2016 03 25 by Roscommon People

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

Wishing all our readers, advertisers and contributors a very Holy and happy Easter Weekend

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PS: Don’t forget Easter Parades on Sunday!

25 March 2016

The Local Paper

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

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

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After their remarkable four-match odyssey outside of Connacht – which saw Roscommon win against Kerry, Cork, Down and Donegal – our in-form senior footballers finally get to play on their ‘home soil’, Hyde Park, when they face great rivals Mayo this Sunday (3.30 pm). With the Division One showdown preceded by the annual Easter Parade (12 noon), it promises to be a very special day in Roscommon Town. Match preview: Pages 46-47; Roscommon Parade: Pages 24-28; Strokestown Easter Parade & County Fleadh (in Elphin), see pages 20-23. Happy Easter to all! Roscommon’s Sean Purcell was pictured at Dr. Hyde Park on Tuesday. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/ SPORTSFILE

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Michael Fitzmaurice TD Please ring the Constituency Office in advance to make an appointment Tel: 090 66 28479 or email michael.fitzmaurice @oireachtas.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

Painting Services Professional Painters & Decorators

Organ Donor Awareness Week Taking place from Saturday April 2nd to Saturday April 9th The Roscommon Branch of the Irish Kidney Association are looking for Volunteers to sell ‘Forget Me Not’ flowers, emblems, etc in Roscommon Town.

If you are willing to help out please contact Maura at 086 8969670. Organ Donor cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association -lo call 1890 543 639 or Free text the word Donor to 50050. Visit websitewww.ika.ie.

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

Stephen Reynolds (086) 1987023 Enda Hoban (087) 2739726

Roscommon town Padraig Healy set for ‘Super Car & Easter Sunday’ Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

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Roscommon Sinn Féin

Easter Commemoration 1916 – 2016

< DAN DOONER

Sundays don’t come much bigger than this Easter Weekend in Roscommon town! This Easter Sunday promises to be one of the most eventful days in recent Rossie memory as the annual Easter Parade will be followed by the huge Allianz Division One football match between Roscommon and Mayo. The annual Easter Parade starts at the earlier than usual time of 12 pm in the town and promises to

be a wonderful spectacle. The fact that the ‘Primrose and Blue’ are in action in Dr. Hyde Park at 3.30 pm should only add to the colour and atmosphere of this hugely-popular event. Speaking of the Roscommon senior footballers, imagine the reaction of Mayo fans arriving in the town on Sunday to thousands of Roscommon fans already in party mode! Last year’s parade saw an overgrown Spider Man making his way through the town so who knows

what we’ll see during this year’s event. Of course the fun doesn’t stop with the brilliant parade and hopefully a win over our noisy neighbours, as there will be music and entertainment in venues across the town on Sunday evening. Roscommon town truly is the place to be this Easter Sunday, so get decked out in primrose and blue and support local businesses and clubs in the parade before roaring on the Rossies against Mayo!

EASTER HUMOUR Three not so intelligent lawyers died and are at the pearly gates of Heaven. St. Peter tells them that they can enter the gates if they can answer one simple question. St. Peter asks the first lawyer, “What is Easter?” The lawyer replies, “Oh, that’s easy! It’s the holiday in November when everyone gets together, eats turkey, and are thankful...” “Wrong!” replies St. Peter, and proceeds to ask the second lawyer the same question, “What is Easter?” The second lawyer replies, “Easter is the holiday in December when we put up a nice tree, exchange presents, and celebrate the birth of Jesus.” St. Peter looks at the second lawyer, shakes his head in disgust, tells him he’s wrong, and then peers over his glasses at the third lawyer and asks, “What is Easter?” The third lawyer smiles confidently and looks St. Peter in the eyes, “I know what Easter is.” “Oh?” says St. Peter, incredulously.

on EASTER SATURDAY in Ballaghaderreen at 4.30 pm Assembly at The Square March to Kilcoman Cemetery to the grave of William Patridge Guest Speaker: Martin Kenny, TD Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Eva, Mae and Ella Finneran. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Easter Commemoration in Ballaghaderreen An Easter Commemoration to the grave of William Partridge will take place on Holy Saturday, March 26, in Ballaghaderreen. Those interested in attending should assemble at The Square at 4.30 pm before proceeding to Kilcolman Graveyard. Partridge was the most prominent leader of the Dublin Workers after Jim Larkin and James Connolly during the Great Lockout of 1913. A staunch trade unionist and a skilful orator, Partridge served as a Dublin city councillor and was a leader of the Irish Citizen Army. Born in Sligo in 1874, Partridge was the son of an English train driver and an Irish mother. He was reared in Ballaghaderreen and, along with the Shouldice brothers Frank and Jack, also from Ballaghaderreen, he played a major part in the lead-up to the Rising. At the age of 22 he came to Dublin, where he took up employment at the In-

chicore Railway Works. When the Great Lockout of 1913 came, Partridge was one of the main leaders of the struggle. He toured Britain seeking support for the Dublin workers and addressed the British Trade Union Congress. Partridge took a leading role in the Irish Citizen Army from its foundation in November 1913. He was close to Connolly in the preparations for the 1916 Rising. Partridge fought in the College of Surgeons during Easter Week. Already ill before the Rising, after the surrender he was imprisoned in Dartmoor and Lewes prisons in England where his health deteriorated. He was released on health grounds in April 1917. He went to stay with his family in Ballaghaderreen, where he died three months after his release, on July 26, 1917. Constance Markievicz delivered his funeral oration in Ballaghaderreen, and fired a salute over the grave with her own pistol.

“Easter is the Christian holiday that coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Jesus and his disciples were eating at the last supper and Jesus was later deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. The Romans took him to be crucified and he was stabbed in the side, made to wear a crown of thorns, and was hung on a cross with nails through his hands. He was buried in a nearby cave which was sealed off by a large boulder.” St. Peter smiles broadly with delight. The third lawyer continues, “Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out... and, if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.” Happy Easter from all at Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors. This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Accident victim mourned < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The funeral arrangements have been confirmed for the man who died in a car crash outside Roscommon town last Sunday night. The victim was Gerry Roan (40), a single man from Creggs. The removal will take place at 8 pm at St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, near Creggs, today (Thursday). The funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 10 pm, with burial afterwards in Kilbegnet Cemetery. Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Roan will be held at the same Church on Easter Sunday at 10 am. The late Mr. Roan was the driver of a vehicle that struck another car at around

11.20 pm on Sunday at Carramore on the Roscommon-Athlone Road. The location is about 1.5 miles from the county town. He was taken by ambulance to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, where he was later pronounced dead. It was the first fatality on the Roscommon roads since 2014. There was no one else in Mr. Roan’s car, while there were two females – one aged in her mid-40s, the other in her mid-teens – in the other car. On Wednesday evening, Gardaí said that they both remained in a serious but non-life threatening condition at Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore. The Roscommon-Athlone road was closed

AIDAN IS HAPPY TO DISCUSS IN CONFIDENCE ANY QUERIES YOU MAY HAVE

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Telephone: 071 9631263 or 087 2423405 Email: aidanwrynne@eircom.net

Sliabh Bán Pilgrimage on Easter Monday The annual Sliabh Bán Pilgrimage takes place on Easter Monday and has already generated a lot of interest from people living in Roscommon and from further afield. The pilgrimage starts at Curraghroe Church on the R371, which is accessible from Lanesboro and from Scramogue, near Strokestown. Participants will gather at Curraghroe Church at 2.30 pm on Easter Monday, 28th March. For those who want to find out more about the Sliabh Bán Pilgrimage phone 087-9143834.

MAIN STREET, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 090 66 63867

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r ee ouour SSee Column n m olu oinn cBusiness page 2

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until mid-morning on Monday while Gardaí conducted a forensic investigation. An incident room has been established at Roscommon Garda Station and an investigation is underway, but it remains in its early stages. Sgt. Adrian Queeney said: “We are appealing for any witnesses that would have been on the travel route on the night in question between 11 am and 11.30 am. Some witnesses have already come forward.” Mr. Roan was well-known in Creggs and his death has plunged the area into grief. Among the chief mourners are his mother, Breege, and his brother, John, and his two sisters, Stella and Annette.

Pictured at the official launch of ‘Ardcarne Remembers 1913-1923’ at Beirne’s of Battlebridge last Friday were May Moran and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP.

FF and FG ‘may be preparing for another election’ – Naughten < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Independent TD Denis Naughten has strongly criticised Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s approach to negotiations about forming a government – and said that, in reality, they are preparing for another General Election. In a grouping being referred to as ‘the rural five’, Deputy Naughten has joined forces with fellow Independent TDs Noel Grealish, Mattie McGrath, Michael Harty and Michael Collins in talks with the two main parties. However, Deputy Naughten said: “A lack of urgency has been shown by both parties. I am disappointed by it. “While I think the two negotiating teams are committed, clearly, from talking to other senior people in the parties, a lot of them were getting prepared for the next election.” He also claimed that the both parties were “irresponsible” for ruling

out coalescing with one another. Deputy Naughten was involved in another round of talks with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil on Wednesday. He said: “There has been enough going around the merry-go-round, going from Billy to Jack. At some stage, someone needs to step forward to the plate and say: ‘Look we need to move this thing on.’” However, senior figures within the main parties have shown no such desire, Deputy Naughten said. “I believe that quite a number of people in both of the two big parties are trying to do a Nice Treaty on it: they are not happy with the result the people gave them, so they are going to continue to have elections until they get a result that suits some of the parties,” he said. “And that’s not good enough.” The Nice Treaty was initially rejected by the Irish electorate in 2001, but another referendum was held the following year and was passed.

A big fire broke out at a halting site in Castlerea on Monday night. At around 7 pm, at least three units of Roscommon Fire Service were called to the blaze at Harristown Halting Site, where it is understood rubbish was being burnt. The fire service stayed there for several hours in an effort to extinguish the fire, only leaving in the early hours of Tuesday morning. They returned to the scene shortly after sunrise because residents were concerned about the level of smoke that had spread to adjoining areas. It is understood that hazardous waste, such as asbestos, was being burnt. A digger was used to finally put out the remnants of the fire. Nobody was injured. John Keane, the Chief Fire Officer of Roscommon Fire Service, could not be reached for comment in relation to the incident. Separately, the fire service were called to a number of bog fires throughout the county over the past week.

Man charged over assault in Roscommon A man in his twenties has been charged in connection with an assault that took place in Roscommon town last Friday morning. Gardaí said that, at around 2.30 am, a man in his late twenties was assaulted by another similarly aged male outside a licenced premises. He received head and facial injuries and was taken to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, for treatment, but was later discharged. A man was arrested close to the scene and brought to Roscommon Garda Station for interview. He was charged the following morning and is due to appear before Roscommon District Court on April 5.

Hopkins welcomes road improvements Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins has welcomed the start of safety improvement works on the N61 near Boyle. The works involve the realignment of two sections of the N61, at Treanagry and Rathallen respectively, covering 1.1 km of road at each the location. Cllr. Hopkins said that the Rathallen /Treanagry road improvement scheme was very positive action being undertaken by Roscommon County Council. “I am happy that important funding was secured to facilitate this,” Cllr. Hopkins said. “There will be inconvenience during this period for road users. I have been informed by Roscommon County Council officials that the N61 road closure will take place from Monday April 4th. “Preliminary works are also being undertaken but do not necessitate road closure.” Alternative routes will be signposted during the road closures.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

An Easter Message from Bishop Kevin Doran

Dr. Elizabeth Sweeney McSharry Wishes to sincerely thank her patients for their good wishes and continued support during her recent relocation

ESB

Bishop Kevin Doran.

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Ladies Night Out in Ballaghaderreen Ballaghaderreen Chamber in association with the local business community are hosting a ‘Ladies Night Out’ in the Fiddler’s Elbow on Thursday, 24th March at 7 pm. There are lots of prizes on the night with a super surprise for the winner of

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of course, is the other, less public grief, which leaves people asking questions like: Who will roll back the stone? The answer, as the women discovered, is that the stone is rolled away by other unseen hands. The Spirit of Jesus is the one who lets light into the darkness of the tomb. The life of Jesus is not futile after all – and neither is ours –because our hope, as Saint Paul wrote, is not for this life only. We who believe in Jesus are entrusted through our Baptism to be witnesses of that hope. Sometimes that means standing with people by gravesides, or sitting with them over a cup of tea; sharing their experience of futility, so that we can also share with them something of the hope that we carry in our hearts, until eventually the stone is rolled away for them and the light breaks through. This is the meaning of mercy. I wish you every blessing for this Easter season and I pray that the light of Christ may touch the life of each and every one of you.

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n ancient Greek mythology there is a story about a man named Sisyphus. During his life he upset the gods and, as a result, he was condemned for all eternity to roll a big rock to the top of a hill. No sooner had he got it there than it would roll back down and he would have to start all over again. I suspect that the worst part of the punishment was not the rolling of the rock, but the futility of it. It was effort without purpose. When Jesus was laid in the tomb on Good Friday, a rock was rolled across the entrance. It carried the seal of the empire and the place was guarded by soldiers. The rock symbolised the end of all the hope that was represented by the life of Jesus. He who was the light of the world was sealed away in a dark cave. For those who knew him as Teacher and who had left everything to follow him, the rock across the mouth of the tomb must have been the ultimate expression of futility. The women on the morning of the “first day of the week” asked themselves “who will roll away the stone”? It has always seemed to me that their question was not just about gaining access to the body of Jesus, but about dealing with the emotional weight on their shoulders, the stone where their hearts ought to be. In all of our parishes there are people, our neighbours and friends, who ask that same question, day after day. “Who will roll away the stone for us?” They experience life as futile because of the death of a family member, the burden of ill health, the loss of a job or some other situation which has taken the light out of their lives. Who will roll back the stone? This week alone has seen families throughout Ireland, Europe and the wider world plunged into grief because of the tragic deaths of so many men, women and children. Behind these,

the ‘Best Dressed Lady’. Admission is free and Eunice Moran, radio presenter and entertainer, will keep us dancing. There will also be complimentary refreshments and finger food on the night. Everybody is welcome.

Best wishes to Easter Parade on Sunday

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be Closed: Car Park at the Market Square Roscommon, at the rear of the Bank of Ireland Building. THREE WISE MEN…Mick Rock, John McGowan and Tom Corcoran pictured supporting Roscommon U-21s in Sligo on Saturday last. Picture: Andrew Fox

Period of Closure: Monday 4th April to Friday 15th April, 2016 Alternative Routes: Regional Road R366 & Local Roads L7042, L7043. Reason for Closure: To facilitate re-surfacing works. Eugene Dwyer Head of Roads & Transportation Roscommon County Council Aras an Chontae Roscommon 22nd March, 2016.

€202,000 spent on control of dogs in 2015 Over 50 dogs in pound ‘put down’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

The cost of dealing with the control of dogs in Co. Roscommon increased by 60 per cent last year, with more than €200,000 spent, newly-released statistics have shown. Details released by Roscommon County

NALLY BROTHERS

Council, under the Freedom of Information Act (FoI), disclose that fees of €202,356.40 were incurred, far higher than the €125,734.65 accrued in 2014. These costs include administration, licensing, enforcement, dog control service, dog breeding establishments, etc. A Dog Pound is run on the council’s behalf at Rockfield, near Roscommon town. A total of 237 stray or unwanted dogs were accommodated there last year, including 73 surrendered by owners and nine which were seized. Yet almost one quarter of the dogs who entered

the pound – 51 of the 237 – were euthanised/ put down. Of the remainder, 112 were transferred to dog welfare groups; 47 were rehomed; 19 were reclaimed by their owners; four died of natural causes. A further four stray dogs were in the pound on December 31 last, when the period of the FoI request ended. Meanwhile, in 2014, the council spent €62,515.37 on the control of horses, with 64 of them seized during the year. However, the local authority incurred no costs for this last year.

Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel. 090 64 32387. Contact: Martin Nally, 087 2568044 or John Nolan, 087 9205325

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Why not give it a try! Enjoy some exercise, fresh air and socialising with friends and family

Roscommon Golf Club

is participating in this National Programme to introduce Ladies to the game of Golf. Programme includes: Lessons with a PGA Professional. Activities with Club Members Follow-on membership offers. EQUIPMENT PROVIDED!

We invite you along to Roscommon Golf Clubhouse on Wednesday 30th March 2016 at 8.00 pm for more details of this great offer. At the end of the Programme, there is no obligation to join the Club, but participation ensures a very attractive Introductory Offer. Golf Clubs are provided if required.

Enquiries to: 087 9078853 or 086 2608044

Roscommon ladies… want to get into golf? Roscommon Golf Club will host a ‘Get into Golf’ Information Night on Wednesday, March 30th at 8 pm in the clubhouse. ‘Get into Golf’ is a programme run in conjunction with the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI), which is run with the aim of promoting the game among complete beginners. The 8-week programme includes: 4 lessons with a PGA professional, activities with club members and follow-on membership offers. Golf clubs will be provided on loan where required during the programme which offers a wonderful opportunity for ladies of all ages and all abilities to take up the wonderful game of golf. Those taking part in the programme will be under no obligation to join the club but will enjoy the opportunity to get some

Roscommon student wins All-Ireland art title Cormac Fleming, Hyde Court, Roscommon won first place in the 7 years and under Irish League of Credit Unions All-Ireland Art Competition. Cormac is a pupil in first class in Gaelscoil de hÍde, Roscomáin. The awards ceremony took place recently in the Cusack Suite of Croke Park, Dublin. The competition which recognises aspiring artists from all over the country saw family and friends of the winning artists join Marty Whelan to recognise the

outstanding talent on display. The competition which is one of the biggest art competitions for children and adults alike has been running for 32 years and is open to entrants of all ages. The competition this year attracted 30,000 entries through 300 credit unions nationwide. This year’s theme ‘Happiness is ...’ was open to interpretation by each entrant and aimed to celebrate the creativity, imagination and vibrancy of the budding artists.

fresh air and exercise while socialising. However we do expect a good uptake on the very attractive new beginner membership offer. We look forward to welcoming you all on the night! For more information please contact 0879078853 or 086-2608044.

HSE WEST

Roscommon Breastfeeding Support Group Quite simply, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for you and your baby Any period of breastfeeding is an advantage We would love to support you in your breastfeeding journey The Public Health Nurses would like to invite you to our Breastfeeding Support Group in:

The Quad, Roscommon on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 11.30am to 1 pm

Pictured representing Roscommon at the recent All-Ireland Linguistics Olympiad final held in Trinity College, Dublin were Eimear Collier and Róisín Curley from Méan Scoil Mhuire gan Smál.

Free and friendly

Local students take on AILO challenge

Enquiries to Fiona on 086 8100667 HSE Roscommon also provide Breastfeeding Facilities in Monksland, Roscommon and Castlerea Primary Care Centres. Just ask at Reception.

< DAN DOONER

Two Roscommon students took part in the 8th annual All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO) competition final, which was held at Trinity College Dublin last week. Eimear Collier and Róisín Curley from Méan Scoil Mhuire gan Smál were among 100 students from 51 schools across 23 counties who raced to solve linguistic problems and decipher numerical spy codes in the quest to become Ireland’s top young problem solver. The students now await the announcement of the national final results next week when four students will be selected to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad in India in July 2016.

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL Pictured is U-7 Irish League of Credit Unions, All-Ireland Art Competition winner, Cormac Fleming (school uniform), with his parents and brother Diarmuid, ILCU President Brian McCrory, (left) and RTE’s Marty Whelan, (right). Cormac’s ‘Happiness is’ painting shows Cormac in a boat at Lough Key, Boyle, County Roscommon.

087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

Blackberry Hearing thriving in Roscommon town Blackberry Hearing, the Irish company making quality hearing aids much cheaper, has been operating a clinic out of Rosmed Pharmacy, Golf Links Road, Roscommon town, for the last few months. Every clinic involves a free hearing test, with clear and transparent advice on the options, prices and best solutions for each and every personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearing loss. Hearing Test bookings are now being taken for the Saturday 2nd April. Call 090 66 65524 to make an appointment. To date, every clinic has been full and many people have availed of the excellent pricing and follow-up service by Blackberry Hearing. Mary Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dowd, a local woman, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last night, for the first time in 30 years, I asked my husband to turn up the TV! Why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we get his hearing aid fitted years ago? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you so much to everyone in Blackberry Hearing for the excellent service, friendly advice but, above all, the brilliant value for money. Hearing aids make such a big difference for the whole family. I would urge people not to delay.â&#x20AC;? There is no need now to pay exorbitant prices for hearing aids. Blackberry Hearing aids start at â&#x201A;Ź399 for one, or â&#x201A;Ź799 for a pair with the grant. They are modern, high quality, digital hearing

aids made by Widex in Denmark who are renowned as being one of the top six makers of hearing aids in the world with a strong reputation for quality. The transparent pricing of the product is a deliberate and key policy decision by Blackberry Hearing, in contrast to many traditional suppliers of hearing aids, where there is a deliberate policy of having no pricing information in store or online to inform customers. Blackberry Hearing customers to date have enthused about the price, the quality and the service, with customer video reviews being regularly posted on their Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/blackberryhearing. Blackberry Hearing keep it simple by offering two hearing aid models, both of which address from mild to profound hearing, are very discreet and comfortable and are of the highest quality. John Ryan, who co-founded the company with Dave Gleeson, added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our customers tell us that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they are wearing them due to the comfort, nobody else knows they are wearing them as they are hidden, but they do know instantly when not wearing them due to the difference they now make in their everyday lives.â&#x20AC;? Drop into Rosmed Pharmacy or call at 0906 665524 or phone Blackberry Hearing on 01 6978470.

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Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Parade were Stephanie and Michaela Joyce. Picture: Andrew Fox

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hand in Handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event in Lanesboro Hand in Hand, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cancer charity, will host a fundraiser on Good Friday (March 25th) from 4 pm to 6 pm in St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall in Lanesboro. This promises to be an all-round day of fun for the whole family with light refreshments, face-painting, music and bouncy castles on the day. Come along and join the fun and support this very worthy cause!

MS Ireland church gate collection The local branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland is holding its annual church gate collection this Easter Sunday (March 27th) at Kilmovee Church. They are asking for the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usual generous support to ensure that work started by the branch 38 years ago is continued.

from from

* â&#x201A;Źâ&#x201A;Ź350 per ear

399 PER EAR

with Grant**

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The Irish company making quality hearing aids much more affordable, is now in Roscommon

Rosmed Pharmacy, Golf Links Road

Drop inTest to book a testnow or find out about T. 090 Hearing bookings being taken forthe thegrant. 2nd April. Call6665524 090 66 65524

European Made, High Quality, Discreet & Comfortable, Digital Hearing Aids. Our prices are an amazing 65% below most other hearing aid retailers.

www.blackberryhearing.com f facebook.com/blackberryhearing

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople Collection in aid of Ladies Club, Fr Devine’s work A bucket collection will be held in Roscommon town on this Sunday, March 27th and on the following Sunday, April 3rd. The bucket collection is being conducted by Ballintubber Ladies Club and Friends of Fr. Padraig Devine, left, the Clashaganny-born priest who is engaged in acclaimed conflict resolution work in Africa. The bucket collection will be conducted at Casey’s Topaz, Roscommon and on adjoining road(s). This Sunday’s collection will commence at 11 am and continue until the end of the Roscommon/Mayo match in Dr. Hyde Park. A

second collection will take place at the same location on Sunday, April 3rd next, when Roscommon play Dublin in Dr. Hyde Park. Proceeds will jointly go to Ballintubber Ladies Club and towards Fr. Devine’s great work in Africa. Fr. Padraig, a regular visitor to his native County Roscommon, is the founder and Executive Director of the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) in Nairobi. Your support for the upcoming bucket collections will be greatly appreciated.

It’s given me back my zest for life. If you’ve had an accident, illness, or injury or have a disability and need extra support, then NLN can help. There are over 70 training programmes available, each one designed to give you the conﬁdence and skills to open up new opportunities for employment, further education and personal fulﬁlment. Eligibility criteria apply. Find out more at: 094 962 0374 castlerea@nln.ie nln.ie facebook.com/NLNIreland

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were John Kennedy, Sinéad Kenny and Seamie Connelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

Councillors’ anger over St Asicus cuts said. “Pobal and the service users have lost confidence in the board of management to run the centre. “We have to make a fresh start.” Cllr. Valerie Byrne said that, rather than being reduced, the service should be expanded. “Instead of reducing that service to one day a week, that service should be increased to four or five days a week,” the Independent said.

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Boyle Muncipal District councillors have unanimously voiced their opposition to the curtailed programme for St. Asicus’ Centre, a facility for elderly people which is located in Keadue. The centre’s board of management announced last week that, because Pobal withdrew an annual grant of €104,000 from the facility, St. Asicus’ would be downgraded from April 1. The day care centre will be open only one day a week, instead of two, while the meals-on-wheels service will operate on just three days per week, instead of five, though the same volume of dinners will be delivered. The staffing levels will also be reduced from five to three, with the manager and a driver being let go. The controversy over the issue shows no sign of abating and, at Monday’s meeting of Boyle Municipal District, the matter was heatedly discussed. Fianna Fáil councillor Rachel Doherty took issue with the board’s plan for an intensive fundraising campaign to compensate for the funding cut. She said: “The most disappointing thing to learn was the fact that there would now be an attempt to have fundraising. “Families are expected to accept a

Service users sign petition

downgraded service of one day a week, a downgrade of staff there, and to take part in a fundraising campaign. “It’s a shocking and appalling situation. It’s outrageous.” As concerns mounted, a public meeting was held earlier this month. Arising from that, a delegation was chosen to meet Pobal to lobby for the funding to be retained. The delegation chosen earlier this month had had “significant and very advanced discussions” with Pobal, said Cllr. Doherty, who said that they were willing to continue to fund the service

under a new regime. Fine Gael Councillor Maura Hopkins said: “I too have been in contact with Pobal, who absolutely have confirmed that they want to see continuity of the service,” she said. “I certainly think there is a need for a fresh start. There appear to have been huge communication issues. “We do not want to see funding being pulled for a very important service that’s needed to service the older people within a very large catchment area.” Cllr. John Cummins also supported calls for a new regime. “There is one obvious thing here,” he

Twenty elderly people who use the St. Asicus’ Centre at Keadue have signed a petition against the downgrading of the service, a local councillor has said. Fianna Fáil councillor Rachel Doherty said that, on Wednesday, March 16, 26 people signed the petition, the other six being service users’ relations. Cllr. John Cummins, also of Fianna Fáil, said: “You cannot provide a service unless there are people to avail of it. They want a full service. “Going forward, as far as I understand, there are no people to avail of the service that the existing committee propose.”

Issuing of solicitors’ letters criticised < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Cllr. Rachel Doherty has described the issuing of solicitors’ letters to some public representatives on foot of comments made over the St. Asicus’ Centre controversy as “an attempt to muzzle” the politicians in question. At Monday’s meeting of Boyle Municipal District Cllr. Michael Mulligan read out a letter he received from solicitors acting for the board of the St. Asicus Centre. Cllr. Valerie Byrne (Independent) and Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane also received legal correspondence. Cllr. Mulligan said that he won’t be apologising for any comments he has made. Cllr. Byrne said that she only received the letter on Tuesday morning and that it would be impossible to respond within the requested timeframe. “I will be looking into the matter,” she said. Charlie Hopkins, the chairman of the board of St Asicus’, declined to comment. During Monday’s meeting of Boyle Municipal District, Cllr. Rachel Doherty, of Fianna Fáil, criticised the legal move. “We live in a democratic society. To issue letters to people is, in my opinion, an attempt to muzzle into silence those public representatives…” Cllr. Doherty said. “The issuing of those letters is not in the spirit of what should be done to ensure that that service continues as a full-time service.”

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

Hitting dizzying heights of Florida’s rollercoasters – 6 stones lighter M

ary had been thinking of joining Slimming World for well over a year, passing her local venue every week but not having the courage to go in. Seeing her friend Joan lose 2 ½ stone, and Joan’s daughter lose 7 stone, really spurred her on to join. The minute Mary walked into the Carraroe Slimming World group in January 2015, the big warm smile from the lovely consultant Tracy put her at ease immediately. “Why hadn’t I done this sooner?” she thought, and she has never, ever looked back. That first night, being January, there were lots of new members. The existing members were so welcoming, reassuring them all that they had done the right thing. As Tracy explained the Slimming World plan, Mary thought “This can’t be right, there’s no way you can eat so much food and still lose weight”. Chicken curry, burgers and chips, Spaghetti Bolognese, stews, chilli con carne, all the lovely comfort foods. “We could even still have a takeaway, either by cooking it at home, or by making more informed choices when ordering in.” This meant Mary and her whole family could still enjoy their favourite meals. This didn’t sound like a diet at all! Mary has since gone on to lose 6 stone, she now feels so much better;

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Mum-of-two, Mary, after losing 6 stone in just over 12 months, can look forward to the family’s dream holiday in Florida…

in fact, she says she feels 20 years younger. She is sleeping better, she has more energy, she can run up the stairs without getting out of breath. The family’s dream holiday in Florida is booked and Mary cannot wait, knowing she can go on all the theme park rides. “Now I have so much more self-confidence than I ever had. People who haven’t seen me in a while are blown away by the transformation and often do a double-take when they meet me. “I feel that Slimming World works for me because I felt cared for by someone who is passionate about

wanting to help me. I have never been put under pressure, it was okay to have a bad week, to have a weight gain. I was never humiliated, and this has been very important to me. I want to bring that same care and passion to the members in Boyle. Having been through my own journey means I know exactly what the members are going through. I am really looking forward to helping them and sharing in their success.” Mary opens her group on the 31st of March in St Joseph’s School, Boyle and she can be contacted on 0872376348.

Artworks by two Roscommon students are amongst entries being presented in this year’s 62nd Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Pictured is Valero Marketing Manager Bronagh Carron viewing (left) ‘Hide & Seek’ by 11-year-old Rachel Tully, a pupil at Scoil Bhríd, Four Mile House and (right) ‘Spring is Born’ by 15year-old Aine Connelly, a student at Roscommon Community College.

Run, walk or waddle for Croí in Elphin! A 6km Run, Walk or Waddle will take place on Sunday, April 10th at 2 pm in Elphin, Roscommon. The event is for people of all fitness levels and promises to be a great way for the community to hit the ground running in 2016 and promote a healthy and active year. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Croí, The West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation. Although up to 90% of cases are preventable, heart

disease and stroke remains the biggest cause of death and disability in Ireland. Croí is a local heart and stroke charity with its roots firmly embedded in the West of Ireland. The route begins at Bothar Rua and registration will take place on the day. Entry is €10 per person or €20 for a family. So get your running (or walking) shoes on for Croí and join the fight against heart disease and stroke in the community.

‘NEW CONSULTANT’ LAUNCHING THURSDAY 31ST MARCH 5.30PM & 7.30PM St. Joseph’s School Boyle Call Mary: 087 2376348 Every Thursday 9.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Hannon’s Hotel Athlone Road Roscommon Call Tracy: 087 6567059 g

Every Monday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Percy French Hotel Strokestown Call Melissa: 089 2212441 Every Wednesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm O’Rourke GAA Centre Castlerea Call Tracy: 087 6567059

slimmingworld.ie

01 656 96 96

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

TOYTOWN Longford & Roscommon Real Value Real Choice from a Real Toy Shop

GREAT EASTER TOY SALE AT TOYTOWN - LONGFORD & ROSCOMMON

FOR TWO WEEKS Friday, 18th March to Sunday, 3rd April Now is your chance - Grab a bargain while you can.

Toys from €5, €10, €15 Plus Many More Price Reductions But remember when there gone there gone! Also free competitions for kids. TOYTOWN – LONGFORD & ROSCOMMON (Shannonside Outside Broadcast Thursday, 24th March, Longford - Come Along & Join in the Fun)

DRUGS RAID IN BALLYLEAGUE Gardaí raided a private property at Ballyleague on St Patrick’s Day and found around €3,000 worth of drugs. At around 10.40 am, the Garda Drugs Unit conducted a planned search in the premises, in the Shannonside housing estate. There, they discovered the large quantity of cannabis herb, and arrested three people. The two men and one woman – in their

late twenties or early thirties – were taken to Roscommon Garda Station. They were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and interviewed. Two of them were released without charge, but one man was charged under sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. He was released on bail to appear before Roscommon District Court on April 5.

RosFM closure fears after state funds withdrawn Eight jobs at risk < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

RosFM, the community radio station, is in danger of facing closure over the coming months because its state funding has been withdrawn. The station, established in 2003, has been financed by the Community Services Programme (CSP), which gives grants to community businesses that deliver services and create employment from disadvantaged groups. It is funded by the Department of Social Protection and managed by Pobal. However, Pobal informed RosFM recently that it would cut the €106,000 annual grant from May 31. The station appealed against the decision, but that was unsuccessful, casting its future in doubt. RosFM said that eight jobs were set to be lost because staffing was currently funded through the Pobal

grant. “Due to the current situation, existing staff of two full-time and six part-time employees will conclude their employment with RosFM by May 31,” a station spokesperson said. “Every avenue has been explored to prevent this from happening and the board is currently exploring all options to identify alternative funding and resourcing.” RosFM said that it hoped to continue the station without Pobal funding. “RosFM will continue to provide a community radio service for Roscommon and its environs through its volunteer base and will be making fresh appeals for more volunteers,” said a spokesperson. Pobal said that it did not routinely comment on individual cases, but implied that funding was being withdrawn because the station was not viable. A spokesperson said: “In any cases where it becomes apparent that service providers are not complying with the agreed criteria of the programme, such as failure to address ongoing

sustainability problems, financial viability issues or not providing requisite value for money, Pobal engages with that service to offer them guidance on what needs to be done to correct any irregularities. “In rare circumstances where repeated engagement fails to rectify the situation, Pobal is obliged to recommend to the Department of Social Protection that funding be withdrawn.” However, RosFM said that it was restricted to obtaining advertising revenue from only within its permitted broadcasting area of six miles. A spokesperson added: “Successful fundraising activities which occurred over the last few years, like Celebrity Jigs and Reels, Kings and Queens of Country, Elvis Night and the recent raffle, are not considered traded income.” The station, based in Roscommon town, serves as a pathway for people with disabilities back into the workplace. It has a broadcasting licence until 2020.

Orla, John, David, Brian and Anna Mae Keegan pictured supporting Roscommon U-21s in Sligo. Picture: Andrew Fox

CAPTION COMPETITION RESULT We had a great response to our recent ‘Ming & Mullooly’ caption competition. MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and RTE Midlands Correspondent Ciaran Mullooly were photographed together at the General Election count in the Dr. Hyde Centre, Roscommon. We asked readers to volunteer a witty caption as to what Luke might have been saying to Ciaran, or what Ciaran might have been saying to Luke. There were several amusing suggestions on topics including: Longford having no TD; Ciaran’s recent book ‘Back to the Future’…and turf. We liked Javette McCormack’s entry, which had Ciaran saying – ‘Ming, we will celebrate with another M&M…a ‘sweet’ election victory!’ – but, after much consideration, the prize of a €50 One4all Gift voucher goes to Rose Morris from Elphin:

Ming: ‘Time for a new menu in Dáil Éireann – no more waffle or fudge.’ Ciaran: ‘And there’ll be no Cake…!’

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople Over €3,500 collected on Daffodil Day in Castlerea A total of €3572.00 was collected in Castlerea during Daffodil Day recently. The Irish Cancer Society is grateful to all who made Daffodil Day 2016 a huge success with their generous donations. A big thank you to all who donated fresh daffodils, all outlets in the town who sold pins and to all who helped on the day.

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‘Let’s debate Irish Water responsibly’ A young and very suitably attired fan pictured at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballaghaderreen on Thursday. Picture: Michael McCormack

As the debate continues about whether or not Irish Water should be abolished, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has urged politicians to take a responsible attitude and “not ask people to do things that they may regret later”. “When the Household Charge was intro-

duced, we had politicians telling people not to pay it,” he said. “Then the people who didn’t pay were saddled with bills of hundreds of euro after the Revenue Commissioners were given the task of collecting the charge and the politicians

who were advocating non-payment hit for the hills. “An equitable solution to these problems can be found but we have to have proper and responsible debate and not knee-jerk reactions that will benefit no-one in the long run.”

RE A S LE C N U E H & T S F TIE TO N U U O A “ ” G K R N I O REEN R E D COM OODW AGHA 2 BALL98 6052 W 094 4 E BOYL96 6314 071 A LERE 0910 T S A C 96 2 094 MON 7 M O C ROS 66 2665 090

n o i n it U

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WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

coroscommoncus.ie

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

Drive to help girl (5) with inoperable brain tumour C & L PLEX HOSTS PUPPET SHOW FOR DOIREANN ON FRIDAY < PAUL HEALY

C & L Plex, Roscommon will play host to ‘The Singing Tree’ tomorrow (Friday, March 25th) in aid of ‘A Miracle for Doireann’. The charity was set up in order to raise funds for five-year-old Doireann Martin who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour last November. Doireann was diagnosed with DIPG, an inoperable brain tumour with no survival rate.

Radiation is the only treatment available in Ireland. Doireann undertook a course of radiation in December which shrunk the tumour and alleviated her symptoms. She is now is great form and it is hoped that the radiation will keep the tumour stable for a long time. Doctors had given her a prognosis of a median survival time of nine months. Trials in CED technology, which was developed by Professor Gill in Bristol,

infuses drugs into the brain by passing the blood brain barrier. This might be an option in the future, depending on scan results. There are also immunotherapy trials that are underway and it is hoped that one of these experimental trials will find a cure. Money raised will help ease the financial burden of the family and make it possible to enjoy the time they have with Doireann and to do fun things she would like to do.

‘The Singing Tree’ is a live puppet show aimed at children of all ages and promises to provide great entertainment while also raising funds for this very worthy cause. There will be performances at 5 pm and 7 pm in the conference room and C & L Plex and tickets are €3 per person. To get your tickets call 090 6665333 or drop into C & L Plex in the Centre Point Retail Park, Roscommon.

Doireann Martin with Principal of Tibohine NS Mary Mitchell at the Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade last Thursday.

Seanad: Hopkins gets nomination, Kelly loses out

2 Mins from Exit 10 on M6

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

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Of the three Ballaghaderreen candidates who were vying for a nomination for the forthcoming Seanad elections, only Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins was successful. She was selected on the Administrative Panel. Outgoing Labour Senator John Kelly and Sinn Féin’s Claire Kerrane both failed in their bids to contest the election. Cllr. Hopkins was “delighted” to be selected by Fine Gael. “As a young woman, I believe that I would bring a new energy and fresh voice to the Seanad,” she said. Senator Kelly sought a nomination from

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Labour on the Industrial and Commercial Panel, but faced a three-way battle for one with outgoing Senator Lorraine Higgins and acting Minister of State for Justice Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. Mr. Ó Ríordáin, who lost his seat in the Dublin Bay North constituency in the General Election, was selected. The Roscommon Comhairle Ceantair of Sinn Féin nominated Ms. Kerrane to contest the Seanad election, but the party’s Ard Comhairle did not select her. The voting process for the elections to the Upper House will begin on April 15, while the results of the ballow will be determined on April 26.

Motorists awaiting the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class can set their clocks for April as plans for its arrival take shape. Fitted with an array of standard specifications and high-tech features that puts it ahead of anything in the threepointed-star stable and a leap ahead of its rivals in the luxury segment, it boasts what their sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen, says is “a combination of stylish design, competitive pricing, standard specifications, high-tech safety and driving dynamics that redefine standards in the business-class segment”. Available in three style and equipment lines, Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG, it maintains what is Mercedes-Benz’s established price-value offering whereby features that previously came only as options are now included as standard. Bringing this approach to what Allen says is “a completely new level”, the entry level Avantgarde model will come decked with over €7,000 worth of standard features compared to the outgoing version. Include in these will be Parktronic parking assist, heated front seats, full leather upholstery, reversing camera, LED static lights, satellite navigation, mirror pack, ambient lighting, storage pack, ‘through loading’ feature, seat comfort pack, alarm pack and a ‘connect me’ function. One that every motorist will applaud (optional in all markets) is a feature that allows the car to be manoeuvred remotely via a mobile phone without the driver being

inside – a development likely to appeal to all who ever found themselves hemmed in within a narrow parking space and unable to gain entry to their car. This movement towards ‘autonomous driving’ is seen also in systems such as Remote Parking and Drive Pilot (also optional in all markets) that demonstrate its ability to travel on ‘auto pilot’ while essential functions - such as speed control, braking, acceleration, gear changing and an ability to anticipate hazards ahead and take whatever corrective action may be necessary – are all carried out automatically. Call one of our Mercedes-Benz sales team today for more information on 090 6474620.

Brand ambassador and Ireland rugby international, Robbie Henshaw, pictured collecting his new Audi A6 at Michael Moore Athlone from Michael Moore Snr recently.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

Ardcarne Garden Centre – celebrating 30 years in business this year! C

elebrating 30 years in business this year, the awardwinning Ardcarne Garden Centre, just outside Boyle, is one of Ireland’s leading independent garden centres. Since it opened in 1986, Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle has become a mecca for enthusiastic gardeners, where you’ll find one of the most extensive plant selections in the country and friendly, qualified staff that are passionate about helping customers.

From humble beginnings Starting with a greenfield site just off the N4 at Ardcarne, owner Ronan O’Conghaile, who had an existing growing landscape business, began ‘sowing the seeds’ for a garden centre and recruited a highly recommended young woman as manager. That person, Mary Frances Dwyer, is still at the helm and leading the garden centre from strength to strength. In fact most of the employees have been with Ardcarne Garden Centre for many years, offering wonderful continuity for customers.

A growing success In 1998 a second Ardcarne Garden Centre was opened in the heart of Roscommon town, spreading the established reputation of offering quality, value, choice and advice.

Pictured on the opening day in March 1986 were David Leyden, Pat and Peggy Feely and baby Kenneth with Ronan O’Conghaile.

Pictured are some of today’s staff pictured with Ronan O’Conghaile.

It too has received many industry awards. In addition to both garden centres, an award-winning Landscape and Garden Design department is based at Ardcarne Garden Centre, Boyle and offers a complete service that caters for all sizes of gardens and budgets. The landscaping department at Ardcarne Garden Centre has won 14 National Landscaping Awards.

the website www.ardcarne.ie – also receive weekly emails, full of topical tips, news and forthcoming events.

Spreading the word Ardcarne Garden Centre hosts regular customer events and classes on a variety of topics during the year where you can meet likeminded people in a friendly and informative atmosphere. Garden Club members are free to join on

events throughout the year.

Local business, local values

Qualified professional advice is always available from the experienced horticulturists at Ardcarne Garden Centre.

In addition to being one of the largest local employers, Ardcarne Garden Centre is proud of its community role and fund-raising events organised for charities, such as the local Hospice. The Christmas Shop also proves very popular!

Relax and enjoy

The future is green

Visitors to the Arcdarne Garden Centre in Boyle are enjoying the recently-opened Ardcarne Garden Café, which offers a tempting selection of healthy lunches, homemade cakes, refreshing teas and a range of delicious coffees. The café also hosts regular free musical

Thirty years is a long time in business, yet owner Ronan O’Conghaile is still as passionate about horticulture and the business today. He says: “Whatever the time of year you visit, you’ll find the very best in gardening at Ardcarne Garden Centre.”

Ask the professionals

Join us on a trip to Chelsea Flower Show Visit the most prestigious Flower Show in the world as part of Ardcarne Garden Centre’s 30th birthday celebrations. Tour dates from 26-28th May 2016. Flights from Dublin-Heathrow, with two nights at the 4* Lancaster Hotel, London. Full day entry to the Chelsea Flower Show on Friday, 27th May and visit to Kew Gardens included on Saturday, 28th May. €769 per person, in a twin or double room B&B; €995 single. Further details from Brady Travel (071-9621600).

Chelsea Flower Show

Regular Events Coming Soon

Join Ardcarne Garden Centre on a trip to the

Bedding Plants for €

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Roses

4 for €20 €6.99 EACH

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Chelsea Flower Show

Vegetable Growing with leading organic grower Klaus Laitenberger Saturday 9th April 11am (Boyle) & 3 pm (Roscommon town) Discover how easy it is to grow your own healthy, nutritious vegetables

26 – 28 May Staying at the Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, London Details from Brady Travel, tel. 071 96 21600 cathal@bradytravel.com Tour subject to minimum number of persons

Ardcarne Landscaping

Ardcarne Garden Café

Take the first steps to your

Relax in the Ardcarne Garden Café, Boyle and enjoy the best in healthy home-made lunches, soups, cakes and desserts

Dream Garden Award-winning Landscape and Garden Design Service AT ARDCARNE GARDEN CENTRE Book your consultation today 071 96 67091

Open Monday to Saturday, 9-6pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays 12-6pm

AT TWO GREAT LOCATIONS: Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 071 966 7091 Lanesboro Road, Roscommon town. Tel. 090 662 7700

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople ROBERT FLYNN The Square, Castlerea • Tel: 094 96 20028

Light Hardware, Beekeeping Equipment, Fishing Tackle, Shooting, Horticultural Supplies, Off-Licence, Key Cutting • Onion Sets, Shallots, Seed Potatoes, Kerr Pinks, Records, Golden Wonders, Setanta Blight Resistant Potatoes, Early Seed Potatoes, Homeguard, Duke of York, Sharpes Express, May Queens, Aran Victors, Wireworm Spray, Leather Jackets Spray, Carrot Root Fly Spray. • Cabbage Plants, York and Common, Greyhound, Primo, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Carrot, Cauliflower, Lettuce and Scallion plants. • Grass Seed Acres and Half Acres, White Clover, Fodder Beet Seed, Seed Oats and Mortone • Round-up Special Offer: 5ltr only €39; 20ltr €99. While stocks last. • Loose vegetable seeds half the price of pre-packed seed, lawn sand, Sulphate of Iron for Moss, 3-in-1 Feed Weed and Moss Killer. • See our largest ever range of Fishing Tackle 7ft rod, reel and line only €20. Fishing Permits 2016 season. • Catridges, Bullets, Firearms, Key Cutting, Fax and Colour Photocopying Service. • Watch Battery and Strap replacement service, while you wait

All at Robert Flynn’s The Square, Castlerea

newsbriefs Ballindrimley/Tarmon Neighbourhood Watch AGM Ballindrimley/Tarmon Neighbourhood Watch including Ballindrimley, Tarmon, Tarmon Manor, Demesne, Carradavin, Ballymullrennan, will hold AGM on Thursday 31st March at 8 pm in St. Kevin’s GAA Club, Castlerea. All are welcome.

Castlerea Musical Society AGM The AGM of Castlerea Musical Society will take place on Wednesday, April 6th at 8.30 pm in the VEC building (off St. Patrick’s Street). All are welcome to attend. We particularly welcome new members. Membership for the year will be available at the reduced rate of €35 at the meeting.

Holistic and Angel Fair in Boyle Members of the community are invited to come and support local practitioners of Reflexology, Reiki, angel readings and more at The Holistic and Angel Fair to be held at St. Joseph’s Hall, The Crescent, Boyle on Easter Monday, 28th March from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is €5/€3 which includes entry to a raffle to win a treat, refreshments and a programme of talks. Mini treatments, angel readings, crafts, home baking and gifts will be available. All enquiries to Claire on 087-7847149.

Hospice store to open in Castlebar The official opening of the new Hospice Household store in Castlebar will take place on Friday, April 8th from 11 am-2 pm. The store is located at Unit 8, N5 retail park, Moneen. Mid West radio will be doing an outside broadcast for the event. All are welcome to come along and take part in the festivities. For more information, please contact Martin on 089-7017222 or Kathy on 0857802383.

Lisnamult March draw winners The winners of the Lisnamult March Draw were as follows: Maura Cunningham (€100), Mildred Feeley (€100), Breda Brien (€50), Tommy Gilligan (€25), Teresa Curley (€25), Brid Poland (€25). Many thanks to all our subscribers over the years, a new draw will begin in May. Don’t forget to have dancing shoes at the ready for the Easter Hop in the Abbey Hotel on Easter Sunday night in support of Roscommon Community Sports Park. Tickets are only €10 with music by the Heebie Jeebies.

Walk for Cancer in Glinsk on Good Friday The annual 10k Walk for Cancer takes place in Glinsk on Good Friday, March 25th. The walk will commence at 5 pm at Glinsk NS and will proceed to Ballinakill, Sonnagh, Corlackin and back to Glinsk, with a stop-off for refreshments at Curley’s house. Runners, cyclists, dog walkers, pram pushers –are all welcome! Looking forward to meeting you all on the day.

From My Kitchen Table

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MIRIAM KERINS

Thoughts on what makes a relationship successful (not from the rag mags!) O

nly saddos and freelance journalists with too much time on their hands will be familiar with the gossip columns in some of the rag mags and red tops competing for space on newsagents’ shelves. Yes folks, I probably have too much time on my hands (not) and perhaps that’s why this week I happened across a piece in ‘Hello’ magazine where busy actress and mother Jessica Biel, the woman who, these days, seems to be able to fire out marriage advice quicker than I can burn toast, says: “I kind of like an old-fashioned date – dinner, movie, make out,” with hubby Justin Timberlake. Aaah, sure doesn’t it just warm the cockles and isn’t it wonderful how the prism of these exuberant gossip mags manage to give some celebrity couples an almost mythic quality and radiance making me muse, (probably unfairly) that the union that is Biel-Timberlake is so out of touch with the real world, and so up their own backsides, the next issue of ‘Hello’ will probably report the pair as missing! However, flicking through another gossip rag, this time The Sun, (because I can’t help myself, I love a bish of salacious, tawdry tittle-tattle), I notice one of my favourite singers, Ellie Goulding has split from the bloke she described as ‘the one’ – the bloke she was meant to be talking babies and wedding bells with – McFly band member Dougie Poynter. The reason, apparently, Dougie ‘wants to crack America as an actor.’ Furthermore, according to the article, the very talented Ellie has also allegedly revealed, ‘she will be QUITTING the music industry next year to get over the heartache.’ Well readers, given these recent revelations, I think I’ll have to offer Ellie an honorary life membership to my Spite Club, or at least a subscription until she learns to choose her men wisely and stop dating curs who leave her an emotional wreck, rendering her so heartbroken she considers giving up an amazing career! Now on the other hand, and in the interest

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel

of balance, I have to say that the ambitious Dougie has every right to pursue his career, and, just because these two people love each other, it doesn’t mean they were perfectly suited to each other. You see, for me, a good, stable relationship means having a deep connection with your partner. And, okay, I do recognise Mrs. Timberlake’s recipe for success that ‘making out,’ is important, but the fact is, performing sexual acrobatics following a night at the movies is really only a small piece of the puzzle and, sadly, for some couples, this is possibly the only leg their marriage has to stand on; although I‘m not suggesting for one minute that the union between Jess and Jus doesn’t run much deeper…I’m sure it does. I’d also like to say that celebrity gossip is simply a load of kitchen sink drama inducing headlines that we manage to pick up standing in the checkout aisle of the local supermarket where we love to read, react and speculate about those lives over which we wield absolutely no influence and power whatsoever!

Time to grow a set, Hillary! Hillary Rodham Clinton just cannot seem to shake off philandering hubby Bill’s sexual improprieties and infidelities, and, rightly or wrongly, when she made the choice to stand by her bugle boy, and then, years later, throw her hat into the ring as a US Presidential hopeful, with what I call her ‘I don’t care who comes first in the White House as long as I’m the First Lady’ attitude, I have to say, she had to have known his past would erode her campaign. However, making a woman, any woman, fair

game and attempting to smear her character and taint her career just because she chose to stand by her man is a disgrace. As wives and mothers, we all do what we have to do to save our families in times of crises. However,

I will say this, when I read in her memoirs that Hillary’s reaction to Bill’s then-admission to what he called ‘an inappropriate intimacy,’ was to say “I wanted to wring his neck” I thought really – his neck? This was what you wanted to wring Hillary? His neck? Seriously love, would you ever grow a set, it’s not his neck that needed wringing it was another body part entirely and it’s right on the tip of my tongue – or was that the tip of Monica Lewinsky’s tongue? I’m a tad confused!

Look, I’m no expert, but I’d imagine what makes a relationship successful is what happens outside of the bedroom, meaning for a couple to remain solid, they need to know who their other half is, what they want out of life, what hopes/dreams/goals they have, and, most importantly, what they fear the most. For anyone who’s interested, as in, those about to accept a proposal and embark on marriage, here are some things that may stand you in good stead down the line. When your relationship is upgraded from partner to the sweet, indulgent, decadence that is ‘the spouse,’ a new life programme is immediately initiated by the other half. This programme takes up space and valuable resources and there is no mention of said activity by the counsellor in the premarriage guidance course. This programme positions itself on the couch and launches system installation the second it monitors Sky Sports, Sky Movies or The Discovery Channel. Sophisticated applications such as ‘girls/ boys’ night out’ no longer run on this programme because the system crashes when that particular button is selected by you and the kids start to appear; and remember readers, this is a most important bit of info I can give you, ‘uninstall’ does not, nor will it ever, work on this particular software. Believe me, I’ve tried it! Consider yourselves duly warned. Good luck!

A great and proud local event It was a case of when Irish eyes were bloodshot last week as the Paddy’s Day festival got off to a great start here in Roscommon. Yep, bhí an ghrian ag taitneamh an Déardaoin seo chaite, and sure it’s the one day of the year when everyone wants to be Irish because no other culture holds a candle to us when it comes to throwing an aul party and refusing to take ourselves too seriously. Personally, myself and himself had a relaxing day out in Roscommon town; we strolled around, basked in the wondrous sunshine and enjoyed a delicious meal in Gleeson’s, remarking how heartwarming it was to see proud dads holding excited toddlers high onto their shoulders as families lined the sunny streets of Ballintubber to enjoy all the pomp and ceremony of the colourful parade. Well done to everyone involved. In the meantime, Happy Easter to all; I hope the Easter Bunny pays a visit and leaves lots of chocolate.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople newsbriefs

PAUL HEALY’S

Great prizes on offer with Boyle GAA Boyle GAA Club will be selling tickets for a raffle at this weekend’s Roscommon v Mayo match at Dr. Hyde Park to raise funds for their U-14 football team who will represent the county in the All-Ireland Féile in Killarney next month. There are some super prizes available including an all expenses trip to New York for the Roscommon v New York game and there are several other valuable prizes as well. Please show your support.

Coder Dojo’s back in Boyle! Boyle Coder Dojo together with Foróige are delighted to welcome new and existing coders to register next Wednesday evening (30th March) between 6 pm and 7 pm in Boyle Enterprise Centre, Quarry Lane, Boyle. Young people from 10 to 16 years are eligible to join. This year we will be working with Scratch, animation, science and engineering. For further details, call Noirin on 086-3880738 or email boylecoders@gmail.com

Holy Face of Jesus banner on display A Holy Face of Jesus Banner will be on view at SuperValu/Tesco carpark on Good Friday, 25th of March 2016. Everybody is welcome to come and get a medal and Novena leaflet and to participate in prayer to save our country.

Fitzmaurice on credit unions’ initiative Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has voiced support for the news that the Irish League of Credit Union’s (ILCU) has offered the Government €5 billion to fund social and local authority housing. “It is a very interesting development and it needs to be looked at seriously, and in the context of the reorganisation of the Credit Union sector,” he said. Deputy Fitzmaurice said that, since being elected to the Dáil, he had called consistently for credit unions to be given more power. “The banks have largely abandoned rural Ireland and there is certainly scope for an enhanced role for credit unions, including the facility for them to provide mortgage facilities,” he said.

A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Paul Healy on…St Patrick’s Day in Ballintubber; In praise of country railway stations; What Micheál might say to Enda; Recalling the team that we’ll never forget…and a busy Easter schedule… Thursday It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and the weather is glorious. Destination: Ballintubber. Admiring the countryside (which of course always stands out more when the weather is so nice) we turn for Ballintubber and are directed by volunteers into a field which is rapidly filling with cars. The annual Ballintubber Parade has been a great success in recent years. The 2016 version was perhaps the best yet. There was a great variety of entries and a huge crowd of spectators. We particularly enjoyed the float which was themed on 1916 and which questioned the wisdom of a Grand Coalition. At the rear, ‘Enda Kenny’ and ‘Micheál Martin’ were boxing one another and a hilarious (and very authentic looking!) ‘Joan Burton’ was running behind them, pleading for some recognition. Apparently things got really out of hand in front of the reviewing stand when Enda basically shot Joan. A bit extreme, or “bejaysus, no need for that” as the man himself might say on mature reflection. Meanwhile ‘St Patrick’ was on the front of a Luas tram, ‘Fr Jack’ was in a ‘Back to the Future’ DeLorean car and the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band were in full flow. Local schoolchildren were also involved, as were many local businesses and voluntary groups. It was an excellent parade and full credit must go to the organisers and participants. Likewise, congratulations to organisers of the very successful parades held in other towns and villages in the region. * Before we left Ballintubber, our five-year-old son, Matthew, won a real, live goldfish (they’re boring – goldfish, not five-year-olds). The goldfish (complete with bowl) thus joined us on the journey home. I’ve heard the teaser/bad joke about the man who walks up and down the train all the way from Roscommon to Dublin. The poser is: Did he get the train to Dublin or walk all the way to Dublin? Well, to further re-hash that riddle, I’m now wondering did the goldfish actually swim all the way from Ballintubber to Roscommon?

Friday It’s a pleasure to renew acquaintance with David Cunningham, who is in charge at the award-winning Dromod Railway Station. This is a beautiful, picturesque railway station located on the edge of a beautiful, picturesque village. Indeed any time I pass the old Garda Station in Dromod (which was recently sold to some lucky purchaser!) I am reminded of Heartbeat, an old television favourite of ours. As many readers will recall, Heartbeat was a very popular ‘light drama’ which was set in 1960s Yorkshire. Dromod Railway Station, like the old Garda Station in the same village, reminds me a little of ‘Heartbeat’ too. But it’s not just picturesque and beautifully kept – it’s of great value to the community too. The bus service in the Dromod/Rooskey area was withdrawn a few years ago and there was also unwelcome speculation about the future of Dromod Railway Station around that time. Services such as those provided by Dromod Railway Station simply must be retained – and, where necessary and possible, enhanced. I am delighted to see the decline of rural Ireland figuring so prominently in the post-General Election talks about talks. Voter frustration with the plight of

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Joby, Alphonse, Diane Rose and Sheba Joseph. Picture: Andrew Fox

rural Ireland was one of the main reasons why Fine Gael and Labour lost so many seats. Woe betide any Government that doesn’t place a meaningful policy focus on rural Ireland now. Long may services such as those provided by Dromod Railway Station continue making the vital contribution they make in rural Ireland.

Sunday If you’re to go by the various Sunday newspapers (with their conflicting ‘insights’), you’ll be completely confused about what’s likely to happen on the political front. For what it’s worth, I’m beginning to believe all those holier-than-thou Fianna Failers who keep saying they actually won’t be entering a Grand Coalition with Fine Gael. Just now, my money is on a Fine Gael-led minority Government, with Fianna Fail support. That would give us a Government for a while at least, and thus avoid an immediate General Election. It would give Enda his place in history (as the first Fine Gael leader to lead successive Governments). Fianna Fail would love it – they wouldn’t have to take the tricky step of linking up with Fine Gael, they would have supremacy over Sinn Fein on the opposition benches, they could claim to be acting in the national interest, and they would be in the perfect position…to pull the plug in a year or two in anticipation of seat gains in the ensuing election. If this minority Government goes ahead, it will be a short-term triumph/escape for Enda, but it will also mean that his days are numbered. On the other hand…

Monday Richard Canny has been in touch (many times) to cajole me into contributing an article for an upcoming book on supporters’ memories of the great 1977-80 Roscommon team. All proceeds from the book will go towards Pieta House, the charity which continues to do such valuable work in the area of suicide prevention. I was delighted to finally get around to submitting an article this week. Just thinking back to those memorable summers following that marvellous Roscommon team, made me feel a renewed pride. Readers will be aware of how excited (rightly) the public is just now about the current Roscommon team, which has achieved the remarkable feat of winning four consecutive National Football League Division One games. Imagine the 1977-80 team won the league

outright in 1979, and also won four consecutive Connacht titles! It was a team of wonderful players and even if the All-Ireland title sadly eluded them, well….as I wrote in my article for the book, that Roscommon team may not have won Sam, but they won just about everything else…“matches and medals and most of all, they won our hearts – and a permanent place in our memories.” The current team? They’re progressing superbly, and let’s hope another great era is upon us! For more information on the above book, due to be published soon, check our Facebook Page ‘Roscommon Football Legends’ and/or roscommonfootballlegends@ gmail.com

Later this week… Major events marking the Centenary of 1916 will take place in the coming days. Everything has gone smoothly thus far in this marathon but very justified – and wide-ranging – commemoration. ‘Remember, reflect, reimagine’ is an apt slogan for the Centenary celebrations. It’s been great to witness the involvement of local primary schools. It promises to be a very special and historic weekend, and I know that many more events will also be held next month and later in the year. Locally, it promises to be a very busy and hopefully very exciting weekend in Roscommon town. The Roscommon footballers finally get to play one of their National Football League Division One games at Dr. Hyde Park, and a cracking local derby is in prospect against our neighbours, Mayo. Earlier (12 noon start) the atmosphere will build with the annual Roscommon Town Easter Parade, and I know that chairperson John Doorly and his consistently brilliant committee – assisted by a large number of volunteer stewards on the day – are pulling out all the stops yet again. Reminiscent of that magical evening each year when Santa visits to turn on the Christmas lights in Roscommon town, the annual Easter Parade really is a wonderful family-friendly event. Meanwhile, crowds will also gather in Strokestown on Easter Sunday where the annual parade there kicks off at 2 pm this year. There will be great craic in Elphin this weekend too as the town hosts the annual Roscommon County Fleadh. On behalf of all at The Roscommon People, I would like to wish our readers, advertisers, newsagents and contributors a very Happy Easter. And remember, if you’re reading this at 1 am on Easter Sunday, it’s actually 2 am!

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Keep the Home Fires Burning – at Roscommon Arts Centre Remembering the Great War through Music, Dance, Song and Story

s part of the Roscommon Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and World War 1, the Galway Percy French Society and Patrick Kavanagh Western Association, are hosting a concert of music and dance, poetry, song and story, inspired by the Great War, entitlted: ‘Keep The Home Fires Burning’, which will take place at Roscommon Arts Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon, on Saturday, 26th March, as part of the Roscommon Global & Diaspora/ Town Twinning/Sister Cities Partnerships programme which is taking place between 21st – 28th March, 2016. The presentation will capture the thoughts and narratives of renowned war poets and soldier poets – amongst them Rupert Brooke, Laurence Binyon, Margaret Cole, Mae HerschelClark, Tom Kettle, Francis Ledwidge, John McCrae, Patrick McGill and W.B. Yeats. The unforgettable melodies of Jerome Kern, Ivor Novello, Jack Judge, Eric Bogle, Fred Weatherly, Harry Lauder, John Keegan, Casey and

Cormac McConnell are captured by Deirdre Curley, Contralto; Pat O’Sullivan, Tenor and Eamon Shevlin, Bass Baritone. Wry humour too from the pen of Percy Fench and Patrick Kavanagh, was was ten-years-old when war was declared, is also remembered. Eamon Shevlin and Pat O’Sullivan are members of Galway Choral Association. Pat is also a member of the popular A Cappello Group, The Baytones. Deidre Curley is a former pupil of The College of Music, Dublin and is a member of Ancor Chamber Choir, Limerick. Music from areas around the world touched by the war is provided by Violinist, Ide Ní Fhaolain, Cepta Byrne on button accordion, accompanied by Deirdre Curley on piano, with dance performances from Pat and Connie O’Sullivan, Dolores Wright and Terry Coogan. Concert commences at 8.00 pm. Tickets €10. To book, kindly call 090 66 25 824 or online artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie

Galway Percy French Society and Patrick Kavanagh Western Association present

Keep The Home Fires Burning REMEMBERING WORLD WAR 1 Through Music, Dance, Song and Story as part of ROSCOMMON IRELAND 2016 CENTENARY PROGRAMME “Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them” DEVISED BY MARGARET CURLEY The Cast includes: Eamon Shevlin, Bass Baritone; Baritone; Pat O’Sullivan, Tenor Tenor;; Deirdre Curley, Contralto Contralto;; Ide Ní Fhaolain, Violinist;; Cepta Byrne, Button Accordion Violinist Saturday 26th March | 8pm Sharp | €10.00

ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE TO BOOK: 090 66 25 824 artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie • www.roscommonartscentre.ie

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

County Fleadh in Elphin & Strokestown Easter Parade Best wishes to the Elphin County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade from Pat, Marion and family

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Strokestown to th host 17 annual Easter Parade Strokestown is set for its 17th annual Easter Parade this Sunday at 2 pm. The parade is setting off at the earlier time of 2 pm due to the Roscommon v Mayo football clash at Hyde Park. The parade will be taking its usual route through the town and will as always have a number of floats depicting all levels of activity in the region. Pipe bands from Monaghan and Tullamore will also be present. The organisers are hoping that there will be many memories from 1916 on the day with special prizes for the best depictions of 1916. The organising committee are also hoping that some of the local schools will turn out with some of their 1916 school projects, which have looked excellent on display in recent weeks. Commercial entries cost €25 with all community floats from the region gaining free admission. Strokestown Community Development Association have also wished the staff at Strokestown Park House the very best with their Easter Egg Hunt and indeed the launch of their 1916 exhibition on Easter Monday. Strokestown will once again have lots to offer the whole family this Easter Pictured at last year’s Easter Sunday Parade in Strokestown. Picture: Andrew Fox Sunday! Best wishes to the County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade

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Pictured in An Bothar Rua, Elphin at last year’s County Fleadh were John Collins, Trevor Conroy and David Tiernan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

County Fleadh in Elphin & Strokestown Easter Parade Best wishes to the County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade

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Cllr. Valerie Byrne Lisduff, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 071 9635384 Mob. 086 8887897 cllrvbyrne@roscommoncoco.ie Best wishes to the County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade

Pictured at last year’s Easter Sunday Parade in Strokestown. Picture: Andrew Fox

Shows, summer schools… and poetry in motion! It promises to be a great year in Strokestown! < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Sunday’s Easter Parade in Strokestown will kick-start a bumper year for the town, with a series of marquee events to be staged. At least once a month between now and September, events that will attract big crowds – and much entertainment – will be held. The Strokestown International Poetry Festival has proven a very popular event at Strokestown Park House in recent years, and this year’s version, which will runs from April 29 to May 1, promises to be the best yet. The Irish Famine Summer

School will be held at the same location from June 14 to 19 and, in a year when Irish history is being celebrated widely, it is sure to prove a great success. While both of those events have been held on an annual basis recently, Strokestown has been chosen to stage the Connacht Fleadh this year. Hundreds of people are expected to flock to the town over the course of two weekends – June 25-26 and July 2-3 – to spectate and participate. In September, the renowned Strokestown Agricultural Show will be staged for the

Best wishes to the County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade

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150th time, and a week-long programme of events is being planned to mark the occasion. Overall, a bumper few months is in prospect in Strokestown. “There is something every three or four weeks in Strokestown from here on out and the Connacht Fleadh will be one of the focal points in this year’s festivities,” Emmett Corcoran, a community activist, said. Currently, however, Sunday’s parade is to the foremost of people’s minds. To accommodate those attending Roscommon’s big match against Mayo in the National League at Hyde

Park, the parade will take place at 2 pm. It is run by the Strokestown Community Development Association. The parade normally lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. There will be many floats of various descriptions, while bands will be present to provide top quality music. The event, supported strongly by local businesses and community groups, starts at Elphin Street before continuing down towards Westward Garge and finishing at Church Street. “There will be music on in the bars as well. Generally, it turns into a good evening for all of the family,” said Mr. Corcoran.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

County Fleadh in Elphin & Strokestown Easter Parade

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International Boxing Tournament an Easter highlight in Strokestown Proceeds to GAA Club Strokestown GAA Club launched their International Boxing Tournament on St. Patrick’s Day in the Sportsman’s Inn. The event, which is the brainchild of New York Attorney, Gerry Padian, who hails from the area, takes place in the Strokestown Community Centre on Easter Saturday, starting at 8 pm. It will feature boxers from the New York Athletic Club and an Irish selection including members of the Garda Boxing Club managed by well-known boxing mentor Eddie McDonnell. Mr. Padian, who has a holiday home in Strokestown, regularly attends gaelic games and is a strong supporter of Strokestown GAA and the Rossies. Speaking at the launch, Club Chairman Martin Silke thanked Gerry for coming up with the idea for the event and asked everyone to support what will be a fantastic night’s entertainment. He said that “the facilities put in place in Strokestown had put huge financial

Pictured at the launch of the ‘Showdown in Strokestown’ international boxing tournament at the Sportsman’s Inn were members of the Strokestown Ladies and Men’s football teams with Eddie McDonnell, Frenchpark Boxing Club and Martin Silke, Chairman of Strokestown GAA. Pic: Mary Regan

pressure on the GAA club” but he was confident that with the continuing support of the community it was manageable. Gerry Padian said: “What Strokestown GAA has put in place is a wonderful facility for the community and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to help the club.” There will be ten bouts on the night, with top

quality entertainment assured. There will also be a full bar and refreshments available in the centre. Tickets are €10 each and patrons are advised to get their tickets in advance (from any committee member). Further information can be had by calling Joanne at 086-3698003 or Pat at 087-2361794.

Good luck to Elphin on the County Fleadh Looking forward to meeting you all at the Strokestown Easter Parade at 2pm

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Pictured at the launch of the ‘Showdown in Strokestown’ international boxing tournament at the Sportsman’s Inn were (back row): Declan Cavanagh, Eddie McDonnell, Martin Silke, Sean Collins, Brendan Kelly. Front row: Pat Compton, Joan Neary, Joanne McGinley, Patricia O’Beirne and Marty Beirne. Pic: Mary Regan

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

County Fleadh in Elphin & Strokestown Easter Parade Best wishes to the CountyFleadh and Strokestown Easter Parade from

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Pictured in An Bothar Rua, Elphin at the 2015 Fleadh were Siobhan Friel, Siobhan McArdle and Patricia McArdle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Elphin to host County Fleadh for third year in a row The Roscommon County Fleadh will be hosted by Elphin CCE for the third year in a row this Easter weekend, from Saturday (26th) to Monday (28th) of March. This year’s Fleadh promises to continue the great atmosphere and fun experienced by all in previous years.

This Saturday there will be a national ballad singing session from 8 pm at An Bothar Rua and with music sessions in all pubs. The Fleadh will be officially opened on Easter Sunday at 4.30 pm by county chairman Tom Shine. The ceremony will be followed by the presentation of the Gradam award

Best wishes to the County Fleadh & Strokestown Easter Parade

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to Cyril McDermott from Elphin. Cyril has been a follower of Irish music and song for many years. He released a CD titled ‘Dear Old Elphin’ with local songs and new compositions in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice a few years back. Cyril is a man who always supports and promotes Irish culture. It is only fitting that he be presented with Gradam an Fleadh 2016. There will then be a singing session guided by Frances Murray at 6 pm in An Bothar Rua with all dancing competitions at 6 pm in Elphin Community centre on Easter Monday (28th). The committee would like to thank sponsors, musicians and friends for their help and support over the last three years.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Roscommon Town Easter Parade

Easter fun: When the clock strikes 12…the big Parade starts! T

he organisers of this year’s Easter Parade in Roscommon town are reminding everyone to put their clocks forward one hour this Saturday in order to be on time for the parade at 12 pm! “Be sure to set those clocks,” said the Roscommon Easter Parade Committee, “there’s an hour less in bed and the parade is starting an hour early – so make sure you’re in town on time!” The Roscommon Easter Parade is all set to be a stunning start to what promises to be one of the busiest Easter Sundays in the town in recent years. The parade, which starts at the earlier time of 12 noon, coupled with the Roscommon v Mayo match following later (3.30 pm), will undoubtedly make for a very memorable day out. The parade will start at the earlier time of 12 noon sharp, taking its traditional route. Assembly in advance will be in the Abbeytown area from 11.30 am. It will proceed from Abbey Street into Church Street on to Main Street, past the reviewing stand on The Square, concluding in Castle Street at Rockford’s. Marshals and civil defence volunteers will assist; spectators and those participating are asked to follow directions. Organisers have issued a final call for entries this week urging those interested in taking part to confirm their interest by email to roscommoneasterparade@gmail.com or by calling 086-8495751 or 086-3147318.

Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Easter Parade were John Doorly, Patricia Mullaney, Larry Brennan, Deirdre Kelly, Mary Regan, Orla Healy, Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice and Peter Dolan. Picture: Andrew Fox Best wishes to Roscommon Town Easter Parade from

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Roscommon Town Easter Parade

Garda trafﬁc plan for Sunday in Roscommon < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Gardaí has a special traffic plan in place for Easter Sunday because two huge events – the Easter Parade and Roscommon’s league match against Mayo – are being staged in Roscommon town. They said that the two events would have an impact on the free movement of traffic and members of the public from 11 am to 6 pm. The parade is due to start at noon. It will follow its traditional route, with floats assembling in the Abbeytown/Galway road area from

11.30 am. The parade will follow the usual route from Abbey Street into Church Street, on to Main Street, past the reviewing stand at The Square and concluding in the Castle Street area. A large attendance is expected and traffic movement along the streets outlined above will be restricted between 11.30 am and 2 pm approximately. Members of the public attending the parade are requested to co-operate with gardaí and parade marshals and civil defence volunteers when asked to follow directions. The throw-in time for Roscom-

mon’s match at Hyde Park is 3.30 pm. Patrons/supporters attending the game are asked to arrive early and to park in designated car parks around the town. Gates will open at 2 pm at Hyde Park, with tickets on sale at both entrances at the Athlone Road and the Golf Links Road. Supporters are urged to park legally in public car parking facilities in Lanesboro Road, Circular Road, Athlone Road or Golf Links Road. Vehicles parked illegally or causing obstruction will be towed.

Members of the public attending the match are requested to co-operate with gardaí and GAA stewards when asked to follow directions. Consumption of alcohol around Hyde Park will not be tolerated. Traffic disruption around Roscommon town along the main N60 (Castlerea road), N61 (Boyle road) and N63 (Longford road) will be experienced between 1 pm and 6 pm. Members of the public not attending the above events are encouraged to make alternative travel arrangements.

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Easter Hop to round off perfect day (hopefully) in Roscommon The Roscommon Community Sports Park fundraising committee will host the Easter Hop with music by the ‘Heebie Jeebies’ this Easter Sunday night in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town. The music starts at 10 pm and tickets are priced at €10. The Easter bunny has even come on board to promote the

Easter Hop. The Sports Park committee – along with the Bunny – will also be taking part yet again this year in the Roscommon Easter Parade. The committee is now fundraising for phase 2 of the community sports park. With the astro-turf up and running (and available for hire by calling 086-0741318) the committee

is now busy raising funds for the development of changing rooms and toilets at the facility. Come along to the Easter Hop on Easter Sunday night for what promises to be a night of great music and entertainment to round off a great day in the town. Be in with a chance to win Premier tickets for the Ireland

v Netherlands game on Friday the 27th of May at the Aviva Stadium by entering the Roscommon Community Sports Park draw. We thank the FAI for supporting the project by sponsoring these tickets.

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Roscommon Town Easter Parade Best wishes to Roscommon Town Easter Parade from

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Adding colour… via Castlerea! < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

As usual, the Castlerea Parade Group will be involved in Sunday’s Roscommon Easter Parade and their inflatable floats will provide an extra dimension to the proceedings. The group, led by Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, hire a series of floats, mostly based on cartoon characters, for use at different parades. Among the inflatable floats they have rented for Sunday are an aeroplane,

a large elephant, Thomas the Tank Engine and a large dragon. “Some are them are very big, so it is going to be a challenge to get them down the street, but we are hopeful that we will be able to get them through with the help of people,” Cllr. Fitzmaurice said. Around 20 volunteers will be involved in ther operation. “We are hoping that it will bring a bit of colour to the parade,” Cllr. Fitzmaurice said – quite an understatement, we think!

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Roscommon Town Easter Parade

Final preparations being made for biggest parade to date < DAN DOONER

The organising committee are preparing for what promises to be the biggest Easter Parade to date in Roscommon town. It all kicks off at 12 pm this Sunday and the celebrations will hopefully continue long into the night. Deirdre Kelly, PRO of the parade committee, says that this Sunday’s parade see a return of the carnival atmosphere from recent years. “We recognise that we had a great parade last year and we’ve been looking to build on that and of course the previous years too,” Deirdre said. Deirdre also wished to send out a timely reminder for those wishing to enter the parade or

just come along and watch. “The one thing that’s important to remember is that the clocks are going forward this weekend, and that the parade is starting at the earlier time of 12 pm!” In terms of organising and funding Deirdre paid tribute to the local businesses, Town Teams, Tidy Towns, Roscommon Chamber and Roscommon County Council who have all once again been great allies of town events. As for floats and entrants, Deirdre promised something for everyone. “There will be lots of bands and groups taking part. We have bands from Monaghan, Tullamore and Castlerea of course. We also expect plenty of good representation for the 1916 com-

memorations, particularly from the younger side of things.” She also pointed out that there was still time for floats to enter. “We’re really appealing for entries as soon as possible, it’s getting close, so we want to have a good running order so we can maximize the fun.” With large crowds expected, the organisers have appealed for a safety-first approach, particularly when it comes to younger spectators. “We want to keep things as safe as possible so we would ask people not to throw litter or stuff from floats. The last thing we want is young children getting hurt,” said Deirdre, before adding: “Other than that we’re gearing up for a great day in Roscommon!”

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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Easter Parade were Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, Cllr. Orla Leyden, Deirdre Kelly, John Doorly, Orla Healy and Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher. Picture: Andrew Fox Best wishes to Roscommon Easter Parade from

Prizes on offer! The committee is grateful for the funding support received from Roscommon County Council under the Roscommon Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme with this year’s event featuring a special ‘1916’ themed award. Honours will also be presented for Com-

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CLLR. DOMNICK CONNOLLY… Standing by the people The 2015 Easter Parade in Roscommon town .

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Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Let’s keep it clean! The community will be out in force and organisers are appealing to everyone to make an extra-special effort to maintain safety and

cleanliness. Floats are asked to refrain from throwing sweets and or other items during the parade.

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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Easter Parade were John Doorly, Mary Regan, Patricia Mullaney and Larry Brennan. Picture: Andrew Fox

We all enjoy a bit of Eggs-travagance at Easter < MIRIAM KERINS

t’s Easter folks and, if

you take note of recent reports, you’ll know we’re all on track to becoming Europe’s fattest lard butts by 2030; furthermore, according to she-who-knows-stuffabout-kids, spokesperson for mummypages.ie the lovely Laura Haugh, parents should note that ‘moderation is very important’ when it comes to curbing chocolate consumption, (she does have a point). However, I have to say, as a mother and a grandmother I’ve managed to safely raise my kids without any advice, obvious or otherwise, from so called online experts and I would imagine so have other sensible and responsible Roscommon parents; but sure it’s really good of Ms Haugh to remind us about the dangers of too much sugar consumption, even going so far as to say that there is a ‘temptation at Easter to demonstrate your love

for your family members in kilograms of chocolate,’ adding ‘children are the biggest recipients of Easter-themed chocolate at this time of year, with grandparents being the biggest culprits.’ Ouch, now that hurt Laura, and I take exception to this generalisation because I actually do not purchase Easter eggs for my animal mad granddaughter and instead give a small donation to a welfare charity in her name; furthermore, I buy her an animal themed gift that she can enjoy all year round, for example a horse riding hat, jodhpurs, a waterproof coat or a protective horse riding back brace. However, just in case there are any parents/ grandparents/godparents/ partners who are stuck for an original, thoughtful and different gift for their loved ones this Easter, as in, something other than chocolate – and bear in mind, a bit of chocolate during a celebratory period is fine, so don’t feel

guilty if you overindulge, rewarding yourself and your kids is ok…it’s not an offense punishable by law – but for what it’s worth, here are a few of my own tips…but as I said, we’re all adults so you enjoy your Easter with your family as you see fit. • Join the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt in support of Barnardo’s; it’s €20 for a family of four and you can get details on www. barnardos.ie. • Organise your own Easter Egg hunt, ask for chocolate, treats and egg

donations from shops and supermarkets and support a local children’s charity by donating all proceeds to their worthy cause. • Have an Easter Bunny Picnic in your garden if the weather is good, have it in a local community hall if it’s not. Ask kiddies to bring along their cuddliest, cutest Easter Bunny or Teddy and request a fixed donation of €3 per entry; this is approximately the price of a small chocolate egg; choosing a worthy, local cause as the recipient. Ask parents accompany-

ing kiddies to bring along their own picnic treats and swap and share with other groups. • Buy a decent, goodquality Easter egg and donate it to your local branch of St Vincent de Paul who will happily distribute it to necessitous families who otherwise may be struggling and unable to purchase luxury items during this celebration. Whatever you do this weekend folks, we at The Roscommon People wish you and yours a safe and happy Easter.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Weekend

PEOPLE

FACES and PLACES:

See pages 32 – 33

Marc in great ‘voice’ ahead of live performance < DAN DOONER

Marc Egan, will represents Team Kian this weekend on The Voice of Ireland.

Boyle native, Marc Egan, is all set for his biggest live performance to date as he represents Team Kian this weekend on The Voice of Ireland. Marc has impressed so far but faces a new challenge in the shape of Kian’s song choice this weekend! Marc is set to sing a cover of ‘Rebel Rebel’ by the late, great David Bowie. “With this song I have to do an awful lot of practice. It’s a song by a legendary artist,” Marc told the Roscommon People recently. “Kian has chosen the song and I’m very happy with it, but I’m also very nervous,” he continued, “I’ve never sung the song before but it’s one of my favourites.” Marc added that while the blind auditions were “very nerve-wracking

in front of the cameras”; the live performances presented an altogether different challenge. He said: “With the ‘lives’ there is a lot more production. You have to be on top of your game.” Whatever happens this weekend, Marc will keep his feet planted firmly on the ground. “I’m still gigging around Boyle and I’ll even be gigging on Sunday after The Voice!” he assured us. Of course his mini fan club, which includes his daughter Amber, parents, two sisters and aunt, will keep him from getting too carried away. It’s Amber’s first birthday this Sunday, and her daddy will be hoping to give her the perfect birthday present when he takes to the stage this weekend. You can see how Marc gets on this Saturday at 3.45 pm on RTE 1.

‘Keep the Home Fires Burning?’ for Arts Centre Concert inspired by the Great War As part of the Roscommon Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, the Galway Percy French Society and Patrick Kavanagh Western Association are hosting a concert of music and dance, poetry, song and story, inspired by the Great War, entitled ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning?’ which is taking place at Roscommon Arts Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon, on Saturday, 26th March. The presentation will capture the thoughts and narratives of renowned war poets and soldier

poets – amongst them, Rupert Brooke, Laurence Binyon, Margaret Cole, Mae Herschel-Clark, Tom Kettle, Francis Ledwidge, John McCrae, Patrick McGill and W.B. Yeats. The unforgettable melodies of Jerome Kern, Ivor Novello, Jack Judge, Eric Bogle, Fred Weatherly, Harry Lauder, John Keegan Casey and Cormac McConnell, are captured by Deirdre Curley, Contralto, Pat O’Sullivan, Tenor, and Eamon Shevlin, Bass Baritone. There will be wry humour, too, from the pen of Percy French! Patrick Kavanagh, ten years old when war was declared, is also remembered. Eamon Shevlin and Pat O’Sullivan are members of Galway Choral Association. Pat is also

a member of the popular A Cappella group, The Baytones. Deirdre Curley is a former pupil of The College of Music, Dublin, and a member of Ancór Chamber Choir, Limerick. Music from areas around

the world touched by the war is provided by violinist, Ide Ni Fhaolain, Cepta Byrne on button accordion accompanied by Deirdre Curley on piano, with dance performances from Pat and Connie

O’Sullivan, Dolores Wright and Terry Coogan. Concert commences at 8 pm and tickets are €10 each. To book, please call 090 66 25 824 or contact artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie

The return of the High Kings to the Abbey Hotel …it’s this Saturday night! Dan Dooner Back by public demand, The High Kings, the true heirs of Ireland’s folk heritage, will play the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town this Easter Saturday (March 26th) at 9 pm. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden, renowned vocalists and musicians, come together to create the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem electrified the worldwide folk revival of the 1960s. The band have seen their popularity skyrocket, having completed sell-out tours in Ireland and the US. Together they play thirteen instruments during their performances and the group’s motto is ‘Folk ‘n Roll’ and their singing is especially noted for its close harmonies. The High Kings take to the stage in The Abbey Hotel on Saturday, 26th March at 9 pm. Doors open at 8 pm and tickets worth €28 are still available at the hotel reception.

Easter entertainment at JJ’s, The Square

Pictured in The Hollywood Bar, Roscommon on Saturday night last were Sarah De Souza and Kesia Plino. Picture: Andrew Fox

Get down to JJ’s, The Square, Roscommon for two great evenings of music this Saturday and Sunday. First up on Saturday it’s The Barry McGivern Band – all the way from Belfast – with a tribute to Rory Gallagher. This is not to be missed as the Belfast boys work their way brilliantly through Rory’s vast array of hits. On Easter Sunday, get down for another great live act in the shape of Locust Honey String Band, playing oldtime, bluegrass and contemporary hits. This Easter weekend, JJ’s is the place to be for great live music.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

Hamrock’s

cinema & leisure complex

minnows

Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Saturday, 26th March Easter Saturday night: Music by

Laurence Campion

JJ HARLOWS - Market Square, Roscommon Telephone: 090 6626225

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

Thursday 24th

Kayak for Console

CLANCY’S

Week Commencing Fri 25th—Thurs 31st

Movie Times

10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (15A)

16:50; 19:20; 21:30

Abbey Street, Roscommon

BATMAN v SUPERMAN:DAWN OF JUSTICE (12A)

13:55; 15:45; 21:00

Telephone: 090 6626506

GOOSEBUMPS (PG)

12:15 (KMC)

Easter Sunday, 27th March:

HOP (G)

12:20 (KMC)

MICHAEL COLLINS (15A)

21:15

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 (12A)

13:35; 18:50; 21:40

NORM OF THE NORTH (G)

12:30 (KMC); 16:50

ODDBALL AND THE PENGUINS (G)

11:30 (KMC)

SING STREET (12A)

14:30; 18:55

THE BOY (15A)

17:00; 21:35

Good Friday CLOSED

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT (12A)

14:35; 19:10

Saturday 26th

ZOOTROPOLIS (PG)

14:30; 17:00; 19:10

THE HOLLY TREE BAR

Music from 1.30pm with

Big ideas

Best wishes to Roscommon Town Easter Parade The Country Ballroom

TULSK INN Saturday, 26th March - Music with

Sean Corrigan Admission €5. Sunday, 27th March - Music by

John Glenn & The Ramblers

Friday 25th

The Barry McGivern Band

- Rory Gallagher Tribute Sunday 27th

Admission €10.

Roscommon Rose Centre Committee organisers Sharon Taylor, Yvonne Donohue and Sara Teal pictured with main Sponsor Martin Conneally Callington Ltd. Pic: Clare Frances Photography

Console kayak duo to tell all in JJ’s < DAN DOONER

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A talk by Pearse O’Toole and Ruairí Leddy on their circumnavigation of Ireland by Kayak at 8.30 in JJ Harlows. Donation of €2. All welcome.

Tonight (Thursday, 24th March) JJ Harlow’s in Roscommon town will play host to a talk and slideshow given by two men who circumnavigated Ireland in kayaks in aid of national suicide charity, Console. Ruairí Leddy from Roscommon town and Pearse O’Toole from An Spideal in Galway set off from Spideal last July and following an arduous sixweek journey filled with “pain, sweat and tears” they arrived back there to a hero’s welcome. Their journey took them right around the island of Ireland from Sheephaven to Howth and onto Cobh with many points in between. The two lads completed

their adventure for what was and is a very worthy cause. Ruairí says the conditions weren’t ideal and there were times the duo questioned their decision to take on the adventure. A decision that was made in a bar in Reykjavik, Iceland, of all places. “It wasn’t a great summer weather-wise as you can

imagine and there were times it caused delays. It was six weeks of pain, sweat and tears to be honest but a great experience,” said Ruairi. Ruairí and Pearse will be in JJ’s tonight at 8.30 pm to give a full account of their adventure. They are asking for a €2 donation to Console and everyone is welcome.

Locust Honey String Band USA Old-Time Bluegrass Contemporary Roots - 5.30 pm

* 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

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

Delamere returns to Arts Centre Following a sold-out show last year Neil Delamere returns to the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday, April 16th at 8 pm with his brand new show CTRL+ALT+DELAMERE, which is brimming with hilarious stories and incisive wit. There are a limited amount of tickets available for Neil’s new show, so don’t delay if you fancy getting your hands on them. Tickets are available from the box office on 09066 25824/www.roscommonartscentre.ie.

Easter Saturday - 26th March In the Beer Garden -

DJ Tommy

Easter Sunday - 27th March

DJ Enda James In Oscars - DJ Tommy

In the Beer Garden -

All sports shown live on our live screen over the weekend Best wishes to Roscommon Town Easter Parade and also the Roscommon team and management against Mayo on Sunday

Oscars Venue - for all your party needs

Roscommon Rose Holly Hersey representing Lough Key Forest Park. Pic: Clare Frances Photography

Contact: JP on 087 1336684

County Roscommon Society of New York annual Dinner The County Roscommon Society of New York held its 87th annual dinner dance on Sunday, March 6th at Riccardo’s in Astoria, Queens. This year’s honorees were Colonel Michael Lyons and John Dobey. (Photographs by Margaret PurcellRoddy) (Pictured left) The Roscommon Society committee, honorees, and past presidents.

Auction on Saturday includes a Jersey signed by the Roscommon football team in aid of the Irish Kidney Association. Please support fundraiser for Irish Kidney Association over the Easter weekend.

Monster Raffle in aid of the Irish Kidney Association. Please support fundraiser for Irish Kidney Association over the Easter weekend.

‘The Rockin Rossies’ entertain Irish community …in Cyprus! R

oscommon town band

the ‘The Rockin Rossies’ travelled to Cyprus to perform a number of gigs over the St. Patrick’s Festival period. The band had a busy weekend entertaining the Irish community across the island. On Friday evening they performed an acoustic session for Aer Rianta staff based at Larnaca Airport. On Saturday they provided the entertainment at an official St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the United Nations Headquarters in the island’s Capital, Nicosia. This function was attended by the Irish Ambassador to the Island, Nicholas Twist, members of An Garda Siochana Irish Peacekeeping contingent based in Cyprus, as well as various other international Peacekeeping troops. On Sunday night the band returned to the coastal town of Larnaca to play a final gig at the Lithos Bar & Grill for the Irish community living on the island. The trip was organised by Roscommon native Neville

McCormack who is currently deployed with the U.N. in Cyprus. At the official St. Patrick’s Day event on Saturday, Detective Garda Neville McCormack, Civil Affairs Police Liaison Officer, and Detective Garda Gabriel Duffy, Humanitarian Police Liaison Officer, Galway Road, Roscommon, along with a number of other members of An Garda Siochana, received their U.N. Peacekeeping service medals. The ‘Rockin Rossies’ is made up of Declan Walsh, Kevin Noone, Vincent Collins, Bill Haugh and Cathal McGowan. The band would like to thank Superintendent Fergus Dwyer, senior police adviser, Garda Sergeant Steven Meighan, Garda Sergeant Ray Tubman, Detective Garda Geraldine Flannery, Garda Sergeant John McGroary, Detective Garda Gabriel Duffy, Detective Garda Martin Power, Detective Garda Neville McCormack and all their other colleagues for the extremely kind hospitality provided. Detective Garda Neville McCormack pictured with ‘The Rockin Rossies’ in Cyprus last week.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

Hands up! Boyle Brownies were protecting the town prior to the parade on St. Patrick’s Day. Pic: Mary Regan

Pictured are Ruth Duggan, Mairead Connolly, Megan McKeon and Roona Keville who were at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boyle. Pic: Mary Regan

Boyle St Patrick’s Day Parade

Pictured are Orla Keville (Goofy), Ali Burke (Elsa) and Kelly McLoughlin (Snowman), Leaving Cert pupils at Boyle Community College, who took part in the Boyle St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Pic: Mary Regan

Pictured are Marie Tansey, Monica Commons and Hazel Lynn who were at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boyle. Pic: Mary Regan

Glenamaddy St Patrick’s Day Parade Successful Glenamaddy Parade All roads led to Glenamaddy on St Patrick’s Day for what proved to be a cracker of a St Patrick’s Day Parade! Building on the success of recent years, this year’s Parade was meticulously planned, hosted and delivered by the members of Glenamaddy & District Residents & Traders Association. From the outset and with the warm spring sunshine smiling down upon

Glenamaddy, locals, visitors, community groups, businesses, schools and organisations came together to celebrate culture and heritage in a common bond. Quality food and beverages were available from early morning until long after dark from local eateries and pubs, while the local shops reported that trade was “considerably up” on former years. Massive credit for host-

ing a bumper St Patrick’s Day Parade event goes to Glenamaddy & District Residents & Traders Association and all the community of Glenamaddy and hinterland and also the visitors who showed up on the day to participate in an event where friendships were forged and rekindled and memories formed and evoked! Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir! Ar aghaidh le chéile!

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

Ballintubber St Patrick’s Day Parade Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Ciara Cahill, Siobhan Cahill, Donna Keenan and Deirdre Cahill. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Sinéad Earley, Shelly Hunt, Michaela Keavaney and Katie Edwards. Picture: Andrew Fox

Mike Finan pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the Ballintubber St. Patrick’s Day Parade were Ballintubber Tidy Towns. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ballaghaderreen St Patrick’s Day Parade

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

NewsPeople

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon Bridge Club 1st: J. Donnellan & J. Halliday, 2nd: M. Kearns & B. Ferguson, 3rd: O. Fahy & M. Egan. Ballymurray Bridge Club President’s Prize (Mrs Bernie Maher) – 1st: K. Blighe & F. Neilan, 2nd: B. Weir & P. Pierse, Gross: K. Coyle & M. Dolan, 3rd: M. Hanley & H. Earley. 1st Session: H. Lynn & G. Relihan, 2nd Session: K. Gately & M. Naughton. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South ¬– 1st: J. Hunt & A. Gaffney, 2nd: G. McDermott & A. Igoe, 3rd: M. Regan & S. Macken. East/west – 1st: T. & B. Moran, 2nd: M. Kelly & K. Burke, 3rd: M. Mullen & M. Fallon.

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION

Jesus is nowhere visible. Yet today’s Gospel tells us that Peter and John “saw and believed.” What did they see? Burial shrouds lying on the floor of an empty tomb. Maybe that convinced them that He hadn’t been carted off by grave robbers, who usually stole the expensive burial linens and left the corpses behind. But notice the repetition of the word “tomb” – seven times in nine verses. They saw the empty tomb and they believed what He had promised: that God would raise Him on the third day. Chosen to be His “witnesses,” today’s First Reading tells us, the Apostles were “commissioned...to preach... and testify” to all that they had seen – from His anointing with the Holy Spirit at the Jordan to the empty tomb. More than their own experience, they were instructed in the mysteries of the divine economy, God’s saving plan – to know how “all the prophets bear witness” to Him (see Luke 24:27,44). Now they could “understand the Scripture,” could teach us what He had told them – that He was “the Stone which the builders rejected,” that today’s Psalm prophesies His Resurrection and exaltation (see Luke 20:17; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11). We are the children of the apostolic witnesses. That is why we still gather early in the morning on the first day of every week to celebrate this feast of the empty tomb, give thanks for “Christ our life,” as today’s Epistle calls Him. Baptised into His death and Resurrection, we live the heavenly life of the risen Christ, our lives “hidden with Christ in God.” We are now His witnesses, too. But we testify to things we cannot see but only believe; we seek in earthly things what is above. We live in memory of the Apostles’ witness, like them eating and drinking with the risen Lord at the altar. And we wait in hope for what the Apostles told us would come – the day when we too “will appear with Him in glory.” – Dr Scott Hahn, www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

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FRANKLY

SPEAKING

FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...

After a week of tragedies… a reminder of all we should be grateful for S

ometimes I wonder if we take life too much for granted, and even if our lives aren’t too bad at all, we love to moan and give out and have a rant and complain, even though deep down we know that all we are doing is letting off a bit of steam. We all love to give out about our horrible jobs, our horrible houses, the horrible banks for making us live in our horrible houses by not lending us more money to buy nicer houses – and every other horrible thing we can imagine – but in truth every one of us knows that by being lucky enough to be born where we were, we are remarkably well off compared to a huge percentage of our fellow men and women. And so today, in Holy Week, as a nation we are at a loss to comprehend and understand the unbelievable loss of

Victims of the Buncrana tragedy were Sean McGrotty and his sons Mark and Evan, along with his mother-in-law Ruth Daniels and her 15-year-old daughter Jodie Lee.

life which has taken place right across this island over the past weekend. The Buncrana incident is almost too big to take in; how a totally innocent trip for a number of fami-

ly members on a beautiful March evening (it could almost have been a summer evening, it was so warm and sunny), could have turned so quickly into a tragedy of seismic

Rugby exploits there… and here! On Saturday last, due to the pressures of work (if you believe that, you will believe anything!), I didn’t get to see much of the Ireland v Scotland match, which we won reasonably easily, but I did tune into the Grand Slam decider for England against the French – and it was a thoroughly absorbing encounter. I started to write ‘enjoyable’, but I hate to admit it, the enjoyment went out of it at the English victory. Why we hate to see an English team win bamboozles me, because we all know loads of nice English people, and they are our nearest neighbours, who kept money and food on many of our ancestors’ tables and in their pockets (the money) and in truth, without them many thousands of Irishmen and women would probably have perished, as in died, not frozen! And so I feel a little guilty at cheering for France – and I don’t even speak their language – but there it is! In the end, the best team won the Grand Slam and we finished in third place, which was just about right. The amazing thing for me is how many people are having a go at the Irish coach, Joe Schmidt. There nearly seems to be a concerted effort in some quartets to get rid of him. The ‘great George Hook’ seems to

have a personal vendetta against the Kiwi, and I for one hope that sense prevails and we do all we can to keep him at the helm, at least until the next World Cup. Sticking with rugby and yesterday afternoon (Sunday), as I already said, was a beautiful one, and I went to Creggs to see the seconds’ rugby team do battle with a very strong Corinthians side. The firsts had a big match at the same time in The Green and, as they say, you could count the spectators at ‘my’ game on the fingers of one hand. Anyway, to my great joy, I was asked to do the line and was delighted when I got my lovely green and yellow flag (I thought I was linesman at a Kerry game). My delight was slightly tempered when the referee told me that if I wasn’t able to keep up with play, he would get me replaced. As a man with (I’m going to boast a bit now) ten Connacht junior medals, between league and cup, I thought how far I had slipped down the slippery slope when this young referee thought I couldn’t handle the pace. As it happened, I got through it comfortably, the ref only overruled me once and I have volunteered my services for all future home and seconds games.

proportions is pretty much beyond comprehension, and if He really does exist, maybe only God Himself can know the reason why. Five members of the one family lost their lives in a matter of moments and even the clergy admit that there is really nothing they can say or do to ease the pain of the people close to the bereaved. In Cork, a man was killed in a multi-vehicle collision, which also saw a horse being literally thrown out of the horse box it was travelling in and killed instantly on the road. In Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford, on Sunday evening, a Mullingar man was killed when the light aircraft he was flying crashed near the local flying club’s

runway – and in Enniscrone on Saturday night, a young college student lost his life when the car he was a passenger in hit a wall. Worst of all for us, in the Creggs area, was when word reached us on Monday evening that one of our own, Gerry Roan, from Sonnagh, just outside the village of Creggs, was fatally injured in a two-car collision on the outskirts of Roscommon town. To the relatives and friends of all the people who lost their lives on a weekend of such carnage, but especially to the Roan family, my sincere sympathy and let all of us lucky enough to be still here appreciate the beauty of our normal, everyday, even humdrum lives.

Big table quiz Finally for this week, there is a big table quiz in Mikeen Roarke’s on Friday the 1st of April, in aid of Anthony Roan, who is going on humanitarian aid, helping orphanages in Tanzania in the summer. I will tell you more next week, but for now put the date into your di- ‘Till next week, ary and let you all turnout and Bye for now support a very worthy cause.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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Roscommon winners in Restaurant Awards announced

Tourism businesses attend ‘breakfast brieﬁng’

Fáilte Ireland, together with Westmeath Local Enterprise Office, recently hosted a breakfast briefing with tourism businesses from Roscommon, including Finnian O’Connor, CraicnCampers; Sabrina Brady, Una Bhan Tourism; Geraldine Grealy, Abbey Hotel and Colm Berry, Colbert Recrea-

tional Ltd. The event, which took place in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone focused on ‘Optimising Your Website for Mobile’. Topics covered included: the importance of mobile, search engine optimisation, optimising mobile booking and payments as well as looking at the

fundamentals of creating a strong mobile strategy. Speaking about the event, Manager of Business Supports with Fáilte Ireland Stephen Dudley said: “Fáilte Ireland are delighted to have partnered with Westmeath Local Enterprise Office to deliver the first in our 2016 Masterclass

Series, with the focus of this session on ‘How to optimise your Website for Mobile’ to tourism businesses in Roscommon. The role mobile technology has in driving additional bookings and revenue to tourism businesses is critical in today’s competitive environment.”

< DAN DOONER

The best restaurants in Roscommon were recently named at the Connacht Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards, which took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo recently. The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon town took home two awards as did the village of Tarmonbarry. There was also an award for the Yew Tree in Lecarrow as they were crowned ‘Best Newcomer’. The County Roscommon winners are as follows – Best Restaurant: The Purple Onion, Tarmonbarry; Best Chef: Alison Crean of Terrace Restaurant at Abbey Hotel, Roscommon; Best Hotel Restaurant: Terrace Restaurant at Abbey Hotel; Best Casual Dining: Les Petites Tartres, Athleague; Best Gastro Pub: Kennan’s of Tarmonbarry; Best Newcomer: The Yew Tree, Lecarrow; Best Wine Experience: The Douglas Hyde at Kilronan Castle, Ballyfarnon; Best Customer Service: Benny’s Deli, Castlerea; Best World Cuisine: Mother India, Roscommon town. Best Café: Rogue And Co Café, Roscommon town. All County winners now compete for the Regional and All-Ireland Title which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards in the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel, Dublin on Monday, 16th May.

Roscommon tourism businesses recently attending a ‘breakfast briefing’ on how to ‘Optimise Websites for Mobile’. The event was held in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.

Roscommon delegation visits Tourism Ireland in New York ‘Roscommon’s favourite local broadband provider’ From

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Representatives of Roscommon County Council, who were in New York for the St. Patrick’s Day period, met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland in New York last week. They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s extensive promotional

programme for 2016, which is in full swing. Tourism Ireland aims to build on the success of 2015, which was the third record-breaking year in a row for Irish tourism from the United States. Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ire-

land’s Head of North America, said: “Tourism Ireland is undertaking an extensive programme of promotional activity again this year – to build on the success of 2015. Our ambition is to grow visitor numbers from the United States by a further 7% in 2016.”

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Billy Condon, Tourism Ireland; Paddy Kilduff, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council; Fiona Dunne, Tourism Ireland; and Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, pictured at the Tourism Ireland office in New York.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

FarmingPeople

Fitzmaurice: Beef scheme unattainable for farmers < DAN DOONER

Michael Fitzmaurice has reacted to the withdrawal of over 4,000 farmers from the Beef Genomics Scheme. The Independent TD said: “Further to previous press

releases on this matter it has now come to my attention that a total of 4,278 farmers have withdrawn from the Beef Genomics Scheme which is an astounding figure and in the region of 15% of the farmers that

joined the scheme. “Never before in the history of the state has that number withdrawn from any scheme. It shows that this scheme is unattainable for a lot of farmers. It is money, like the highest ap-

ple on the branch, which is very hard to get.” Deputy Fitzmaurice called for a new approach in order to make it easier for farmers to remain in the scheme. “I have often talked about a revised system for farm-

ers in this scheme and if common sense prevails this scheme needs to be simplified so that this does not happen in future. We need all the farmers who apply to be able to stay in the scheme.”

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The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) beef chairman, Edmond Phelan, has called for an urgent investigation into insurance deducted from farmers at Irish meat factories. “Many farmers believe that this is a rip off that is totally unwarranted. Moreover, insurance products are regulated by the central bank and ICSA wants to know if this product is properly licenced or regulated and if not, why it is allowed to continue. “There is no information on factory dockets as to the terms and conditions of this insurance. The charge imposed is generally €2.50 per animal but there are some factories charging even more. Cows or other animals deemed high risk won’t be insured or in some cases, are subjected

to a much higher fee of €5 upwards. ICSA estimates that this is costing farmers over €4 million. “The benefit to farmers from this scheme is limited to carcass adulteration which is highly unlikely in prime beef. We want to see full transparency over how many animals have been covered by this where a problem arises, and to what extent.” Mr. Phelan went on to question whether it was merely a money-making scheme, before adding: “When you look at it from the point of view of farmers, it is highly likely that it represents a very over-priced product relative to the risk and it is time that the whole process is examined independently. If it is a legitimate insurance product, it should be regulated, if it isn’t it shouldn’t be allowed.”

Daily collection

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd.

(Serving Farmers for over 56 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

Bullocks, Heifers & Dry Cows Each Friday – 11 a.m. --------------------No sale tomorrow Good Friday – March 25th ---------------

Special Sale of Breeding Heifers Friday, April 1st – 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. this Thursday March 24th Also Bullocks & Dry Cows ---------------

Mid Spring Special sale of Weanlings Tuesday, March 29th at 5 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. this Thursday, March 24th Included in the sale 2 excellent quality Heifers and 1 cow with calves at foot & 1 P.B. Char Stock Bull (8 year old) out of New Look Enfield-suitable for breeding --------

Mid Spring Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, April 8th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Tuesday March 29th, Wednesday, March 30th & Thursday, March 31st Also Heifers & Dry Cows -----------------ORGANIC SALE

Cattle & Sheep Saturday, April 2nd – 12 Noon Entries to Iofga 090 64 33680 or Organic Trust 018530271 -------------

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

Show & Sale of Lambs Wednesday, April 27th – 11 a.m. (in conjunction with Roscommon Lamb Festival) Prizes in each class –1st €100, 2nd €50 Best Pen of Factory Lambs (minimum of 5 lambs) Best Pen of Butchers Lambs (minimum of 5 lambs) Sheep Breed Societies Exhibition, Trade stand Special Class Best Ewe with 2 Lambs at foot The Oliver Burke Memorial Sculpture will be awarded to the winner ---------------------

Sheep Scanning service Each Wednesday 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Enquiries 090 6626352 Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 see link on our facebook or website

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Email roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website www.roscommonmart.ie

PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249 THURSDAY 24TH MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. MONDAY 28TH MARCH: BULLOCK SALE (BANK HOLIDAY) THURSDAY 31ST MARCH:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS MONDAY 4TH APRIL:

BULLOCK SALE THURSDAY 7TH APRIL:

SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

The 1st prize heifer at a recent meeting in Roscommon mart.

IFA: ‘BVD programme must move towards final phase of eradication’ IFAAnimal Health Chairman, Bert Stewart, said the issuing of notification letters to farmers contiguous to herds that have retained PIs is timely to allow necessary precautions to be taken in advance of the breeding season. He said huge progress has been made in the Programme to-date, with over 30,000 PI calves removed from the national herd since 2013, with fewer than 290 herds in total retaining PIs. The IFA Chairman said the BVD Programme must start moving towards the

final phase of eradication by reviewing the tissue tag-testing requirement for the majority of farmers. He said: “Farmers have made huge investment in the Programme to date and it is now incumbent on Animal Health Ireland (AHI) to clearly map the path to eradication. “This has to include significant cost reductions for farmers who are now entering their fourth or fifth year of individual animal testing at an annual cost of €9m.”

Serving Farmers since 1985

THINKING OF FORESTRY:

• Tax Free Annual payment up to €635/ha • Full grant to cover planting costs • Harvesting/Forest Roads/Felling License • Group Forest Insurance Scheme

Colm Freyne BSc (Forestry)

Galway/Roscommon Ph: 087-6606043

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

Tel: 094 9542668 www.westernforestry.com

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

FarmingPeople Roscommon Mart Report Friday, March 18th: There were increased numbers on offer this week as there was a special sale for both bullocks and heifers with a very good entry of excellent quality stock on offer. There was also a brisk trade for heifers and bullocks with a good attendance of customers and a high clearance of lots. Heifer prices ranged from €1.96 per kilo up to €3.24 per kilo and bullock prices ranged from €1.59 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. There was a smaller entry of dry cows with prices ranging from €1.06 per kilo up to €1.96 per kilo. There is no sale on Good Friday (March 25th). Sales continue weekly on Fridays at 11 am for bullocks, heifers and dry cows. There is also special sale of breeding heifers next Friday (April 1st) at 11 am with bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday, March 24th). There is also a mid-spring special sale of weanlings next Tuesday, March 29th at 5 pm with bookings accepted up to 5 pm today (Thursday, March 24th). For further enquiries phone 090 6626352, email roscommonmart@gmail.com or call into the office. There is also a list of sales on our website with live streaming of our sales from Ring 1. This past week dry cows made from €900 to €1600 per head. Sample prices: CHX 835 kgs €1600, CHX 845 kgs €1445, CHX 765 kgs €1240, Lim X 585 kgs €1150, SHX 635 kgs €1005, LimX 645 kgs €1100, AAX 630 kgs €950, AAX 595 kgs €900. Meanwhile, bullocks made from €540 to €1015 over. Sample prices: Char X 580 kgs €1595, 4 Char X 557.5 kgs €1555, 6 Char X 537.5 kgs €1500, BB X 765 kgs €1685, BBX 645 kgs €1530, Lm X 770 kgs €1520, Lm X 685kgs €1500, SIX 605kgs €1460, 4 Char X 625kgs €1490, 3 Lm X 613kgs €1460, 2 SIX 650 kgs €1450, 6 Char X 608.3 kgs €1450, 2 Char X 480 kgs €1245, Lm X 510kgs €1315, AA 545kgs €1180, Lm X 550 €1405, Char X 595 kgs €1500. Heifers made from €500 to €920 over. Sample prices: Ch 590 kgs €1510, Lim 640 kgs €1535, Char X 550 kgs €1410, Lim X 550 kgs €1410, Char X 575 kgs €1415, Lim X 630 kgs €1455, Char X 620 kgs €1400, 2 SIX 445 kgs €1320, Lm 500 kgs €1240, Char X 530 kgs €1345, Lm X 535kgs €1355 AA X 520 kgs €1170, BBX 430 kgs €1050. Tuesday, March 22nd: There was a small entry of weanlings on offer this week. There was an excellent trade for weanlings with a very high clearance of lots. Prices for heifers ranged from €2.28 per kilo up to €3.08 per kilo. Prices for bulls ranged from €2.04 per kilo up to €3.20 per kilo. Weanling heifers made from €300 to €725 over. Sample prices: Char X 475 kgs €1200, Lim X 430 kgs €1070, Char X 390kgs €965, Lim X 325 kgs €960, Lm X 285 kgs €880, Lm X 350kgs €930, 2 AA X 322.5kgs €800, SIX 285kgs €720. Weanling bulls made from €360 to €615 over. Sample prices: Char X 470 kgs €1085, Char X 340 kgs €950, Lim x 510 kgs €1100, Lim X 250 kgs €800, Char X 280 kgs €815, Char X 305 kgs €835, Char X 285 kgs €765. Sheep sale, Wednesday March 23rd: There were smaller numbers on offer this week with a similar trade for hoggets. There were also small numbers of spring lambs on offer with lots fetching up to €140. However, there was a steady trade for cast ewes with a full clearance of lots. There were better numbers of ewes with lambs presented for sale. Sheep sales continue weekly on Wednesdays at 11 am. The yard opens at 8.30 am. There is also a sheep scanning service every Wednesday from 9 am to 10 am. Sample prices: Spring lambs: 65 kgs €140, 48 kgs €140, 52 kgs €140, 44kgs €135. Ewe hoggets: 53.6kgs €132. Mixed hoggets: 48.8 kgs €134. Hogget rams: 41.7kgs €100, 53kgs €133. Wether hoggets: 57.30 kgs €134, 54.1kgs €133. Cast ewes made from €46 to €146.50 per lot, ewes with twin lambs at foot made up to €275 per unit, ewes with single lambs at foot made up to €200, ewes with three lambs at foot made €265.

Keep your farm safe

PropertyPeople

‘Excellent’ Tulsk property and lands Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are inviting final offers for prime roadside lands and a residence at Ballydaly and Cloonogan in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. Lot one is approximately 15.69 acres located at Ballydaly, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon with the benefit of a two-bedroomed residence of approximately 900 square feet standing together with storage sheds of approximately 400 square feet set to the sides.

Lot two is approximately 6.59 acres of prime quality roadside lands located in the townland of Ballydaly. Lot three is approximately 8.26 acres of lands located in the townland of Cloonyogan, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. For further details contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners. ie or log onto www.propertypartners.ie.

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

NEW TO THE MARKET C. 10.9 ACRES OF LANDS LOCATED AT

FOXWOOD MANOR, WARREN OR DRUM, BESIDE BOYLE TOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS OF MESSERS BAKER TILLY RYAN GLENNON RECEIVERS. Price Guide: €50,000 ono to sell.

Great value luxury home near Hollygrove Lake Connaughton Auctioneers are this week offering a spacious three-bedroomed bungalow in a much sought after area on the Galway/Roscommon border adjacent to the wellknown Hollygrove Lake and a short drive from Ballygar, Athleague, Creggs and Castlecoote. This residence – new to the market – stands on a large site with outbuildings to rear. Priced in the region of €95,000, viewing comes highly recommended.

A prime parcel of lands being the balance of lands comprised in folios RN31917F located at the “Foxwood Manor” housing development which hold potential due to location. Standing on the said lands are 5 number houses completed only to wall plate level. The said property is selling as it stands and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. -----------------------------------------------------------------Luxury bungalow at Ballaghdacker, Ballygar/Athleague, Co. Galway.

For details contact 0906663700. (Viewings at evenings or weekends can be arranged for any prop-

erty with Connaughton Auctioneers). Visit www. connaughtonauctioneers.ie for more.

Seven house sales agreed at Oldwood Property Partners Earley have launched the luxury Oldwood development situated off the Athlone Road in Roscommon town with sale of seven houses agreed in the last three weeks.

Oldwood boasts an ‘A’ BER rating and the highest quality finish. Prices range from €135,00 for a two-bedroomed bungalow and €155,000 for a threebedroomed semi-detached house.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley, MIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579.

Historical house and lands on books of Earley’s Property Partners Earley are this week offering for sale the historic Ballinagard House which is located at Ballinagard on the Galway Road in Roscommon. While this charming property is in need of restoration it stands on approximately 15 acres of excellent quality land with the benefit of out-offices, stables and even a coach house. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court,

The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

Attractive bungalow at Castlecoote For €95,000 this week you could become the proud owner of this attractive bungalow and approximately 5.6 acres of land in Castlecoote, offered to the market by Connaughton Auctioneers. Speaking to the Roscommon People earlier this week, auctioneer Ivan Connaughton said: “This is a fine property which comprises a bungalow standing on circa 5.6 acres of elevated lands with unrivalled views of the surrounding countryside. Viewing comes highly recommended with a price range of €95,000 for the entire property”. For further details and viewing, con-

tact Connaughton Auctioneers on 0906663700.

DUE TO CANCELLATION A PRIMELY LOCATED 3 B/R COUNTRYSIDE RESIDENCE OF C. 1,135 SQ.FT STANDING ON A LARGE MATURE SITE AREA OF C. 1.3 ACRES LOCATED AT

MOYGLASS, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON. (also option to purchase c. 4.4 acres & c. 8 acres set adjacent to the said residence).

A select 3 B/R residence located in a peaceful countryside setting conveniently located close to Strokestown and all amenities. The said residence is located in a district renowned for its many fishing lakes and water based activities on the River Shannon and is set adjacent to the renowned “Silver Eel” Bar and Restaurant. Accommodation briefly comprises of recessed porch area to front, reception/hallway, sitting room, kitchen, utility room, shower room together with an extensive range of outbuildings including the original homestead which is now used as a dry storage barn and a 3 bay hay barn. The said property can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate and are set out as follows: Lot A: The Entire. Lot B: Bungalow residence standing on c. 1.3 acres. Price Guide: €55,000. Lot C: c. 4.4 acres of lands located adjacent to the said residence. Lot D: c. 8 acres of lands located on the opposite side of the public roadway. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. BER residence: G. LEGAL: BRID MILLER, SOLICITOR, ATHLONE RD, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 27777. ------------------------------------------------------------------

WANTED – WANTED – WANTED Property required in the general Castlecoote/Fuerty/Donamon area for a cash client. Replies in confidence to the office. ------------------------------------------------------------------

LANDS TO LET ROSCOMMON AREA

There’s plenty of space with this neat cottage at Curragh, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon.

We have a large portfolio of lands to let to include: • New Letting. c.135 acres in one lot located at Turrock, Dysart with farmyard incorporating slatted shed . 5 year term. (Naked lands for entitlements). • c. 121 acres of prime roadside lands located at Clooneenbaun & Emlaghmore, Donamon from now until the 1st November 2016. For further details contact the office.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

PropertyPeople

●

PROPERTY SALES

●

LETTINGS ● VALUATIONS

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

NEW TO THE MARKET

VALUATIONS

BALLYMACURLEY, BALLINAHEGLISH, CO. ROSCOMMON

WE CARRY OUT PROFESSIONAL VALUATIONS FOR.....

• Attractive three bedroom bungalow in excellent condition • Huge potential to develop attic area • Extensive range of outbuildings to rear (2,500 sq.ft with high eave) • Standing on a large mature site • Viewing comes highly recommended For further details and viewing contact the office on 090-6663700

• Property Transfers • Probate (Estate’s of the Deceased) • Financial Institutions • Site Valuations for Mortgages • Apportionment’s • Land Lettings/ Leases • House Contents • Livestock / Machinery

If you need a Property Valuation, we can do it

Great value with Hughes & Co Pat Hughes & Co have property and land on offer across County Roscommon this week including impressive investment opportunities in Roscommon town. Pat has land available for lease at locations across the county including: ten acres at Mount Talbot and

45 acres in Curraghboy. New to the market this week is a one-acre site located at Ballymurray on the Athlone Road, which is in close proximity to Roscommon town. Pat has on offer a two-storey detached residence which is currently

The perfect starter home with Hughes & Co Pat Hughes & Co. are offering the perfect starter home in Kilteevan for sale this week. The spacious five-bedroomed dormer bungalow is situated at The Grove in Kilteevan on approximately half an acre. This gem is finished to a high standard and is within walking distance of all village amenities. Contact Pat for more details 090 6627003 or email phughes2@eircom. net.

For a competitive quote, contact the office today on 090-6663700 or Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer MSCSI MRICS on 086-8985013

If you are thinking of selling, call us today for a FREE VALUATION

NO SALE NO FEE CALL 090-6663700 TODAY

The Grove, Kilteevan.

Michael J. O’ Rourke ~ AUCTIONEER & VALUER ~ • Creggs, Roscommon • Phone: (090) 66 21125 (087) 2242329 • Email: michaelroarke@eircom.net

The owners who are retiring from business recently closed the Nursing Home facility after twenty years of successful operation. The premises was purpose built as a Nursing Home and comprises 6 no. single rooms and 5 no. twin rooms, Lounge, Diningroom, Kitchen, Bathrooms, etc.. There is unlimited potential to reopen, extend and develop the premises as a Nursing Home facility. The premises is in a good state of repair and decoration. It has a prime town centre location convenient to all amenities and stands on a large site with public water and sewage. The premises subject to permission would also be suited to a variety of other uses Healthcare, Respite, Childcare, Bed & Breakfast, Hostel, Self-Catering Apartments, Tourism, Education, Ofﬁces, Business, etc. It would also have the potential to be a splendid family home. This is without doubt one of the ﬁnest properties to come on the market in Ballygar and inspection is highly recommended. Full details from:

Auctioneers & Chartered Surveyors Main Street, Ballygar. Tel. 090 6624531 / 087 2786664.

PSRA No.001472

The 16th Annual Machinery Auction will be held on Friday, 27th May at 6 pm in Emoe, Roscommon. Entries are now being taken. To enter, contact Pat Hughes & Co. on 090 6627003, email phughes2@eircom.net or call in and let Pat and his team give you free advice.

Michael O’Rourke seeks ﬁnal offers for quality lands Auctioneer and Valuer Michael O’Rourke is seeking final offers on approximately 47.4 acres of good quality land at Aghagower in Castlecoote. The land has only been on the market for a short period but has garnered significant interest locally and further afield. Michael also confirmed good quality land new to the

Also suitable for a variety of other uses

Pat’s Property of the Week

Countdown to annual Machinery Auction

SALES BY MORAN & CO

A Substantial Premises c. 379 sq.mts. (4,080 sq.ft) standing on c. 0.45 hectares (1.11 acres)

Castlecoote, Roscommon.

This week Hughes & Company are delighted to offer at Castlecoote a six-bedroomed dormer bungalow which stands on a one-acre site. The property boasts a large garage and workshop to the rear with a separate entrance. This wonderful residence is situated within a short distance of the local school, church and shop. It is finished to a very high standard and viewing is highly recommended. Contact Pat Hughes & Co on 090 6627003 or email phughes2@eircom.net to arrange a viewing.

THINKING OF SELLING?

Ballygar Nursing Home, Ballygar

being rented and generating income of €9,000 per year. He’s accepting offers above €220,000. Also in the town, Hughes & Co. are offering a three-bedroomed house for sale. This property is currently rented to the tune of €7,800 per year and Pat is accepting offers over €100,000.

For Sale New To Market FINAL OFFERS INVITED Circa 47.4 acres of Land at AGHAGOWER, CASTLECOOTE Good quality land all in one unit. Located close to Castlecoote, Creggs & Athleague. Good road frontage -------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – NEW TO MARKET Circa 43 acres at CARROWCULLEEN, DUNMORE Good quality land all in one unit. Located close to Dunmore -------------------------------------------------------------NEW TO MARKET Circa 35.6 acres at GARRAUNMORE, CREGGS. All in one unit with good road frontage. Situated 3 miles from Creggs village. Ideal opportunity for local farmers to acquire 35 acres in one unit. -------------------------------------------------------------LAND TO LEASE Circa 19 acres at CURRAREVAGH, CREGGS Nice plot of land on both sides of road. Can be leased for five years.

market at Carrowculleen in Dunmore with approximately 43 acres is available in one unit. There is also strong interest in 35.6 acres in one unit at Garraunmore in Creggs, which would be an ideal opportunity for local farmers. Finally for this week O’Roarke is offering 19 acres which can be leased for five years at Currarevagh in Creggs. For more information contact Michael on 090 6621125 or 087-2242329 or email michaelroarke@eircom.net.

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

Land To Lease on 6 Year Term FOURMILEHOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON 150 acres of prime quality land with slatted sheds and number of outbuildings to rent with entitlements for 6 year term at Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon.

Please contact the office for further information. --------------------------------------------------------------

URGENTLY REQUIRED Properties for sale in Roscommon town and surrounding areas for disappointed under bidders. Please contact the office in confidence

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

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

LANDS TO LET BY PUBLIC AUCTION By Public Auction – Circa 120 acres in usual lots at Kelly’s in Dysart on Saturday 2nd April at 6.30 p.m. ---------------------------------------------------------

LANDS FOR LEASE

• At Mount Talbot, Roscommon – Circa 10 acres. No Cattle after 1st November. • At Curraghboy, Kiltoom, Roscommon – Circa 45 acres of Top Quality Land. Can be let for Tillage if required. ---------------------------------------------------------

Picturesque property in perfect surroundings REA Seamus Carthy are this week offering for sale a picturesque and elevated two-storey traditional four-bedroomed farmhouse, located at Gorteenclogh in Athleague, Co. Roscommon. The property is situated on an attractive site, idyllically set at the end of a country roadway overlooking the River Suck. It boasts associated farm outbuildings. The charming property is approximately 100 years old and in excellent condition. It includes four bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen, dining room

and bathroom. Contact Seamus Carthy to arrange viewing (090 6630001) or email info@reacarthy.ie. Guide price: €100,000.

NEW TO THE MARKET AT BALLYMURRAY, ROSCOMMON

Circa 1 acre site located on the main Athlone to Roscommon Road approximately 3 miles from Roscommon Town. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net ---------------------------------------------------------

To be held at Emoe on Friday 27th May 2016 at 6.00 p.m. Sharp Entries are now been taken. Please contact the Office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net

Businesses: Reach your target market!

18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

The Big Apple has a big appetite for Irish property < DAN DOONER

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

16th Annual Machinery Auction

Real Estate Alliance members included Seamus Carthy (right) pictured in Times Square, New York City, during the recent Irish property exhibition.

Glenvale, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon

Property with potential at REA Seamus Carthy REA Seamus Carthy are this week offering a traditional two-bedroomed detached bungalow at Glenvale, Castleplunkett, Co. Roscommon. Guide price of €70,000. The property is situated on a site of .79 acres and benefits from a a range of outbuildings. It also offers a picturesque ru-

ral setting, while convenient to Castlerea (12km) and Roscommon (25km). The kitchen was recently refurbished and the property offers even further potential. Seamus Carthy has invited offers for this quality property. Contact Seamus at 090 6630001 or email info@reacarthy.ie.

Seamus Carthy recently told the Roscommon People that he was “delighted” with the results of the first Irish Property Exhibition held in Manhattan’s Fitzpatrick Hotel, New York City. Real Estate Alliance, who organised the event, met with up to 425 potential buyers at the event and Seamus said: “Those present showed interest in a vast spectrum of price ranges as the attendees came from a number of buyer groups. “Many of those US buyers have already made plans to travel to Ireland to view their potential properties.” Seamus Carthy added that he was pleased with the contacts he had made during the exhibition and was delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase a number of properties throughout the Shannonside region in New York. He concluded by urging those wishing to sell property to make use of those contacts and contact him for a free and confidential valuation. For more information call 090 6630001 or email info@ reacarthy.ie or call into the office at Goff Street in Roscommon town.

For Sale by Private Treaty with Vacant Possession

High Profile Landmark Property

Exceptional Investment Opportunity

Landmark 3 storey detached property

MAIN STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA TOWN

GLENAMADDY, CO. GALWAY

Landmark property located at the junction of Main Street and Church Street in the heart of Roscommon Town. Comprisingof a prominent 3 storey mid terrace building. The property provides ground floor retail with former office/restaurant accommodation on the 1st floor and former residential accommodation on the 2nd floor. The property requires refurbishment throughout and offers great potential. The property has outbuildings to the rear with vehicular access. Price Guide €100,000 (plus Vat if applicable) BER: G BER No.800465684 Energy Performance Indicator:1476.16 kWh/m2/yr Enquiries Invited for immediate Sale. Contact Sole Selling Agents.

Reserve €20,000 (plus Vat if applicable)

The property extends to 228sq.m. over 3 levels on a site of 0.25acres The ground floor of the property provides an open plan area, 2 offices, a strong room and staff amenities. The first floor provides 4 large offices. The second floor provides 3 large rooms. Prominent location next to the Crossroads of Church Street, Kilkerrin Road, Creggs Road and R364. Benefits from a modern fit out from the previous occupier. The property occupies an enclosed site extending to 0.25 acres with a large rear garden, garage and a shed

Enquiries Invited for immediate Sale. Contact Sole Selling Agents.

Part of the Riverwalk Development, a 4,000 Sq. Ft open plan Unit, formerly the “Riverwalk Gym”. Situated in the heart of Castlerea Town, a unit of modern construction is now on offer at exceptional value. Every offer above €20,000 considered. Immediate enquiries advised.

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

T: 090 66 30001

For Sale by Private Treaty with Vacant Possession BALLINTUBBER VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON

The subject property is a two storey detached 4 bedroom property situated in the middle of Ballintubber Village. Part of the ground floor of the property was formerly used as a Post Office/Insurance Office and benefits from a separate entrance. The property provides profile but is in need of refurbishment throughout. This property offers great potential and enquries are now invited. Price Guide €70,000 (plus Vat if applicable) BER: G BER No.107171761 Energy Performance Indicator: 607.04 kWh/m2/yr

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Classifieds

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

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

WEEKEND ON CALL EMERGENCY ROTA From 6 pm Friday 25th to Tuesday 29th March for Medical Emergencies Please Contact WESTDOC FOR APPOINTMENT On: 1850 365 000 EMERGENCY SURGERIES WILL BE HELD ON SAT 11am TO 12 Noon OR 4pm TO 5pm AND SUN 11am TO 12 Noon.

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

DOCTOR SURGERY

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

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

FREE CAR PARK AVAILABLE AT REAR OF SURGERY

PHONE: 090 66 25650

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

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

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

ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS To farmers and small businesses at fees that the small businessman can afford. Advice and consultations free. Pat Baxter & Company, Accounting Services, Clondra.

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

Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591. Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie

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

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE Traditional Chinese Medicine Better Health Naturally Michael Lennon, Lic. Ac. Galway Road, Roscommon, Health Insurance approved (090) 6626023 (086) 8225575

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

Phone No: (087) 4136355

BALLYGAR Bouncing Castles Super Slides – Combi Units – Sumo Suits – Activity Trailers (all weather) v– Marquee Hire - New Obstacle Courses

JUST ARRIVED Bouncing Castle Disco Dome • Keenest rates • FULLY INSURED

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

CAREERS CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

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

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Tel . 090-6630760. Email: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

CARAVAN FOR SALE CARAVAN FOR SALE: 2007 Omega 544 4 Berth. Caravan ready to go. Extras include remote control forward and reverse, left and right. Full awning and ground sheet. €11,750. Tel: 086 4059131. (no texts)

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 CHIMNEY CLEANING POWER SWEPT No Mess Reasonable Charge

TELEPHONE: 087 9657933 090 66 26752 CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys (Power Sweep and Vacuum - no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Oil Boilers serviced and repaired Carpets and Upholstery cleaned Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Tel: 071 91 97984 Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaningservice.com

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

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

FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle, Athlone & Carrick-on-Shannon -------Treating all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

CHIROPRACTOR ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

DRIVING LESSONS NOEL’S Driving School ADI/RSA Approved Driving Instructor Reg No. 37840

Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

Tuition in Car Car available for test

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE

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

Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

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

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

BUPA & VHI Covered

COMPUTERS DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts. No Fix No Fee. PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

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

By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time Please call us on 090-6634633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

087 6870248

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

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

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Classifieds DRIVING LESSONS

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

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

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Learn to drive with ....

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

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. FOR SALE: Angus and Hereford suck calves. Bull and heifers. Call Mark 086 1996367. < FOR SALE: Chopped dry silage bales, €16 to clear. Tel: 089 2011829. < FOR SALE: Silage bales, 40 solid quality wilted bales of silage. Athleague/ Four Roads area. Tel: 086 3143502. < PLOTS OF TURF TO LET: Cloonbard, Castlerea. Top quality turf, Bord na Mona approved. Tel: 086 7313879. < WANTED: Used cattle slats. Tel: 087 2533101.

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. < FOR SALE: 2 seater leather couch, reclining. Contact 071 96 62025

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

Contact Walter on 087 9519873

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

Phone John on 087 2860428

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

(087) 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

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

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

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

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

Find us on facebook

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

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

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

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

Phone: (086) 3614230

PLANNINGS

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 I Noreen Flynn intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of usage of Store to Hair Salon at St Patrick’s Street, Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Signed: Noreen Flynn. The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael Donoghue intend to apply for Permission to construct a 5-bay slatted shed to include a milking parlour, feed storage silo and holding yard along with all other associated site works at: Brackloon Td, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd., Engineers & Architects, Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon. Ph (090) 66 34421 Fax: (090) 66 34423 Email: info@collinsboydeng.com The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission, on behalf of Thomas and Lisa Lavin, to construct an extension to a dwellinghouse, along with all associated alterations to layout and elevations, at Lissacurkia Townland, Ballaghaderreen. Signed: Mary O’Hara & Associates, Civil Engineering Consultants, Market Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Tel: 094 98 61515

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 phased development comprises or is for the purpose of an activity for which an Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Licence will be required. The Planning application is to be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement. Signed C. Gray & Associates Ltd, Dromod, Co Leitrim. 087 7021857

The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

www.morrislohan.ie ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Retention Permission for completed works of existing dwelling house and the associated wastewater treatment system at Derrinlerig, Mount Talbot, County Roscommon. Signed: Keith Machin. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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 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 euro 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying on behalf of Siobhain Caulfield and Rakhi Caulfield for Planning Permission for retention of a 1m high concrete post and chainlink fence along the eastern boundary and Planning Permission to erect a similar 1m high concrete post and chainlink fence along the northern and western boundaries, for Planning Permission for retention of a storage area to the rear of the existing commercial unit and alterations to the front facade to that which differs from previous Planning Permission PD/03/434 at Elphin Td, Elphin, Co Roscommon. Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Classifieds

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

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL SITE NOTICE I, on behalf of Patrick Gerard Roddy intend to apply for full planning permission for development at: Ishlawn, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. The development will consist of: construction of a 3 bay slatted house, plus services and site works necessary at the above address. Signed: Thomas Horkan, Thomas Horkan Planning & Engineering Services, Craggagh, Carracastle, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Mayo. Phone No. 094 92 54967

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Carroll intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect 3 bay double slatted cattle shed, lay back area, dungstead, associated site development works and services at Ballymacurley South, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural & Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Keaveney, am applying for planning permission to construct a storey and a half type dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area and all associated site works at Raheen Td., Elphin, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Tom O’Brien Consulting Engineer Ltd., (Agent) This 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 a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee with the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael Glynn intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect 4 bay single slatted cattle shed, cattle crush, associated site development works and services at Emlaghyroyin, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural & Design Services Ltd., Architects, Fallon Avenue, Roscommon Phone 090 6626974 Mobile: 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT/FOR CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Call (086) 8212732.

< FOR SALE: 6 self-catering ensuite apartments. Newly decorated, fully furnished. Main Street, Elphin. Tel Michael on 086 3212445. < TO LET: 2 bed apartment in Athleague village. Fully furnished. Tel: 087 7541730. < TO LET: Fully furnished 1 bed flat in The Walk, Roscommon Town. Tel 087 6949253. < TO RENT: Two bed house in Roscommon town centre. Excellent condition, fully furnished, all mod cons. Newly redecorated. Would suit professionals. Tel 086 8435955. TO RENT: L-shaped bungalow near Boyle, Croghan and Carrick-on-Shannon. 1 acre of land. Nice lawn at rear. Tel 087 7550142.

PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE FOR - Weddings - Christenings - First Holy Communions - Confirmations

Phone: 089 9530397 for an appointment

PAINTING & DECORATING

SEPTIC TANKS

PAT TREACY

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

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

Tel: (086) 8077313 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

Telephone Alan on: (090) 6661635 or Mobile: (087) 2683079

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

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

TUITION

ATHLEAGUE CABS

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

1-8 Seats Wheelchair Accessible

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

PADDY PURCELL

SITUATIONS VACANT

TOM KILDUFF CABS

< CLEANER REQUIRED for house in Fourmilehouse area. Thursday/Fridays preferably. Contact: 087 6411708. CHILDMINDER REQUIRED to look after 3 school age children in their own home. Collect from school and mind from 3-6.30pm. Kilteevan area. If interested please phone 087 9042008 (after 6pm).

• Tarot & Angel Card Reading • Honest & Confidential • Spiritual Guidance • Need Direction?

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

Phone for an appointment (090) 66 23898 or (085) 7857191

Athleague

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

SITUATIONS WANTED < QUALIFIED NURSE AVAILABLE for day duty. General Roscommon area. Pin No. active to December 2016. Please reply to Box No: 872 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. < PROFESSIONAL LADY AVAILABLE for cleaning/ironing. Has own car. Available Monday-Friday. Roscommon area. Tel: 086 1607962.

SOULMATES SOULMATES - DON’T BE ALONE, LOVE IS ALL THERE IS: Find that special person for friendship and romance with like-minded people. Safe, reliable and confidential. Tel: 087 9216302/087 7720250.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

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

(086) 2714879

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

Tel: (086) 2544662 086 3821515

PSYCHIC DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT REIKI HEALER

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS

087-3186590

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849.

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.

HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503 JOHN BEATTIE

< FOR SALE: 40kg bag of smokeless coal, only €15 per bag, delivered. Contact Tony on 086 0703946.

Cab and Bus Hire

TURF FOR SALE in tonne bags (1 metre cubed). Delivered to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. €50 delivered. Tel: 086 8534011.

Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

TUITION < CASTLEREA AREA: Leaving/Junior Certificate Maths, Irish, French. Private tuition in your own home. Phone: 086 3282437.

< MAN WANTED to drive turf cutting machine. Tel 086 8510528. < GREAT SPECIAL SPRING OFFERS on 2014 dry screened loose turf, buy 1 load and get a 15% discount on second load. Tel 087 3831953.

< CASTLEREA: Oral preparation in Irish, French and German. Higher and Ordinary Level. Individual or group. Tel: 087 3515985.

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 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR

– For all your decorating needs.

Call John 086 4679798

HEALY’S General & Farm Labour • Lawns • Gardens • Powerwashing • Firewood & Log Splitting • Turf saved and brought home NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

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

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

Contact Vincent on 083 4130827 USEFUL SERVICES CONTINUED ON PAGE ??

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

AtYourService BLINDS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

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

WINDOWS/DOORS

CLEANING SHOWROOM:

BRENDAN DOOLIN

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

CHIMNEY CLEANING

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

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

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

9673336 2678350

Mob: 086 Email:

info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

INSULATION

Contact: Gerry Monaghan

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

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

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie WINDOW/ DOORS

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 FARMING

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

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

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

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Donal Haughey - 086 8210710

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

SPECIAL OFFER ON COMPOSITE DOORS

We have in stock a large range of locks, hinges, handles to suit all brands of windows and doors

www.roscommonwindows.ie

CPC TRAINING

Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, 4X4s, BUSES, RUNNERS OR NON-RUNNERS. Also NCT and DOE Failures Anything considered

CONTACT: 087 3885054

WANTED CARAVANS

CARPENTRY

Gary Jameson

ANY CONDITION, ANY SIZE

2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units

CONTACT:

085 8203209

• Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

VETERINARY

(086) 0708833

GLASS WORKS

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Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

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M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892

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CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

WE REPLACE AND FIT DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

TARMACADAM

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091 768 768

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

Auto Cleanse Car Valeting is a modern, professional service which specialises in quick and mobile care for your car, van and jeep Auto Cleanse comes to you! Whether it be at work or to your home We are a mobile service.

Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

Fergal 086 1016899

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Tel Niall on 085 7577317

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

TARMACADAM

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

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

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Gerry Monaghan

fergalkelly@live.com

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

MOBILE VALETING SERVICES

Athlone Road, Roscommon

MAL HEVEHAN Telephone: 086 8100292

• Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Appointments COSTELLO’S NURSING HOME Ballyleague, Lanesboro Have a vacancy for a

STAFF NURSE • Full-Time Permanent Position • Excellent terms & working conditions • Salary comparable to HSE Payscale, with the option of a Pension Scheme and other added benefits • Flexible, variable shifts • Pin No and Garda Vetting will be required • Immediate start FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE: EMAIL: costellosnursinghome@gmail.com PHONE: C.N.M. Geraldine on 043 33 21361

Clarke Machinery Ltd Roscommon Branch have a vacancy for the following:

JUNIOR STORES PERSON WANTED THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD BE: • Computer literate and up to date with modern technology • Have a passion for Tractors/Machinery

All Applications by C.V only and forwarded via email to:

martin@clarkemachinery.ie

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES ROSCOMMON The Brothers of Charity Services Roscommon empower people with intellectual disability/autism to live the lives they choose. Our focus going forward is to form a relationship/partnership with each individual and their family, enabling them to design their own service so that they can enjoy a real life in a real place with a healthy balance of supports. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following positions:

2 X PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKERS LOCATION - ROSCOMMON TOWN (Permanent, Pensionable and Part-Time AND 1 Year Specific Purpose Pensionable and Part-Time) For further information and application pack, please refer to our website at www.brothersofcharity.ie/roscommon or contact the Human Resources Department on 090 66 28511 or email hr@roscommon.brothersofcharity.ie Closing Date: 1.00pm on Thursday 7th April 2016 The Brothers of Charity Services Roscommon is an equal opportunities employer

LEGAL SECRETARY REQUIRED PART-TIME POSITION Roscommon Town. Experience essential.

Please reply to Box No 875, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

CHILDCARE PRACTITIONER REQUIRED Level 7/8 Full-Time/Part-Time Position Experience working in a busy Creche Current First Aid training Certificate Experience working with all age groups Maintain accurate records Pre-School Reg 2006

Please send CV and Cover Letter to: Box No 876, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon We are an equal opportunities employer

ROSCOMMON LEISURE CENTRE Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the following post:

LEISURE CENTRE ATTENDANT – FULL TIME AND PART TIME Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from:

The Facility Manager, Roscommon Leisure Centre, Ardnanagh, Roscommon Email: roscommnleisure@gmail.com Telephone: 090 6628219 Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form/curriculum vitae. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday 5th April 2016 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon Leisure Centre is an equal opportunities employer.

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

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

CASTLEREA SWIMMING POOL SUMMER SEASON 2016 TEMPORARY DUTY MANAGER TEMPORARY LIFEGUARDS 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 5th April 2016 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

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.

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

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

GLEESON’S TOWNHOUSE & RESTAURANT HAVE THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES:

• CHEF • COOK/FOOD PREP PERSON • WAITING STAFF Food Safety and HACCP training will be provided.

PLEASE FORWARD YOUR CV’S TO: Gleesons Townhouse, Market Square, Roscommon or to info@gleesonstownhouse.com

AtYourService TARMACADAM

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

Contact Damian at (087) 9962361

USEFUL SERVICES

Glamorous Dogs FUERTY, ROSCOMMON

KESHIA CASEY

Professional Dog Groomer

(087) 2731228 MICHAEL McDERMOTT • Kerbs • Footpaths • Drives • Patios • Slabs • Rafts CONCRETE - Plain, Patterned or Coloured

Telephone: 087 9020964 TIPPER TRUCK AVAILABLE (3.5T): Experienced, helpful owner and driver. Rates negotiable. Phone Roy on 086 3242047. < 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.

USEFUL SERVICES < 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 AVAIL< ELECTRICIAN ABLE: 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. < HANDYMAN AVAILABLE – to lay wooden floors, painting and decorating. Grass trimming and power washing. Tel: 089 4523534.

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

FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 19/03/2016 FIRST PRIZE €60: Gerard Quigley, Creevy SECOND PRIZE €30: Gladys Hoare, c/o K Hoare THIRD PRIZE €20: Selena Tully, Ballymurray 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Kirsty & Kay, c/o K Hoare; Jack Finn, c/o K Collins; Kate & Mary, c/o K Hoare; Breda Healy, The Square; Tom Madden, Main Street; Pat Sherlock, c/o Mary Hicks; Denis O’Shea, Abbeytown; Anne Hanley, c/o Breda Healy; Kathleen Carr, c/o K Hoare; Mary Tully, c/o Ros Vets Supplies. 10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Kirsty Dizambrzo; Sadie Mulryan; Tanya Kelly; Breda Healy; Kathleen Collins; Kathleen Hoare; Aaran Dizambrzo; Kathleen Hoare; Bridie Glennon, c/o Supervalu; Kathleen Collins. TOTAL RECEIPTS €336. TOTAL PRIZES €260.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KELLY Kevin (2nd Anniversary)

HARRIS MALONEY Maria Lenarevagh, Creggs, Co. Galway (2nd Anniversary) Who passed away 27th March 2014

In loving memory of Kevin Kelly, Rath, Ballintubber, who passed away on 29th March 2014 A date filled with sadness returns to us today To mark the day you left us, In such a sudden way. We think of you in silence and often speak your name But all we have are memories, And your picture in a frame. Will those who think of Dad today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered and sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Dette Anne and Claire, his sons John and Kevin and all his grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Saturday March 26th, 2016 at 8pm in St Patricks Church, Granlahan.

FITZMAURICE Pat Donamon, Roscommon 21st Anniversary - March 26th

In quiet thoughts I live again The days that used to be How rich in kindness, love and care How dear you were to me.

Always remembered by husband Mickie. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 27th March 2016 at 11.30am in Kilbegnet Church. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, But always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by Bridie and family. Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday 10th April at 10am.

12 Thornfield Drive, Lisnamult, Roscommon (8th Anniversary) 25th March 2008

May the winds of love blow softly, And whisper for you to hear, That we still love and miss you As it dawns another year.

GATELY Sean and Delia Carramore, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (40th and 23rd Anniversaries)

Always loved and remembered by her husband Martin, children Martin, Marie, Anne, son-in-law Paul and grandchildren. In loving memory of Sean, who passed away on 27th March 1976 and Delia, who passed away on 31st March 1993

BEIRNE Elizabeth

A special place is where you are That special place is not too far Within our hearts you will always stay.

Late of Upper Roxoboro, Roscommon Died 28th March 2006 (10th Anniversary)

Loved and prayed for every day, from Jane Mass offered.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES

Forever loved and missed by mom Bina, Sean, Olivia, Richard, Jackie and Ciaran. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ It doesn’t need a special day To bring you to our mind For days without a thought of you Are very hard to find.

Love and miss you, Eve and Stephen. Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday, And when old times we do recall it’s then we miss you most of all.

THANKSGIVING NOTICES

GAVIN Catherine

HARRIS MALONEY Maria

Time may close the book of grief Like the smile that hides the tears But memories turn back every leaf Despite the passing years.

Though absent you are very near Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Sadly missed by Tommie, Edel, Teresa, Shane, Cathal and Ryan, Padraic, Janet, Rachael, Brian, Claire.

SHERLOCK John

Curraghroe, Roscommon and formerly of Strokestown Whose 30th Birthday occurs on 25th March

Whose Birthday occurs on 22nd March

Lovingly remembered by Anne, Andy and family. Tears instead of wishes Flowers instead of cards You left us precious memories That will stay within our hearts.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements

In loving memory of Maria Harris Maloney, Lenarevagh, Creggs, who died on 27th March 2014

COX Laura Ann

Loved and remembered, forever in our hearts, Mammy, Daddy, James, Shane, Daniel and Zoe.

• Birthday Remembrance

Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

LEAVY Memorials Lanesborough

Est. 1784

Headstones in Granite and Limestone Additional names inscribed Tel: 043 33 21184/ 086 1637808/086 2040154

memorial stationery from

For brochure and sample pack call:

Athlone Road, ROSCOMMON 090 66 27500

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

Always remembered by Danny and Giselle Doyle. 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.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it)Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your fathers sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. S.H. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for this special one (mention it). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus and place it within Your own broken heart where Your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Many thanks. S.L. NOVENA TO ST. MARTHA Oh Saint Martha, I resort to thee and to thy petition and faith. I offer up to thee this light which I shall burn every Tuesday for nine Tuesdays. Comfort me in all my difficulties through the great favour thou didst enjoy when our Saviour lodged in thy house. I beseech thee to have definite pity in regards to the favour I ask. Interceed for my family that we may always be provided for in all our necessities. I ask thee St. Martha to overcome the dragon, which thou didst cast at thy feet. Say one Our Father and Three Hail Mary’s. Light a candle every Tuesday and the above prayer made know with the intention of spreading devotion to St. Martha. This Miraculous Saint grants everything before the five days are ended, no matter how difficult. S.L.

PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need... Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, You who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted.____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favors. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. S.L. 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. S.L. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it)Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your fathers sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. E.L.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline for receipt of family notices

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople Roscommon ready to rise on Easter Sunday Roscommon’s Sean Purcell, left, and Mayo’s Kevin McLoughlin ahead of their Allianz Football League game on Sunday. Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon. Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy/SPORTSFILE

Allianz National Football League Division One: Roscommon v Mayo on Sunday at Dr Hyde Park at 3.30 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon’s Sean Purcell, left, and Mayo’s Kevin McLoughlin ahead of their Allianz Football League game on Sunday. Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon. Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy/SPORTSFILE

One of the biggest league games in many years will take place at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday when Roscommon host old rivals Mayo in a game that is sure to draw a huge crowd. Before the league started, the conventional wisdom was that Roscommon would probably be heading into this game needing something to avoid relegation, while Mayo would be flying high at the top of the table. As we now know, the opposite is the case. Roscommon are safe from relegation and in the semi-finals with two rounds to spare, and it is Mayo who will come to Roscommon needing a win in the battle to avoid the drop to Division Two. It means that we are set for an absorbing battle, and when you add in the traditional local rivalry and the fact that Roscommon joint manager Kevin McStay and selector Liam McHale were rejected by their home county only last year, it adds more spice to a match which could be a classic. Given the performance we saw in Letterkenny two weeks ago, I am

not surprised to learn that there is only one change in the Roscommon starting fifteen for Sunday’s game, with Enda Smith coming in for Ronan Stack. Geoffrey Claffey played well and deserves his start between the posts, with the established trio of Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins and Niall McInerney manning the full-back line positions. Seanie Purcell was excellent at centre half-back against Donegal while Davy Murray and Conor Daly are chosen as wing half-backs. Niall Daly and Enda Smith look a very strong midfield partnership, although Ian Kilbride is back in contention after recovering from injury and is included in the subs. He will be valuable back-up. Fintan Cregg, Ciaran Murtagh and Conor Devaney were all excellent in the half-forward line and will start again while Senan Kilbride, Cian Connolly and Cathal Cregg will start in the full-forward line. It will be interesting to see whether the management team will opt to use some of the U-21 stars on the panel with the Connacht Final coming up the following Saturday evening. It will also be interesting

to see if Mayo will be able to cope with Roscommon’s all-action running and possession game. Mayo will be able to call on the Castlebar contingent after their disappointing loss in the All-Ireland club final on St. Patrick’s Day, and I presume that Barry Moran, Tom Cunniffe and Patrick Durkan will be in contention for starting spots. Despite the fact that Mayo have only two points on the board so far, they have played very well in their last three games – against Donegal, Monaghan and Kerry – and they are certainly improving as the year goes on. They have a magnificent record in Division One and they will not want to be in a relegation battle. They have to win this game against Roscommon and their final game against Down the following week to give them a fighting chance of avoiding the drop. Then of course there is the little matter of laying down a marker with a view to any possible clash between the two counties later in the year. Mayo have some fantastic players to call on, men who have become household names over the past few years. Rob Hennelly, Ger Cafferky,

Lee Keegan, Colm Boyle, Donie Vaughan, Tom Parsons, Diarmuid O’Connor, Jason Doherty, Kevin McLoughlin, Andy Moran and of course Aidan O’Shea have all been there and ‘done that’ over the past five years as Mayo have dominated Connacht football. They will not want to give Roscommon any bragging rights and will be determined to prevail here, for a number of reasons. The need for Mayo to win this game might tilt the verdict in their favour, but there is a buoyancy about Roscommon football right now that is sure to be there again on Sunday and, in front of a huge home crowd, Roscommon will not want to lose. It is as close to a championship game as you will get at this time of the year. There should be a magnificent atmosphere. Mayo are a top class team and they have been so over the past five years. It is another huge test for Roscommon. It is a test that this Roscommon team can pass, but it will be close. Match odds: Roscommon 5/4 v Mayo 4/5; Draw 7/1. Prediction: Roscommon, by a point or two.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople

O’Donnell delight at competition for places < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon joint manager Fergal O’Donnell says that the Roscommon players are really looking forward to this big game and agrees that the pressure is off Roscommon as they prepare for the encounter. “The two-week break was needed. The lads went back to the clubs and played a round of league games last weekend. The panel are focussed and are in a good place at the moment following a few good wins, and we are looking forward to these last two big games against Mayo and Dublin. The U-21s had a great win last weekend and there is a good buzz about the place at the moment. “We have been approaching this league game by game, and that’s the way it is this time around too. We have a lot of players coming back

into the panel and putting pressure on the lads that are there. “The likes of Donie Shine, David Keenan, Donie Smith and Thomas Corcoran are all back training now and that’s great for the panel in general. “Mayo will come to Roscommon expecting to win on Sunday. They are a top team and will be there or thereabouts when it comes to the championship later in the year. They are like all the top teams, they come with a late burst in the league and they will be expecting to beat Roscommon and Down in their last two games and end on six points. “We will be going all out to play well on Sunday, make no mistake about that. There is no point playing well in three or four games and not being competitive on Sunday. “The lads who are on the team will have to play

In the O’Rourke Cup Division 1 Strokestown defeated Clann na nGael 3-9 to 0-14 at Johnstown. Strokestown led 2-5 to 0-7 at the break. While the returning Donie Shine added frees in the second half, with Cathal Shine benefitting from a move to full-forward, Strokestown still ran out convincing winners. Roscommon Gaels emerged victorious over Kilmore in a hard-fought league encounter played in perfect conditions at Lisnamult, 0-14 to 0-11. There was nothing between the teams in the opening half and with defences on top the half-time score was 0-4 to 0-4. Kilmore started the second half playing much the better football and took an early lead. However, they could not maintain their momentum and the Gaels gradually got to grips at midfield. Elphin and Boyle played out a very entertaining

local derby on Sunday afternoon in the Orchard Park. The sides exchanged points throughout the first half and the home side did enough to lead by 0-7 to 0-6 at the interval. Elphin made the better start to the second half and led by 010 to 0-7 after 51 minutes when Boyle equalised through a Conor Flanagan goal. Elphin replied with a goal and a point in the space of three minutes, with Gerry Cregg finding the net. Boyle kept trying and points from Jim Suffin and Michael Hanmore helped narrow the gap, but Elphin remained in control and converted their chances to leave it Elphin 1-14, Boyle 1-10. St. Brigid’s recorded their third win in three games in the league on Sunday last in Kiltoom. The first half was slow to take off but goals from Jack McDonnell and Ronan Stack gave Brigid’s a 2-2 to 1-3 lead at the break, with Cathal

Adult Football League Division One (O’Rourke Cup) Strokestown 3-9 Clann na nGael 0-14 Western-Gaels 0-16 Pádraig Pearses 0-10 Elphin 1-14 Boyle 1-10 Roscommon Gaels 0-14 Kilmore 0-11 St. Brigid’s 4-7 Oran 1-9 Adult Football League Division Two (O’Gara Cup) Fuerty 1-9 St. Croan’s 1-9 Eire Óg 3-18 Michael Glavey’s 2-11 Tulsk Lord Edwards 1-12 St. Dominic’s 0-11 St. Faithleach’s 2-11 Clann na nGael 0-13 Kilbride 2-13 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 1-12 Adult Football League Division Three (Tansey Cup) Ballinameen 2-8 Elphin 0-12 St. Aidan’s 2-8 St. Michael’s 2-6 Shannon Gaels W/O v St. Brigid’s Adult Football League Division Four Pádraig Pearses W/O v Oran Shannon Gaels W/O v St Barry’s St. Faithleach’s W/O v Eire Óg

GAA Fixtures Friday, March 25th Adult Football League Division 4 At Abbey Park: Boyle v Pádraig Pearses. 5 pm At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v St. Barry’s. 5 pm At Rockfield: Oran v St. Croan’s. 5 pm At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Dominic’s. 5 pm At Strokestown: Strokestown v St. Ronan’s. 5 pm

Kesha Carty and Cassie pictured supporting Roscommon U-21s in Sligo on Saturday last. Picture: Andrew Fox

to hold on to that jersey because the panel is very competitive. There is great competition to make the first 26 players on the panel and we are really looking forward to the game. It is a home match and we are determined to do well,” he concluded.

Roscommon Team The Roscommon team for Sunday’s game has been named and is as follows: Geoffrey Claffey; Seanie McDermott, Neil Collins, Niall McInerney; Conor Daly, Seanie Purcell, Davy Murray; Niall Daly, Enda Smith; Conor Devaney, Ciaran Murtagh, Fintan Cregg; Cian Connolly, Senan Kilbride, Cathal Cregg.

Strokestown defeat Clann while Brigid’s’ run continues LEAGUE ROUND-UP

GAA Results

Kenny netting for Oran. Oran scored the first point of the second half but points from Senan Kilbride, Davy Cunniffe and Jack McDonnell as well as two more goals from Darragh Sheehy and John Grehan gave Brigid’s a comfortable lead. Western Gaels defeated Padraig Pearses 0-16 to 0-10 in Woodmount. The Frenchpark side led 0-7 to 0-6 at the break. Brian Casserly, Oisin Ward and Cathal Cregg were among the scorers, while Conor Payne, Michael Duignan, Tom Butler and David Murray were on the scoresheet for Pearses. Emmet Kelly kicked two early second-half points for Pearses, but then the Gaels pulled clear. Derek Moran (two frees), Cathal Cregg (four), Brian Casserly and Niall Higgins added points. Niall Finneran and Duignan got late points for Pearses.

Division Two In the O’Gara Cup Division Two, Éire Óg claimed the West Roscommon

bragging rights with a 318 to 2-11 victory over Michael Glavey’s at James Timothy Park on Sunday. Goals in the opening 20 minutes from Daire Crowley and Barry Nolan set the platform for victory. Gary Patterson hit back with a penalty for Glavey’s but by half-time Éire Óg had built up a 3-11 to 2-7 lead. Kilbride defeated Castlerea St. Kevin’s 2-13 to 112 in O’Rourke Park. Kilbride led by four after ten minutes. Castlerea replied with two points. The teams traded scores to the break, leaving Kilbride 0-8 to 0-6 in front. Castlerea lost Ronan Raftery to a black card in the first half. Although Castlerea drew level, Kilbride moved clear again with 1-1 from Conor Devaney. Kilbride extended their lead to seven but Castlerea got back to within four by the final whistle. St. Faithleach’s accounted for Clann na nGael, 2-11 to 0-13. Clann started with 14 men, and St. Faithleach’s took full advantage to lead by three. The Ballyleague

side got a goal midway through the half. Clann hit back with four points but Faithleach’s struck with a second goal before halftime to lead at the break, 2-7 to 0-5. Clann worked their way back into the game in the second half and outscored their opponents 0-8 to 0-4. Tulsk pipped St. Dominic’s 1-12 to 0-11. The allimportant score arrived with five minutes remaining when Tulsk substitute James Murray finished to the net following a good five-man move to open up a five-point gap. The sides swapped scores throughout the first half with Tulsk just holding advantage at the break, 0-7 to 0-6. Dominic’s were slow out of the blocks after the break and Tulsk scored four early points before the Knockcroghery men responded with three of their own to close the gap to two. Then Murray struck for the goal and despite Dominic’s trying hard they just could not bridge the gap, despite scoring two late points.

Adult Football League Division 5 At Kilmore: Kilmore v Fuerty. 5 pm At Kilbride: Kilbride v St. Joseph’s (Kilteevan). 5 pm At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v Ballinameen. 5 pm At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Roscommon Gaels. 5 pm Adult Football League Division 6 At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St. Barry’s. 5 pm At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Eire Óg. 5 pm Saturday, March 26th Adult Football League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) At Creggs: Creggs v Castlerea St. Kevin’s. 5 pm

Underage GAA Fixtures Thursday, March 24th U-14 Football League Division 1 At Kiltoom: St Brigid’s v St. Ciaran’s. 7.30 pm Friday, March 25th U-14 Football League Division 1 At Pairc an Phiarsaigh: Pádraig Pearses v Roscommon Gaels. 11 pm At Abbey Park: Boyle v Clann na nGael. 5 pm U-14 Football League Division 2 At Orchard Park: Elphin v Oran. 5 pm At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v St. Dominic’s. 5 pm U-14 Football League Division 3 At Strokestown: Strokestown v Kilbride. 12 pm At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s. 4pm At James Timothy Park: Eire Óg v St. Faithleach’s. 5 pm U-14 Football League Division 4 At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels. 11 am At Enfield: St. Croan’s v St. Brigid’s. 5.30 pm Sunday, March 27th U-16 Football League Division One At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Brigid’s. 11 am At Lisnamult: Roscommon Gaels v St. Dominic’s. 11 am At O’Rourke Park, Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Oran. 11 am U-16 Football League Division Two At Mulhern Park: St. Ciaran’s v St. Faithleach’s. 11 am At Kilmore: Kilmore/Shannon Gaels v Pádraig Pearses. 11 am U-16 Football League Division Three At Abbey Park: Boyle v Kilbride. 11 am At Orchard Park: Elphin v Kilglass Gaels/St Barry’s. 11 am At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v Eire Óg. 11 am Monday, March 28th U-16 Football League Division Two At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Strokestown. 11 am U-16 Football League Division Four At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v St. Brigid’s. 11 am At Ardcarne Park: St. Michael’s v Western Gaels. 11 am

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

This weekend’s racing in Ireland starts today in Thurles starting at 2.20 pm. On Saturday the first of the 3 day Easter meeting at Cork with a flat card off at 2.00 pm which continues with a national hunt card on Sunday at 1.55 pm. A mixed card on Monday featuring 2 flat, 3 hunter chases and 2 bumpers for point to point horses is away at 1.55 pm. On Easter Sunday the first day of the Irish Grand National meeting starts at 2.10 pm featuring two Grade 1 races, the Ryanair Cup Novice Chase and the E.B.F. Mares Novice Hurdle C’ship Final. On Easter Monday all racing eyes will be on Fairyhouse for the Irish Grand National with the first race away at 2.40 pm and the festival finishes on Tuesday tapes away for the first at 3.20pm. The ground will be yeilding at Thurles and Fairyhouse with standard going at Dundalk tomorrow. Going at Cork is soft, yielding to soft in places on the national hunt course and soft to heavy on the flat. Edward Lynam’s 9-Y-O Sole Power will attempt to retain his crown on Saturday in Medan’s Al Quoz sprint after paying his way by finishing 3rd in his warm up race two weeks ago.

Aintree Grand National News Last year’s winner Many Clouds, 8-1 favourite, heads the 96 still left in the race with Paul Nicholls’ Silviniaco Conti and The Last Samuri next in the betting at 121. Winner of the Bobbyjo Chase, a Grand National pointer, at Fairyhouse Boston Bob heads the Willie Mullins challenge along with On His Own, Ballycasey, Turban and

Sir Des Champ who gave Cheltenham a miss.

General News

The starter at Cheltenham is off Davy Russell’s Christmas card list following the JLT Novice Chase. Russell’s mount was broad side when he let the field away and was left at the start. This followed a false start in the race first time of asking and Zabana unshipped jockey Davy Russell. This brings me back to my favourite personnel in racing, the suits, who have surpassed themselves once again across the pond last week. At Cheltenham the starter had no responsibility nor had Davy Russell surprise surprise, Nina Carberry receives 7 days ban for trying too hard and winning a race, then on Sunday at Carlisle Sam Whaley-Cohen was slapped with 7 days for not riding out a horse, Long Run, that had made 4 mistakes and was clearly a very tired and weary animal. Long Run was retired after the race and Whaley-Cohen is appealing the ban. There were only 7 runners in the race so the only people who possibly lost money were the Whaley-Cohens who own and train the horse and have always had the best interests of the horse at heart, not the punter,. What do riders do? They are condemned if they do and condemned if they don’t and officials, well once again, can do no wrong. It can come as no surprise that part of a major report this week into the integrity work of the industry suggested the BHA lacks the expertise to properly judge the merits of a given ride, and an acknowledgement of the feeling of ‘them and us’ between the sport’s participants and ruling body. It calls for an urgent review into a number of

Boston Bob, No 1, jumps the last with On His Own in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse.

the disciplinary procedures. Is a similar report required here? Following Fran Berry’s decision to set up in England Colm O’Donoghue has teamed up with Jessica Harrington for the flat season. He will continue his association with Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle yard. Kieren Fallon made a surprise return to Irish racing on Sunday with 3 rides at the Curragh for trainer Michael O’Callaghan whose stable he has joined after his sojurn in America. The Gordon Elliott trained No More Heroes suffered a fatal tendon injury in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham on Wednesday week. The Gigginstown owned 7–Y-

O was unbeaten over the major obstacles having won 2 Grade 1 novice chases at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.

Point to Point View No Saturday racing in the north but 3 meetings in the south on Easter Sunday with the traditional Co Clare Easter fixture at Quakerstown west of Gort, at Monksgrange between New Ross and Enniscorthy in Wexford and Curraghmore west of Waterford City. There is a two day meeting at Loughanmore near Templepatrick in Antrim on Monday and Tuesday. All 5 meetings are scheduled for a 2.00 pm start.

Cheltenham Report 2016 Day 3 In the opening JLT Novice Chase the Willie Mullins band wagon rolled on with Black Hercules giving him and Ruby Walsh their 5th winner of the week and Ruby Walsh his 50th all time winner at the festival. Bristol De Mai finished 2nd beaten 3l and L’Ami Serge 3rd a further length back. I deal with the controversial start in the main column. The Pertemps Final threw up the only the third Festival winner trained west of the Shannon, Billy Boyer’s Kilcoleman and Paul Gilligan’s Bertie’s Dream were the others, when Mall Dini trained in Craughwell, Co Galway by Pat Kelly gave Davy Russell his second winner of the meeting. The 6–Y-O gelding purchased from the famed Costelloe family in Clare beat Arpege D’Alene ¾l with a very unlucky in running If In Doubt a head away in 3rd. Pat

Kelly struck a blow for the small yard as he has only 5 horses in training. The Ryanair Chase took an unexpected turn with WP Mulins’ Vautour opting for it instead of the Gold Cup. The 7-Y-O duly easily accounted for the sponsor owned pair of Valsuer Lido and Road to Riches by 8l and ½ l to make an Irish 1, 2, 3 and a 1, 2 for Mullins. St Patrick’s Day and the first 3 winners trained in Ireland. Can it get any better? In this year’s World Hurdle Colin Tizzard’s Thistlecrack proved the one they all had to beat coming home alone by 7l and 22l from Alpha Des Obeaux and the evergreen 2013 Gold Cup champion Bob’s Worth. The winner is set to go chasing with the 2017 Gold Cup the target. The Handicap Chase also had a full field and after hitting the bar on several occasions Gigginstown and Michael O’Leary eventu-

ally reached the winners enclosure with Empire Of Dirt trained in Co Wexford by Colm Murphy. The winner won by 4l from Tango De Juilley running on to beat Kings Palace 1¼l for 3rd. The selection Baily Green from Mouse Morris’ yard put in a good show fading in the straight. The Mares Novice Hurdle Willie Mullins/Rich Ricci produced another fine mare in Limini, who maintained her unbeaten record easily. She powered up the hill to win by 4½l and 2½l from Dusky Legend and Bloody Mary bring the Mullins/Walsh score to 7 for the week. With mares like Annie Power, Vroum Vroum Mag and now Limini the Mullins/Ricci team will face some major decisions in the future. In the Kim Muir Gordon Elliott and Jamie Codd went one better in the race with Cause of Causes, 2nd in 2014, beating A Good Skin and Silvergrove by 12l and ½l. With the score 6 – 1 to Ireland on the day they take an 11 – 10 lead in the race for most winners with 7 races remaining.

Day 4

Mall Dini and Davy Russell win the Pertemps.

The Triumph Hurdle opened Friday racing and produced No 12 for Ireland with Ivanovich Gorbatov giving Barry Geraghty his first winner of this year’s festival. Technically rained by Aiden O’Brien for JP McManus the son of Montjeu beat Apple Jade and Footpad 1¼l and 6l with Let’s Dance back in 4th to give Joseph O’Brien

his first festival winner. A clean sweep for the Irish with all 3 placed horses trained by WP Mullins. The Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle brothers trainer Dan and jockey Harry Skelton, sons of Olympian showjumper Nick, combined for their first festival winner with Superb Story beating Fethard Player, trained in by Willie Treacy, and Sternrubin by 2½l and 1½l. The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle saw 7 of the 19 runners from WP Mullins yard but quantity did not prevail as Unowhatimeanharry stayed on up the hill beating Fagan, from Gordon Elliott’s, and Champers On Ice by 1¼l and 1½l. A field of 9 faced the starter in the Blue Riband of the festival and Brian Cooper made the correct decision when opting for the Gordon Elliott trained Don Cossack over Don Poli who finished 3rd under Davy Russell, with the pair split by Djakadam and Ruby Walsh, runner-up for the second year in a row. Another 1, 2, 3 for the Irish and equals last year’s record 13 festival winners. Willie Mullins is still waiting for his first Gold Cup training the 2nd and 3rd. The amateur Gold Cup, The Foxhunters had 24 runners and Enda Bolger, Nina Carberry and On The Fringe collected repeated last year’ win. Marito completed an Irish 1, 2 going under by a neck with Noel McParlan in the saddle for Colin McBrathney with Paint The Clouds a length away in 3rd. Nina Carberry received a 7 day ban for use

of the whip after the race and is ruled out for Aintree Foxhunters. Ibis Du Rheu gave claimer Jack Sherwood his first festival winner beating Flying Angel and Sky Khan in a tight finish by 1¼l and the same in the 24 runner Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle. It was a second win of the week for trainer Paul Nicholls whose former assistants Harry Fry and Dan Skelton had trained their first winner on the day. In the final race of the festival Solar Impulse sprung a surprise in the Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup completing a double on the day for Paul Nicholls. Sam Twiston-Davies was riding his third festival winner aboard the winner who finished 3 ¾ l from Dandridge and ½ l from Rock The World, both trained in Ireland by Arthur Moore and

Thistlecrack will be aimed at the 2017 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Jessica Harrington. The Cheltenham Festival 2016 once again belongs to trainer Willie Mullins who recorded 7 more successes, including 3 of the 4 major races, at the meeting. Ruby Walsh was the leading rider aboard the same 7 animals. Those winners contributed half of the Irish tally of 14 which tied with Great Britain to share the Betright Cup. The national hunt sea-

sons now rolls on to the Fairyhouse Easter meeting this weekend and ends with the Punchestown Festival in May where we hopefully will see the renewal of most of the cross channel rivalries fought out in the Cotswolds on this side of the small pond. All that’s left now is to look forward to Cheltenham 2017 where WP Mullins will make another attempt to win his first Gold Cup.

Limini joins fellow mares Annie Power and Vroum Vroum Mag to win at the festival for the Mullins/Walsh/Ricci combination.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople

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

Hard-working Walters earns the plaudits < DAN DOONER

Jonathan Walters was named as the senior footballer of the year at last Sunday’s FAI Awards. I was at the play-off second leg against Bosnia in Dublin and I would have given it to him for his heroics that night alone. He typifies the very best assets of this current Irish team with his physicality, hard work and teamwork standing out both

for Ireland and Stoke in the last couple of seasons. Meanwhile, there were no prizes for guessing the winner of the Goal of the Year award: Shane Long’s thunderbolt, which crowned Ireland de facto World Champions, against Germany in the qualifier last October. The impressive Robbie Brady was named as Young Player of the Year to top off a sensational few months in an Irish jersey.

Meanwhile, just when you thought the soccer season couldn’t get any more exciting, the Republic of Ireland will take on the mighty Slovakia and peace-loving Switzerland this month in Dublin! You know what that means. A good game of ball for 45 minutes before numerous substitutions, a lull in atmosphere and Ireland nicking it with a scrambled Jonny Walters goal.

The international friendlies are obviously important when it comes to fine-tuning our final preparations ahead of France and I’m sure most Premier League managers will welcome the break ahead of the run-in. Martin O’Neill has named his squad after whittling it down and it should afford opportunities for fringe players to stake a claim for a starting berth in Paris.

Dooner’s weekend predictions Saturday, March 26th The Herald Premier Division (7.30 pm) Ballinasloe Town v MD Town The home side have the title in their sights once again and should have too much for MD Town. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town. Castlerea Celtic v Cloonfad United Both sides enjoyed good wins last time out but Castlerea will take some stopping between now and the end of the season. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic. Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 (8 pm) Glen Celtic v Loughglynn United The visitors could put daylight between themselves and Glen in the table but Glenamaddy is not an easy place to win a mid-table battle. Prediction: Draw.

Sunday, March 27th The Herald Premier Division (12 pm) Dysart FC v Skyvalley Rovers Both sides were well beaten last time out but Skyvalley will fancy themselves to get a result here. Prediction: Skyvalley Rovers. Ballaghaderreen FC v Moore United Ballaghaderreen were ultra-impressive last weekend and should

have scored more than five. Moore have been impressive for most of the season and could all but end the home side’s title chances. Prediction: Moore United. The Roscommon Cup Round 1 (12 pm) Brazukas v KC Celtic The form book usually goes out the window in the cup but this should be a straighforward win for the home side. Prediction: Brazukas. The Roscommon Cup Round 2 (12 pm unless stated) Skyvalley Rovers B v Shiven Rovers (11 am) Again, there should be a gulf in class here but don’t be surprised if the home team make it difficult for the free-flowing Shiven. Prediction: Shiven Rovers. Ballinasloe Town B v Cloonfad United B Easy win predicted for the home side. This cup is always going to be difficult for the lower ranked Division Two teams. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town B. Lough Harps v Moylough ‘79 Cup tie of the weekend and guarantees a Division Two side progressing to the next round. I wouldn’t be surprised if this requires extra-time. Then again, Harps have looked like a Division One side all season. Prediction: Lough Harps.

Monday, March 28th The Herald Premier Division (12 pm) Castlerea Celtic v Ballymoe FC Bank Holiday football and time to run off those Easter eggs! Huge game and egg-citing times (sorry) for Castlerea as they look to stay in the hunt. This could prove to be a defining weekend for them. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic.

The Roscommon Cup Round 2 (12 pm) Ballaghaderreen FC B v Rahara Rovers This is an interesting one. Ballaghaderreen are slight favourites. Prediction: Ballaghaderreen FC B. Just about. Loughglynn United v CP Ajax Another interesting tie, and this time I’m siding with the Division Two side. Prediction: CP Ajax.

Jonathan Walters held off the entire German nation during last October’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin.

This week’s Awards… Game of the Weekn One. This is what hap-

Divisio Brazukas v Glen Celtic in meets Glenamaddy guile and air fl n zilia Bra en wh s pen h a football. they attack eachother wit

every The ‘Can we play you week?’ Award Andy Gray: “Tik a bow

words of Martin Demichelis. In the le ability to make Manchester son!” For his unbelievab United look lethal in attack.

e Award The Christian Bentek et rg for Attempts Off Tama rching in the Ballin-

x were The future stars of CP Aja ade last week while throwing tubber St. Patrick’s Day Parors (including a certain reportgrab a sweets to watching spectat y few people managed to er). I can confirm that ver . sweet. Gutted

Soccer Results

Sean Corcoran, RDFL, presents the League Division 1 trophy to Shiven Rovers’ captain, Martin Killea after Rovers were crowned champions recently.

Saturday, March 19th The Herald Premier Division Cloonfad United 2 Moore United 1 Sunday, March 20th The Herald Premier Division Dysart FC 1 Ballaghaderreen FC 5 St. John’s Athletic 0 Ballinasloe Town 1 Castlerea Celtic 3 Skyvalley Rovers 1 Norio’s Takeaway Division 1 Brazukas 4 Glen Celtic 3 Ahascragh United 1 Ballinasloe Town B 1 Rahara Rovers 0 Loughglynn United 3 Killeen Sports Ground Division 2 KC Celtic 2 St. John’s Athletic B 0 MD Town B 0 Lough Harps 0 Moylough ’79 v Moore United B, postponed. Roscommon United 0 CP Ajax 1

Darts

Youth teams make last eight The future looks bright for Roscommon darts as both Roscommon Youth teams made the last eight in the All-Ireland Finals held in Ennis, Co. Clare last weekend. Meanwhile, with one round left in the Roscommon Darts League, McDermott’s look back

to their commanding best. Last weekend they overcame The Hollywood 5-2. An Bothar Rua were impressive winners over Flanagan’s (4-3) and The Hollywood (6-1) in a rescheduled game, to round off a great weekend for them.

The top eight teams following this week’s action will be paired off into cup and shield semifinals. Top four go into the cup and next four go into the shield. The standings are as follows: McDermott’s (72), The Forge (60), An Bothar Rua (60) and Ned’s (53)

are currently in the top four. The Hatch, Flanagan’s, Charlie’s and The Hollywood look set for the shield. This week’s fixtures are as follows: Creaton’s v Ned’s, The Forge v The Hollywood, An Bothar Rua v Charlie’s and McDermott’s v Flanagan’s.

The Roscommon Youths A team who were in action in Ennis, Co. Clare last weekend.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople Club Rossie News Gaelic Games are a big part of life in Roscommon. The success of our teams is a source of great pride for everyone involved, from coach to player, to supporter. If you, like us, believe Roscommon and its people are a place apart, a place to be proud of, then one way to show your pride is by joining Club Rossie.

NEWSDESK

CLUB ROSSIE

Junior Club Rossie

Creggs RFC Report

This year we launched the new and improved Junior Membership package as we know that so much of the colour and noise at Roscommon matches is provided by our younger fans. Junior members receive the exclusive training jersey worn by senior teams as well as other goodies and vouchers. Members are also entered into draws for coaching sessions with senior players, trips on the Club Rossie bus and opportunities to attend senior team training sessions and meet the players. Membership prices start at €50 and there are discounts for children from the same family.

This Sunday we are giving younger supporters the chance to win a football signed by the Roscommon senior team. Simply answer the three questions in the coupon below and return it to the Club Rossie stall in Dr. Hyde Park. The Draw will take place at half-time on Sunday. Adult Members can avail of Bronze Membership (€100) and members will receive one entry into a €30,000 prize draw while Gold Membership costs €228 and members will receive three entries into the prize draw and many more exclusive benefits. For more information visit our stall before the game next Sunday, log onto www.clubrossie.ie or call to the Roscommon GAA Office, Racecourse Road, Roscommon Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Big win for Finnerty Stoneworks Club Rossie Business Member Tommy Finnerty of Finnerty Stoneworks won the coveted prize of sponsoring the Roscommon Senior Football jersey for the Dublin game at a Draw on Monday.

Thumbs up to Junior Club Rossie!

Win a Signed Football

Young supporters can win a football signed by the Roscommon Senior Team by answering the questions below and returning it to the Club Rossie Stall in Hyde Park ahead of this Sunday’s Allianz Football League game against Mayo. 1. What was the final score in the Roscommon v Donegal game? _________________ 2. What club does Ciarain Murtagh play for? __________________________________ 3. What All-Ireland winning team will Roscommon play in the Final Round of the Allianz Football League? ________________________________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________________________ Local GAA Club: _________________________________________________________ Name of Parent/Guardian: ________________________________________________ Mobile Number: ________________________________________________________

Roscommon star Cathal Cregg pictured celebrating Roscommon’s win over Donegal with young fans Aaron and Ben Dolan and Tom and Mark Beisty.

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs U-14s into provincial last four Creggs Seconds: Creggs 2nds completed their league campaign with a home game against Corinthians on Sunday. The first half was evenly contested and ended up level at five points all, with Neville Walker barging over for a Creggs try shortly before half-time. However, that was as good as it got for Creggs, as the stronger and more experienced Corinthians side pulled away with some fine tries to run out comfortable winners. Creggs must regroup for the first round of the Ard na Cregg Cup, which is due to take place on April 3rd. Creggs: Stephen Kilcommons, Conor Gore, David Feeney, Neville Walker, David Hoare, Dylan Keaveney, Mark Brandon, Eoghan Cahill, Enda Tully, Brian Cody, David Naughton, Declan Nee, Graham Curran, Alan Glennon, Damien Nolan, Paul McNeill, Joe Diffley. Creggs Mini Girls: Creggs Mini Girls travelled to

Donnybrook on Saturday and took on Virginia RFC at half-time in the Ireland v Scotland Women’s International. Well done to the girls and parents that travelled and thanks to Larry and Frankie. Also thanks to Ray Mannion of Connacht Drains for sponsoring the tracksuits for the girls. Creggs Mini Boys: Creggs U-12s went to Ballinasloe on Saturday morning for their U-12 Connacht Blitz. They had very competitive games against two Ballinasloe RFC teams, Sligo RFC and Castlebar RFC. Well done to all the lads. There will be one more Blitz on April 9th in Claremorris RFC which will finish our season. The Connacht Blitz for U-8s and U-9s takes place this weekend in Castlebar RFC. All other age groups will train in Creggs at 11 am on Saturday. U-15s: Creggs U-15s will play Ballinasloe RFC in a refixed league game next weekend. Day to be con-

firmed. U-17s: The lads are preparing for their Connacht Division 1 league final in the coming weeks. U-13s: Creggs U-13s have a friendly next Saturday v Claremorris RFC. Time to be confirmed. U-16s: Creggs U-16s are due to travel to Ballina RFC next weekend in the U-16 Plate competition quarter-final. Day and time to be confirmed. Creggs U-14s: Creggs RFC U-14s travelled to Ballina RFC on last Sunday morning for the quarter-final of the Connacht Cup. After going 5-0 down Creggs eventually got a score through Rory O’Callaghan after nine minutes, which Mark Purcell converted for a 7-5 lead. Ballina were playing the better rugby in the first half and deservedly regained the lead, going 10-7 ahead. Five minutes before halftime Creggs drew level

Creggs U-14s who played Ballina.

from a penalty from Mark Purcell. The second half began with Ballina continuing to attack, but after nine minutes, the game-changing score came when Creggs moved the ball from the back of the scrum just outside their own 22” and caught the Ballina backs by surprise. When Mark Purcell released Aaron Lyons, the Creggs centre had a lot of work to do, but his pace outstripped that of the Ballina defence and he touched down in the far

corner. Mark Purcell converted to give Creggs a 1710 lead. The next Creggs score came after 16 minutes, when good work from Jack Tucker and Lorcan Maher got Creggs into the opponents’ 22”. When they were turned over it looked like the opportunity was gone but as the defence tried to kick clear a blockdown by Ronan Lambe was gathered by Rory Callaghan who dived over for second try. Purcell converted to stretch the lead to 24-10.

Creggs continued to put pressure on Ballina and stretched the lead further on 20 minutes when a penalty five metres out was taken on by Luke Divilly, with the help of James Rocke and Ben Finnerty, and when the ball was recycled, Rory Callaghan dived over again, for his third try, which increased the Creggs lead to 29-10. Ballina, to their credit, were not finished and kept batting away and the scoreline at the full-time whistle was RFC 29 Ballina RFC

15. Creggs U-14s will play the winners of the Ballinasloe v Buccaneers quarter-final in the semi-final on the weekend of April 10th. Creggs: Darran Gately, Mark Dowd, James Rocke, Ciaran Purcell, Jack Crehan, Naoise Coyle, Darragh Kiernan, Aaron Lyons, Brandon Kilcommons, Mark Purcell, Cian Glennon, Jack Tucker, Ben Finnerty, Rory Callaghan, Luke Divilly, Lorcan Maher, Ronan Lambe, Ethan Glennon, Louis McCaffrey.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Dan’s SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER Longer evenings signal start of busy sporting period THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner The weather is picking up across the country and of course this weekend sees the clocks going forward by an hour, which will lead to an even grander oul’ stretch in the evenings! This time of the year reminds me of midweek soccer in DDSL in Dublin. Fresh-cut grass, larger crowds and the beautiful feeling of winning in the sunshine. Of course there were the less savoury instances such as the time a burnt-out car postponed a match and the evening I was threatened by a young ‘lady’ who managed to get her head on the end of one of my clear-

ances. But, mostly it was fields of gold and ice-pops afterwards. One such memory involves former Dublin Mid West TD, Derek Keating, celebrating like Martin O’Neill when we clinched the league title for his club. Sport has this knack of bringing communities together; whether

it be the ‘parish’ down here in the sticks or ‘the estate’ up there in the ‘Big Smoke’. This Sunday the whole county will be out for the big match against Mayo at Hyde Park. Or at least people will claim they were after Roscommon win! The big Division One clash between Roscommon and Mayo

is merely the start of what will hopefully be a long and successful spring/summer/autumn of sport in the county. Only sport can really provide events like Sunday’s and memories like those I’ve mentioned. It’s also a healthy outlet for all ages and abilities, so get out there and get active this year.

The week in numbers

That was the number of Irish winners at last week’s Cheltenham Festival.

He’s 18 years and 141 days – United’s Marcus Rashford becomes the youngest ever scorer in a Manchester derby.

That’s how many days remain before the Roscommon senior footballers open their Connacht Championship campaign in New York.

Sporting week on Tweet Street Brian O’Driscoll @BrianODriscoll Good finish to @rbs_6_nations for @IrishRugby. Killer instinct back in a big way! Well done to all involved. Stander very good again. (The former captain gives his approval.)

Brian Carroll @bcarroll17 Brighter evenings are on the way for Dr Hyde Park and the wider sporting world. Pic: Andrew Fox

Golf

Golf action heats up

Pictured at the Connacht Boxing Championships in Castlerea’s Enterprise Hub last week were Castlerea Boxing Club’s Jack Kilkenny, Ethan Sharkey and Darren Flynn, who each won Connacht titles and the chance to represent the province in the upcoming All-Ireland Championships.

With the great weather last weekend came increased numbers taking to Roscommon’s golf courses. At Roscommon, G. Bannon won the men’s competition with 39 points and C. O’Connor was best of the ladies, also with 39 points. Meanwhile, the club’s Fred Daly team enjoyed a 5-0 win over Loughrea. Up in Castlerea, Eugene O’Connell won the men’s competition last week while Breege Cullen finished with 39 points to take the ladies’ competition. In Strokestown, Gerry Callaghan and Ronnie Clarke were the pick of the golfers in the men’s and ladies’ respectively. There will be golf throughout the Easter weekend at Carrickon-Shannon with Ladies’ and Gent’s Opens from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Last week’s 9-hole competition in Boyle was won by Owen Garvin with 21 points while the Spring League is being led by Liam Whyte, Dave Purser and Marie Hanmore-Cawley. This weekend there is a club classic taking place. This 4 Ball Rumble will be played from Saturday (26th) to Monday (28th) and booking is available online at www.boylegolfclub.com. Athlone Golf Club will have their ‘Grand Lunch’ on Sunday, April 10th at 3.30 pm in the Hodson Bay Hotel. Tables cost €200 and can be booked by calling 083-1577882.

Roscommon V Mayo live on @GAA_BEO this Sunday at 3.30 pm! (I’m not sure who the secretary is addressing here as everyone in the county will be at the Hyde!)

Adnan Januzaj @adnanjanuzaj Horrible to see what is going on in Brussels. (Manchester United’s Belgian winger reacts in shock to the recent terror attacks in Brussels.)

Handball

Tully takes All-Ireland crown St. Coman’s Fiona Tully confirmed her status as the number one female underage handballer in the country when she captured the 40x20 All-Ireland Minor singles title in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan last Saturday. With the new format of a weekend of All-Ireland finals all being held in the same venue, there was a huge crowd present to see an extremely hard-fought encounter where Tully was pushed to the limit before finally emerging with the honours, beating Kildare’s Hannah Dagg 21-19, 17-21, 21-12 in the final. Elsewhere, Curraghboy’s Ger Walsh was well beaten by Leixlip’s Mikey Dowling 21-1, 21-7 in the Golden Masters All-Ireland final. Last Wednesday week, St. Coman’s Aoife McDonagh was also well beaten by Limerick’s Katie McCarthy 21-3, 21-5 in the Ladies Junior B All-Ireland final.

The People’s Champion of the Week

Dan Dooner chats with All-Ireland Minor handball champion, Fiona Tully What’s your favourite sport and why? Handball, because it’s both a team and individual sport. Mainly I play singles so if I do lose it’s my own fault and there’s nobody I can blame – unlike (in) the other sports! Also there are three different codes so it’s played all year round. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the football and camogie! Who’s your sporting hero? Katie Taylor. She is the ultimate champion; humble, inspiring

and yet ruthless in a sport that requires it. She also has dominated her sport and won five world titles. What’s your favourite postgame meal? Chicken curry and rice! What’s your best sporting memory? Winning the 17 and under world title in 2015. Having been out injured with my back for so long it was great to come back and beat the odds and take the

number one spot in my age group, which I never thought I’d do as I’d lost out in the quarterfinals of the competition before the worlds. What’s your worst sporting memory? The day I hurt my back playing Gaelic football! Best advice you’ve ever been given? “You can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.”

Pictured is Fiona Tully receiving her 40x20 All-Ireland Minor winners medal from Irish Handball Council President Willie Roche.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Seamus Duke ON SPORT Rossies for Super Sunday showdown After a week of a break we are back to the excitement of Division One of the National Football League on Sunday and what a game we have in prospect at Dr Hyde Park when Roscommon play Mayo. Before this league started most people were expecting that Roscommon would probably need to get something from the game to help them stay in Division One – but,

No minor feat Not to be outdone, the Roscommon minors have continued their impressive start to the season with another fine win in the Connacht Minor League, this time against Sligo. Despite two really good wins, league form will count for nothing come championship time and remember that Sligo were without their Summerhill contingent last Saturday. But so far so good for Kieran Kilkenny and his men.

Hurlers into league ﬁnal The hurlers have gone through their league campaign unbeaten and on Saturday they face Monaghan in the Division 3A Final. This is exactly where Justin Campbell wanted to be at the start of the campaign and they are well capable of beating Monaghan in this decider.

Foxes in ultimate underdog story The Leicester City bandwagon rolls on and now they are within five victories of winning the Premier League. If they do take the title it would be the most sensational story that I can remember in my lifetime in any sport. It would be like Leitrim hurlers winning the McCarthy Cup or me winning the British Open Golf Championship. Things like that just do not happen in top level sport. Riyad Mahrez cost just £400,000, yet he is poised to be named footballer of the year. It is a truly incredible story. All neutral sports fans want them to win it, but equally everyone is expecting them to slip up. Spurs are the only credible threat to them now. There is a break from Premier League action this weekend. It promises to be a very exciting run-in.

incredibly, it is the other way around. I am expecting that there will be at least 10,000 people at the game and that both sides will desperately want to win it. Roscommon are on the rise and Mayo will want to put a stop to that and put down a marker for later in the year, while Roscommon will want to continue on their winning ways. It is a mouth-watering prospect and I have to say that

I cannot wait for the game to come around. With the U-21s safely into the Connacht final I would say that our stars in this grade will be used sparingly on Sunday against Mayo. That will mean a run for some of the players on the panel who have trained with the squad since last December. I think that it is a game that Roscommon are well capable of winning. With regard to the U-21s,

the win over Sligo was very easy and not a real test ahead of what will be a very tough Connacht final against Mayo on Saturday week. But it is a good way for Roscommon to be going into the game. They will know that will be underdogs against a Mayo side who put up a big score against Leitrim last weekend and a side who won the All-Ireland minor title three years ago. There is a rising confidence

in Roscommon football at the moment and if Roscommon can raise their game there is no reason why they cannot win their third title on the trot on Saturday week. It was great to see Ultan Harney back in action again. Every game he plays will bring him on again. Sean Mullooly is fast returning to full fitness and he is an excellent player who will challenge for a place on the senior team later

Irish impress at Cheltenham – again I am not the biggest horseracing fan in the world but the Cheltenham Festival is compelling viewing for sports fans. There is something special about every race and this year’s festival threw up some mighty stories. The performance of Annie Power in the Champion Hurdle was sensational. Thistlecrack and Vautour were no less impressive and it was fantastic to see Bryan Cooper bring home Don Cossack in the Gold Cup. Cooper had been shipping some criticism earlier in the week, which was very unfair on a very young man. There were times when there would be a national celebration if Ireland had any more than five winners at the festival meeting. This year we had 14, and it was 13 last year. We are living through a golden age of National Hunt racing in this country – and long may it last. There was more Irish success at the Cheltenham Festival this year.

Ireland finish Six Nations on a high I am glad that Ireland finished on a high in the Six Nations last Saturday against Scotland. I find it amazing that Joe Schmidt was being criticised by some of the know-alls in the media in the wake of

the defeats against England and France. The amount of injuries that Schmidt has had to contend with meant that Ireland were never going to be in with a chance of lifting the championship.

However if the media leave him alone he can build another Irish team in time for the next World Cup. We are lucky to have him. The England v France game was a real bruising encounter and you have to

(reluctantly) take your hat off to the English who have come from a disastrous World Cup to a Grand Slam in less than 12 months. Personally I don’t like Eddie Jones, but he has done a good job for them.

Ultan Harney (pictured here against Monaghan in NFL Division One action) was back in action for Roscommon U-21s against Sligo last weekend.

this year. Then we have Diarmuid Murtagh, who is also returning to his best form, and Cathal Compton, who is improving with every passing game and who could also feature on the Roscommon senior team this year. If these four guys can turn it on against Mayo in the U-21 final then it could be more glory for Roscommon at this grade. But this final will be a massive test.

From the Internet Paul O’Connell made his Ireland debut against Wales in 2002, though he doesn’t remember much of it. Not long into the game, O’Connell was knocked unconscious by an elbow from Craig Quinnell. He played on and scored a try though he has no memory of doing so. Under protest, he was replaced just before half-time. Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has a similarly alarming story of his experience with concussion. Speaking on Newstalk’s Colette Fitzpatrick Show, Carey said that he suffered seven concussions in his hurling career though he does not remember all of them. One, in particular, does stand out for the five-time All-Ireland winner. During a game for Young Irelands in 1992, Carey took an elbow to the head. He played on, though later in the game, the effects of the blow began to tell. “One – not that I can remember it – I can remember being told about it. I got an elbow I think in a county final in 1992. Now it was accidental and I went down, and was down for a couple of minutes but I played on for almost the whole game. I went in at half-time; played on in the second half. We got a free with about five minutes to go – it was important, seemingly; straight in front of the goal and I aimed for the corner flag. Then someone thought there was something wrong with me and I was taken off because obviously, I wasn’t playing well.” After being substituted, Carey lay in the dressing room, possibly on a stretcher, though he cannot be sure. Kilkenny manager at the time Ollie Walsh came in to check on Carey. He has no memory of the conversation. “My Kilkenny manager at the time – this game was with my club – was Ollie Walsh. Ollie came into the dressing room afterwards and I was on a stretcher. He said something and I said: “That’s grand Ollie, I’m going back on in a few minutes.” He said: “Grand Carey, but I’ll hit the frees.” “Now Ollie was 65 or 70, he was gone from hurling but he was manager of Kilkenny. So we had a full conversation but I have no recollection to this day.” (Courtesy of Balls.ie) Note: Last week I watched a movie called ‘Concussion’, starring Will Smith. It’s a true story about the effect of concussion on American Football players. It was a tremendous movie and a real eye-opener for me as a sports fan. This is going to be a massive issue over the coming years for all contact sports and it has to be taken seriously – SD

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

SportsPeople

Hurlers hoping long trek to Donegal will yield League title triumph Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A Final: On Saturday in Ballyshannon at 4 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers face Monaghan in the National League Division 3A Final on Saturday and on the back of a high-scoring unbeaten run hopes will be high that Roscommon can add some more silverware to the trophy cabinet in their bid for promotion. However, victory will not ensure promotion as there will be a further play-off required before that ambition can be realised. Roscommon have had a poor enough record against Monaghan in recent years but they addressed that this year with a good victory earlier in the campaign. Roscommon put up 4-13 last Sunday against Tyrone, and they have been scoring freely – which is very positive. Roscommon manager Justin Campbell has been warning this week that there is very little between Roscommon and Monaghan. He has also questioned the suitability of the venue fixed for Saturday’s final. “We are delighted to be in the final but the venue is totally unsuitable for both sides. We have lads coming from Dublin and it is out of the way for Monaghan too. Surely there is a

more suitable venue available that would be more convenient to both counties. Having said that, we want to win the game regardless of where it is held. “I was very happy with our display against Tyrone last weekend. It was great to see Ian Delaney back from injury. It meant that we could move Alan Moore to midfield and Tomas Seale into the attack and it strengthened the team overall. We are missing Jason Kilkenny this weekend. He is out of the country and he will be a loss, but we will have everyone else fit and rearing to go. “I was just a bit disappointed that we didn’t close out the game against Tyrone with a bit more conviction. It is something that we will be working on. “We have to be wary of Monaghan. We only beat them by four or five points (this season) – and they had a lot of wides that day – so there is not a lot between us. A final is a final and they will travel confident that they can win. But this is where we wanted to be and we want to win this title and the lads are determined to do well,” he concluded. The choice of venue does not make any sense to me either. The authori-

ties are bringing both teams out of their way for this final and it smacks of trying to get it out of the way as soon as possible, with a real sense of ‘anywhere will do’. Surely there is a better and more suitable venue that would be agreeable to both counties and which would facilitate supporters as well. That having been said, it is game that Roscommon can win. The return of Ian Delaney will strengthen the defence, and with Peter Kellehan, Shane Curley and Micheal Kelly there as well, it looks like a settled rearguard. Up front, Jerry Fallon will once again be the free-taker, while Ronan O’Meara will be hoping to continue his goal-scoring exploits. The likes of Cillian Egan and Adrian Murphy will be hoping to get the vital scores to bring Roscommon victory. Roscommon have not been spectacular in the hurling league this year but they have been unbeaten and have played well at times. Before this competition started the aim of players and management was to contest this final and win it. They can complete that job on Saturday. Prediction: Roscommon, by 6 points.

Man of the match Ronan O’Meara attacks the Tyrone goal during Roscommon’s Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A match against Tyrone in Athleague last weekend. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ronan runs Tyrone ragged after Tyrone scored their goal, Adrian Murphy got 4-13 through to score Roscommon’s third goal. 1-14 Roscommon went on to dominate the rest of Both teams exchanged the match with points points after that and then from Jerry Fallon, Ronan with twenty minutes O’Meara and Cillian Egan. gone, man of the match, Substitute Naos ConRoscommon full-forward Ronan O’Meara, got on the naughton put the final nail end of a long ball, and beat in the Tyrone match plan when he scored Roscomthe full-back to find the mon’s fourth goal late on. Tyrone net. Best for Roscommon The Rossies added a were Ronan O’Meara, further three points from Michael Kelly, Alan Michael Kelly, Tomas Seale and Adrian Murphy Moore, Peter Kellehan, Adrian Murphy and Cillian – without any reply from Tyrone – to leave the home Egan. Best for Tyrone was team leading by 2-8 to 0-6 Damien Casey, who scored 1-7 of his side’s total. at half-time. Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Roscommon started the second half with a pointed Ian Delaney, Peter Kelfree from Jerry Fallon, but lehan, Ciaran Shaw; Shane Curley, Michael Kelly the writing was really on (0-2, both frees), Warthe wall for Tyrone when, ren Boyle; Alan Moore, after four minutes of the Cathal Dolan; Tomas Seale second half, their mid(0-1), Eamon Flanagan, fielder Chris Cross was Jerry Fallon (0-7, 6 frees), sent off for a second yelCillian Egan (0-1) Ronan low card offence. Tyrone got a slight reprieve when O’Meara (2-1), Adrian Murphy (1-1). Subs: their best hurler, Damien Casey, scored a goal from a Tommy Doyle for Murtwenty-one yard free in the phy, Naos Connaughton (1-0) for O’Meara, Hugh 43rd minute. Rooney for Ciaran Shaw, However Roscommon Geaoroid Keenan for were quick to recover Egan. and less than a minute

Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A ROSCOMMON TYRONE < ROBERT MCCONN

Eamon Flanagan narrowly misses out on gathering possession during Roscommon’s Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A match against Tyrone in Athleague last weekend. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon hurlers completed their league fixtures for 2016 on Sunday last with an impressive win over Tyrone in Athleague. This was their fifth consecutive win in the league and probably their most convincing of the campaign. Roscommon now play Monaghan in the Division 3A final next Saturday. Roscommon started smartly with early points from Jerry Fallon and Michael Kelly. Monaghan followed suit and the teams were level after ten minutes on three points apiece. On twelve minutes we saw the best move of the match. Adrian Murphy collected the ball at midfield and passed the ball into the corner-forward Cillian Egan who took on the defence and produced an inch perfect pass to Ronan O’Meara in front of the goal and he smashed the ball to the back of the Tyrone net.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Eirgrid Connacht U-21 FC Semi-Final: Roscommon 1-18 Sligo 0-8

Mayo stand between Roscommon and unique U-21 three-in-a-row ‘I wish it had been tougher’ says Dowd after easy win over Sligo VERDICT Seamus Duke

Roscommon U-21s v Sligo: Cian Breheny attempts to dispossess Ultan Harney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon manager Mark Dowd says he wishes his side had faced a tougher test than proved to be the case when they defeated Sligo in last Saturday’s Connacht U-21 semi-final in Markievicz Park. Dowd’s charges now face Mayo in the Connacht Final on April 2, with Roscommon chasing a third successive provincial title. But Dowd is wary of the Mayo challenge and regrets that his team wasn’t fully tested last weekend. “The further we went ahead the further that Sligo slipped out of contention. We could have finished stronger but I would have preferred that we had a tougher test, to be honest. We still don’t really know how much mettle we have in the team as a result. “Mayo will come to Roscommon with all guns blazing – they won’t be worried about us going for three titles in a row.” It says something about the rising levels of expectation in Roscommon football when a 13-point win in a Connacht semi-final generates no celebrations, no back-slapping and no

‘big talk’. In fact this very easy win against a very poor Sligo team last Saturday night at Markievicz Park left many Roscommon fans wondering if this side will be good enough to overturn a very strong Mayo side at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday week. Roscommon kicked some fantastic scores in a 1-18 total – in fact all but two scores came from play – but there were periods, especially in the first half, when Roscommon let their guard drop and such lapses would be severely punished by a slick Mayo outfit in the final. Mark Dowd expressed concern. “We were very lethargic at times and in fairness the players acknowledged that at halftime. We stepped up our performance in the second half but it was still not the quality that we were expecting.” At least it all means that Roscommon will go into the final as underdogs, which is always a great way to approach a big game. With several major players either back on the team or returning from injury, Roscommon can still

Roscommon squad members pictured prior to throw-in against Sligo last weekend. They will now face Mayo in the Connacht U-21 Football Championship Final. Picture: Andrew Fox

relish a home final against the old enemy, Mayo. Ultan Harney made a welcome return but he clearly needs more football and will be much better for the 40 minutes he got last Saturday. Sean Mullooly was fantastic at full-back and his return from injury is a huge boost, not only to the U-21s but to the seniors as well. Diarmuid Murtagh has had better games but he is a class act and continues to improve as the games go by. Jack Connaughton, Fergal Lennon and Brian Stack continue to impress in defence. Cathal Compton added to his growing reputation with a superb display at midfield while Henry Walsh had a great game at centre half-forward. Cathal Callinan and Hubert Darcy were impressive up front but they will face a much stiffer challenge in the final on Saturday week. Dowd was pleased to see more players get game time. “It is great to have our injured players back and hopefully Noel Gately and Jack Earley will be back in contention for the Connacht final. We are coming back towards our strongest panel, which is great.” This was a job well done by Roscommon but Mark Dowd and his selectors will not need me to tell them that they will have to play better to beat Mayo. Still, Roscommon’s record in this competition in recent years is excellent and I am confident that Roscommon can upset the odds and win that third title in a row. The players are there for sure and Roscommon football is on a high right now.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Eirgrid Connacht U-21 FC Semi-Final: Roscommon 1-18 Sligo 0-8

‘Cian’ on getting the ball…Cian Breheny of Sligo clambers over Ronan Daly of Roscommon in this spectacular action sequence from last Saturday’s Sligo/Roscommon Connacht U-21 semi-final. Pictures: Andrew Fox

Roscommon dominant from start to ﬁnish Seamus Duke a minute later. A beautiful pass from Henry Walsh set Kevin Farrell clear and the St. Faithleach’s man drilled the ball low and hard to the Sligo net. However it was Sligo who improved after that and points from Jamie Gillen and Cathal Henry (2) saw the sides go in at the break on a scoreline of Roscommon 1-7 Sligo 0-5. Roscommon dominated a largely forgettable second half as Sligo’s token resistance wilted. Henry Walsh (2), Diarmuid Murtagh and Hubert Darcy pointed to extend Roscommon’s lead even further by the 40th minute. The excel-

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 6 (5 first half); Sligo 8 (3 first half) Frees Awarded: Roscommon: 14 (8 first half); Sligo 10 (4 first half) Yellow Cards: Roscommon 1 (Fergal Lennon); Sligo 1 (Cian Breheny) Man of the Match: Sean Mullooly (Roscommon) Attendance: 1,500

Connacht Minor League Round 2 ROSCOMMON SLIGO < SEAMUS DUKE

KEY MOMENTS On a perfect evening for football, Roscommon were on top from the first whistle and by the 18th minute they led by 0-6 to 0-1. Cathal Callinan and Diarmuid Murtagh opened the Roscommon account in the first six minutes before Sligo’s best player by far, Cathal Henry, pointed a free in the 9th minute. Further points from Diarmuid Murtagh (free), Cathal Callinan, Brian Stack and Henry Walsh saw Roscommon’s lead increase to five. After Jason Perry had scored a fine point for Sligo in the 22nd minute, Roscommon were in for the only goal of the game

Minors far too strong for Sligo

Roscommon U-21s v Sligo: Diarmuid Murtagh evades the challenge of Liam Henry. Picture: Andrew Fox

lent Cathal Henry was on target with two points for the home side within a minute, but it was of little consequence as Roscommon marched on. Cathal Compton kicked a superb point in the 46th minute and then Hubert Darcy kicked three lovely points within 90 seconds, all from play, and it was all over after that. Manager Mark Dowd took the opportunity to empty his bench as the game petered out and thoughts were quickly turning to the big final date against Mayo in Dr Hyde Park on Saturday evening,

April 2nd. What a game that promises to be. Roscommon: Shane Mannion; Jack Connaughton, Sean Mullooly, Keelan Beirne; Ronan Daly, Fergal Lennon (0-1), Brian Stack (0-1); Tadhg O’Rourke, Cathal Compton (0-1); Kevin Farrell (1-0), Henry Walsh (0-4, 1 free), Ultan Harney; Diarmuid Murtagh (0-4, 1 free), Hubert Darcy (0-4), Cathal Callinan (02). Subs: Brian Kelly (01) for Harney (40), Kevin Smith for Murtagh (54), David Carleton for Callinan (56), Ronan Rafferty for O’Rourke (57), Austin Kielty for Compton (58),

David Neary for Beirne (59). Sligo: Eoin McDonagh; Stephen Keenan, Conor Hegarty, Liam Henry; John Francis Carr, Darragh Cummins, Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch; Kevin McDonnell, Cian Breheny; Jude McGarry, Kevin Henry, Cathal Henry (0-5, 3 frees); Dylan Kilgallon, Jamie Gillen (0-1), Jason Perry (0-1). Subs: Gerard Brady for Kilgallon (38), Cian Gilmartin for Perry (41), Paul McNamara for Henry, Darragh Kilcoyle (0-1, free) for Gillen (57). Referee: Eamon O’Grady (Leitrim).

Roscommon minor footballers put up another big score when they overwhelmed a weakened Sligo outfit in the curtainraiser at Markievicz Park last Saturday. The Sligo side were short their Connacht Colleges winning Summerhill College contingent, but Roscommon were impressive and dominated throughout. Two early goals were the key. Roscommon started well with some impressive points from Keith Murphy and Cian McKeon. Cathal Heneghan scored Roscommon’s first goal in the 13th minute and less than a minute later Lorcan Daly blasted home a second Roscommon goal. Sligo enjoyed their best spell from there to halftime and at the break they had reduced the margin to five points. It could have been closer had Sligo not missed a penalty in the 24th minute with Liam Cregg making a fine save from Ryan Walsh.

3-12 0-7 Then when Daniel Glynn scored a Roscommon goal in the 34th minute the game was over as a contest. Five points without reply saw Roscommon extend their lead and the game petered out tamely long before the final whistle. Best for Roscommon were Cian McKeon, Liam Cregg, Daniel Glynn, Aidan Dowd and Cathal Heneghan. Roscommon: L Cregg; C Ruane, A Dowd, D Duff (0-1); L Daly (1-0), G Byrne, G Kelly; L Mollahan, N Murray; K Murphy (0-1), C McKeon (0-7), M Bourke; C Heneghan (10), D Glynn (1-1), B Derwin. Subs: C Fahy (0-1) for Murphy, M McGloin (0-1) for Byrne, K Dockery for Kelly, J Curley for Mollahan, F Guihan for Bourke. Note: A number of new playing rules are being trialled in the Connacht Minor League this year and they added to confusion for the players – and indeed for the officials – who seemed unsure about their application at times.

Roscommon People Friday 25 March 2016

Proud supporters of Gaelic Games in Roscommon, on and off the field!

€30,000 in Cash Prizes to be won

Key objectives for 2016 -Help finance upgrade of Hyde Park Pitch -Help our teams achieve their potential Two membership options Gold Membership €228

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Your name on Hyde Park Patrons Plaque Become a Junior Club Rossie Member and you’ll receive a Team 3 Entries to Members Draw Training Jersey, the chance to be Exclusive Beanie Hat & Car Sticker the Team Mascot for the game Reserved Parking beside Hyde Park (Ts & Cs) against Dublin on April 3rd Option to buy exclusive Merchandise and much more! Draws for All-Ireland Tickets

Bronze Membership €100 1 Entry to Members Draw, A Car Sticker, Draws for All-Ireland Tickets All Members will receive news updates via Email & SMS Join now via www.clubrossie.ie , contact your local Club or drop in to the Roscommon GAA Office; open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Enquiries to info@clubrossie.ie or 086 839 9584