time when, one night, performing in a show in Dublin, (when Westlife were called Westside) and my eldest daughter, who was one of your backing dancers, had to remove her own white jacket from her back and give it to you to wear onstage because you couldn’t afford to buy yourself one…bet you’d have appreciated a wage from Tesco back then!!! Huh? Now I don’t care how many times poor old Brian might proclaim that he’s a decent bloke; just one of our own; and for the record, I’m sure he’s a perfectly lovely lad who is just, er, misunderstood; but this image and these tweets, are now hopelessly intertwined and tainted by belligerent rants towards those he sees as his enemies…i.e. fans who just want to interact with him and have a bit of craic. I think it’s time the exple-

tive-spewing McFadden, whom, let’s face it has had a somewhat chequered and unsteady career, needs to realise that he cannot court and cruelly try to enslave the media and his twitter followers when he feels like it, then threaten to strangle them when they fail to massage his fragile ego. Oh well, and colour me bitchy here readers, because, as you know, I don’t usually take a swipe at stupid people, they have nothing to lose, but in this case I’ll make an exception and give my advice to those reality TV junkies who watch this mind-numbing show and who wish to communicate with the audacious little McFadden boy on Twitter or any other social media forum and it’s this… ignore him, in fact, de-throne him and the rogue gene that apparently seems to course through his arrogant veins making him the insufferable, offensive individual he appears to be. Yes folks, I think we’ve endured the strife, and the life of Brian and the several subplots to his less than dynamic career for long enough. Don’t you?

Keep goin’ John, you’ll get there in the end ome food and diet experts think they’re a notch above the rest of us, and, in my book I fear Operation Transformation’s dietician Aoife Hearne may be in danger of falling into that category. Hearne, who is probably trying to launch a high profile TV career, appeared to be close to tears in what I can only describe as an ignominious display of guilt-tripping targeted at one of the contestants, Mayo man John Conmy. Poor aul John, who failed to reach his target weight loss, appeared to be genuinely mortified as he stood, publicly humiliated and judged as if he were a recalcitrant teenager, face puce with shame as his squishy belly hung low over a pair of ill-fitting Speedos, while every morsel he dared to pop into his mouth came under scrutiny. Seriously, does anyone think for one

adies, does your hubby spend more time playing with his (golf) balls than he does playing with you? Thought so. You see, I’m a former ‘golf widow’. I curbed that little obsession by threatening to take up the most mind-numbing, tedious, lacklustre, humdrum, mundane and any other adjective you can throw at it – sport as a hobby – and tag along on outings! And no, I wasn’t really prepared

to spend my weekends shivering in a giant field searching for a pathetic little ball just so I could hit it into a miniscule hole; it was merely a threat…which only worked for a while. I discovered a more permanent solution. Divorce! However, a poll carried out by Golf Monthly revealed that 32 per cent of golfers would forgo sex in favour of playing golf! Seriously lads, would ya ever get

‘Upskill’ with Roscommon Women’s Network Roscommon Women’s Network is offering a QQI Level 5 Major Award in Retail Practices, starting in mid-February. Modules covered include: Retail Selling, Retail Display, Customer Services, Retail Administration and Marketing Practices. Get upskilled in one of the fastest growing industries and prepare yourself for employment. For more information call the Roscommon Women’s Network on 094 9621690. Citizens Information holds an outreach facility at Roscommon Women’s Network, The Old Mill, Castlerea every Wednesday from 2 pm to 5 pm. For more information please call 094 9621690.

Special Mass for healing A special Mass for healing will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Thursday, 11th February, (Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes) commencing at 8 pm. The Celebrant will be Fr. John Walsh from Limerick. Individual blessings for healing will take place afterwards. All are most welcome. Contact 086-4054489 for more information.

Award winners Pat and Ann Marie Heneghan at the recent celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Michael Glavey’s Ladies Committee. Photo: Mick McCormack.

‘Self care to wellness’ initiative launched

minute that picking on this unfortunate man by using such sanctimonious and humiliating drivel as the well-worn line “It is heart breaking to see that you got this opportunity and you are not grasping it,” whilst welling up is going to cause controversy, increase ratings and possibly garner a contract for a spin-off show?

GOLF… IS IT A LOAD OF BALLS? L

newsbriefs

over yourselves. You see girls, this particular bit of info tells me a lot about the blokes who’re more obsessed with the sport than they are with their partners and, it’s this – golf is just a game men play when they’re too out of shape to stay the pace at sex and bless them, they think they can achieve the same rush on the golf course. Let’s face it, there are only two things in life these men ever boast

about, golf and sex, and to be honest, they’re the ones who’re usually inadequate at both! In my opinion, the only time a male golfer hits two of his best balls is when he’s gardening and accidentally stands on the rake. And another thing ladies, how do you know when your sport-obsessed hubby has legged it for a round of golf? Well wretchedly, the sex is exactly the same, but the empty wine bottles begin to pile up!

An initiative supported in partnership between HSE Roscommon and Roscommon Disability Support Group will give individuals living in County Roscommon with a longterm or ongoing health condition an opportunity to attend a six-week programme designed to support their self-care management skills. This programme is delivered in 2.5 hour weekly sessions where you will learn new skills to manage your health condition on a day to day basis. The majority of people living with a long-term health condition want to maintain an independent, healthy and active life and with good selfmanagement support this can be achieved. Programmes are delivered by two trained facilitators who are themselves living with a long-term health condition. The Self-Care to Wellness programme follows the Chronic Disease Self-Management programme model. Facilitators have successfully completed the training course, and commencing in February, individuals in County Roscommon who are living with a long-term health condition will have access to the Self-Care to Wellness programme. The first programme will commence in the Dale Centre in RSG, Roscommon on Thursday, 4th February from 10.30 am to 1 pm. A second programme is planned for the Primary Care Centre, Castlerea, commencing on Monday, February 22nd from 10.30 am to 1 pm. To book a place on a programme or for further information, please contact the Self Care to Wellness programme coordinator Jackie Morrisroe on 083-8478076 or email: selfcaretowellness@rsg.ie. Places are limited so book early. Total cost is €20.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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London calling all teachers! Event in Castlerea The principal of St. Paul’s Academy in London, Patrick Winston, will host two workshops in Castlerea next week as he highlights the virtues of living and teaching across the channel. “My late parents (who were from Castlerea and Ballinlough respectively) were former students of Fort Augustus NS in the 1920s. My mother emigrated to Manchester when she was 16 while my father left school when he was 12. They had been at school together but met properly at a dance hall in Castlerea,” Patrick says. Patrick has spent his entire working life as a teacher and for the past 17 years has been principal of St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s Academy is a mixed school with 1,200 students in the middle of South East London, where there are high levels of poverty. While the academy is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, the community students are of other

Patrick Winston, Principal of St. Paul’s Academy in London

faiths and, in some cases, no faith at all. The school is oversubscribed and has a waiting list of students looking to enrol. It has a teaching staff of 95 teachers and over half of them are from Ireland. There are many teachers from the West of Ireland on the staff. In the past, Aoife O’Connor from Fairymount, Roscommon and Alan Grogan, a former

student of Castlerea Community School have worked at the academy. All new teachers at the academy complete a rigorous Professional Development Programme during their first year and at the start of the second year they are given the opportunity to commence a Masters degree on a part-time basis that is usually funded by the school. If this sounds like something which could help further your career in education, St. Paul’s Academy will host ‘An Introduction to Teaching in London’ on Saturday, 13th February at Benny’s Deli, Main Street, Castlerea. There will be two workshops at 11 am and 1 pm which will address: success of London schools, professional development, assistance with accommodation and opportunities to follow a school funded Masters Degree: Leading Innovation & Change in years 2 and 3. To reserve a place at a workshop, send either an email to patrick.winston@stpauls.greenwich.sch.uk or call +44 7734 250375/+44 208 3868.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople

Gaelscoil de hÍde receives national ﬂag The pupils, staff and parents of Gaelscoil de hÍde were delighted to welcome members of the Defence Forces to the Gaelscoil recently. They presented the national flag to the school and it was accepted on behalf of the school

by Leon, Rang 6 and Zoey, Rang Naíonáin Bheaga. This was part of the Government’s commemoration of the 1916 Rising and it also celebrated 100 years since the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

All children, staff and parents enjoyed the special ceremony during which the children were taught about how the national flag should be cared for and the protocol that surrounds the vibrant symbol of the national flag.

Síoda and Ruairí, Rang 6, read a section from the Proclamation (Forógra na hÉireann) and the senior pupils played and sang Amhrán na bhFiann. This was followed by a lively question and answers where children s questions re-

Infants from Gaelscoil de hÍde photographed with their class teacher Ríona Nic Aonghusa, Principal Orla Ní Chuinneagáin and members of the Defence Forces at the presentation of the National Flag to the school.

garding the Defence Forces, 1916, and the national flag were answered. The pupils in the middle and senior classes had prepared projects on the Easter Rising 1916 and these were on display for the occasion. Gaelscoil de hÍde will raise the national flag during a special ceremony on March 15th 2016 – Proclamation Day. The children will have written their own proclamation reflecting the values, ideas and aspirations of pupils now.

Zoey, Naíonáin Bheaga and Leon, Rang 6 being presented with the National Flag by a member of the Defence Forces at Gaelscoil de hÍde recently.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

‘SAVE ROSCOMMON’ CAMPAIGN

Kenny: No South Roscommon transfer ‘IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT’ TAOISEACH HITS OUT AT ‘SCAREMONGERING IN ROSCOMMON’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has indicated that if he leads the next government, Co. Roscommon’s boundary will not be divided – and has hit out at “scaremongering” over the issue. In his first comprehensive public statements on the Athlone boundary review, the Taoiseach sought to quell some of the public disquiet. He was pressed on the matter by Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil on Tuesday. Deputy Fitzmaurice asked: “Will he please give an undertaking that if he is in the next government and if the review is not finalised before then, that he will make sure Monksland will stay in Roscommon?”

The Taoiseach responded: “I will answer the deputy’s question in the affirmative by saying that if I have anything to do with it, that is my belief.” He said that Roscommon was a county that had “suffered much” in recent years, but that Monksland was one of its shining lights. “Monksland is a developed and thriving area in terms of investment and the creation of jobs,” said the Taoiseach. “I agree with the deputy that people would be very upset were it to be shifted administratively to another district. “I am very much a supporter of developing the county of Roscommon as an entity. Why would I not be? That is my strong belief.” The Taoiseach said that boundary reviews, commissioned by Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly last

June, was “not binding”. “Were they to become a reality, they would have to pass through the Oireachtas,” he told the Dáil. Up to 30,000 signed submissions against the Athlone boundary review, as the ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign gathered relentless momentum. The group said that a ‘land grab’ was being planned, and that 38 square kilometres of south Roscommon was set to be moved in Co. Westmeath. The Taoiseach said: “Those people who are scaremongering in Roscommon, in particular, would do well not to make comments as they are doing, including that all GAA clubs will be transferred to Westmeath, that 7,500 people will be moved to Westmeath and that all of the rates and so on will be sent to Westmeath.”

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

Council prepared to Cmoauynsctrilikstae offver boundary changes take legal action to ‘save Roscommon’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Roscommon County Council has made it clear that it is prepared, if necessary, to take legal action in the fight to avoid part of south Roscommon being moved into Co. Westmeath. A strongly-worded letter – signed by the local authority’s CEO, Eugene Cummins, and its Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff – was included last week with their 44-page submission against the controversial plans. It was addressed to Jack Keyes, the chairman of the boundary review committee, a three-man group that also includes Donal Enright and Ger Sheehan. The council’s letter, one of around 30,000 submissions lodged as part of the ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign, clearly contains the prospect of taking legal action. “We appreciate that your task is very onerous and has tangible legal implications and we the undersigned have no wish to see you defending your position in the courts…”

the letter reads. The council said that their main concern was that its Athlone Municipal District, established after Local Government was reformed in June 2014, would be “in one fell swoop destroyed”. The letter reads: “The establishment/creation of the Athlone Municipal District is built around the urban area of Monksland and if the amalgamation goes ahead, its viability is destroyed and we are respectfully putting you on notice that this possibility is outside of your remit.” The council said that there were “legal matters that you are not aware of”, such as “breaching the democratic respect and desire of the community”. They argued that the “rendering of the Athlone Municipal District void and not viable” would contravene the Government’s policy, as set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government, Putting People First. The council also argued that the “proposed amalgamation” would “contradict” the Department of the Environ-

ment, Community and Local Government’s own policies. They said that the Department’s policy was set out in their response to the draft Monksland/Bealnamullia (Athlone West) Local Area Plan 2016-2022. The letter, written on December 10, said that the Department reviewed the plan and that it provided a “strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”. The Department also said that it gave “spatial expression to the economic, social, cultural and environmental aims” of Monksland/Bealnamullia. The council urged the committee to bring these “urgent matters” to the attention of Minister Kelly, who commissioned the review last June. The council’s letter and submission was among around 30,000 submissions that were received by the review committee last week. Around 30 square kilometres of south Roscommon, including 7,000 people, could be lost to Westmeath as a result of the review.

Roscommon County Council CEO, Eugene Cummins

risk” that Roscommon County There would be a “significantke if part of the county was Council staff would go on stri local authority have warned moved into Co. Westmeath, the the boundary committee. page submission to the The council submitted a 44- one of up to 30,000 received committee last week. It was anger in Co. Roscommon at – evidence of the unrelentingits population by one-ninth. proposals to possibly reduce l said that they were In its submission, the counci proposals that were “nothing “vehemently opposed” to the short of forced partition”. would reduce the council’s They said that such a change – and could lead to a strike. rale mo staffing levels, decrease eath County Council likely “Staff complement of Westm of Roscommon County e ens exp to increase but at the . Council…” reads the submission acity will be weakened”, cap ff “sta l’s nci It said that the cou ain ert ty and industrial action adding: “Staff morale and unc are significant risks”. ed the fact that there had The council also strongly criticis er” with south Roscommon oev been “no consultation whats the Environment Alan Kelly for r iste Min ore bef nts reside tee last June. formed the boundary commitas a leader of economic The council said that its role uld be “diminished”. They also development in the county wo the thriving Monksland area pointed to their investment in over the years. estment in the area made by They said: “The significant inv ple of Roscommon, together this council on behalf of the peol for the future growth of our with the potential income vita county, will be lost forever.” removing 30 square kilometres In conclusion, they said that around 7,000 people, would be from the county, inhabited by little short of a land grab. resent the “annexing of part of They added that it would rep benefit of another without a county and a province for the. any clear justification or merit” “completely contracy to the They also said that it would be area”, and that it had been the wishes of the inhabitants of residents as “nothing short of quite accurately described by forced partition”.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Paul Healy on Alan kissing Joan; the peerless Terry Wogan; Willie and the Pope; the French locksmith who got stuck in Kiltoom; Jamie Vardy’s awesome goal…and ‘Storm Cliché’…

Saturday

Ball boy: Conor Beattie retrieves a football during the Roscommon v Monaghan match. Picture: Andrew Fox

Everyone is somewhere else, I have the television to myself, so I decide to opt for maximum possible entertainment and dip into Joan Burton’s keynote address at the Labour Party Ard Fheis. I spare the dog and banish it to another room, at least until the ads come on. I don’t know if she’s a socialist or not – our dog, that is. Then again, I don’t know if Joan is a socialist or not. Joan makes a good speech, as these things go, but when she referenced the same-sex marriage referendum at some length, I thought it a little mean-spirited of the Tanaiste not to credit Eamon Gilmore for his role in making it happen. She didn’t mention Pat Rabbitte either (she praised Brendan Howlin). Little wonder that Rabbitte clapped in slow motion, or like a clapping toy in need of new batteries. I was keeping an eye out for the body language between Joan and her all-action Deputy Leader, Alan Kelly, a sort of Charlie Haughey Lite who promises to daub much colour on the Irish political canvass in the coming years (provided he keeps his seat). In an amusing interview with the Sunday Independent at the weekend, Kelly boasted in a kind of endearing way about being a fast mover who gets things done, while bristling at the very notion that anyone would consider Joan to be his boss! Anyways, when Joan was finished

standing up for Ireland, up popped the bould Alan and, not content with shaking her hand, he planted a kiss on the side of Joan’s head. This was too much for Senator Lorraine Higgins, who burst out laughing, presumably because she was thinking what I was thinking: ‘Yeah Alan, you have some nerve!’ Anyways, enough of the serious stuff. On the trivial side, Joan claimed credit for lots of things and promised to do much more. I let the dog back in at 9 o’clock when Celebrity Big Brother was starting.

Sunday For many of us, the death of Terry Wogan represents the quiet, sudden theft of a little more of our youth. I absolutely adored him! We were on holiday in Birmingham for a few days, caravan in tow, back in the late 1970s. That was the very first time I heard him on the radio. So I woke that morning in the caravan and I turned on a radio. Wogan played a song by Bryan Ferry, then, in that lovely laconic style of his, he mused… “Ah Bryan Ferry…can you think of a better way to start the morning? Answers on a postcard please…” I was hooked from that moment. For many years, we in Ireland didn’t hear much of Wogan’s acclaimed radio show, but he became a television favourite through Blankety Blank, his chat show, the Eurovision Song Contest and Children In Need. At his all-conquering peak, he won the ‘Most Popular TV Personality’ award for ten years in succession…he was undisputed king of British television then, and even more popular on his phenomenally successful radio show. We felt that we knew him personally. He was such a huge presence in our lives for so long. For me, what set him apart from others,

Sunday ‘It started with a push…’ The scene was the training pitch at Kiltoom last Sunday, where, notwithstanding superb organisation by the hosts, some motorists found the going tough, in what were terrible conditions. First, this car (pictured) and its driver, a woman from Monaghan, got stuck. It was moments after the final whistle. A few Rossies came to her rescue. …even though Monaghan were making off with two valuable league points. Andrew Fox (the photographer covering Sunday’s match for the Roscommon People) took a quick snap, then realised that maybe he should help out. So he put his camera into the boot of his car, and went over to help push the Monaghan car out of the muck. But Andrew locked his keys in his car… Next phase of the drama saw Andrew and some Rossies speculate about breaking a window. Of his car. To rescue the keys. Meanwhile, the Monaghan woman got stuck again. The Rossies came to the rescue again. No photo this time (obviously – camera in the boot). Deciding against breaking a window,

Roscommon supporters assist in pushing a Monaghan supporter after her car got stuck at the training pitch in Kiltoom on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Andrew instead rang his insurers. Inpressively, they said ‘We’ll have a locksmith with you in an hour.’ Ninety minutes later, the locksmith arrived, fair play. All the way from Dublin, and on a wild Sunday too. He was French, apparently. (Who’d have

thought it?) So the French locksmith, a nice man, went about his business. Within ten minutes, he had opened Andrew Fox’s car and retrieved the keys. Great. End of saga. But not quite… Because then the Frenchman got stuck in the mud. He was driving (or, at this precise

was the great sense of humour, the marvellous soft voice, the feeling that this was a wonderfully, warm, kind, self-deprecating man. He was a master of what he did and he brought joy to millions of people over more than half a century. This week, the world really does seem a little greyer without the oneoff that was the great Terry Wogan.

Also on Sunday… In Kiltoom, Roscommon returned to Division One action, threw everything at Monaghan but lost out to a late scoring spree by opponents who timed their swoop on the points with the assurance of veteran top-tier campaigners. On Shannonside, Willie Hegarty dragged the Pope into it. “The Pope said this was the year of mercy,” said Willie, “well it hasn’t started in Kiltoom.”

Tuesday A ‘Match of the Day’ edition midweek is always a bonus. I’m watching, with no knowledge of how this evening’s games have gone. And now I’ve just seen Jamie Vardy score a goal for Leicester (against Liverpool) that is almost beyond belief. It must be one of the greatest goals ever! In terms of technique, it reminded me (a little) of a goal I scored for Dynamo Rooskey in the early 1980s. In fairness to Vardy, mine was from much closer range. Oh yeah, and the goalkeeper wasn’t expecting my shot, because he was our goalie and it was an own goal. (True story; I was trying to ‘clear the danger’– and concede a corner).

Wednesday The election has been called. Forget Gertrude and Frank and those other imposters… get ready for ‘Storm Cliché!’

moment, not driving) a fine big van. It was only when Andrew looked in his rear view mirror that he noticed the French man was stuck. The Irish man had been rescued by the French man; now the French man had to be rescued by the Irish man. (The Monaghan woman was probably at home by now, but that’s beside the point). Andrew drove back to the stricken French man, then called for help from the St. Brigid’s Clubhouse. Two men who had been stewards at the game came out and rolled up their sleeves. But there was no budging the French man’s van. Next, further help was sought from the bar. Four more men and a Jack Russell dog emerged. All seven (the dog merely observed) pushed heroically. “Would this count as winter training?” asked one man, panting, as their first epic effort failed. They tried again. They pushed and they pushed again. Suddenly, the French locksmith’s big van advanced in triumph. The French locksmith heaved a sigh of relief. The group running behind his van shouted ‘Up the Rossies’ – and then went back to the bar. There was no comment from the French man – or the Jack Russell.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises NEWSDESK Taoiseach to visit Ballaghaderreen As the General Election campaign begins in earnest, Taoiseach Enda Kenny will visit Ballaghaderreen next Wednesday, February 10. This is likely to be one of a number of visits he will make to the county between now and polling day – Friday, February 26. Tánaiste Joan Burton and several other party leaders – Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin and Renua’s Lucinda Creighton – will also visit the county during an intensive three-week campaign.

Coalition have let down older people – Murphy Fianna Fáil’s General Election candidate for RoscommonGalway, Cllr. Eugene Murphy, has blasted the outgoing government for the way it has treated older people over the past five years. Since coming into office, Fine Gael and Labour have presided over a series of mean cuts, directly impacting on older people, he said. Cllr. Murphy said: “Despite their claims to have protected older people, the actions of Fine Gael and Labour tell a different story. “Older people have seen a hike in prescription fees, changes to the eligibility criteria for medical cards, the removal of telephone allowance, reductions in the vital Household Benefits Package, the abolition of the Bereavement Grant and the introduction of water charges. “Furthermore, the state pension has not increased in line with inflation. “As a direct result of this Government’s action, the deprivation rate for the over 65s has rocketed from 9.5 per cent in 2009 to 14.3 per cent in 2014. “It is a myth that older people have been protected. “We are committed to an ‘Independent Living Contract’ for older people. “Our measures will ensure that older people see a tangible and measurable improvement in living standards and services during our time in Government.” “Fianna Fáil is committed to ensuring older people are valued in our society and that they have the resources and the services that they require to live full and independent lives”, said Cllr. Murphy.

Boundary change: I’ve got assurances from Minister – Kelly < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has promised that, if the Labour Party form part of the next government, the Roscommon county boundary would not change, Senator John Kelly has said. Senator Kelly, a Labour member, threatened last week not to contest the General Election unless he received assurances that the status of Roscommon would not change as a result of the Athlone boundary review. On Wednesday, the Ballaghaderreenbased politician said that Minister Kelly, who commissioned the review, gave him such a pledge. Senator Kelly said: “Alan Kelly has given me assurances that, if the Labour Party are in the next government, and if any proposal comes before it which suggests a boundary change, the Labour Party would not support it.

Senator John Kelly and Minister Alan Kelly.

Fitzmaurice hits out at ‘scare tactics’

Tidy Towns: No posters in Roscommon town please! Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, the chairperson of Roscommon Tidy Towns Association, has urged General Election candidates to keep the county town a poster-free zone during the campaign. She said: “We are requesting that candidates refrain from putting up posters within the speed limit of the town centre. The judging for Tidy Towns competitions is this area.” Cllr. Shanagher told candidates to use social media instead and said: “To me, if candidates are going for election, they should be well known, and there should be no need for posters in the town.” Taoiseach Enda Kenny dissolved the Dáil on Wednesday and confirmed that the election would be held on Friday, February 26.

“If this proposal comes before the next government, it quite clearly means that Roscommon County Council are going to lose €2.5 million a year. I have got the full support of the Labour Party to make sure that does not happen.” He said that Minister Kelly accepted that there were other ways of enhancing the adminstration of the greater Athlone area without a boundary change. “He accepted that there is another way of doing it – two local authorities working hand-in-hand, with an over-arching body create to run Athlone without ever touching out boundaries,” he said. “I am quite happy with that.” Senator Kelly said that he would remain a candidate in the General Election as a result of the pledge he received from the Minister. The Athlone boundary review, which could see 38 square kilometres of south Roscommon moved into Co. Westmeath, has caused outrage locally.

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.

Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has hit out at Fine Gael and Labour’s recent criticism of Independent candidates. The parties said recently that a vote for nonparty candidates was a “wasted vote”, but Deputy Fitzmaurice has described the comments as “misleading” and “scare tactics”. “After decades when the main political parties have failed the electorate time after time, Independent TDs have shown that they have a huge contribution to make to the Dáil,” said the deputy.

“Whether the main parties like it or not, Independents are here to stay and some of the most effective TDs in the current Dail have been Independents.” Deputy Fitzmaurice, a member of the Independent Alliance, did not rule out forming a government with any party after the forthcoming General Election. “I will look at the options with regard to the forming of a Government along with my colleagues in the Independent Alliance if that’s the way the numbers fall,” he said, adding that he must first be re-elected as a TD.

Hopkins: ‘I’ll get €9m Sacred Heart Home in on time’ Cllr. Maura Hopkins says that if elected to the Dail in the coming weeks she will work to ensure that the new Sacred Heart Hospital – for which funding was approved last week – is delivered in a timely manner. Last week it was announced that the Government are investing €9 million in the construction of a replacement unit to meet the needs of current and future residents, and that all works are to be completed by 2021. “I was delighted and relieved to hear from Minister Varadkar that the Government

have approved €9 million for the refurbishment and updating of the Sacred Heart Home in Roscommon town,” said Cllr. Hopkins. “I have lobbied the Minister persistently on this issue and I am glad to see that the County Home is to receive the resources which it needs and deserves. “I have met with residents and staff over the past number of years and I have seen first-hand, like many others, the excellent care given to residents by staff within a friendly,

supportive, resident-centred environment. It is clear why the patients and the community value the facilities so much. “I also welcome that €850,000 has been approved for refurbishment of Aras Mathair Pol in Castlerea, and €15.75 million has been allocated for St Patrick’s Hospital in Carrickon-Shannon. “If elected, I will be working hard with the staff of the Sacred Heart Home and the Department of Health to ensure this replacement facility is delivered in a timely manner.”

Cllr. Maura Hopkins and Health Minister Leo Varadkar.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

A&E Unit – the words that time forgot! ELECTION (B)LOG PAUL HEALY

ow it’s official, folks. In reality, we’ve known it for a long time. If you say something often enough, it tends to become accepted wisdom. And, in recent years, we’ve been conditioned, step by step, bit by bit, to accept that Roscommon A&E is unlikely to ever re-open. It’s been apparent for some time that the fight for restoration of the A&E Unit – as we knew it – is over. What’s interesting now, as we enter a General Election campaign, is that the traditional/principal election ‘players’ aren’t even pretending otherwise. None of the traditional political ‘old guard’ are making restoration of Roscommon A&E a redline issue (to use that popular new term) in Election 2016. Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour all entered the 2011 General Election assuring the public of their absolute commitment to the retention of emergency services at Roscommon County Hospital. Denis Naughten and Frank Feighan received what seemed like dream backing from then Health spokesperson James Reilly and party leader Enda Kenny. Fianna Fail went into that election with the same stance, and would have been deeply hurt at any suggestion that they would ever threaten the future of emergency services at Roscommon Hospital (“didn’t we put the A&E in?” would have been their opening retort).

Labour also assured us that A&E would be completely safe on their watch. As we know, Fine Gael and Labour subsequently shut it down. None of those parties are making any pledges now about restoration of Roscommon A&E. Their candidates in Roscommon/Galway – Eugene Murphy, Maura Hopkins and John Kelly – can say all they like about the health service here, but they can’t deliver on A&E. Now, Independent TD Denis Naughten has also made it clear that re-opening of Roscommon A&E won’t be a red-line issue for him going forward. Naughten has confirmed what has been obvious to close observers in recent years…that he is no longer insisting on the presence of a functioning A&E Unit in Roscommon Hospital as a price for his support for a Fine Gael-led Government. For Naughten, this is tricky territory. Deputy Naughten parted company with Fine Gael because they were closing Roscommon A&E; now he is not insisting on its re-opening in return for his support (should such an alliance arise) for a new FGled government. (Or a government led by any other party). He will hope that most people will see his approach as the pragmatic one. For anyone who won’t be impressed by Naughten’s softened position, he will hope that getting his stance out good and early will take the sting out of any outcry. What the candidates in ques-

Protesters marching outside Roscomon Hospital in 2011.

tion will all tell us is that they are just being pragmatic. They will say they are merely reflecting the reality on the ground. It is much harder, our ‘A&E not a red-line issue’ politicians will argue, to restore something that is gone, than it is to maintain something that is still there. In particular, they will point out that staffing a restored Roscommon A&E would be a momentous challenge. All fine, to a point. After all, in recent years most of us have started to reluctantly accept that there is hardly any prospect of Roscommon A&E – as we knew it – ever re-opening. But it is very convenient

for our principal local politicians to now concentrate on the vague area of ‘enhanced emergency services’ instead of reminding whatever parties will form the next Government of the across-thepolitical-divide commitment to Roscommon A&E that existed pre-2011. The expression ‘letting them off the hook’ springs to mind. This brings us to the HAC (Hospital Action Committee), which could also be accused this week of letting candidates in Roscommon/Galway off the hook. The HAC is not insisting on re-opening of Roscommon A&E as, yep, a ‘red-line issue.”

A lot has changed in five years, hasn’t it? Also interesting in this saga is the position of consultants at the County Hospital. Consultants who were very vocal in support of A&E when the HAC were organising mass rallies five or six years ago, have since gone very quiet. Why is this? If they felt that A&E was viable back in 2009-2011, why did they take a vow of silence in the years since? Sure, everyone is fatigued from the saga, but if it was wrong to close down A&E in 2011… Consultant Mr. Liam McMullen did go public lately, with an intriguing letter to the Roscom-

mon People, in the course of which he asked voters not to be fooled by election candidates promising to restore A&E. As it happens, he need not have worried! For the record, I note that Sinn Fein (who are running Claire Kerrane here) are stating that, on entering Government, they will re-open Roscommon A&E. We will see. So, there you have it. Denis Naughten, who undoubtedly paid a heavy career price when he refused to vote with Fine Gael on the A&E closure, talks of insisting on a greatly improved emergency service in return for his support for the next Government. Michael Fitzmaurice is saying something similar. People will have an opportunity to scrutinise what they and all other candidates are saying. In time, we will see the shape of the enhanced services which we would all welcome. Meanwhile, after all the noise and all the years, it’s ending with a whimper. The public, by and large, lost their appetite for the battle over recent years. Our leading political players have moved on too, and they have largely dropped A&E from their vocabulary. In the 2011 General Election, it was the most explosive topic we’d ever encountered. In the 2016 General Election, it’s the controversy that daren’t be mentioned. Roscommon A&E? The words that time forgot.

A vote for peace and quiet < DAN DOONER

Don’t be alarmed, it’s just a South Korean politician dancing for votes.

I have lived in Dublin West and the Dalseo-gu district of Daegu in South Korea, so don’t talk to me about canvassing. I’ve seen more politicians in my 30 years than the average tribunal! One of the great things about living down a quiet country lane in rural Roscommon is the fact that fewer canvassers can reach me. Or so I thought. Since moving back to Ireland two years ago, I have been impressed by the efforts of local politicians when it comes to canvassing for support during elections and ref-

erendums. They certainly know every highway and byway of the constituency. Unfortunately, they are a distant second to the political campaigners of South Korea. Imagine this: you wake up on a Monday morning following a tough local football derby and a long night of celebrating. Someone on a loudspeaker is shooting off line after line of Korean. It sounds like they’re in your kitchen, but, thankfully, they’re outside. You panic. Yesterday’s news updates included the shelling of a South Korean fishing village by North Korea. The panic evaporates

when you pick up a Korean phrase you recognise. It’s not the army; it’s a local election candidate campaigning by driving through the narrow streets in a pick-up truck. There are middle-aged women dancing on the back of the truck and he’s giving it socks on the microphone. In South Korea they are loud and proud around election time and they don’t care if you can’t understand a word of their manifesto. So when you feel like complaining this month, just be thankful the candidates of Galway Roscommon don’t have megaphones!

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises NEWSDESK Farrell blasts Government over ﬂooding crisis Having visited the flood-hit area in Castleplunkett on Tuesday morning, Anne Farrell, of Renua, has asked: “Why, at this stage do some people not qualify for assistance through this flooding crisis?” Ms. Farrell, a General Election candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, said: “It is shocking to hear that, in light of these natural disasters, your home being destroyed is not qualification enough. “The trauma and pain of losing your home to adverse weather conditions is bad enough, but we do not need to add to the heartache of these distraught people by refusing them funding to start rebuilding their lives.” Ms. Farrell said that no real urgency was ever applied to any emergency in this country, which only added to the problems and brought unnecessary hardships to the people directly affected by these crises. She said: “We may not be able to avert natural disasters, but surely we can have a strategic intervention plan to deal with them should they arise? “A radical change is needed when forming policies, putting peoples wellbeing to the forefront of any decisions made by government. “Renua wants to put peoples needs and welfare rather than material considerations at the heart of their policy making decisions, in complete contrast to what we have now.”

€1m in housing grants for Roscommon Labour Senator John Kelly has welcomed the monies being made available to Roscommon in 2016 for housing adaptations for older people and people with a disability living in private houses. The General Election candidate said: “These grants are 80 per cent funded from the exchequer and 20 per cent comes from Roscommon County Council. “So essentially, the €945,193 that is being made available to Roscommon, is made up of €756,154 from the exchequer and €189,039 from Roscommon County Council.” The Ballaghaderreen-based Senator said: “Grants of up to €30,000 are available for an adaptation, up to €8,000 for housing aid for older people and up to €6,000 for mobility aids.” “It is particularly good that these allocations are being made in February, because it enables Roscommon County Council to be in a better position to maximise their spend on the works.”

Up to €5m tax refunds not being claimed by local workers – Naughten Roscommon taxpayers are making substantial overpayments to the Revenue Commissioners by failing to claim tax relief on medical expenses and caring for the elderly and children, Independent TD Denis Naughten has claimed. “In a single year it is estimated that in excess of €5 million is overpaid by Roscommon taxpayers, which over a four year period means that the average worker could be due up to €800 back from the taxman,” said the deputy. “In the case of medical expenses and private rents, over 60% of refunds are still not being claimed. Other big overpayments occur when people move job or retire. Many people also fail to claim home carer’s relief while older people are often due DIRT tax refunds that are never made.” Deputy Naughten continued: “Instead of making it easier to claim refunds the Government seems intent on making it more difficult. “For example, on medical expenses relief is not refunded for: routine dental and optical treatment or for the first €125 of a claim or €250 for a family. These restrictions just add to the difficulty of making a claim. If they were removed it would be possible to move to a simple system where claimants could sign a simple tax relief claim at the time of payment which could be returned to the Revenue.” To find out more information on the overpayment of tax log on to PuttingPeopleFirst.ie or by contacting the Revenue Commissioners directly on 1890 777 425 or www. revenue.ie

HAC to candidates: ‘Show us your health policy’ …but HAC not running < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

John McDermott, Hospital Action Committee

The Hospital Action Committee (HAC) has written to all General Election candidates in RoscommonGalway to ascertain their health policies. “We asked them what them or their party’s policies are with regards emergency health services, and if they would support a government if their policies were not implemented,” said John McDermott, the group’s chairperson. He said that the committee would then evaluate the responses.

“At that stage, we will decide whether we will endorse one or all of the candidates in relation to their health policy,” he said. Mr McDermott believes that the emergency services locally are in disarray. “Enda Kenny has accepted that the A&E in University Hospital Galway, which is our centre of excellence, is not fit for purpose,” he said. “The paramedics have sent a report to the Minister for Health (Leo Varadkar) outlining the inadequacies of the ambulance service.” He noted that around 50 per cent of ambulances in the region did not meet the guidelines set by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Mr McDermott, who ran in the 2011

General Election and the 2014 Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election, confirmed that the committee would not be running a candidate on this occasion. Independent TD Denis Naughten said last week that he would be willing to enter a coalition government, including with Fine Gael, without the emergency department at Roscommon Hospital being reopened. He said that the matter would not be a “red-line issue” for him in coalition discussions. This was an apparent climbdown on his previous stance, having severed ties with Fine Gael over the closure of the unit in 2011. Mr McDermott refused to discuss Deputy Naughten’s position, saying that he would not comment on any candidate.

We’ll cap mortgage interest, says Kerrane Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin’s General Election candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, has said that if elected to government, Sinn Féin would introduce legislation to cap the interest rates that banks could charge on mortgages. At present, Irish banks are charging up to double the interest rate that is being charged across the rest of the EU, she said. She also said: “After five years in office, Fine Gael and Labour have utterly failed to help individuals and families who are experiencing mortgage distress. “On the issue of interest rates, the Government has totally failed the hard-pressed home owner.

“Irish banks are charging up to double the interest rate that is being charged across the rest of the EU, while the source of all bank funds is the same and at the same rate from the ECB. “It is clear to everyone that this Government’s banking policy is to maximise banking profits, regardless of the impact that has on working families. Four family homes a day are now being repossessed or surrendered. “In the first six months of 2015 there were 98,137 families in mortgage arrears, which amounts to 13% of all family homes. “If elected to Government, Sinn Féin will introduce legislation to empower the Central Bank to limit

Sinn Fein candidate, Claire Kerrane, at her election launch with Cllr. Michael Mulligan, Pearse Doherty TD and Cllr. Martin Kenny in Durkin’s Hotel, Ballaghaderreen on Thursday night last.

the interest rates that banks can charge. “For example a one per cent cut on mortgage interest rates would result in a €2,000 saving a year on a €200,000 mortgage. “Sinn Féin offers an alternative to the protected interests and golden

circles which has failed our citizens so miserably in the past. “We will continue to stand up for the interests of our citizens and if elected we will provide greater legal protection to the family home.”

Fine Gael reneges on Roscommon again – Murphy Fianna Fáil’s General Election candidate in Roscommon-Galway, Cllr. Eugene Murphy, has accused Fine Gael of reneging on its promises and further eroding health services in Co. Roscommon. It’s being reported that one of the ambulances serving Roscommon town is to be moved to Loughglynn as part of a reconfiguration

programme. Cllr. Murphy said: “Following the closure of the A&E Department at Roscommon Hospital, then Health Minister James Reilly told the Dáil that the emergency service would be ‘supplemented by an additional ambulance so there would be four ambulances covering Roscommon during the day and three at night’.

Cllr. Eugene Murphy

“He claimed that there would be ‘extra

paramedics available with a car to provide cover if all the ambulances are out of Roscommon at any given time’. “Now it’s emerged that Roscommon town is to lose one of its ambulances to Loughglynn, which will leave large parts of the county with a substantially reduced service. “Fine Gael shut our

A&E and now they’re determined to decimate our ambulance cover. “Why is this Government consistently targeting Roscommon? “Since coming to office Fine Gael has broken promise after promise, and this latest decision will leave people in Roscommon town exposed to potentially life-threatening emergencies.”

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises NEWSDESK Crime costs more than prevention – Farrell

Pictured at Deputy Denis Naughten’s General Election launch in The Bridge House, Athleague were Cllr Thomas Welby, Cllr Laurence Falllon, Cllr John Naughten, Deputy Denis Naughten, Cllr Tim Broderick and Cllr Domnick Connolly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Naughten highlights jobs and health at campaign launch The need for job creation and improved health services in the Roscommon-Galway constituency were highlighted when Denis Naughten launched his election campaign in the Bridge House in Athleague last weekend. Deputy Naughten told the crowd: “One thing that is coming up on the canvass is that the people of Roscommon and Galway want someone to fight for them by using the facts and putting the arguments forward. I did that in relation to Roscommon Hospital but I also did it when maternity services were being run down in Portiuncula Hospital and again six months ago in relation to services at the Sacred Heart Hospital and as a result of that we secured €9m investment for that facility to secure its future. “We have to continue the fight to ensure we have health services across this country that we can be proud of. We have also had to fight to save County Roscommon…I want to send a clear message from this room tonight that Westmeath will not get a single inch of Roscommon if I have anything to do with it.” Deputy Naughten said that the type of community spirit evident in Athleague during the recent flooding crisis needs to be replicated everywhere. “We need to use that co-operation to make things better, to develop services, and for job creation in this constituency. We have huge potential for tourism and by working together we can develop and promote that and bring tourists and jobs into this community. “We are at the heart of a constituency that has its economy based in agriculture, yet farmers are not being given the freedom to farm. We can’t continue to stand over a situation where farmers in Roscommon and Galway are seven times more likely to get a farm penalty than some farmers in adjoining counties. There is something fundamentally wrong with the system that is there today.” Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Director of Elections for Denis Naughten, described this election campaign as “a new situation where we have no political machine behind us”. Referring to Denis Naughten, Cllr Fallon said: “He has honesty, integrity and he stands with the people; that is worth more than any party political machine. He is an excellent candidate who will deliver for the people and who will deliver what he promises. He will continue to fight with honesty and integrity and will continue to stand with the people.” Cllr. Domnick Connolly urged everyone to get involved in the campaign. He spoke of the personal sacrifices made by Denis Naughten and praised him for keeping his promises to the people of the constituency. Cllr. John Naughten spoke of the need to elect Denis Naughten to ensure “there is a strong voice in the Dáil for this constituency” adding: “We need a strong experienced voice to stand up and fight on the issues in this constituency such as the Save Roscommon campaign, health issues and agriculture – and Denis has the experience.” East Galway County Councillor Timmy Broderick also addressed guests.

Pictured at Deputy Denis Naughten’s election launch in The Bridge House, Athleague were friends and supporters of Deputy Naughten. Picture: Andrew Fox

Further to the recent Dáil Question by Lucinda Creighton, addressed to the Minister for Justice regarding an up to date report from An Garda Siochána, Anne Farrell of Renua Ireland was shocked to see that the total figure for bench warrants awaiting execution as of November 25 last, was 29,233. Ms. Farrell, a General Election candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, said: “Comforting as it is to see that only 193 relate to Roscommon/Longford combined, and it appears we are the lowest in the country, the facts are still startling. “It just confirms again the detrimental affect all the cuts to the Gardaí have had. More needs to be done to tackle crime and crime-related issues. “The under-resourcing of the Gardaí has had a huge affect on the force.”

Hopkins meets with Minister Harris over ﬂood relief Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins met Minister of State Simon Harris in the Dáil last week to discuss specific flood reliefs necessary in the region, particularly in the Cortober and Carrick-on-Shannon area. Also present at the meeting were a number of residents and business owners from the affected areas, as well as other public representative from the region. Cllr. Hopkins said that her meeting with Minister Harris, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, was “productive”. Cllr. Hopkins, Fine Gael’s General Election candidate in Roscommon-Galway, said: “I impressed on him the devastation and hardship that has been caused to residents, business-owners and farmers across the county in the wake of the flooding. “Although the floods have alleviated in many parts of the country, it is still a very real problem in this region and action must be taken to address the damage caused. “The Minister stated that he understood the severity of the situation and the need for investment. “I will be communicating the outcomes of the meeting with officials within Roscommon County Council and encouraging actions to be taken as soon as possible.”

Hopkins introduces Enda at Ard Fheis

Pictured at Deputy Denis Naughten’s election launch in The Bridge House, Athleague were Deputy Denis Naughten, Marie and Pat Naughton. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Deputy Denis Naughten’s General Election launch in The Bridge House, Athleague were Deputy Denis Naughten and Noel Gavigan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Deputy Denis Naughten’s General Election launch in The Bridge House, Athleague were Annmarie McDonnell, Annmarie Watson, Deputy Denis Naughten, Teresa Naughton, Shane Naughton and Imelda McGrath. Picture: Andrew Fox

Cllr. Maura Hopkins, Fine Gael’s General Election candidate for Roscommon-Galway, was selected by Fine Gael to address the recent Ard Fheis and introduce Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the 3,000-strong crowd in Citywest Hotel, Dublin. Earlier in the day, Cllr. Hopkins had also appeared in a televised section of the Ard Fheis, putting forward a motion on the importance of support for young farmers. She said that young farmers would be the main drivers of the agricultural industry and would push to achieve Food Wise 2025 goals and were particularly critical to rural economies. “Investment in our young farmers is investment in the future prosperity of the industry, the economy and the country,” she said. Speaking on the Saturday with Claire Byrne show, Cllr. Hopkins said that the recovery was ongoing and we needed a government TD that knew this area to ensure that the region received its fair share of services and investment and that the recovery was felt throughout the constituency.

Cllr. Maura Hopkins introduced Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin, recently.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club North/South – 1st: L. Shine & K. Murray, 2nd: K. Blighe & N. McDonagh, 3rd: B. Quinn & S. Moloney. East/West – 1st: E. & B. Curley, 2nd: T. & M. O’Keeffe, 3rd: L. & L. Curley. Happy ‘71 Bridge Club 1st: M. & P. Mellett, 2nd: V. & P. Finneran, 3rd: M. Coyle & M. Dermody. St. Coman’s Bridge Club North/South – 1st: K. Dowd & C. Ansboro, 2nd: B. McCarthy & M. Fallon, 3rd: M. Madden & B. Maher. East/West – 1st: A. Flynn & N. Hynes, 2nd: P. Neilan & M. J. Riordan, 3rd: V. Clarke & K. Jones. Ballymurray Bridge Club Section A North/South – 1st: A. Carney & M. Dolan, 2nd: V. & P. Finneran, 3rd: S. & M. Gregory. East/ West – 1st: A. & M. Costello, 2nd: M. Byrne & P. Whyte, 3rd: J. O’Gara & G. Bannon. Section B North/ South – 1st: A. Gaffney & J. Hunt, 2nd: B. Maher & M. Madden, 3rd: M. McDermott & K. Jones. East/west – 1st: J. & S. Kelly, 2nd: M. McSharry & T. McManus, 3rd: P. Donnelly & N. Rogers.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Simon Peter, the fisherman, is the first to be called personally by Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. His calling resembles Isaiah’s commissioning in the First Reading: Confronted with the holiness of the Lord, both Peter and Isaiah are overwhelmed by a sense of their sinfulness and inadequacy. Yet each experiences the Lord’s forgiveness and is sent to preach the good news of His mercy to the world. No one is “fit to be called an apostle,” Paul recognizes in today’s Epistle. But by “the grace of God,” even a persecutor of the Church – as Paul once was—can be lifted up for the Lord’s service. In the Old Testament, humanity was unfit for the divine—no man could stand in God’s presence and live (see Exodus 33:20). But in Jesus, we’re made able to speak with Him face-to-face, taste His Word on our tongue. Today’s scene from Isaiah is recalled in every Mass. Before reading the Gospel, the priest silently asks God to cleanse his lips that he might worthily proclaim His Word. God’s Word comes to us as it came to Peter, Paul, Isaiah, and today’s Psalmist – as a personal call to leave everything and follow Him, to surrender our weaknesses in order to be filled with His strength. Simon put out into deep waters even though, as a professional fisherman, he knew it would be foolhardy to expect to catch anything. In humbling himself before the Lord’s command, he was exalted – his nets filled to overflowing; later, as Paul tells us, he will become the first to see the risen Lord. Jesus has made us worthy to receive Him in the company of angels in God’s holy Temple. On our knees like Peter, with the humility of David in today’s Psalm, we thank Him with all our hearts and join in the unending hymn that Isaiah heard around God’s altar: “Holy, holy, holy....” (see also Revelation 4:8). – Dr. Scott Hahn, www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Parish Office/Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

ROSCOMMON Driving School 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

FRANKLY

SPEAKING

FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...

New sporting heroes bringing us back to the future! T

o this very day, if anyone asks me, although no one ever does, I would always say that my first (sporting) love is gaelic football, because as a young lad growing up in the rural village of Creggs, there was at that time little else to do in the way of entertainment and if you had any inclination towards being a sportsman of any kind you simply had to play football with your local parish team. In truth, for very many years, I had great fun playing with Creggs footballers, and while we didn’t have too many medals to show for our efforts, at the end of our careers we had a lot of good times and happy memories to look back on. However, somewhere along the line, probably during my term in school in Cistercian College, Roscrea, I discovered the game of rugby, and after wearing the jerseys of Ennis, Westport, Dundalk and Corinthians rugby clubs, my whole life was transformed for the better when Creggs Rugby Club was formed in 1974. The fledgling club took a few years to make an impact, but when it did it made a huge one – and for the next 15 or so years there is no doubt that our little village club punched numerous times above our weight and at both cup and league competitions,

The future is bright for Creggs RFC! Two young Creggs RFC enthusiasts pictured training on the occasion of a visit by Connacht to Creggs in 2014. Picture: Andrew Fox

success followed success. One of the big differences between rugby and GAA is that every local parish has its own Gaelic club, while rugby is still apart, from a few exceptions, mainly to be found in the bigger towns. And so, in a way we had a siege mentality, which stood to us in good stead and I can still hear the Mick Hernon rallying cry “come on the village” ring around our original pitch, the Church field in Kilbegnet. Mick would be standing on his perch up on the ditch and I firmly believe his war cry put the fear of

God in visiting city teams. Success wasn’t confined solely to the first team, the seconds also won several cups and leagues, there was a lot of underage victories too – and when the women came along in the early ‘90’s they surpassed everything the men had achieved by becoming the All-Ireland champions. Along the way as a club we developed great rivalries with, first Ballina, who when we arrived were the undisputed kingpins in Connacht junior rugby, and later with Connemara All Blacks, who were a bit like ourselves in that they

Terry – ‘loveable Limerick rogue’ That’s almost it for this week, as Martina tells me I’ve gone a bit mad and put in too many words and only that it’s by email she wouldn’t pass it on at all, (what a shame says you), but I suppose for all of us who grew up with the BBC back in the 1980s and who watched Terry Wogan – the lovable Limerick rogue – as he ruled the British air-

waves, it was very sad to hear this week of his unexpected death after a short battle with cancer. The newspapers on

both sides of the Irish sea are full of tributes to the late broadcaster, which in itself is a mark of the huge respect and affection he commanded during his long career. All I can say is that, for many years, Val Doonican and Terry made Saturday night viewing a must for me and many, many more. May he rest in peace.

came from the rural community of Clifden. One of my first memories was going on a tour to Clifden, a tour on which the whole club, including wives and girlfriends (nearly all our own) were brought. We were to play the All Blacks in a Saturday evening friendly and afterwards we were booked into a local hotel, for a bit of fun and craic. Sadly, it seemed that the locals were totally unaware of our presence – mainly because we forgot to tell them –and when we arrived at the All Blacks pitch, we found it deserted, and that was the way it stayed. No opposition appeared, but being a resilient crew, we didn’t let it affect our enjoyment of what turned out to be a fantastic weekend. However that was a long time ago and in the meantime the fortunes of both clubs have taken very different paths. After a twoyear flirtation with the AllIreland League, we have dropped out of the top tier in Connacht rugby and for a few years now we have been plying our trade in the Second Division, while for all of those years Con-

nemara were doing very well in the All-Ireland league. However two years ago they lost their place at the top table and on their return to junior rugby in Connacht one could be forgiven to think that they might now struggle in the local competition. That’s where you would have been wrong, because last year, in their first year back, they took up where they had left off and won the Division One League. We at the same time were finishing 3rd in Division Two. Fast-forward to last Sunday in The Green in Creggs where our local team once again crossed swords with the All Blacks, this time in the Connacht Junior Cup, a game which resulted in a fantastic win for Creggs. The final score was 13 to 7 in our favour, but you would want to be there to appreciate the great effort and performance put in by the Creggs lads. It was a win built on great heart and commitment, topped by no little skill, even in terrible weather conditions, and for us old folk, it was wonderful to be there to see it. I’m told by a curious twist of fate that it’s a quarter-final next Sunday at two o’clock in the Green, against our other old foes (and friends), Ballina and even if it clashes with Ireland’s match with Wales, give that one a miss and come to Creggs and help push the lads over the line. Nothing would give me greater pleasure (except maybe to win the Junior Football Championship) than to have the Junior Cup back in the village and who knows, this could be the year. We danced and sang on the counter in Seamus Keane’s ‘till the early hours the first time it came and I have no doubt it would be similarly celebrated this time. Here’s hoping!

‘Till next week, Bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

PropertyPeople Earley’s set for London and New York Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week advising patrons of their forthcoming London and New York property exhibitions and are pleased to advise that listings are progressing well. Property prices are still very affordable in this region, consequently we have enjoyed a huge enquiry and sales from the UK and USA markets as they recognise the excellent value to be found in all areas. They are drawn to Ireland in particular for lower cost of living, and also the great value on the current exchange rate. With sterling approximately 30% stronger than the euro at present, now is an excellent time for UK clients to purchase. Property Partners have also seen a renewed surge in interest from American clients as the dollar is also very strong at the moment and consequently, we will be showcasing your properties exclusively in their regions. The Property Partners brand is one of the best recognised in property and the propertypartners.ie website is one of the best platforms to advertise any property on a worldwide basis. With over 30 years experience in the property market, Property Partners Earley are best placed to offer your property for sale in the current market and offer a free appraisal service to any client wishing to list their property for sale in their London exhibition. For a free property appraisal or to include your property for sale in the exhibition, contact either John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie, or log onto www.propertypartners. ie.

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

LONDON PROPERTY EXHIBITION Carane, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon

Quality Ballintubber dormer on market John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley is this week offering to the market a quality five-bedroomed dormer residence of c. 2,160 sq. ft. standing on a mature site area of c. 0.64 of an acre located at Carane, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. Price guide: All offers after €150,000 to sell. John describes the property as, “A quality property finished to a very high standard offering spacious living accommodation throughout together with a generous mature site area. The property is located on an elevated site commanding unspoilt views of the surrounding countryside in

all directions in an area renowned for its scenic beauty and is ideally located c. 6km from Ballintubber village, c. 10 km from Castlerea and c. 17 km from Roscommon town.” Overall this is a select property to come on the market and is an ideal family home for which the auctioneer invites viewings and all offers after €150,000 to sell. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

– SALES BY –

PAT HUGHES & CO. LTD. AUCTIONEER & VALUER

ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL: 090 66 27003 FAX: 090 66 26296 EMAIL: phughes2@eircom.net

FINAL OFFERS – KILTULTOGUE, BALLINAHEGLISH, ROSCOMMON Final offers are now being accepted on circa 11 acres of top quality agricultural land located at Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish, Roscommon. The lands are located approximately 2 miles from the Village of Ballinaheglish in a renowned farming area. All of the lands are of top quality, well fenced with mains water supply. The lands would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. --------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE AT DERRYFADDA, BALLYFORAN CO. ROSCOMMON Circa 5 acres of Turbary, top quality turf. The bogs are located in two lots and can be sold separately if required. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net --------------------------------------------------------------------

GREENMOUNT HOUSE, STONEPARK, GALWAY ROAD

NEW TO THE MARKET FOR SALE AT LISNAMULT, ROSCOMMON

An attractive 3 bedroomed farmhouse. The residence stands on circa 1/4 acre site. The residence is located less than ½ mile to Roscommon Town Centre with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Pat is accepting offers in excess of €65,000. --------------------------------------------------------------------

LAND TO LET • Circa 26 acres of top quality land at Cornalee, Dysart, Roscommon. Sheep only. Lands can be let in one or more lots to suit. • Circa 43 acres of top quality land convenient to Curraghboy Village. No Cattle after 1st November 2016 --------------------------------------------------------------------

URGENLY REQUIRED FOR A CASH CUSTOMER A FOUR BEDROOMED RESIDENCE CONVENIENT TO ROSCOMMON TOWN Greenmount House is a two-storey residence with four bedrooms which stands on a private elevated 1/2 acre site. Pat is confirming that there have been a large number of viewings on the building. While the house is in need of modernisation, it is prominently located and creating a huge interest.

MUST BE ON ITS OWN PRIVATE SITE. TOP PRICE PAID --------------------------------------------------------------------

HAY & SILAGE Bales of Hay & Silage for sale convenient to Roscommon Town and Tulsk Village For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net

Earley’s require properties in Strokestown Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week seeking houses in the Strokestown area for clients and disappointed underbidders. John Earley, FIPAV commented, “We have experienced a very busy period of house sales over the past number of months with a large volume of residential properties being sold or sale agreed. We have experienced a huge level of enquiry from the USA and UK due to the strength of the dollar and pound sterling against the euro. As a result we are now seeking a detached house and a bungalow residence in the general Strokestown area. “We offer a comprehensive pre market analysis, valuation service and one of the largest data bases of potentail purchasers in the region to our clients. We advertise in all local and national media and include all our property on 4 main websites to include www.daft.ie, www. propertypartners.ie, www. myhome.ie and www. onview.ie.” For further details or to arrange a consultation, please contact either John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV of Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

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NEW TO THE MARKET AT KNOCKCROGHERY

A LUXURY 4 B/R DORMER STYLE RESIDENCE OF C. 2,250 SQ FT. LOCATED AT

5 GREENHILLS DRIVE, KNOCKCROGHERY VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON. (ADJACENT TO THE FAIR GREEN AND THE VILLAGE CENTRE)

All offers after €150,000 to sell.

A superior quality family home standing on a prime elevated site area finished to a show-house standard throughout incorporating fitted kitchen and integrated appliances, mix of wooden flooring and tiling throughout. The said property has been maintained to the highest standard throughout. Externally the said property benefits from extensive mature lawns to both front and rear with a timber garden shed, tarmacadam driveway, and boundary fencing. The Auctioneers invites immediate viewings and all offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: C3. LEGAL: CONLETH HARLOW, MESSERS CONLETH HARLOW & CO, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 25939. ---------------------------------------------------------------

QUALITY RESIDENCE AT ARD RI

A QUALITY 3 B/R RESIDENCE OF C. 1,018 SQ.FT LOCATED AT ARD RI, GALWAY ROAD,

ROSCOMMON TOWN. All offers after €100,000 to sell

A primely located residence finished to a very high standard throughout located in the established Ard Ri development. The property boasts spacious living accommodation throughout over two floors with a spacious rear garden and unrivalled location beside Roscommon town. The auctioneers now invite viewings and all offers after €100,000 to sell. BER: C2. LEGAL: SEAN MAHON, MESSERS MAHON SWEENEY & CO, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 27350. ---------------------------------------------------------------

LANDS TO LET ROSCOMMON AREA • c. 67 acres from now until the 1st November 2016. Option of sheep only November and December if desired. • c. 45 acres with the benefit of farm buildings and slatted shed if desired – 5 year term. New Letting. We also have a number of other holdings available. For further details contact the office.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

PropertyPeople House prices in County Roscommon set to rise by 10 per cent in 2016 < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Houses prices in Co. Roscommon will rise by 10 per cent this year, The Sunday Times has predicted. The newspaper’s Property Price Guide 2016, published recently, gave a very positive assessment of property prices in the county. It said that, in 2015, detached properties in Roscommon town traded at 15 per cent to 20 per cent higher than in 2014. “Rural home values were also up 10 per cent as confidence returned,” they said. It said that most transactions involved cash buyers, but that there were signs the mortage market was springing back to life and that those previously renting could finally put down a deposit. “Properties in Athlone and Roscommon with access to school and services were in demand,” the newspaper said. It was also noted that houses with land in scenic parts of Boyle, Castleplunkett and Knockcroghery attracted sterling buyers. It was predicted that a rise would continue on all types of dwellings in 2016. Last year, a second-hand one-bed apartment was worth €35,000, but it was predicted this would increase to €40,000 this year. A second-hand two-bed apartment will rise from €40,000 to €45,000; a second-hand three-bed semi-detached house from €85,000 to €90,000; a second-hand three-bed townhouse from €85,000 to €90,000. It was also predicted that a second-hand four-bedroom house in a town would rise from €115,000 to €125,000. It’s believed a three-bed bungalow, with half an acre, on the outskirts of a town, will rise from €140,000 to €160,000. Finally, it was predicted that a three-bed bungalow, on half an acre, more than 1.5km outside a town, would rise from €135,000 to €155,000.

Greenmount House, Stonepark, Galway Road, Roscommon.

Lisnamult, Roscommon.

Final offers sought for Ballinaheglish lands Pat Hughes is confirming that they have, based on the current market for final offers, the finest eleven acres of land to come on the market in recent years at Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish, Co. Roscommon. The lands are of top quality and located in one block. The lands are located approximately two miles from the village of Ballinaheglish and three miles off the main Boyle to Roscommon road. The lands would have site potential subject to planning permission being granted. The company also have on offer this week at Church Street, Roscommon, the old AIB Bank measuring approximately 3,500 sq. ft. The property is being re-advertised due to a cancellation. Pat is accepting every offer in excess of €250,000 for this landmark building located just off the Main Street. At Clooneigh, Kilteevan, Roscommon, Pat is offering for sale circa 57 acres of land which can be sold in a number of different lots together with a 40-year-old bungalow which needs to be

totally modernised. Hughes & Company are accepting every offer in excess of €220,000 for this fine farm located only two miles from the village of Kilteevan. The company also have for sale at Ballymurray, Roscommon, circa 20 acres located three miles from Roscommon town on the main Athlone to Roscommon road. The lands have the benefit of a number of out-offices, cattle pen and crush. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details please contact the office. Hughes and Co. have new to the market this week at Gallowstown, Roscommon, circa three acres of top quality land which would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. The lands are located within walking distance of Roscommon town. Offers in the region of €130,000 are being considered. This week Hughes & Company are reporting a lot of interest in Greenmount House, Stonepark, Galway Road which only went on the market last week. The

Old AIB building, Church Street, Roscommon.

house is a two-storey four-bedroomed house, which stands on a private elevated half-acre site. Pat is confirming that there have been a large number of viewings on the building. While the house is in need of modernisation, it is prominently located and creating a huge interest. New to the market for sale at Lisnamult, Roscommon an attractive three-bedroomed farmhouse. The residence stands on a circa quarter-acre site. The residence has excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Offers in excess of €65,000 are being considered. For sale at Derryfadda, Bal-

lyforan, Co. Roscommon circa five acres of Turbary, top quality turf. The bogs are located in two lots and can be sold separately if required. Lands to let Pat Hughes has circa 26 acres of top quality land at Cornalee, Dysart, Roscommon to let. Sheep only. Lands can be let in one or more lots to suit. Also to let: Circa 43 acres of top quality land convenient to Curraghboy village. No cattle after 1st November. Urgently required For a cash customer, we are seeking a four-bedroomed residence convenient to Roscommon town. Must be on its own private site. Top price paid. Bales of hay and silage for sale convenient to Roscommon Town and Tulsk village. For further details please contact the office. Sales by Pat Hughes & Co. Ltd., Auctioneer and Valuer, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Tel: 090 6627003, Fax: 090 6626296 and email phughes2@eircom.net.

WANTED – RESIDENCE IN ROSCOMMON TOWN

PROPERTY SALES

LETTINGS VALUATIONS

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

“ALBERTA”, KNOCKROE, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON

“GOLDSMITH DRIVE”, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON

We require a bungalow residence with small garden and minimum of two bedrooms in Roscommon Town for awaiting client. No problem with a quick sale, if required. Enquiries in confidence to Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer MSCSI at the office or on 086-8985013 For more information call Ivan on 090-6663700

LAND TO LET – RAHARA • Prime development of 7 no. quality homes • Attractive four bedroom bungalow • Within walking distance of all amenities • Viewing comes highly recommended Contact the office on 090-6663700 for further information

• 1 Bungalow and 2 semi-detached remaining • Short walk to church and town centre • Offers invited Viewing can be arranged by calling 090-6663700

HAVE YOU GOT LAND TO LEASE?

C.20 ACRES OF EXCELLENT QUALITY LANDS NEAR THE VILLAGE • WELL FENCED WITH WATER TO EACH FIELD • SHEEP ONLY For more information call Ivan on 090-6663700

Connaughton Auctioneers have orders from interested farmers looking for lands to let on a long or short term basis. All locations and parcel sizes considered. If you have any queries about letting your land, contact the office today and Ivan will answer any questions/ information you require

Connaughton Auctioneers – the professionals in Land Letting. Call 090-6663700 today

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

PropertyPeople

Registered Valuers – at REA Seamus Carthy

Seán Naughton of Seán Naughton Auctioneers, Roscommon meets An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

REA Seamus Carthy understand that valuations underpin nearly every financial decision we make – from home mortgages and investments to corporate finance and land transactions. Any person or organisation that occupies, owns, develops or trades assets in today’s global markets relies on a valuer’s expertise, quality standards and ethics. Aishleen O’Toole of REA Seamus Carthy advises that The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, on behalf of RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors), will introduce on a mandatory basis a quality

assurance scheme for valuers called ‘Valuer Registration’ at the end of February. Valuer Registration sets out an approach to raise confidence in the delivery of valuation advice and reinforce the highest professional standards in property valuation - a key component underpinning most economic activity. The Valuer Registration scheme will provide lenders, asset managers and investors with a clearly identifiable designation for the best regulated and qualified professionals. Valuer Registration reinforces the highest professional standards.

Aishleen O’Toole

Seamus Carthy

By appointing an RICS Registered Valuer, you can be confident that you are working with regulated and qualified professionals. Due to widespread financial insecurity, the

profession recognised an international need to reduce risk associated with valuations of any real estate and land assets – and that as an economy we need to ensure that high standards are in place and valuations are monitored on a regular basis on both residential and commercial property transactions. Aishleen advises that in 2012, the Central Bank of Ireland published a report ‘Valuation Processes in the Banking Crisis- Lessons Learned – Guiding the Future’ that recommended that lenders should seek Red

REA Seamus Carthy’s Sale of the Week REA Seamus Carthy is delighted to confirm another successful sale, this time of a prime detached house situated at Corofin Village, Co. Galway. The residence is a quality fourbedroomed modern family home and had a guide price of €165,000. Seamus Carthy confirmed the guide

price on this property was exceeded and the successful purchasers are returning from living in Dublin. To list your property for sale, contact Seamus Carthy at Goff Street, Roscommon Town on 090 6630001. Selling to local, national and international buyers.

TO LEASE

CASTLE STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

CIRCULAR ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN

BALLINLOUGH, CO. ROSCOMMON

6,200 Sq.ft High Profile Former Supermarket Unit with direct frontage onto Public Car Park. Highly accessible retail location, open plan rectangular unit with good floor to ceiling height. Suitable to a variety of users Viewing by appointment only with Sole Letting Agents. Enquiries Now Invited. BER: E1

Fitted out ready to go modern open plan retail unit comprising c. 1,000 sq ft with attached store area 440sq ft.(separate access to store). Situated on a very busy road network (Circular Road) in the heart of roscommon town, the said unit offers an excellent opportunity to secure a high profile, highly accessible retail unit. An extremely high visibility self advertising location with on street parking and enquiries are now invited.

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

Modern Industrial Type Warehouse facility comprising c. 12000 sq. ft over ground gloor Suitable to a variety of uses – Planning Permission granted for Commercial/Retail Highly accessible location off the N60, on the outskirts of Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon Lease Terms: Flexible Enquiries Invited

T: 090 66 30001

Book valuations from suitably qualified valuers when considering applications for loans or reviewing existing loans. Furthermore, the Mortgage Credit Directive is to be transposed in Ireland by March 2016 and will require assurance that residential valuations are carried out by competent professionals who are independent of the transaction. Valuer Registration will provide this assurance to financial institutions and will represent the highest standard of regulation in Ireland for both residential and commercial valuations. At REA Seamus Carthy we ensure that the highest professional standards are adhered to at all times. We are Registered Valuers and differentiate ourselves from others. For further information or to get professional advice in relation to commercial, residential or land valuations contact our Registered Valuers, Aishleen O’Toole or Seamus Carthy, at REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001.

NEW TO MARKET PRELIMINARY NOTICE

CASTLEREA TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON FOR SALE COMMERCIAL SITE WITH F.P.P New Petrol Station, Convenience Shop, Fast Food Outlet and Drive Through, Separate Retail Unit, ATM, covered Car Wash and Valet facilities Enquiries Invited

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

FarmingPeople Castlerea Mart Report Bigger numbers of stock presented for sale this week with trade reported to be similar to last week with the weanling bulls featuring the most improvement this week. Bullocks, heifers, and breeding stock reported good demand, resulting in a good clearance while the dry cows and calves attracted similar prices to last week. Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 440kgs €1190, Lm 350kgs €960, AA 520kgs €1135, Ch 515kgs €1215, BHer 425kgs €1015. Heifers: AA 420KGS €1000, Her 420KGS €860, Lm 460kgs €1185, Ch 590kgs €1365, Lm 510kgs €1320, Sim 470kgs €1100. Dry cows: BBX 820kgs €1600, Ch 780kgs €1490, Lm 760kgs €1430, Sim 640kgs €1070, Fr 620 kgs €880. Cows with calves at foot made from €1000 to €1710 per head. Springers made from €800 to €1750 per head. Calves: Stronger type lots made form €370 to €680 per head. Weanling bulls: Ch 275kgs €920, AA 250kgs €740, Lm 285kgs €760, Ch 430kgs €1130, Ch 410kgs €1085, Lm 390kgs €1105. Weanling heifers: Chx 250kgs €840, Lm 260kgs €830, AA 250kgs €810, BBX 360kgs €1090, Ch 335kgs €970.

IFA blasts Coveney for ruling 2,500 out of second phase GLAS Donal Greene, Roscommon IFA Rural Development Chairman, has criticised the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney for ruling 2,500 farmers out of the second phase of GLAS and backtracking on a commitment that he made at Budget time

that at least 13,000 farmers would be allowed into the scheme. Mr. Greene said: “With 11,500 farmers being accepted under Tier 1 and Tier 2, the exclusion of 2,500 farmers who are Tier 3 farmers is a major problem as many of

these farmers are on low incomes. The agri-environment GLAS payment would be a significant part of the overall farm income and Minister Coveney’s decision to exclude them is totally unacceptable.” Mr. Greene added: “In the Rural Development Plan

2014-2020 it is envisioned that 50,000 farmers would join the GLAS scheme. At this stage nearly 38,000 farmers will be in the scheme. Telling the 2,500 farmers that they can apply later in the year for the next phase of GLAS will result in

these farmers getting no payment at all in 2016.” The Rural Development Chairman concluded by calling on the Minister to reverse this decision and to allow all 14,000 farmers who applied in the first phase of GLAS into the scheme.

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Pictured in Tullamore is Charolais bull ‘Slaibhbawn Jesse James’ who won the reserve champion and sold for €5500 at Irish Charolais Cattle Society show and sale last week. He was joined by handler, Paul Fahy, breeder, James Duke, Caggle, Strokestown, Roscommon and judge, Andy McGovern.

IFA critical of factories on weight limit cuts IFA National Livestock Chairman, Henry Burns, said factories are using carcase weight cuts to flatten the beef price on winter finishers in an attempt to get cheaper beef. He said with only 10% of our finished beef cattle over 420 kgs carcase weight, factories and Bord Bia are failing our best and most

productive suckler farmers in the market place with penal weight limits. Henry Burns said: “By imposing uneconomic carcase weight cuts on our best quality suckler animals, factories are undermining all of the advice and research work from Teagasc and others on the need for farmers to improve

and breed better and more productive cattle. “The carcase weight price cuts that some factories have imposed over recent weeks are a direct attack on the Quality Payment System (QPS) and our quality suckler herd.” The IFA Livestock leader said farmers cannot understand why

the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney will not stand up for them, considering it is specifically written into the Beef Forum outcomes that “processors agree that there will be no dual base pricing for steers and heifers in individual processing plants, by breed, age or weight or Quality Assurance status.”

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Call in to our office at the Mart in Ballinrobe or call:

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestry.com

Friday, January 29th: There were increased numbers on offer this week. There was a lively trade for bullocks with plenty of customers in attendance with good prices and a high clearance of lots. Prices for bullocks averaged from €1.80 per kilo up to a max of €2.71 a kilo. There was a small entry of heifers. Heifers prices ranged from €2.14 up €2.75 per kilo. Dry cows averaged from €1.41 per kilo up to €1.87 per kilo. There was a good entry of dry cows on offer with a steady trade for quality lots and a full clearance. Dry cows made from €800 to €1680 per head. Sample prices: Char

X 895 kgs €1680, Lim x 825 kgs €1440, SIX 755 kgs €1330, Lim 710 kgs €1315, LIM 680 kgs €1270, SIX 700 kgs €1260, LIM X 710 kgs €1200. Bullocks made from €520 to €855 over. Sample prices: Char X 720kgs €1575, Char X 580kgs €1480, AAX 775kgs €1570, SIX 720kgs €1520, Char X 710kgs €1500, Char X 540kgs €1310, Char X 590kgs €1340, 4 AA 449kgs €900, Lm X 550kgs €1350, Lm X 495 kgs €1240, 3 AAX 562kgs €1255, B.W.H 645kgs €1165, Char 485kgs €1180, BBX 620kgs €1330. Heifers made from €350

to €675 over. Sample prices: Char X 590kgs €1265, Lm X 510kgs €1160, Lm 495kgs €1090, Char X 350kgs €950, Char X 340kgs €840, BB X 370kgs €870, Char X 200kgs €550. There was a good entry of both weanling bulls and heifers on offer. The average prices for weanling heifers ranged from €2.24 per kilo up to a maximum of €3.16 per kilo. Bulls averaged from €2.20 per kilo up to €2.85 per kilo. Weanling heifers made from €330 to €635 over. Sample prices: Char X 405kg €1040, Char 395kg €1025, Char X 315kg €905, LM X 310kg €795 LM X 275kg €720, LM

X 305kg €965, Char X 325kgs €840. Weanling bulls made from €350 to €675 over. Sample prices: Char X 465 kgs €1140, Char X 320 kgs €865, Char X 310 kgs €855, 2 AAX 292 kgs €700, Lim 300 kgs €855, 3 BBX 402 kgs €820, Char X 355 kgs €935, Char X 465 kgs €970, Lim X 370 kgs €805. Sheep sale: There was a greater number of sheep on offer this week. There was a steady trade for hoggets with a high clearance of lots. There was a better trade for cast ewe. Sheep scanning service every Wednesday from 9 am to 10 am. Wednesday February

10th: Reduction sale of 65 excellent quality 2nd and 3rd crop Belclare X ewes in lamb to Belclare and Suffolk rams lambing early March. All scanned in lamb. Enquiries to the Mart or 087-2738711. Sample prices: Ewe hoggets: 53.2 kgs €125, 40.4 kgs €90, 42.20 kgs €110, 45.6 kgs €110, 41.4 kgs €105, 51.30 kgs €125. Mixed hoggets 58.5 kgs €130, 56 kgs €130, 52 kgs €125, 46 kgs €110, 42 kgs €100, 50.2 kgs €120, 42.9 kgs €112. Cast ewes made from €65 to €130 per lot. Ewe with twin lambs at foot made up to €300 per unit. In lambs ewes made from €150 to €180.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 years

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Macra: delivering for young people since the 1940s

Michael Fitzmaurice TD Strangeforth, Williamstown Tel. 086 1914565 E. michael.fitzmaurice@oireachtas.ie Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Tommy Dillon Farm Buildings Kilkerrin Road Glenamaddy, Co. Galway

A message from our President SEAN FINAN

Telephone: 094 9659187 Mobile: 087 2616955

t’s a great honour for me to write this article as a proud Roscommon Macra na Feirme man, as the 35th president of our wonderful organisation and to follow in the footsteps of another great Macra na Feirme man, Laurence Fallon, who served our organisation with distinction as the 22nd president from 1989-91. The significant milestone of 70 years was reached by the national organisation in 2014 with the first branches being established in Moincoin, Athy and Kilmallock in 1944. It was one year later in 1945, that our organisation was established in Co. Roscommon, with the first branch being founded in Athleague. We will be celebrating the successes of Macra na Feirme in Co. Roscommon by bringing past members, current members and friends of the organisation together for a Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 13, in the Abbey Hotel,

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Roscommon. A few weeks ago, we launched our Dinner Dance and it was wonderful to meet and have Joe Murphy, one of the founding members of the Athleague branch, present. Joe vividly remembers his time in the organisation and it was great to hear his stories about the early days. In the 1940s our founding fathers’ vision for the organisation was to educate young farmers in the absence of a formal agricultural system. The organisation at that time set out about teaching young farmers the practical skills of farming, which equipped them with the knowledge to improve their farms, so as to be able to provide for their families. Our Constitution is very clear on the objectives of the organisation, which are: to assist in the personal development of rural youth, promote social and cultural education among rural youth of both sexes, provide opportunities for learning

the skills and theory of farming, widen the interests of rural youth by increasing their store of general knowledge and encouraging leadership in preparation for responsible roles in farming and community associations. Roscommon members have strongly delivered on all of our objectives since our foundation, by encouraging young people across the county to take an active part in all of our competitions, activities and social events. Through active participation and social interaction, members develop themselves personally and are provided with life skills, which will stand to them in all aspects of their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Roscommon members who have served at any level within the organisation since 1945 and have contributed immensely to the development and success of the organisation in Roscommon over the years.

Members have been triumphant at national level, winning numerous All-Ireland titles, too many to mention. The county has also had its fair share of representatives at a northwest vice-presidential level, with no less than ten members serving in this role since our formation in County Roscommon in 1945. I would encourage all young people to consider joining the organisation. Whether you’re from a farming background or not, there is something there for you, from debating or public speaking to drama or sports. Maybe you would like to meet new friends and take part in our hectic social calendar. There really is something in Macra for everyone. The Dinner Dance would not be possible without the generous sponsorship received from the three livestock marts in the county – Castlerea, Elphin and Roscommon. I would to

thank the management and boards of all the marts for their contributions. Past Macra na Feirme members down through the years were instrumental in the establishment of the marts and also in their running, with many board members learning their skills in Macra na Feirme. I will conclude by saying that I look forward to the remainder of my term as president, working with members to better themselves, by continuing to represent young farmers and rural youth as well as working and lobbying on the policy issues which affect us in our lives. Finally I would like to thank the staff at the Roscommon People for publishing this supplement on Roscommon Macra na Feirme and helping us to celebrate the success of our organisation. Thank you. * Sean Finan from Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon is Macra na Feirme National President (2015-17).

A thank you to our sponsors The main sponsors for the Dinner Dance being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Roscommon Macra Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Cllr.

Paddy Kilduff T.: (086)2568570 E.: paddy@kilduff.ie

na Feirme are Castlerea, Elphin and Roscommon marts. Macra national president Seán Finan said: “I would

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

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like to thank them for their support and acknowledge. “A number of the current board of each mart served their apprentice-

ship in Macra. Members of the organisation were instrumental in the establishment of the marts initially.”

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Kilmore, Athleague, Co. Roscommon RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

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The Dinner Dance will take place at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, on February 13, at 7.30 pm.

Tickets Information Roscommon Macra na Feirme’s 70th anniversary celebration Dinner Dance will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Thursday, February 13th next. Tickets, priced at €35, can be obtained from AnnMarie Ward, the secretary of the organising committee (call 087-7779261).

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Gala Dinner Dance for Roscommon Macra’s 70th!

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Denis Naughten #KeepsHisPromises

< EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

he 70th anniversary of the foundation of Roscommon Macra na Feirme will be celebrated with a Dinner Dance in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, on February 13, with proceedings commencing at 7.30 pm. It promises to be a great night’s entertainment, on the eve of Valentine’s Day. A four-course meal will be served, while entertainment will be provided by ‘Charade’, a six-piece band, along with a DJ. Items of memorabilia associated with the organisation will be displayed in the hotel. This will provide past members with a chance to reminisce about their involvement with Macra. Macra, a voluntary organisation for young people aged between 17 and 35, has a nationwide network of clubs, with six key areas of activity: agriculture, sport, travel, public speaking, perform-

Call (090) 66 27557 www.DenisNaughten.ie

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Macra na Feirme 70th Anniversary celebrations were (l-r) Seán Finan, Macra na Feirme President, Cllr Laurence Fallon, Joe Murphy, Dermot Kelly and Cllr Paddy Kilduff, Chairman of Roscommon County Council. Picture: Andrew Fox

ing arts and community involvement. It is understood that the first Macra club in County Roscommon was formed in Athleague in 1945, the year after the national organisation was established. The anniversary Dinner was launched at the Abbey Hotel on Friday, January 15. Present were several Macra officials, including national president Seán Finan (a native of County Roscommon), and county councillors, including the

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff. Mr Finan said: “We are hoping that the Dinner Dance will be a very important event to bring some older members together” – adding that it will be an opportunity for people to “reminisce and talk about the times that they had in the organisation.” Mr. Finan added that it is hoped that the highlight of their anniversary celebrations – the upcoming

function – will have the effect of recruiting new members into the future. Roscommon Macra has achieved wonderful success in a variety of different disciplines recently, and the forthcoming Dinner Dance will also provide an ideal opportunity to acknowledge those feats. Sean Doorley, the PRO of Roscommon Macra, noted that local clubs had achieved national success in Macra activities in recent times.

“We have won male and female soccer titles; we have public speaking titles; in drama, we have had (national) success in the past.” Mr Doorley has been a member of Macra since 2002, with the Tarmonbarry branch. Obviously he hopes the organisation continues to flourish. “We would like to keep the organisation going, we’d like to have success in the future and keep members active in the county,” he said.

Have you got your tickets? It promises to be one if the social nights of the year in County Roscommon as members of Macra na Feirme – past and present – from branches throughout the county join together for a great celebration/ reunion. Roscommon Macra na Feirme’s 70th anniversary celebration Dinner Dance will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Thursday, February 13th next. Tickets, priced at €35, can be obtained from AnnMarie Ward, the secretary of the organising committee (call 087-7779261).

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Macra na Feirme 70th Anniversary celebrations were (l-r) Seán Finan, Macra Na Feirme President, Cllr Paddy Kilduff, Chairman of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Tony Ward and Cllr Laurence Fallon. Picture: Andrew Fox

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number of local county councillors attended the recent launch of Roscommon Macra na Feirme’s 70th anniversary Dinner Dance, which will take place at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, on Saturday, February 13. Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins said that she had been a member of the organisation for many years and was currently involved with the Ballaghaderreen branch. “For me, Macra has been a really important organisation in looking beyond yourself and into your community, working with others, learning about teamwork, sitting on committees and organising events,” she said.

“Macra is also a very important organisation to ensure that young people are very much on agendas, and that young farming is promoted as an important and viable career into the future.” She said that she had thoroughly enjoyed her time in Macra, making many new friends, and wished it well into the future. Fianna Fáil councillor Eugene Murphy said that he was also a member of Macra na Feirme for many years, with the Tarmonbarry branch. He, too, was fulsome in his praise of the organisation. “The Macra na Feirme group is probably one of the best youth groups in the country,” he said. “It gels young people together and the friendships they make, last.” Cllr. Murphy said that, given

all the troubles in today’s world, Macra should be promoted more as a valuable social outlet to young people. He said that he looked forward to attending the dinner dance, as did Cllr. Ivan Connaughton, his party colleague. The Athleague man said that he would be entering the “farming arena” in the future and was studying a distance-learning ‘Green Cert’ with Teagasc. Reflecting on Macra’s 70 years’ existence, he said that the world was a more sociable place when the organisation was founded. “Social media overtakes our lives today; there was time to talk back years ago, and that’s something that the present generation doesn’t do enough of,” said Cllr. Connaughton, the Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District.

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“We never have the phone out of our hands, instead of having a general discussion and engagement in relation to issues.” Independent councillor Tony Ward also praised the contribution of Macra down through the years. “If you look at Macra celebrating 70 years, it was well before its time,” he said. “They were before most organisations. “What Macra did for the people of Co. Roscommon and rural Ireland was… there were classes and education. Guys shared information with one another and it was a place where people could come together.” He said that he wished Macra every success in the future and expressed the view that the organisatiom still had a very important role in rural Ireland.

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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Macra na Feirme 70th Anniversary celebrations were (l-r) Cllr Ivan Connaughton, Margaret Kelly and John Kenny. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, has lavishly praised Roscommon Macra na Feirme for the role it has served in the community since it was established in

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the county in 1945. He described Macra as a “great organisation”. Speaking at the launch of the upcoming 70th anniversary Dinner Dance, being held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, Cllr. Kilduff said: “Macra has been very good to young people in Co. Roscommon over the years. “It is a great place for young people to be meeting each other. Macra has been a great education for young people as well.” Cllr. Kilduff said that his son David was a member of Macra for many years. He said that Roscommon County Council would be delighted to assist Macra with any initiatives.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

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‘He mentioned the cattle before the proposal!’ Happily ever after in Macra matrimony < DAN DOONER

hen Roscom-

mon travel to Cork in the National Football League two weeks after Valentine’s Day, there will be one man in the county who knows all about romantic trips to the ‘People’s Republic’. Enda Ward has caused a proud Cork woman to defect after meeting her at a Macra na Feirme officer training event in Limerick in 2007. His wife, Ann Marie, remembers Enda’s stealthy work at the South Court Hotel. “I just went into the bar – it always starts in a bar! – and I suppose we just got chatting. You’re training all day at these things but that night there was a dinner and music and we just swapped numbers. No messing around!” There are two sides to every story and Enda was quick to offer his. “We met in the South Court in September 2007. I wrote my notes for this interview so I wouldn’t get in trouble! It was quite early on the Saturday in the bar with no drink on board, so no Dutch courage! I went down to Limerick for the officer training and sure the last thing on my mind was bumping into someone!” Four years of long distance courting followed as the two Macra members bridged the distance between Roscommon and Cork. Ann Marie explains the ability to compromise was there from the very beginning. “We spent four years travelling up and down,

or we’d meet in Limerick, which was half-way! After the four years though it was decided that one of us had to make the move! It was up to me to relocate to Roscommon because his family has a farm here.” Ann Marie explained that she had no farming background. “I started going to Berrings Macra in Cork with a couple of my friends. We didn’t have any farming background at all, not one acre to our name! “Coming to Roscommon was a big adjustment as it is a fair bit quieter than Cork. Also, leaving behind family and friends wasn’t easy, but I got involved with the Agricultural Show and of course Macra, which helped.” Enda remembers the long journeys to Cork and Limerick but insists that it was

Enda and Ann Marie Ward “bumped into each other” at a Macra na Feirme training event in Limerick in 2007 – they were married in 2011.

each weekend! It was like a trip away each weekend to Cork, Nenagh or Limerick.”

‘We didn’t have any farming background at all, not one acre to our name!’ all part of the adventure. “Well I didn’t think anything would come of that meeting in the South Court Hotel but it resulted in three hours of driving

The proposal had to happen in Limerick and it did in 2009 – we’ll leave it to Ann Marie to describe the romance of it all. “He went down on one

Fine Gael Candidate for Roscommon Galway

Cllr. Maura Hopkins

knee, so no problem there. Then he ‘phoned home to tell the family. The first thing of course was to make sure the cattle in the shed were alright, because it was a winter’s night just before Christmas! Yes, he mentioned the cattle before the proposal!” When it comes to Macra, the happy couple, who were married in 2011, are understandably full of praise for the organisation. Enda says: “You’re always involved in some-

thing, you meet people and get opportunities to take part in events. I even went skiing in Austria a few years ago!” Ann Marie has said she and Enda would recommend Macra na Feirme to any young person. “It’ll definitely be recommended because it’s somewhere different to go at the weekends.” So there you have it… Macra na Feirme: Helping people to ‘bump’ into each other since 1945.

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t was a stormy Sunday evening as I was blown in through the front door of the Abbey Hotel. In one corner of the reception area there sat a group of young people with notepads and pens. I introduced myself and Sean Finan, the current national president of Macra na Feirme, introduced himself. The other attendees of the county

meeting were just as welcoming and some agreed to give their thoughts on Macra involvement and the importance of the organisation for young people across the county. The overriding impression I got was that this was an organisation which provided a healthy social outlet for its young members, while instilling self-confidence. There was also a feeling that groups like Macra na Feirme were

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badly needed in order to provide a social platform for young people away from pubs and clubs. Indeed, most if not all the members I spoke with described looking for an outlet that didn’t involve drinking. Ireland is renowned for its social drinking culture but these young Macra members were desperate for an alternative and found it within the organisation. Most had rated the county and

national events very highly and enjoyed meeting other Macra members from across the country. They also had no hesitation in recommending Macra na Feirme to younger people. The Roscommon Macra members who attended the meeting in the Abbey Hotel were unanimous in their view that the organisation was a vital social outlet and hoped that the good work would continue long into the future.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

THOSE WERE

Wishing Macra na Feirme every success from

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acra na

Feirme has had a proud and distinguished presence in the agricultural, social, cultural and community life of County Roscommon for seventy years. At its peak, the organisation had in the region of twenty affiliated clubs in County Roscommon. And while there have been occasional periods of decline over the years, Macra remains a force in Roscommon today and can boast of having the national president (Sean Finan) in its ranks on this, the occasion of its 70th anniversary.

1940s-1950s

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formed. Amongst the founding members was Joe Murphy, the well-known Roscommon Show Society activist. Indeed Joe has been involved in many farming groups over the years (see page 37). Shortly after establishing a branch in Athleague in 1945, other branches of Macra sprung up around the county. The Macra presence in Roscommon continued to grow throughout the 1940s and ‘50s, and most towns and villages had a branch. From the early days, the organisation in Roscommon was well represented at a national level (see separate article). In all, there have been no less than ten vice-presidents from the county since the organisation was established. For a little flavour of ‘Roscommon Macra’ over the decades, I spoke to some former members this week. Well-known GAA figure Pat Dennehy has fond memories of his time in the organisation. “I joined straight from school in 1957. It was the Cam branch. Macra was strong countywide at the time…there was probably fifteen clubs or more. Our branch in Cam was very vibrant. The late Anthony O’Dea was the chairman for many years. We’d

Winners at the 2004 Bank of Ireland National Leadership Awards: (L to r) Geraldine BeattieGreene, Tulsk, Francis Cleere, Co. Tipperary and Shirley Bennett, Cork.

meet maybe every two weeks, in an old dance hall near Curraghboy, called Harry’s Hall. It was owned by a man called Willie Byrnes.” Pat says typical activities included taking part in farm tasks, stock-judging competitions, quizzes and debates. A number of Cam Macra members qualified for the All-Ireland stockjudging finals, then held each year at the Spring Show in the RDS. Pat recalls Macra being very strong in Strokestown at the time (“they had a great stock-judging team!” he says). He also recalls Knockcroghery having a very strong branch. “There was great rivalry between the various branches…it was very competitive. The whole

experience was great. I stayed in Macra for seven or eight years. Apart from the usual activities, we’d go on outings from time to time, maybe a day trip to a farm down in the South of Ireland. It was a way of developing as a person, meeting people and making friends. After the day out you’d finish up at a dance! I very much enjoyed my time in Macra.” Amongst the county’s premier Macra activists was the late Michael J Cunnane from Tulsk, who in the mid-1950s became Roscommon’s representative on the National Executive Committee, a position he held for 12 years, from 1955 until 1967. Michael J, although not having served as Vice President, was the longest

serving national officer of the organisation from the county ever. Michael J Cunnane played a very significant role in the development of Roscommon Macra.

1960s-1970s

Paddy & CrossCountry Quiz Another former Macra stalwart who I spoke to this week was Paddy Farrell, who joined Elphin Macra in 1966. Paddy spoke very highly of the experience. He recalls there being “about twenty” members in Elphin Macra in those days. They were “mostly men, with the odd woman!”

Roscommon Macra’s ten North-west vice-presidents The organisation in Roscommon has been very well represented at a national level, with no less that ten vice-presidents from the county assuming this role since Macra was established here. Macra na Feirme grew rapidly in the county in the late 1940s and early-‘50’s, with active branches being established throughout the county. In the mid-‘50’s, Tom Began from Ballinasloe area served as vicepresident. At the same time, the legendary MJ Cunnane, from Tulsk, took over as Roscommon’s representative on the national executive committee, a position he held for 12 years, until 1967. MJ, although not having served

as vice-president, was the longest-serving national officer of the organisation from the county ever. Paddy Hennigan, a founding member of the Athleague club, served as vice-president from 1963-67. During that time Vincent Cox from Strokestown was the county chairman and also became northwest vice-president of the organisation in 1967, serving until 1969. The 1970s saw the organisation spread further across the county with Tim Fox, Mountcashel, serving as national council representative from 1976-77 and as northwest vice-president from 1980-83. Laurence Fallon represented the organisation on the national council in the mid-‘80’s, serving two terms

from 1982-85 and then becoming vice-president in 1987 and later president – in 1989. From 1999 to 2001, Dermot Kelly from Curraghboy served as north-west vice-president, followed by Barry Caslin from 2001-03 and Geraldine Beattie-Greene from 2005-07. The Noughties were a fruitful time for Roscommon Macra at a northwest vice presidential level, capped by the election of John Kenny in 2009. John served from 2009-11. Current Macra na Feirme national president Seán Finan, from the Castlerea branch, sat on the national Council from 2009-13 and became vice-president for the north-west and served in this position from 2013-15.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

THE DAYS! Meetings were held in the Vocational School and Macra functions were catered for in Elphin Community Centre. Paddy, a farmer and part-time postman (now retired from the latter role) was a quiz enthusiast. After initial success with Elphin Macra’s quiz team, he became a member of the County Macra Quiz team…and in 1972 they brought honour to the county by winning the famous Cross-Country Quiz on RTE. That programme, presented by Peter Murphy, was a huge audience favourite. “I was on the Roscommon team with Martin Dolan, Tim O’Connor and Monica Beegan (nee Kirwan). We beat Laois, Dublin and Wicklow and then Clare in the final.” Paddy’s recollection is that Elphin Macra won the All-Ireland Debating title that same year (1972). Paddy, who served as Treasurer of Elphin Macra and went on to serve on the National Council, says he has very happy memories of his years with Macra na Feirme.

1980s-present

Memories of modern era Well-known Kilteevan

man Sean Mooney joined the Roscommon town branch of Macra in 1979. He later became chairman. The 1980s was a golden period for the town branch. Sean Mooney: “A lot of people who came to live in Roscommon town began to join up, men and women. The old perception that it was for farmers was dispensed with. It became a very sociable environment. We did all the usual activities, including indoor soccer, farm tasks, drama and so on. Macra was strong everywhere in the 1980s, I remember particularly vibrant branches in Aughrim/Kilmore and Knockcroghery.” Popular Macra competitions included ‘Miss Blue Jeans’ and ‘Miss Macra’. Then there was the ‘Bachelor of the Year’ competition, which Sean has some knowledge of – because he actually won it! “Yes, that’s my claim to fame” he laughs now, many years on. “I did actually win a national title in Macra – the ‘Bachelor of the Year.’ Heats were held in Roscommon and the final was held in Castlepollard.” Colm Tully served as chairman of the Roscommon town branch of Macra, which he joined in 1987. Meetings were held in the Abbey Hotel

and subsequently in the “snug” in the Royal Hotel. “I was involved for eight or nine years and it was a great experience. It was something to do between October and April! We did all the activities you associate with Macra…indoor soccer, drama, stock-judging, farm tasks, debating…I remember one of our members, Hugh Brennan, winning the national Public Speaking title. “There were some very active branches in that era, such as Aughrim/Kilmore, Tulsk, Ballyleague, Tarmonbarry and St. Bride’s (which was Castlerea and Ballintubber combined).” Colm says the social aspect of being involved in Macra was very significant. He recalls huge crowds attending table quizzes in Rockford’s Nightclub. Towards the end of the 1980s – 1989 to be precise – present-day Independent councillor Laurence Fallon became the first Roscommon person to become national president of Macra na Feirme, holding the role from 1989-91. Cllr. Fallon gave Roscommon Macra a very high profile in that period and he served as national president with distinction. During the 1990s and into the new century, Macra has continued to have a key role within the wider Roscommon com-

in no way purports to be a detailed account of the history of Macra in Roscommon. It is, instead, a ‘flavour’ of the Macra presence in the county, as gleaned from talking to some of the people who were involved. We are aware

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Athleague’s Martin Connaughton, a former county councillor and mayor of Roscommon County Council, won a Sheep Stock-Judging National Title with Macra. We haven’t been able to establish the precise year of his victory, but it was most likely in the 1960s.

munity, not withstanding the challenges faced by changes within society, including the decline of rural Ireland, emigration of young people, and the advent of social media which has played a part in changing the extent to which and the manner in which people now socialise and congregate.

The recent rise of Ballinlough man Sean Finan to the highest position within Macra nationally – that of president – is an honour for Sean, his family and his branch – and also a timely boost to Macra in County Roscommon. Here’s to the next 70 years!

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that many branches not featured in the article have their own distinguished place in the story of Roscommon Macra. It is hoped that the full history of Macra in Co. Roscommon will be compiled and published in the near future.

CASSERLY’S MCL

AGRI-SERVICES

LANESBORO

NEW T C PRODU Pictured at a Roscommon Town Macra Reunion in 2013 were Anthony McCormack and Sean Kelly.

Can you help with our history?

Pictured at a Roscommon Town Macra Reunion in 2013 were John Paul Brennan, Teresa McCormack and Hugh Brennan.

Roscommon Galway Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate Tel 071 96 33996 086 2507590

Not the full story…! A definitive history of Macra na Feirme in Roscommon is not currently available, but there are plans to compile one (see alongside). In compiling this article on some memories and milestones through the decades, we wish to stress that it

EUGENE MURPHY

Councillor

Roscommon Macra na Ferime is currently compiling a full history of the organisation in Co. Roscommon, from the establishment of the first club in Athleague in 1945 to the present day. To aid this process, the organisation is calling on all past members who have any old paper cuttings, scrapbooks, photographs, articles or stories to share about their time in the organisation to make contact with Sean Finan, the national president, on 0874146480.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

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The origins of Macra – at national level

< EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

hile the first

Roscommon branch of Macra na Feirme was founded in Athleague in 1945, the organisation itself had got off the ground at national level the year before. A group of 12 agricultural advisors, rural science teachers and farmers were involved. The first headquarters of Macra na Feirme was located at the Town Hall, Athy, Co. Kildare, and was opened by Seán T O’Kelly, the President of

Ireland at the time. Rural science teacher Stephen Cullinan was the first secretary of Macra na Feirme and the first editor of the Young Farmers’ Journal, which preceded today’s Irish Farmers’ Journal. Macra na Feirme was adopted as the official title of the organisation in December 1946. ‘Macra’ means stalwarts or the elite and ‘na Feirme’ means of the land. Over 250,000 young people have passed through the ranks of Macra na Feirme since its inception. Much has

changed since those early days: suffice to say that Ireland was a completely different country in 1944 to what it is now. The country was in the middle of ‘The Emergency’, so food and money were scarce and rationing was in place. Ireland was kept out of the Second World War by Éamonn de Valera, the Taoiseach at the time, and this saved the country from much more hardship and strife. Against this backdrop, a number of enlightened and pioneering rural science and agricultural instructors set about the

Patrick Geraghty (Castlerea Macra) taking part in the Roscommon Lamb Festival Young Sheep Farmer 2013. Pic: www.hursonphotography.com.

< DAN DOONER

When Macra na Feirme was established 70 years ago, most Irish people didn’t even have a telephone in their homes. Nowadays it’s a different story and the advent of internet and social media has affected the way the people of Ireland communicate, do business and organise large groups on a national scale. Macra na Feirme has worked hard when it comes to its online presence and boasts not only a busy Facebook page, but also an impressively designed website. An online presence is crucial for the group as they look to keep members in the loop when it comes to upcoming events, while also providing information on schemes and membership benefits. Group texts, emails and Facebook messages and posts as well as a regularly updated website ensure that members are never too far away from the latest news. While it has made many things more convenient, the internet has changed the social landscape of Ireland forever. Face to face contact and socialising is probably less frequent these days, and one only has to take a peek into most social venues, or indeed living rooms in 2016, to see the effects of social media on regular day to day interaction. Therefore, groups such as Macra na Feirme are arguably more important 70 years on than they have ever been. Macra na Feirme offers a safe, educational and equal social environment for the young people of rural Ireland, at a time when the Irish countryside is constantly under threat from encroaching globalisation.

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agriculture, rural development, personal development, competitions, social interaction and travel. Macra’s role in the promotion of better standards of education and training for young farmers cannot be overstated, and they have strong links with Teagasc, the farm advisory service, and all agricultural colleges in Ireland. Compared to 1944, young farmers have different priorities today and need new challenges, which Macra actively provides to its members across all areas of activity.

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establishment of young farmer clubs. The first three clubs were Mooncoin, Kilmallock and Athy, but Kilmallock is the only clubs that is still running after 70 years. Macra was primarily set up to educate and train young farmers in different agricultural techniques and technologies and also to ensure that rural young people were given an opportunity to express their views and opinions. Over the past seven decades, many initiatives and developments have been undertaken by Macra members and staff – in

Financial assistance for farmers affected by ﬂooding < DOLORES GACQUIN (SOLICITOR)

In recent days, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney announced details of additional financial assistance to farmers who were severely affected by flooding in December 2015 and January 2016. The Emergency Flood Damage Relief measure will provide financial assistance to cover uninsured direct costs to include: • Loss of livestock due to the floods. • Cover for rental costs incurred where livestock had to be moved

off farms and into alternative premises due to potential welfare issues. The eligible rental period extends to 28 February 2016. • Costs incurred in repairing buildings and fittings damaged by flooding. Application forms for the Emergency Flood Damage Relief measure are available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s website and from the Department’s local office network. Application forms will also be available from Teagasc offices. It is anticipated that personnel from the Department of

Agriculture, Food and the Marine will undertake on-farm visits in the case of all applications for assistance under these measures to confirm the losses incurred and or the damage sustained. The closing date for applications will be Friday, 12th February. Only losses not covered by an applicant’s insurance are eligible. All losses must have arisen as a direct consequence of the flooding in December 2015 and January 2016. No aid will be payable in respect of applications where the total claim is less than €250. Farmers whose feed supplies

were lost to flooding may also avail of the Fodder Aid Scheme 2016. Farmers whose feed supplies were destroyed by flood waters will be paid full market value for feed supplies lost in flooding under said scheme. * Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors are happy to advise clients on all matters pertaining to land transfers, sales, purchases and leases. For the month of March we are offering farmers a special rate of just €50 to make your will. Contact Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor today on 090 6478433 to avail of this opportunity.

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Would you like to join Macra na Feirme? Roscommon Macra na Feirme is looking for new members who would like to join up and participate in the range of activities which Macra has to offer. If you’re between 17 and 35 and looking for something exciting to do, then Macra is for you. Macra offers a varied programme of events, ranging from debating to drama to agriculture, as well as sport and travel. For young farmers, we run our agricultural competitions and the young farmer development group has a busy calendar of events, from farm walks to factory tours and seminars to stock-judging.

Joe Murphy speaking to Eoghan Young-Murphy at the launch of the Roscommon Macra na Feirme 70th Anniversary celebrations. Picture: Andrew Fox

Founding member Joe recalls early days < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

oe Murphy, who lives at Rookwood, Athleague, was very much in demand at the recent launch of Roscommon Macra’s 70th anniversary celebrations. That’s because he was one of the founding members of Macra in Roscommon: he helped to establish a branch in Athleague, the first known Macra club in Co. Roscommon, in 1945. Joe, now reaching his 90th year and looking a picture of good health, is a well-known and popular community figure with a distinguished record of voluntary involvement in the agricultural ‘field.’ In the Abbey Hotel recently, Joe reflected on the origins of Macra. “I was one of the founding members of the Athleague branch,” he said. “The people

who organised the branch were vocational teachers. One was Paddy Lavin, who was a vocational teacher in Elphin, and he went on to be County Manager in Monaghan (County Council). We had a good branch there for many years.” The branch’s quiz team were particularly notable, Joe recalled. That team competed in the renowned ‘Question Time’ competition and reached the semi-final (in Arklow) one year. “The members were Tommy Rogerson, Mary McCormack, Paddy Clayton, Tommy Fitzmaurice and Paddy Haughey.” Joe explained that farming life was very different in the 1940s to how it is now. “There was no such thing as a Farmers’ Journal; there was no Farming Independent, no television programmes on agriculture,” he said.

That created a vacuum that Macra helped to fill. “Macra had a great role in educating farmers at that time, when there was no other way of educating them,” said Joe. “I always had great respect for Macra. They educated the youth of the country, especially the farmers who had to stay at home and farm. “They gave confidence to a lot of young lads, as I was at that time, to stand up and speak in public.” The self-esteem Macra instilled in Joe propelled him to a notable career in the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA): he was Connacht President and on the National Council, served on dairy committees and in other capacities. Joe has also been very prominently involved in Roscommon Show Committee over the years, and is currently that body’s esteemed President.

If you would like to have a hectic social life, well Macra has a jam-packed social calendar on offer! We currently have a number of active clubs and we are hoping to develop more clubs right across the county. The focus areas for now are south Roscommon, Castlerea, Tarmonbarry, Elphin, Roscommon town, Ballaghaderreen, and Athleague/Fuerty. If you would like to get involved in Macra in Roscommon, you can contact Siobhan Sexton, Macra’s training and development officer, on 087-3463828.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme from

Kennedy Brothers

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MR PRESIDENT(S) A quarter of a century or so apart, two Roscommon men have had the distinction of being elected as national president of Macra. In this two-page feature, we speak to current president Sean Finan and (opposite) to Laurence Fallon, who was the first Roscommon man to serve in that distinguished role …

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Cllr. Tony Ward, Nora and family CEO & Staff of Roscommon County Council

Contact Tony on (090) 64 88294 or (087) 9165226 Email: tonywardmcc@eircom.net

CLLR. MICHAEL CREATON Contact me anytime on: (086) 3647435 OR (094) 98 80076 CLOONARD, LOUGHGLYNN, CO. ROSCOMMON Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme Your Local Councillor in Roscommon/Castlerea Electoral Area

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme from

Councillor

Des

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Cllr. Rachel Doherty Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon (087) 8329092

Celebration: Seán Finan with supporters at the Irish Farm Centre, Dublin, after being elected as the 35th national president of Macra na Feirme last April.

Sean – on life at the summit! < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

ean Finan’s jour-

ney to the summit of Macra na Feirme – he is currently its President – began in 2007. He finished college in Galway the previous year and secured a full-time job in the construction industry with John Sisk & Son. He also got involved in his family’s farm at their home at Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon. Looking for something further to occupy his time in the evenings, Sean (32) became involved in Macra and helped to establish a

branch in Castlerea. “That was definitely one of the best things I ever did,” he says. “It has had a huge impact on my life, as I have gone through the organisation. I have had great times.” He gradually rose up the ranks, beginning as a club officer in the Castlerea branch and then progressing to county level. Then, he went on to fulfil the prestigious roles of national treasurer and north-west vice-president, before reaching the very top last April when he was crowned the 35th national president of the organisation.

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The young Ballinlough man successfully followed in the footsteps of Cllr. Laurence Fallon from Rahara, the only other Roscommon person to date to have served as national Macra President. Cllr. Fallon served in that role in the 1989-91 period. Sean Finan: “My campaign for president began back then, in 2013, when I got involved at a regional level. I had a huge campaign team of about 35 people travelling around the country with me for three and a half months. “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to them. It was a very intensive campaign.

We have 57 branches in the north-west; 56 of them voted for me. So there is a huge loyalty in the organisation here in the north-west region.” The first eight months of his role as national president have been taxing, but rewarding. He has been travelling around the country, driving an average of 3,500 miles a month, lobbying for young farmers. “I am on the road every day,” he said. “I spend a couple of days a week at our office in Dublin. The rest of the time, I would be travelling around to various things – functions

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within the organisation and external functions.” As the main representative of the organisation nationally, he is often called upon to launch major strategies and to speak at conferences. He also travels to Brussels about six or seven times a year because he is a member of the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA). In between these various roles, he spends two or three nights a week at his home place at Ballinlough, where he helps his father, Padraic, and his brothers, Brian and Kevin, run their farm.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Laurence is proud of the Macra family! < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

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llr. Laurence Fal-

lon was the first Roscommon person to become national president of Macra na Feirme, holding the role from 1989-91. The Rahara man (now 58), has had a long association with the organisation, which he joined as a 17-year-old in 1974, when he also joined Fine Gael. Shortly after his term as national president of Macra ended, he became the president of the European Council of Young Farmers. Having then reached the upper age-limit for Macra members – 35 – Laurence became particularly active in the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). He held a senior position within the organisation shortly after the turn of the millennium: he was the chairman of the national sheep committee. The rules of the IFA dictate, however, that you can’t be active in politics and an officer of the association. And so, when he became Deputy Denis Naughten’s Director of Election for the 2007 General Election, he ceased senior involvement with the IFA. Laurence’s own politicial carrer progressed in 2009: he became a councillor, representing the south Roscommon area on Roscommon County Council, and was re-elected in 2014.

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Phone: (090) 66 27200 Fax: (090) 66 27201 Email: info@pburkeassociates.com www.sherryfitz.ie Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme from Pictured recently in the Irish Farm Centre, Dublin, with Macra na Feirme national president Seán Finan were members of South Roscommon Macra who were intrigued by the photograph of Roscommon man and former Macra na Feirme president (1989-91) Laurence Fallon on the wall. Left to right: Mattie John Kelly, Padraig Beattie, Margaret Kelly, Diarmuid Murray and national president Seán Finan, from Ballinlough.

However, since 2011, he has been an Independent representative: he resigned from Fine Gael after the closure of the Accident & Emergency Unit at Roscommon Hospital, following in Deputy Naughten’s footsteps. He dovetails his role as a councillor with his job as a farmer: he has about 180 acres at Rahara, specialising in suckler cows, sheep and tillage. “My family have farmed here since 1739,” he said. The current generation of the Fallon family includes Laurence and his wife, Bernie, and their son, Micheál (23), who works as a mechanical engineer in Galway with Creganne Medical, which designs

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and manufactures medical services. And so, much has changed in Laurence’s life since he joined Macra 42 years ago. Laurence reflected on the longevity of the organisation when he spoke recently at the launch of Macra’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

said Laurence. “Just picture the concept of trying to start an organisation at that time. So an immense debt of gratitude (is owed) to those who started the organisation. “There was no Teagasc; there was very little agricultural college; there was no real Department of Agriculture, talking about

‘Seventy years ago, young children were going to school in bare feet. Just picture the concept of trying to start an organisation at that time’ “I think it is a wonderful thing to have an organisation that has lasted 70 years,” Laurence said. “It didn’t happen by accident: it happened because people took on the mantle in 1944 and continued to evolve Macra down through the years.” Farming has changed very significantly in recent times, in an age now of computers and various support organisations for farmers. It is all a far cry from 1944. “Seventy years ago, young children were going to school in bare feet,”

education and training.” In the absence of such bodies, Laurence said that Macra took on the baton, advancing and progressing the organisation to its current status. “Now, you have a Macra president and the Council of Macra na Feirme in regular contact with the Government about issues for young people,” he said. “The way Macra has changed and evolved over the years is phenomenal.” Laurence looks forward to reflecting on the growth of the organisation at

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the forthcoming Dinner Dance, where he will renew acquaintances with former members, as well as engaging with the ‘new blood’. He called for a big turnout on the night. “I would urge all sectors – whether you from the 1940’s right up to the present day – to bring your friends that were in Macra with you, book a table of tickets…and you will have an excellent night out,” he said. He reflected on the close-knit nature of the Macra community. “This is the family of Macra and, no matter where you go, you can see people who you knew in Macra na Feirme down through the years,” he said. “Within Macra, once you join that club and get actively involved, you become indoctrinated into the cult of Macra na Feirme! From then on, you are a Macra member and have thousands of friends who are likeminded with you.” Reiterating his call for a huge attendance at the Dinner Dance, he said that, on the eve of St. Valentine’s Day, it would be a great social occasion that should appeal to members of the wider community. “I would appeal to everyone to spread the word. It is going to be a wonderful event on February 13. We don’t want people on February 14 – Valentine’s Day – when they should be happy, being sad, because they missed a great night!”

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme from

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087 2451267 CLLR. DOMNICK CONNOLLY… Standing by the people It’s more than just wellies! Pictured in Hannon’s Hotel during Roscommon Macra’s 2013 Question Time were Emer Carty, Catherine Egan, Martina Egan, Ann Marie Egan and Rachel Coyle. Picture: Andrew Fox

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o, I’ve been living in

Roscommon for a couple of years now, and feel at home surrounded by fields and country folk. It’s time I joined some sort of club to show my appreciation for country living and the people I now regularly socialise with. The first question I had: Do I have to be some sort of farmer to become a member of Macra na Feirme? Considering I can barely

tell a Friesian for any udder type of cattle, that may be a problem! (See what I did there!) According to the website, approximately one-third of Macra na Feirme members are involved in farming; this means there may be other people like me! So I guess there was only one thing for it: buy a pair of wellies and head along to one of the events. I threw on the wellies and had a quick scan of upcoming events in and around Roscommon, and what I saw surprised me. A table

quiz, a 70th anniversary celebration, and a Fr. Ted quiz would mean the wellies would look rather out of place. With exchanges and opportunities to travel, performing arts, a variety of sports, training in a variety of skills and regular social events, I was quickly beginning to see Macra na Feirme in a completely different light. A bit more digging and I soon discovered some of the modernday perks of being a member: €50 off FBD insurance, young

drivers get 15% off car insurance, Bus Eireann discounts, O2 smart phone packages and mobile broadband, cardiac first responder training, €300 saving with IFAC accountants, D.I.D. Electrical discounts (sure we love D.I.D. in Dublin!), as well as other discounts and offers that came with the membership card. All of a sudden this Macra thing didn’t look too bad at all – I just have to remember to hide the membership card on Hill 16 this summer!

Roscommon LEADER Partnership Co. Wishing Roscommon Macra Na Feirme continued success We look forward to working in partnership with Macra by; • Providing education and training supports for jobseekers including low income rural households • Supporting the unemployed into self-employment • Supporting and promoting inclusive volunteering • Continuing to support Older Peoples Groups including Rural Men’s Groups For further information contact; Roscommon LEADER Partnership Unit 12, Tower B, Roscommon West Business Park, Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town 090 66 30252 www.rosleaderpartnership.ie https://www.facebook.com/ RoscommonIntegratedDevelopmentCompany

Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company is delivering the SICAP programme on behalf of Roscommon Local Community Development Committee, which is a committee of Roscommon County Council. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017 is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative.

At the 2012 Macra na Feirme All-Ireland Drama Final in the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise, were: winners – Tarmonbarry Macra Drama Group, from Co. Roscommon, with their production of The Last of the Mohicans. Seated: Lyndsey Roddy (Best Actress), Alan Jagoe (national president) presenting the winning trophy to John Leonard (producer) and Jenna Clabby. Back: Owen Wallace, Stephen McGuinness and Paul Kelly.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Tel. 087 1417404

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme

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hen I finished college I had nothing to do other than go drinking at the weekend! I see Macra as a way of getting out and meeting people who have the same interests as me in farming. It’s also a great way of getting involved in activities which don’t involve drinking – like we play indoor soccer and gaelic games and other things like that. We try to organise different events to suit everyone. That was the main reason I got involved in the first place, just to get out of the house once or twice a week and take part in something that didn’t involve going to the pub! The culture of socialising while drinking or in a pub is probably an issue that can’t really be solved. It’s always there as the most obvious outlet and probably will be for the foreseeable future. Macra na Feirme and other groups provide something different. The ‘Farmers’ Skills Challenge’ is very interesting for those involved in farming but other events like sports and ‘King and Queen’ means you get to meet different people. Macra na Feirme also gives you an opportunity to get out in public and build confidence. It gives you a forum to voice your opinion as well as being a social outlet. It provides a voice for

to Off 3 0 er th ex J u te n ne de 20 d 16

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Macra Na Feirme 70th Anniversary Celebrations were (l-r) Thomas McGrath, Cllr Maura Hopkins, Christina Leonard and Cllr Tony Ward. Picture: Andrew Fox

We offer mortgage meetings at a time that suits you young farmers. Emigration and young people leaving the country is certainly an issue, and we think we’re struggling at times for numbers, but it’s like that right across the country. Also, other counties have more Macra clubs, which makes a big difference because there’s more interaction among different people and more ideas shared. More clubs leads to progress as other local clubs will push you! I’d definitely recommend Macra na Feirme for young people. Let them get involved and attend events before electing them in as officers, then see how they get on. It’s a great outlet.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

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Tickets Information Roscommon Macra na Feirme’s 70th anniversary celebration Dinner Dance will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Thursday, February 13th next. Tickets, priced at €35, can be obtained from Ann-Marie Ward, the secretary of the organising committee (call 087-7779261).

Miriam sparkles as Northwest Queen < DAN DOONER

t’s not often in my line of work that I get to speak to a queen, but earlier this week that’s exactly what happened. Miriam Hastings from Ballyforan who attended the event with fellow South Roscommon Macra representative, Stephen Murray, took home the title of Northwest Queen at the Sligo Park Hotel recently. Miriam was understandably thrilled with the award. “I’m delighted! We were matched up with people from different counties so I was matched with Paddy Mahon from Galway. We took part in tasks like designing a crown, and a treasure hunt, and there were other games based on ‘The Cube’ too.” There were numerous other events also including a Mr and Mrs type quiz on stage. It sounds daunting,

but Miriam and Paddy kept their nerve and took home the crowns. Miriam enjoyed the event and has high praise for Macra na Feirme. “I haven’t been involved that long but I’m very actively involved in farming and I’m planning on becoming an active Macra member and taking part in upcoming events,” she said. Miriam is currently studying Primary School teaching at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick and says that with the endless work on a farm a social life can be hard to come by. “It’s hard to have a social life with college and farming. Farming is 24/7. Macra is very communitybased with a welcoming atmosphere and we’re all there to have fun. It allows men and women to meet people which is great for those taking over the family farm or too busy to have a social life!”

Ward’s concern for family farmers Independent councillor Tony Ward alluded to his concerns about some aspects of the farming industry when he addressed guests at the recent launch of Macra na Feirme’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Roscommon. “I am very concerned about family farmers,” Cllr. Ward said. “I think there could be a case made in terms of distributing grant-aid. It annoys me when I think that there are some young farmers getting €4,000/€5,000 a year. Some farmers are getting nearly zero. “And then, on the back of that, you have a situation where you have farmers drawing €120,000/€140,000 a year. To me, that isn’t a level playing field.” He said that he feared that, in Co. Roscommon, big farmers could soon develop holdings of over 1,000 acres and that small farmers would ‘disappear’.

Pictured after the announcement of the winning Northwest King and Queen 2016 are winning couple Miriam Hastings from Roscommon and Paddy Mahon from Galway. Pic: Darran Smyth

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

How it works – our guide to leadership roles in Macra < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

National President Macra na Feirme’s national president, currently Ballinlough’s Sean Finan, acts as the figurehead and leader of the organisation. The president represents Macra at meetings and other events and by so doing increases the profile of the organisation. The president provides leadership to the National Council and to Macra members throughout the country.

Vice-presidents Macra has three vice-presidents, in Munster, Leinster and the north-west, positions which are currently held by Gerard Griffin, Odile Evans and Caroline O’Dowd respectively. They support the work of the national president, with particular emphasis on the development of their own region. They also provide support to county executives, as well as facilitating events and competitions, where possible.

National Chairman The national chairman, currently David McDonagh, chairs national executive meetings and also sits on the finance subcommittee. In addition, they customarily give the keynote address at the annual conference/rally and may represent the organisation at events, either deputising for the president or in their own right as national chairman.

National Secretary The national secretary, currently Una Ryan, records the minutes of the national executive and national council meetings throughout the year and accurately record those present at such meetings and the decisions made. In addition, the national secretary prepares a report and presents it at the AGM, detailing the policies adopted by the organisation during the year. The national secretary liaises with the president and national chairman in relation to the set-

ting of the agenda for council and executive meetings.

National Treasurer The national treasurer, currently Gemma Goulding, sits on the national executive and national councils and acts as the chairperson of the finance sub-committee. The national treasurer is one of the signatories of cheques on behalf of Macra and is responsible for presenting the budgets as prepared by the finance sub-committee to the national executive and the national council. In addition, the national treasurer presents the audited accounts to the AGM and proposes them for approval, along with proposing the auditors who will audit the accounts for the coming year.

National Council representatives National Council representatives are volunteers who have

Pictured is Sean Finan receiving a National Leadership Award from Macra na Feirme President, Michael Gowing and David O’Neill, Lead Manager of Special Sectors with sponsors, Bank of Ireland.

been elected by Macra members to serve a two-year term. The National Council is col-

lectively responsible for the organisation’s performance in respect of its mission and

objectives, as set out in the strategic plan and for the stewardship of financial resources.

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Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme

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‘People think it’s all about farming, but it’s not!’ MACRA & ME Mattie John Kelly (23), Dysart When I finished school, I didn’t want to be at home all the time; I wanted somewhere to go. Rather than being stuck on the farm the whole time I wanted a few activities to do in the evening and to meet new people. I wanted to travel around and go to a few events, so it was good

that Macra was there. You meet people who are like-minded but it’s certainly not all about farming! There are a lot of social events which involve people from different towns. People think it’s all centered on farmers but it’s not. Most of the events are outside of farming and I think there are actu-

ally quite a few people (involved) with no background at all in farming. I’d definitely recommend Macra na Feirme for any young people looking for something interesting to do in their spare time. It’s a great way of socialising and meeting new people from across the country. It gets to the stage where you get to know people from other branches around the country and feel comfortable heading along to events by yourself.

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Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows County Roscommon Macra na Feirme joint chairperson Keara Egan presents Robert English and David McGuinness (both South Roscommon Macra) with 1st place joint award for Young Sheep Farmer 2013 at the Roscommon Lamb Festival. Pic: www.hursonphotography.com.

Andrew Fox Photography

IFA Chairman ‘full of admiration’ for Macra

ROSCOMMON TEL: 089 4146620

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Congratulations and best wishes to Macra na Féirme

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hen Macra na Feirme was

establised in Co. Roscommon in 1945, the world was a vastly different place to what it is now. The Second World War had just come to an end. Small farmers were being encouraged to grow more wheat to feed the nation. It had been a time of rationing. ‘Compulsory tillage’ was introduced. The tillage registers were created under the Compulsory Tillage Order, 1940-48, by government inspectors and the Department of Agriculture. Due to the shortage of imports and the lack of food in general during the war, the Compulsory Tillage Order meant that all farmers had to till a certain amount of land and sow a particular acreage of wheat. Government inspectors oversaw the scheme and kept tillage registers, detailing sizes of holdings and tillage quotas whilst assessing the size of tillable arms on each farm. Farmers were often unable to meet

State quotas because they had traditional horses and carts, rather than modern fertilisers or machinery. “Macra was set up to help young farmers at that time,” says John Hanley, Roscommon IFA Chairperson, who has studied this period in our history. “There wasn’t much employment at that time. As regards imports, it was a different era to today: there was no such thing as processed food or ready-made meals.” John Hanley of course wasn’t even born in those early days of Macra’s existence. However in the late 1980s and early ‘90s he was an active member of Macra, through the Roundfort branch in Co. Mayo. He is full of admiration for the organisation, who have provided a wonderful service to young farmers in Co. Roscommon since 1945. “Look at all of the young leaders that they have produced during that time, including the current president, Sean Finan, from Ballinlough, and a previous president, Laurence Fallon, from Rahara,” said Mr. Hanley.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

‘It’s a good way of getting out and socialising’

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Barlow’s Organic Farm Glinsk, Co. Roscommon Tel.: 087 7583522

MACRA & ME Niall Egan (26), Bealnamulla I started in Macra when a few of my friends from Brideswell wanted to get involved in the organisation. We got together and set up the club in 2009. Just a few people from around the place helped set it up and it went from there. There are so many events you can take part in, like the ‘King and Queen’ and young farmer events and all the other events which go on across the county. It’s a great way for young fellas and girls to get out and take part instead of

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being home all the time! I’m a full-time farmer at home and it’s a good way of getting out and socialising. In this country it seems that if you don’t drink there’s not much more you can do. You have to go to the pub to socialise really but with Macra you have the events. You also know everyone from those events and get to meet new friends from around the county and even around the country.

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Open Monday to Saturday 9-6pm Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm Wishing Macra na Féirme every success

SENATOR TERRY LEYDEN (087) 7978922 email: terry.leyden@oireachtas.ie

CLLR. ORLA LEYDEN (087) 2819918 email: cllroleyden@roscommoncoco.ie

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

All-Ireland and County Indoor Soccer Champions, Castlerea Macra Na Feirme, pictured at the County Roscommon Macra na Feirme presentations 2012/2013 held in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. Back (L-r): Shane Rowntree, Martin Carty and Thomas McGrath. Front (l-r): Keara Egan (Joint Chairperson), Trevor Kelly and Tomás Beades (Joint Chairperson). Pic: www. hursonphotography.com

ARDCARNE

Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Phone 090 66 26101

CASEY’S Phone 090 66 25468 Wishing Macra na Féirme every success from

Macra and the media! You may be reading the most comprehensive guide to Macra ever published in Roscommon – but, down through the decades, media references to the organisation have not been rare! When national president Sean Finan was researching the history of Macra in Roscommon recently, he found around 6,000 newspaper articles about the organisation! Speaking at the recent launch of Roscommon Macra’s 70th anniversary Dinner Dance, Sean revealed the outcome of his visit to the County Library. He was amazed to discover the “huge tradition” Macra had in the county. “I went into the library over the Christmas and I said I would type ‘Roscommon Macra’ into the database that is there of all of the papers all through the years,” said Sean. “There are about 6,000 articles about Roscommon Macra in the library! We have a huge tradition here, as we have right across the country. “We need to be proud of our tradition and heritage in Co. Roscommon.”

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating 70 70 years

Wishing Macra na Feirme every success

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Weekend

PEOPLE Patsy Cline 50th Anniversary Tour: Music and memories at Arts Centre

C & L Plex celebrates 1st birthday this Saturday All are welcome!

st thday and official on will celebrate its 1 birat the cinema and mm sco Ro in a em Cin x Ple 4 pm th C&L bruary 6 ) from 12 pm to opening this Saturday (FePoint Retail Park. e ntr es, balloons, spot leisure complex in Ce sent on the day and also gam pre r nte pai e fac a be l wil There motion! e gift and the ‘Minnows’ prizes and a Fruice Juice Pro costumes will receive a fre All kids in fancy dress or 12 pm to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome. play area will be free from

Roscommon Youth Orchestra’s National Concert Hall date

oscommon County Youth Orchestra will perform at the 21st Festival of Youth Orchestras which will take place at the National Concert Hall in Dublin on February 13th. The Festival of Youth Orchestras was one of the first activities to be undertaken by the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO) on its formation in 1994. To date, over 7,000 young musicians have performed at the Festival. This annual showcase of the very best in Irish Youth Orchestras from around the country will

along with Roscommon County Youth Orchestra and Moate Community School Orchestra also feature Sligo Academy of Music Sinfonietta and many other orchestras and groups from around the country. This year’s Festival of Youth Orchestras will see over 400 young players from around Ireland perform classical works and arrangements for youth orchestra in a variety of styles. Performances will include movements from Britten’s Simple Symphony, Haydn’s Toy Sym-

phony, the theme from Skyfall, Eclogue for piano and strings by Finzi, Introduction et Rondo capricioso by Saint-Saens, It’s my Life by Bon Jovi, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and Soul Bossa Nova by Quincy Jones. A family event not to be missed. The 21st Festival of Youth Orchestras will take place at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on February 13th. Tickets available from www.nch. ie or from the box office at the National Concert Hall on 01 4170000.

After a 40-date sell-out theatre tour of England and Scotland the ‘Patsy Cline 50th Anniversary Tour’ is playing in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, 13th February, This wonderful evening of nostalgia brings the audience on a trip down memory lane to listen to the music of the great Patsy Cline. The classic songs such as Crazy and Sweet Dreams are timeless. The lead role in the show is played by the wonderful Sandy Kelly and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the first Patsy Cline show that Sandy produced and starred in. It was the first and only country music show to have featured in London’s West End and had an extended run, playing to full houses. Special guest is Gerry Guthrie, one of the most talented and relatively new country stars on the Irish scene. With a brilliant ‘live’ band, this is a show not to be missed. Sandy Kelly is looking forward to meeting her many friends on this truly nostalgic tour to celebrate the music and memories of Patsy Cline. Tickets cost €25 and are available at the box office, call: 090 6625824.

Pictured in Rockford’s on Saturday night last were Trisha Collins, Colin Coyne, Kelley Flynn and Andrew Judge. Picture: Andrew Fox

ENTERTAINMENT AT JJ’S This Saturday night at JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon, the Ed Deane Band will take to the stage. Their musical style, based in the blues, encompasses many musical forms, including rock and roll, folk and traditional, and more avant-garde forms such as experimental theatre and free improvisation. Ed has been touring and recording with many artists since the early 1970s. Artists he has recorded

and played with include Frankie Miller, Donovan, Dana Gillespie, Nick Lowe, Henry McCullough, Chris Jagger, Shane McGowan and Bap Kennedy, among others. Ed plays regular gigs in Ireland and the UK.

He regularly plays at Dublin’s premier Blues and Jazz venue, JJ Smyth’s and Frank Ryan’s in Smithfield. Make sure to catch this intriguing act when they perform in JJ’s this Saturday night.

LAUNCH OF ROSCOMMON DRAMA FESTIVAL ON WEDNESDAY The launch of Roscommon Drama Festival 2016 will take place in Roscommon Library on Wednesday, 10th February at 7 pm. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Paddy Kilduff will officially launch the festival which this year includes a fringe event entitled ‘Dare to Dream’, funded by Roscommon Co. Council under the

Ireland Community Participation Programme, to commemorate the 1916 Rising. As part of this fringe event, 5th and 6th class students were invited to submit stories based on four titles relating to the 1916 Rebellion. The writers of the winning entries will be presented with their specially designed trophies and prizes during the launch.

The Chairperson of the Drama Festival Committee, Caroline Egan, will unveil the programme of top class drama, which will be presented over nine nights, running from Friday, 4th March to Saturday, 12th March. Everyone is welcome to come along and refreshments will be provided by Molloy’s Artisan Bakery, who are sponsoring the launch.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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

Hamrock’s

cinema & leisure complex NEW

Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325

RELEASE FRIDAY 5th

minnows

- Market Square, Roscommon -

Saturday, 6th February:

Billy Corcoran

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

Telephone: 090 6626225 Friday 5th:

PREVIEWS SAT 6th & SUN 7th The Country Ballroom

Week Commencing Fri 5th—Thurs 11th

Movie Times

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI (15A) No Shows Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th

13:35; 18:50

CAPTURE THE FLAG 2D (PG)

11:30 (KMC); 14:30; 16:40

DAD’S ARMY (PG) NO 21:30 SHOW SAT 6th

16:50; 19:20; 21:30

Sean Loughrey

POINT BREAK (12A)

14:20; 19:00; 21:30

DIRTY GRANDPA (18)

17:05; 21:35

Monday, 8th February -

RIDE ALONG 2 (12A)

14:50; 19:20

Friends of Eugene Murphy Night

ROOM (15A)

16:25; 21:40

(Fianna Fail candidate Roscommon - Galway) Artists include: Johnny Brady, The Ryan Turner Band, Dave Lawlor, Sean Brennan, Frank Nelson, T-Bone Country, Fergus Harman and many more

SPOTLIGHT (15A)

16:40; 18:50; 21:30

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 2D (12A)

12:00 (KMC)

TALE OF DESPEREAUX (G)

12:15 (KMC)

THE GOOD DINOSAUR (PG)

12:10 (KMC); 14:25

ZOOLANDER 2 (12A) PREVIEWS SAT & SUN ONLY

14:00; 19:15 Sat & Sun Only

TULSK INN Saturday, 6th February -

Sunday night dancing coming soon

JJ HARLOWS Open Mic Night – All welcome, sign up at 9pm Saturday 6th

Ed Deane Band

Singers Circle set for Murray’s date The next session of South Roscommon Singers Circle is on Saturday (6th February), in Murray’s, Knockcroghery. The special guest will be Rachel Garvey of Gatehouse. This is a night not to be missed. The singing begins around 9.30 pm and admission is free.

Sunday 7th

Ciaran, Conor & Gary

Rachel Garvey will be the special guest as the Singers Circle meets in Murray’s of Knockcroghery this week. Frankie Gavin takes time out to chat with Glenamaddy woman, Bridie Devane, just before going on stage with De Danann at Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last.

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

BEER OF THE WEEK! SCRAGGY BAY India Pale Ale

Fondly known as “Yellowcap”, Scraggy Bay is a balanced golden ale with a snappy little bite of hops. Alc. 5.3% vol.

JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries Michael Glavey’s Ladies Chairman Brendan Cregg, Vice Chairman, Pat Heneghan and captain Margaret Fox make a presentation to John Roche who sponsored Michael Glavey’s Ladies’ new jerseys at the recent celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Michael Glavey’s Ladies Committee. Photo: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS Your chance to win tickets Castlerea Musical Society presents

Guys and Dolls The Hub, Castlerea Wednesday, February 10th - Saturday, 13th at 8pm Tickets €16 and €12 Concession for OAPS and Students on Wednesday only.

Booking line 087 4676475

If you would like to be in with a chance to win a pair of complimentary tickets to see ‘Guys and Dolls’ simply answer this simple question: What show will Castlerea Musical Society present from February 10th-13th? Entries by email to news@roscommonpeople.ie or by post to ‘Guys and Dolls’ competition, Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon by Monday, 8th. The lucky reader may call the booking line to secure seats for the night of their choice.

Declan Donlon arrives with the Haggis to the humming of Antony McGuire and Richard Waldron’s bagpipes at Burns Night annual celebrations in Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

Faces & Places Photographs: Mick McCormack

SPELLS Ballaghaderreen

Burns Night in Spells There was dancing to the humming of bagpipes, specially imported Haggis, lashings of complimentary Scotch Whisky and deep-fried Mars bars during Burns Night annual celebrations In Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

Guys and Dolls comes to Castlerea The clocks are counting down to the opening night of Castlerea Musical Society’s production of Guys and Dolls. This will be the 47th show to be staged in Castlerea and it is the second time the society has produced this particular musical, the first time being 28 years ago. Guys and Dolls is familiar to many due to the huge success of the 1955 movie starring Frank

Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons. It is a comic love story with clashing gangsters and do-gooders. The show will run from Wednesday, February 10th to Saturday, February 13th at 8 pm nightly in The Hub, Castlerea. Tickets cost €16 with €12 concessions for OAPs and students on Wednesday night. Tickets may be purchased in

advance of the show by calling the booking line on 0874676475 which will be open from 2-4 pm and again from 6-8 pm daily. Our show office will be open for ticket sales and collection on Main Street, Castlerea from 2-5 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 4th, 5th and 6th and again from Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th from 2-5 pm.

(Above) Elsie and Jeff Hockley and Eileen Jordan at Burns Night annual celebrations in Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

Martin Doherty and Scottish lady, Helen McDonagh, having a wee dram to toast Burns Night in Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

Declan Donlon arrives with the Haggis to the humming of Richard Waldron’s bagpipes at Burns Night annual celebrations in Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE Kitty O’Connor and Eamonn Finn at Burns Night celebrations in Spells, Ballaghaderreen on Monday last.

Saturday, February 13th €25. Book at Box ~ Office Tel. (090)6625824

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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

Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Noeleen Beck and Pat Gavigan.

s e c a l P & s e Fac

Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Eileen, Emer and TP Cox and Kate O’Reilly.

Photographs:

Andrew Fox

Ofﬁcial opening of The Brandywell (Dromod)

(Above) Pictured at the official opening of The Brandywell in Dromod on Friday night last were Shirley Lambert, Milly and Darren McDowell.

(Right) Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Jon McNulty and Padraig and Marese Carroll.

Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Ciara Guckian, Angela Carr and Edel Burke.

Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Imelda Brennan, Emma Brennan and James Reynolds.

(Below) Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Peter Beirne, Anne Beirne, Ciara Rogers and Karol Rogers.

Pictured in The Brandywell on Friday night last were Sinéad Reynolds and Lauren Shanley.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Paddy Kilheaney, T Hill and Michael Dowd.

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Catherine Neilan, T Hill, Monsignor Charles Travers and Sinéad Neilan.

A surprise party that went off to a ‘T’ s e c a F & Places < PAUL HEALY

Photographs: Andrew Fox

ABBEY HOTEL Roscommon

Hill is a painter – and a bit of a philosopher too. The great Roscommon town character –surely one of the greatest of them all – is seldom lost for words, but such was the case last Friday night when he entered the Abbey Hotel in expectation of having a quiet meal with friends. In fact when Tom (‘T’) arrived, he was ushered into the Abbey’s beautiful bar area, where around 150 neighbours and friends had gathered for a surprise 70th birthday party for the legend of Henry Street. Tom was

suitably humbled and left speechless (briefly). The party was the brainchild of Stephanie Donnellan (nee Hoare) and Laura Hoare, and some of those present had travelled from as far away as Dublin and Galway. Excellent music was provided by Billy Garvin and a highlight of the night came when T Hill – who was no longer speechless and was now ‘working the room’ – was finally successfully ushered to the stage by Noel Hoare. Tom proceeded to sing a couple of songs, and his version of Dean Martin’s ‘Send Me The Pillow That You

Dream On’ went down particularly well! It was a very memorable night and a fitting celebration of the life and times – to date – of T Hill, a Roscommon man of renown and a true one-off! * The organisers point out that it was not feasible for everyone who is acquainted with Tom Hill to be personally invited to attend last Friday night. Given T’s huge circle of friends and the people he has had dealings with down the years, it just wasn’t possible to contact everyone. The organisers trust that people will understand. Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Laura Hoare and T Hill.

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Bill Flanagan, T Hill and John Neilan.

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Lisa Hoare, T Hill, Laura, Noel and Rachel Hoare.

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Stephanie Hoare, Martina Gleeson, T Hill and Catherine Hoare.

Pictured enjoying T Hill’s birthday celebrations in the Abbey Hotel were Padraig Brennan, T Hill and Gerry Dervin.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

NewsPeople ADVERTORIAL

John O’Beirne seeks to reunite IFA < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

John O’Beirne, from Strokestown, has said that he wants to become the new Connacht chairman of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) to reunite the organisation after the recent pay scandal. The association was rocked to its core last November when it emerged that Pat Smith, the general secretary at the time, was paid almost €1 million in the space of two years – €535,000 in 2013 and €445,000 in 2014. He was forced to resign. He wasn’t the only one to quit in the furore: the president, Eddie Downey, also stepped aside, along with the entire executive board, including Connacht chairman Tom Turley. The vote to fill Mr Turley’s vacant position will he held at the end of next month. Mr O’Beirne is a candidate, having been nominated by the Roscommon executive and Leitrim chairman James Gallagher. An experienced IFA official, Mr O’Beirne, who served as the Roscommon chairman of the

organisation from 2010-14, said that he was determined to rebuild the embattled body after the pay controversy. “I would safely say that is the reason why I am standing,” he said. “I don’t condone anything that went on in the scandal, and I do think there should be full transparency within the organisation from now on. “But I feel that farmers need a good organisation and, in my opinion, the IFA is the best organisation out there to represent farmers. So I felt that rather than pulling it apart anymore, what we need to do is to try to rebuild it.” Mr O’Beirne said that, even before the pay saga arose, there was a lot of unrest among farmers in the Connacht region. “I felt that, if I got this position, I would be able to pull everybody back in together – that would be my main aim,” he said. The nominations for the unpaid position closed on Wednesday and, at the time of writing, it was uncertain whether there would be a contest or whether Mr O’Beirne would be elected unopposed.

Legend Gerry’s visit recalled…

The legendary Gerry O’Malley, who sadly passed away last month, was a regular visitor to his native area. In 2007 he officially opened the sports section at Derryglad Folk Museum, a premises which is run by the Finneran family. Pictured, left to right: Jonathan Finneran, Gerry O’Malley, Charlie Finneran, Thomas Finneran, Bridie Finneran.

Skoda Octavia ‘Best Selling Car in Sligo’ The ever-popular SKODA Octavia has come from being the 2nd Best Selling Car in 2014 to being the Number 1 Best Selling Car in 2015 according to recent statistics released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI). The Octavia model is ahead of other popular models such as the IX35, Corolla and the Golf, which highlights the Octavia’s popularity among Sligo motorists. The SKODA brand as a whole proved very popular in Sligo being the 5th Best Selling car brand in the county in 2015. The statistics for SKODA really should come as no surprise, all we have to do is take a look around, SKODA is very popular in Sligo, check out your neighbours’ car, chances are… It’s a SKODA. The Octavia has progressed

phenomenally since its humble beginnings back in 1996 as a small family car. Since then there have been 3 generations of Octavia and a couple of facelifts along the way. It has to be said, Octavia ticks all the boxes: value for money, practicality, comfort, safety, spacious, handles well, economical, good fuel consumption and it’s handsome. Therefore, it’s no wonder they are the most sought after model for the motorists of Sligo. The Octavia offers a range of choices in engine capacity from 1.2 to 2.0 litre in both petrol and diesel; needless to say the 1.6 TDI is most popular for its performance and torque. To enhance appeal to the sporty drivers, Octavia is available in the RS model version – a sports car that meets

the demands of everyday family life. For those of you interested in buying a new car, why look any further, the motorists of Sligo have spoken, done all their research and decided to purchase from the new SKODA range which incorporates the exceptionally popular Octavia aswell as Yeti, Fabia, Superb and Rapid and Citigo. Call to Burns Car Sales today and test drive any of these great models, you won’t be disappointed… At Burns Car Sales there are very attractive finance packages on offer, making it a great time to purchase one of the new Skoda range. Contact Burns Car Sales on 071 9161500 or book a test drive online at: www.burnscarsales.ie or email info@ burnscarsales.ie.

An Appreciation: The late Tommy Connolly < PAUL HEALY

The local media lost a cherished friend with the untimely passing of Tommy Connolly at Christmas. Christmas is usually a time of great happiness, but it can deliver sharp and sudden sadness too. The news of Tommy’s death was a terrible blow to everyone who knew him. Our thoughts immediately turned to his devastated family, and our thoughts also turned to Tommy himself – a good man taken too early. When it came to hurling or his beloved Four Roads area – and they are surely indistinguishable from one another – I certainly wasn’t in Tommy’s circle. But, through the fusion of local media and sport, our paths crossed a lot. And we were certainly friends for many years. A friend and I had called

to his house, unannounced, in the early 1990s, and asked if he’d be interested in contributing local notes for the Roscommon Champion. He agreed to become our Four Roads/Tisrara/ Mount Talbot correspondent. He was a natural in the role, easily one of our best, perhaps our very best correspondent. Later he began covering hurling matches for us and his reports were always comprehensive, balanced and constructive. Tommy probably wrote hundreds of match reports for the Champion and, later, for the Roscommon People. We almost certainly never thanked him enough. At least we made sure to invite Tommy for a night out with the rest of the newspaper ‘team’ every Christmas. I enjoyed great chats with him about GAA, soccer (he was a proud Manchester United man) and also about

politics. Many decades ago when he lived in Dublin he had been very involved with Fianna Fail, and he had some great stories about working on campaigns with political legends like the late Brian Lenihan Senior. A teacher by profession, he had a keen interest in current affairs, was excellent company and loved good conversation. The talk, whatever diversion it might take, invariably came back to sport. A former Principal of Tisrara NS, he served Roscommon County Hurling Board in a number of roles, always with distinction. He had tremendous pride in the achievements of the Four Roads hurlers and travelled the length and breadth of the country following the county team. Soft-spoken, with a very placid demeanour, his twinkling eyes hinted at the bit of devilment within. Gentlemanliness came naturally to him. At

those Christmas gatherings he seemed to get a child-like kick out of us remembering that his birthday was on Christmas Day. Last Christmas, not knowing he was ill, we rang Tommy to invite him to join us on a night out that we were planning. That was on a Friday. By Sunday, he had passed away, in the loving company of his family. We were stunned. In recent years he had lost his beloved wife, Veronica, and then his son, Tomas, whom he was very close to. These were heavy crosses to bear. He was fortunate to have a very loving family (including grandchildren he doted on) and great friends. Also predeceased by his father, Michael, he is mourned by his daughters Sarah and Brigid, his mother Eileen, his brothers, sisters, grandchildren, further relatives and friends, to

whom sympathy is extended. A bit of a closet newspaper man at heart, he was never one for the headlines. But for those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him, he was very special indeed, a headline act in spite of himself. He will be much missed. Rest in peace Tommy.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Celebrating Valentine’s Day ...

Miriam’s Valentine’s Day countdown! < MIRIAM KERINS

id you know that approximately 150,000 million Valentine cards will be sent across the world this year? This romantic tradition was apparently started way back as far as A.D. 270 by the great tenderhearted saint himself when, legend has it, jailed by the Roman Emperor Claudius for defying his orders and facilitating marriages for soldiers and their loved ones; under sentence of death, Valentine handed a love letter to his jailor’s daughter, famously signing it ‘From your Valentine.’ Well that’s just one version of the story and while there are many others, I actually like this one because it’s heroic, it’s sentimental and it’s more than likely a load of lies so if there are any junior or leaving cert students reading this do not use it as one of your history exam answers! But makey-uppy stories aside, there’s no doubt

about it, lovers and secret admirers all across Roscommon will be celebrating and showering each other with champagne, flowers, chocolates and possibly precious trinkets

The Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon. TELEPHONE: 090 6637904

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in celebration of Cupid’s favourite, and, I have to say, possibly one of the most stressful days of the year; present buying wise that is. You see, it’s the age old problem isn’t it, what do I buy? How much do I spend? What’s appropriate? And, what comes across as too stingy or possibly worse…too needy? So, even though we know Valentine’s Day holds varying degrees of importance for all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons, if you’re in a V-Day dilemma this year, as in newly dating or been married since 1864 and want to keep the level and importance of your relationship in mind, then fear not, we’ve got some useful tips for you. If the object of your desires always has a cup of coffee in their hand,

well then you can’t go wrong with one of those new-fangled Nespresso coffee makers; especially if you throw some spicy cinnamon and gingerbread flavoured syrup into the mix. Yum! Bear in mind lads that women ALWAYS compare their V-Day gifts with each other and, even if we yawn and protest it’s “contrived,” and we don’t want you to “feel pressured,” or insist you “don’t go to any bother on my account,” we’re telling great big porkies…got it? A bunch of flowers goes a long way towards saying I’m thinking of you and lads, if you have them delivered to her place of work, where she can show off and gloat to the other girls, then I’d say you’re in for a good year. Do not buy her tickets to a football game telling her it’s a day out for you

as a couple! It’s not, it’s a cop out! If, like me, your sweetheart enjoys musicals or going to the theatre; do the decent thing and check out The Roscommon Arts Centre now; the wonderfully sentimental Patsy Cline Story is on this V-Day eve and sure who in their right mind doesn’t love this beautifully bitter sweet tale. Check it out at www.roscommonartscentre.ie. Now, as someone who was once very politely asked to “remain quiet,” during a West End performance of my favourite musical of all time, Les Miserables, whereby I hadn’t realised I was singing so passionately, ok, screeching so loudly, the poor performers were struggling to keep up with me; I can tell you an evening of music and nostalgia followed by a cocktail or two will work wonders for your relationship. If money’s too tight to mention, then go for creativity and give her some personal gift vouchers where she can redeem a week of you making dinner or a week where you pick up the dog poo – not romantic but believe me, if she’s the one on poo patrol this gesture will mean a lot; a head, neck and back massage or an entire month where she gets to choose the movie when you go to the cinema. We hope we’ve given you some help and inspiration, however, if you’re still unsure what to shower your loved one with this V-Day 2016; then our last piece of advice to you is forget about practical and sensible and instead keep the focus firmly on romance, sentimentality and devotion and you won’t go far wrong. Good luck.

No escape from Valentine’s in Roscommon < DAN DOONER

Women are strange creatures. They go on about girl power and being all independent, but then give out when their partners don’t lavish gifts on them in honour of some makeyup saint. Luckily, sport was invented to counteract this nonsensical wasting of

money and is usually good for a dig out, right? No, it seems this year the sporting Gods have colluded against us lads. You’d think with the upcoming Six Nations that Ireland would provide a means of a pub escape on the 14th of February. Unfortunately Ireland play France on the 13th, which was probably arranged by those goodie

two shoes romantic French lads! Looks like we’ll have to pop into the garage for a bunch of flowers and a card after all. There is hope however; in the shape of the Roscommon hurlers who are in league action against Louth that day. Throw-in is at 2 o’clock in Swords, Dublin. I’ll see you on the bus.

Not this year lads; you’re going to have to turn around and talk to her!

JACKSON’S Restaurant, Bar & Guesthouse THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON. TEL. 090 66 65599. Web.: www.jacksonguesthouse.com Email: jacksonguesthouse@gmail.com

Valentine’s Special 3-Course Meal plus 3-Course Glass of Prosecco each only €25.95 per person Contact us on 090 66 65599 to book your table and to avoid disappointment We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody for their wonderful support over the Christmas period

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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This year’s sexiest supercars revealed < DAN DOONER

Now that it seems that everyone in Ireland is winning the lottery lately, it’s time we put together a list of the best supercars from the Geneva Motor Show. Feel free to

add them to your shopping list. In at number one is the Aston Martin DB11. Want to feel like James Bond as you overtake an overloaded hay-hauling tractor on the N61? This is the car for you. In second place is the number

one choice for overpaid Premier League footballers: The Bugatti Chiron. Rock up to Junior B training like Cristiano Ronaldo! In at number three and completing our beautiful, if completely uneconomical list is the Trion Neme-

sis. We’ve never even heard of this yoke, but look at the name! If ever there was a car marketed to grown up boys this is it. Trion Nemesis. Just saying it makes me feel more of a man.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. Fax: (090) 66 34303 or email: news@roscommonpeople.ie

Flooding disaster: A solution that ‘could avoid future chaos’ Roscommon Dear Editor, This disastrous flood season is hopefully coming to an end, but, regretfully, it leaves in its wake thousands of financially ruined people in all categories of life wondering how to recover from their plight and what their future holds for them. This flooding also leaves in its wake thousands of acres of habitat destroyed by the effects of the lingering flood water, both terrestrial and aqueous, which will take many years of slow natural regeneration to rectify. Every flooded area has its own specific causes for flooding and the remedy is to remove the flood water as quickly as possible. The big question is how to remove this flood water. In the case of the River Shannon and its catchment area, it is well known the modifying the river

basin by dredging or otherwise will not alleviate the problem. Flood defence in all areas are impossible and where erected only serve to exaggerate the flooding problem further downstream. The only permanent solution to the Shannon flood problem is to construct a properly designed flood water relief canal that takes away all the flood water. This constant water flow canal with the water flow rate controlled by gates and sluices would leave the Shannon north of Athlone in the Boggafin area. The flood water would be diverted into it, by a gate control system across the Shannon so that no flood water would reach Athlone town. The canal would run from the east to West crossing the River Suck, north of Ballinasloe in the Ballygill area. Here, the flood water from the River Suck would be diverted into the canal by a gated system

whereby no flood water from the River Suck would be diverted into the canal by a gated system whereby no flood water would reach Ballinasloe. The water relief canal would then take the most suitable surveyed route towards Loughrey and through the Dunkellin River catchment area and out to the sea in the Clarinbridge/Kilcolgan area. Here it would alleviate the flooding in the Dunkellin River catchment area. This Shannon flood relief canal would guarantee no more flooding of Athlone, Ballinasloe and other flood-prone towns and villages caused by Shannon flooding. It would decrease the flood water pressure on Shannon areas north of Athlone by having a sustainable flood water release exit. As well as controlling Shannon flooding and preventing the destruction of livelihoods,

properties and habitats, such as a canal would open up a potentially huge water-based tourist industry, as well a creating its own environmental habitat. Of course, there would be detractors and objectors to such a Shannon flood relief canal, based on EU habitat directives, habitat directives, habitat destruction caused by Shannon flooding and especially against the most important of all – that is the habitat of affected people living in those flooded areas. To conclude, if such a project could be implemented by the powers-that-be, it would prevent future Shannon flooding, save on local flood defence schemes, stabilise insurance costs, save the cost of the relocation of affected people and, most of all, give those people peace of mind. Yours sincerely, Brendan White

Pictured recently are Civil Defence volunteers loading feed onto an inflatable boat which they delivered to stranded sheep on Inchenagh Island on Lough Ree. Picture: Andrew Fox

Open Letter to Cllr Maura Hopkins Dear Cllr Hopkins, Courage. An admirable quality in any human being, and over the coming weeks you will need courage in abundance as you knock on doors seeking to gain support for a party which has done its best to damage your county. Courage as you represent a party that has lied, lied and lied to the people of Roscommon. We (as you and every other person in this county knows) have no A&E Department after broken promises and lies by your party. One of the hospitals your party chose as cover for Roscommon’s A&E has itself now been declared “unfit for purpose” by Enda Kenny. We have not so much a bad ambulance service in the county as a lamentable one. Delay after delay and argument after argument about an ambulance base in Loughglynn is symptomatic of your party’s disdain for Roscommon. The out of hours/emergency Westdoc service in Roscommon town must cover as far afield as Craughwell. A potential boundary change,

which will affect the lives of thousands of proud Roscommon people, only hammers home that there are no depths to which your party won’t sink to humiliate and divide this county. Now, back to courage. In 2011, a party colleague of yours, Frank Feighan, showed courage by toeing the party line. He knew what would come his way; many blamed him for single-handedly closing our A&E. He may have been wrong in his actions, but he showed courage. The thing however with courage is, that courage deserves to be rewarded, and it deserves loyalty. On July 6th, 2011, Frank Feighan showed courage and loyalty to Enda Kenny and Fine Gael in THAT vote. For his loyalty and courage what did he get? Did Enda Kenny reward his loyalty? Was he given any government positions? For his loyalty to your party he was told the party would not (could not) support him in the 2016 election. His loyalty and his courage killed his career, and Enda Kenny did not go

out of his way to resurrect it in any way. He has received death threats and hate mail; alienated in his home county because of his courage. It is now too late for you to reconsider. Everything is in place for you to contest the coming election for Fine Gael. I think, like many, I cannot see a Fine Gael candidate being returned in this constituency, but if you do get elected, please remember that you will be serving someone who seems determined to damage Roscommon. If Fine Gael are returned to power and you do happen to get elected, remember any loyalty and courage you show will not be rewarded. They say better to die like a lion than live like a sheep, but the lion deserves a decent epitaph. Something denied to Frank Feighan’s career, and something that could be denied to your career too. Yours sincerely, Name and address with Editor (withheld on request)

What will next blow be? Galway Road, Roscommon Dear Editor, I believe the present Government is bad for the health and welfare of Co. Roscommon, and I am not just talking about the decision to close the A&E, which we all know about. There are may other decisions with equally negative effects on Roscommon. * Roscommon VEC was joined with Co. Galway and the headquarters is now in Athenry. * Dept. of Agriculture staff were taken from Roscommon, despite protests from farming groups. * We had a viable Land Registery Decentralisation in Roscommon. A state-of-the-art office block was built and the initial 70 staff were put in place by the previous Government. The total staff complement was to be 220. This Government halted the project and cost Roscommon 150 jobs. Why has this major blow to Roscommon never been discussed? * The review of the Athlone Boundary will possibly lead to part of South Roscommon being transferred to Westmeath. The substantial loss of revenues to Roscommon would be a disaster for an economically under-developed county. I just wonder what the next blow will be? Yours sincerely, John Carroll

Responds to reader’s views on repeal of 8th Amendment Roscommon Dear Editor, I refer to the letter to the editor (Roscommon People 22/1/16 issue) titled ‘Won’t be voting for candidates who want to repeal 8th Amendment’. I am disturbed by the abundance of misinformation within the piece i.e. ‘not one pregnant woman in Ireland has died as a result of the 8th Amendment’. As a twenty seven-year-old woman, within my lifetime, one woman after another has been denied full reproductive health, from high profile cases such as the X case in 1992, C case in 1997 and ABC versus Ireland in 2010, including the 12 women travelling from Ireland to the UK a day for an abortion for a variety of reasons. I will never forget the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar. Three inquiries; by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the HSE and an inquest in Galway into her death in University Hospital Galway on October 28th, 2012 saw there had been a huge mismanagement of her medical care after been admitted, miscarrying. All three highlighting clinical failures. Mrs. Halappanavar repeatedly requested an abortion and was repeatedly denied input into her own healthcare. The three investigations, and those who chaired them, went as far as they could to highlight that had Mrs. Halappanavar’s choice to terminate her pregnancy been respected, by her doctors, and by the Constitution, she would not have died. Time and time again women’s bodies have experienced and endured the deeply physical impact of our State, from industrial incarceration (the Magdalene laundries); obstetric violence (symphysiotomy without consent or admission of wrongdoing); the legality of marital rape (until 1990); and continuing reproductive injustices. As the anonymous Roscommon People reader suggests ‘our general election candidates should be mindful of the type of society they propose to create’. I have never missed a chance to vote since becoming of legal age to do so. This election will not be any different. I will vote for a candidate who will support my right to choose, who will support the repealing of the 8th Amendment and who wants to create a society which gives women body integrity and body autonomy. Yours sincerely, Nollaig Molloy

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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Dynamic Donamon worker goes the extra mile Shane Kilroe from Donamon, Co. Roscommon was among one hundred workers honoured for their dedication in the 2016 GEM Awards, (Going the Extra Mile), presented late last week by ISS, a major provider of outsourced business services which employs over 3,500 people. GEM Awards recognise the valuable contribution of employees involved in business supports such as cleaning, catering, security, M&E, pest control and property services. Shane, who has been with ISS for three years, impressed the awards panel as being a very reliable and hardworking individual. He works in Essilor, a company which produces ophthalmic lenses, and is an extremely valued member of the team, there is no task too difficult for him and he is not afraid to go above and beyond the call of duty, which includes making regular trips to Ennis to work on a contract

Shane Kilroe from Donamon, Co. Roscommon with Dublin GAA star, Alan Brogan and Eric Doyle, MD of ISS.

there. His partner, Anna Fallon also works for ISS. The awards were presented by former Dublin GAA star, Alan Brogan, who said he was delighted to acknowledge hard work and dedication in all walks of life. “There is a great sense of satisfaction in

giving your best, whether that is on the sports field or in the workplace; and it is even better to have progressive employers like ISS Ireland publically recognise staff that are both committed and talented”, he said. ISS managing director,

Eric Doyle commented, “Irish businesses and organisations rely on efficient delivery of noncore services to allow them focus and compete effectively in their core area of business or service provision. ISS Ireland employees com-

plement and support the growth and development of many businesses here, by supplying highly trained, efficient and committed personnel who add tremendous value to the workplace, and always go that extra mile”.

David Gleeson is new Managing Partner with RBK Russell Brennan Keane are delighted to announce the appointment of Roscommon man David Gleeson as its new Managing Partner, starting this week. David succeeds Liam Rattigan, who was head of the firm since 2004. A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, David became a partner of the firm in 2000. David specialises in Corporate Recovery and Business Support Services and advises some of the largest and most successful clients of the firm. Handing over, Liam Rattigan commented: “I am delighted to pass the baton to David, who has been a core part of the firm’s leadership and services for a long number of years. I look forward to a new chapter of the firm and will continue to support David’s leadership as the firm continues to grow and develop.” David Gleeson said: “On behalf of all the partners, I want to thank Liam for his

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Classifieds

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Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

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

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

MCGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

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

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

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

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

BIRTHDAY PARTIES CLOWN OR MAGICIAN AVAILABLE for Children’s Birthday Parties, Communions, Christenings, Weddings, Creches, Schools. etc. Phone 087 6890161.

BOUNCING CASTLES ROSCOMMON CASTLES

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

Phone No: (087) 4136355

BALLYGAR Bouncing Castles Super Slides – Combi Units – Sumo Suits – Activity Trailers (all weather) – Marquee Hire - New Obstacle Courses • Keenest rates • FULLY INSURED

TEL.: (087) 2315448 or (090) 6624797 Find us on facebook BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT FOR COMMUNIONS/CONFIRMATIONS

CAREERS

CHIROPODIST

CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

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 Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly 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. Carpentry and General Repairs TV Aerial and Satellite

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

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

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

CHIROPODY

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

Department of Health Approved Every Monday - Cuan Aire Resource Centre, St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea

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

Mary Lennon SRN, HSE Approved. Galway Road, Roscommon

(090) 66 26023 086 8225575

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• 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

CLEANING SERVICES < CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING: Carpets dry immediately (25 years experience). Get years longer from your carpets and suite by having them professionally cleaned. Phone John Higgins or Gerard Cuffe at CLEAN & DRY - 086 2328291/087 1689521

DRIVING LESSONS

SYL’s

School of Motoring

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

Call (085) 1348779

DOCTORS’ ROTA

O TOW WI RN T TH EA SYL’s School of Motoring

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

Contact: 085 1348779 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

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

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

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

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Classifieds 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

Learn to drive with ....

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

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < FOR SALE: 30 round bales of hay, €18 per bale. Roscommon area. Call 089 2531213 after 6 pm. < FOR SALE: Good quality round bales of hay. Can deliver. Roscommon town area. Call Padraig on 087 2965494. < FOR SALE: Round bales of silage. Double wrapped. Fourmilehouse area. Tel 087 6222148. < FOR SALE: 50 good quality silage bales. Loughglynn area. Tel: (094) 98 80280. < SQUARE BALES OF HAY FOR SALE: Suitable for both cattle and sheep. Good quality, saved in June. Roscommon area. Contact 087 6330452 or 090 66 30821. < FOR SALE: Quality bales of hay. 2014/2015 hay, stored in dry shed. Can be loaded on collection. Tulsk area. Tel: 086 1925031. < FOR SALE: Silage and haylage. Convenient to Roscommon town. Tel: 086 3506201. < FOR SALE: Top quality bales of haylage. Only €20 per bale, delivered. Contact Tom on 086 2628439.

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

FOR HIRE RM TOOL HIRE Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon Hire – Sales – Repairs – Construction DIY & Garden Equipment Mini Digger Hire Tel: (090) 6630700 Mobile: (087) 8299628.

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

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

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 or 090 66 22328 Over 30 years in business

GARDENING

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

WALTER BEGLEY

LISBROCK BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY

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

● Neuromuscular therapy

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

GARDENING SERVICES

Tel: 087 2721757

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

www.facebook.com/ AOBTherapies

Phone John on 087 2860428

SAVE SAVE SAVE! BEST VALUE Bare-root hedging now available at Ardcarne Garden Centre Boyle and Roscommon Town Whitethorns FROM ONLY 29c each, Green Beech FROM ONLY 99c each. Many other varieties available – all top quality strong plants at great value prices. Tel: 071 96 67091 (Boyle) & 090 66 27700 (Roscommon Town)

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

● Amatsu Therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

Appointments with Anne:

www.aobtherapies.com

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

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

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

JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

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

IRONING SERVICE

(087) 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

KENNELS

Phone: (086) 3614230

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

KENNELS 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

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

PERSONAL & SOCIAL < GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady companion. Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 858, 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 ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect dwelling house and to construct septic tank and percolation area at Boleyduff Td., Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gerard and Colette Curley. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought from Roscommon County Council to provide two number Poultry unit buildings each measuring 2,010 m2 together with underground washing tanks and carry out all associated site development work including storage shed, boiler houses, feed silos and vehicular access at Corgullion Td., Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon for Catherine O Beirne. The proposed development comprises or is for the purpose of an activity for which an Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Licence is required. The Planning application is to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Johnny Hession is applying for permission for a single storey extension to include a utility room and bathroom on the north facing gable, for the addition of 3 windows on the south facing gable of an existing dwellinghouse and to face the existing entrance porch in natural stone at Cloonfad, Oldtown, Ballinasloe. Signed: Johnny Hession.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application can be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed C. Gray & Associates Ltd, Dromod, Co Leitrim 087 7021857

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

The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Roscommon County Council during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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 LET: Three bedroom house, together with garage and fuel shed. Fully furnished, all mod cons, dual central heating, oil and solid fuel. Ballintubber area. Rent negotiable. Tel: 087 2959925.

WANTED Room in a house to rent (2 x 2 Month Periods) Foreign Student coming to work in Roscommon from 8/2/16 to 1/4/16 and 6/6/16 to 31/7/16 Email info@molloysbakery.ie with your details

PAINTING & DECORATING

www.morrislohan.ie

PAT TREACY • Painting and Decorating • Commercial & Domestic • Spray Painting • Wallpapering • Power Washing

Tel: (086) 8077313

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Classifieds 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

ANGELA JONES • Clairvoyant • Reiki Master • Spiritual Medium • Reflexologist • Tarot Readings

For a confidential appointment Tel: 087 6926556 Lisacul, Castlerea

REFLEXOLOGY

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) African & Classical Reflexology/ 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 B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

SEPTIC TANKS

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

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

SITUATIONS VACANT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN CHILDCARE? Full training and work experience provided to become a qualified Early Years Educator. To be eligible for this training and employment programme, you must be 21 years of age or over and are in receipt of a social welfare/DSP payments for 1 year or more. Successful candidates will receive a top up payment in addition to your Social Welfare/DSP payment. Free childcare may also be provided. Vacancies throughout county Roscommon.

For further information please contact Kara or Linda on 094 98 70111 or 087 6486457 < NIGHT CARER REQUIRED for elederly person. Sunday to Monday, 11pm to 7am. Experience required. Please reply to Box No: 864, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

SOULMATES SOULMATES - DON’T BE ALONE, LOVE IS ALL THERE IS: Find that special person for friendship and romance with likeminded people. Confidentiality assured. Tel: 087 9216302/087 7720250.

SPECIAL NOTICES TRACING ANCESTORS I AM TRYING TO LOCATE the Irish Ancsetors of my Great Grandparents, who were from County Roscommon. My Greatgrandfather’s name was Denis Ward, who was born in 1834 approximately. My Greatgrandmother’s name was Mary Fannon (Fannin) who was born in 1833 approximately. The couple’s first child was born in the United States (Pennsylvania) in 1855. I have been to Ireland, searching in Genealogy Centres, but so far have not had any results. If anybody has information on my ancestors, can you please contact me at the below email or postal address. I would be very grateful for any information, anyone may have. Marilyn J. Sachtjen 12917 N. North Park Road Newman Lake Washington 99025 USA

SPECIAL NOTICES < 7TH SON A SEVENTH SON HEALER will attend in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon this Friday 5th February, 12 noon to 4.30pm sharp. Cures for Depression, Sinus, Headaches, Migrane, Shingles, Blood Pressure, Ear Noise, Vertigo, Back pain, Acne, Exzema, Blushing, Lack of Confidence, Chest Asthma, Rheumatisim, Arthritis, Psosrias, Panic Attacks, Nerves, Stress, Anxiety, Fatigue, Phobias etc. 100% Success. No appointment needed call on day in private. Any enquiries to 049 43 35497 or mobile 086 1921955 anytime.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

PADRAIG HEALY Wheelchair accessible Car & Mini Bus Hire Call car direct

(086) 2714879

ATHLEAGUE CABS 1-8 Seats Wheelchair Accessible

PADDY PURCELL 087-3186590

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service (086) 2479829

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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

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

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849. < CASTLEREA AREA: Leaving/Junior Certificate Maths, Irish, French. Private tuition in your own home. Phone: 086 3282437. FIRST CHOICE TUTORIAL CENTRE: Junior and Leaving Certificate grinds available in Roscommon town with qualified teachers in Maths, Science, Biology, Chemistry and Agricultural Science. For details or bookings, call 087 9497825 or email firstchoicetutorialcentre@gmail.com < GRINDS REQUIRED for Leaving Cert student in Geography, Business and English. Tel: 083 1587796.

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned timber only €2 per bag, buy 20 bags get 2 free • Bags of top quality black turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • 8 x 4 trailer load of turf only €120 delivered • 10 x 6 box load of timber only €180 delivered • 1 Bags of BNM briquettes only €2.50 delivered • Tonne bags of turf and firewood only €35 delivered. • ALSO PACKAGE DEAL: 1 bale of briquettes, 1 bag of logs, 3 bags of turf delivered only €10. Price cannot be beaten. Contact Tom: 086 2628439. WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch, Sycamore and Whitethorn. Good price paid. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376.

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < FOR SALE: 40kg bag of smokeless coal, only €15 per bag, delivered. Contact Tony on 086 0703946. TURF FOR SALE in tonne bags (1 metre cubed). Delivered to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. €50 delivered. Tel: 086 8534011. < QUALITY MACHINE TURF: Sold in 7 tonne loads. Dry black turf, excellent heat. Tel: 087 3831953. < FOR SALE: Large lorry loads of turf. Screened and delivered. Tel: 086 7236301. < FOR SALE: Good quality black hopper turf in bags. Also bales of briquettes. Collection required, cannot be delivered. 2 miles from town. Phone: 085 2197367. < FOR SALE: Top quality black turf, stored in shed. Delivered in trailer loads and bags. Reasonably priced. Tel: 086 2544294.

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

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAINS JETTED & CLEANED Waste Collection Permit No: NWCPO-12-11038-01

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

VAN AND MAN AVAILABLE FOR: Delivery, collections, house and flat removals.

Contact: 087 6718564

USEFUL SERVICES PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR – For all your decorating needs.

Call John 086 4679798 BUILDER AVAILABLE FOR • Extensions • Renovations • Refurbs • Fibreglass Flat Roofing • Gutters & Facias cleaned • Stoves fitted and removed

Call Mike on 089 4396624 MAGIC THE TILER

Ceramic, Porcelain, Mosaic, Marble, Granite and Fireplace Hearths Great value tiling services, free 3D computer project and quotations All types of floor and wall tiling, re-tiling and removal of old tiles

Telephone: 087 4540208 Roscommon Town n

< MAN AVAILABLE FOR ROOFING: roof lights fitted, re-roofing, facia board and gutter repairs, roofing, flat 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. < FURNITURE REMOVALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel Tom on 086 0815802.

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

FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 30/01/2016 FIRST PRIZE €60: Eileen Kelly, c/o Breda Healy SECOND PRIZE €30: Kathleen Hoare, c/o K. H. THIRD PRIZE €20: Bernadette Carr, c/o K.H. 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Kathleen Carr, c/o K. H.; Joe Curley, c/o John Igoe; Rose Beirne, c/o K. Hoare; Alan Collins, c/o Kathleen Collins; Fergus Mee, c/o Kathleen Collins; Paul Grehan, c/o K. Hoare; M. Crowley, c/o R. Walsh; Bernadette Collins, c/o K. Collins; Liam Gately, c/o K. Hoare; Kirsty Mee, c/o K. Collins. 10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Kathleen Collins; Rita Walsh; Joe Hoare; Kathleen Collins; Kathleen Hoare; Mary Beirne; Dean, Rhea and Callum Hoare; Aaran Dimambzo; Joe Hoare; K. Gordon. TOTAL RECEIPTS €327. TOTAL PRIZES €260.

THANKGIVINGS PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my mother . Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I Humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Amen. This prayer is never know to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. Publication on granting of the favour must be promised and done. U. PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me. (Here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. H.C.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

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

INSULATION

fergalkelly@live.com

Fergal 086 1016899

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

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hegarty: Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

Gerry Monaghan

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

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

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

Contact David Martin on (087) 9959417 GLASS WORKS

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass

- STOVE GLASS - Fire Rated Glass Find us on DoneDeal/boyleglass

CLEANING SHOWROOM:

Athlone Road, Roscommon

STEPHEN HOARE CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

WE REPLACE AND FIT DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS

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

Donal Haughey - 086 8210710

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

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

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OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time TEL: 090 66 34633

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TILING Michael Mulryan Tiling MARBLE - PORCELAIN - MOSAIC - CERAMIC

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ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: ADVERTISING@ROSCOMMONPEOPLE.IE OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Appointments The Abbey Hotel Roscommon has a vacancy for the position of

RECEPTIONIST (FULL TIME)

We are recruiting for a

FULL/PART TIME SALES ASSISTANT for our Roscommon Store THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE: • Hardworking, self-motivated and team orientated • Flexible & pro-active • Have a passion & enthusiasm for health & lifestyle • Exceptional customer service skills • Good computing skills ESSENTIAL • Previous Pharmacy/Retail Experience

Please apply with Cover Letter and CV (ref: Roscommon) to Siobhan Ryan: siobhan@molloyspharmacy.com Closing Date: 14th February 2016

Fearna Manor Nursing Home Tarmon Road, Castlerea HAVE THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES

CARE ASSISTANTS HOUSE-KEEPING STAFF

The position would suit a bright and outgoing personality with strong computer skills. Previous experience in a similar role or hospitality experience is an advantage.

Please email application with current CV to Majella Williams at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon or email to majella@abbeyhotel.ie.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR REQUIRED A LEADING BUSINESS REQUIRES AN OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR ON A FULL TIME BASIS Experience in similar role essential Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Excellent written and verbal communication skills Must be able to work as part of a team and on their own initiative Experience in sales an advantage Apply with cover letter and CV to BOX NO 865, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

APPLY WITH CV TO: fearnamanor@outlook.ie or by post to Fearna Manor Nursing Home, Tarmon Road, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the following post

QUALIFIED OR EXPERIENCED DENTAL NURSE REQUIRED

King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

For busy practice in Ballymahon

Interested candidates, please forward your CV to:

Excel Dental Practice, Main Street, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

TEMPORARY PART-TIME TOUR GUIDES Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon E-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie Telephone 090 66 37143 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

ACTIVITY CO-ORDINARTOR REQUIRED (TEMPORARY POSITION - 20 HOURS PER WEEK)

• The right candidate for this position will be an enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for working with the elderly • Experience or training in Sonas, SIMS, Cognitive Stimulation • A FETAC Level 5 in Care of the Elderly or related Social Studies desirable

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME NURSES ALSO REQUIRED Apply in strict confidence with cover letter and CV to:

Eileen Burke, Manager, Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Co. Roscommon Or telephone 043 33 27300 9-4pm

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

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TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Roscommon GAA

VACANCY FOR GAMES PROMOTION OFFICER Roscommon GAA wishes to recruit a Games Promotion Officer to support the County Coaching and Games team in delivering the county coaching programme with schools, clubs and county development panels Reporting directly to the County Games Development Manager the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: - Coaching and skills development with schools, clubs and county development panels. - Managing and supporting county development panels including the identification, recruitment and training of key personnel within Clubs and Schools to effectively develop Gaelic Games in the county. - Developing and supervising a programme of courses and workshops appropriate to the requirements of Coaches and Administrators to fulfil their various functions in a Games Development context. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE: • Excellent Gaelic Football Coaching Skills and at least 3 years practical coaching experience. • Appropriate GAA Coaching Qualifications. • Completed the Gaelic Games Child Protection in Sport Awareness Programme. • Exceptional interpersonal skills • Suitable Administrative and IT skills • Excellent communication/presentation skills • The ability to build and sustain good relationships and manage conflict • The ability to manage projects and deadlines. • An appropriate Third Level Qualification (desirable) • Clear and detailed knowledge of the GAA’s coaching schemes and initiatives OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS - Own car with a full clean driving license - Ability to work and attend evening and weekend meeting/activities in addition to normal day to day activities. Salary details and detailed job specification will be available on request from Roscommon GAA. CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION SHOULD APPLY BY SENDING A COVER LETTER AND UP TO DATE CURRICULUM VITAE TO:

Willie Hegarty, County Games Development Manager, GAA Offices, Racecourse Road, Roscommon Closing date for applications is 5pm Friday 12th February 2016 GAA is an equal opportunities employer 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.

LEGAL NOTICE THE DISTRICT COURT AN CHUIRT DUICHE LICENSING ACTS, 1833 to 2011 THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1833 SECTION 6 As Amended by Substitution in the First Schedule to the Courts (No. 2) Act, 1986 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 SECTION 29 THE DISTRICT COURT RULES, 1997 ORDER 79 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF LICENCE PETER HENRY SNR - Applicant THE CHARIOT LOUNGE, Frenchpark, Co Roscommon - Premises TAKE NOTICE that PETER HENRY SNR whose place of business is at Frenchpark, Co Roscommon being the holder of an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s Licence intends to apply to Ballaghaderreen Annual Licensing District Court on the 11th day of March, 2016 at The Courthouse, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon for a Certificate of transfer entitling the Applicant to receive an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s Licence in respect of the premises known as The Chariot Lounge and situate at Frenchpark, Co Roscommon in the Court Area and District aforesaid. Dated the 28th day of January, 2016 SIGNED: Joan H. Devine & Co Solicitors for the Applicant Bridge Street Strokestown Co. Roscommon TO: The Superintendent Garda Siochana Castlerea Co. Roscommon AND: The Fire Officer, Roscommon County Council, Courthouse, Roscommon

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES COYLE Laurence (Larry) Sleaveen, Roscommon and formerly of Carrowcrin, Kilteevan, Roscommon Who died on 7th February 2011 (5th Anniversary)

DUFFY (née Lough) Mary Margaret Kinvara Road, Navan Road, Dublin 7 (formally Clooncundra, Ballymurry, County Roscommon) Who passed away on 27th December, 2014

O’CONNOR Martin

KEANE Tony

Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon 7th February 2015

Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who passed away 7th February 2015

(6th Anniversary)

Deeply loved and missed every day Loving memories keep you near As time unfolds another year. Deep are the memories Precious they stay, No passing of time, Can take them away.

Lovingly missed by his wife BT and family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Friday 5th February at 8pm.

KELLY Con Marian Crescent, Lisnamult (formerly Tonlagee) (9th Anniversary) Who died on 6th February 2007

In loving memory of a dear father DAD You were so full of family life, So proud of all we did. The smallest gesture touched your heart For all of us you lived. You were always there when we needed you, No task too great or small But most of all you gave us love The greatest gift of all. Just a prayer from those who loved you, Just a memory fond and true, In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you.

Margaret’s brother Michael and family would like to thank most sincerely all the people who sympathised with us on the sad passing of Margaret. Thank you to all our neighbours and friends who helped out in their own way. To all the people who called to the house, phoned and sent messages of sympathy. Also, to the people who travelled to Margaret’s Removal and Funeral Mass in Roscommon and travelled to her final resting place in Mulhuddart Cemetery, Dublin. Thank you to Fr. Sean Beirne and Fr. Francis Glennon for Margaret’s beautiful Funeral Mass. Also, thank you to Michael Lough and Marie Lough for providing the music and singing at her Funeral Mass. To Tom and Pat Smyth for their true professionalism and unique personal attention they provided throughout Margaret’s Funeral. A special thank you to the staff of Sonas Care Centre, Cloverhill for their kindness and care they provided for Margaret during her time with them, and for their support following Margaret’s passing. As it is impossible to thank each and everyone individually, we trust this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Margaret’s First Anniversary Mass will be in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilteevan on Sunday 7th February, 2016 at 10am.

Forever loved, sadly missed and always remembered by your son Tommy and Nikita XX

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As we approach the First Anniversary of Martin’s death, his wife Valerie, sons Nathan and Andrew, his parents Michael John and Dolores, his sister Olga, brothers Michael, Noel and Paul, together with our extended family send warm and heartfelt thanks to all, who with love, friendship and support have made more bearable the very bleak year since our beloved Martin’s tragic death in Florida. We appreciate all of you who called to our homes, attended at the Funeral, sent Mass Cards, floral tributes, letters, donations to KBRT, offered heartfelt condolences, those who travelled long distances, shared treasured memories, brought food, our neighbours, friends, work colleagues, our teachers and school friends. We were overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and generosity of you all. Thanks so much to Fr. Kevin Early, Fr. Donal Morris, Fr. Brian Darcy, Bishop Kevin Doran, Sr. Elizabeth and to everybody involved in Martin’s Funeral Mass including Declan Nerney and Patrick Feeney for their enhancement of the ceremony. We will be forever grateful to Kevin Bell, to Martin’s band colleagues and his many friends in the music industry, to Fr. John Kearns and all the passengers on board the Holland America Cruise Ship who comforted and supported us and showed great kindness in many ways, to An Garda Siochana, Carmel McLoughlin, the Tully family and all of you who assisted us in any way. There are no words that can express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to you all, especially Kieran Leavy for his truly outstanding professionalism, organisation and care of Martin’s repatriation and Funeral, to the gravediggers for such attention to detail, Paschal Brennan for his moving graveside renditions – you all made saying goodbye to Martin on St. Valentine’s Day 2015 a little easier. Mass has been offered in gratitude for you all. “Special people do not go away, They walk beside us every day”

The moment that you died my heart was torn in two One side filled with heartache The other died with you. I often lie awake each night When the world is fast asleep And take a walk down memory lane With tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy I do it every day But missing you is heartache That never goes away.

Always in my heart, loved and remembered by your wife Valerie x ~~~~~~~~~~~

In loving memory of Tony Keane, Milltown, Castleplunkett, who died on the 7th February 2010 R.I.P. Treasured memories forever of you, Today, tomorrow and all life through.

Always remembered by his brothers Des and Martin, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephew and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Kilmurray on Sunday 7th February 2016 at 10am.

KEANE Helena (Lena) Ballymaglancy, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon (1st Anniversary)

DAD Every day in some small way Memories of you come our way. Though absent you are always near Still missed, loved and always dear.

In loving memory of Helena, who died on 6th February 2015

Loving you always, your two little boys, Nathan and Andrew xx Martin’s First Anniversary Mass is on Saturday 6th February at 8 o’clock in Frenchpark Church.

We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.

CREFIN Tom Cherry Drive, Roscommon 2nd Anniversary of his death on 6th February 2016

Always remembered by Martin, Annette, Helen, Rosaleen and Margaret and all her family. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 7th February 2016 at 11am in Ballinaheglish Church.

CONROY Tom and Josie Corracoolia, Ballyforan (50th & 15th Anniversaries)

Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us every day And when old times we do recall It’s then we miss them most of all.

Remembered and sadly missed by your family. Anniversary Mass on Friday 12th February at 7.30pm in Ballyforan Church.

MULHERN Padraig

CUNNINGHAM Michael

Buckfield, Castlecoote (5th Anniversary)

(3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Michael Cunningham, Corrigeen, Knockcroghery Memories are precious They don’t fade away I think of you always Especially today. Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and remembered every day, In every way and in every prayer.

Sadly missed by his wife Galia and daughter Emily. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 7th February in the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, sisters and extended family.

Always thinking of him and always will be missed by his loving wife Jackie. Anniversary Mass on Thursday 4th February at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

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Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Sportextra

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES COYNE Ferdinand Corroy, Ballymurray, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary) Died 27th January 2008

In loving memory of a dear husband and dad As each day dawns We think of you As each night falls We pray for you And throughout our lives No matter where In our hearts You are always there.

Lovingly remembered by Maureen, Mark, Neil, Maria, Carmel and Donnagh. Anniversary Mass on 6th February in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery at 7pm.

RAFTERY Michael Circular Road, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Just a prayer from the family that loved you Just a memory fond and ture In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you.

Lovingly remembered by Mary and family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Hospital on Sunday 7th February at 11am. ~~~~~~~~~~ GRANDAD Your presence we miss Your memories we treasure Loving you always Forgetting you never.

Sadly mised by your daughter Sandra and grandson Daniel.

HOARE (nee McConnellogue) Kathleen 12 Circular Road, Roscommon Died 6th February 2015

We, the daughters, sons, sister-in-law Margaret, brother Terence McConnellogue and extended family of the late Kathleen Hoare, wish to sincerely thank all those who sympathised with and supported us on our heartbreaking loss. Thank you to all who came our home, attended the Removal and Funeral Mass, sent Mass Cards, Seraphic Mass Enrolments and letters of sympathy, telephoned and travelled long distances to be with us. We would also like to acknowledge our deep appreciation to those wonderful relatives, friends and neighbours, who supported us in every way and to whom we will always be grateful for their help and generosity in providing food and refreshments at our home and for their ongoing support and kindness. Sincere thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors, for their professionalism and attention to detail in carrying out the Funeral arrangements. Thank you to the gravediggers for preparing mam’s final resting place with such care and attention. We would like to thank Dr. O’Mara and his team, the nurses and care staff of the Medical Assessment Unit and St. Coman’s Ward, Roscommon County Hospital who looked after mam in her final hours. A very special thanks to Dr. Claire Quinn, who went above and beyond the call of duty in her excellent care of mam. We will forever be grateful. Thank you to Fr. Irek and fellow Concelebrants of the Funeral Mass. To the Sacristan, the Mass Servers and the Eucharistic Ministers, we thank you. Our heartfelt thanks to Joe and Aoife Healy for their wonderful music and singing which enriched the Ceremony and would have meant so much to mam. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation. Mass will be offered for your intentions. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 6th February at 8pm. May her gentle soul Rest in Peace.

BRADY Denis Elphin Street, Strokestown On this the First Anniversary of Denis’ passing, his brothers and sisters, together with their families, wish to extend their gratitude to all who sympathised with them, attended the Removal, Mass and Burial, who phoned, sent Mass Cards, letters and travelled long distances to pay their respects. We especially wish to thank the doctors, nurses and carers on the Medical Wards and ICU of Sligo General Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Denis during his final illness. We also wish to thank the Hospital Chaplain, Fr. John Carroll for his kindess to Denis. A very special thank you to Margaret, the staff and Denis’ friends at Connolly House and Day Care Centre, Strokestown, for their great care and support to Denis over many years. Thanks to Fr. Whitney, Fr. O’Flynn and Fr. McGuaran who concelebrated Denis’ Funeral Mass. To the choir, organist, Servers, Sacristan Bernard Lyttle and gravediggers, we also extend our thanks. To Pat and Marion McHugh, Undertakers, a sincere thanks for their professionalism, attention to detail and the dignified manner in which they carried out the Denis’ Funeral. Finally thanks to Strokestown Fire Brigade for the Guard of Honour at the graveyard. As it would be impossible to thank everybody personally, we hope this acknowledgement will convey our appreciation and gratitude to you all. Denis’ Anniversary Mass will take place on Saturday February 6th in Strokestown Church at 12noon.

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

Pictured is the Roscommon CBS senior rugby team that defeated St. Gerald’s, Castlebar recently.

CBS regain forward momentum Connacht Senior Schools Cup Rugby CBS ROSCOMMON

ST. GERALD’S, CASTLEBAR

CBS got their cup campaign back on track with a comprehensive win over St. Gerald’s in Creggs last week. CBS looked the stronger team in the opening encounters and were rewarded after just 5 minutes when prop John Murray got over from close range, Michael Farrell added a difficult conversion. CBS full back Shane Purcell then out paced his

opposite number to score in the corner. This would be the last score of the first half with the side going in 12-0 in favour of CBS. Conditions worsened into the second half and somewhat against the run of play the excellent Conor Shanagher made the decisive break to score try number three with Farrell again adding the extras. CBS went looking for

Action from Roscommon CBS v St. Gerald’s, Castlebar.

the vital bonus point try which had so far alluded all teams in their group and it did come when Captain Michael Farrell cut inside St. Gerald’s Barry Walsh and accelerated clear for great individual score. Bonus point secured, a fifth try followed in the 53rd minute, a second for Purcell leaving CBS 31 points in front. Two late consolation tries for St. Gerald’s with a CBS player in the sin bin was a reward for the Mayo school’s efforts, never giving up in very difficult conditions. CBS next game will be away in Galway against

Colaiste Iognaid with their fate firmly back in their own hands. The final group match will see Sligo Grammar visit Creggs at the end of February. CBS: Rian Biesty, Dan Butt, Daire Byrne, Edward Clinton, Ian Conlon, Melvin Conteh, Eoghan Coyle, Patrick Fannon, Michael Farrell ,Eran Farrell, Michael Feeley, James Fetherstone, Jack Harkins, Jason Hoare, Ben McGahan, James McNally, John Murray, Ryan Murray, Shane Purcell, Sean Rayner, Conor Shanagher, Dylan Ward.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

SportsPeople … And it was scored in Fergie time!

Roscommon joint manager Fergal O’Donnell can’t hide his utter frustration as Roscommon concede a 71st minute goal against Monaghan on the Rossies’ return to Division One football. ‘Fergie time’ was famously associated with former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson – and it usually meant a late, late (winning) score in United’s favour. Unfortunately on Sunday, Fergie time had the opposite effect for Fergal and Roscommon. But there’s a long way to go in this league campaign!

‘Reduce errors and we can get a result in Killarney’ – McStay Allianz NFL Division One: Kerry v Roscommon on Sunday at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney at 2 pm (live on TG4) < SEAMUS DUKE

Niall Kilroy is an injury doubt for Roscommon as they prepare to face the aristocrats of gaelic football, Kerry, in Killarney this Sunday. Kilroy is a doubt after he sustained an ankle injury in Roscommon’s four-point defeat to Monaghan last Sunday. Kevin McStay said: “Everyone else is okay (fit). We were delighted with the efforts of Niall McInerney, Fintan Cregg, Conor Devaney and Niall Kilroy last Sunday, and John McManus made his competitive debut. “These are all new players on to the panel this year, which is very encouraging for us as a management team. We need all our players, including our more experienced lads, to put their shoulders to the wheel and when we have everyone playing well we will be hard to beat.” If Kilroy isn’t fit to play I’d expect Ultan Harney to come in at

centre-forward. The Roscommon full-back line was excellent last Sunday but we need to see more from the half-back line. Midfield did okay last Sunday and once again it will be a hugely important sector this weekend. Up front Fintan Cregg was outstanding last weekend and Niall Killroy, Ciaran Murtagh and Conor Devaney played well in the first half, but we will need to see more from Cathal Cregg and Senan Kilbride on Sunday if we are to cause a shock. As for Kerry, they have a number of injuries, but they also have some superb footballers. Brendan Kealy is an outstanding goalkeeper. Shane Enright will probably be at full-back, with Killian Young at centreback. Both are experienced and capable performers. Kerry will probably start with David Moran and Johnny Buckley at midfield, with Tommy Walsh at full-forward, and with Donnacha Walsh and Darren O’Sullivan also in attack, it is still a formidable Kerry outfit.

McStay was pleased with Roscommon’s effort against Monaghan. “Our effort was top class but our execution was lacking in a few areas. I said it on Sunday, you just cannot make serous errors at this level and expect to get away with it and we paid the price. We have a great squad of intelligent young men who will only need to be told once and they will learn quickly, I’m certain of that. But it is all about learning from our mistakes and if we do that we can go to Kerry and be really competitive again this weekend. “Last Sunday was our first day out as a management team too and we made some mistakes as well, so we are all on a learning curve.” McStay said there won’t be wholesale changes in the team, likely to be picked tonight. “There won’t be wholesale changes. There has to be a bit of continuity and stability and we have to give lads a fair crack of the whip. There is no point in making changes for the sake of

it and if we can replicate the effort we saw last Sunday we will certainly be very competitive. “We are at the very start of our journey with this team and we hope the supporters will come along and get behind them on Sunday in Killarney. It will be a difficult game but if we can get a performance to match the effort and cut down on the errors we think we can do something in Killarney”, he concluded. All indicators would point to a Kerry win here and anything other than that would be a huge shock. But if Kerry take Roscommon for granted, and we see the huge effort that was saw from Roscommon last Sunday in Kiltoom, then anything could happen. But one thing is for certain, if Roscommon are going to win this game they will need at least 12 of their players playing out of their skins on the day. Anything is possible, but Kerry probably look the better bet. Match odds: Kerry 3/10; Roscommon 3/1; Draw 17/2. Prediction: Kerry.

Daniel Casey presenting the match ball to match referee Conor Lane last Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

SportsPeople

‘Alarm bells will ring if we lose!’ – Weeshie The Kerry View < SEAMUS DUKE

Weeshie Fogarty is often described as the ‘Voice of Kerry Football’ and it has been that way for the last 25 years. The former Kerry footballer, and presentday journalist and Radio Kerry presenter, is a veritable fountain of knowledge about Kerry football and he has been telling me that after last weekend’s drubbing at the hands of Dublin in Croke Park, the game against Roscommon on Sunday in Killarney is a ‘must-win’ encounter for the Kingdom. “We were very downbeat after the game against Dublin on Saturday night in Croke Park. In my experience this was one of the worst league displays that I have seen from Kerry in many years. “We were lucky that we were not beaten by ten or twelve more points. Dublin simply tore us apart on the night. “It wasn’t a bad Kerry team that was fielded but Dublin have a beautiful football style now and we were never in with a chance. “I know that the

likes of Colm Cooper, Mark O’Sé and Aidan O’Mahony are injured, but remember that those three lads are all over 30. I would be wondering where the pace and youth will come from. “I can tell you that this game against Roscommon is now a massive game and two points is a must for us now. It’s a game that Kerry cannot afford to lose. “Last weekend our best players were Brendan Kealy in goal, the new young corner-back Brian O’Beaglaoich, Killian Young and Darren O’Sullivan. Tommy Walsh played well in spurts but long term he will probably be our full-forward as our best midfield partnership will be David Moran and Anthony Maher (Maher is also injured at the moment) but they could try Tommy Walsh at midfield against Roscommon this Sunday. “On the basis of what I saw last weekend Roscommon have a chance against Kerry but I can tell you that a loss in this game for Kerry will set the alarms bells ringing in the Kingdom.”

SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE MOON ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS

Top of the table clashes on Super Sunday < DOONER’S WEEKEND PREDICTIONS

In the week that Pep Guardiola sold his soul and signed on at the Emptihad, Ballaghaderreen will go head to head with Ballinasloe in the Premier Division and Skyvalley Rovers will look to halt Lough Harps in Division 2. Last week’s predictions weren’t actually that bad although we would have been severely let down on an accumulator by big wins for Ballymoe and Moore United. This week’s predictions are brought to you by Met Eireann in association with Storm Imogen. Saturday, 6th February The Herald Premier Division (7.45 pm) Moore United v Castlerea Celtic Moore United defied our predictions last week and enjoyed a great win over MD Town. Castlerea didn’t play and will definitely be rusty this weekend. Prediction: Moore United. Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 (7.45 pm) Shiven Rovers v Rahara Rovers Shiven Rovers have been in irresistible form this season while Rahara have struggled for any form. Shiven to win this one comfortably. Prediction: Shiven Rovers. Ballinasloe Town B v Brazukas Brazukas were shot down by Shiven Rovers last weekend and will need to get back on track against a Ballinasloe side who were thumped by Glen Celtic last Sunday. Prediction: Brazukas. Sunday, 7th February The Herald Premier Division (2 pm unless otherwise stated) Cloonfad United v Ballymoe FC (11 am) Cloonfad are in real danger in the Premier Division and face a Ballymoe side fresh off a

commanding win at St. John’s last weekend. Prediction: Ballymoe. St. John’s Athletic v Dysart FC St. John’s Athletic have found life in the Premier Division difficult at times this season and it’s not about to get any easier against a Dysart side who are just about still in contention for the title. Prediction: Dysart FC. Ballaghaderreen FC v Ballinasloe Town This weekend on Roscommon People Super Sunday we have seismic activity in Ballaghaderreen, as Ballinasloe are the visitors. The Champions are back on top following a hard earned win over Skyvalley Rovers last weekend and will be looking to put a dent in the host’s title chances. Ballinasloe always find that extra gear but Ballaghaderreen wont go down easy. Prediction: Ballinasloe after squeaky bum time. MD Town v Skyvalley Rovers The home side have one win from eight games and that won’t change this weekend. Prediction: Skyvalley Rovers. Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 (2 pm) Loughglynn United v Kilkerrin United The formbook goes out the window for this one, because neither side played last weekend. Between them, these two have only eleven games played this season. Prediction: Draw. Ballaghaderreen FC B v Glen Celtic (11 am) Glen were impressive last weekend and should see off the home side. Prediction: Glen Celtic. Killeen Sports Ground Division 2 (2 pm) CP Ajax v Moore United B The home side have proven difficult to beat this season and should have enough to see off

the visitors. Prediction: CP Ajax. KC Celtic v St. John’s Athletic Neither side has been consistent this season, but Celtic should have enough this weekend. Prediction: KC Celtic. Roscommon United v Moylough 79 Really important game for both sides this weekend but home advantage could just edge it for United. Prediction: Roscommon United. Skyvalley Rovers B v Lough Harps Last chance saloon for Skyvalley Rovers. If they don’t win this one then the bookies will pay out on lough Harps to clinch the title. Prediction: Draw. Latest odds from Skybet: 60% of matches to be postponed 10/11.

Soccer Results Saturday, 30th January

n The Herald Premier Divisio 0 Ballinasloe 1 Skyvalley Rovers tponed. ic, pos Cloonfad United v Castlerea Celt Sunday, 31st January n The Herald Premier Divisio tponed. FC, pos Ballaghaderreen FC v Dysart FC 2 St. John’s Athletic 0 Ballymoe 3 MD Town 0 Moore United Norio’s Takeaway Division 1tponed. ted, pos Rahara Rovers v Kilkerrin Uni United, postponed. Ahascragh United v Loughglynn B1 Glen Celtic 4 Ballinasloe Town1 Brazukas 0 Shiven Rovers n2 Killeen Sports Ground Divisio . CP Ajax v KC Celtic, postponed1 Moylough 79 0 Lough Harps B 2 ers Moore United B 1 Skyvalley Rov postponed. n, Tow MD v ted Uni mon Roscom

Spar FAI Primary School 5s kicks off

Drew Wylie appears to want to swap shirts before the final whistle as he challenges Fintan Cregg in Kiltoom last Sunday! Picture: Andrew Fox

The SPAR Primary School 5s Programme kicks off again in 2016 with Wednesday, February 10th set as the deadline for schools in Roscommon to enter. The fun five-a-side schools competition, which is open to boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class, will begin with a county-wide blitz in Roscommon this March with the winners progressing to regional, provincial and then the prestigious national finals in the Aviva Stadium on May 11th. In 2015, there was a tremendous turnout in Roscommon with over 40 different schools competing against each other in a bid for County glory. The Boys ‘A’ Cup was a highly competitive group with teams competing for a place in the provincial qualifiers. In the end, Loughglynn NS emerged as group winners after beating Creggs NS in a thrilling encounter. The programme is a schools initiative organised by the Football Association of Ireland Schools and supported by SPAR. The competition attracts entries from nearly 20,000 students and more than 1,000 schools nationwide. With participation levels increasing year on year the grassroots programme is now the largest primary schools competition The victorious Loughglynn NS side pictured here celebrating their big win at last year’s Spar FAI 5s in the country. Roscommon ‘A’ Cup.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

SportsPeople This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Racing in Ireland today is at Powerstown Park in Clonmel featuring the Grade 3 Powerstown Novice Hurdle with tapes away for the first at 1.25 pm. Friday features flat racing on the on the all-weather at Dundalk with stalls opening for the first at 6.00 pm. Saturday’s racing takes place at Leopardstown when there are 4 Grade 1 races on the card starting with the Spring Juvenile Hurdle. Next up an hour later is the Brave Inca Novice Hurdle followed by The Scalp Novice Chase. The final Grade 1 on the card is Irish Gold Cup at 3.40 pm. Racing starts with tapes back for the first at 12.55 pm. On Sunday the national hunt card at Naas starts racing at 1.50 pm. The going will be heavy at Clonmel today, standard at Dundalk tomorrow and soft, soft to heavy in places at Leopardstown on Saturday and Naas on Sunday. Ten horses go forward to the Grade 1 Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday. Gigginstown House Stud’s Road To Riches trained by Noel Meade is ante post favourite could be joined by stable mate Wounded Warrior. Last year’s winner Carlingford Lough is ready to defend his title for Waterford trainer John Kiely, as is Ted Walsh’s Foxrock runner-up last year. Enda Bolger has Gilgamboa entered and Willie Mullins has three, headed by Sir Des Champs, with On His Own and Valseur Lido. The Mouse Morris-trained First Lieutenant and Steven Crawford’s Fine Rightly complete the potential line up. Heart goes for First Lieutenant but head says Road To Riches won’t be beat. The opening Grade 1 Gain Spring Juvenile Hurdle entries are headed by Aidan O’Brien’s Ivanovich Gorbatov who faces 9 possible opponents including stablemate Best Kept Secret. Willie Mullins pro-

Creggs RFC Report

vides 3 Footpad, Allbak Des Places and Let’s Dance. Gavin Cromwell’s Jer’s Girl, David H Kelly’s Lagostovagas, Pat Fahy’s Jazz Ranger, Gordon Elliott’s Tocodoro, and Colin Kidd’s Rashaan, a winner in Roscommon, make up the field. Tocodoro finished 4th in Down Royal yesterday and is doubtful. Rashaan won in Listowel and Fairyhouse before disappointing in Leopardstown at Christmas. He is better than his last run so take a chance that he had an off day and get a good return on your money. The Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle has nine entries, 5 from Closutton. Bellshill heads the Mullins quintet along with Thomas Hobson, Yorkhill who is unbeaten in four starts for the champion trainer. The Gordon Elliott-trained Tombstone, Eddie Harty’s Coney Island, Tony Martin’s Anibale Flyer, and Mags Mullins’ Last Encounter complete the field. A possible 12 horses might take their chance in the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase, 7 belonging to Gigginstown, including Roi Des Francs who fought out a thrilling finish with Rich Ricci’s Pont Alexandre in a Grade 2 at Naas recently. Outlander is another notable entry from the Willie Mullins stable while the Mouse Morris-trained Rule The World, Tony Martin’s Blair Peronne and Zabana from the Andy Lynch yard also stand out. Venitien De Mai, a Rockfield winner in 2014, won over fences on his third attempt in the Rodney Watson Memorial Beginners Chase at Down Royal yesterday. He beat Futuramic and Mount Gunnery, 2½l and 5½l.

Cheltenham Watch Gordon Elliott’s RSA Chase favourite No More Heroes is going straight to the Cheltenham Festival bypassing Leopardstown on Saturday. The Gigginstown owned

Venitien De Mai leads Futuramic over the last.

seven-year-old is one of the top staying novice chasers in the country Ireland having won all three starts over fences. Noel Meade’s Ned Buntline is out for the season missing the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival. He will be back in the autumn.

General News Risk Of Thunder, who raced in the colours of James Bond actor Sean Connery died at the age of 27 at JP McManus’s Martinstown Co Limerick Stud. He won the famous La Touche Cup at Punchestown a record seven consecutive times. The son of Strong Gale was originally trained by Noreen Hayes for her brother Neilus before transferring to Enda Bolger’s in 1996. Ken Whelan, Philip Fenton, JP McNamara and Enda himself all enjoyed riding the horse to victory in the La Touche. He also carried Ken Whelan to finish 2nd in

the famous Pardubicke in the Czech Republic in 1999. He was a truly great horse running over the cross country courses, if not the best. There are 126 entries, the largest number since 2008, for the Aintree Grand National. There are 7 entries from Closutton and 2 from Ted Walsh’s yard including the locally owned Seabass among a large Irish entry. I will look in detail at this next week.

Point to Point View Racing returns to the Northern Circuit on Saturday with the East Down meeting at Tyrella rescheduled from last week, first away at 12.30 pm. There are 3 meetings down for decision on Sunday at Belharbour in Co Clare overlooking the Atlantic at 1.00 pm, Tallow in West Waterford at 1.30 pm and in North Dublin at Oldtown at 12.30 pm.

THE GAIN LINE

Home advantage for Creggs in league semi-ﬁnal Connacht U-17 League: Creggs RFC 25 Sligo RFC 7. On a difficult day for rugby and on a pitch that was tearing up after the recent weather, Creggs U17s guaranteed a home U-17 Division 1 league semi-final against Galwegians next weekend after seeing off the challenge of Sligo RFC on a scoreline of 257 in Creggs last Sunday. This game was always going to be decided by the team that handled the elements best and it is a credit to this Creggs team that again when questions were asked they had the answers against very determined and tough opposition. Creggs began the game well and were unlucky on a couple of occasions early on when Brian Maloney, Adam Finnerty and John Martin were all held up short. However, it was Sligo who took the lead after 15 minutes when on their first visit to the Creggs 22”, Christian Nielsen managed to dive over from close range which was converted to give them a 7-0 lead. Creggs again took the game to Sligo from the restart and took their opponents on up front with Mathew Curley, Aaron Glennon and Danny Arnold gaining good ground with ball in hand and when they got close Rian Biesty used very good technique to evade the defense and dive over to reduce the deficit to 7-5. Sligo were using the strong wind to pin

Creggs back but Tim Lambe and Ben McGahon did very well dealing with the Sligo kicking game while Shane Purcell, Niall Cunniffe and Jason Hoare dealt with anything Sligo tried to bring through the middle and a collective defensive structure kept the score to 7-5 until half-time. In the second half Creggs had the benefit of the strong wind and Melvin Conteh and Rian Biesty were making considerable ground as the Sligo rearguard were having difficulty halting their progress. Shane Purcell, Eoghan Coyle and Ronan Dowd also kept Sligo retreating with some very good kicks and Sligo had no response as Creggs scored 4 second half tries, a brace each for Biesty and Conteh to leave the final score 25-7. Creggs will host Galwegians this Saturday at 12 pm in the league semi-final. These two teams met two weeks ago in the league in Creggs, which ended in a 14-14 draw with Creggs needing a late try to level things up. This will certainly be a difficult game for the team who will be looking to reach their fourth Connacht league final in four years. Creggs: Mathew Curley, Aaron Glennon, Melvin Conteh, Brian Maloney, Adam Finnerty, John Martin, Rian Biesty, Danny Arnold, Eoghan Coyle, Shane Purcell, Jason Hoare, Niall Cunniffe, Juan De La Campa, Tim Lambe,

Ben McGahon, Oisin Keenan, Joe Kerr, Ronan Dowd, Emmett Quinn, Cillian Higgins. Connacht Junior Cup: Creggs 13 Connemara 7. Creggs advanced to the quarter-finals of the Connaught Junior Cup with a deserved win against the Connemara All Blacks at The Green last Sunday. Connemara, who were playing in the All-Ireland League two seasons ago, now ply their trade in Division 1A, the division above Creggs, so this represents a major scalp for the village side. It also sets up a mouth-watering tilt at Ballina in the quarter-final fixed for Creggs this Sunday. A measure of the challenge facing Creggs is that last week Ballina put 40 points on Connemara in their league encounter. Played in difficult conditions with a tricky wind Creggs started well against the wind but first blood went to the visitors on 13 minutes when Creggs attempted a risky move on their own 22, handing Connemara centre David McDonagh an intercepted try which he grounded between the posts, Michael O’Toole adding the easy conversion. O’Toole had a chance to increase the lead on the quarter mark when Connemara were awarded a kickable penalty but the ball was blown over as he struck it. It was Shane Dowd who added the next score, a penalty after 29 minutes,

following good play from his side who were now dominating the forward exchanges, particularly the scrums. 7-3 at half-time looked good for Creggs but Connemara controlled the game in the third quarter and Creggs had great difficulty breaking out of defence, particularly with Sean Og Higgins sent to the bin. He was followed by the Ballina no. 8 Barry Gibbons and when Creggs were restored to full capacity they clawed their way up the field, finally rewarded when replacement prop Neville Walker barged his way over for the decisive score after 27 minutes. Only one point separated the sides at that stage but Connemara never again established a foothold in the Creggs half and the home side added a third try one minute from time, Shane Dowd splitting the Connemara defence with a judicious cross-kick, the only question being which of Ger Heneghan or Ryan Horan would get there first with Heneghan beating his colleague to the touch-down. On a day when the wind could have undone any full-back, Kevin Gavin turned in a man of the match performance for Creggs, with captain Tom Callaghan a rock in defence. Of the forwards, both starting props Tom Fleming and Aidan Leech impressed, Tom Oates was a major influence at second row with one vital

lineout steal and Kevin Bandon put in another serious shift at no. 8. Kick-off at The Green on Sunday is at the earlier time of 1 pm. Creggs: K Gavin, R Horan, G Heneghan, T Callaghan, P Leech, S Dowd, A Callaghan, T Fleming, S O’Higgins, A Leech, T Oates, B Kilcommons, A Brandon, P Lohan, K Brandon. Replacements: N Walker, R Cassidy, B Egan, B Donoghue, C Duignan. Creggs YOUTH rugby: Creggs U-15s will host Sligo in the Connacht U-15 Division 1 League this Sunday at 11.30 am in Creggs. Connacht League semi-finals: Creggs U-16s will host Oughterard in the semifinal of the Connacht U-16 Division 2 League this Saturday at 3.45 pm in Creggs. Creggs MINI rugby: Creggs Minis welcomed Monivea RFC to Creggs last Saturday morning for a blitz. On a cold and bright morning the players played some very good rugby and there were very competitive games on show. Thanks to all the players that played on the day and the parents for the support shown. Next week Creggs are due to host Virginia RFC and Ballinasloe RFC in a blitz, weather dependent. Creggs Minis will host Ballinasloe RFC in a mini blitz this Saturday at 10.30 am in Creggs. Players to be there at 10.10 am.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

Dan’s SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER Darts

McDermott’s forge ahead at the top

Serving up a sport Ballaghaderreen will love

McDermott’s asserted their dominance at the top of the Roscommon Darts League with a 5-2 win over Ned’s. There was a solid win for David Concannon as he stormed to a 3-0 win over Ned’s John O’Sullivan who could count himself slightly unfortunate not to take one leg. Paul Carton hit an impressive 120 check-out for Ned’s but despite the positives it was McDermott’s who ran out convincing winners. The Forge kept up the pressure on the leaders as they overcame Charlies 4-3. Flanagan’s beat The Hatch on a similar score and An Bothar Rua were convincing winners over Creaton’s on a score of 6-1. As it stands, McDermott’s lead the way on 48 points with The Forge in second place on 45 and An Bothar Rua on 40 in third. This weekend Flanagan’s will host The Hollywood, McDermott’s will visit Creaton’s, Charlie’s will entertain The Hatch and Ned’s will look to get back on track against The Forge.

As the technicians of the PTA roll out of Melbourne, tanned and ready for the long year of tennis ahead, the members of Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club dream of sunny days on the court. Established in 1999 and growing in stature and popularity, the tennis club has become a focal point for sporting and fitness enthusiasts from junior level right up to the older generations who can serve and volley with the best of them. Michael Spencer, who is a mix between PRO and web designer, says the club not only offers a chance for all ages and levels to take up the sport, but is also extremely great value for money. “This is really an up and coming club. We’ve basically tripled in membership in the last two years and we have put together the social media and website to increase the profile. It’s proving

Pool

Golf

Kenny’s grab a Lifebelt

Daly Star

Kenny’s took advantage of Bothar Rua’s postponed game by beating The Lifebelt 4-3. This win lifted them off the bottom of the standings. Cup table leaders Foxe’s didn’t play last weekend and their closest rivals Charlie’s had their game postponed. Elseswhere Silver Eel beat Sportsman’s 4-3. In the Shield, table toppers Eddie’s beat Foxe’s 5-4, Sorahan’s beat Ned’s 6-3, Farrell’s beat Charlie’s 7-2 and The Forge by the same score while Eddie’s beat Ned’s 54.

THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner

With the world’s best golfers enjoying themselves in warm and exotic locations like Singapore, it was up to the local players to keep the home fires burning in Roscommon and surrounding areas. In Carrick-on-Shannon, there was the important matter of the Christmas hampers, which concluded last weekend. Tom Daly took first place with a very impressive 40 points. Tom was followed all the way by Tommy Aherne with 39 points and Declan Loftus in third place on 38. Tom Daly also added a hamper for best score without a six on his card over the entire series, pipping Jim King who finished on 39 points with no six. The Spring League starts on

really popular among all ages, from the kids right up to adults in their 60s! The low cost of membership helps, it’s only €70 for adults and €30 for kids for the entire year!” That’s not something other clubs can boast; weather permitting you can play tennis 365 days of the year in Ballaghaderreen for the same cost as a decent pair of football boots. So how are the future Djokovics, Nadals and Federers getting on? “This is a really fun way to exercise. There are people who are put off; they think they won’t be able for it and that they’ll embarress themselves. There’s nothing to worry about, we have groups to suit everyone and men’s nights on Tuesdays with women playing on Wednesdays. For the juniors there are plenty of events and coaching in the Pheonix Youth Centre too,” says Michael. With the multitude of sports on offer in the area, how does Michael see the club progressing? “People look at soccer and the GAA and think that it’s a sport

the 6th of February with a 2 man scramble. Book your team online or if you don’t have a team book your name and a team will be got for you. Captains Frances Molloy and Mary Molloy look forward to welcoming you on Saturday morning for the Winter Alliance. Tee-time from 11-12. Enjoy teatime before you head out and grab a scone from 10.30. With storms I to Z still to arrive this year, please call ahead before travelling. Chris will provide weather and traffic updates on 071 9667015. Over in Athlone, why not grab (escape from) your other half for a round of golf on Valentine’s Day (Sunday, 14th February) The Captain’s Drive In will take place from 4 pm with a 12-hole

Pictured are members of Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club, which is going from strength to strength.

you grow up playing but with us we have coaching at the start of our tennis nights. It’s a great way to get started and meet people.”

So if you fancy an enjoyable new hobby and a chance to socialise all while getting fit like Rafa Nadal, get onto Michael at

ballaghaderreentennisclub.com. The upwardly mobile club is making a racket on and off the court.

Pictured are the winners of both the front and back nine scramble at Roscommon Golf Club (sponsored by Gleeson’s Townhouse). Back row left to right: R. Hynes, G. Harlow, B. Campbell, E. Smyth, A. Lawlor & T. Grehan. Front row: Francis Ferguson (Club Captain), Paula Keane (Lady Captain), Mary Gleeson (sponsor, Gleeson’s Townhouse) & (Club President) Kevin Henry.

just before at 12 pm. Last weekend, Eamonn Cunniffe took the 13-hole competition with a solid 31 points while Kathleen McDonnell won the ladies competition with 25 points.

In Castlerea, the Ladies Round Robin competition rolls on for the month of February with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research. The Captain’s Drive-In takes place on February 28th with

Greg Kelly, Mary Kenny and president, Tommie Dolan teeing off at 2.45 pm. Presentations will take place at 5 pm with outgoing G.U.I. president and proud Rossie, Michael Connaughton.

Soccer

Thrilling Connacht title win FAI Connacht Schools Senior Cup Final CONVENT OF MERCY, ROSCOMMON

DAVITT COLLEGE, CASTLEBAR

Convent of Mercy, Roscommon’s excellent recent record in schools soccer was maintained in Mervue last week when they captured the Connacht title

against Davitt College and they are now on course to follow up on the junior All-Ireland title they won last year. Roscommon started well and

were ahead after 8 minutes when Grainne Whyte poked the ball home from close range and it was 2-0 ten minutes later when Rachel Fitzmaurice finished well, also from close range. Castlebar were back in the contest when they scored a penalty from Claire McDonagh in the 22nd minute and after 33 minutes Castlebar were level when Kristen Sheeran headed

home. Half-time score 2-2. At the end of the third quarter the Convent of Mercy girls went ahead when Grainne Whyte scored with a clever lob but in a very exciting match it was level again at 3-3 after Hannah McHale pounced on hesitancy in the Roscommon defence. Fiona Tully edged Roscommon ahead with a well-taken

goal in the 81st minute on the rebound and then two minutes later Ciara Corcoran converted a penalty to give the Convent girls breathing space and with the final whistle approaching it was Savannah Cassidy who made the game safe with a 6th goal for her side. There was still time for Castlebar to reply with Claire McDonagh scoring a free kick in

injury-time. Roscommon: M Kelly, A McGrath, P Farrell, R Corcoran, E Irwin, F Tully, S Scally, R Fitzmaurice, C Corcoran, G Whyte, S Cassidy. Sub used: N Scally for Whyte. Convent of Mercy now face Presentation Thurles in the AllIreland semi-final in Tullamore today (Thursday, 4th February).

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

SportsPeople

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Rossies have it all to do now So after all the big build-up, a costly mistake in injury-time cost Roscommon at least a draw in our opening league game in Kiltoom last Sunday – and no matter how you dress it up we are going to face a huge task to stay in this division now. Last Sunday the effort and application from the Roscommon players was top drawer and they are clearly very fit. But when you turn over the

ball as many times as Roscommon did on Sunday then you are going to get punished and despite some heroic defending we lost it in injury-time. I have to say I was very impressed with Monaghan. They are a very experienced outfit and any team that’s good enough to win the Ulster Championship have something really classy about them and they never panicked on Sunday, even when Roscom-

mon looked like holding out for at least a draw. But I am of the opinion that Roscommon have a chance in Killarney on Sunday next if they show the same appetite for hard work we saw in Kiltoom. I saw Kerry play Dublin last weekend and while Dublin were awesome on the night, maybe there are a few chinks in the Kerry armour. It is certain that Kerry will be smarting after that defeat and

it would be an absolutely massive upset for Roscommon to come back from the Kingdom with something, but it is not impossible. If the players show the same attitude that we saw in Kiltoom last Sunday then no one will beat them easily in this league. On Sunday last there was a massive effort but as Kevin McStay alluded to afterwards we turned over the ball too many times and if you do that

at this level you will get punished. I also thought that some of our players didn’t perform to their ability on Sunday last. I realise the conditions were poor but if all 15 Roscommon players are flat out on Sunday next you never know what might happen. I know that there is a lot of football to be played yet but after the first weekend of action, Cork, Dublin and Donegal look the form teams and we

From the Internet

No surprise as Tony Mac makes top ten The Sunday Independent published a supplement called ‘Club Life’ last Sunday to celebrate the GAA club and its importance over the years in the fabric of Irish life. The magazine chose its top 10 club players over the past 30 years – hurling and football – and Roscommon People columnist Tony McManus is one of the ten and he is in celebrated company. The ten named are Brian Whelehan, Oisin McConville, Joe Canning, TJ Reid, Diarmuid Connolly, Tony McManus, Joe Cooney, Stephen O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien and Tony Doran. It is a reminder to those of us who were lucky enough to have seen Tony Mac in action just how good a player he was. To win 14 county senior medals in a county as competitive as Roscommon was some achievement and of course Tony was a fantastic county player, winning six Connacht SFC medals and an All-Star as well. He was one of the most determined players that I have ever seen and he had strength and power and was a deadly finisher. A richly deserved honour for Tony this week.

will have a job to get anything out of those three games. Down look very beatable while Mayo and Kerry could be vulnerable. We will know more on Sunday next. Overall there was some great fare on offer last weekend and the game in Kiltoom was a very exciting one, despite the conditions. Dublin looked fantastic and they look by far the best team around at the moment.

Reckless predictions

Rain, hail or shine, win, lose or draw! Pictured in Kiltoom on Sunday last were Peter Cox, Andrew Malone, Seán Carty and Seán Toolan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Don’t bet on a Six Nations treble This weekend Ireland begin their Six Nations Rugby Championship campaign with a home game against Wales on Sunday – and it is a very tough start. There seems to be an air of doom and gloom around the Irish team this season and the chances of completing three championships in a row seems remote. The only saving grace as far as I can see is that we still have Joe Schmidt as manager. Wales will be determined to beat Ireland in Dublin and they look far too strong for Ireland. The World Cup was a huge disappointment for Ireland, and

with so many top class players either injured or retired we will probably beat Scotland and Italy, and that will be about it. On the Connacht front there is much better news. I was watching last Saturday as Connacht scored a great bonus point win against the Scarletts and went top of the Pro12 league table as a result. Not only that but Rossie Denis Buckley, who is just back from injury got the ‘man of the match’ award – he is playing great rugby at the moment. It’s only a matter of time before he is called into the Irish squad.

Ireland needs you! Joe Schmidt will be hoping the Aviva crowd can roar Ireland to victory over Wales this weekend.

Djokovic tops the tennis world

Top of his game: Novak Djokovic stormed his way to another Australian Open last weekend.

I got to see the Australian Open final and Novak Djokovic is the undisputed king of tennis now. He swatted Andy Murray away in the final, and to win six Australian titles is some achievement. He has now gone far ahead of Nadal, Murray and Federer at the top of the rankings and while Murray is a fine player he is a long way behind

Djokovic. He was beaten in his fifth final in Australia last weekend and it looks like he will never win it now. At least there was a shock in the women’s final when Serena Williams was beaten by rank outsider Angelique Kerber from Germany. I think that Williams underestimated Kerber and paid the price.

In the interests of rashness and jumping the gun, we are going to come over like an England football fan and make long reaching predictions for the 2016 championship on the basis of the first round of League matches. Ulster: Down will reach the quarter final but only because they got a bye past the preliminary round. Wisely, they’ll lose to Monaghan and thus avoid the spectre of Donegal in the provincial semi-final. On the other side of the draw, Tyrone will squeeze past Derry in a bad tempered encounter in which seven players are sent off, with five of these banned for straight reds. The match turns into a national scandal in the subsequent days, dominating news bulletins and panel shows. Opinion columnists outside the sport pages talk about a terrifying cult of violence in the game. The Claire Byrne show will debate the game the following night on RTE. The match disturbs Tyrone’s preparation for the Ulster Final, which they lose to Donegal. Their siege mentality becomes yet more entrenched, a development few thought possible at the outset. Leinster: In their 56th encounter in the past three years, Longford will eke out a victory at home to Offaly. Wicklow’s surprise victory over Laois means that Dublin won’t be leaving the environs of Croke Park for the tenth season in a row. They will ride to another provincial title, defeating Meath in the Leinster semi-final and a resurgent Kildare in the final. Cian O’Neill’s team will succeed in getting within twelve points of the Dubs. They will celebrate before their supporters on the Croke Park pitch afterwards. Connacht: The air is thick with the schadenfreude of the old guard as Mayo’s reign of dominance in the west comes to an end. Older journalists and old boys from neighbouring counties spend the week cackling about the folly of their uppity players dumping their managers. ‘Maybe they should get rid of themselves this year!’ is the gleeful cry of their enemies. It’s a McHale Park defeat to their traditional rivals that does for Mayo. The game ends with Damien Comer and Lee Keegan scuffling on the ground. In a repeat of the FBD League, Galway proceed to pip Roscommon in the Connacht Final, winning their first provincial title in eight years. Munster: Tommy Carr is worried for Kerry and we are too. A six-point defeat away to the best team in the country in January means that the end is surely nigh. After their emphatic statement on their first day of the League, Cork will clean out all before them. Revenge will be gained for the Munster Final defeat of 2015. Kerry will think about blaming the referee for their whole season going wrong but will decide against. (Courtesy of Balls.ie)

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

SportsPeople

‘Turnovers cost us’ – McStay < SEAMUS DUKE

The high number of turnovers conceded – rather than the late error that led to a Monaghan goal –was responsible for Roscommon’s defeat in Sunday’s first game in Division One of this season’s National Football League. That was the assessment of joint Roscommon manager Kevin McStay, who expressed frustration at the high number of errors his side made in general play. Roscommon led Monaghan by a point going into the final minute of normal time, but the concession of 1-2 in the closing moments led to an opening-day defeat for a very spirited home side. Before a capac-

ity crowd of 3,000 people in Kiltoom, visitors Monaghan triumphed by 2-10 to 1-9. It was a very respectable, indeed encouraging performance by Roscommon on their return to the higher echelons of league football, but ultimately they have no points to show for their efforts. McStay said: “It’s disappointing for sure. We gave it everything and we got very close…we tried to hold out for as long as we could, but it was not to be. But it was not just the error at the end that led to the goal that was to blame, it was lots of other mistakes too. I am told we turned the ball over 32 times today – and that’s an awful lot.”

GAA Fixtures Friday, 5th February Hodson Bay Junior B Football Championship Semi-Final At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Elphin. 8 pm Sunday, 7th February Allianz National Football League Division One At Killarney: Kerry v Roscommon. 2 pm Hodson Bay Junior B Football Championship Semi-Final At Ballinlough: Michael Glavey’s v Clann na nGael. 12 pm

Underage Fixtures Saturday, 6th February U-16 Football League Division One At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Oran. 3 pm At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Dominic’s. 3 pm At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Roscommon Gaels. 3 pm U-16 Football League Division Two At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Pádraig Pearses. 3 pm At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Strokestown. 3 pm At Mulhern Park: St. Ciaran’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels. 3 pm U-16 Football League Division Three At Abbey Park: Boyle v Eire Óg. 12.30 pm At Parc Naomh Bearraí: Kilglass Gaels/St Barrys v Kilbride. 12.30 pm At Orchard Park: Elphin v St. Aidan’s. 12.30 pm U-16 Football League Division Four At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v St. Croan’s. 12.30 pm At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Western-Gaels. 12.30 pm Sunday, 7th February The Pepper Mill Minor Hurling Championship Final At Athleague: Athleague\Tremane v Pádraig Pearses. 12 pm

GAA result O’Neills All-Ireland Post Primary Senior C Quarter-Finals Drumshauglin Community School 0-4 The Mercy, Roscommon 0-10

Roscommon built up a six-point half-time lead (15 to 0-2) in very bad weather conditions – and actually went seven clear early in the second half. “The conditions were bad,” McStay reflected, “but we still felt that we were in with a great shout at half-time. But look, the big errors are punished at this level and that’s the big lesson that we learned today. If you turn over the ball in Division One there are classy players around that will hurt you. “Ciaran Murtagh was a big loss and he was our top scorer and we have to cut out stuff like that (the black card).” Monaghan captain Ciaran McManus, who scored that

vital late goal, told People Sport: “Goal-scoring chances were few and far between today, in difficult conditions. We missed a lot today, even in the first half when we were playing against the wind. “It was great to get that goal in the end and we needed it badly. We were behind by six and then Roscommon got the first score of the second half so we had to work very hard for our win here today. But we never panicked and we have lots to work on. “It is great to start the new league campaign with a win because we didn’t play well in the McKenna Cup but we can kick on now.” Fergal O’Donnell and Kevin McStay and the Ros-

Much to think about: Liam McHale and Kevin McStay pictured in Kiltoom on Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox

common supporters will be delighted with the effort and application of the players on Sunday and they are clearly in very good shape in terms of fitness. But in this league you have to take your chances and errors are punished ruthlessly and that’s what happened on

Sunday. The mountain gets even higher now as Killarney is the next stop on Sunday next. Nobody said it would be easy. Last word to an upbeat Kevin McStay: “We now face into Killarney next week (to play Kerry) but we showed today that we

can compete and we gave Monaghan plenty of it today – and remember that they are the Ulster champions. But we have loads of energy in our squad and we can go to Killarney next weekend and think we can get something out of that match.”

Winning start for ladies Lidl Ladies NFL Division 3 Round 1 ROSCOMMON OFFALY Roscommon battled hard for their opening win in the National League in this very competitive game played in Rathcline on Sunday last. The game started brightly with both sides enjoying periods of superiority and Roscommon led by 0-4 to 0-2 by the 16th minute with

3-10 4-5 three Jenny Downey frees and a Siobhan Tully point the Roscommon scores. Laura Fleming pointed in the 21st minute and that was immediately followed by an excellent goal scored by Aisling McAuliffe. It gave Roscommon a handsome lead but Offaly were to go in at half-time

leading by 2-3 to 1-5. They scored two goals within a minute through Lorraine Keena and Mairead Daly and despite being second best for much of the first half it was the faithful county who led at the break. Roscommon were the better side after the interval and a couple of quick points were followed up by a goal from Martina Freyne and that helped Roscommon into a five-

point lead, But in the nature of this game Offaly replied. Mairead Daly converted a penalty and two further points from Kim Furey saw the sides level with 10 minutes to go. But Roscommon struck late for home with a goal and points from Jenny Downey and Joanne Cregg narrowing the gap and then substitute, Sheila Brady, scored the all-important goal. The cushion was needed as Mairead

Daly scored her third goal of the game in injury-time for the Offaly girls. Roscommon: R Timothy; S Greevy, G Dufficy, N Feeney; H Ennis, A McLoone, A McAuliffe (1-0), J Cregg (0-1), L Fleming (0-1); C Gunning, R Ryan (0-1), S Tully (01); N McHugh (0-1), M Freyne (1-0), J Downey (0-5). Subs: T Kelly for Ennis, S Brady (1-0) for Freyne), R Fitzmaurice for McHugh.

Swimming

19 Coman’s swimmers in All-Ireland Coman’s swimmers took part in the Connacht Minor Schools Championships at Longford Swimming Pool on Saturday, January 9th. The swimmers, ranging in age between 7 and 12 were involved in every event at the meet. A record number of swimmers qualified for the AllIreland Minor Schools Championships in the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin this Sunday (February, 7th) Alaoise Regan, Ballyfeeney NS, Scramogue and Jessica Gannon, Tarmon NS, Castlerea, both won two gold medals. Aine Webb brought home one gold while her sister Saoirse captured two silvers. There were medals also for Kelis Curran (one silver and one bronze), Ava McFadden (two bronze), Ellie Moran (one silver and one bronze), Philip Duda (two silvers), Ciara Kilcommons (two bronze medals), Alan Kilcommons (one bronze) and Michael Lavin (one silver). The 19 qualifiers will be hoping for another successful day this Saturday.

Coman’s swimmers have been enjoying a very successful period recently and will send 19 members to the All-Ireland Minor Championships in Dublin this weekend.

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1: Monaghan 2-10 Roscommon 1-9

WELCOME TO Baptism of fire as merciless Monaghan deny Roscommon

STAT ATTACK Man of the Match: Drew Wylie (Monaghan) Wides: Roscommon 6 (6 first half); Monaghan 13 (4 first half) Frees Awarded: Roscommon 26 (13 first half); Monaghan 22 (10 first half)

< SEAMUS DUKE

onaghan scored a goal and two points in injury-time in Kiltoom last Sunday to snatch the two league points on offer and thus break the hearts of a Roscommon team playing their first match back in the top division in 13 years. Despite a brave, battling, and hardworking display, the Rossies were left with nothing out of a game which they could have won and definitely could have taken at least a point from. Now the task facing Roscommon footballers in Division One of the National Football League has become even harder after this heartbreaking loss to an impressive Monaghan side in what, despite the terrible conditions, was a very entertaining game. The gale-force wind and squally showers blew directly down towards the Shannon and Roscommon had the advantage of the elements in the first half. Scores were hard to come by in the first quarter but by the 16th minute Roscommon led by 0-4 to 0-0, with Fintan Cregg and Ciaran Murtagh (2) with frees and a lovely Enda Smith point from 40 metres. Monaghan managed only two points in the entire first half and they were both from placed balls. Conor McManus converted a 42-metre free into the wind in the 20th minute to open their account and in the 29th minute goalkeeper Rory Beggan converted a ’45. In the meantime Roscommon were playing well but probably not working the scoreboard operator as much as their dominance would have justified. Then, in the 27th minute, Roscommon strung together a great move, featuring

Yellow Cards: Roscommon: 2 – Neil Collins and Conor Devaney. Monaghan: 3 – Neil McAdam (2), Darren Hughes Black Cards: Roscommon: Ciaran Murtagh (34); Monaghan: Ryan Wylie (27) Red Cards: Monaghan 1 (Neil McAdam (69 mins, 2 yellows) Attendance: 3,000 Note: Congratulations to the St. Brigid’s Club for their staging of Sunday’s game. In terrible conditions the game went off very well and the arrangements were top class.

Davey Murray moves possession forward. Picture: Andrew Fox

a peach of a pass from Conor Devaney to Ciaran Murtagh. The St. Faithleach’s man was upended by Ryan Wylie (who received a black card) and referee Conor Lane pointed to the penalty spot and Ciaran Murtagh himself drilled the ball low and hard to the Monaghan net. Then in the 31st minute, Fintan Cregg, who was having a fantastic game, burst through for a great point from close range and at half-time Roscommon led by 1-5 to 0-2. However, Roscommon were hit by a needless black card given to Ciaran Murtagh in the 34th minute and the home side were to miss their

top scorer, who was playing well. Would six points be enough of a lead against the howling gale and rain in the second half? That was the big question at half-time. The second half started brilliantly for Roscommon when Senan Kilbride kicked a super point in the first minute, but the expected Monaghan onslaught followed almost immediately after that and from there to the finish it was a compelling contest as Monaghan pressed forward and Roscommon battled heroically to keep them out. In the 38th minute Neil McAdam found Dermot Malone with a fine pass

The Roscommon team that were defeated by Monaghan in the opening round of the league. Picture: Andrew Fox

and the centre half-forward found the bottom corner of the net – and Monaghan were back in business. In the 41st minute Fintan Cregg burst through and his rocket of a shot clipped the crossbar and went over for a point. A goal at that stage would have put Roscommon in a very strong position. Roscommon were defending for their lives and Seanie McDermott and Niall McInerney were outstanding, with Fintan Cregg putting in a massive shift further out the field, but Monaghan were starting to turn the screw. Thomas Kerr kicked two lovely points within a minute to further narrow the gap and by the 52nd minute the scores were level at 1-8 each. Fintan Cregg scored another fine point for Roscommon and Monaghan were on target through Conor McManus (free), sub Daniel McKenna, Rory Beggan (a ’45) and Neil McAdam. It was incredibly tense now as the winning post came into view. In the 68th minute Fintan Cregg swung over a magnificent free from the right wing to edge Roscommon ahead, but then as the clock went over the 70-minute mark Daniel Malone levelled again with a point from 30 metres. Then disaster struck in the 71st minute. Darren O’Malley’s quick kick-out struck Neil Collins and spun into the hands of Ciaran McManus and the two-time All-Star made no mistake, blasting the ball high into the Roscommon net. Then in the 73rd minute Daniel McKenna sealed the smash and grab raid with a fine point from 25 metres. The cruelty of life in Division One was suddenly evident at the final whistle as Monaghan celebrated and

Roscommon experienced devastation. Best for Roscommon were Seanie McDermott, Niall Collins and Niall McInerney in the full-back line, Davy Murray (first half), Ian Kilbride and Ciaran Murtagh, until he got his black card just before half-time. Niall Kilroy had a good first half before he faded in the second period. Roscommon’s man of the match was Fintan Cregg who turned in a massive display from the first minute to the 75th, scoring five points from play and frees. Best for a very impressive Monaghan outfit were Colin Walshe, Drew Wylie, Dessie Mone, Neil McAdam, Dermot Malone and sub Daniel McKenna. Monaghan: Rory Beggan (0-2, 45s); Colin Walsh, Drew Wylie, Ryan Wylie; Dessie Mone, Fintan Kelly, Karl O’Connell; Neil McAdam (01), Darren Hughes; Kieran Duffy, Dermot Malone (1-1), Owen Duffy; Shane Carey, Thomas Kerr (0-2), Conor McManus (1-2, 2 frees). Subs: Conor Boyle for R Wylie (black card 27), Daniel McKenna (0-2) for Carey, Barry McGinn for Duffy. Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, Niall McInerney; Davy Murray, Niall Daly, Ronan Stack; Enda Smith (0-1), Ian Kilbride; Conor Devaney, Niall Kilroy, Ciaran Murtagh (1-2, pen, 2 frees); Fintan Cregg (0-5, 2 frees), Senan Kilbride (0-1), Cathal Cregg. Subs: Cian Connolly for C Murtagh (34, black card), Ultan Harney for S Kilbride (52), Ronan Daly for Kilroy (63), Cathal Shine for Devaney (66), John McManus for C Cregg (68). Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1: Monaghan 2-10 Roscommon 1-9

DIVISION ONE! Ciarán Murtagh puts the ball into the corner of the Monaghan net. Picture: Andrew Fox

THE PEOPLE’S PUNDIT

TIME ADDED ON… Talking point Late drama: It was a heart-breaking defeat for Roscommon who were only went behind in injury-time. The injury-time goal for Conor McManus broke Roscommon hearts on the day. Roscommon came away with nothing after a magnificent effort from the Roscommon players and particularly the full-back line and Fintan Cregg.

Shane Curran Padraig Pearses manager

This time last year Roscommon drew with Cavan in Kiltoom in the first round of the National League Division Two. (Roscommon 1-11 Cavan 0-14).

What’s next? Roscommon face Kerry in Round 2 in Killarney on Sunday next at 2 pm.

Media View ‘Never-say-die Monaghan came away from Kiltoom with a dramatic win over Roscommon. The newly-promoted hosts, under new joint-managers Kevin McStay and Fergal O’Donnell, were on course to mark their return to the top flight with a victory when they led by 1-5 to 0-2 at the break, but the wind-assisted Ulster champions staged a second-half comeback to draw level before a superb Fintan Cregg free from an acute angle in the final minute of normal time edged the Rossies back in front. ‘But, in the blink of an eye, Dermot Malone had restored parity before All-Star Conor McManus netted to put the visitors 2-9 to 1-9 in front. Impressive sub Daniel McKenna tagged on an insurance point for Malachy O’Rourke’s men, who finished the game with 14 men following Neil McAdam’s late dismissal.’ (Hogan Stand Online)

AH REF! Drew Wylie and Neil McAdam challenge Ultan Harney. Picture: Andrew Fox

TWEETS OF THE WEEK Monaghan GAA @monaghangaa Brilliant comeback by Monaghan who won the second half by ten

points. (Yeah, yeah rub it in!) Michael Duffy @mick_duffy KUDOS to the St. Brigid’s staff

who brought tea/sandwiches out to wheelchair fans/carers at halftime. (The Kiltoom club was on top form last weekend.)

Monaghan were stronger than Roscommon on the day. I was very impressed with them. They were very physical. They dominated every breaking ball in the second half. If we didn’t get the penalty we were in trouble in the first half. We never really looked like we opened them up the way they looked like opening us up. They had so much possession that we were always going to struggle. They must have had 75% possession in the second half. They had the power to hold on to the ball and that was the difference. Our lads put in a huge effort but this is such a huge step up – you could see it out there today. It was a very good contest given the conditions but I felt that Monaghan were just the better side on the day. Having said that it was a cruel way to lose it in injury-time and we will have an uphill talk now in the league – but we are definitely going in the right direction overall.

Division One at a glance Dublin 2-14 Donegal 3-15 Cork 1-18

Kerry 0-14 Down 0-7 Mayo 0-12

Roscommon People Friday 05 February 2016