2016 06 03 by Roscommon People

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

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

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

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

03 June 2016

SEE PAGES 52 – 55

The Local Paper

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

JUNE SPECIALS

HALF PRICE Porcelain Floor Tiles

VOLUME: 479

Hospital will ‘wither’ if €8m project is lost < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Funding has been withdrawn for the new €8 million Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital, Dr. Gerry O’Mara, a respected Consultant, has claimed.

It was announced in May of last year that the Health Service Executive had approved €7.85 million for building the ten-bed unit, which would operate as a satellite centre for the National Rehabilitation Unit, Dun Laoghaire.

But Dr. Gerry O’Mara, the Consultant Geriatrician at the hospital, said on Wednesday: “I and my colleagues are very concerned that the funding for the proposed specialist rehabilitation unit has been withdrawn.”

He said that the unit was vital for the survival of the inpatient beds in the hospital. “I believe that if this project does not go ahead, this hospital will eventually lose its inpatient beds and be allowed to wither,” Dr. O’Mara added. See page 5.

Tommie KElly Electrical Athleague, Roscommon 090 6663385 ROSCOMMON TOWN 090 6634465

CALL AND SEE OUR NEW NEFF SHOWROOM IN ATHLEAGUE

KITCHEN APPLIANCE PACKAGE DEALS

FRANCES’ FINISHING TOUCHES The Square, Roscommon

Byrne Carolan Cunningham

Telephone: 090 6626270

-----Solicitors-----

Large selection of Children’s Novelty Duvet Sets & Curtains to match

T: 090 64 78433 Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert on Page 4 Dr. Gerry O’Mara, Consultant at Roscommon University Hospital, claims that funding has been withdrawn for the new €8 Rehabilitation Unit.

Assumpta’s Beauty Salon

Luke ‘Ming’ FLANAGAN MEP

Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Office hours: 9.30am-4.30pm

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

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

DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME

DECLAN GERAGHTY (086) 2543304 ROSCOMMON (090) 6634645 / (087) 9824500 WILLIAMSTOWN (094) 96 43355

Finn Electrical

EXAM TIME - Eskimo Brain Caps & Liquid 25% OFF

Goff Street, Roscommon Tel. 090 66 25573

NOW ONLY €22.50

Watch the Euros in style Large range of TVs in stock at great prices

McGUINNESS PHARMACY Main Street, Roscommon T. 090 66 26193 F. 090 66 28789

Michael Fitzmaurice TD Clinics on Friday June 3rd 2016 Ballinasloe - Gullanes: 3pm Ahascragh - Cahills: 4:30pm Caltra - Caltra Inn: 5:15pm Castleblakeney – Nolans: 6pm Mountbellew – Hawthorn Lounge: 6:45pm Newbridge – Shiven Inn: 7:30pm Ballinamore Bridge – Hughes: 8:15pm Ballygar – Fallons: 8:45pm Creggs – Roarkes: 9:30pm I look forward to meeting you all at the clinics.

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

Late opening until 9.30 pm Tuesday – Friday For special offers please follow us on facebook or phone (090) 66 26111

Athlone Road, Roscommon Tel. 090 6626111 (opposite Roscommon Hospital)

CASEY’S ROSCOMMON Home Heating Oil (on pump) is

55.9 c p/ltr. Green Diesel

62.9 c p/ltr.

QUIT SMOKING IN 2016 One Session Smoking Cessation Therapy €90 CALL BILLY 094 965 9966 086 067 5433 www.motivatehypnosis.com

Tuam Road, Mountbellew, Co. Galway T. 090 967 9616. E: milandsgc@eircom.net

Fantastic range of Geraniums, Begonias, Bedding Plants, Hanging Baskets and Potted Plants

MGF Electrical Supplies Ltd. Henry Street, Roscommon.

Tel: 090 6625644 Email: Info@mgfelect.com

Keep cool this Summer See our range of Desk Fans in stock for your office, home, etc.

New Men’s Fragrance

Flooring/ Furniture

NOW IN STOCK

ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON

Hynes Pharmacy

SALE NOW ON

TEL: (090) 66 65998 • Industrial • Commercial • Domestic

WEB: www.gfurniture.ie

Free Shower Gel with every purchase

Castle Street, Roscommon.

Tel. (090) 66 34147

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Major rafﬂe and auction at Lecarrow on Sunday

ROSCOMMON

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

Lecarrow Benevolent Fund is hoping to raise more than €30,000 through a raffle and auction in Kelly’s pub at Lecarrow on Sunday night, June 5th. Many attractive prizes are on offer in the raffle, ranging from the first prize of €500 in cash to the tenth prize of a blender! More than 100 items will go under the hammer in the auction, expected to start at around 10 pm. Items include a half a tonne of timber, a trailer-load of turf, meal

vouchers, ladies’ handbags and car-valeting vouchers. “Last year we set a target of €22,000 and we made over €25,000 in one night, so the plan is to reach the magic €30,000 this year,” Billy Kelly, a member of the organising committee, said. “We are on target to do it.” Mick and Michelle Slattery will provide music on the night, while refreshments will also be provided. Mr. Kelly would like to

thank all the people who sold tickets for the raffle and also the sponsors who provided the prizes. The money raised will be donated to the parish in various ways throughout the year. The fund provided €750 worth of ‘personal care’ items to the psychiatric unit in Roscommon Hospital recently, for use by patients. Donations are also made to needy people in the area, with the input of Fr. Ray Milton, the local parish priest.

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire

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

Wheelchair Accessible

(086) 2714879 Personal Injury

ABBEY HOTEL

ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 26240

Carvery and Bar Food served daily CATERING FOR ALL SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Winners of RAI BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT COUNTY ROSCOMMON 2016.

ABBEY HOTEL

ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 26240

WIN A €30 ABBEY HOTEL FOOD VOUCHER

Pictured in the Abbey Hotel enjoying the Social Celebration & Charity Evening hosted by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Paddy Kilduff were Cllr. Orla Leyden and Pablo Roberto. Picture: Andrew Fox

Fine Gael to choose successor to Hopkins A Selection Convention for the purposes of selecting a person to succeed Senator Maura Hopkins on Roscommon County Council will be held on Monday, June 13th, at 9 pm, in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Around 250 Fine Gael members in the Boyle Municipal District will be eligible to vote in the Convention. The district includes a vast swath of north Roscommon,

including Strokestown and Ballaghaderreen. In total, five people have been nominated. They are former councillor Liam Callaghan, former councillor Charlie Hopkins, Ann Higgins, a businesswoman from Ballaghaderreen, Linda Doorly from Tarmonbarry and Jan Flanagan, a former Boyle town councillor. The Convention will be chaired by Peter Burke, a TD in Longford-Westmeath.

Simply tell us how your dining experience was, complete our comment cards and be in with a chance of winning our monthly draw

Winners will be announced on Facebook each month

www.facebook.com/abbeyhotelroscommon

twitter@abbeyros

Pictured in JJ Harlow’s on Saturday night last were Lisa Dowd and Louise Fallon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Disability Support Group to open new gym Roscommon Disability Support Group have extended an invitation to the wider community to the opening of the outdoor gym facilities at Derrane Resource Centre. The Roscommon Disability Support Group will celebrate the official opening of their new outdoor gym with a garden party next Wednesday (June 8th) at 2 pm in Derrane.

Guess Who’s Back will provide entertainment and refreshments will be served on the day. It is hoped that neighbours and friends of RSG can join the group on the afternoon for the opening and garden party. The gym was grant-aided by DTTAS Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport through the Capital Sports Fund.

I was injured in a road traffic accident almost eighteen months when the car I was driving was hit from behind by another car. The accident was entirely the other motorists fault. I went to my GP at the time and he prescribed painkillers for me. Unfortunately I have been left with lingering pain and I am now attending a physiotherapist for physiotherapy which is giving me some pain relief. My friend advised me to talk to my solicitor but I feel that it is too late to now consider looking for compensation for my injuries. Please advise me. The law determining the time limits in which one may claim compensation for injuries following an accident is called the Statute of Limitations. One normally has two years from the date of accident to bring a compensation claim for personal injuries. This differs in the case of an injured child in that ‘limitation period’ does not start to run until the child reaches eighteen years old i.e. a child may bring a claim for injuries sustained as a child up until their 20th birthday. It is not uncommon for people to bring compensation claims for injuries sustained in an accident until many months after the accident. On occasion, one may not fully appreciate the true and full extent of injuries sustained until several weeks after the accident. If you believe that your injuries were sustained as a result of the fault of another person then I would suggest that you immediately contact your solicitor who will fully advise you of your rights. Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Litigation Department would have extensive experience of such cases and would be happy to advise you. It is imperative that you do not delay in seeking such legal advice. 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

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Plans conﬁrmed for civic ofﬁces’ Open Day < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources, will preside over the official opening of Roscommon County Council’s new civic offices, Áras an Chontae, on June 17th. Simon Coveney, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, had been invited to ‘cut the tape’ on the €15 million facility, but it has now been confirmed that the local minister will fulfil the duties instead. An Open Day will also be held. “This Open Day will include a programme of events which will run throughout the day,” Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, the Cathaoirleach, said at the recent monthly council meeting in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow. Details of the programme will be advertised on social media, local newspapers and radio in the coming weeks. “The elected members, staff and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible on this special day that marks your significant investment for Co. Roscommon,” Cllr. Kilduff added. Áras an Chontae recently won two awards – ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ and ‘Architectural Project of the Year’ – at the CMG Irish Building & Design Awards.

John O’Rourke, a senior engineer with the Council’s Water Services division, said that winning such prestigious awards endorsed the project, which had been opposed in some quarters when first mooted. “We have provided these buildings to upgrade members and staff and provide a better service to the public,” he said. “The previous buildings we had were neither accessible nor IT-friendly. “These awards have been a third-party recognition of the very hard work and the imagination that has gone into them and the commitment and drive of the current management to deliver this new civic headquarters.”

GREAT VALUE AT

YOUR

LOCAL LONDIS! SAVE

33 IRISH HOUSEKEEPERS CUT NOW €7.56 per kg SAVE €3.73 per kg

OFFER VALID 2ND - 8TH JUNE ONLY

HALF PRICE

69c ONLY

ONE WEEK ONLY

FRESH CHOICE Red Peppers/Iceberg Lettuce/ Cucumbers SAVE up to 80c

KENCO Millicano W holebean Instant Coffee Tin 100g

Now €3.49 SAVE €3.

PADDY Irish Whiske y 70cl SAVE €5

ONLY

EACH

CANADIAN SAVE €2/BUDWEISER SAVE €3.99/CARLSBERG SAVE €3.99/BULMERS SAVE €3/CARLING 8PK 500ml Cans OFFERS AVAILABLE IN PARTICIPATING STORES 26.05.16 TO 15.06.16 OR WHILE STOCKS LAST.

ONLY AT YOUR LOCAL

Timothy’s Roscommon

ONLY

PAMPERS SIMPLY

66pk /Maxi Jumbo

ONLY

DRY Extra Large Ju mbo 62pk /Junior Ju mbo 70pk /Maxi Jumbo 74pk SAVE €2.26

Like us on

LondisIreland

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople HSE WEST ROSCOMMON COMMUNITY SERVICES

ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY? ANTE NATAL CLASSES consisting of four sessions are being held at: Venue:

Education Centre, Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon. Date Commencing: Thursday 9th June 2016 Time: 2pm – 4pm CLASSES ARE FREE PARTNERS ARE WELCOME BOOKING PRIOR TO CLASSES IS ESSENTIAL For Further Information and booking, contact: Ms. Michelle Connaughton, Clerical Officer, Public Health Nursing Department Roscommon Community Care Phone: 090 6637582

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Tel: 090 647 8433 * MOTOR ACCIDENTS

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

Paul Healy on Connacht’s great win; the golden age of television drama…and solving the mystery of the bikes that appeared out of nowhere… Saturday Connacht’s wonderful win in the Pro12 Final seems to have put a smile on everyone’s face. It was amusing listening to some of the national media in the build-up to the game. They still didn’t seem to quite believe in Connacht. Every time Connacht have lined out recently, many people – understandably I suppose – have expected their remarkable run to end. But Connacht kept winning, and, far from suffering from stage-fright on Saturday, they produced a performance for the ages to defeat a stunned Leinster. It is a tremendous boost to the game in Connacht and an exciting development for the sport in Roscommon. We have a special feature on pages 20-21. * A number of people from Roscommon travelled to Edinburgh to attend the big game. Did they party before, during and

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

after the game? Well, their presence in the city does not appear to have coincided with any reports of increased footfall in local museums and castles.

Every day They come from all angles and directions into our house, and your house, to the point where it is overwhelming but, I guess, also wonderful. But how can you cope with the influx of these usually brilliantly packaged delights? I can’t. It seems that there’s a new (usually American) television drama starting every week, ranging from the critically acclaimed latest ‘best thing on tv’ to the ‘less sophisticated but still entertaining.’ It is a golden age of television drama, with one great series after the next, but how are we meant to find the time to watch them? I generally don’t find that time, and then if I do, I struggle to follow the plots. It seems that each new ‘super series’ is reaching for ‘best thing on tv’ status by being as complicated as possible! Personally, I end up bamboozled by the murders in the elevator/roaming terrorists/flashbacks/Isis updates/White House scenes/meetings in New York

attorney offices/corrupt cops/September 11 flashbacks. I think I gave up on trying to follow plots when Lost emerged a few years ago. So, while I appreciate that it is a golden age, and I do plan to try much harder, I’m nostalgic for the days of Kojak, Hawaii Five-0, Dallas and The Avengers! When JR poured a whiskey for himself in the corner of that main room in Southfork, and then did his calculating stare, I knew that the villain of the previous scene was facing trouble. When Telly Savalas broke into a smile and reached for the lollipop in the final minutes of Kojak, we all knew that the crime was solved. Best of them all for me was Columbo (Peter Falk). Sure, I seldom had a clue how he was progressing with his enquiries as the programme went on, but we always had complete faith in the anorak-ed one. At the end, after uttering a final ‘just one more thing’, he inevitably brought the smooth-talking conman to justice. As for all that modern stuff, some time in the future I’ll get the box sets and try and catch up. In the meantime, I’m finding those reruns of Murder, She Wrote quite easy to follow…

r ee ouour SSee Column olumn oinn cBusiness ge 2 pa

If you were involved in an accident that was not your fault contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors for advice.

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

Crafty: ‘The girls and their teacher, Ms. Henriques, loaded the bicycles on to the back of a trailor before placing them at roundabouts in the county town.’ Picture: Andrew Fox

Councillor

Domnick

CONNOLLY (INDEPENDENT) A message to the people of… Roscommon/Castlerea area If there are any issues you wish to raise with me, please call me any time on

087 2451267 CLLR. DOMNICK CONNOLLY… Standing by the people Email: cllrdconnolly @roscommoncoco.ie

Where did the bikes come from? Every day Forget climate change, the economy, Trump v Clinton and Joe Brolly and Kieran McGeeney – the words on a lot of lips in Roscommon in the past week or so have been: ‘Where did the bikes come from?’ The people awoke one morning and discovered that the prettiest bicycles you’ve ever seen were suddenly adorning the roundabouts in Roscommon Town. The multi-coloured bikes were ‘wrapped in wool’ and secured by chains. And so, ‘Where did the bikes come from?’ became as common a conversation piece in recent days as ‘Great weather’ and ‘Weren’t Connacht unbelievable?’

Here at the Roscommon People, we had no idea where the woollen bicycles had come from. Neither, it seemed, had anyone else a clue about the mystery. We were going to ask the Council…pause for old joke…spokesperson for a comment. We were going to ask the local Tidy Towns organisation. Then, we heard a whisper. And we investigated. And it turns out that the beautiful bikes are the brilliant creative work of Transition Year students from the Convent of Mercy in Roscommon town. Apparently it’s called ‘Yarnbombing’ – no, me neither – but when I went to google it, I found out that it’s “guerrilla knitting…urban knitting or graffiti knitting…a type of graffiti or street art that employs

colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre.” Mind-boggling. Anyways…my investigative work revealed that the ‘Craft Class’ in TY were engaged in their secret mission over a number of weeks. They sought the donation of some bicycles – without revealing why they wanted them – and in the meantime were knitting away on the pretence that they were making a quilt. In fact, the class were busy behind closed doors, covering the donated bikes in colourful knitted material. No sign of a quilt-y conscience either. Then, at 6.30 am on a recent summer morning, the girls and their teacher, Ms. Henriques, loaded the bicycles on to the back of a trailor before placing

them at roundabouts in the county town. An unsuspecting Roscommon public spent several days asking ‘Where did the bikes come from?” When they held their Graduation Night last week, the TY girls reclaimed the bikes and revealed details of their yarnbombing mission. Most of the bikes have since been returned to the roundabouts. A – sorry again – spokesperson for the Convent said: “The whole idea of yarn-bombing is to surprise people! There has been a brilliant reaction to the bikes! Everyone was wondering what was going on. They will now be left at the roundabouts indefinitely as the Tidy Towns people have wholeheartedly welcomed them!”

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

â&#x201A;Ź8m funding for Rehab Unit withdrawn, claims Consultant Dr. Gerry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Funding has been withdrawn for the new â&#x201A;Ź8 million Rehabilitation Unit at Roscommon University Hospital, Dr. Gerry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara, a respected Consultant, has claimed. It was announced in May of 2015 that the Health Service Executive had approved â&#x201A;Ź7.85 million for building the ten-bed unit, which would operate as a satellite centre for the National Rehabilitation Unit, Dun Laoghaire. However, Dr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara, the Consultant Geriatrician at the hospital, has raised fears that the project has been shelved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I and my colleagues are very concerned that the funding for the proposed specialist rehabilitation unit has been withdrawn,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a unit for specialist rehabilitation of younger

patients with serious injuries, such as head and spinal injuries, traumatic amputations and also young patients with devastating strokes.â&#x20AC;? He said that the unit was vital for the survival of the inpatient beds in Roscommon University Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe that if this project does not go ahead, this hospital will eventually lose its inpatient beds and be allowed to wither, as has happened in Monaghan,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara said. He called on Simon Harris, the new Minister for Health, to ensure that the rehab unit be built, as planned. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Funding of the rehabilitation unit (is) a political decision, not a local or Saolta management decision,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I would urge the new Minister for Health to look into this matter and not to renege on the promises of his predecessors.â&#x20AC;? He said that the

unit would be of immense benefit to the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The site is there; the need is there; the hospital and local population are behind the plan,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A consultant in rehabilitation medicine has contacted us and wants to come to live and work here in order to develop an adult rehabilitation service based in Roscommon Hospital, but serving the west and northwest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is waiting for the job to be advertised, as has been promised. We cannot let this opportunity pass.â&#x20AC;? He said that he and his local colleagues had several patients waiting months for beds in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would be much easier for such patients and their families if their rehabilitation could occur in a timely manner in the west of Ireland, instead of months too late in an inaccessible part

of Dublin, with a six-hour round trip for family and friends when visiting,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This development makes strategic sense and will pay dividends over the short and long-term.â&#x20AC;? Saolta University Healthcare Group did not respond to a request for comment on the matter, but Senator Frank Feighan, of Fine Gael, denied that funding for the unit had been withdrawn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as I am concerned, there is not truth to that,â&#x20AC;? the former TD said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As far as I am concerned, the funding is allocated.â&#x20AC;? He said that, now that the new Endoscopy Unit had opened at the hospital, he was calling a meeting for the Minister, local Oireachtas members and all stakesholders to progress the building of the Rehab Unit.

ROSCOMMON WEST BUSINESS PARK, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: (090) 6630481

June special offer

HALF PRICE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dessert of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; With any main course Delicious coffees served all day Serving quality innovative freshly prepared and cooked food throughout the day Open: Monday - Friday, 9.00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.00 pm Saturday 10.00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.00 pm

Businesses: Reach your target market!

18, 000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY

Renault KADJAR and Renault CAPTUR

3 cheers for:

3% APR

3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; servicing included 5 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; warranty & roadside assistance Models shown: KADJAR Signature Nav 1.5 dCi, RRP â&#x201A;Ź30,990, Captur Signature TCe 90, RRP â&#x201A;Ź22,390. Prices exclude metallic paint, delivery and dealer-related charges. Maximum recommended dealer delivery charge â&#x201A;Ź700. 5-year/200,000km manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warranty as standard. Finance example: Renault Captur Life TCe 90 S&S, RRP â&#x201A;Ź19,790. Includes 3-year service plan. Deposit â&#x201A;Ź6,721. Term 36 monthly payments of â&#x201A;Ź165. APR 3%. Total cost of credit â&#x201A;Ź877, ',! "-! 9 !-+.*#2'-, $## zx # !&@ .2'-, * n, * . 7+#,2 zA{xz@ 6.0#11'-,Â&#x2020; # tvs uxAt|s@ #.-1'2 {Ax{x@ #0+ vy +-,2&*7 . 7+#,21 -$ t||@ vÂ&#x201E;@ -2 * !-12 -$ !0#"'2 tAs{{A ',! "-! 9 !-+.*#2'-, $## zx # !&@ .2'-, * n, * . 7+#,2 tsAvz{@ 6!#11 +'*# %# ," 5# 0R ,"R2# 0 !& 0%#1 + 7 ..*7@ p#0 #6!*31'4# 2- #, 3*2 ', ,!#@ p#0 '1 + "# 3,"#0 &'0# .30!& 1# %0##+#,2@ 3 (#!2 2- *#,"',% !0'2#0' @ #0+1 ," !-,"'2'-,1 ..*7@ ## 0#, 3*2@'#@ L 0,',%B -3 5'** ,-2 -5, 2&#1# %--"1 3,2'* 2&# n, * . 7+#,2 '1 + "#@N

SEAN WHITE CAR SALES Roscommon Road, Athlone, Westmeath Tel 090 6492887 www.seanwhitecarsales.ie

Book a test-drive

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

SEAN DOYLE & SONS

rs Over 35 Yea s es n si u B in ESTABLISHED 1978

• Circular Road, Roscommon • Whitestown Business Park Tallaght, D 24

Two same-sex marriages in Roscommon since referendum < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Two same-sex marriages have taken place in Co. Roscommon since the marriage referendum a year ago. On May 22nd, 2015, almost 62 per cent of voters said ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage, with Roscommon/South Leitrim being the only constituency in the country not to return a majority vote.

• Removal of old Windows and Doors • C2 Compliant contact us to avail of the Home Renovation Incentive Scheme • All Fitters fully insured • Timber, PVC, Aluclad and Aluminium Windows and Doors • V Welded and Mechanically Welded Frames • Double and Triple Glazed

The Marriage Equality Act was signed into law last November and, since then, 412 such unions have occurred countrywide, according to figures released by the Department of Social Protection. Dublin accounted for more than half of all marriages – 213. 43 were registered in Cork and 25 in Limerick, while there were 17 in Wicklow. The counties with the lowest number

– Carlow, Leitrim and Monaghan – all had one marriage registered. Of our neighbouring counties, Westmeath and Longford both had two same-sex marriages registered; Sligo had four; three were registered in Mayo; 14 occurred in Galway; six took place in Offaly. Clare is the only county not to have registered a same-sex marriage.

CONTACT 090-6626753 / 01-4626671 • www.seandoylewindows.ie • info@seandoylewindows.ie SPCA Church gate collection The Roscommon SPCA is holding a Church gate collection on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th of June outside Mantua Church. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Threen NS Fun Run later this month Pictured is Ronan Kelly from Ballaghaderreen, who won the Irish National Dancing Championships in Citywest, Dublin recently.

Threen NS in Castlerea will hold their annual 5k/Fun Run on Sunday, June 19th. The run starts at 12 pm from the school. You can register from 11 am. The cost is €10 per person or €20 for a family. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Pictured at the launch of the County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society Journal were Eleanor Davis, Jim Ganly and Pauline Davis. Picture: Andrew Fox

Castlerea school scoops top accolade St. Michael’s Special School in Castlerea has been revealed as a winner at the 2016 Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards. The winners were announced at a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Thursday, 5th of May. The event was hosted by RTE Two Tube presenters Bláthnaid Treacy and Stephen Byrne. The Roscommon school was awarded top honours in the Best Set category for the set design in the school’s production of ‘A Shepherd’s Song’. The judges praised the school’s gorgeous set dressing and the immersive feel created for using inventive props and lighting.

Pictured are students from St. Michael’s Special School in Castlerea with the award for set design they won at the Bórd Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Over 1,500 primary and secondary school students representing 64 schools from across Ireland attended the event in Dublin recently. On the day a

number of shortlisted schools performed live on stage and students were also treated to a surprise performance by boyband HomeTown.

St. Michael’s students on stage with Stephen Byrne and Bláthnaid Treacy at the Bórd Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Hosted Cake Sale & Coffee Morning in aid of Vita House To mark the end of the current academic year, students from the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) recently held a Cake Sale and Coffee Morning in the VTOS Centre, Roscommon. The event was a success and raised €425.57 for Vita House to help fund their Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service. The GRETB wishes to thank all those who took part on the day.

Pictured enjoying a Cake Sale & Coffee Morning at the offices of the Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board were Karen Maher, Tanya Wrightson, Anthony Greene, Helen O’Connor, Mairéad Hynes, Jonathan Coffey, David Finn and Nathan Coffey. Pictured enjoying a Cake Sale & Coffee Morning at the offices of Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board were Orla Picture: Andrew Fox Connaughton, Sarah Brennan, Michael Doherty, Sinéad Raftery and Eithne Fannon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Ó Brádaigh portrait unveiling to take place in Elphin This Sunday (June 5th) a stone portrait of the late Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, left, will be unveiled at Shankill, Elphin, Co. Roscommon. The late Mr Ó Brádaigh, who died in June 2013, was a TD for Longford/Westmeath from 1957 to 1961 and served as President of Republican Sinn Fein from 1970 to 1983 and 1986 to 2009. Ruairí Ó Brádaigh was President of Sinn Fein during the turbulent years of the early Troubles and had talks with British government officials regarding a possible British withdrawal from Ireland in the 1970s. A native of Co. Longford, Mr. Ó Brádaigh lived in Roscommon for most of his adult life. The unveiling will be performed by Mr. Seán Scott, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe. Mr. Scott was interned with Ó Brádaigh in the Curragh camp in the 1950s and ran as a Sinn Fein candidate for the constituency of Roscommon/ South Leitrim in the General Election of 1957. The unveiling ceremony will be preceded by a parade from Elphin town, led by a Colour Party and the Raheen Pipe Band. People attending are asked to assemble at the Carrick road junction for 3.30 pm. Motorists are advised not to park vehicles within 100 metres of the Shankill site to prevent traffic congestion.

Jigsaw counselling service to reopen Jigsaw Roscommon, the free counselling service for young people in the county town, will reopen next month. In a statement issued this week, Headstrong, which runs it, said that they were “really disappointed” to temporarily close the service in February because of difficulties in recruiting new staff. However, they said that a solution had now been found that would enable the facility to reopen in July. He said that Headstrong would provide more details on the service, including opening times and how to arrange an appointment, prior to its reopening. The suspension of the service had been protested against. It provided a free and confidential support service for young people aged 15 to 25 living in Co. Roscommon. Over a three-year period, 409 people in the county were supported by Jigsaw Roscommon. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has welcomed its reopening. “Far more needs to be done in the area of mental health services in Roscommon and Galway, but the reopening of this service is good news,” he said.

NALLY BROTHERS Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel. 090 64 32387.

Contact: Martin Nally, 087 2568044, John Nolan, 087 9205325 or David Healy 087 9119898

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Appeal for submissions as history of Clonown to be published Clonown Heritage group has announced plans for a new illustrated history of Clonown and its hinterland. The group launched the project last week in Clonown. A wide range of photos have been gathered and displayed over recent years, and the group is now looking for further photographs and items of interest to be included in this book. The group is interested in photographs relating to the area, covering any subject. The book will contain photographs of individuals, families and groups. Of special interest are group photographs and images of people carrying out everyday activities. Also, the book will include images of old dwellings, family heirlooms, newspaper cuttings, sports items and letters. The group is hoping to include military memorabilia from the War of Independence and other conflicts. It will also contain maps of each townland, identifying the location of houses, families and local place names. All items will be han-

Quality hearing aids from Blackberry Hearing Blackberry Hearing, the Irish company making quality hearing aids much cheaper, is rapidly adding new clinics across the country. Hundreds of people who could not previously afford quality hearing aids, have now experienced the life changing impact of modern, comfortable digital hearing aids with Blackberry Hearing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our philosophy is simpleâ&#x20AC;?, say John Ryan co-founder of Blackberry Hearing, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Provide the best quality hearing aids, with a clear focus on customer service at prices people can afford and satisfied customers will then tell other people about their experienceâ&#x20AC;?. This appears to be what is now happening. Clinics which started last year are booked out based on positive customer experience. Of course, it helps that Blackberry Hearingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prices are an amazing 60% less than other retailersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eventually other retailers

Pictured are some of the members of the Clonown Heritage Group who are planning on a new illustrated history of Clonown and its hinterlands for publication in December 2016. Back row (l-r): Anthony Dalton, Mary Molloy, Ann Dunning, Michael Fallon. Front row (l-r): Rosaleen Fallon, Helen Cunningham, Maureen Halligan and Teresa Costello.

dled carefully, scanned and returned to the owner without delay. Some owners may want to scan the items themselves and

they can email the scans to the group at: clonownheritage@gmail.com, or post to the Facebook page (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Clonown Heritage

Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). Please also contact any of the following: Rosaleen (087-7600128), Teresa (087-6204914) and Anthony (087-9065757).

from from

* â&#x201A;Źâ&#x201A;Ź350 per ear

399 PER EAR

with Grant**

may reduce their prices but we are building our brand based on one positive customer experience at a timeâ&#x20AC;?, says Dave Gleeson Blackberry Hearingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other co-founder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; satisfaction is essential. We explain clearly pricing and options before they come to us. If for any reason a customer is not happy with their hearing loss solution, we offer them a full no quibble refundâ&#x20AC;?. If you are interested in finding out more or booking in for a FREE hearing test,

at home or in a clinic near you, please call Blackberry Hearing at 1890 800 077. You may also learn more at www.blackberryhearing. com. (Advertorial)

EHWWHU KHDULQJ PXFK EHWWHU SULFHV

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

Rosmed Pharmacy, Golf Links Road

Drop in to book a test or find out about the grant. T. 090 6665524

FOR A FREE HEARING TEST APPOINTMENT CALL 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

â&#x20AC;˘ Tel 01-6978470

$OO LQFOXVLYH SULFH LQFOXGHV WHVWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJ DQG D IROORZ XS YLVLW 0RVW SHRSOH ZKR SDLG 356, LQ WKHLU OLIHWLPH DUH HOLJLEOH IRU D JUDQW

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Traditional Fair Day on The Green in Athleague on Bank Holiday Monday, 6th June.

Traditional Fair Day on Monday Horse Fair, Dog Show, Pony Jumping, Family Fun Day, Market Stalls...and more The Fair of Athleague will take place on Bank Holiday Monday next (6th of June) from 11 am to 4 pm. Last year the Fair Day fell victim to the weather and many organised events had to be cancelled but this year the weather is expected to be excellent, therefore the committee have planned an array of events in what will be an entertaining family fun day with competitions for horses, ponies and dogs. The traditional horse fair is expected to attract over 200 horses and is growing from strength to strength every year. An extra field is available this year for both horses and an estimated 30 market stalls, bouncing castle, walking on water balls, ice-cream van, tea/ coffee stand, together with many novelty events for all to enjoy. Anyone wishing to rent a stall area in the designated field is asked to contact Henry on 087-7541730 or Ivan on 086-8985013 by 12 pm on Saturday, 4th of June at the latest. Any stall not booked will not be permitted on the Monday. The dog show is attracting significant interest with excellent prize-money/rosettes for many categories including best fancy dressed dog and best golden oldie dog. For all information on the dog show contact Sue on 086-3841115. For all information on the Horse Fair & Pony Jumping contact Alan on 087-2811050. Athleague is the place to be this Bank Holiday Monday with Fun Fair beside community centre all weekend. Family picnic area will be provided in the field.

Fun Fair in Athleague all Bank Holiday weekend – Friday 3rd to Monday 6th June

Athleague Fair & Festival this weekend

The Athleague Fair and Festival takes place this Bank Holiday weekend with events scheduled from Friday (June 3rd) to Monday (June 6th). The weekend kicks off with a handcrafted quilt exhibition which

takes place in the Suck Valley Visitors Centre from 7 to 9 pm. The exhibition will continue throughout the weekend. Other highlights of the weekend include an exhibition of old photographs and memorabilia on

Saturday in the Suck Valley Visitors Centre followed by a traditional Irish night in Hamrock’s Lounge later that evening. On Sunday, there will be a 10k/5k walk/run starting at Athleague Community Centre followed by

Fun Run and Walk in Athleague this Sunday Athleague will host the fifth annual 10k Fun Run/Walk as part of the Athleague Fair and Festival which is taking place over the Bank Holiday weekend. Refreshments will be served at the Community Centre after the event. Entry fee is €10 while under 18s are free. Special Team award on the day. All funds raised will help to provide resources and supports for the continued development of underage hurling in the Athleague/Tremane area and support the U-14 team who will be travelling to represent Roscommon in Féile 2016 which will be held in Waterford and Tipperary this year For further information please contact David Carr at 086-8836528 and/or Kevin McGeeney at 0879848702.

Quilt Exhibition at Suck Valley Our second annual quilt exhibition opens on Friday at 7pm in the Suck Valley Visitors Centre. This year we are excited to be featuring quilts made by the Octagon Quilters from Westport. These quilts commemorate the ladies who died in the Easter rising 1916. Come along and see a large selection of handmade quilts from around the Country.

a 1916 style hurling display at Athleague GAA. The weekend will close with the Traditional Fair Day on Bank Holiday Monday from 11 am to 4 pm in the Fair Green followed by music in The Bridge House by Fever Pitch.

History and Heritage Exhibition

music BBQ, fun ande Park at Party in th on Sundas y dt m

ise The weather prom nk Ba is th t ea gr be to d Holiday Sunday an rds from 5.00 pm onwalicious you can enjoy a de Lamb BBQ , (served ) from 6.00 - 8.00 pm at the Party in theMusic Park, Athleague. ’s will be by Ireland ging newest country sin ens sensation Shane Owere! & Band. See you th

An Athleague Feis booklet from 4th July, 1920 is one of the many items that will be on show as part of the Local History and Heritage Exhibition at Athleague Festival and Fair. Copies of old maps, photographs and other memorabilia relating to the area and different aspects of life will be exhibited during the festival. Members of Athleague Fuerty Heritage Group welcome any information identifying unknown people and places in photographs as well as any further donations of items for copying by the group. The Exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of June from 11 am ‘till 4 pm in the Suck Valley Visitors Centre (Angling Centre) Athleague.

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

HOST FAMILIES

Welcoming, active families with teenagers to host French/Spanish students Excellent rates of pay: €215 - €525 per week

Phone: 043 3346832 Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

COMMERCIAL RATES INCENTIVE SCHEME Roscommon County Council adopted a Commercial Rates Incentive Scheme effective from 01st January, 2016. The Scheme provides for an Early Payment Discount of 5% for Rate Payers with a Rates Liability of up to €5,000 for financial year ending 31st December, 2016. In order to qualify for the 5% discount, Rate Payers are reminded that their account must be paid in full on or before 30th June, 2016. Full details of the Scheme are available at www.roscommoncoco.ie Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Finance and Housing

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

CIVIC AMENITY SITES Please Note June Bank Holiday Arrangements Closed – Monday 6th June, 2016 Open - Friday 3rd June, Saturday 4th June & Tuesday 7th June, 2016

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

Pictured are Friends of Belarus volunteers in Newbridge, Co. Galway ahead of their trip to Vorontsovo in Russia.

‘Some of the children were having ice cream for the ﬁrst time’ Newbridge-based volunteers work on Russian orphanage < DAN DOONER

Seventeen men from the Friends of Belarus charity, which travels to Belarus and Russia carrying out badly-needed repairs, will spend ten days in Vorontsovo, Russia, finishing the renovation of an orphanage, which was started last year. The charity, which is based in Newbridge, Co.

Galway, has been fundraising locally for quite some time and chairman, Seán Gavin, was quick to highlight the importance of assistance from local people. “We have been fundraising locally and we have received great support from the people of Newbridge and surrounding areas as well as Roscommon in general and also from BNI Networking Group. This trip will see the finishing touches such as electricity and flooring being put into the orphanage.” Vorontsovo is an underdeveloped rural area in western Russia and Seán says that the isolated community is in desperate need of support. “It’s hard to believe such places exist to be honest, there’s nothing there for the community. Not even a community centre for people to meet in. Some of the children who were out

there were bought their first ice-cream when we arrived.” Even getting to the area can prove problematic, but Seán insists it’s all part of the adventure. “We flew to Riga in Latvia, then it’s a fourhour bus journey to the border. We usually arrive there at 4 am and then it’s a walk across ‘no-man’s land’ and then you’re picked up on the other side and it’s a two-hour bus journey. When you’ve done it a few times you get used to it!” In terms of the work, Seán says it’s all about doing what you can. “I’m an electrician myself but we do what has to be done on the day and provide our own expertise when needed. We have fourteen tradesmen and four labourers and we’ll work hard,” he added before hurrying off to catch his flight to Riga last week.

Feighan: Seanad call linked to ‘doing the right thing’ on hospital < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Frank Feighan, right, has said that his nomination to the Seanad was a reflection of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s appreciation of the stance that he took over Roscommon Hospital. Like Ballaghaderreen’s John O’Mahony, the Boyle man was one of Mr. Kenny’s 11 nominees to the Upper House last Friday, three of which were effectively selected by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin. Senator Feighan said that he only learnt that he was one of the Taoiseach’s nominees at 2 pm last Friday when Mr. Kenny telephoned him. “He said that he was going to appoint me to the Seanad and asked if I would be interested,” Mr.

Feighan said. “I said ‘absolutely delighted’ and that was it.” It was a huge fillip for the former TD who decided not to seek re-election to the Dáil in February’s General Election, mainly because of the ‘baggage’ he carried over the closure of the hospital’s Accident & Emergency Unit in 2011. However, he said that his nomination to the Seanad was linked to his loyalty

to Mr. Kenny amid the controversy over the A&E decision. “I think it is a reflection that I was able to stand by my beliefs and ideals and I was able to stand firmly in the wake of severe criticism and do the right thing,” Mr. Feighan said. “I am absolutely delighted that there are dozens of people walking the streets of Co. Roscommon today and further afield that wouldn’t be alive only for my intervention regarding the provision of the air ambulance. “I am also delighted that I have stood firm and delivered €20 million for Roscommon Hospital. I was vindicated. “I think that it is a reflection of the people the Taoiseach wants to represent us in the Senate at a very difficult time.”

Maura Carroll, who has been the librarian at Castlerea Library for many years, is pictured receiving a bouquet of flowers from fellow librarian, Helen Naughton, to mark Maura’s retirement. Best wishes to Maura from all her friends and ‘bookworms’. Pic: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea.

Quilt Exhibition at Suck Valley Seams Sew Simple’s second annual quilt exhibition opens on Friday (June 3rd) at 7 pm in the Suck Valley Visitors Centre, Athleague. This year we are excited to be featuring quilts made by the Octagon Quilters from Westport. These quilts commemorate the ladies who died in the Easter Rising 1916. Come along and see a large selection of handmade quilts from around the country.

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

33 year anniversary sale at Mary Raftery Jewellers! ary Raftery Jewellers in Roscommon town are hosting a massive sale to celebrate 33 years in business. Pop in and treat yourself for the Bank Holiday weekend. Established in 1983 and located in the heart of Roscommon town, Mary Raftery Jewellers are renowned for fine diamonds, nine and eighteen carat gold, platinum, quality gemstones and international watch brands. They also stock Newbridge Jewellery, Killarney Jewellery, Momenti Lockets, Coco88, Bronzallure and Lulu Ladybird collections.

30% OFF ALL DIAMOND RINGS Mary Raftery Jewellers have always been renowned for high quality diamonds so this is a wonderful opportunity to grab a bargain with 30% off all diamond stock. Diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend and not just for engagements!

We have diamonds to suit all special occasions.

30% OFF ALL 9ct AND 18ct GOLD JEWELLERY

Anniversary Celebration! 33 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

• Killarney Crystal jewellery • Killarney Crystal watches • Killarney Crystal homeware and stemware • Galway Crystal homeware and stemware • Belleek China • Aynsley China For further information or to make an appointment for engagement and wedding ring viewings, call Mary Raftery Jewellers on 090 66 26994 and a member of our team will be delighted to assist you.

Re-discover your love for gold with massive saving on all gold jewellery. Every piece of 9ct and 18ct gold in stock will be on sale. This is a golden ticket for savings on a wide range of beautiful pieces.

MANY HALF-PRICE SPECIALS THROUGHOUT THE STORE To add to this already fantastic sale, we also have many half-price specials!

BUSINESSES: REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET! 18,000 COPIES PRINTED WEEKLY HUSQVARNA LC153V Self-propelled, high-capacity mower for large areas. Equipped with a wide, robust steel cutting deck and an easy-start engine from Honda. Big rear wheels give easy maneuverability. Further features include TrioClip, variable drive speed and an extra large collector. Honda, 2.8kw, Self propelled, Variable Speed, 53cm

€639.99

The stables at Mote Park.

Mote Park goes interactive this week

HUSQVARNA TC138

FREE

CHARGER

Compact-sized, efﬁcient tractor with integrated collector, smart design and ergonomics. Has a powerful Husqvarna Series engine with choke less start. Easy to manoeuvre thanks to its compact format and pedal-operated transmission. Can be ﬁtted with a BioClip® plug.

WORTH

€129.99

< DAN DOONER Briggs & Stratton Intek .kW, Hydrostatic," Deck

Roscommon town will welcome broadcaster Charlie Bird today (Thursday, June 2nd) as he arrives to launch the Mote Park Interactive Heritage Tour. The park’s interactive tour is an innovative selfguided tour using QR codes and smartphone technology. The tour will use signage at points of interest throughout the park to enable visitors to watch short videos containing interviews and stunning footage relating to the history and biodiversity of the area. Charlie Bird has travelled far and wide and has even visited both North and South Poles. He has a strong connection with the environment as well as heritage and climate change issues and will visit Mote Park to try out some of the points of interest before making his way to the new Civic Offices in Roscommon town for the launch at 3.30 pm. An initiative of the Mote Park Conservation Group, the tour has the potential to be a major attraction in the town as it has a cross-generational appeal to anyone curious as to the heritage, nature and bio-diversity of the area. The project has been made possible due to the assistance of funding

€3,199.99

*Free Battery Charger worth €129.99 with every Husqvarna Tractor sold.

FREE

HUSQVARNA 213c

TRAILER

Efficient Rider with  cm Combi cutting deck, offering firstclass BioClip® and rear ejection cutting. Suitable for homeand landowners who require high efficiency, ease of use, superior manoeuvrability and a truly enjoyable ride.

WORTH

€299.99 which was awarded by the Heritage Council of Ireland, as well as major assistance from Coillte, Roscommon County Council and Roscommon Town Team. The interactive tour works by using a smartphone with a QR Code Reader at 12 points throughout the park. These points of interest are then brought to life through video footage along with interviews with locals, historians and biodiversity experts about various heritage aspects of Mote Park. It is hoped the new tour will raise awareness of conservation issues with some of the architecture pieces which feature on the tour, in particular the Lion Gate which is in need of repair.

Briggs & Stratton Intek .kw, Automatic Transmission (Hydrostatic) *Price quoted includes cm deck

€3,999 .99 *Free Trailer worth €299.99 with every Husqvarna Rider Sold - while stocks last

PRO TRAILERS & MACHINERY

RM TOOL HIRE

Lisbrock, Kiltoom, Athlone Phone: 090 648 8037 / 086 275 1555

Unit 1, Abbey Business Park, Circular Road Phone: 090 66 30 700

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Pictured enjoying Careers Day at Scoil Mhuire, Ballygar were (l-r) Luke O’Malley, Liam O’Malley, Eimear Kelly, John O’Leary and Traolach O’Malley. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying Careers Day at Scoil Mhuire, Ballygar were (l-r) Fiona Nally, Senator Ronan Mullen, Laura Ganley, Des Kelly, Yvonne Sarsfield and Shannon Thompson. Picture: Andrew Fox

Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Pictured enjoying Careers Day at Scoil Mhuire, Ballygar were (l-r) Marie Mitchell, Anthony Shannon, Grace Riordan, Nicola Moran and Eimear Kelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Comhairle Contae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

Call for Expressions of Interest

Call for Expressions of Interest – Acquisition of Houses

Derelict Sites suitable for delivery of social housing units Roscommon County Council is responsible for the delivery of the National ‘Social Housing Strategy 2020 – Support, Supply & Reform’ in County Roscommon. The strategy provides a framework for a multi annual investment programme to plan and prioritise the delivery of social housing in response to current housing needs. As part of a range of housing solutions, Roscommon County Council is currently seeking expressions of interests from owners of derelict or semi derelict sites which are suitable for provision of social housing and located in areas with an identified need for social housing. Current housing needs has been identified and is to be prioritised within the following towns and in the following order:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Pictured enjoying Careers Day at Scoil Mhuire, Ballygar were (l-r) Eoin O’Dowd, Hollie Hastings, Tom Grant, Aisling McAlpine and Eoghan Browne. Picture: Andrew Fox

Monksland Roscommon Boyle Ballaghaderreen Castlerea

Roscommon County Council is responsible for the delivery of the National ‘Social Housing Strategy 2020 – Support, Supply & Reform’ in County Roscommon. The strategy provides a framework for a multi annual investment programme to plan and prioritise the delivery of social housing in response to current housing needs. As part of a range of housing solutions, Roscommon County Council is currently seeking expressions of interests from owners/vendors of houses which are suitable for social housing and located in areas with an identified need for social housing. Current housing needs has been identified and is to be prioritised within the following towns and in the following order:

1. Monksland 2. Roscommon 3. Boyle 4. Ballaghaderreen 5. Castlerea

Property owners interested in the above proposal, should submit an Expression of Interest to the Housing Business Unit, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon in a sealed envelope clearly marked ‘EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – HOUSING 2016 - Derelict Sites,’ by 4:00pm on Friday 17th of June 2016.

Property owners/vendors interested in the above proposal, should submit an Expression of Interest to the Housing Business Unit, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon in a sealed envelope clearly marked ‘EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – HOUSING 2016 – House Acquisitions,’ by 4:00pm on Friday 17th of June 2016.

Please note that Roscommon County Council is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. If you consider that any of the Information supplied by you is either commercially sensitive or confidential in nature, this should be highlighted and the reasons for its sensitivity specified. In such cases, the relevant material will, in response to FOI requests, be examined in light of exemptions provided for the FOI Act.

Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Housing, Finance and ICT

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople Public toilets reopen at Portrun < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fianna Fáil councillor Orla Leyden has welcomed the reopening of the public toilets at Portrun last week on a timelock basis, from 8 am to 8 pm. “It is great to have the public-toilet facility open again, so people can get out and enjoy the beautiful Portrun Bay in this summer weather,” she said. The news came after Waterways Ireland agreed to reopen the facility following a meeting with Roscommon County Council and the Portrun Development Association. Cllr. Leyden said that the toilets would serve the many visitors who walk, kayak

and cycle in the area and the children who use the playground nearby. “The potential of Portrun in terms of tourism has not yet been realised,” she added. At the May meeting of Roscommon Municipal District, Cllr. Leyden proposed a motion that the Council upgrades the slipway at Portrun, and proactively addresses the lack of tourism amenities in the area. She welcomed the response from the Council, which said that it would develop a design for the upgrade to the slipway at the Portun amenity area and then seek funding for the development to proceed.

Cairde Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar to host annual BBQ event this Bank Holiday Sunday night Following on from the huge success of their Summer Gathering last year, Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar are to hold their annual BBQ event with the ever popular Big Generator. It will be held in the Mattie McDonagh Centre this Bank Holiday Sunday night, June 5th. Last year’s gathering provided the opportunity for many past pupils from various years to get together for an informal reunion and catch up. It promises to be an excellent night of food, fun and dancing. All members of the community, young and old, are encouraged to attend as all music tastes are catered for over the course of the evening. The barbecue will be fired up from 8.30 pm with easy listening music provided by Ian Deery. Later in the evening, Big Generator will take to the stage to rock the night away. Big Generator front man Ed commented that he is “looking forward immensely to the night. It’s always a super gig as the crowd are always in flying form. The weather looks like it’s going to be amazing, so what better way to kick off the summer?” Tickets are available from the school office or at the door on the night. This is a fully licensed event with late bar. Admission 10 euro. (This covers food and entertainment from both bands.)

Cairde

Annual Summer Gathering

BBQ

with music from 8.30pm then Rock the Night away with

Big Generator Mattie McDonagh Centre, Ballygar Fully Licensed Bar

Junior Hannon pictured with Shauna, Elaine and Kevin Hannon prior to the start of the charity paddle from Lanesboro to Limerick. Picture: Andrew Fox

Tickets €10 Available from the school and on the night 090 6624740

FREE Course

Pictured paddling along the River Shannon going from Lanesboro to Limerick were Seamus Irwin, Roy Glennon, Niall Madden, Junior Hannon, Chris McDaid and Fergal Brazil. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured prior to the start of a charity paddle from Lanesboro to Limerick were (l-r) Seamus Irwin, Roy Glennon, Niall Madden, Junior Hannon, Chris McDaid and Fergal Brazil. Picture: Andrew Fox

Keen Print 090 6625787

Sunday, June 5th 2016

Big Generator are the main attraction, at the Cairde Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar Summer Gathering

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

New Endoscopy Unit opens HARRIS TO PERFORM OFFICIAL OPENING Simon Harris, the Minister for Health, will perform the official opening of the new Endoscopy Unit at Roscommon Hospital. The €6 million development became operational on Wednesday. It is opening on a phased basis: when it is fully operational, 30 procedures a day will be conducted, compared to 16 at the moment. Nineteen staff – 12 nurses, three administrative staff and

four healthcare assistants – will work in the facility. Arrangements have not yet been made for the official opening, but Senator Frank Feighan, of Fine Gael, said: “Minister Harris has agreed to open the unit when a suitable date is agreed.” The opening of the facility has been welcomed. “It will be great to have the endoscopy unit up and running and fully staffed,” Cllr. Valerie Byrne, of the Hospital Action Committee, said. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice said: “Any increase in services at Roscommon Hospital is welcome, and I will continue to fight for improved services not only at Roscommon Hospital but in the community as well.”

HOT AND COLD AT DUFFY’S IN BALLAGHADERREEN!

Mother and daughter, Bridie McKay and Pamela Jones from Manchester popped in for a 50c icecream cone and they also filled their car with bags of turf to take back with them to Manchester. Bridie said the smell of the turf burning in the open file at her house in Manchester reminds them of ‘home’ and the warmth of people they met – like the staff at Duffys!

HAC to meet TDs again on local health services The Roscommon Hospital Action Committee (HAC) met again last week to discuss the future of health services in the county. “We are arranging to meet the three newly-elected TDs again following the formation of the Government,” a spokesperson said. The HAC met each of the elected TDs immediately after the election, outlining to them the key Roscommon health issues relevant during the term of this Dáil. They discussed the reopening of the A&E, extension of the Medical Assessment Unit and X-rays for

younger children, etc. “We will continue to meet our TDs and keep health prominently on the agenda,” a spokesperson said. This week Cllr. Valerie Byrne contacted Roscommon County Hospital for an update on the opening of the Endoscopy Unit. Informed that it was opening this week, she said: “I am awaiting a date for a meeting to discuss staffing levels and plans for the unit with the hospital manager. It will be great to have the Endoscopy Unit up and running and fully staffed. Anything that enhances services at the hospital is to be welcomed.”

This week Cllr. Valerie Byrne contacted Roscommon County Hospital for an update on the opening of the Endoscopy Unit.

Pope Frances’ letter gets reaction in Glenamaddy and Williamstown Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si – care for our common home – in 2015 and addressed it to every person living on this planet. It was widely praised and welcomed by people internationally. In response to his letter, the parishes of Glenamaddy and Williamstown are set to devote a weekend in reflecting on his call to cherish and look after the environment. Community members in the area have issued a call to action, which includes the involvement of local schoolchildren working towards a Green Flag. Locals will celebrate the call to action and the work of the school children

at a parish Mass in Glenamaddy on Saturday, 11th of June at 7 pm and in Williamstown on Sunday, 19th, at 10.30 am. This will include contributions from the Tidy Towns Committee and other interested parties. On Sunday, 12th, the organisers hope to walk the new Frass/Englishtown Greenway and let people experience the silence, grandeur, peace, and beauty of this recently re-opened pathway. On Sunday, 19th, in Williamstown, the organisers will walk the ‘Old Bog Road’. Further details on this event are available from Glenamaddy Parish Office on 094 9659017.

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

June Bank Holiday Sale

20%

OFF ALL STORES – ALL DEPARTMENTS* Online – www.molloyspharmacy.com FROM 03/06/16 – 06/06/16 INCLUDING ALREADY DISCOUNTED ITEMS

TRIPLE POINTS for all loyalty card customers * Excludes dispensary items

• Harrison Centre, ROSCOMMON TOWN 0906 637604 • BALLAGHADERREEN 094 987 7520 • NEW: Knocknacarra, Galway. 091 590211 • NEW: Achill 098 45248 • Garden Street, BALLINA 096 21375 • Bunree Road BALLINA 096 60340 • Honeybee CLAREMORRIS 094 9377382 • CROSSMOLINA 096 31177 Join us online at www.molloyspharmacy.com or facebook.com/molloyspharmacy

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople Murphy calls for clarity on National Broadband Plan Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy, left, is fearful that the rollout of the National Broadband Plan could end up falling between the cracks of two government departments and rural Ireland could be the real loser. Deputy Murphy said that although Denis Naughten has been appointed Minister for Communications, the Taoiseach has allocated responsibility for the National Broadband Plan to Minister Heather Humphreys. “I am extremely concerned that responsibility now seems to be falling between two government departments,” Deputy Murphy said. “The project could very well end up falling between two stools, with a completely disjointed strategy. A coherent and workable plan under the remit of one minister, who can take full ownership of the project, is a necessity.” He said that Minister Naughten appears reluctant to give up his department’s ownership of the plan, claiming that it will continue with “the procurement for a high-speed telecoms network”, as well as developing “proposals for an entity to manage all of the State’s Broadband contracts”. Deputy Murphy said that some advances have been made locally with the rollout of broadband to areas like Tulsk and Strokestown in recent weeks and such infrastructure is vital to the economic survival of rural towns and villages. He noted that broadband was also set to be rolled out to his native Scramogue area in the coming weeks, and more developments like this were necessary for rural Ireland, he added.

120,000 homes in west have no access to broadband < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Rural broadband is a key issue for Roscommon’s new Minister: Minister for Communications, Climate Change and Natural Resources Denis Naughten was pictured at Grange Primary School, Roscommon recently with Managing Director of Ripplecom, John McDonnell. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

There are 120,000 homes and businesses in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon that do not have access to broadband, according to figures published in the Irish Independent on Tuesday. Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the news as a “scandal”. “Is it any wonder that the employment figures in the western area are not growing when we see the shocking number of homes and businesses that have no access to broadband services?” Deputy Fitzmaurice said. Broadband issues in the region were detrimental to job creation, he added. “It is clear from the figures that the west is a blackspot when it comes to broadband coverage. Is it any wonder that this region is the only one in the country where there is no rise in employment figures when businesses don’t have access to a proper broadband service?” Deputy Fitzmaurice said. “How can we attract employers to the region when, in many cases, they have no broadband service and in many areas a poor mobile phone service as well?” He said that the Government must address the matter urgently. “This is a situation that simply cannot go on if we are to be serious about tackling the problems in rural Ireland,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said. “Unless we improve the broadband and mobile service in the region, then we are wasting our time talking about creating employment.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Disappointed with editor’s ‘tirade’

Pictured are Scrabbagh School students in the late 1970s.

Scrabbagh School celebrates 50 years Scrabbagh School in Kilmore, Co. Roscommon will celebrate their 50th Anniversary this June Bank Holiday weekend. The event will get underway this Friday evening (June 3rd) at 7 pm with a blessing of the school and the launch of a souvenir booklet followed by refreshments in the school. Then on Saturday (4th) from 2 pm to 5 pm a Family Fun Day will take place in the school grounds with bouncy castles, family sports day, BBQ, face painting, music and much more. We will also have old school items on display and we will have a special

display of GAA medals won by our former pupils including All-Ireland U-21 and Minor medals. On Saturday night the celebrations will continue in the Silver Eel at 9 pm with music by Alan Clarke. Food will be served on the night. Tickets are just €10 and are available from Brian Carroll on 087-2420896, Gerry Smyth on 086-8706063, Mary Brady, Dolores Flynn, Scrabbagh School, The Silver Eel, The Kilmore Inn, Earley’s pub, Bracken’s pub, Padraig Flynn’s shop and Duignan’s, Drumsna. Everyone inside and outside the parish is invited to join the celebrations on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Cortober, Carrick-on-Shannon Dear Editor, First, the last five years: I have deeply admired Paul Healy’s principled stand on Roscommon A&E. However I was deeply disappointed with his disparaging tirade on former TD Lucinda Creighton in the Roscommon People (issue 20 May last). Lucinda’s political demise at the age of 35 is sad, but it is worse when editors (like Paul Healy in this instance) dance on their graves… The main reason why women won’t enter politics at local and national level is because of the very bloodsport that Irish politics is. Lucinda was a councillor at 24, TD at 27, junior minister at 31, party leader at 33. She resigned from a €120,000 ministerial post over her conscience, which precious few of our present crop of TDs have done. In 2013 the national print media cried out for a new political party and urgent political reform. In January 2014 I attended a monster reform rally in the RDS at which your friend, Denis Naughten, also turned up. Once Lucinda set up Renua, the national liberal media pilloried Lucinda, viewing her as a Catholic conservative politician. You stated that Lucinda resigned over a single issue…so did Denis

Naughten. He too distanced himself from FG, even though his brother John is still in the party. You lambasted Lucinda by a stating “a politician cynically engaging in opportunist politics to help sustain their desire to stay in limelight.” Were you referring to Denis Naughten? (I note also your soft two-page interview with him recently). Lucinda had the courage of her convictions. She laid out her stall. Her future remains bright, as a barrister. Like James Dillon before him, Denis Naughten will return to Fine Gael when Enda retires. Yours sincerely, Thomas Glancy

Paul Healy replies… I welcomed Denis Naughten’s appointment as a Cabinet Minister because I think it has the potential to be a very positive development for this area. We have been crying out for a senior minister for over thirty years. I wrote before the recent election that Denis Naughten had shifted his position on A&E. I, like many others, would have greatly preferred if he had played hardball over Roscommon A&E/ emergency services during the recent Government talks.

Denis Naughten chose not to make A&E a red-line issue. I would have preferred if he did, but on balance I would still support his decision to do a deal with Enda, because I think Naughten can achieve far more in Cabinet than he could ever do as an Independent. Let’s not forget too that Denis Naughten, while still an Independent, is now part of a new Government, and we can all judge that administration’s record on Roscommon Hospital and health services here in the months and years ahead. As for the wider A&E issue, it has essentially been abandoned by all senior politicians in Roscommon. A ‘Coalition of Apathy’ has sounded the deathknell for the A&E fight. Few of us are blameless. None of the principal political players in this constituency – Denis Naughten included – went into recent elections with A&E restoration as a red-line issue. They don’t even want to talk about the ‘hospital war.’ I thank Mr. Glancy for his letter and assure him that I will return to this subject in the coming weeks. Lucinda? I stand by everything I wrote. Lucinda was meant to be all about new politics before the new, new politics emerged – but all we got was the same old story!

Roscommon People Friday 03 June 2016

NewsPeople

Boyle to Roscommon daily bus service launched Local Link Sligo Leitrim and Roscommon has announced that the National Transport Authority has approved an increased level of service in the North Roscommon Area into Roscommon Town and including Lough Key Forest Park. Operating from Boyle to Roscommon the new service will run seven days per week, Monday to Sunday, providing three return scheduled services daily. The service will stop at the local towns along the route including Elphin, Tulsk and Strokestown and also provide a ‘Hail and Ride’ service at various points along the route where it is safe to do so. Passengers attending various hospital clinics at Roscommon will be dropped off and collected at the bus

stop beside Roscommon Hospital and can also access the Primary Care Centre from the stop along the route. The time of the bus schedule is designed to facilitate the morning and afternoon clinics. A key feature of this integrated service is the local link to the various visitor attractions namely King House, Lough Key Forest Park, Cruachan Ai at Tulsk, Strokestown Park House and the Tourist Information Office and Museum at Roscommon. Visitors accessing Roscommon town by train from Dublin will have the opportunity to get the Bus at 9.30 am to the various visitor attractions along the route. The Lough Key Forest Park Service will link visitors to

the park seven days per week during the holiday season (1st June to 31st October), providing four return scheduled services daily. Another key feature is the Boyle Round Town Hail and Ride Service five times daily which will facilitate passengers’ access from the surrounding estates in Boyle for shopping and business needs. The establishment of these interconnected services represents a significant investment in public transport in Roscommon

and we are sure that this increased number of services will prove to be a significant benefit for people living in the area. The timetable has been developed with a view to linking Local Link services with Bus Éireann services at Roscommon, Strokestown and Boyle and with Irish Rail at Roscommon and Boyle. This will enable passengers to make onward connections while also increasing visitor access to the area. The fare structure is said to be competitive with

concessions for students and young children. The services are free for passengers holding Department of Social Protection Travel Passes. Local Link Sligo Leitrim & Roscommon who have Responsibility for public transport through the integration of the Transport Programme (RTP) was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) in 2012 and 17 Transport Co-ordination Units (TCUs) have now been established as local agents of the authority. The TCU for Sligo Leitrim

& Roscommon was founded under the aegis of the Sligo Roscommon Leitrim Rural Transport Company Ltd operate all rural transport services under the Local Link brand. Local Link Sligo Leitrim and Roscommon currently provide over 100 return services weekly across counties Sligo and Leitrim and Roscommon. For further details please contact the office at 0719650437 to speak with Sinead and Bridin and at slr@ locallink.ie

Now go there and back by bus

Timetable Lough Key Forest Park Ranger LOUGH KEY FOREST PARK RANGER Monday to Friday Saturday and Sunday 1st June to 31st October Departing From

Stops

Time

King House

Bus Stop

11:00

14:30

18:30

21:45

Boyle Marina

Hail and Ride

11:05

14:35

18:40

21:50 22:00

Lough Key Forest Park

Hail and Ride

11:15

14:45

18:45

Boyle Marina

Hail and Ride

11:25

14:55

18:55

King House

Bus Stop

11:30

15:00

19:00

Boyle Round Town Services BOYLE ROUND TOWN SERVICES Daily Scheduled Service Departing From

Time

Departing From

Time

King House

11.30

King House

15.00

Green Street

11.31

The Crescent

15.02

Lowpark

11.33

Car Park Beside Supervalu

15.04

Mocmoyne Road

11.36

Great Meadow

15.06

Patrick Street

11.40

Silveroe

15.08

Bridge Street

11.41

Train Station

15.11

The Crescent

11.42

Plunkett Road

15.19

Post Ofﬁce

11.44

Cnoc An Baile

15.23

Lower Marian Road

11.45

The Crescent

15.24

Church View

11.46

Post Ofﬁce

15.27

Upper Marian Road

11.47

Boyle Medical Centre

15.31

The Crescent

11.50

Abbeyhaven Nursing Home

15.34

King House

12:00

King House

15:45

570

Boyle – Roscommon

SERVICES

MON-FRI

SAT-SUN

Departing From

Stops

Boyle

King House Bus Stop

Elphin Windmill

Bus Stop

07.55

Elphin

Hail and Ride

07:58

08:50 08.08

MON-SUN

Time 07.35

08:30

12.00

16.00

12.20

16.20

12:23

16:22

12.33

16.33

Tulsk

Bus Stop

08.08

Cruachan Ai

Hail and Ride

08:10

12:35

16:37

Strokestown Park House Gate

Hail and Ride

08.20

12.45

16.45

Strokestown Bridge Street

Bus Stop

08:23

09:10

Fourmile House

Hail and Ride

08.33

09:20

Kilbride Community Centre

Hail and Ride

08:35

Roscommon Lanesboro St.

Bus Stop

08.45

Roscommon Primary Care Centre

Hail and Ride

08:47

Roscommon Hospital

Bus Stop

08.50

Roscommon Train Station

Train Station (9.30)

08.55

Departing From

09:27

12:48

16:48

12.58

16.58

13:00

17:00

13.10

17.10

13:13

17.13

Stops

Time

Abbeytown

Bus Stop

09:25

Roscommon Post Ofﬁce Tourist Ofﬁce Market Square

Bus Stop

09.35

13:20