2016 07 22 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

SHAKE OFF SHACKLES! Francie’s plea to McStay and O’Donnell: Page 60

22 July 2016

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 486

‘I have lost 25 acres of land. My life is totally devastated’

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 INSIDE

Tuesday was Ireland’s hottest day for more than three years – and Co. Roscommon recorded the highest temperature in the country that day (30.4C in Mount Dillion). No wonder Anna Mai Regan and Naomi Cahill were ready to make a splash in Errit Lake! Photograph: Michael McCormack

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Rahara’s ﬂooding crisis: PAGE 13

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople ROSCOMMON

ROSCOMMON DRIVING SCHOOL 087 2295551

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

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Roscommon hottest in country on Tuesday Tuesday was Ireland’s hottest day for more than three years – and Co. Roscommon recorded the highest temperature in the country that day. A temperature of 30.4C was recorded in Mount Dillion, followed by Claremorris (28.9C) and Shannon Airport (28.5C)

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

NOTICE PUBLISHING COMMENCEMENT OF AUDIT

Wills & Doctrine of Lapse

Roscommon County Council Notice is hereby given that the audit of the accounts of the above-named local government organisation for the financial year ended on the 31st day of December, 2015 will be commenced by Ms. Mary Keaney Local Government Auditor, on the 4th day of August 2016. In accordance with article 17 of the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, objections to any matter or matters contained in the said several accounts will be considered by the Local Government Auditor during the audit. Written notice of any proposed objection, setting out the relevant particulars and grounds on which it is to be made, should be sent to the above Local Government Auditor c/o Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon within ten days of the commencement of the audit. The annual financial statement will be available during office hours for the inspection of all persons for a period of seven days before the commencement of the audit. Dated this 22nd day of July 2016. Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Will Taylor, Sheena Moore and Barbara Taylor. Picture: Andrew Fox

Courts Service to build new courthouse in Roscommon? < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Courts Service is considering building a new courthouse in Roscommon town because it would be much cheaper than refurbishing the existing premises, newlyreleased documents have shown. There would also be “significant challenges” for accessibility into Roscommon Courthouse, a landmark building in a poor state of repair. It is owned by Roscommon County Council and the Courts Service, but since the Council moved to their new civic headquarters last December, its section became surplus to requirements and its annex was demolished. The Courts Service is in negotiations with the Council about buying their portion of the courthouse. The Valuation Office are independently valuing the space that would be transferred to it for potential redevelopment. However, the Courts Service has made it clear to the Council that it is also strongly considering a new-build because there are various disadvantages to redevelopment of the 184-year-old premises. This message was relayed to Eugene Cummins, the Chief Executive of the

council, by Paul Burns, the assistant secretary of the Courts Service’s head of infrastructure services directorate, in a letter on March 7th. He noted that the possible refurbishment of the existing courthouse, with additional space acquired from the Council, was only one of the options being considered for the improvement of courthouse facilities. “The main alternative is the provision of a new courthouse building on a new site,” Mr. Burns wrote, in a letter obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. He said the existing building was architecturally and historically significant and was well located in the town, but that its refurbishment would be “significantly more expensive that a new-build”. “The layout of the building itself and the likely conservation requirements will pose significant challenges for accessibility into and within the building,” Mr. Burns added. “The cost of acquiring the Council’s space within the courthouse is a significant factor to be considered in evaluating the options.” The Courts Service declined to comment this week.

I made a will recently leaving sums of money to my siblings. I left the rest of my estate to my good friend. My siblings are not married and do not have any children. I am concerned about what would happen to the bequests I am leaving to my siblings should one of them die before me. Will my deceased sibling’s share pass to my other surviving siblings or will it go to my good friend? Please advise me. In order to answer your question fully, I am making a number of assumptions. I am assuming you have made a valid will in a Solicitor’s office and it complies with all the necessary requirements to ensure a valid will is created. I am further assuming that your will contains clauses bequeathing €X to your siblings and that your will provides for the rest, residue and remainder of your estate to pass to your good friend. I note that your siblings are not married and do not have children. The law provides that where a beneficiary (person inheriting under the will) predeceases a testator (person making a will) the bequest or legacy left to that deceased beneficiary shall fail. This is known as the Doctrine of Lapse. The law further provided that where such a legacy fails due to a beneficiary predeceasing the testator that bequest shall fall into the residue of the testator’s estate. In your particular circumstances, should one of your siblings predecease you then and in that event the bequest you have left them in your will shall fall into the residue of your estate and will therefore pass to your good friend. If this situation would not reflect your wishes then I would advise you to update your will. You may include a clause within your will providing that should one of your siblings predecease you then and in that event you direct that the bequest of that predeceased sibling shall pass to your surviving siblings. It is always best to update your will if you believe your current will does not reflect your wishes. Please call Byrne Carolan Cunningham at 090 6478433 and we will be happy to offer wills advice to you. 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 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

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

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22 per cent of dwellings vacant in Roscommon A total of 21.6 per cent of dwellings in Co. Roscommon are vacant, according to the prelimary results of the 2016 Census. It shows that 6,822 of the county’s housing stock – 31,534 – are vacant, which is the fifth highest percentage in Ireland and significantly above the national rate of 13.8 per cent.

However, Co. Roscommon’s vacancy rate has marginally fallen – by 7 per cent, or 510 people – since the 2011 Census. The population of the county increased by 0.6 per cent during the five years, from 64,065 to 64,436. The population of the country rose by 169,724, from 4,588,252 to 4,757,976.

newsbriefs Castlerea Men’s Shed Open Day Castlerea Men’s Shed on Patrick Street in Castlerea invites everyone to their Open Day on Friday, 29th July. It will start at 2 pm with some words of welcome. Visitors can then view the members’ handiwork and check the progress made on the shed, garden, polytunnel and meeting room. Hospitality will be provided in the form of light refreshments and entertainment. We hope it will also raise awareness of our activities and attract new members to the Shed. Anyone wishing to join can simply call to the Shed on any Tuesday or Friday morning or contact our secretary, Pat McIntyre, at 089-4044190 or email patmcintyre@live.ie. We are on Facebook at Castlerea Mens Shed.

Feighan wants extension of Boyle Garda hours

€5 off Voucher for the Foot Clinic

Senator Frank Feighan has raised the issue of extending Boyle Garda Station’s opening hours with Frances Fitzgerald, the Minister for Justice. “The station’s opening times were always subject to review and I have asked the Minister to examine the opening hours in Boyle in this context. “When the new opening times were introduced early last year, Minister Fitzgerald explained that these arrangements were designed to free up Garda personnel for outdoor policing duties who otherwise would be engaged in keeping the station open to the public. “I think now is a good time for a formal examination of the existing opening hours and to establish if resources are available to further extend these hours to the public.”

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Rising car insurance is a scandal – Hopkins

Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Senator Maura Hopkins, of Fine Gael, has described the spiraling cost of motor insurance as “scandalous”. Earlier this week, the Central Statistics Office found that premiums had risen by 38.6 per cent compared to the same time last year. “I know of individuals having been quoted in excess of €3,000 for their annual premium,” Senator Hopkins said. “This is scandalous. The issue needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible.”

Tel: 090 647 8433 * MOTOR ACCIDENTS

r ee ouour SSee Column olumn oinn cBusiness ge 2 pa

No action taken on ﬂooding crisis – Kerrane

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

newsbriefs O’Carolan Festival launch on Irish TV The O’Carolan Harp Festival launch will feature on Roscommon County Matters on Sky 191 and Freesat 400 next Monday (July 25th) at 6.30 pm. This programme will be repeated on Wednesday, 27th July at 5.30 pm.

Emerald Storm at Trinity Arts Centre As part of Roscommon County Council tourism diaspora project, Emerald Storm are coming to Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea this Saturday (July 23rd) at 8 pm. Tickets cost €15 and booking is advisable on 086-1081004.

Night of music in PJ’s, Castlecoote Athleague Comhaltas are holding a night of music in PJ’s, Castlecoote this Friday (July 22nd) at 10 pm. All musicians and singers are welcome.

Darts competition in Boyle The James (Lal) Woods Memorial Darts Competition will take place in the Moylurg Inn, Boyle on Friday, July 29th at 8 pm. Entry is €10 with raffle and spot prizes on the night. All proceeds in aid of Roscommon/Mayo Palliative Care Services. Please support.

Pictured at celebrations for Fr. Eugene McLoughlin’s Golden Jubilee on Friday night last were Fr. Eugene McLoughlin, Fr. John Cullen and Monsignor Charles Travers. More photographs in our next issue. Picture: Andrew Fox

Further Castle Street works postponed Further road-improvement works at Castle Street, Roscommon town, look set to be postponed because of financial and planning issues, councillors were told at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon Municipal District. The street recently reopened after phase one of the project, involving the improvement of the streetscape and widening of footpaths, was completed. Phase two was also due to take place this year. It would have involved the provision of pedestrian crossing, partly because representations were made by the Brothers of Charity, who provide services for

those with intellectual disabilities and autism. However, John Mockler, the co-ordinator of the municipal district, said on Monday: “Being realistic, I would say it would be very hard to get Castle Streety phase two finalised this year.” He said the fact that other projects in the road-works scheme had cost more than expected and that phase two of Castle Street’s works would also require public consultation (what’s known as a part 8) were the reasons for the delay. “Our original tender price for Ballyleague, Ballintubber and all these came in slightly higher – the first

contractor pulled out and the second contractor was significantly higher,” Mr. Mockler said. “We are going to have to wait to see where the money is going to come from for these jobs before we know exactly what money we have for Castle Street phase two.” Cllr. Orla Leyden, of Fianna Fáil, expressed disappointment with the news. “The Brothers of Charity made submissions, lobbied the Council and rightly felt happy that they had succeeded in that work. A commitment had been given that the pedestrian crossing would be delivered.” she said.

Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson for Co. Roscommon, has said that there has been lack of action taken on the recent floods and preventing them in future. “County Roscommon was one of the areas devastated by floods in December 2015 and well into 2016. We are now approaching the Winter months again and what has been done?” Ms. Kerrane said. “Money has been announced, but apart from talking and setting up committees to discuss the issue, I don’t see any action in the county.”

Apply for amenity grants drawdown – Shanagher Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher is advising groups who have been granted money through Roscommon County Council for an amenity grant to apply for their funding if they have completed their project. “Copies of invoices, description of works undertaken and relevant photographs should be returned to the office of community and enterprise,” the Independent politician said.

Threat to Portiuncula ED ‘bizarre’ – Murphy Eugene Murphy, Fianna Fáil TD, has said that continued A&E services are vital at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. He was speaking after a leaked report reportedly said that trauma services at the emergency department were to be axed. “I want action to ensure that no A&E be downgraded,” he said. “The report commissioned by former health minister Leo Varadkar, recommending that nine accident and emergency units be closed, is bizarre and unbelievable.”

Mass for Healing in Curraghboy A Special Mass for Healing will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Prayer Centre, Curraghboy, Athlone on Tuesday, 26th of July, (Feast Day of St. Anne and St. Joachim, parents of Virgin Mary) commencing at 7.30 pm. Details 0864054489

Ballymoe angling club presentation Ballymoe and District Angling Club are holding a special presentation night this Friday night (July 22nd) in Eddie’s Bar, Ballymoe. Galway Hospice will be presented with the proceeds from the club’s recent fundraising event in the Glencastle Lounge in Glinsk. All are welcome.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

‘100 bags of rubbish dumped’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

More than 100 bags of rubbish were dumped at the back of a house at Galway Road, Roscommon town, last month, according to a complaint received by Roscommon County Council. The report, received on June 20th, was one of 65 environment complaints received by the local authority last month:

49 related to litter, seven to waste, five to air, three to water and one to noise. The water complaints related to a “tractor with a slurry tanker taking water from lake” in Boyle, “soiled water discharging to drain” in Strokestown, and “filling a turlough with boulders” in south Roscommon. Reports of dead animals being dumped were also received – on June 7th relating to

Drumboylan bog, near Boyle, and on June 23rd relating to Cloonchambers Road, near Castlerea. It was also reported that dumping was prevalent at bottle banks at Tulsk, Ballybay, near Athlone, and Tesco in Roscommon town. The one report of noise pollution received last month related to “barking dogs” at Frenchpark.

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

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Monday 25th July 2016 Senator Maura Hopkins and Cllr. Liam Callaghan WILL ATTEND THE FOLLOWING

Boyle - Dodd’s Bar

4.00 – 4.45pm

Cortober – Lunney’s Café

5.00 – 5.30pm

Strokestown – Percy French Hotel

6.00 – 6.30pm

Tarmonbarry – The Lodge Bar

6.45 – 7.15pm

Tulsk – O’ Connors Pub

7.45 – 8.15pm

Ballinagare – Scott’s Pub

8.30 – 9.00pm

Clinics will continue on a regular basis Ballaghaderreen Clinic, Main Street, every Friday from 10 - 11 am Email: maura.hopkins@oireachtas.ie TELEPHONE: (086) 856 4206

6pc rise in jobless ﬁgures last month

NALLY BROTHERS Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel. 090 64 32387. Contact: Martin Nally, 087 2568044, John Nolan, 087 9205325 or David Healy, 087 9119898

After falling to its lowest level in eight years in May, the unemployment rate in Co. Roscommon rose by almost 6 per cent last month, data has shown. In June, according to the Central Statistics Office, there were 3,100 people on the Live Register in the county, a rise of 169 from the 2,931 in May. There was a rise throughout the county: from 898 to 946 in Roscommon town; from 739 to 793 in Boyle; and from 1,294 to 1,361 in Castlerea. However, there were 8 per cent less people unemployed in the county last month than in June 2015 when there were 3,380 on the Live Register.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

Trinity Arts Centre â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;could face closureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Trinity Arts Centre in Castlerea is in danger of closure because of high insurance premiums associated with it being a listed building, the group who run the facility has said. In recent years, â&#x201A;Ź700,000 was spent on transforming the building, originally Holy Trinity Church, from a poor state of repair to a modern arts venue. The official opening of the centre took place in December 2014. However, Breege Callaghan, the chairperson of the Castlerea Community Arts Group (CCAG), has warned local councillors that, unless radical action is taken, the centre would no longer be viable and would be forced to close. In a letter to councillors of the Roscommon Municipal District, Ms. Callaghan wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since we opened in December 2014, our insurance costs have increased from â&#x201A;Ź1,400 to â&#x201A;Ź3,095 in 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The protected-structures status new valuation has been the reason for this hike in price. The building is currently valued at â&#x201A;Ź1.5 million.â&#x20AC;? She said that the building had no â&#x20AC;&#x153;outstanding valuable artefactsâ&#x20AC;? and should be removed from the list of protected structures. She said

that when the CCAG took on the project, the building was not listed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a tight budget for this project,â&#x20AC;? Ms. Callaghan said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spiraling costs of the insurance will leave us with no alternative but to abandon the building.â&#x20AC;? There were differing views among councillors about whether the building should be â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;delistedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, however. Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice, of Fianna FĂĄil, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I, for one, would be in favour of taking it off the protected-structure list. Basically, in Castlerea, they are nearly at the stage where they may have to close down.â&#x20AC;? However, his party colleague Cllr. Orla Leyden disagreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there is an issue with protected structures getting insurance, I would propose that a letter be written to the Minister for the Environment highlighting the issue because we want to maintain our protect structures in the county,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are assets in terms of our heritage and tourism.â&#x20AC;? It was agreed that the matter be referred to the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic policy committee for planning and that a letter be written to the Minister, as Cllr. Leyden had proposed.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

Imagine lights up Roscommon’s broadband blackspots Homes and businesses across Roscommon’s broadband black spots will no longer have to wait for high-speed broadband. Following the announcement by Imagine, in the coming weeks the first 100 town lands in the county that have been waiting for high speed broadband will be connected to Imagine’s new national LTE fibre network. Up to now, getting high-speed broadband, using the existing phone lines to connect to fibre, was dependent on the planned upgrade of the eir network and local exchange to fibre. But even then this is limited to homes and businesses close to the fibre or the local exchange. In regional and rural areas, this has left thousands of homes and businesses unsure when and if they will be able to get

connected. These homes can now check the initial coverage at imagine.ie. Instead of having to use the copper network to connect homes to fibre-enabled exchanges, Imagine are using the very latest next generation wireless technology ‘Advanced LTE’ to connect homes and businesses directly to the nearest fibre point on their network. This means that the service is not limited to areas close to an exchange and can be provided to anyone within a coverage area of up to 13 km. What can you expect? While the minimum speed that Imagine will connect you at is 30Mb and depending on your location can be up to 100Mb, existing LTE customers from

our recently launched live sites in Galway, Cork, Kerry, Wexford and Limerick are getting on average 65Mb download and 6Mb upload. To ensure that every customer gets the service they expect, each area is connected on a phased basis with the number of users restricted to 400 homes in each phase. So if you need or want highspeed broadband, you need to register your interest. Speaking of the announcement Brian O’Donohoe, the commercial director of Imagine, said: “LTE is a game-changer in delivering high-speed broadband service to regional and rural Ireland. “In Australia, Germany, France, China and Japan, LTE is used as an alternative or to replace existing copper lines

to deliver NGA broadband services and is the quickest and most efficient way to meet the demand and need in rural and regional Ireland. “The feedback from our sites currently live in Kildare, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Wexford and Kerry is that this is life-changing for families, businesses and rural communities. We are excited about bringing these benefits to rural communities in Roscommon.” In addition to new counties including Roscommon, based on demand, Imagine are also extending its LTE network coverage, with new sites going live in Mayo and Louth. What can you do to get Imagine in your area? As Imagine rolls out the

LTE network nationally each month, it will be announcing new coverage areas. Whether as an individual, a business or community, Imagine is inviting anyone who lives in a broadband blackspot to register their interest in getting the service to their area today. To ensure that your area is prioritised, you and your neighbours can register on imagine.ie. Roscommon townlands being covered include: Cootehall, Croghan, Corsiff, Tomnabo, Scregg, Glebe, Cuiltyconeen, Cloonskeeveen, Dacklin, Corbally East, Highland Terrace, Cortober Hill and more areas. Imagine Communications Since 1993, Imagine Communications Group and its

associated businesses have been an active participant in the Irish and European fixed, wireless and mobile telecoms markets. Headquartered in Sandyford, Dublin, Imagine has been providing phone and broadband services to homes and businesses across Ireland for 20 years. Through its international network the Group provides wholesale services to telecom operators and services providers. Imagine are deploying a National Advanced LTE network to connect homes and business to Fibre, extending the reach and availability of fibrebased next-gen (NGA) services of a minimum 30Mb and up to 100Mb to regional and rural communities across Ireland. More at: www.imagine.ie

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Pictured celebrating Fr. Eugene McLoughlin’s Golden Jubilee on Friday night last were Trisha O’Gara, Mary Mulhern and Ann Tully. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Two young men die in separate tragedies

Saturday 30th July 12 - 1.30pm

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

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Last weekend was a devastating one for the Carrick-on-Shannon region as two people died and one was critically injured in three separate incidents. On Sunday morning at 1.30 am, Colm Boylan, from Navan in Co. Meath, became separated from a stag group in the town and gardaí were notified when he did not rejoin them later that day. An intensive search commenced and, on Tuesday afternoon, the 33-year-old’s body was discovered near the slipway into the Shannon at Boyle Road. In the early hours of Sunday morning in Carrick-on-Shannon, a Dublin man sustained serious injuries during an assault. Gardaí were notified of the incident at 4 am, receiving a report that a man had been beaten up and was lying at Main Street, in an unresponsive state. The man was brought by ambulance

to Sligo University Hospital and later rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. In nearby Bornacoola on the N4 (Sligo-Dublin road), Joseph Reynolds, 18, died when the car he was travelling in as a front seat passenger, collided with a tractor at 11.50 pm on Sunday. The youth, from Moyne in Co. Longford, was brought to Mullingar Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver and other two occupants of the car were brought to hospital. The driver and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while the other passenger was seriously injured. All four occupants of the car were male. The driver of the tractor was not injured. The victim was laid to rest in Legga Cemetery, Co. Longford on Wednesday morning, after Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Legga.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

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Concerns raised over ‘thousands’ of dead ﬁsh at Castleplunkett < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Fears have been expressed this week that thousands of dead fish are located in a turlough at Castleplunkett and could contaminate local drinking water. Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, right, raised the matter at a meeting of Roscommon Municipal District in Áras an Chontae on Monday. He said that he had received a report from a resident who was concerned that “thousands upon thousands” of dead fish were located in a turlough that had caused flooding in the area. “The smell of them is something else at this stage,” Cllr. Fitzmaurice said. He said that the height of the turlough had recently receded after

a spell of fine weather, but added: “I would be concerned that, if we had rain again, they would be washed into the water system. “In the past, a dye survey was done in Castleplunkett and some of it came up in one of the water supplies. I would be concerned that if they weren’t removed, they could contaminate one of the water supplies.” He said that such a supply was located nearby. “We can’t take chances on this. People’s safety has to come first,” Cllr. Fitzmaurice said, calling for their immediate removal. John Mockler, the co-ordinator of the municipal district, said that he had asked the Council’s environment section to investigate the matter.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

Monday 25th July - Monday 1st August 2016 Programme Includes

9am Enrolment for all classes in St Ronan`s Hall Tuition by accomplished well know tutors in Harp, Flute, Tin

Friday 29th July 10.00pm Céili with Rise The Dust Saturday 30th July 10.30am All Ireland & International Harp Competitions sponsored by Arigna Fuels Ltd 10.00pm - Patrick Feeney & Band

Whistle, Fiddle,Concertina, Banjo,

Sunday 31st July 3.00pm Festival Parade 3.30pm - Official Opening of Traditional Singing. Set dancing & Festival by Eugene Murphy T.D Sean Nós Dancing. 4.30pm - Street Entertainment (see website for full details) featuring Brian Mostyn & Friends 9pm - The Renowned “Stockton’s Tuesday 26th July 9.30pm Wing” - booking strongly advised Céili with O`Carolan Country Tickets bookable online Ceili Band www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie or call 087 2559269. Wednesday 27th July Monday 1st August Recital in Kilronan Castle featuring Afternoon Entertainment Keadue harpers, Catherine 3pm Music, Song & Dance with Rhatigan, Ray Coen & guests Youth Members of Keadue CCE 4.30pm - Street Music with Thursday 28th July 8.30pm CUIG - taking Trad by storm Traditional Concert Featuring 7.00pm-Door Dancing Competition School Tutors & Visitors & Music by Liam Purcell & Friends Button Accordion, Bodhrán &

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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Planning permission granted for 70 houses < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

We have second highest vacancy rate for commercial premises in Connacht

Roscommon County Council has granted permission for one of the biggest housing developments in the county since the economic recession.

Recently the Council gave John Slevin, of Slevin Brothers, from Co. Westmeath, the goahead to build 70 houses at Cloongowna, Bealnamullia, near Athlone. The application was lodged last December, but the Council sought further information before

approving it, subject to 24 conditions. The development will comprise 20 two-storey semi-detached houses with three bedrooms; 20 two-storey terrace houses with two bedrooms; and 30 two-storey semi-detached houses with four bedrooms.

< EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Roscommon town has the second highest vacancy rate of commercial premises in Connacht, according to a new study. The Geoview Commerial Vacancy Rates Report found that the county town’s unoccupancy rate in the second quarter of this year was 22 per cent, a 0.4 per cent increase on the same point in 2015. Of all the towns analysed in the province, only Ballina, with 23.9 per cent, had a higher vacancy rate and the average in Connacht was 15.2 per cent. Boyle’s rate was far more favourable, at 14.5 per cent, a maginal increase (0.2 per cent) on its rate in the second quarter of 2015. This was the second lowest in Connacht, only Westport, with 12.9 per cent, being lower. Co. Roscommon’s rate was the eighth highest in Ireland, at 14.2 per cent, up from 14.1 per cent, and well above the national average of 13.1 per cent.

John Devaney (left), Siobhán Menton (centre) and Pat McDonagh (right), Roscommon Credit Union, pictured presenting runner-up prizes from the recent Roscommon Credit Union Car Draw to Elizabeth Gill (€1,500), Martin Kiernan (€1,000), Michael Burke (€500) and Claudia Gormley (€600). Picture: Andrew Fox

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Alan Conboy, Roscommon Credit Union, pictured presenting the keys of a new car to Kieran and Emma Hughes after Kieran was deemed to be the winner of the Roscommon Credit Union Car Draw. Also pictured are members of Roscommon Credit Union John Devaney (left) and Pat McDonagh (right). Picture: Andrew Fox

Call to consider trading online scheme Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, has urged local businesses to avail of a scheme aimed at helping them to trade online. “Irish consumers spend €850,000 an hour online, 24 hours a day, every day, yet while many small businesses have a web presence, less than one in four is actually trading online,” he said. “With nearly 90 per cent of Irish consumers using the internet to

research and buy products and services, not having a trading online presence is a missed opportunity. “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a government initiative which I am leading as Minister for Communications to assist small businesses, many of whom we see operating locally in this area, to trade online.” The scheme is operated through the national network of 31 local enterprise offices and offers a financial

incentive of up to €2,500 (subject to matching funding), along with training, mentoring and networking support. More than 2,000 small businesses have benefited so far. If your business has ten or fewer employees, less than €2m in revenue and little or no capacity to trade online, call Roscommon’s Local Enterprise Office on 090-6626263 to find out how the scheme could help your business.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

‘I have lost 25 acres of land. My life is totally devastated’ RAHARA FLOODING < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Rahara village will be submerged in water this winter and long-standing residents will lose their homes, a public meeting was told on Monday night. About eighty people attended the meeting in Rahara National School about the area’s flooding crisis, which was ironically held on a day when temperatures soared to more than 25C. The focus was not on the current situation, but on the “devastation” that could lie ahead this winter if urgent action was not taken. Tommy Carney, who jointly chaired the meeting, said that Lough Funshinagh at Rahara rose to 4 ft. higher than ever earlier this year and had only receded by about 32 inches since then. He said that it would need to go down by a further 11 ft. by the autumn to reach the normal winter level. Failing that, he said, devastation lay ahead. Matthew Beattie, who lives at Balla, Rahara, looked

ahead with dread. “What we know for certain this winter is that the lower part of the village is going to be submerged in 4/5 ft. of water. That is no exaggeration and based on what we have seen this year,” he said. “The turlough has risen over 4 ft. higher than ever before. If that continues with a modest rainfall this winter, we are heading for a dire situation.” He said that that crisis was bound to happen by December. “What that means is that people are going to lose their homes. Families who have lived in this locality for generations will not have a home for Christmas,” Mr. Beattie told the crowd. “In addition to that, farmland is going to be lost. There is already a significant amount of acreage of farmland lost and that will continue next years. “Slatted house, any homes for feeding animals, etc, will also be lost.” He said that it was a dire situation that needed to be addressed by politicians, many of whom were in attendance, including Denis Naughten, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.

“I am saying to all the elected representatives: we voted you guys in to represent us, and we celebrated when you won your seats. Now we want a return for that,” Mr. Beattie said. “If these issues are not sorted out, you have failed us as individuals; you have failed us as a group of people; and you have failed all the business people and farmers in the community trying to get on with their lives.” It has been suggested that relocating people was the only viable option, but Mr. Beattie dismissed such an idea. “The idea of relocating people is not something that should put on the table. For anybody who understands rural life, it is not just a house: it is a home that people have lived in for generations,” he said. “They livelihoods are in the area, their farms and the farming community.” Another man, Colm Mee, said that flooding had “devastated the place” and that he had suffered a considerable personal toll. “I have lost 25 acres of land. All the trees died a slow death. My life is totally devastated. Something must be done quickly,” Mr. Mee said.

‘Dig and put in a pipe’ – Fitzmaurice’s quick solution Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has told the authorities to ‘cut to the chase’ by taking emergency action on the flooding crisis at Rahara. He dismissed ‘aerial surveys’ and ‘underground projects’ as of little value in the short term. He said that an immediate solution could be found to the flooding causing by the high level of water at Lough Funshinagh. “At the end of the day, sooner or later, you have to cut to the chase and you have to shift the water, be it now or next winter,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said, when speaking at Monday’s public meeting at Rahara. “In my opinion, to call it blunt, we have to dig and put in a pipe. That is the simple solution. Unless that is done, your problem won’t be solved.” He also scoffed at the idea that Rahara’s rural nature made floodrelief works non-viable financially. “Put this cost-benefit analysis to one side until the people are looked after,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said. Eugene Murphy, Fianna Fáil TD, agreed. “I think that putting down that pipe is something that can work in the short term,” he said. “If we could get rid of the speeches and get some action, that is what the people want.” He said that people were terrified by warnings of intense flooding at Rahara and elsewhere this winter because the water levels had not receded enough. “We must do something in an emergency situation to take the fear out of your lives. The fear that is in people’s lives about flooding now is extraordinary,” Deputy Murphy said.

‘Farmers have lost €108,000 this year’

‘Cost-beneﬁt analysis for Rahara work doesn’t stand up’ – Minister ‘But we will solve the problem’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

It would not make financial sense to carry out flood-relief work at Rahara – but the Government are determined to solve the problem, Minister Denis Naughten has said. Speaking at Monday’s public meeting, he said that the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) formula would not recommend radical work in the rural area that had been badly flooded over the past six months. “The cost-benefit analysis to doing

work here in Lough Funshinagh doesn’t stand up at all,” the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment told the crowd in Rahara National School. However, he said that the OPW’s formula was normally used on rivers, where flash foods occurred and regularly receded very quickly. “What we have seen here is unprecedented in this country,” he said. The Minister said that a model needed to be put in place that looked not only at the number of homes flooded, in danger of flooding or farmers and families that were “significantly inconvenienced”. “The human and health aspect needs

to be taken into account. They aren’t part of any calculation because they have been looking at this from a totally different focus up until now,” Minister Naughten said. It has been suggested that the only viable solution was to relocate families from the areas at Rahara that were liable to flooding. However, Minister Naughten said that that was not the solution. “We are talking about whole communities here. Do you close up the whole village and relocate people out? I don’t think you should,” he said. He said that experts from varies bodies – such as Roscommon County

Council, the Office of Public Works and Geological Survey of Ireland – were working to find a solution to the problem. He said that a research team, comprising various researches, had been put in place to analyse the situation, while he said that he had sanctioned money for an immediate aerial survey of all turloughs in the country. “That will feed into the work that Roscommon County Council has done up until now, so we can get some of the answer in relation to practical solutions to deal with the challenges that people are facing at the moment,” he said.

Farmers in Rahara have lost at least €108,000 this year because of their land being flooded, Independent councillor Laurence Fallon has said. He addressed the issue that a cost-benefit analysis had found that flood-relief work in the area did not make financial sense. “There is a lot of talk about costbenefit analysis, but I am going to give you one cost-benefit analysis,” Cllr. Fallon told Monday’s public meeting. “There are 270 acres of good land flooded over and above that was ever flooded before. At one weanling per two acres, that’s €108,000 in lost sales this year alone. Put that into your cost-benefit analysis.” He said that unless flood-work was carried out, such a loss of income would be recorded in each of the next few years and, therefore, remedial work to Lough Funshinagh was viable. “There is no option but to drain it out. It’s a matter of digging a fairly substantial short section, followed by a natural flow to the Shannon,” he said. Cllr. Fallon gave a warning that unless such work was carried out, “something like a tsunami will come after Christmas”.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

From My Kitchen Table

newsbrief Presentation to Leitrim icons of sport and music

MIRIAM KERINS

Unlike Leadsom, I don’t ﬂag motherhood as my unique selling point! Following years of male rule, I became interested at the prospect of a strong female leader for our neighbours across the water, feeling that, in a time of heightened political crisis, gender equality was the order of the day, with a woman poised to hold the reins of power in the UK. Andrea Leadsom, contender No. 1, may have made a brilliant British Prime Minister. Then again, maybe she’d have been totally useless – we’ll never know. What we do know is, she’d have made an extremely smug, self-righteous and discriminatory one, given her unbelievable, arrogant and incendiary comments in the Independent (UK) who reported her saying “Men should not be hired to look after young children because of the risk they might be paedophiles,” signing off with the

disgraceful “because I’m a mother” claim which one can only assume was designed to draw comparisons and distinctions between herself and her rival, contender No. 2, Theresa May, a fellow woman, who’s not a mother. You see, as two women were up for the top job, it became clear that playing the gender card had been firmly ruled out, meaning other tactics needed to be deployed…and fast. And so, in what was a spindoctor’s nightmare, during an interview with The Times, Leadsom, upon being asked how her role as a mum shaped her views on being the country’s next leader, responded “I am sure Theresa will be really sad she doesn’t have children so I don’t want this to be ‘Andrea has children, Theresa hasn’t’ because I think that would be really horrible, but genuinely I feel that

Is Kelly trying to make victimhood a virtue? Con-

prevention charity Having literally soaked suicide rendering it hopelessly , dry es urc sole’s accounts and reso l anger most people; me wil t tha ve mo a in insolvent, and l Kelly is reportedly Pau CEO included, disgraced former fare. That’s according to planning to apply for social wel The Sunday Business Post. allegedly wants living In addition, apparently Kelly also h month,’ as he plans o eac expenses of ‘a few hundred eur his luxurious Clane home on ’ nth mo a 500 €3, g ayin ‘rep on ce property in Celbridge.’ and ‘€1,600 a month on an offi has paid their PRSI in ual Now to be honest, if an individ ial welfare; however, soc to d itle full, they’re legally ent r’s application should anyone who approves this chance e for the terminally hom the probably be sent to live in wn us we live in a world stupid. Kelly’s actions have sho polite society – I mean, where accelerated greed assails hetic moron setting pat sym e som what next; will we see rs who betray our trust eive dec for e pag Me d up a Go Fun own victimhood a ir the ke then appear to try and ma virtue?

Presentations to Leitrim icons of sport and music will be made at a Gala Dinner in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-onShannon, on Sunday, July 31st, at 8 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Leitrim Percy French Society, while the launch of ‘Leitrim Store’ will be made by Fr. Peter Burke, the Guest of Honour. A wonderful night will be guaranteed. Tickets are priced at €25. Those set to be honoured on the night are Leitrim GAA legends Packy McGarty and Cathal Flynn and local musician Mae Reynolds.

Thanks from Tulsk! The organising committee of the Community Social and auction held on Friday, July 8th in The Tulsk Inn would like to extend sincere thanks to all those who supported the night, those who donated auction items, spot prizes, those who bought tickets or gave money at the door. A big thanks to Carmel McLoughlin for the beautiful music, to the auctioneers on the night and to the management and staff of The Tulsk Inn for making the night such a success.

Cemetery Sunday at St. Coman’s Andrea Leadsom

being a mum means you have a very real stake in the future of our country, a tangible stake. “She possibly has nieces, nephews, lots of people, but I have children who are going to have children who will directly be a part of what happens next.” Mother-ofthree Leadsom’s comments suggests she piously feels she’s got the upperhand over someone who has failed to produce a few rugrats! Now readers, while I know aul Thatcher is famous for her “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman” quote, using this former female leader’s views to effectively laminate your baby-bearing pelvic

floors and push your femininity towards the electorate when your rival is childless, is unfair and despicable. Of course it has to be said that just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you’ll automatically make a better leader, so, no letters from the lads please. My point here is that someone who wears her ability to give birth and raise kids like some badge of honour, like a unique selling point, in order to advance her career, feeling it gives her the edge is, dare I say it, likely to be exposed as being insincere and therefore not genuine leadership material. Regular readers will know I’ve written pieces from my point of view as both a mother

and a grandmother, but only when I’ve deemed it relevant, while opining about a specific parental issue. Unlike Mother Earth Leadsom, I don’t define myself as somebody’s mammy or nana; I’m an individual in my own right and I’d never suggest I should get a job based on tokenism and my ability to push out two drains on my sanity who soaked up my resources and gave me cracked nipples! Sorry, sharing too much; but you get my drift. Preening like a selfcongratulatory, babymaking peacock over a childless woman (or man) is inconsiderate, egotistical and careerist; and Leadsom, who got the Environment Secretary

job, despite making those despicable comments, shows she clearly believes you can burn that degree, forget about qualifications or credentials, wipe clean your hard slog and enviable experience record or the fact you fit the job criteria to a ‘T’ and flag the fact you’re capable of procreating and can manage to pop out a sprog or three as your pep rally; because mammy, the job’s in the nappy bag. Now tell me, how disgracefully oldfashioned and biased is that, readers? On the other hand, as a mother, I’m obviously the best person to take over from Enda Kenny, and, oh, present Top Gear… just jokin’!

Double Whammy for the Tribesmen Well folks, we were well and truly beaten in the replay last week by our lovely neighbours, Galway. But sure, we put up a good fight and fair dues to all the lads and the ever-loyal supporters; they did us proud. But it seems the Tribesmen won fair and square. However, I’ve no doubt the Rossies will bounce back better than ever.

It was a double-whammy for Galway as they were also voted European Capital of Culture 2020; and huge congratulations to them – it’s a great honour and a great platform to showcase and promote themselves on the world stage. As their next-door neighbours, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for Roscommon to jump on this

tourist bandwagon and maximise its enviable heritage and potential with historic houses, castles, walks, traditions and cultures, etc., and, most of all, something Roscommon has in abundance – its greatest resource in my opinion – its wonderfully friendly people. I hope to God someone in the tourist industry is already on it.

Cemetery Sunday will be held in St. Coman’s Cemetery this year on Sunday (July 24th). Mass will be celebrated there at 7 pm.

Ballymoe 50/50 Lotto Ballymoe’s weekly 50/50 Lotto is the main source of funding to maintain the Fr. Flanagan Community Centre. So the organisers appeal to all the people in Ballymoe and surrounding areas to support the Lotto. Your €2 per week will help to pay the everincreasing costs of keeping the centre open. It is such a vital part of the local community. Congratulations to James Mitchell, Ballyglass, who wins this week’s jackpot of €168. Envelopes are available in most outlets in the area.

Gaelscoil Church gate collections Gaelscoil De hÍde is holding a Church gate collection this Saturday (23rd) and Sunday (24th of July) at The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon town. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

SPCA Church gate collections Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is holding Church gate collections this Saturday (23rd) and Sunday (24th) at Lisacul Church. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople As the second annual Rooskey Heritage Festival begins (July 22-24th inclusive), AUDREY HEALY has been speaking to some locals about attempts to revive a proud and beautiful village…

‘Rooskey was always about the characters…the people, the faces’ over the years. In the early 1970s and into the ‘80s his bar was open day and night and thronged with a mix of locals and tourists who enjoyed live music every evening. Today the days are quiet and he waits until six in the evening to greet his regulars – it’s a far cry from the days when he first listened to the stories from Rooskey’s best-known characters, now long gone. “To me Rooskey was always about the characters, the people and the faces, the fishermen who fell in love with the village as well as the locals. The Irish are known for their hospitality and that was a huge boost to us.” Peter has great praise for the hardworking Rooskey Heritage Festival committee and says it has firmly “brought the people together.” “Well we’re really a divided community in terms of the Shannon dividing us between Roscommon and Leitrim but last year’s festival was a great success and we’re hoping for bigger and better crowds this year.”

HERITAGE FESTIVAL LEADS ROOSKEY REVIVAL < AUDREY HEALY

Don’t let anybody tell you that things were better in the 1980s in Rooskey village. Things were worse; we had no money, no clothes and no employment. But for all those who whinge about Rooskey today, they need to change their attitude. It’s that simple.” So says David Cunningham, Iarnord Eireann stationmaster, based in Dromod, County Leitrim. David has resided just outside the Shannonside village for over forty years and is well equipped to reflect upon life there. While some residents may harbour a somewhat rose-tinted view of decades prior to the Hanley Meats factory fire in 2002 and fervently believe that it ended life as we knew it in a nowstruggling village, David pulls no punches and believes that it can be resurrected, with a little help from its people, its politicians – and a positive attitude. “I grew up in Rooskey and people might tell you that things were better in the early ‘70s and ‘80s but let me tell you they weren’t – they were awful, they were tough. Very few people had employment and there was a legitimate reason why,” David tells me as he watches the afternoon train leave for Dublin. “I see so many wonderful young people getting on the train here every day and they are well educated, wonderful to look at, wonderful to speak to and full of hope, but,” he adds sadly, “they have nothing to look forward to, they have no future here and this is a far worse scenario that what we went through in those decades.” For David, these views are deeply personal. “I have four children and all are experiencing the curse of emigration – one is in America, one is in Spain, one is in Sweden and next year one will join his brother abroad and honestly I couldn’t expect any one of them to stay around Rooskey in the current climate. It makes me very despondent.”

“

n a recent visit to the region Roscommon/Galway TD Eugene Murphy said he believes that the village “has a great story to tell” and its people always show “immense spirit in the face of adversity.” “The Rooskey Heritage Festival, launched last year, is a shining example of the hard work and resilience of the local community who have come together in unity to revitalise the area which has suffered greatly over the years,” Deputy Murphy said. “I have high hopes that further investment in the region is imminent. Tourism and the Shannon River

Rooskey bridge.

nda ‘The hammer’ Beirne got involved in the festival committee last year he says, “to put Rooskey back on the map and try to make it a fun place for people to enjoy as it has a natural beauty and also to see if employment could be created for the youth of the area.” “We have a school full of children,” he continues, “and nothing for them around here.” Enda adds: “In short, this was my vision – to see a Rooskey that I remember from my youth. Last year’s festival was a huge success and I think people are nibbling at the bait. I hope this year’s is as good and attracts more business people.” “The fire was a massive blow at the time because when you have unemployment you have nothing” adds Peter Reynolds, who maintains that “what killed the hotel and the garage was the bypass, though I’m not against progress.” Emigration has hit his own family, with a number of his own adult children leaving these shores to seek employment elsewhere and he admits it’s doubtful that any will stand behind his bar when Peter and his wife Marian retire. However he remains philosophical about the future of Rooskey and, like Deputy Murphy, is confident that the region will eventually recover from its current crisis. “Well, my mother would have seen tough times in the 1940s and they are here again but I still maintain it was the individuals and characters that made Rooskey what it was and they will come again. What goes around comes around and we are still situated at the crossroads of Ireland and I feel it will evolve again. It may be too late for me but I believe it will prosper again.”

Sean Mahon

David Cunningham

The gates to the former Hanley’s factory.

remain its greatest asset and I have no doubt that the area will soon reap the rewards it and its people truly deserve.” David Cunningham agrees and does not blame the infamous Hanley Meats fire for the downfall of Rooskey. “No, a fire can happen anywhere,” he said “and positivity is the key. We have to look at the assets that a town has and enhance them. We have the river, but unfortunately you only get a glimpse of the Shannon when you’re going to Dublin from Sligo at Rooskey and it’s not just used as a crossing point. For example Dromod should be connected to Rooskey at the river. I know there is talk of a cycleway and the more that you can promote your natural assets the more you expose the river and its beauty the better.” David, who cycles to work every morning, says people drive to the shops and schools and they “don’t think twice” about driving to the nearest town. “You can’t have a town with businesses in it if you’re going to just drive out of it. You’re just going to have to change the geography of the town. “If people don’t want the local train station or garda station or post office there you’re going to have to have a town without it quite simply instead of whinging about it and adapting,” he continues. “I was in Bornacoola yesterday and one house was more beautiful than the next, yet when you go into Rooskey the heart is gone out of the place – why? Rather than crying about the village I think if we were to develop

the centre of it and give it new life it would work. We have to remember that closed-down businesses don’t look nice and you can’t force people to go in and invest in them. If they want to invest in Dublin they will and if this is the world we’re living in –you just have to accept it. “When I lived in Rooskey first there were thirteen shops, fourteen guesthouses, two banks and four petrol pumps. I think change is possible – but only by accepting the inevitable current changes instead of making people feel guilty because they want to go and shop in a German supermarket. We should design the main area to cater for the new people and take pride in your village and that’s the bottom line. This is an ideal time for some progressive engineer to say we’re going to turn Rooskey into a modern, beautiful village and anybody that wants planning permission on the Main Street can have it and then nobody can say in ten years that this is a sad deserted village. “The local people should ask Roscommon County Council to keep some of the more architecturally beautiful buildings in the area and where a person wants to build in the area, let them. This would help keep Rooskey on the map but don’t say things were better before, they weren’t – and remember,” he adds quite poignantly, “I have four children who would come back to Rooskey in the morning if things were different… things were terrible years ago and those young people on the train…we have to hold on them.”

axi man Sean Mahon has lived in Rooskey all his life and he laments what he calls the “good old days” – “the more innocent times” and the nights when the Cloudland ballroom saw in excess of two thousand revellers dance the night away. “I have great great memories of the village on a Saturday night” he tells me with a smile. “We had wonderful nights out and I played a bit of music myself sometimes in places like Con Moran’s and the Hilltop. Times were better then and easier and there was a greater community spirit, there was no trouble…everyone would just go out and enjoy a few pints and we’d look after one another.” Sean fervently believes that Hanley’s Meats factory was the backbone of the community and the tragedy that befell it was the catalyst for Rooskey’s downfall. “I think the fire definitely contributed to the lack of life in the village – there were an awful lot of husbands, fathers and sons working there, and as a result the wages were being spent in the area. Maybe on a Saturday they would go to Longford but generally the money was being spent locally. That was a lot to lose and it’s never been replaced since.” However the imminent Rooskey Heritage Festival is, he says, a definite and promising beacon of light. “The festival is a great idea and helps to create community spirit.”

s he looks out over the Shannon, publican Peter Reynolds can recall many changes in Rooskey from

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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Great line-up for 72nd annual Ballygar Carnival < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

he 72nd annual

Ballygar Carnival will take place in the town from Thursday, July 28th, to Tuesday, August 2nd. As well as the exciting line-up of events, entertainment will be provided by Murray’s Amusements nightly from 7.30 pm and at 2 pm on Sunday and on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Thursday The Grand Opening of event will feature Marty Mone playing live at the Mattie McDonagh Centre from 11.30 pm on Thursday. Mone, the popular Castleblayney man, is currently enjoying huge success with his second hit single, Slip the Clutch, a followup to the phenomenally successful Hit the Duff. This is a performance not

to be missed. Admission is €10, with a late bar. The event is for over 18s only.

Friday The action will continue on Friday, July 29th. Ireland’s king of country music – Big Tom & The Mainliners – will be supported by ‘The Outlaws’ in a concert beginning at 8 pm. Admission is €25, while this is also for over 18s only. Patrons are in for a treat with Tom McBride, a true Hall of Fame showband legend. That night at 7.30 pm a seven-a-side mixed tournament will be held by St. Brendan’s at their new GAA pitch.

Saturday On Saturday, July 30th, Mike Denver, a top country entertainer, will play at 11.30 pm in the Mattie McDonagh Centre. Mike was voted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the inaugu-

ral Irish Country Music Awards recently. His show is an excellent mix of Mike Denver hits, country classics and lots more. A super night is guaranteed. Admission: €15. This event is for over 18s only, with a late bar. The Annual Soccer Tournament, in association with Shiven Rovers, will be held at noon that day at the Niall Walsh pitch. Registration will be held at 11.30 am. A Truck & Tractor Run, in aid of Galway Hospice, will also be held that day, at 4 pm, and a Reversing Competiton will take place at 1 pm. A barbecue, music and entertainment will take place throughout the afternoon. Street entertainment will be provided by ‘The Crooked Jacks’ at 9 pm.

Described as Ireland’s top party band, ‘Hot Fuss’, will play at 11.30 pm. Organisers say this band are “regarded as the biggest and most entertaining band on the pop/rock and roll music scene”, and an amazing night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Admission is €15 to this over-18s event, while a late bar will be available. At 11 am, St. Brendan’s LGFC will stage the Carol Kelly Memorial 5k/10k Walk/Run. Registration will begin at 9.30 am at Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar. A Children’s Fancy Dress event will be held at 3 pm, while the annual Carnival Parade, led by the Tulla Pipe Band from Co. Clare, will take place, to much fanfare, at 5 pm. A wonderful day’s entertainment is assured.

Sunday

Monday

A number of wonderful events will be held on Sunday.

On August Bank Holiday Monday, four brilliant events will be held, most

notably The Conquerors, who are returning to the Ballygar Carnival for the Grand Finale at 11.30 pm. Admission will be €15 for this over-18s event. A Fair Day will be held throughout the day. This promises to be a great day out for all the family and includes a craft fair and cake sale at Coláiste Mhuire, traditional music and all the features and attractions one associates with the old fairs. Other events include a Sheepdog Demonstration by Eamon Egan, a renowned sheepdog trainer, and street entertainment by ‘Project 37’.

Tuesday Monster Bingo will be held in the Mattie McDonagh Centre at 8.30 pm, with €5,000 in prizes to be won. Tickets: single – €10; double – €15; and flyers – €2. It will be great fun for all the family.

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Pictured at 2015 Ballygar Carnival were Emma Corcoran, Aaron Forde, Marie Corcoran, Lauren Forde, Maureen Daly, Niall Daly and Tommy Daly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Best wishes and continued success to the Ballygar Carnival

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BALLYGAR CARNIVAL

Pictured at the launch of the Ballygar Carnival were Seán Nolan, Niall Cruise, Phil Gunning, Mal Hevehan, Mary Kennedy Nolan and Hugh Lohan. Missing from the picture were Josephine Raftery, Enda Holmes, Brian Healy and Nuala McDonagh. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at the 2015 Ballygar Carnival were Oisín and Niall Rogers and Thomas Doyle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival last year were Alan Egan and Teresa Cunningham. Picture: Andrew Fox

28th July to 2nd August 2016

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BALLYGAR CARNIVAL

5 Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Maura Galvin, Maria Quigley, Ciaran Galvin and Katie Galvin. Picture: Andrew Fox

28th July to 2nd August 2016

TO FOLLOW Five acts to watch at Ballygar Carnival

Marty Mone

Mike Denver

Mattie McDonagh Centre on Thursday June 28th, at 11.30 pm

Mattie McDonagh Centre on Saturday, July 30th, at 11.30 pm

Marty Mone little dreamt that when he commenced business as an agricultural contractor, one day it would help him become a household name. The popular contractor man is currently enjoying huge success with his second hit single, Slip the Clutch, a follow-up to the phenomenally successful Hit the Diff. Marty performs a one-man show. Hit the Diff transformed his career. It became a viral anthem on YouTube, with more than two and a half million views. The song became a major hit and was probably the most covered song of 2015.

Big Tom & The Mainliners

Denver was voted ‘Entertainer of the Year’ at the inaugural Irish Country Music Awards recently. His show is an excellent mix of Mike Denver hits, country classics and lots more. Over the past decade or so, he has shot to prominence. His first professional gig was in the Park House Hotel, Edgeworthstown, in 2003 with his full band. This was not a full house, but he has certainly moved forward since then. His first album was recorded in early 2003, Wings to Fly, which included tracks You’re my Best Friend, Johnny Cash’s Cry, Cry, Cry and It’s a Dream Come Through. This album was recorded in Tony Maher’s studio in Headford and also featured bass guitarist Frankie Colohan. To date, Mike has recorded 11 albums.

Friday, July 29th, at 8 pm

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Chloe, Amy, Annmarie and Sarah Costello. Picture: Andrew Fox

Tom McBride, also known as ‘Big Tom’, is a much-loved Irish country music singer, guitarist and saxaphone player. Established as a star since the mid-1960s, he is the legendary front man of ‘Big Tom & The Mainliners’, who will perform in Ballygar. The Castleblayney man is affectiontely known as ‘Ireland’s king of country music’. This year, Big Tom & The Mainliners are touring to mark five years 50 years since the release of their most enduring hit, Gentle Mother. In June, Big Tom became the first artist to be inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BALLYGAR CARNIVAL

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Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Doireann Moran, Amy Kelly, Ciara Murray, Lauren Mockler, Katie Flaherty and Fiona Fleming. Picture: Andrew Fox

Main Street, Ballygar (090) 6624559

Hot Fuss Sunday, July 31st, at 11.30 pm ‘Hot Fuss’ are one of Ireland’s leading enterainment and wedding bands. They are a passionate and professional group of musicians with a genuine love for good music and quality performances. Hot Fuss, from Galway, plays at weddings, corporate events, festivals, parties and other occasions the length and breadth of Ireland. Their attention to detail, experience and commitment to providing a memorable musical experience has helped them to gain the reputation as one of Ireland’s hardestworking and best wedding and event bands. Hot Fuss band play a wide variety of music from the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties and noughties. They also play current chart-toppers, jives, waltzes, pop, rock Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Marie Crehan and classics.

Monday 1st August

Fair Day

Music by Black Shadows from 4.30pm

Tuesday (night) 2nd August Music by Big

Ideas

Looking forward to seeing you all over the Carnival Weekend

and Karina Kilcommons. Picture: Andrew Fox

The Conquerors Monday, August 1st, at 11.30 pm The Conquerors – ‘Ireland’s premier corporate and wedding entertainers’ – have been entertaining fans for more than two decades, and they are returning to Ballygar for the Grand Finale of the carnival. The Conquerors are still regarded as one of the most professional working bands on the entertainment scene. They have always believed in recording first-class records through the years, as far back as their first No. 1, Baby Blue. The Conquerors have managed to hold their own over the years. Their formula is simple: “Give the crowd what they want – good music, first-class presentation and friendliness with the people.” The Conquerors specialise in corporate functions and the wedding market and have introduced Lorraine McDonald as lead vocalist and sax player to the band.

Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Stephen Swift and Dean Morgan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BALLYGAR CARNIVAL

28th July to 2nd August 2016

The history of the Ballygar Carnival Now celebrating 72 years (1945-2016)

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Caroline Carroll, Adam Kenny, Damien Kenny and Chloe Carroll. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Fidelma Burke and Siofra Burke Beirne. Picture: Andrew Fox

he year was 1945 and the

war was edging to an end. A new parish priest, Canon John Feeley, had just arrived in town. The enthusiastic and industrious new PP quickly got to work on the problem areas of the parish. One of the more obvious issues was the heating system in St. Mary’s Parish Church, which really was non-existent at this time. Canon Feeley purchased the radiators and piping from Mount Talbot House and a new solid-fuel central system was installed. This system was a great improvement for the church but Canon Feeley was faced with another problem: the large numbers of devoted faithful attending Sunday Mass! Many parishioners were forced to remain outside as there was simply not enough room for the entire congregation. Canon Feeley decided that the church now needed to be extended in order to accommodate all the people. So the story begins, the parish needed to raise funds to build an extension to the existing structure. Canon Feeley felt that a new idea, already tried in some parts of the country, was called for: a fundraising carnival.

Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

The first Ballygar Carnival was planned and organised in a very detailed and precise manner. It became very much a community effort involving one and all. One of the more prominent and dedicated working groups of the earlier years was the Ladies’ Catering Committee. They cooked and baked for all who attended the dances and social events – a task undertaken without the modern cooking and kitchen facilities we have at our disposal today. Ballygar Carnival has been held in the town every year since those golden days. In the 1950s, Murray’s Amusements arrived with their fun fair, comprising bumping cars, swinging boats and the muchloved chairoplanes. Their huge steam traction engine was an amazing sight as it pulled into town, towing many wagons and trailers. Chris Hynes of Newbridge provided the PA system. The local taverns – there were about 12 such establishments in those days – were granted an extension to normal trading hours for the duration. This extended time of jollification attracted greater crowds from far and wide. Most people travelled to the carni-

val on bicycles and some came by pony and horse traps. Many people today remember the bicycles, hundreds in number, parked around the church walls and stretched as far as the Town Hall and High Street. There was no need for bicycle locks in those days! The carnival was always well advertised and the posters, hand leaflets and dance passes were distributed. Martin Joe Moran’s Hillman Minx was specially fitted with a roof rack to accommodate large loudspeakers to advertise the carnival around the locality. Bert Flynn’s band from Roscommon played every night during those early years. As the years went by, many of the country’s best bands came to town – for example, Brose Walsh, Stephen Garvey, Des Fretwell, Johnny Butler, The Melody Aces, Jimmy Sturrock and Ivy Benson and her all-girls band! Dances generally ran from 10 pm to 4 am, except Tuesdays and Thursdays, when dances ran from 9 pm to 2 am. Dancing was not permitted on Saturdays until latter years. Adult and children’s fancy dress parades were also important events.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BALLYGAR CARNIVAL

28th July to 2nd August 2016 Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

FALLONʼS Bar & Lounge

BALLYGAR • (090) 66 24674 Saturday 30th July:

Frank Nelson Saturday 6th August:

Eddie Keogh Saturday 13th August:

Country Comfort Saturday 20th August:

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Shauna, Ann, Nathan and Seán Raftery. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Cáit and Aoife O’Brien. Picture: Andrew Fox

Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

Johnston’s Pharmacy

Johnston’s Pharmacies In Ballygar Ballygar have have joined in joined the Family the Allcare Family

Special offer Festival Favourites €5 or less

72nd annual carnival promises to be the best! < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Same people, same owner, same great value and service! Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

Donal Smith and Sons Building Contractors and Property Developers

reparations are at an advanced stage to ensure that the 72nd annual Ballygar Carnival, which will take place from Thursday, July 28th, to Tuesday, August 2nd, will be the best yet. A spokesperson for the organising committee said: “Despite changing and somewhat challenging times, the carnival grows from strength to strength and caters for all ages and interests. “Ballygar Carnival is one of Ireland’s oldest and longest running events of this kind. The event is run by local volunteers and all profits are distributed to varying local community projects.” In the early days, the carnival was a twoweek event, but is now condensed into six days, with fun for all ages. “We host the much-loved Old Fair Day on the Bank Holiday Monday; this is al-

ways a highlight,” the spokesperson added. “The Irish Marching Bands’ Association attend and host a marching band competition on the Sunday and the Carnival Parade is also a major attraction on this day.” Dancing now takes place in the Mattie McDonagh Community Centre, where Ireland’s current top show bands and performers perform. Murray’s Amusements still attend and continue to be a very popular attraction. The spokesperson added: “We look forward with great enthusiasm to this year’s celebration of 72 years. “We thank you all for your continued support and hope to see you in Ballygar for what promises to be a very enjoyable carnival weekend.” Further details can be seen on Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BallygarCarnival) and on flyers, posters and brochures displayed around the locality.

Main Street, Ballygar, Co. Galway Tel 090 66 24556

Saturday 27th August:

Patsy McCaul

Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

Beauty 4U For all your beauty needs

Unit 3, Pettits Court, Ballygar, Co. Galway M: 087 2876489 T: 090 6624342 Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

The Medical Hall Ballygar Tel.: 090-6624557

• Ada Coyle M.P.S.I. •

Donal 087 2584381 Adrian 087 2617118 Trevor 087 9015189 donalsmith2012@gmail.com Best wishes to Ballygar Carnival from

Diva’s Hair Design Ballygar, Co. Galway T: 090 6624396 Stylist required for weekend work

Tony Nugent

Pictured at Ballygar Carnival were Marian Ruane, Laura Noone, Ita Murray, Saoirse Murray and Catriona Gordon. Picture: Andrew Fox

• Dispensing & Compounding Chemist • Advice • Cosmetics • Passports • Photographs

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Castlerea Rose Festival 2016 Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Hannah’s Kitchen

Patrick Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Visit our facebook page for information or to message us with any queries. www.facebook.com/hannahskitchencastlerea Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from Benny, Madeline and staff

Bennys deli Home Bakery, Delicatessen & Restaurant

Main Street, Castlerea

t. (094) 96 20575 bennysdeli.com facebook.com/bennysdeli

@Bennysdeli

Benny & Madeline would like to wish Macra na Feirme every success Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Cllr. Domnick Connolly (Independent) Fuerty, Co. Roscommon (087) 2451267 Sales Manager Eurona Brisknet Broadband Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Webb’s Butcher

• St. Patrick Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon • Tel: 094 96 20005 • Mob: 086 4094715 Now making Turkey Sausages, Burgers & Mince NEW HEALTH BREAD NOW IN STOCK • All local Produce • Supporting local farmers Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

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

(094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012

Telephone:

This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

CASTLEREA

AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Your day by day guide Wednesday, July 27th The 28th annual Castlerea Festival will get underway with a Grand Opening Parade through the streets of the town on Wednesday, July 27th, at 8 pm. This free event will feature characters such as Spiderman, Superman and Elsa, along with the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band and Samba bands. A world of colour and theatre will parade through the streets in a carnival atmosphere. The bright, exhilarating inflatables will help to create a spectacular evening for the little ones and the big ones. Local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice organises the parade, which has been a key feature of the festival for the past 15 years or so. “This year, we have got lots of new costumes and inflatables,” he said. “We will have lots of kids in costumes and vintage tractors and cars. It is going to be a big clash of colours – and lots of people enjoying themselves.” Several hundred children are expected to be involved in the parade, which will be followed by a reading of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic at The Square and a raising of the national flag (8.30 pm). The official opening will take place at the same location at 9 pm, and will be performed by Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Campion. Half an hour later, Jimmy Buckley, leading country music star, will start a free concert at The Square. Jimmy, Male Artist of the Year at RTÉ’s Country Music Awards this year, and his band will be belting out all his biggest hits. All are invited to attend and join in the fun, with amusements, food stalls, a barbecue and lots more. As the festival is a non-profit event and depends on generous support to run it, bucket collections will be circulating during the concert. Street entertainment will be provided at St. Patrick’s Street on opening night, as it will on each evening during the festival.

Thursday, July 28th The festival will continue on Thursday with the Traders’ Market Day at St. Patrick Street from 10 am to 1 pm, a free event. This will feature family fun with a difference, including crafts and a fabulous food stall. At 3 pm, there will be a Children’s Window Treasure Hunt, starting at Tom Flynn’s shop in Main Street. Join in the fun: whoever gathers all the clues first, wins. There will be lots of entertainment that evening, all of which will be free. It will start at 6.30 pm with a cheese and wine reception in Castlerea Library, followed by a lecture called ‘Apprentice Draper to Jacob’s Factory 1916’ by Anthony Jordan. This session will also feature a photographic exhibition of Castlerea in the days of yore, while there will also be reminiscence about Father Michael O’Flanagan, a local priest, described as “the staunchest priest that ever lived”. Live traditional music will also be played. At 9 pm, Michael English, a top country music star, will give an eagerly-awaited concert at the Fairgreen. Mr. English and his band will perform all their greatest hits in the heart of Castlerea in this open-air concert. Come along and bring your dancing shoes and listen to the beautiful tones of Michael English, who won ‘Country

Dance of the Year’ at the recent RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards. A brilliant night’s entertainment is in store. At 10.30 pm that night, a Fireworks Display will be held at the Fairgreen. The striking display of bright colours exploding in the night sky above Castlerea will have both young and old in awe. This will be an event not to be missed.

Friday, July 29th A thrilling afternoon’s entertainment is in store for children on Friday, July 29th, with ‘Children Story Time with Balloons & Bubbles’ in Trinity Arts Centre. There will be three shows throughout the day: one from 1 pm to 2 pm; the second from 2.30 pm to 4 pm; and the third from 4.15 pm to 5.30 pm. No charge will be applicable for this wonderful event. Sarah, the Rose Fairy, will open the magical world of Fairyland, where pirates, mermaids and fairies live. This involves music, singing and actions. The children help with finger puppets and sound effects. Every step of the way will be an interactive experience, involving lots of fun. At 8 pm, there will be live Pig Racing – a day at the races with cute little pigs, instead of horses. It will take place at St. Patrick’s Street and will be free to the public. This event will also include a barbecue, food stalls, street entertainment, facepainting and amusements. This will all help to make this a night not to miss. This free event guarantees a great night for all the family. The next event, a concert by Crazy Corner at 9.30 pm, will also be free. This will comprise live music with Ballintubber’s biggest band, who will play all the best

rock, pop and country music, from the Beatles to Oasis, the Saw Doctors to Mike Denver and Bruce Springsteen. A brilliant night is guaranteed.

Saturday, July 30th This will be the biggest day of the festival, with eight events held throughout day, from 11 am to 10 pm. The fun will begin with a Children’s Colouring Competition in The Hub at 11 am. If you like to colour, this event is for you. Entry is free and all winners will receive a beautiful Castlerea Rose Festival medal. This event will be open to all ages. And, if you would like to enter your masterpiece into the Castlerea Agricultural Show’s ‘Children’s Art Competition’, you can do so on the day for just €1. The fun will continue with Cupcake Decorating, another free event in The Hub, at 11.30 am. This event was hugely successful when held last year, leading to its return in this year’s festival. Young ‘budding bakers’ can create and design their own cupcake with sprinkles, sweeties, chocolate, marshmallows and sparkles. Cupcakes will come fresh from the oven of Hannah’s Happy Cake Kitchen. Suitable for all ages. At noon, a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, again free of charge, will be held in The Hub. Bring your picnic and favourite teddy or doll and join in the fun with storytelling and a sing-along. From 3 pm to 5 pm, a Funky Kiddies Disco with DJ Keith will be held in The Hub. This event is priced at €5 per child, with family tickets also available. Described as “the best funky disco party ever”, there will be loads of disco games, glowsticks and giveaways. The event will be suitable for all ages, though parental supervision will be required at all times. At 4 pm, the Fr. Michael O’Flanagan Memorial Walk will be held, starting at Castlerea Library and finishing at the memorial bridge which is named after him. The walk will comprise a stroll through 100 years of history with stories of the Castlerea native, who was fondly known as the ‘Republican Priest’ and is also regarded as the ‘the staunchest priest that ever lived’. This event is free. At 6 pm, a Bubble Soccer Tournament will be held at the AstroTurf pitch at Continued on page 23 –>

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Castlerea Rose Festival 2016

CASTLEREA

AGRICULTURAL SHOW

to Castlerea Festival 2016 ... Continued from page 22 –> Castlerea Celtic’s

grounds. This event is free. Come and watch 16 teams battle in these fast-paced fun matches. At the end of the event, one team will be named tournament champion, for which they will receive the Castlerea Rose Festival Bubble Soccer Trophy. At 8 pm in Trinity Arts Centre, an event will be held to marked Castlerea Drama Group’s 50th anniversary. A €5 charge will apply for this event. This ‘evening of celebrations’ will feature a trip down memory lane, with displays, extracts and a special ‘Remembering Michael O’Flynn’ tribute, together with a wine reception. The group are hoping to reunite past and present, along with their families and friends who have been involved in the past 50 years. At 10 pm in the SuperValu car park, Seamus Moore will play a concert. Come and watch Moore belt out his classic tunes, such as My Little Honda 50 and The Transit Van.

Sunday, July 31st Sunday’s programme is also action-packed, with six main events. The first, a free Swimming Gala, will be held at 11 am in Castlerea Swimming Pool. As well as the usual swimming events, there will be a penny dive, pyjama race and other events. They will be open to all ages. The best swimmer will receive the Dyer Memorial Cup. At noon, the annual 5 km Fun Run/10 km Race will be held in The Demesne.

It will start from Castlerea GAA Club. Pre-registration will be available online at popupraces.ie, while registration will also be available on the day, from 10 am to 11.45 am. Entry fee is €10 for adults in the 5 km and €15 for adults in the 10 km, while admission for a family is €20. This event is chipped-timed. The 10 km is an event open only to runners. This promises to be a great event, with medals for all participants, as well as postrace refreshments in the club. The event is in aid of the Zoe Cryan Trust. Zoe is the daughter of local man David Cryan (Baslick) and his wife, Siobhan. Zoe was born 16 weeks premature and weighing only 1lb 3oz. She has overcome major obstacles, but still faces significant challenges. It is hoped that all funds raised for the Zoe Cryan Trust will help towards Zoe’s continued development, as well as purchase

equipment and therapies to assist her now and in the future. At 2 pm, a Family Fun Day will be held in the Demesne, across from St. Kevin’s GAA Centre. Entry is €5 per child, with family tickets also available. This event will be thrilling with children, with a disco dome, obstacle course, bouncy castles, barbecue, sports day, penalty shootout, facepainting, balloon-modelling and lots more. At 3 pm, the official opening of Fairyland will be held in the Demesne, which will be an opportunity to welcome Castlerea’s newest inhabitants. In the idyllic location in a woodland section of the Demesne, you will be able to view variety of tiny fairy houses sprinkled around the Fairyland. From 4 pm to 6 pm, a historical event called ‘The Generation before the Easter Rising’ will be held in Trinity Arts Centre. This will feature an exhibition of the Griffith Valuation, the first full-scale valuation of property in Ireland and one of the most important surviving 19th-century genealogical sources. It’s a snapshot of the parishes of Kilteevan, Ballintubber and Baslick in the year 1856-57. If you want to trace your family heritage, this free event is a must. The event will draw to a close with the Rose of Castlerea Selection Night, the centrepiece of the festival, in Trinity Arts Centre at 9 pm. Come along for a great night’s entertainment to see who will take the title of the 2016 Rose of Castlerea. Compére on the night is Paul Claffey. Admission is €10, with family tickets available on the door.

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd.

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249 THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. 3 RINGS IN OPERATION. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. FORTHCOMING EVENTS

CASTLEREA AGRICULTURAL TRADE & CRAFT SHOW WILL BE HELD ON MART GROUNDS ON MONDAY 1ST AUGUST, 2016. FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

KEARNEY’S CHEMIST MAIN STREET, CASTLEREA

Tel: 094 962 0055 • Fax: 094 96 21746 Out of Hours Service, contact: 086 2832273

Programme of Events

Amusements Nightly Swimming Gala Family Fun Day

Best of luck to the Castlerea Rose Festival and Castlerea Agriculutral Show from all the staff and management at

WISPY’S

Discount Stores

Wednesday 27th July – Sunday 31st July

Castlerea Rose Festival 2016

Teddy Bears Picnic Bubble Soccer Window Treasure Hunt

Print you precious moments straight from your Smartphone in-store PERSONALISED BOOKS AND COLLAGES AVAILABLE g Festival Special Offers durin

ice All Photobooks Half Pr e NYC Make-up Half Pric

Proud sponsors of Jimmy Buckley live on The Square at 9.30pm on Wednesday 27th July

Live Pub Music Nightly PLUS Lots More

Jimmy Buckley (Open Air)

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Dinagh Modes

Bridal Boutique

Tel: 094 96 21688 Open Tuesday - Saturday Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from Breege and Ollie

Heritage Walk STAY IN TOUCH … Facebook: Castlerea Rose Festival Instagram: #castlerearosefestival Twitter: @Rose_Festival Email: castlerosefestival@gmail.com

www.castlerearosefestival.com

Golden Eagle

Bar & Restaurant Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (094) 96 20101 Book your birthday celebration now FREE FINGER FOOD FOR ALL PARTIES Food served: Monday – Saturday, 9am - 9pm; Sunday 12 noon - 6pm

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Castlerea Rose Festival 2016

CASTLEREA

AGRICULTURAL SHOW

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice &

MARKET FRESH Main Street, Castlerea.

Tel.: 087

2299980

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Manager Sean Beirne and staff

Pictured at the Castlerea Agricultural Show were Jonathan, Joseph, Matthew and Emer Towey. Picture: Andrew Fox

CASTLEREA

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from Castlerea

Chairperson promises family fun for all ... The 28th annual Castlerea Rose Festival, one of the most successful and entertaining family festivals in Ireland, will be held in the town from Wednesday, July 27th, to Sunday, July 31st. Twenty-five events will be held over the five days. With more than a quarter of a century of experience in entertaining the young and the not so young, the festival’s success is due to a very hardworking committee and an ability to vary its programme to suit all who attend. The festival’s origins date to the Mardi Gras and Castlerea Social Services, who had the wisdom and foresight to put Castlerea on the festival calendar. Alan Freeman, the festival

chairperson, said: “It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you all to the 28th annual Castlerea Rose Festival. “Our mission, as always, is to bring you five fun-filled days, with lots of free events and entertainment for all the family. “I hope you all enjoy our festival and get in as many events as possible – and remember, if you enjoy it, tell a friend.” He drew attention to some of the highlights of the festival. “Our spectacular Grand Opening Parade will showcase some of our amazing new inflatables that will grab your attention and capture your imagination,” Mr. Freeman said.

“For the music lovers amongst you, we are delighted to bring you two of Ireland’s top entertainers – Jimmy Buckey and, back by popular demand, Michael English. “Our research has shown us that no Rose Festival would be considered complete without our old favourites – the Live Pig Racing, Fireworks Display, Bubble Soccer and Heritage Walk. “On Sunday, our Family Fun Day will feature our 10 km run/ 5 km run/walk in aid of the Zoe Cryan Fund. “Sunday night will see the culmination of our festival with the selection and crowning of the 2016 Rose of Castlerea at a gala event in the Trinity Arts Centre.”

ROBERT FLYNN

If you are interested in joining Castlerea Macra na Feirme, please contact Sean on 087 4146480 Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Cllr. NIGEL

DINEEN INDEPENDENT

BALLINTOBER, CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Phone: 086 2130723 Email: nigel.dineen@hotmail.com

Arts and Crafts in Castlerea

THE SQUARE, CASTLEREA - TEL: 094 96 20028

This year Sproai Samhraidh takes place between Monday 25th and Friday 29th of July. With both morning and afternoon sessions to choose from, this is a funfilled art programme for children aged 4-13 years. Workshops include pottery, paint, model-making, slate and stone work and of course participation in the Castlerea Rose Festival, which takes place on Wednesday, 27th of July. The cost is €50. Brochures and application forms are available at Benny’s Deli or to book direct, please ring Kathleen on 0872136886. Check us out on https://www. facebook.com/Sproai-Samhraidh. Family rates available.

Local artists host exhibition in Castlerea The annual Festival Art & Photography Exhibition will be launched with a cheese & wine reception on Monday, July 25th at 7.30 pm and will run until Thursday, July 28th, in the Trinity Arts Centre. Opening times daily will be from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Cost of exhibiting is €5 per item. Work to be submitted to the Trinity Arts Centre on Friday 22nd between 7 to 8 pm or Saturday 23rd between 3 and 4 pm. For further information please contact Madeline on 086-3821787.

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Your Festival visit to Castlerea would not be complete without a visit to us!

1 ltr. Smirnoff ............................ €27.99 Vodka 70cl. .............................. €16.99 Chianti Vino Blanco Wine .... €5.99 Scotch Whiskey 70cl. .......... €18.99 Napoleon Brandy 70cl. ..... €18.99 O’Neill’s Irish Cream 70cl. ... €9.99 Heineken 6 x 500ml. ........... €10.00 Druid’s Cider 4 x 500ml. ........ €5.50 ●

ROSE FESTIVAL WEEK OFFERS 223 Ruger Bolt Action riffle €599 Baikal Side-by-Side Deluxe 12 gauge Shotgun €499 Box of Clay pigeons 250 trap catridges €65 .22 Marlin Rifle New €330 Gamo .22 Air Rifle New €299 4 Gun Cabinet €199

Colour Photocopying & Fax Service ● Laminating ● Key Cutting Service while you wait ● Full Stock of All Bee-Keeping Equipment ● Full range of Shoe & Fabric Dyes ● Watch straps and batteries replaced ● Fully Licensed Firearms dealer ● Local Honey

No longer want to licence you firearm? – We can dispose of it for a small fee Large selection of Fishing Tackle, Spinning Rods, Fly Rods, Spinners, Spoons, Fly’s, Reel’s, Shooting Equipment. STOCKISTS OF ZIPPO LIGHTERS, SWISS ARMY KNIVES Large selection of Roses, Bedding and Vegetable Plants • Spring Cabbage Seed (now is the time to sow)

Pet rabbit, pigeon, parrot, wild birds & goldfish food. Also Goldfish Aquariums & Bowls, Rabbit Hutches, Bird Cages & Bird Tables etc ...

Jam, sugar, jam jars, honey and beetroot jars with metal lids in stock Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from all at Robert Flynn’s

Email: ggreene@gats.ie

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

CASTLEREA

Castlerea Rose Festival 2016

Big crowds expected at Castlerea Show Castlerea Agricultural, Trade & Craft Show will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 1st, in the grounds of Castlerea Mart. Every year the organising committee work very hard to put a show on to suit all the family. This year more classes have been added to a packed schedule, including new sheep class for kids: Class 55, for those aged ten to 15 years. For those who have a creative side, a new class has been added to the junior art section – Class 216. This is a colouring competition in conjunction with Castlerea Rose Festival. Entry is half price – in the Hub on Saturday, July 30th. A number of further classes will also be held. Celebrity chef Frank Moynihan will be doing four demonstrations throughout the day, so be there early to get your place. The show takes months of organising and planning and would not be possible without loyal sponsors. The volunteers are grateful for their donations and help. This year they are hoping to reinvent an old time farmyard with loads of machinery and artefacts from olden times. They are hoping to have threshers, farm implements

and a variety of other objects. They would love for people to come and help them on the day, and if anyone has anything they would like to bring into them and display on show day, they would be delighted to have it. For more information, please contact Cathy Sharkey on 087-1780281 or speak to any committee member. Our show office is currently open in the mart building – opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm. Anyone looking for schedules, should log on to Facebook at Castlerea Agricultural Show, email castlereaagriculturalshow@gmail.com, or call on 087-1780281. A vintage car and tractor section will also feature. If anyone is interested in bringing their car or tractor, please contact the numbers above for details. The show committee would like to thank our main sponsor, Castlerea Mart, for their continued sponsorship and providing the grounds and the office facilities that are vital for the successful running of the show. On Show Day, gates will be open to the public from 10 am and gates will be open to exhibitors from 8 am.

AGRICULTURAL SHOW Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling

All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued ● Sale of Second Hand Parts ● Contracted to all Major Car Companies ● Farm Machinery, Old Gates ● Metals, Iron Baths ● Old Cooking Ranges ● Weighbridge on Site ● Farm Machinery Collected ●

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

●

RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C ASTLEREA ELV R ECYCLING L TD ., CLOONKEEN, CASTLEREA KEVIN & MARTINA KEENAN TEL: 094 96 21250 MOB: 086 2522231 Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Castlerea Farm Supplies Patrick Street, Castlerea

Tel.: 094 9620420

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from all the Management and staff

Pictured at the 2015 Castlerea Agricultural Show were Deborah, Kenneth, Conor, Tara and Lorna Bailey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Castlerea

Advertorial

Telephone:

McGourty’s Bar – the live music venue for festival

094 9620544

Kick-start your festival on Wednesday night (July 27th) after the Grand Opening Parade at the Castlerea Rose Festival with McGourty’s live music – Colin Fahy will play all your favourite hits, from The Dubliners to rock classics. On Thursday night (July 28th) after the Fireworks Display, the party will continue with music from Derek Campbell. After the Pig Racing on Friday night (July 29th), Country Hoe Down will perform the Ray Montana Show. On Saturday night in the SuperValu car park, Seamus Moore will perform a concert that is sponsored by McGourty’s Bar. Afterwards, continue the party in the main bar, where Larry and Connor from ‘Out of the Blue’ will perform classic hits from the Sixties to the Nineties. Sunday is festival finale night when Keith McDonald from ‘The Showband Show’ puts on a night of entertainment that will get the house rocking. The party will start after the Rose Selection Night. On Monday, the beer garden will be open all day, so take a break from the Castlerea Agricultural Show. Finish off Monday evening with early evening music from McGourty’s favourite, Bill Haugh, where a party evening is guaranteed. Remember, the beer garden at McGourty’s will be open every night during the festival. McGourty’s said: “We welcome home all your visitors and friends to our festival and look forward to seeing you all over the festival week.” So remember McGourty’s Bar is the place to be when out in Castlerea over your festival week.

s he wis t s Be from

Ladies & Gents Hairdressers Open Tues-Sat 10am -6pm

Main St., Castlerea. Tel: 094 96 21472

Wishing our own Rose, Megan, the best of luck in the Rose of Castlerea Selection

CLLR. MICHAEL CREATON Contact me anytime on: (086) 3647435 OR (094) 98 80076 CLOONARD, LOUGHGLYNN, CO. ROSCOMMON Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival Your Local Councillor in Roscommon/Castlerea Electoral Area

Best wishes to Castlerea Agricultural Show and Rose Festival from

Full particulars from Secretary: Pat McIntyre, 11 Knockroe, Castlerea

Entries close on Friday 22nd July 2016 ABSOLUTELY NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED

Mobile: 086 -1730195 caninecountryclubandcattery@gmail.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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A grand â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Welcome Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Divillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s < DAN DOONER

Last week I drove across the border and into â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; territory. The not so dusty roads into Glenamaddy were decorated with the maroon and white of Galway. Divillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar and the Welcome Inn Lounge proved to be an extremely welcoming establishment despite the recent football rivalry! I was met by bar manager, Martin Hegarty, who was busy serving customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How are you?â&#x20AC;? he enquired as he shook my hand, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joseph will be here shortly!â&#x20AC;? Joseph is

the current proprietor of Divillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. In the meantime I was warmly greeted by his parents, Joe and Teresa, who purchased the premises in 1985 from Richard and Elizabeth Dockery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richard died some years later and Elizabeth lived next door to the pub until her passing late last year,â&#x20AC;? said Teresa. The contractors to the pub were Cartyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Ballygar and the Divilly family commenced business on Friday, July 25th, 1986. The official opening was also a Friday, August

15th, 1986, to be precise. The establishment was opened by Pat Hartington â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the famous Limerick hurler â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Fianna FĂĄil Junior Minister, Tom Hussey. In 2008 the bar was extended and refurbished around about the time Joseph came on board. Joseph, like all good barmen, obviously knew a thing or two about timing as at that moment he arrived at the bar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pub trade, especially the rural pub trade, has seen plenty of changes in the last number of yearsâ&#x20AC;? Joseph said, adding that

business had picked up significantly in recent years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve discos in the bar at the weekend and we have live music in the lounge as well.â&#x20AC;? The bar area is a comfortable and cozy place for a drink, to play a game of pool or throw a few darts. Regulars to the bar were enjoying a pint and a chat while I was there and Joseph told me that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the place to be for major sporting events. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve the big screen behind you there which pulls down for all the matches,â&#x20AC;? he said. Discos on Saturday night and The Sunday Game on Sunday seem to be part of the fondly regarded local

routine. Joseph showed me some of the old photographs behind the bar before inviting me into the spacious lounge next door, which was extremely neat and comfortable. Old photographs from a 1968 trip to the Guinness Brewery in Dublin and an old group photograph from Glenamaddy adorned the walls. Divillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seemed like a grand spot for a pint and I was slightly disappointed I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t indulge in a couple of the creamy pints of stout Martin was pulling for the regulars. Alas I had to leave the comfortable surrounds and craic behind and make my way back to Roscommon.

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Joe, Riley and Joe Divilly pictured at Divillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Divilly’s Bar celebrates 30 years in business Continued success to Divilly’s Bar

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Joe and Kaylum Divilly at Divilly’s, Glenamaddy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Divilly’s – Glenamaddy’s ultimate sports bar < DAN DOONER

Not only is Divilly’s a great place for a pint, with open fires and a pleasant atmosphere, it’s also the place to be for sport in the area. With the big screen for matches and the wide

screen TV behind the bar, which when I visited was tuned to the British Open, it has everything the barstool sports fanatic could want. Joseph filled me in on the sporting details: “The bar is proud sponsor of Glenamaddy GAA for

many years and we also participate in the North East Galway Darts League and the Galway East Pool League,” he said, pointing towards the pool table and two dartboards in the bar. “There’s something going on here most weekends with enter-

tainment and functions including 21sts, 30ths and many more. We show the Premier League matches and all big GAA matches too,” he added. The term ‘sports bar’ is thrown around a lot these days but one look inside Divilly’s at the pool table,

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An old photograph shows the first day that Divilly’s began trading. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Divilly’s Bar celebrates 30 years in business Funeral Home in the heart of Glenamaddy Divilly’s Funeral Home on the Ballymoe Road in Glenamaddy has been in business since March 1993. It was blessed by Canon Michael Goaley (now retired) on March 10th, 1993. The first funeral held in Divilly’s took place five days later and was that of Mrs. Ann Clarke from Glenamaddy who was a neighbour and a life-long friend of the Divillys. There is a spacious carpark at the rear of the premises which can hold up to 150 cars approximately and there is plenty of room in the comfortable and peaceful premises. Funerals are held with privacy and dignity very much in mind and the owners will endeavour to assist and accommodate any special requests. Food and refreshments are also made available in Divilly’s Bar and The Welcome Inn Lounge with the local SuperValu supplying carvery dinners for funeral functions. For more information contact Divilly’s Funeral Home on 086-8060030.

Pictured recently in Divilly’s, Glenamaddy enjoying Bridie Conneally’s birthday celebrations were Leanne Barrett and Rachel Brennan. Picture: Andrew Fox Congratulations to Divilly’s Bar on their 30th Anniversary Wishing you continued success from

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Continued success to Divilly’s Bar

Teresa and Joe Divilly at Divilly’s, Glenamaddy. Picture: Andrew Fox

Continued success to Divilly’s Bar from

‘The Divillys are A1!’ – veteran barman Martin < DAN DOONER

Divilly’s bar manager, Martin Hegarty, has been working in Divilly’s since he was fourteen. He wouldn’t be one for the limelight –preferring to do his work quietly and efficiently – but he agreed to tell me how it all started. “I’m from just out the road and I started picking up glasses here when I was 14,” he said, “The Divillys are A1, sure they must be if I’ve stuck at it this long!” (laughs). There have been a lot of changes to the pub scene over the years but Martin says some things never change. “You can’t beat a good party and sure

there are plenty of functions and the regular discos on Saturday night with a good mix of people. We also have people in for The Sunday Game and the soccer and of course there was great craic with a few Rossies around here – but they’ve been keeping their heads down lately!” 30 years in the business and still going strong, Martin told me that the job was “good craic” and that he enjoys coming to work. The “craic” in the bar could be heard from the lounge as one of the gentlemen sitting at the bar called for another pint. Martin quietly hurried off to pull it – after 30 years they’d be thirsty without him.

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Pictured recently in Divilly’s, Glenamaddy enjoying Bridie Conneally’s birthday celebrations were Patrick, Deirdre and Anthony Comer. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon, Ireland. Tel: 0906 626890 Email: info@motorsupplies.ie

Motor Supplies celebrates 40 years in the driver’s seat MILESTONE FOR POPULAR ROSCOMMON-BASED FAMILY BUSINESS < DAN DOONER

Motor Supplies is celebrating 40 years in business this year since its establishment in Co. Galway in 1976 by the Higgins family. The business premises is located in the Astor Buildings opposite the Medical Centre in Roscommon town and supplies an extensive range of car accessories and parts to private customers, main dealers and mechanics in Roscommon and surrounding areas. “It started with our uncle Michael in Co. Galway and he convinced our dad, Kevin, to come back from England where he was working at the time and to get involved in the business,” explained Keith Higgins. “Dad and our uncle, Liam, were given the opportunity to take a place in Castle Street in Roscommon (where Castle Street Tyres is now) and they rented there for two years.” The current Motor Supplies premises was opened in 1981 and has seen many changes in

the automotive industry since. Mark Higgins picks up the story. “We used to have nine vans and one truck on the road,” he tells me “but as time went by the delivery service wasn’t needed so in 2002 we decided to focus on Roscommon and surrounding areas.” The business deals with all of the garages in the town and therefore standards need to be maintained and that’s where the lads’ broad mechanical knowledge comes into play. “Look,” says Keith, “in this business it’s so important to have high quality parts and to have the knowledge to back it up. Suppliers will offer parts and accessories to us and we will use these products in our vehicles. I live in Bellharbour in Co. Clare and Mark lives in Craughwell in Co. Galway, so you can be sure that these parts are being put to the test!” The Higgins brothers invite me behind the counter in order to see just how extensive their

selection of parts is. Row upon row of brake pads, calipers, timing-belts, wheel bearings, head gaskets, batteries and so on lined the concrete bunker behind the counter. I put their knowledge and selection to the test. “Lads, there’s a strange

knocking sound when I turn the wheel, any ideas?” Keith was about to answer when a customer came to the front counter. Mark didn’t miss a beat, searching for and finding the part I had been told to get following my most recent service. Stocking parts is one

thing, the knowledge to assess and advise another. Also behind the counter there were paint rooms and Keith told me he had recently been to the UK on a ‘spray course’. The world of motoring is changing rapidly and suppliers are forced to keep up with the

trend. So what’s the biggest change in the motoring industry since Motor Supplies was established? “Well exhausts are definitely up there,” says Mark. “Our father used to stock hundreds of them, but now, with improved materials and technology, they last a lot longer! “Also, this thing,” he said ushering me towards a mini-laptop, “Amazing technology, we offer diagnostics for €30. It’s vital in this day and age with modern sophisticated cars.” During our one-hour chat, numerous customers arrived at the shop looking for parts and advice. It wasn’t just a case of checking a computer and handing out parts. Keith and Mark offered advice and in some cases interjected if the customer was heading down the wrong path. It’s this type of service which has kept Motor Supplies in business for the last forty years. The adaptability and passion for motoring held by Keith and Mark is likely to keep it going for the next forty.

s s e n i s u b n i s r a e y 0 4 g n i eC lebrat

Astor Buildings, Roscommon • Tel: 0906 626890 • Email: info@motorsupplies.ie

A sincere thank you to all of our customers for their continued support

- Importers - Factors - Distributors QUALITY PARTS FOR EVERY CAR Supplying the Irish Public & Motor Industry since 1976

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon, Ireland. Tel: 0906 626890 Email: info@motorsupplies.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Fergal Doherty Motors Motor Mechanic Polredmond, Williamstown, Co. Galway TELEPHONE: 086 1089964

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Car, Van & Light Machinery Recovery Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

John & David Beirne Auto Repairs KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: (086) 8904725

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Michael Mannion Crash Repairs Ballybride, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 086 2564192 24-hour recovery

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from all at

Mountbellew MOTOR CENTRE

How to maintain your diesel engine < DAN DOONER

I was the recipient of a number of extremely useful nuggets of information during my visit to Motor Supplies in Roscommon. As well as being advised to choose quality parts in order to minimise overall expenditure, I was also given advice on how to treat diesel engine vehicles in order to get the most out of them. “One of the biggest issues we see is motorists who buy a diesel car in order to save money but then treat the diesel engine the same way they’d treat a petrol,” Keith told me while we were discussing the diesel versus petrol debate in the office. “The problem is that drivers tend to do a lot of very short journeys in diesel cars and this doesn’t help the exhaust system in these cars. With the diesel car it takes longer journeys to get it firing up to it’s top performance levels and longer jouneys are

important to prevent a build-up of carbon in the exhaust.” Seemingly, the diesel exhaust system needs time to go through a cycle and regenerate in order to prevent a build up of carbon and damage to the exhaust system. Therefore drivers should be wary when choosing a car and keep their day-to-day mileage in mind. Keith continued: “If you’ve ever driven a diesel car on a jouney –say from Roscommon to Galway – you’ll notice a slight change in tone in the engine. This is the exhaust system regenerating when the car reaches optimal performance. It’s important to drive diesel cars longer distances regularly in order to avoid a build-up of carbon. Modern diesel cars may reach optimal performance levels on journeys from Lecarrow to Roscommon for example, but repeated short journeys in and out of town aren’t ideal.” According to Keith

there is an Irish-made product which can be used regularly to maintain engines and to ensure that most of the carbon by-product is burned. He said: “Dipetane is Irish made and can be used continuously. It binds the fuel which leaves means that there is 99.9% less carbon

and a cleaner running engine. For €10 a bottle you’ll make it back in savings on fuel costs. I use it in my bike and it runs smoother.” While there has been a lean towards diesel engines in the last few years, not all drivers will see the benefits and for those who use their car for regular short

journeys petrol engines can be snapped up for bargain prices. It all depends on what the vehicle is used for and while diesels are more economical for regular long distance journeys and motorways, popping in and out of town will not allow them to fulfil their potential.

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

MANNION Starter & Alternator Repairs

Auto Electrics Contact: Padraig 086 859 4525

MOUNTBELLEW, CO. GALWAY Phone: (087) 286 8509 Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

RAY DONOGHUE TEL. 087 9241804

CRASH S REPAIR

Mark and Keith Higgins pictured at Motor Supplies, Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon, Ireland. Tel: 0906 626890 Email: info@motorsupplies.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Lohan’s Garage SALES & SERVICE

High Street, Ballygar. Phone:

090 6624800 Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

GERRY GILL Motors

Crash Repairs ● Sales & Service Fuerty, Roscommon Tel/Fax: (090) 66 26536 Gerry: (086) 8162964 Gerard: (086) 2254731

www.gerrygillmotors.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Kevin Higgins prepares an order for a customer. Picture: Andrew Fox

PPLIES, MOTOR SU ON ROSCOMM scommon supplies the motosr

busines lies Ro Motor Supp te vehicle owners. The from 9 va ri ar p hours e trade and 3 and opening s ay d x si and 10 am to en is op ay to Friday ere decided d n o M n o m w am to 6 p ing hours re there’s rdays. Open pm on Satu omers in mind, therefo toring o st m cu a erience with busy ic if you exp day evening! an p to d ee n ri no aF last thing on Tuesday emergency 9 am-6 pm; rsday 9 ay d n o M : rs u hu o T h ; g m p Openin 9 am-6 9 am-3 pm Wednesday ; ay m rd p u -6 at S ; am 9 m p -6 am 9 day am-6 pm; Fri

Wide range of motoring products available! Motor Supplies Roscommon truly is a one-stop shop for all your motoring needs. As well as specialist products by leading supplier, Delphi, Motor Supplies also stocks day-to-day motoring products and parts. Some other products Motor Supplies Roscommon have in-store include: air filters, DIY service tools, engine oil, fuel filters, fuel system cleaners, glow plugs, ignition coils, ignition leads, lambda sensors, oil filters, pollen filters, spark plugs, wiper blades, arm rests, bodywork repair, boot liners, boot protectors, car covers, car mats, car seat covers, car seat cushions, car seat protection, emergency

products, breakdown products, hub caps, fuel cans, accessories, locks and clamps, parking, security, 4x4 spare wheel covers, storage and towing kits, tyre puncture repair, body panels, bumpers, fog lamps, grilles, lamps (front and rear), wing

mirrors and glass. Call into Motor Supplies Roscommon and let their expert staff put you on the right road! Motor Supplies, Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon town. Call 0906 626890 or email info@motorsupplies.ie.

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from Thomas, Michael and Tommy Joe Burke

Kinnitty Farms The Prestigious Lubricant Company

Burke Bros Garage SIMI Approved • Vehicle Sales • Service • Crash Repair Centre

PRODUCERS OF QUALITY LIVESTOCK

Kinamara Stud

LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON Phone 090 66 26101 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 3pm Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

www.blueprintautos.ie

GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm • Sales, Service, Diagnostics and Repairs on all makes and models of Cars, Light Commercials and 4x4’s • Check out our new website for specialist services and offers

Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Ltd

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Contact Tommy: 086 825 5196 Davie: 087 248 2065 Office: 090 662 8880 Email: tommyacresplant@yahoo.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Connemara Pony Breeders

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CLASHAGANNY, TULSK, CO ROSCOMMON

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Tel. 086 3220121

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon, Ireland. Tel: 0906 626890 Email: info@motorsupplies.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS • Servicing • Valeting • Repairs

Call Tony on 087 6660400 Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

CUNNINGHAM Crash Repairs Crash Repair Specialists Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway T.: 086 8673320 E. cunninghamcrashrepairs@gmail.com Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

OBF Tyres Ltd Newbridge, Co. Galway Tel. 086 8272147

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

087 - 6485890 hughiekedian@hotmail.com

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

The story behind the airplane! < DAN DOONER

Visitors to Motor Supplies in Roscommon town can’t fail to notice the light aircraft embedded in the front of the building. It’s unique to the premises and comes with a death-defying tale of skill and luck. Keith retold an amazing story involving his parents and a flight from Scotland to Ireland in July 2009. “Dad does a lot of flying and he and mam (Rita) were in Scotland at a function and they were returning home to Galway the following day.” Things were going smoothly during the routine flight, until the aircraft approached Enniskillen. “They must have been about 16 miles out from Enniskillen when the engines just shut off. Dad had to make a forced landing in a field. Now these planes fly at about 200 mph and land at about 90 mph. He took it down in a field behind a two-storey house and a large tree. There was also a building behind the house, made of concrete, so he takes it down and it clips the top of the tree. He left the landing gear up and just brought it to a stop before hitting a concrete wall. My mother, Rita, was airlifted to hospital with injuries and he was airlifted to meet her. The fire service in that area must have been training that day because they arrived very quickly.” Rita broke her coccyx bone and Kevin suffered minor injuries, but both made full recoveries. The plane now adorns the family business, a reminder of the quick-thinking and skill Kevin displayed that day near Enniskillen.

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

SEAN DOYLE & SONS

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

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

• 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 CONTACT 090-6626753 / 01-4626671 • www.seandoylewindows.ie • info@seandoylewindows.ie

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Higgins Trading Co. Ltd., Astor Buildings, Roscommon, Ireland. Tel: 0906 626890 Email: info@motorsupplies.ie

The day the Higgins’ found a hand grenade!

ATHLEAGUE COME VISIT US AND AVAIL OF SOME GREAT DEALS ON TYRES, CAR AND VAN SALES

Telephone: 086 3653023 ● info@eliteservicing.ie ● www.eliteservicing.ie Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

ROSCOMMON TYRE CENTRE Props: Aaron & Colin Mullally

Circular Road, Roscommon Tel: (090) 66 26626 Fax: (090) 66 27022 Mobile: (087) 9007898

< DAN DOONER

Motor Supplies has definitely been the scene of some drama since setting up shop in the town, and while Kevin and Rita's crash-landing would take some beating, Keith and Mark went close! Mark remembers the day in 2014 when they found a historic hand grenade on the premises. “We were putting in a car lift next door and found a grenade! We didn't know if it was real or just made to look like one. One of the lads just threw it in a trailer and we had nearly forgotten about it. It rattled around in that trailer when he threw it!” Keith noticed the grenade in the trailer and called the gardaí, who arrived on the scene nervously. “They crept into the room and took one look at it and evacuated the place,” said Keith. “Dad wasn't happy that the place had to close, but the army bomb disposal unit had to come out from Athlone. The guards had to escort them in and the local buildings were all evacuated.” The device, which was viable, according to the lads, was made safe and the premises reopened. It was said that the grenade had come from an arms dump from the early 20th Century. Keith said: “This place used to be a dance hall and the dancefloor was

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Abbey Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon Telephone: 090 66 34671 / 086 8769291 www.hanlymotors.ie email: info@hanlymotors.ie

Test drive the 162 range today ●

Sales ● Service ● Crash Repairs ● General Repairs ● 24 Hr Recovery ● Diagnostics ● 4 Wheel Alignment ● Tyres Congratulations CongratulationstotoMotors MotorsSupplies Suppliesonontheir their40th 40thanniversary anniversaryininbusiness businessfrom from

John Gavin Motors Sales & Service Creggs, Co. Galway Tel. (090) 66 21277 Mob.: (087) 2345857

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from FLASHBACK TO 2014 ... Mark and Keith Higgins at the spot where the hand grenade was unearthed. Picture: Andrew Fox

built into the ground and the sand or materials used must have been taken from where the grenade was dumped.” The Higgins brothers can count themselves lucky that the Mills type grenade didn’t explode, or they may not be here today to tell the tale!

ATHLONE ROAD, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: (090) 66 65998

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday 9.30am until 6.00pm Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

Oliver Grehan

Congratulations to Motors Supplies on their 40th anniversary in business from

• Crash Repairs • Recovery Service Insurance Claims Handled

BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY TEL.: 090-66 24546/ 090-66 24074 EMAIL: info@traynors.ie WEB: www.traynors.ie

SCRINE, ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Sales • Service • Repairs • 24-hr. Recovery Service “TRAYNORS GARAGE BALLYGAR“ – THE NEW NAME FOR ISUZU AND LDV FULL COMMERCIAL RANGE IN THE WEST

FLASHBACK TO 2014 ... Picture shows the hand grenade found by the Higgins brothers.

Oliver: 086 8799699 Alan: 086 8984188 Tel./Fax: 090 6623467

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

BusinessPeople

Change in attitude to anti-wrinkle and cosmetic injections Study shows that almost 50% of people would consider anti-wrinkle treatments to counteract looking older

new study has shown that people in Ireland are now less concerned with getting a negative reaction to having Botox or anti-wrinkle treatments. In fact, they are more open about trying it. The research by Therapie Clinic shows the changing attitudes towards anti-wrinkle treatments. Clinic Manager at Therapie Clinic, Garden Vale Athlone, Lisa Rohan says: “Our clients are looking for a treatment that will improve their confidence and make the most of their natural beauty – while getting value for money. Injectables are amazing as the results are almost instant. We have also made our pricing more accessible recently. The interest has been incredible! Our Doctor’s Clinic is booked up within hours lately.” The Study The Therapie study looked at the demand for anti-wrinkle treatments, and their affordability. Ms. Rohan explains: “The study asked if the demand was there and if it was made more affordable, would more people get it done – without mentioning us or any other provider of the treatment.

Therapie Clinic, Garden Vale Athlone

“The research findings state that over a fifth of Irish people believe their attitudes to anti-wrinkle treatments and fillers have been influenced by celebrities they admire having the treatments. Interestingly, more than 1 in 3 (35%) would be motivated to try anti-wrinkle treatments and fillers, knowing that their family or friends had tried them, rather than a celebrity. “The study results are so interesting. The stigma associated with any form of injectable or cosmetic treatment is clearly fading. People are proud to look after their appearance. Our advice is to choose the right clinic and one with the best reputation. A qualified physician should carry out the treatment in a private and clinical environment,” says Ms. Rohan. Motivation The Therapie study also looked at people’s motivation for having the treatment done. Ms. Rohan explains that reaching a milestone birthday can be a trigger factor. “One of the biggest things we find is that when people reach 40 or their mid-30s, they feel the need to address long-standing concerns they have with

their skin and want to do something positive about it.” One of the main focuses at Therapie, is that ‘beauty comes from within’ and this can be achieved through being healthy and confident, and taking the time to look after your body and skin. With this in mind, Therapie take the time to discuss the treatment options with clients and for those who do get it done, the confidence and benefits afterwards are immense. “It makes a huge difference in their lives. It’s such a positive thing for people, especially when they see the results after having deep lines and wrinkles for so long.” Therapie advocate the natural look and approach with anti-wrinkle treatments. Ms. Rohan adds: “Comments are not about what you’ve had done. It’s about how good a person looks and in particular how great their skin looks. This all has a knock-on effect in a person’s confidence.” Affordability “People also thought it was very expensive to get this done, having seen celebrities getting the treatment. When you think that the

Clinic Manager at Therapie Clinic, Garden Vale Athlone, Lisa Rohan

treatment lasts up to six months and if you equate that to what you would spend on skincare products, then it is very affordable,” she says. Ms. Rohan explains that “antiwrinkle treatment for one area costs €120 and for two areas, it costs €240. This is far more affordable than it would be anywhere else,” she says. Making it more affordable has opened up this treatment as a viable option to so many more people. Difference Commenting on the research results, Thérapie Clinic Surgeon, Dr. Andre Nel said: “This research shows that, across the country, Irish people are becoming increasingly inclined towards the use of Anti-

Wrinkle Injections and fillers. Anti-Wrinkle Injections and fillers are not for everyone, but for some people, these treatments can make a positive difference to their selfimage and confidence. Thérapie Clinic treatments are only carried out by world-leading doctors and we ensure the most natural results possible.” Ms. Rohan adds “We believe our treatments should be accessible to all Irish people who feel they would make a positive different to their lives. So we are now offering antiwrinkle Botox treatments for only €120 per area.” * Contact Therapie on 0906 433606 for more information or to arrange a private consultation. www.therapieclinic.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Weekend

PEOPLE

FACES AND PLACES See pages 37 – 38

Rooskey Heritage Festival kicks off SEE ALSO PAGE 15

Pictured enjoying the 19th birthday celebrations of Ingred Ribero were Ingred Ribero and Gabriel Gomes. Picture: Andrew Fox

The second annual Rooskey Heritage Festival will be held from Friday, July 22nd to Sunday, July 24th inclusive, with an extensive programme of events lined up. Last year’s inaugural festival, which cost more than €20,000 to stage, was an outstanding success. This weekend’s event, sponsored mainly by Cox’s Steakhouse, Dromod, promises to be even better. Proceedings will get underway at 8 pm on Friday in the Big Red Barn, which will be erected at the village and will host the music events. ‘Dancing Through the Years’ at 9 pm. From 11 pm until late, ‘Rackhouse Pilfer’ will play, with admission being €10. Proceedings will begin on Saturday with a variety of events held in Rooskey Community Centre from noon until 6 pm.

Various amusements will be located at the old factory car park, where a heritage wall and display will also be available to view. At the harbour during Saturday, many water-based activities will be held, including kayaking, canoeing and boat trips. At the same venue, there will also be street entertainment, a busking competition and street art. That night in the barn from 9 pm until late, a variety of musicians will play. Events will again be held in the community centre from noon until 6 pm on Sunday, with activities from Saturday repeated, along with a Custard Pie Puppet Show at 4 pm. At 3 pm at the factory car park, there will be a flag-raising ceremony and reading of the Proclamation to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. There will also be amusements and a heritage wall and display. The festival will close with

many musical performances on Sunday night in the Big Red Barn. From 5 pm onwards, there will be ‘Music with Local Talent’. From 10 pm onwards, ‘Late Nite Radio’ will perform, with admission being €5.

Katie King, Rose of Rooskey will officially open Rooskey Heritage Festival this Friday at the Big Red Barn.

Exciting schedule for O’Carolan Harp Festival

The legendary Stockton’s Wing

The O’Carolan Harp Festival 2016 takes place between Friday, 29th July and Monday, 1st August. Fun walk/run on Friday followed by céili with Rise the Dust. There will be a Harp competition on Saturday starting at 10.30 am, sponsored by Arigna Fuels. This will be followed by a dance on Saturday night with Patrick Feeney and Band, preceded by the selection of the King and Queen of the festival. There will be crafts, foods and art

The keynote concert in this 38th year of the O’Carolan Festival features the legendary Stockton’s Wing, who will play in St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue at 9 pm on Sunday, 31st July. They are playing as well as ever – with the infusion of two new band members to complement some of the stalwarts of Irish traditional music of the last few decades. Stockton’s Wing began their career in Ennis some time in 1977 with Kieran Hanrahan on banjo, mandolin and harmonica, Paul Roche on flute and whistle, Maurice Lennon on fiddle, Tommy Hayes on bodhrán, spoons and bones and Tony Callinan on guitar and

displays on Sunday before the festival parade at 3 pm followed by the official opening of the festival by Deputy Eugene Murphy with music on the street with Brian Mostyn and friends (Marshy Ridge). This will preceed Stockton’s Wing in concert, in St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue at 9 pm. On Monday at 11 am there will be a visit to Turlough O’Carolan’s grave in Kilronan cemetery. This will be followed by a 12 pm lecture in Kilronan Castle by May Moran,

local historian, entitled ‘Fr. Michael O’Flanagan (1876-1942) – Priest, Republican, Social Activist & Scholar’. At 3 pm there will be street entertainment with youth members of Keadue C.C.E. followed by traditional music with Cúig. At 7 pm there will be a ‘Door Dancing’ competition with Liam Purcell and friends. This year’s O’Carolan Harp Festival promises to be another great weekend of entertainment.

vocals. The name Stockton’s Wing came from a Bruce Springsteen song ‘Backstreets’ from the album ‘Born to Run’. “Slow dancing on a moonlit street at Stockton’s Wing, where desperate lovers park to meet the last of the Duke street kings.” The band now includes renowned Clare instrumentalists Tara Breen on fiddle and Karol Lynch on banjo and mandolin. Tickets on sale from our website and from O’Donnell’s shop in the village. Don’t miss out – Stockton’s Wing concerts are rare and wonderful.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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

Hamrock’s

cinema & leisure complex NEW RELEASE FRI 22nd JULY

Athleague, Co. Roscommon Tel.: (090) 6663325 Friday, 22nd July: - Music by

Henry & The Usual Suspects Fundraiser on the night for Athleague Community Centre. • Spot Prizes on the night • Please support

- 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

Saturday 23rd July:

Saturday Night, 23rd July: - Music by

Laurence Campion

Loughglynn Music Festival countdown The Loughglynn Music Festival will take place next weekend from Saturday, July 30th to Monday, August 1st. On Saturday, the ‘Queen of the Woodlands’ committee invites you to attend the competition, which will see the Queen of the Woodlands crowned. The event commences at 9 pm sharp. Ten fantastic contestants will be put through their paces to see who will be

crowned queen of 2016! This will be followed by live music and dancing with Brendan Shine. This promises to be an enjoyable event for all the family, with special admission rates from 8.30-11 pm. On Sunday get your dancing shoes on as Michael English provides the music and non-stop dancing. On Monday Derek Ryan promises a great night. Late bar each night of the festival.

JJ HARLOWS

PREMIERES Wed 27th & Thurs 28th 21:30 Week Commencing Fri 22nd July—Thurs 28th July

Movie Times

CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE (12A) NO 21:35 SHOW Wed 27th & Thurs 28th

16:30; 21:35

GHOSTBUSTERS 2D (12A)

13:55; 16:25; 21:30

JASON BOURNE (12A) PREMIERES Wed 27th & Thurs 28th 21:30

21:30 Wed & Thurs ONLY

NOW YOU SEE ME 2 (12A)

19:00; 21:35

STAR TREK BEYOND 2D (12A)

16:25; 19:00; 21:30

STAR TREK BEYOND 3D (12A)

13:50; 18:55

THE BFG 2D (PG)

14:00; 19:00

THE BFG 3D (PG)

16:30; 21:35

THE HOUSE OF MAGIC (G)

12:00 (KMC)

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN 2D (12A)

14:00; 19:05

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2D (G)

12:30 (KMC); 14:40; 16:50

The Cats Meow

Claire’s new exhibition An exhibition by Claire Attenbury – ‘Seeing’ – will be held at Roscommon Library from 19th-30th July. Claire constantly experiments with new ideas and the use of media. Her latest

studies are a mixture of collage, montage, mosaic, paint and much more. There is a world of fantasy within the exploitation and development of ideas. All are welcome.

Sunday 24th July:

Hickory Wind

Fr. Pat Hogan SVD and Cllr. Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, at the launch of the Family Fun Day which takes place at Donamon Castle on Sunday, July 31st.

JJ’s is the Cat’s Meow this weekend JJ Harlow’s in The Square, Roscommon town will once again play host to great live music this weekend with two nights of entertainment to look forward to. On Saturday night Leitrim-based group, The Cats Meow will take centre stage with a wide range of music ranging from Bluegrass and good old American country to Irish trad and the work of modern artists. Everything from George Formby to George Ezra! The three-piece from Mohill, Co. Leitrim play a huge selection of instruments including guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, banjo, flute and whistles. Their roadies must be well paid! Call in on Saturday night and see it all come together! Sunday night in JJ’s sees Roscommon favourites Hickory Wind from Athlone take the stage with their toetapping country and rockabilly mix. The trio have been entertaining Roscommon audiences regularly and this weekend promises to be no exception. The trio will be ready to perform from approximately 10 pm so get down good and early and choose from our extensive selection of craft beers! JJ Harlow’s in The Square is Roscommon town’s prime live music venue and the place to be for entertainment this weekend! (Advertorial)

* 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! JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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

Pictured enjoying the 19th birthday celebrations of Ingred Ribero were Bianca Arujo and Yago Mota.

Pictured enjoying the 19th birthday celebrations of Ingred Ribero were Luana Scuciato, Anna and Jess Olivera and Justina Flota. Pictured (right) enjoying the 19th birthday celebrations of Ingred Ribero were Matthew McCourt and Karine Rodriguez.

ces Faces & Pla Andrew Fox Photographs:

Pictured enjoying the 19th birthday celebrations of Ingred Ribero were Jessica Alves and Tiffany Flores.

Ingred Ribero 19th birthday

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Regina Lohan, Maura Quigley and Padraig Lohan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were David Gibbons, Joe Fox and Seán Mooney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Faces at the Connacht Final

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Anthony, Rachel and Colette Tarmey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Patrick, Marie, Padraig and Jamie Tiernan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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

s e c a l P Faces & Andrew Fox Photographs:

mon Races

Ladies’ Day, Roscom

Charlie O’Brien, RosMed Pharmacy and Lilac Rooms and Marietta Doran pictured at the Roscommon Races with the finalists of the SuperValu Ladies’ Day. Picture: Andrew Fox

Andrea Crean pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox Dyann Kenny and Gillian Corcoran pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roisin Murphy and Alannah Severs pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Regina and Monica Fallon pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Andrea Doorly, Erin Stephens and Noeleen Rudden pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

John and Mary Butler pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Charlie O’Brien, RosMed Pharmacy & Lilac Rooms pictured with staff members at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Sinéad Bohan and Michelle Bird pictured at the Roscommon Races. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

NewsPeople

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Today’s liturgy brings together several strands of Old Testament expectation to reveal Jesus as Israel’s promised Messiah and king, the Lord who comes to feed His people. Notice the parallels between today’s Gospel and First Reading. Both Elisha and Jesus face a crowd of hungry people with only a few “barley” loaves. We hear similar words about how impossible it will be to feed the crowd with so little. And in both the miraculous multiplication of bread satisfies the hungry and leaves food left over. The Elisha story looks back to Moses, the prophet who fed God’s people in the wilderness (see Exodus 16). Moses prophesied that God would send a prophet like him (see Deuteronomy 18:15-19). The crowd in today’s Gospel, witnessing His miracle, identifies Jesus as that prophet. The Gospel today again shows Jesus to be the Lord, the good shepherd, who makes His people lie down on green grass and spreads a table before them (see Psalm 23:1,5). The miraculous feeding is a sign that God has begun to fulfill His promise, which we sing of in today’s Psalm – to give His people food in due season and satisfy their desire (see Psalm 81:17). But Jesus points to the final fulfillment of that promise in the Eucharist. He does the same things He does at the Last Supper – He takes the loaves, pronounces a blessing of thanksgiving (literally, “eucharist”), and gives the bread to the people (see Matthew 26:26). Notice, too, that 12 baskets of bread are left over, one for each of the apostles. These are signs that should point us to the Eucharist – in which the Church founded on the apostles continues to feed us with the living bread of His body. In this Eucharist, we are made one body with the Lord, as we hear in today’s Epistle. Let us resolve again, then, to live lives worthy of such a great calling. – Scott Hahn Ph.D. www. salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

FRANKLY

SPEAKING

FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...

A great day for Galway – our jinx ends – and Roscommon can recover I’m up early enough on Sunday morning, fully refreshed after an early non-alcoholic Saturday night, but even though I have the ticket for the match in Castlebar safely in my pocket, I have to admit that I am having doubts about whether or not I am actually going to travel. Everyone is telling me that it will be mental with all the traffic coming from the same direction, but after a breakfast that everyone (except my heart man) would be proud of – eggs, rashers, sausages, white pudding, fried mushrooms, tomatoes and spuds – myself and my son Paul headed off in the direction of the Mayo town. As we drove through our neighbouring village of Glinsk, the place was packed to the rafters as the massive charity truck and tractor drive was getting ready to roll. Over the weekend I was told that by then the amazing total of €35,000 had already been raised, with more to come in.

Carlsberg say they are probably the best lager in the world, but when it comes to community spirit and supporting anything to do with charitable organisations, Glinsk, with some justification, could claim that they are probably the best local community in maybe not the world, but certainly in Ireland. Anyway we headed onwards and worryingly traffic through Castlerea was already building up, but thankfully apart from a bit of a hold-up in Claremorris, the journey was uneventful and indeed pleasant and we were parked up and in the grounds a good half hour before throw-in. The only hiccup on the way down was that as we were chatting, we realised that between hurling and football, every game myself and Paul had gone to together, Galway had lost. For a little while, we debated turning around and leaving our obvious jinx on the tribesmen at home, but after a short discussion we agreed to

Rossie fans pictured at MacHale Park last Sunday. Picture: Andrew Fox.

carry on, certainly more in hope than expectation. In the grounds of MacHale Park, I met the very popular Strokestown singer and Rossie supporter Frank Nelson and Creggs men Marty Conneran and Sligo-based James Gavin, while I also ran

into a great Galway warrior, Thomas Heavey from Newbridge. He was one of the best and toughest backs ever to wear the maroon and white and on the many occasions I ran into him on the football pitch, I can honestly say I lost out every single time

Cost of car insurance is scandalous We are still reeling from the atrocities that have seen hundreds of people killed in Nice, Turkey, America and other parts of the world. Here in Ireland, while obviously not in the same league as those horrific happenings, the soaring cost of car insurance is causing an awful lot of problems for an awful lot of people. I keep telling you that I have little interest in politics, but surely it’s time that our politicians did something about an issue that affects nearly every person in the country and if we, the older community, are be-

ing hit with higher premiums, the figures quoted to the young drivers, male and female, are nothing short of scandalous. The insurance companies keep telling us it’s all to do with the soaring costs of claims, but despite that, their profits are still on the rise. We, as a country, are still recovering from losing an entire generation of our youth to emigration. The outrageous premiums that are being quoted will, in my opinion, force more of our children to have to take the emigrant’s route.

For a young boy or girl living in rural Ireland, the only escape is to be able to drive their own car. Without some form of independence, life can be pretty drab and a huge number of our young drivers will never be able to afford to have their own insurance policies. I know there is some type of protest movement being formed to put this matter out in the open, but I call on our elected representatives to do something to force the big companies to bring in realistic prices.

– and he was still looking as fit and well as ever. Anyway the craic and atmosphere was great and myself and Paul settled down to watch a game that went the way of the Galway men, in a way that no one, not even their most ardent supporter, could have predicted – and for us at least it proved we had left our jinx safely at home. A big talking point afterwards was the mass exodus of Roscommon

supporters after only 15 minutes of the second half, which was a bit unfair I thought on the efforts of their players, who kept battling to the end. The even better news was that the predicted traffic mayhem didn’t materialise at all and I was sitting down to a badly-needed dinner in my own house just before seven o’clock. It was a great day for us, but on this Monday morning I hear Roscommon have drawn Clare in next weekend’s qualifiers and if they can clear their heads in the next few days, you would have to think they should win that one and, despite everything, find themselves in an All-Ireland quarterfinal, where it is very possible we will have three Connacht teams, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. As for Galway, they are definitely going the right way and, who knows, with a decent draw, how far they can progress in the remainder of the championship. Here’s to Croke Park in a few weeks’ time!

Wonderful day’s craic at Donamon

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the Open Day in Donamon Castle, but Sean Beirne tells me it’s all happening again on Sunday, July 31st. There is Mass at 12.30 pm, free parking, free admission and all the usual attractions, including bouncy castle, facepainting and much, much more. I will have details of the entire programme in next week’s column but for now, just put the date in your diary and make sure you’re free on the day. It’s one of the best free annual events in the entire local region and every year the huge attendance has a wonderful day’s craic and fun – and I look forward to ‘Till next week, seeing you all there on the Bye for now day!

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Ballaghaderreen Lake and Legends Festival Best wishes to Ballaghaderreen Lake and Legends Festival from Tommy, Anne and all the staff at

Mannion’s Bar Ballaghaderreen

Telephone: (094) 9860137 Music every night over the festival Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

For all your school, office, arts and crafts supplies!! No. 6. The Mill Business Park, Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Exciting line-up for 2016 Lake and Legends Festival < DAN DOONER

Tel. 094 9860358. F. 094 9862886

www.firstclassoffice.ie info@firstclassoffice.ie Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Martin’s Drycleaners and Launderette 4 New Street, Ballaghaderreen Tel. (094) 9877741 E. martinsdrycleaners@gmail.com www.facebook.com/martinsdrycleaners

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

JIM O’KELLY

Benchmark Financial Services BMW Ltd. The Square, Ballaghaderreen Tel. 094-9862840 Mob. 086-8596919 Email: bfsbmw@eircom.net Benchmark Finance Services BMW Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Making a splash: Pictured at Errit Lake, Co. Roscommon were brothers Breen and Oisin McNicholas who were on holiday from Australia and brought the weather with them! Pic: Mick McCormack

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival

Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Tel. 094 98 62233 • 094 98 62222 Continued success to the Lake and Legends Festival Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Martin Towey (Ballaghaderreen Ltd)

• Newsagents • High-class confectionary • Grocery and Fruiterer • Tabacconist • Petrol • Oils • Briquettes • Coal supplies

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Daily Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: (094) 98 60076

Ballaghaderreen is gearing up for what promises to be a wonderful Lake and Legends Festival 2016. Starting today (Thursday, July 21st) the festival will run right through the weekend finishing up on Sunday (July 24th). As part of the Douglas Hyde Conference, ‘Telling Tales of Revolution’ is scheduled for the North & Western Regional Assembly Conference Room today (Thursday) and this will be the first of many interesting conferences over the weekend. Tomorrow (Friday), Roscommon LEADER Partnership invites you to attend ‘Creative Communities Igniting Change’. This conference will explore the potential of creative entrepreneurship to transform local communities. It will take place from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm in the Northern & Western Regional Assembly Room. Booking on 090 6630252. Following this conference there will be a ‘Speakers Corner’ in the Square in Ballaghaderreen on the topic ‘Ballaghaderreen – Roscommon or Mayo?’ This promises to be an extremely lively debate and will precede the ‘Shimmy in the Shambles’ which will include an line-up of entertainment not to be missed. Saturday will start bright and early at 10 am with the Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair and this will be followed by the Family Fun Day between 12 pm and 4 pm which will include face painting, a bouncing castle and treasure hunt among other fun activities. The fun continues at 4 pm with a turf throwing competition Cont. next page.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Ballaghaderreen Lake and Legends Festival Cont. from previous page.

before the ever-popular Dog Show at 5 pm. Heritage Tours will run throughout the day from 12 pm and 5 pm also. The day will end once again with a line-up of music as part of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Shimmy in the Shamblesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Finally on Sunday (July 24th), there will be bog trail walks, which will start from 1 pm at the Shambles. There will also be a Car Treasure Hunt starting from 3 pm from the Shambles. Entry is â&#x201A;Ź10 per car and this promises to be a popular event with plenty of spot prizes! The festival will be brought to a close with a fishing competition organised by Ballaghaderreen Angling Club in Lough Gara. This will take place from 10 am to 4 pm and there will be sponsored prizes on offer.

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from all at

Ballaghaderreen Secondhand Furniture

The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

Telephone: 087 3877410

A large range of clean seconds & second hand furniture in stock Open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Cooling down with a pint in Solanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar, Ballaghaderreen earlier this week were Ashton and Mark Towey all the way from Australia and Denis Campion all the way from Tipperary! Pic: Mick McCormack

MAYO OR ROSCOMMON! Speakers Corner in Ballaghaderreen As part of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lake and Legends Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Ballaghaderreen, Speakers Corner will take place in The Square, Ballaghaderreen tomorrow (Friday, 22nd) at 7 pm. The topic of this debate is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ballaghaderreen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roscommon or Mayo?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Lakes and Legends â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Car Treasure Huntâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; As part of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lake and Legends Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Ballaghaderreen, a Car Treasure Hunt will take place this Sunday (July 24th) at 3 pm. There will be lots of prizes up for grabs and the entry fee is â&#x201A;Ź10 per car.

Thursday

Friday

Roscommon LEADER Partnership is delighted to cordially invite you to attend our 'Creative Communities Igniting Change'. This conference is to explore the potential of creative entrepreneurship to transform local communities. Who Should Attend? This event is open to everyone including members of the creative sector, local community groups including Town Teams, agencies, local residents, etc. Time: 9:30a.m. - 4:00p.m. Light lunch will be provided Location: Northern and Western Regional Assembly (formally BMW), The Square, Ballaghaderreen How to Book: Through Eventbrite or our website: www.creativecommunities.how/booking or Amanda: 090 6630252

7.00pm

Speakers Corner - The Square Ballaghaderreen - Roscommon or Mayo? This should be a very lively debate which will feature some of the biggest names in Roscommon and Mayo. Keep an eye out for updates!!

7.30pm- 9.30pm "Teen disco with iRadio presenter JUSTIY of JUSTIY JUNGLE Adm â&#x201A;Ź5 11.00pm - 1.00am

JOHN MCNICHOLL & HIS BAND

Adm â&#x201A;Ź15

Saturday

10.00am 12pm - 4pm 4.00pm 5.00pm

Farmers Market & Craft Fair Family Fun Day â&#x20AC;˘ Face Painting & Story Telling â&#x20AC;˘ Painting and Crafts

â&#x20AC;˘ Climbing Wall (Small fee) â&#x20AC;˘ Treasure Hunt (3.00pm)

â&#x20AC;˘ Bouncing Castle

Turf Throwing Competition Dog Show

12.00pm - 5.00pm Heritage Tours (Subject to numbers) Guided tour of some of the many historic and scenic places in the area, to include Moygara Castle and Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre. Departing from the festival site at the Shambles on Saturday 23rd, 12 o'clock. Booking essential to avoid disappointment. For information and booking contact Dermot at 087 2746412 - Fee: â&#x201A;Ź6.00

11.00pm- 1.00am

JOHNNY BRADY & BAND

Admission â&#x201A;Ź15

Supported by Regina Mc Dermott & Band (9.30pm - 11.00pm)

Sunday

Bog Trail Walks Meeting at the Shambles at 1.00pm Car Treasure Hunt Leaving from the Shambles at 3pm â&#x201A;Ź10.00 per Car - Loads of Spot Prizes Fishing Competition Ballaghaderreen Angling Club will host a Pike Fishing Competition in Lough Gara. Sponsored Prizes. 10.00am to 4.00pm Contact Joe: 0862565302 Paul: 0872276246

Ted Moore and son Jamie pictured at the Connacht Final replay last Sunday in Castlebar. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Print Depot 094 9862078

Douglas Hyde Conference â&#x20AC;&#x153;Telling Tales of Revolutionâ&#x20AC;? North & Western Regional Assembly Conference Room.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Ballaghaderreen Lake and Legends Festival

Connolly Creative employment the CARPETS & FLOORING Now situated on Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen (across from the Church)

Telephone: 087 1366482 Supply and installation of Carpets, Vinyl, Laminates and Wood Flooring ●

Domestic ● Commercial

MASSIVE RANGE TO CHOOSE FROM Available for collection or delivery in 2/3 days Call out service also available Contact us and we will call out with samples 40 years fitting experience in the trade Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival

Deputy

Eugene Murphy Continued success to the Lake and Legends Festival Call in advance to make an appointment

STROKESTOWN OFFICE: 071 9633000 ROSCOMMON TOWN OFFICE: 090 6625722 Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Clarke’s Bar Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon

a Enjoy a drink, in cosy atmosphere Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

focus of Roscommon conference Roscommon LEADER Partnership, together with development agencies, has announced details of a major conference to explore the immense potential of creative entrepreneurship to create new employment opportunities and transform local communities. As part of an EU project, Creative Communities Igniting Change, the Ballaghadereen conference has attracted speakers from across Ireland and the UK to share very practical and inspiring examples of how creative workspaces can act as hotbeds of new creative businesses. Speakers include Roscommon native and international fashion designer Una Burke and serial entrepreneur tech investor Shane Deasy. Creative Communities Igniting Change is a two year pan European project working in Northern Ireland (Banbridge), Sweden and Poland and is funded under the Erasmus+ project. The Irish project partners are Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Leitrim based training and development organisation Momentum. In Roscommon, it has established a high impact Regional Alliance consisting of Roscommon County Council (Local Enterprise Office, Town Teams

CCIC Regional Alliance Members, Micheal Frain, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Orla Casey, Momentum Consulting; Martina Earley, CEO, Roscommon LEADER Partnership; Louise Ward, LEO, Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB); Pauline White, WDC; Ken Farragher, GRETB and John Higgins, Town Teams Facilitator pictured at the launch of Roscommon LEADER Partnership’s conference entitled ‘Creative Communities Igniting Change’ held in Ballaghaderreen on Wednesday, 6th of July.

and Arts Office), Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, Western Development Commission, Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy project, GMIT, AIT, Westbic and Ballaghadereen CDP. At the heart of the project is the opportunity to transform local communities, tackle derelict buildings while nurturing new creative entrepreneurs to set up their business in rural areas.

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Solan’s Bar & Solan’s Hackney Service Ballaghaderreen Co. Roscommon

087 2461150 Anne 086 8226632

Teddy

Working closely with the Roscommon County Council led Town Teams initiative, details were announced of plans to establish a co-working creative hub in Ballaghaderreen which will be home to 10 new emerging creative businesses. Micheal Frain, Chairperson of Roscommon LEADER Partnership explained that the project has two aims. “Firstly, we are putting in place a very special acceleration programme to create entrepreneurial opportunities for people to get involved in the creative sector as a stepping-stone to self employment. Secondly, we will develop a new enterprise hub in Ballaghaderreen in the very

near future. If we can create 10 new jobs in Ballaghadereen through this project, we will be delighted. Our call out for those potential entrepreneurs will go live at our conference”. Pat Towey, representing Ballaghaderreen Town Teams, gave his support and commitment to the project and commended a project of this magnitude will be a welcome and much needed boost for the town of Ballaghaderreen. The free conference will take place in the offices of Northern and Western Regional Assembly, Ballaghadereen tomorrow (Friday, July 22nd) and will be launched by Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and

Innovation. Importantly, the conference is a multiplier event which will see Dr. Paddy Tobin of GMIT launch one of the first outputs of Creative Communities Igniting Change project; a toolkit for the establishment of creative communities regional alliances. Full details of the Ballaghadereen creative hub initiative will be outlined by Senator Maura Hopkins. Places on the day are limited and can be booked through our website www. creativecommunities. how/booking or alternatively contact Amanda Mee, Erasmus+ Project Manager, Roscommon Leader Partnership on 086-0460046.

Best wishes to the Lake & Legends Festival from

Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Limited MAIN SPONSOR Education Loans from 6% at Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Limited 094-9860522 Email: info@ballaghcu.com Website: www.ballaghcu.com Education Loan: * This loan rate is available to all members for 3rd level college expenses. Proof of loan purpose will be required, a suitable guarantor will also be required if the student is a borrowing member.

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Trish-Ann’s Hair Salon Main Street, Ballaghaderreen Telephone: (094) 9861719

Formaldehyde FREE

Keratin Smoothing Treatment Available

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Ballaghaderreen Tidy Towns Committee

Know your loan: Representative example as at 15th July 2016 €3,000 loan repayable over 1 Year 12 monthly instalments of €258.20 Rate of interest 6.00% variable Representative 6.14% APR Total amount repayable is €3,098.28 Your student loan is also insured at no direct cost to you the member. On a loan from Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Limited you benefit from: No Additional Fees No Lump sum or Early Repayment Penalties If you do not meet the repayments on your loan your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating. Ballaghaderreen & District Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. *Loans are subject to approval. Terms & conditions apply.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Ballaghaderreen Lake and Legends Festival Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon

094 9862735

mairead mc grath

12 WEEK BLOWDRY NOW AVAILABLE Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival from

Sharkey Transport Tony Ward, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, laying a commemorative wreath on the grave of Douglas Hyde at Portahard, as part of the Centenary Programme 1916/2016. Pictured (L/R): Eileen O’Donnell, guest speaker; Clodagh McDermott, Roscommon County Council; Deirdre O’Gara, Curator of Douglas Hyde Centre; Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Tony Ward; Frank Shouldice, guest speaker; Mary Mullins, Arts Officer,Roscommon County Council, Gillian Hoare, Roscommon County Council, and Micheal O’Tuathail, guest speaker.

Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 8326883/094 9860067

Senator

Family fun all weekend Maura Hopkins in Ballaghaderreen! < DAN DOONER

Water Boys! Conor Ryan and Micheal Frain of Ballaghaderreen Tidy Towns watering the flowers on The Square recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

This weekend’s Lake and Legends Festival in Ballaghaderreen promises fun for the whole family. This year sees the festival move to a new venue, The Shambles on Market Street. There will be something for everyone throughout the jam-packed weekend with events such as a teenage disco on Friday night with Justiy of Justiy’s Jungle on iRadio fame. This will be followed by dancing with John McNicholl in the marquee including a fully licensed bar. Saturday is of course Family Fun Day and this year the event boasts entertainment and events such as face painting, story-telling, a bouncing castle, a climbing wall, painting and crafts and a treasure hunt from 3 pm! If the family isn’t worn out after all of that there is a turf-throwing competition at 4 pm, so come let all of your bog-related frustration out and be in with a chance of winning prizes. Don’t leave the furry members of your family out on Saturday, bring the dog along and enter the Lake and Legends Dog Show at 5 pm. With heritage tours and bog walks this promises to be weekend of entertainment and education for

Callum Ronayne and Cyris Fleming at Errit Lake on Tuesday. Pic: Mick McCormack

Nancy and Ciaran McCready with mum Susan at Errit Lake on Tuesday. Pic: Mick McCormack

everyone. Not to mention the car treasure hunt and fishing competition on Sunday! This year’s Lake and Legends Festival in Ballaghaderreen promises to be the best yet!

Main Street, Ballaghaderreen Telephone: 086 856 4206 email: maura.hopkins@oireachtas.ie Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival

Best wishes to Lake and Legends Festival & Ballaghaderreen Art Exhibition

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

FarmingPeople Castlerea Mart Report Sale, July 14th: 450 cattle on offer with prices holding firm for quality lots. Plainer type lots have noticed price reduction in recent weeks, as has the dry cows, but store bullocks and heifers were a firm trade with good demand also for the weanlings on offer. Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 450kgs €1170, Lm 450kgs €1,140, Lm 520kgs €1,255, Lm 570kgs €1,315, Lm 730kgs €1,565. Heifers: Ch 410kgs €1,075, Lm 370kgs €1,025, Ch 470kgs €1,165, BBX 440kgs €1,150, Si 555kgs €1,235, Ch 600kgs €1,315. Dry cows: Lm 765kgs €1,300, AA 770kgs €1,180, Ch 650kgs €1,160, Ch 440kgs €780, Lm 650kgs €1,160. Cows with calves at foot made from €990 to €1,900 for a Limousin cow and her heifer calf at foot. Springer cows made from €1,100 to €1,340 per head. Calves: Dairy lots made from €30 to €165 per head with beef breeds making from €230 to €550 per head. Weanling bulls: Ch 230kgs €750, Lm 275kgs €750, Ch 370kgs €1,070, Lm 450kgs €1,100, Lm 385kgs €1,025. Weanling heifers: Ch 270kgs €810, Ch 250kgs €805, Lm 225kgs €750, AA 350kgs €920, Ch 345kgs €840. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday, July 21st) with a sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves and weanlings on offer. All sales commence at 11 am, with three rings in operation.

Roscommon Mart Report Cattle prices – Friday, July 15th: There was a small entry of cattle on offer on Friday last. There was a lively trade for bullocks with all lots sold. Bullock prices ranged from €2.10 per kilo up to €2.45 per kilo. Bull weanlings made from €2.26 per kilo up to €2.38 per kilo. The trade for heifers were similar to the previous week with prices averaging from €2.24 per kilo up to a max of €2.77 per kilo. The trade for dry cows was on a par with the previous sale with all lots sold. Sales continue on Friday weekly for bullocks, heifers, suckler cows, dry cows and weanlings. Dry cows made from €890 up to €1,085 per lot. Sample prices: Lim X 645 kgs €1,085, Lim X 575 kgs €1,060, BBX 590 kgs €1020 Char X 685 kgs €1,000, Lim X 565 kgs €975, AAX 520 kgs €890. Heifers made from €420 to €695 over. Sample prices: Char X 560 kgs €1,255, Char X 500 kgs €1,190, Lim X 520 kgs €1,040, 2 BA X 330 kgs €825, Char X 265 kgs €735, Char X 275 kgs €700. Bullocks made from €495 to €700 over. Sample prices: Lim X 585 kgs €1,285, Lim X 500 kgs €1,105, 2 Char X 452.5 kgs €1,090, 2 Char X 450 kgs €1,090, Lim X 445 kgs €1,070, LimX 415 kgs €950, Si X 415 kgs €950. Bull weanlings made from €530 to €640 over. Sample prices: Char X 415 kgs €990, Char X 420 kgs €950, AA X 390 kgs €925, AA X 390 kgs €885. Sheep sale – Wednesday, July 20th: There were smaller numbers on offer this week due to the fine weather. The trade for lambs was on a par with the previous week with all lots sold. Again this week there were good numbers of store lambs presented for sale. There was a better trade for cast ewes due to a small entry. Sales continue each Wednesday at 11 am for lambs and cast ewes. Please note that as and from Wednesday, August 3rd ewe lambs will be sold separately. Sample prices - Spring lambs: 50.30 kgs €112, 48.40 kgs €111, 56.50 kgs €111, 52.50 kgs €108.50, 48.50 kgs €107, 46.70 kgs €105, 46.70 kgs €104, 45 kgs €104. Store lambs: 41.30 kgs €90, 40.8 kgs €92, 41.10 kgs €92.50, 37.20 kgs €76, 42.20 kgs €83, 41.40 kgs €92, 32.60 kgs €71. Cast ewes made from €95 to €115 per lot.

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

Contact

TOM ROGERS

Pictured is Kennedy Brothers Contractors, Ballyforan using purple wrap on the Hastings farm, Ballyforan, to raise much-needed funds for Children’s Medical & Research Foundation Crumlin and (inset) sisters Miriam and Rachel Hastings, Ballyforan.

Sheep chairman: ‘Farmers opposed to EID for lambs’ Mr. Michael Glennon, Roscommon IFA Sheep Chairman, said sheep farmers are strongly opposed to compulsory EID for lambs and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed must insist that EID is not part of the new €10 per ewe sheep scheme, as well as ensuring that the existing derogation is maintained for sheep farmers.

Mr. Glennon said proposals from factories and others for the compulsory EID of lambs going direct to slaughter is “an unnecessary cost imposed directly and only on farmers while returning no benefits to them”. He said this has been received very negatively at farm level. Mr. Glennon said IFA has written to Minister Creed spelling

out clearly the IFA opposition to compulsory EID and how it would damage the new €10 per ewe scheme. He added: “Compulsory EID of lambs must be strongly resisted as full EID is impractical, unnecessary and extremely cost prohibitive in what is a severely low-income sector, both lowland and hill. Mr. Glennon continued: “The

Pictured at A Day In The Bog as part of the Eileen Óg Heritage Festival were David Wachsman, Siobhán Boyd, Christina Galarza and Alice Jimenez. Picture: Andrew Fox

€10/ewe scheme for sheep farmers is critical for the entire sheep sector and has been positively received. However, any erosion of this money from the pockets of sheep farmers either directly or indirectly with issues such as EID will have a very negative impact on how the 34,000 sheep farmers view the scheme and severely diminish its benefits to the sector”.

Pictured at A Day In The Bog as part of the Eileen Óg Heritage Festival were Erica Tomas, Bosco Smyth and Jacqueline Melo. Picture: Andrew Fox

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

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

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

Your LOCAL Collector Guaranteed lowest price

Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

Pictured at A Day In The Bog as part of the Eileen Óg Heritage Festival were Michal Ann Morrison, John Beran, Dan Curley and Lee Lynch. Picture: Andrew

Erica Thomas tries her hand at cutting turf at A Day In The Bog that was part of the Eileen Óg Heritage Festival. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

FarmingPeople

OpinionPeople

Letters to the Editor (Serving Farmers for over 57 years)

Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373

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

Lambs & Cast Ewes Each Wednesday – 11 a.m. Please note that as and from Wednesday, August 3rd Ewe Lambs will be sold separately --------

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Show & Sale – Autumn Born Weanlings Tuesday, August 9th at 5 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2nd, Wednesday, August 3rd & Thursday, August 4th Autumn Special Sale of Bullocks & Heifers Friday, August 12th at 11 a.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Tuesday August 2nd, Wednesday, August 3rd & Thursday, August 4th ----

Breeding Ewes Sales commence Saturday, August 6th at 11 a.m. ----

Major Dispersal Sale Saturday, August 6th at 1 p.m. 80 Registered Charollais Ewes plus Ewe Lambs & Stock Rams Of Flock A99 Ballyglunin – Sonny Jennings & Flock H38 Keeper Hillview – Fergal Hanrahan Full details on our website and facebook page Premier Show & Sale of Pedigree Suffolk Sheep Saturday, August 13th Pedigree Charollais Ram Show & Sale – Saturday, August 20th Pedigree Texel Sheep Show & Sale - Saturday, August 27th Pedigree Vendeen Sheep Show & Sale - Saturday, September 3rd Please visit our website for full details of our Autumn Sales

ENQUIRIES 090 6626352

Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 See link on our facebook page or website Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie

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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

Keep your farm safe

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

Rossies’ downturn – time for some answers? Dear Editor, It was such an exciting dawn in Roscommon GAA circles – but where has it all gone? With a further unprecedented disaster in Castlebar last Sunday…well maybe not unprecedented but nevertheless unexplainable…. Roscommon supporters are confused and demoralised with the recent form shown by our young idols. From detesting everything about Joe Brolly, I now see that maybe, just maybe, he was seeing things as they are rather than as the way we wanted them to be. Our young charges have, yet again, bitten the bitter dust and this time we have lost the massive resurgence of goodwill that had built up around this team of sweet footballers in the past year, not just in Roscommon, but countrywide. Throw your mind back to Fermanagh last year, unexplainable performance, move on to New York, on to the Sligo first half, then the drawn game with Galway. At least we had the shocking weather to blame then, but last Sunday just about beats Banagher. Now I feel enough has gone wrong to ask some searching questions. Granted we are in a big learning curve but this team has sported some of the most exciting football ever seen in primrose and blue. Every man among

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Rosemary, Ella, Leanne and Brendan Beirne. Picture: Andrew Fox

them seemed to have exceptional skill, ball handling, kicking and above all scoring. For the first time in decades we seemed to have a perfect balance of a tough defence and a well-oiled forward machine who just loved to kick points and take the goals when they presented. Now I for one will not accept that this group of talented players have ‘lost it’. I think it is something much deeper and more sinister and needs explaining while there is still time. The first half against Sligo had all the hallmarks of being run from the sideline against the best wishes of the players. No long ball despite great forwards and a gale-force wind in their favour….and we see more and more of this. Most of the game being played between half-backs and halfforwards. Add to this the

continuous changing of positions of well-skilled and tested players, apart from the actual selection which to the layman’s eye seems nonsensical. Every time a sub comes on he plays better than the players already in the first team selection. Why? Should our key players not be on from the start or is there some underlying reason why certain players are being ‘kept in their boxes’? If so, then I suggest this is a very short-term strategy as the result will be like what many counties are now experiencing where the best players will refuse to wear the jersey. Okay, this may be extreme but enough water has gone under the bridge, we need to allow our beautiful young footballers to play the game like they have shown that they can. This is the challenge for the

Pool closed as county basks in heatwave Dear Editor, Ireland was set to be hotter than Barcelona today (Tuesday, July 19th) – but it’s not all good news. Castlerea Swimming Pool is closed and temperatures will soar to a blistering 28C today, leaving the entire country basking in glorious sunshine. Disgraceful, shameful, shocking, scandalous, deplorable, despicable, contemptible. I sent this to Facebook with photos on Tuesday, 19th of July and the replies were: ‘Why was the pool closed during such hot

management – allow the boys play as they can and put away the

earphones and foolscap. We still have a chance to prove our worth, but only one chance and we must change the silly tactics and get real. Our county was on the rise. Let us again see the perfect game as it should be played with less basketball and crossfield rubbish. I long for things to be different and hope for the best. I believe we have a team of young stars in the making but please, please do not destroy them and allow them to do what they so proudly did last year. Yours sincerely, Seamus Thompson

The scandal of charities in Ireland Knocknacarra, Salthill Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate Eoghan Young-Murphy on his article ‘Dismay of Roscommon man who raised money for Console’ (Roscommon People, July 8). I spent 50 years of my life in Australia – Sydney, in fact – and such collections would not be tolerated. People would be given a seven-year jail sentence if there was no accountability. It is a duty of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his Government to provide adequate facilities for the people he governs, and this includes medical care. Neither did he or the President hand over a big cheque to any charities, which they could afford. They are patrons of nothing. There are 8,000 charities in Ireland. They have no problem in taking up ‘church gate collections’ even though they do not go to Mass and they never tell the Irish people how they spend our monies. I never saw a receipt or a statement of expenditure. The Irish Independent published the salaries of charities’ CEOs. For all of them, it was a six-figure sum. None of your readers are receiving one-third of this sum, and there was the Charities Act 2009. There was a law by the Minister for Justice to legalise collections, but it appears that the numbers at the church gates and street collections are still on the increase. All these collections should be stopped until a regulator of charities takes over in this country. Why aren’t these collections taken up at football matches, race meetings and shopping arcades? I would welcome your readers’ views. Continued success to you and your paper. Yours faithfully, Professor Andrew Maxwell

Stonecourt and ﬁre safety

Castlerea Swimming Pool was closed while temperatures soared to a blistering 28C earlier this week.

weather?’ and most were very disappointed with the (Roscommon County)

Council’s answers. Thanking you, Austin Waldron

Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon Dear Editor, Given your report on the above in last week’s ‘People’, one is prompted to ask why has it taken some 17 years to determine that the Stonecourt building does not meet fire-safety code? Within that 17-year period, where was Chief Fire Safety Officer Keane or any of his predecessors, or for that matter, relative members of the Roscommon County Council? And if the building faces mandatory closure, obviously Roscommon County Council has standing-by suitable accommodation for those Stonecourt residents so displaced? Yours sincerely, Michael Dryhurst

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

PropertyPeople

Prime residential farm with 4 bed residence Connaughton Auctioneers are delighted to bring to market at Moneen, Glinsk, Co. Galway, this exceptional farm which is set out in three lots: Lot 1: Entire property approximately 45.27 acres. Lot 2: Residence and stables on approximately 12.95 acres. Lot 3: Approximately 32.32 acres. There is a five bay hay shed with eight stables, two dog runs, cattle crush and two loose pens on site. The sale also includes a four bedroomed, two storey residence which is in excellent condition and finished to a very high standard internally. Accommodation included: Porch to front, reception hallway, sitting room, conservatory/sunroom, kitchen/dining room, utility, main bathroom, 4 bedrooms (master

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

*****URGENTLY REQUIRED ***** All types of property are urgently required in and around the Roscommon Area. Due to a lot of recent sales Hughes & Company require properties for disappointed under bidders. Please contact the office on 09066 27003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net. -------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE CIRCA 25 ACRES OF LAND AT

ARAGHTY, ATHLEAGUE The lands are located less than 1 mile from the village. The land can be sold in one or two lots to suit. Most of the lands are of top quality with excellent road frontage. The lands would be suitable for development subject to planning permission being granted. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET – FOR SALE ensuite). Oil fired central heating with a good energy rating (D2). The property is located approximately 1.5 miles from the village of Glinsk on the Creggs Road, approximately 7km from the village of Creggs, 8km from Ballymoe, 16km from Castlerea and under 20km from

Roscommon. This is an ideal opportunity to acquire a farm with a residence on site with a host of extras. The opportunity is available also to purchase just the residence with stables or the land separately. For further details, maps and brochure contact the office. Viewing

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Lands at

by appointment. Contact Connaughton

Auctioneers on 090 66 63700.

Strong interest in Ballinagard farm They are also reporting a strong interest in a circa 37.5 acre farm which went on the market at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon last week. There is a two bedroomed bungalow in good condition on 0.5 acres with the option of a further 9.5 acres if required. The company are also offering for sale three other lots: 10 acres, 12.5 acres and 5 acres of land. This is an ideal opportunity for someone to acquire a small portion of land convenient to Roscommon town or for local farmers to increase their holdings. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net.

Circa 66 acres of top quality agricultural land with a 3 bedroomed farmhouse, slatted shed and a range of out offices thereon at

at GLENBALLYTHOMAS, TULSK, CO. ROSCOMMON The property can be sold in a number of different lots to suit if required. All of the lands are of good quality and located only a short distance from the village of Tulsk. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEADOWS TO LET • Circa 8 acres at Beechwood, Roscommon. • Circa 6 acres at Four Roads, Roscommon. • Circa 5 acres at Clooncagh, Strokestown, Roscommon. • Circa 15 1/2 acres in Tuam, Kilrooskey. Can be let in two lots if required. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

BALES Circa 25 bales of last years hay, stored in a shed. Four Roads Area

CLOONEIGH, ELPHIN, CO. ROSCOMMON

C. 24.7 Acres of Prime Fattening Lands Consisting of c. 24.7 acres of good quality lands at Clooneigh, Elphin, Co. Roscommon in a prime location close to the towns of Elphin, Tulsk and Strokestown. This farm contains some of the finest mineral soil fattening lands in the region, with extensive road frontage, is well serviced with a cattle handling pin, water and fencing along with the remains of a traditional stone cottage.

L O S

Apartments at Racecourse Road with Hughes

Hughes & Company have for sale at the Racecourse Road, four one bedroomed apartments for sale, fully let generating an annual rental income of €15,500. The building is in excellent condition and has been well maintained and located only a short distance from the town centre. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003.

In The Central Bar, Elphin, Co. Roscommon Friday 2nd September at 3.00pm

Maps and further information available on request LEGALS: JOAN H DEVINE & CO, SOLICITORS, BRIDGE ST, STROKESTOWN, CO ROSCOMMON PHONE: 071-9634608 A.M.V: P.O.A.

FOR SALE Land

53 acres near Athleague

BALLYGLASS, BALLINAGARE, CO. ROSCOMMON

C. 13 Acres (5.26 Hectares) of good lands Consisting of c. 13 acres (5.26 Hectares) of good lands at Ballyglass, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon in a prime location close to the villages of Ballinagare and Tulsk convenient to the N5 Tulsk/Ballaghaderreen Road. This farm is in one manageable lot with good access and has a well maintained cattle pin and crush. This is an ideal opportunity for someone to extend their existing holding or for a start-up farm. Maps and further information available on request A.M.V: P.O.A.

Castlecoote, Roscommon.

Busy period of sales at Hughes & Co Recent sales at Pat Hughes & Co. include an impressive 6 bedroomed dormer bungalow at Castlecoote, Roscommon. Due to the number of recent sales by the company they are currently urgently

looking for all types of property in and around the Roscommon area. Please contact the office on 090 6627003 or e-mail phughes2@eircom.net. If you are thinking of buying or selling, let Pat advise you, his advice is free.

At Morganstown, Athleague, Hughes & Company are accepting final offers on approximately 53 acres of land located less than one mile form the village of Athleague. The lands have the benefit of out offices, sand arena and excellent road frontage. For further details please contact the office on 090 6627003 or email phughes2@eircom. net.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

PropertyPeople Castleplunkett bungalow new to market at Earley’s ●

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

FOR SALE

NEW TO THE MARKET

Four Bed Property (Consisting of 2 bed Cottage plus two x 1 bed studios)

Four Bed Residence with Large Garage/Shed

FARRAGHER, FOUR MILE HOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON

DOONARD MORE, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON

• Large site C.1.1 acres including ample car parking to front • Dual Heating, OFCH and solid fuel • Studio 1 Annexed to Cottage • Studio 2 open plan • On the outskirts of Strokestown and all amenities • Wooden sheds with covered storage to rear • Viewing highly recommended to appreciate all on offer PRICE REGION: €80,000 To arrange a viewing call Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700

Prime Fourmilehouse lands available at Earley’s • • • •

Exceptional large 4 bed bungalow Large garage/shed (c. 47’ x 25’) to rear Dual heating, OFCH and solid fuel Great location approx. 10 minutes drive from Roscommon Town • Driveway kerbed and fully Tarmacadamed, extends to rear • Mature hedging surrounds property which affords good privacy • Very high standard of finish internally PRICE ON APPLICATION Contact Sole Selling Agents Connaughton Auctioneers on 090-6663700 to organise viewing

ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY HERE WITH CONNAUGHTON AUCTIONEERS!

20 PROPERTIES SOLD IN JUNE 2016 NO SALE, NO FEE! GO WITH YOUR LEADING ESTATE AGENT FOR PROPERTY SALES IN ROSCOMMON/GALWAY

WE CURRENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTY IN ALL LOCATIONS FOR BOTH IRISH AND UK BUYERS

CONTACT A MEMBER OF OUR SALES TEAM TODAY FOR A FREE VALUATION

Superior bungalow with large workshop on 1.5 acres Oates Auctioneers are this week offering at Convent Road, Roscommon town a unique property comprising a five bedroomed bungalow, large 6,500 sq. ft. fully serviced warehouse and yard associated offices with potential for living accommodation together with a large paddock to the side holding obvious development potential subject to planning permission. Convenient to all local amenities including national school, secondary school, church and shops. The property is also adjacent to a running track, basketball court and tennis court. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a truly magnificent property with potential for a variety of

Convent Road, Roscommon town

John Earley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is this week offering new to the market a highly attractive 3 bedroomed bungalow residence of approximately 1,050 sq.ft. located at Castleplunkett village, Co. Roscommon. Price Guide: €75,000 ono to sell. John commented: “This is a quality 3 bedroomed detached bungalow residence located in a most select residential location in the centre of Castleplunkett village. The residence is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and offers comfortable and spacious living accommodation together with a large site area. Accommodation briefly comprises of reception/porch, kitchen/ dining room, rear hallway, bathroom, sitting room, utility room, and 3 bedrooms in all. We invite enquiries and viewings.” For further details, please contact John Earley FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Property Partners Earley Roscommon on 090 66 26579, logonto www.propertypartners.ie or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

business ventures. Viewing is strictly by appointment only with the sole selling agent. Contact Oates Auctioneers, Church Street, Roscommon on 090 662 7878 or log onto www.oates.ie for more information.

John Earley of Property Partners Earley Roscommon is this week offering new to the market 72 acres of farmlands with a 3 bedroomed bungalow residence of approximately 1,130 sq.ft. and adjacent farm buildings located at Cloonybeirne, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. John commented: “The property can be sold in one or more lots should market interest dictate as set out as follows: Lot 1: The entire; Lot 2: 3 bedroomed bungalow residence with storage buildings set to the rear standing on 1 acre; Lot 3: 3 bedroomed bungalow residence with storage buildings and farm buildings set to the rear standing on 7.5 acres offers after €60,000 invited; Lot 4: 35 acres of lands incorporating good quality farm lands, and lands which run onto Loughandoughil. Offers after €100,000 invited; Lot 5: 29.5 acres of good quality lands and lands incorporating some rock outcrop. For further details or viewing appointments, contact the office. Offers after €110,000 invited. To arrange maps or for further details contact John Earley FIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www.propertypartners. ie. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/propertypartners.earley.

Final offers for countryside properties John Earley of Property Partners Earley is this week inviting final offers after €25,000 each for 2 countryside properties located at Corgarve, Tulsk and Emlaghmore, Donamon, Co. Roscommon. The property at Corgarve, Tulsk is a prime hillside plot of lands containing 1.49 acres on which stands a derelict one-storey residence located just off the main N5 Tulsk/Strokestown route. Final offers after €25,000 now invited. The property at Emlaghmore, Donamon is a 2 bedroomed residence of 1,100 sq.ft and stands on 0.27 of an acre and was partly restored in recent years. The property is located in a much sought after residential location just off the main Castlerea to Roscommon road at Oran. Standing to the side of the residence are two useful storage sheds. For further details please contact John Earley FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@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. 20 ACRES OF PRIME ROADSIDE LANDS LOCATED AT

DOONEEN, FOURMILEHOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON Price Guide: €125,000 ono to sell

A prime section of dual purpose farmlands which are renowned fattening and finishing lands which are ideally located just off the main Roscommon/Tulsk road via Clashaganny. This is a unique opportunity for one to either expand their current holding or develop a new holding. LEGAL: PETER JONES, SOLICITOR, ROSCOMMON. 090 66 26925. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE A PRIME BUILDING SITE (SUBJECT TO P/P) CONTAINING C.0.29 OF AN ACRE LOCATED AT

ARDSALLAGH BEG,

(BESIDE THE OLDWOOD DEVELOPMENT),

ROSCOMMON TOWN.

(OFF THE MAIN N61 ATHLONE/ROSCOMMON ROAD)

All offers after €60,000 to sell

A most attractive building site (subject to P/P) located in this much sought after residential location convenient to Roscommon town and adjacent to Roscommon County Hospital. Rarely does such a quality building site come available in this established location and the auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers to sell. LEGAL: MR DARA HAYDEN, MESSERS DARA HAYDEN & CO, MARDYKE HOUSE, THE BAWN, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ONLY 2 REMAINING AT CHESTNUT GROVE THE LAST TWO REMAINING RESIDENCES LOCATED IN THE LUXURY

“CHESTNUT GROVE” DEVELOPMENT, BESIDE TULSK VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON

A quality semi-detached & detached residence located in a select residential development beside Tulsk village and all amenities.

3 B/R semi detached - €75,000 to sell. 4 B/R detached with garage - €105,000 to sell. BER: C3 – D2. LEGAL: MESSERS KANE TUOHY, GRAND CANAL QUAY. D2. (01) 6722233. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LANDS TO LET c. 25 acres located at Carrowduff Lower, Ballymacurley. Term: 5 years or more. Enquiry invited. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEADOW/SILAGE TO LET c. 10 acres located at Ballinafad, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Enquiries invited.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 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 ACCOUNTS

ATTENTION:

Dental Design Studio

Farmers, Sole Traders, Small & Medium Businesses Bookkeeping and Secretarial Services offers a mobile, flexible and cost effective bookkeeping and secretarial service throughout Co. Roscommon and neighbouring counties. CONTACT: 085 8007281 OR EMAIL ambss@eircom.net

• 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

BALLYGAR Bouncing Castles

CHIROPODIST

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

JUST ARRIVED

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

• Keenest rates • FULLY INSURED

TEL.: (087) 2315448 or (090) 6624797

DC Computer Services

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

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

COMPUTERS

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

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

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

Find us on facebook

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS

ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS

ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON

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

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

Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591.

BEES/WASP NESTS REMOVAL

Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie

ARE BEES OR WASP NESTS A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME OR GARDEN?

MCGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns

Call the removal experts on 087 1154108.

BOUNCING CASTLES

First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

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

BOUNCING CASTLES

ROSCOMMON CASTLES

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

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

CHIROPODY Mary Lennon SRN, HSE Approved. Galway Road, Roscommon

(090) 66 26023 086 8225575 FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Treating all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only – Tel 087 2982214 Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

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

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

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

DRIVING LESSONS

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

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

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

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

Contact: 085 1348779 Learn to drive with ....

COUNSELLING COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY Are you effected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Call Billy (094) 96 59966 Mobile (086) 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

DRIVING LESSONS

CHIROPRACTOR

Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

CHIMNEY

DRIVING LESSONS

DENTAL

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

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

Tuition in Car Car available for test

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

087 6870248 www.noelsdrivingschool.ie Email: noelsdrivingschool@gmail. com

BUPA & VHI Covered

Phone No: (087) 4136355

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

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone: (094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012 This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

R.S.A. Approved Driving Instructor Tuition in Car Also 16 seater mini bus

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. < PRESSURE TREATED STAKES FOR SALE: • 6ft stakes 4inch only €2.40 per stake or bale of 70 for €160 delivered • 5ft stakes 3inch only €2 per stake or bale of 100 for €180 delivered • Pressure treated Larch Strainers 8ft 7-10inch only €11 delivered or bale of 25 only €250 delivered • 200 meter rolls barbed wire €25 per roll • 100 meter 3ft sheep wire €90 per roll. Also staples and nails available. Contact Tom on 086 2628439.

Car Available for Tests Gift Vouchers

< TO LET: 25 acres of top quality meadow. Strokestown area. Contact: 087 9280872.

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

< 12 ACRES IN ONE FIELD of well fertilised meadow for sale. Ideal for hay or silage in the Kilrooskey area. Please phone 086 3007390 after 3pm.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Classifieds FARMING TO LET: Approximately 15 acres of meadow to let for hay or silage in the Ballintubber area. Tel: 087 9535388. < MEADOW TO LET: Fourmilehouse area. Tel: 087 6547688. < GOOD CLEAN MEADOWS TO LET on dry ground, for hay or silage. Loughglynn area. Option for aftergrass grazing. Tel 087 2972947 or 094 96 80286.

FENCING EDDIE NAUGHTON FENCING SUPPLIES All types of fencing materials - including: • P.D.M. cresoted posts • Grant approved fencing • Post & Rail fencing • Timber gates • Concrete posts • Mesh panel fencing • Palaside

Tel: (086) 1500207

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: Bar furniture, commercial kitchen equipment, stoves and range. Contact: 089 9608472.

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on (086) 8749550 or (090) 66 27496

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

GARDENING

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

HAPPY TAILS BOARDING KENNELS

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.

● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

www.parklawntreeservices.com

Appointments with Anne:

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE

Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

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 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

Find us on facebook

KENNELS

Tel: 087 2721757 www.aobtherapies.com www.facebook.com/ AOBTherapies Vouchers available on-line

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

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.

For further details contact Mary (087) 6162191 or Barra (087) 9764250.

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

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic 18 years experience in treating babies to adults Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire

Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com

Located at Henry Street

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect an agricultural shed together with ancillary site works at Newtown, Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Padraig Dunning.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers are applying to Roscommon County Council on behalf of Sean McFadden for planning permission retention of existing alterations that were made to all facades of an existing dormer bungalow type dwelling house that was previously granted full planning permission under Planning Reference No. PD/00/995 consisting of (a) the retention of the 2 no. windows at first floor level on the north facing elevation (b) 1 no. circular window at first floor level on the south facing elevation, (c) the 2 no. dormer windows at first floor level together with the retention of the front door and glazing panels on the west facing elevation (d) the retention of the 2 no. dormer windows at first floor level together with 1 no circular window at first floor level of the east facing elevation, together with seeking retention permission for an attached garage, finish floor level and ancillary site works, also planning permission to construct a garage and install a door to front west facing elevation at Drumman More, Roosky, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Andrew Morris, Chartered Engineer, Morris Lohan Consulting Engineers, Castle Street, Roscommon, Ph Office: 090 6627950, www.morrislohan.ie

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.

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

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

086 3482387 moleskin architecture@gmail.com facebook.com/moleskinarch

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to erect an agricultural shed together with ancillary site works at Culliagharny, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Michael Brooks. 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.

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

www.lisbrockkennels.ie Members of IBKCA

Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

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

< HOUSE TO RENT at Mote Park, Roscommon. Three bed bungalow, option of solid fuel or oil heating. Tel: 086 1628742. < TO LET: Three bedroom house, together with garage and fuel shed. Fully furnished, all mod cons, dual central heating, oil and solid fuel. Ballintubber area. Rent negotiable. Tel: 087 2959925.

PAINTING & DECORATING PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given

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

PSYCHIC DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT REIKI HEALER

• Tarot & Angel Card Reading • Honest & Confidential • Spiritual Guidance • Need Direction? Phone for an appointment (090) 66 23898 or (085) 7857191

Athleague

REFLEXOLOGY

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) African & Classical Reflexology/ Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Eczema • Migraine • Back Problems • Infertility • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Insomnia • Stress • Exam Stress • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Colic • Pain Relief • Emotional Disorders - Hand Reflexology - Foot Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

REPAIRS

TRUCK AND TRAILER REPAIRS TELEPHONE: 087 2541720 SAFEPASS SAFE PASS Roscommon 5th August Longford 22nd & 29th July

JIM McMAHON 087 2404818

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Classifieds SEPTIC TANKS

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

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

SITUATIONS VACANT < PART-TIME BAR STAFF REQUIRED for country pub, 5 miles from Roscommon Town. Please reply to Box No: 898 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. JOINER/CABINET MAKER WANTED: Must have fitting experience and be willing to travel. Must also have SAfePass and Manual Handling. Please send CV to: cartycarp e nt r y @ ya h o o. co m or tel 086 1536956. QUALIFIED HAIRDRESSER REQUIRED in Castlerea salon. Minimum 2 years experience. Contact: 094 96 20419 or 083 4522080. < PERSON REQUIRED TO HELP WITH childcare. Two children, Castlerea area. Mornings only. Tel: 087 7998447. < HOMEWORK SUPERVISOR/TUTOR required in Roscommon town area from September for school-terms. 2 Children with Dyslexia requiring extra support. Monday-Thursday 3pm-4.30pm approximately in children’s home. Please apply to: Box No 904, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon. BALLYGAR COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL AND AFTER-SCHOOL Have a vacancy for an AFTER-SCHOOL WORKER. FETAC Level 5 essential. Please post CV to: David Connelly, Chairperson, Ballygar Community Pre-school & Afterschool, The Square, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Closing date Friday 5th August 2016. FULLY QUALIFIED BUTCHER REQUIRED Temporary Position • Full clean driving licence • Good boner and roller • Able to carry carcass beef • Good server Apply to Tavanagh Meats, Brideswell - 090 64 88191 for interview.

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

SITUATIONS WANTED < BUS DRIVER AVAILABLE for work in Roscommon and surrounding areas. Full D and D1 Licence. Also Driver CPC qualification. Phone: 087 6321080.

SOLID 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.

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

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503

Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible Call car direct

(086) 2714879

ATHLEAGUE CABS 1-8 Seats Wheelchair Accessible

PADDY PURCELL 087-3186590

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service (086) 2479829

11ft x 7ft lorry loads of turf with crates for sale. Great dry black turf.

TEL: 086 8803772

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

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

LOFT LADDERS Aluminium

JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

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

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

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849. < RESITTING A THIRD LEVEL EXAM and want tuition in Maths, Applied Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Telephone: 086 1237232

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch, Sycamore and Whitethorn. Good price paid. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376.

USEFUL SERVICES

HANLEY TURF SALES

USEFUL SERVICES

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Padraig Healy

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL

Supplied & Fitted From

0 ONLY €15 The company that can do all them small jobs 094 96 31880 087 9100477 www.oddjobsolutions.ie 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

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

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FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 16/07/2016 FIRST PRIZE €50: Kay Hoare, Henry Street SECOND PRIZE €25: Sarah Connor, c/o Kay Hoare THIRD PRIZE €20: Frank and Joe, c/o K. Hoare 8 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Siobhan Nester, c/o Donnellan’s; Mary Brandon, c/o K. Finan; Grant Leonard; Danny Glancy, c/o Breda Healy; Maura Tully; Anne Harlow; Vera Ganly, c/o Supervalu; Elaine Healy, The Square. 5 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Hannah Dimambzo; Kay Hoare; Joe Hoare; Aaron Dimambzo; Kathleen Finan. TOTAL RECEIPTS: €337 TOTAL PRIZES: €200

THANKGIVINGS MOST HOLY APOSTLE, ST JUDE Faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise O Blessed St Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen. This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days and published immediately and in three days favour will be granted. Thank you to St Jude and Mary Magdelene for favour received. MH. THE MIRACLE PRAYER TO JESUS Lord Jesus I come before thee just as I am I am sorry for my sins, I repent for my sins please forgive in thy name. I forgave all others for what they have done against me, I renounce Satin, the Evil Spirits and all their works. I give thee my entire self, Lord Jesus I accept thee as my Lord God and Saviour. Heal me, Change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit. Come Lord Jesus, cover me with thy precious blood and fill me with the Holy Spirit, I love thee Lord Jesus, I praise thee Lord Jesus, I thank thee Lord Jesus. I shall follow thee everyday of my life. Amen. Mary my mother, Queen of Peace all the Angels and saints please help me. Amen Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way, you will see. B.C.

THANKGIVINGS POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST EXPEDITE PRAYER FOR DESPERATE CAUSES My Saint Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Succor me in this hour of affliction and despair. My Saint Expedite you who are a Holy Warrior, You who are the Saint of the Afflicited, You who are the Saint of the Desperate, You who are the Saint of Urgent causes. Protect me, Help me, Give me strength, Courage and Serenity. Hear my plea. Clearly express what you want, and ask Saint Expedite to find a way to get it to you. My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours. Protect me from all who want to harm me, Respond to my plea with urgency. Bring me back to that state of peace and tranquility, my Saint Expedite. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life, and I will speak your name to all those who have Faith. (Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted) Amen. One Our Father, One Holy Mary and make the Sign of the Cross. (Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition) This Saint is so very Powerful, he has answered so many requests for me and I really have Faith in Him and Love him. Please do not doubt Him at all, he will take care of your intention in the best way. B.C. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE My St. Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with our Lord Jesus Christ, succour me in this hour of affliction and despair my St. Expedite, you who are a Holy warrior, you who are the Saint of the afflicted, you who is the Saint of the desperate, you who is the Saint of urgent causes, protect me, help me, give me strength, courage and serenity. Hear my plea. (Make request). Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you. My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency, bring me back to that state of peace and tranquillity, my Saint Expedite, I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith. Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted. Amen. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and make the sign of the cross. Be sure to provide the offering you promised, if Saint Expedite grants your petition. Thank you so much for everything, for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen. A.H.

THANKSGIVING NOTICES CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

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Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MURPHY Thomas

BURKE Damian

LANGAN David

Feeragh, Ballymurry, Co. Roscommon (47th Anniversary)

Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis, Co. Roscommon 21st July 2014 (2nd Anniversary)

11 St. Ciarans Park, Roscommon Who died on the 20th of July 1993 (23rd Anniversary)

The memories of you dad, Are always with us, You are gone from us, But always in our thoughts.

Also remembering our dearest mother, Elizabeth Lovingly remembered by his son, daughter-in-law, daughters and sons in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Thursday 21st July in Knockcroghery Parish Church at 7pm for Thomas and Elizabeth Murphy.

KENNEDY Christy Corbo, Kilrooskey (13th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Christy, who died on the 22nd July 2003 We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed and sore, We did our duty to the end, Till we could do no more, In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away, And though our hearts were breaking, We knew you could not stay. You left behind some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere, We never shall and never will, Forget you, father dear.

Loved and remembered by Marie, Vincent, Philip, Alex, Christopher, Hilary, Eva, Frank and greatgrandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 23rd July in Derrane Church at 7pm.

We thought of you today, But that is nothing new We thought of you yesterday and will tomorrow too We think of you in silence and make no outward show For what it meant to lose you, Only those who love you know. Remembering you is easy, We do it every day It’s the heartache of losing you that will never go away.

Love always, Mam & Dad ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There is always a face before me, A voice I would love to hear, A smile I will always remember, Of a brother I loved so dear. Deep in my heart lies a picture, More precious than silver or gold, It’s a picture of my brother, Whose memory will never grow old.

Loved and missed every day…Declan, Eugene and Amanda. Damian’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloonfad on Sunday 24th July at 10.30am.

TREACY Al Frenchlawn, Ballintubber and Burt, Co. Donegal (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear brother Al, who passed away on 23rd July 2010 Rest in Peace

Remembered with love always by Sylvie, Nora and family.

No special day is needed, For us to think of you, You are always in our thoughts, No matter what we do. You’re more than a precious memory, From whom we had to part. You are the light that burns within us, In the centre of our hearts.

Always remembered by your loving wife Kathleen, daughters Jackie, Claire, Ena, Sharon, sons David and Thomas, sons-in-law Brendan and Tim, daughterin-law Aine, grandchildren Alan, Christopher, Andrew, Aaron, John, Jamie, Andrea, David and Kalvin. Anniversary Mass is on 26th July at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon.

CASSSIDY Teresa Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

Treasured memories of a dear daughter and sister, who passed away on 28th July 2007 A tribute of love to a daughter and sister so dear So close to our hearts every day of the year We will always have memories to treasure and hold Of a wonderful daughter and sister, more precious than gold Will those who think of Teresa today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Loved and remembered by your heartbroken parents, Seamus and Breege and your brother Lorcan. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ A special day, Another year, A loving thought, A Silent tear.

For our dear niece and cousin, sadly missed and always remembered by your aunts, uncles and cousins. Anniversary Mass in St. Bridget’s Church, Fourmilehouse on Sunday 24th July 2016 at 11am.

McGOVERN (nee COYNE) Bridget (Baby) Curraghreevagh, Creggs, Co. Galway. June 17th 2016 R.I.P.

Baby’s husband Michael, daughters Mary, Ann, Sheila, Biddy, Claire, Michelle, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brother Chris and extended family wish to express their heartfelt thanks to all who sympathised with them on their recent sad and sudden loss. Thank you to everyone who called to the family home, sent get well Mass bouquets, Mass Cards, flowers and messages of sympathy, to all who travelled long distances and to all who donated to Breast Cancer Research, and to the huge numbers that attended the Repose and the Funeral Mass. Thank you to Dr. John Keenan and McGuinness’ Pharmacy, Roscommon who took care of Baby’s needs over the years. A special thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses of St. Mary’s Ward at U.C.H.G Galway, at the Breast Clinic Galway and at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe and to all the district nurses who were so kind to Baby during her short illness. To Fr. Rob McNamara of U.C.H.G., who prayed with Baby and the family in her final hours and to Fr. Pat Hogan, Donamon who was with the family in Galway after Baby passed away. To our Parish Priest, Fr. Larry Ebuk for all his help and kindness and for the lovely Funeral Mass. Thanks also to all the Priests who officiated at the Funeral Mass. Thank you to Bernie for the lovely music and singing, to the Sacristan, Eucharist Ministers, Altar Servers and all who took part in the Funeral Mass. A special thanks to Pat and Tom Smyth for their kindness and the dignified manner in which they carried out Baby’s Funeral arrangements. Thank you to the gravediggers who prepared Baby’s resting place with such good care, to all who took part in the Guard of Honour, to Cuisle Donamon for providing the lovely meal on the day of the Funeral. Finally, a special thanks to all our neighbours and friends who provided refreshments and helped in every way at the house, to all who helped with traffic management and to those for supplying and erecting the marquee. As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, we hope this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our sincere thanks and appreciation. Baby’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs on Saturday 23rd July 2016 at 11am. May she Rest in Peace.

HEGARTY Delia Gortnadeve, Creggs, Co. Galway (1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Delia, who died on 22nd July 2015 R.I.P. in her 103rd year You were the guardian of our home It’s bright and shining light, You always thought of your family, And saw that things were right, We feel your presence near us, As we go along life’s way. So please continue to guide us, On the dawn of each new day. Thank you for the happiness, With you we always had, But most of all we thank you, For being a wonderful Mom.

Always remembered by her family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs on Sunday 24th July at 11.30am.

GILL Mary K (nee Farrell and formerly Dozin) Weekfield, Roscommon (11th Anniversary)

Treasured memories of Mary K., beloved mother and nana, who died on the 23rd July 2005 R.I.P. No special day is needed For us to think of you You are always in our thoughts No matter what we do. You’re more than a precious memory From whom we had to part You are the light that burns within us In the centre of our hearts.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters, sons, sons-inlaw, grandchildren and extended family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 23rd July in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague at 7pm.

FINNERAN Gerry and Mae Ballinagare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) In loving memory of Mae, whom God called home on 1st May, 2014 and Gerry, whom God called home on 26th July, 2014

GOD’S GARDEN God looked around His garden And found two empty places. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw two tired faces. He put His arms around you both And lifted ye to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew you both were suffering, And how much ye were in pain. He knew that ye would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb. So He closed each weary eyelid, And whispered “Peace be Thine”. It broke our hearts to lose you both, But ye didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you both On the days God called ye home.

Lovingly remembered by their family – Micheal, Martina, Daniel and Rose, also by Micheal and Martina’s dear uncle Thomas and their dear aunts - Elizabeth, Jeanette and Patricia; cousins, extended family, wonderful neighbours and friends. Mae and Gerry’s Anniversary Mass will be on Sunday, 24th July, 2016 in Drummin Cemetery, Ballinagare at 10.00 a.m. (weather permitting). If the weather is bad, the Mass will be in the Sacred Heart Church, Ballinagare.

BURNS Joey and Annie Joe Mount Dillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of Joey Annie Joe 1931-2007 1934-2000

Our hearts are full of memories With pride we speak your names Though life goes on without ye It will never be the same Your memories are very special Your presence missed so much Ye will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Sadly missed by your loving family xxx

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

AtYourService/Appointments/FamilyNotices THANKGIVINGS

WINDOWS AND DOORS LARGE STOCK OF MISFIT WINDOWS AND DOORS FOR SALE Many different sizes available, all in excellent condition

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APPOINTMENTS

Applications are invited from suitably qualiﬁed candidates for the creation of a panel for the following posts:

GENERAL OPERATIVE SEMI SKILLED OPERATIVE Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, e-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie telephone 090 6637334 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. An assessment test will form part of the shortlisting process. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 12TH August 2016 Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

VISITOR SERVICES CO-ORDINATOR Reporting to the General Manager, this role requires someone who loves working with people, takes delight from pleasing visitors and is very organised. It will require an individual with the enthusiasm, leadership skills and commitment to deliver excellent customer service in a beautiful and busy environment. The successful candidate will have a strong background in tourism, retail and working with people. If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, please email us for the Job Description and Application Form:

Recruitment@irishheritagetrust.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1200hrs, Friday 29th July 2016 Strokestown Park and Irish National Famine Museum, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it) Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. E.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 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. G.Q. PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in my necessity (your request). There are none that can withstand your power. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands, after each prayer, say 9 Hail Marys. You must publish and it will be granted to you. G.Q.

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.

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES CONNAUGHTON Ned and Mary

McGUINN Eddie

CAMPBELL Paul (Padraig)

Ardsallagh, Roscommon In loving memory of a dear father and grandfather who died on 31st December 1999 and a loving mother and granny who died on 28th July 2007

Galway Road, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Cloonbrackna, Roscommon (1st Anniversary) Who died on 25th July 2015

Along the road of suffering, You found a little lane, That took you up to Heaven and ended all your pain. You may be out of sight, We may be worlds apart, But you are always in our prayers, And forever in our hearts. We have loved them in life, Let us not forget them in death.

Always remembered and sadly missed by their sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

KILROE Jim and Mary J Curragh, Castlecoote, Roscommon

In loving memory of Eddie, who died on 20th July 2014 Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure.

Always loved and forever missed by Antoinette and family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday 30th July 2016 at 10.30am.

NEILAN Thomas Chapel Road, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon (47th Anniversary)

Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say A much loved husband, father and friend.

Very sadly missed by Eileen, John, Derek, extended family and friends. 1st Anniversary Mass on Sunday 24th July in the Sacred Heart Church at 12.15pm.

RAFTERY Mary Cooltigue, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Jim and Mary J, whose anniversaries occur at this time. Forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Remembered by Paddy, Mary and family. Anniversary Mass on Monday 25th July at 8pm in the Church of the Assumption Fuerty.

BURNS Conor

CARTY Joey Ballydooley, Donamon Whose 7th Anniversary occurs on July 19th

In loving memory of our precious son, who went to Heaven on the 21st July 2008 Aged 3 months If we could visit Heaven even for a day, Maybe for a moment our pain would go away. We’d put our arms around you Conor And whisper words so true, That living life without you is very hard to do. No matter how we spend our days, No matter what we do, We’re always thinking of you For you’re always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts.

Loved and missed every minute of everyday your heartbroken Daddy, Mammy, sister Leah, granny, godparents, uncles, aunts and cousins xxx

In loving memory of our dear father, who died on 24th July 1969 Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say.

Always remembered by his loving family.

GERAGHTY Martin Moneymore, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

Thinking of you Joey, today and always Life gives us brief moments with each other, But in those precious moments, We capture memories, That last a lifetime.

Forever in the thoughts of your family and friends. Anniversary Mass in Clooneycolgan Church on Sunday July 24th at 10am.

In loving memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother, who died on 21st July 2014 No matter how life changes No matter what we do There’s a special place within our hearts That will always be for you

Always remembered by your loving husband Tommy, daughter Maria and family. Mary’s Anniversary Mass is on Friday 22nd July in Fourmilehouse Church at 8pm.

Family Notices Your life was love and labour Your love for your family true You did your best for all of us We will always remember and love you.

From Noreen and all your family. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 23rd July at 7pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery.

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline for receipt of Family Notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday. We cannot guarantee publication after this time.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

SportsPeople It’s a long way past Clare from here!

When it rains, it pours! The Roscommon management team has a lot to ponder ahead of the All-Ireland qualifier against Clare this Saturday. Pic: Andrew Fox

Rossies must win shoot-out in last chance saloon All-Ireland SFC Qualiﬁers: Roscommon v Clare at Pearse Stadium Galway on Saturday at 3 pm < SEAMUS DUKE

Previewing major football games is a very dangerous occupation to have this summer. Despite having played the game (albeit at a low level) and followed it closely all my life, it is amazing how wrong you can be and I will hold my hands up after last Sunday’s Connacht final replay. I got it totally wrong and probably not for the last time either. I thought that there was huge room for improvement in Roscommon and not as much in Galway. What transpired was that the opposite happened. Galway pushed on and played direct football while Roscommon regressed and learned nothing from the drawn game. So where does that leave us ahead of this incredibly difficult game against Clare on Saturday? In a very difficult position, that’s where. The statistics suggest that the odds are

stacked against Roscommon. In the history of the qualifiers since 2001 only two teams have managed to defy the dreaded six-day turnaround after being beaten and they are Dublin, some years ago, and Cavan this year. On the evidence of what we saw in MacHale Park last Sunday, there is little cause for optimism. There was no intensity, hardly a decent shoulder was hit in the entire game, and it was only when the game was over as a contest that we saw a few decent scores go over, when there were a number of subs on the team. The dilemma facing the management team this week is whether to give the lads who started a chance to redeem themselves or make changes to freshen things up. My opinion is that changes are needed not only in personnel but in terms of our style of play. We have to try a midfield partnership

that is capable of competing for the ball in that sector. Remember that Clare’s best two players are their midfielders, Cathal O’Connor and Gary Brennan, who between them scored 1-4 against Sligo last weekend and who have wreaked havoc in almost every game they have played this year. If we cannot compete at midfield then we will not win this game. I am not going to even try to guess who will be playing for Roscommon at midfield this weekend because the selection is very hard to predict but the players who take to the field will have to try and put last Sunday out of their minds and attempt to rescue their championship season and that is going to be a huge task. Whoever is selected for Roscommon this weekend will have to stand up and be counted and we need to see leaders emerge on the field of play. We need to see players not afraid to tackle hard but

fair and to take the game by the scruff of the neck. It’s all right to blame management for playing systems, etc. but they do not have any control on what the players do when they go out on the field. We have to throw off the shackles and return to the kind of game that suits Roscommon and that is a fast-paced running game. Our play is too ponderous and lethargic and a number of our attacking players who were outstanding in the league have lost their way altogether. If Roscommon take Clare for granted then they have no chance of winning this game. To add to the midfield prowess of Ger Brennan and Cathal O’Connor, they have the prolific David Tubridy at full-forward and have other excellent performers like dual star Podge Collins (son of the team manager Colm Collins), Keelan Sexton and Eoin Cleary.

Clare were two points down against Sligo last Saturday but they outscored them by 1-13 to 1-4 in the second half to win easily. Remember too that Clare won Division Three of the football league earlier this year beating Kildare in the final in Croke Park so they will come into this game brimming with confidence after that and a couple of great wins in the qualifiers against Laois and Sligo. This game will test the resolve of the Roscommon management and players to the limit. The prize is a place in the last eight of the championship on Sunday week. Roscommon are not as bad as they showed last Sunday in Castlebar. If there is a total change of attitude they can buck the trend and put last Sunday’s nightmare behind them. Match Odds: Roscommon 8/13 Clare 7/4 Draw 8/1. Prediction: Roscommon by a point.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

SportsPeople This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

The Bulmers Live series returns to Leopardstown this evening with racing away at 6.00 pm and music after last race is by the Booka Brass Band. Today also sees racing at Greenmount Park, Limerick with a national hunt card away at 5.40 pm. Tomorrow flat racing is at Down Royal with a 5.35 pm start and over the sticks at Wexford away at 5.55 pm. Saturday racing is on at Gowran Park where an all flat card starts at 2.05pm. Sunday is a day of rest for punters to relax before a week of bedlam at Ballybrit and the Galway Racing Festival starting on Monday for the full 7 days. Cross channel racing next week sees the start of Glorious Goodwood on Tuesday. Eighth in the Irish National the Noel Meade trained Tulsa Jack returned to the winner’s enclosure at Kilbeggan having landed the Midlands National Handicap Chase on Friday. His last win was the Cork National in November 2015. Johnny Moore rode the 7–Y-O to beat the fav Carriganog trained by Joseph O’Brien and stable mate Tom Horn by 16l and 6l. Aidan O’Brien was in seventh heaven on Saturday evening as the horse of the same name gave him his fifth Irish Oaks win in the hands of Seamie Heffernan. Seventh Heaven at 14/1 and not the fav Even Song had Aidan O’Brien singing the praises of Seamie Heffernan who rode the filly to victory in the penultimate Irish classic of the season. Seventh Heaven, a daughter of Galileo, was winning a 5th Irish Oaks for O’Brien, his 35th Irish Classic in all. She passed the supplemented raider Architecture at the marker and powered away to win by 2¾l with another raider Harlequeen 1¾l further back. The other supplemented filly, at a cost of €40,000, Ajman Princess finished last of the 11 runners.

General News Bryan Cooper was injured in a pile-up at Kilbeggan on Friday when standing in for Davy Russell, injured at Killarney the evening before. He missed out on a Gigginstown winner in Tipperary on Sunday, Mar-

inero ridden by David Mullins, but should be recovered in time for Galway. Jonathan Burke, who won the 2015 Galway Plate on Shanahan’s Turn, returns to the saddle on Thursday. He has been out of action since April with fractured vertebrae suffered from a fall on his father’s gallops but got the go-ahead from his specialist just in time for next week’s festival. However Barry Geraghty will be sidelined for a couple of months following a fall from Cernunnos at Market Rasen on Saturday in which he suffered a broken right arm. He will definitely miss the Galway festival starting on Monday next. Tony Martin’s appeal against the suspension of Pyromaniac, a 42 day ban from racing, by the Killarney stewards, will be heard tomorrow. Patrick McGuigan’s appeal against a 7 day ban will also be heard. What chance of the penalties being upheld? Just in case keep an eye out for Pyromaniac next week in Galway.

Competition Time Our next competition is for tickets to Roscommon on the 2nd August and to win please tell us the name of the outsider that won the Irish Oaks last Saturday? And to win tickets for Kilbeggan on the 9th August we want to know which horse won the Midlands National at the track last Friday? Answers For the Roscommon competition please on a post card to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street Roscommon or by email to tomred17@gmail.com by 12.00 pm Wednesday the 27th July and don’t forget to include your name, address. For Kilbeggan the closing date is 12.00 pm on the 3rd August and please do provide a contact phone number with all competition entries.

Ballybrit Preview 2016 Sunday provides a much appreciated rest day punters as they head West for 7 days of mixed racing at Ballybrit mixed in with a lot of craic, ceol agus `ol in Galway. On Monday the first day of the Galway Festival starts with the Radisson Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel Novice Hurdle with 12

Seventh Heaven and Seamie Heffernan win the Oaks.

runners at 5.15 pm and sees the feature race, Connacht Hotel Handicap, for the amateurs at 7.20 pm with 33 entries. Dermot Weld runners can never be dismissed in this race and he has only one horse entered in this race, Zafayan but Harry Rogers’ Benkei and WP Mullins’ Renneti also make appeal. One horse to note in the 2-Y-O maiden with 19 entries is Dermot Weld’s Right Honourable 3rd on his debut in Leopardstown. He will have to beat Aidan O’Brien’s selection from 4 of which Capri looks the best. Of the 25 entered in a very open bumper. Locally owned Angelica Yeats, 2nd in Roscommon behind Baltimore Buzz in Roscommon last month has a chance. The one he has to beat is Sizing Knockeen coming up from Waterford. The remainder of the races are very open handicaps and best left alone. Day 2 features the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap with 41 entries of which only 18 will get a run. This race is off at 6.50 pm and The Latin Quarter Chase over 2m 6f at 5.45 pm with racing starting at 5.15 pm.

Ladies Football round-up

Kepak Roscommon SHC Round-up

Oran into semi-ﬁnals Oran 3-10 Athleague 1-14 Oran are through to the semi-finals of the championship following this two-point win at Athleague on Sunday. It was a well-contested game but Oran were always the likely winners after taking an early 0-5 to 0-2 lead. Then we saw goals for both sides in first-half injury-time. Shane McDermott scored for Oran but almost immediately Cormac Kelly replied with an Athleague goal to leave Oran ahead by four at half-time. Athleague hit a purple patch in the third quarter and, with Gary Fallon accurate from frees, they went ahead. But Oran were back in business after Jerry Fallon scored a goal in the 44th minute. Then when David Ryan struck for a vital third goal (in the 49th minute) Oran were in total control and led by five points with five minutes left. However two Gary Fallon frees left only three in it and despite a late point from Aengus Lyons (which might have been a goal) Oran held out for a narrow win. Scorers – Oran: J Fallon (1-4), C Kenny (0-4), D Ryan (1-1), S McDermott (1-0), G Keenan (0-1); Athleague: G Fallon (0-10), C Kelly (1-0), E Bannon (0-1), M Connaughton (0-1), S McDermott (0-1), A Lyons (0-1).

Champions maintain their unbeaten run Four Roads 2-11 Roscommon Gaels 0-8 The champions maintained their unbeaten run with the minimum of fuss at Athleague on Saturday evening last. James Fitzmaurice scored Four Roads’

opening goal in the 16th minute and while they opened up a seven-point lead at one stage, the Gaels reduced the margin to four by half-time. The game was over as a contest after Johnny Moran scored an excellent goal in the 44th minute and they closed out the game with three points without reply in the final few minutes. Scorers – Four Roads: J Moran (1-1), S Curley (0-3), A Lawlor (0-3), J Fitzmaurice (1-0), T Lennon (0-2), J Rogerson (0-1), E Rogerson (0-1); Roscommon Gaels: C Egan (0-3), G Waldron (0-2), O Hession (01), P Lennon (0-1), D Healy (0-1).

Miley stars in low-key draw Tremane 0-14 St. Dominic’s 1-11 Both sides face a losers’ group game after this draw in Athleague on Sunday last. It was a low-key affair and Tremane were the best side for most of the first half and at one stage they led by 0-9 to 0-3. John Murray scored a Dominic’s goal before half-time to bring his side back into the game. Mark Miley, who scored 0-10, was in brilliant form and his accuracy saw Dominic’s lead inside the final two minutes, but Dylan Keaveney came up with the equalising point for Tremane in the final minute. Tremane now face Padraig Pearses in the losers’ group while St. Dominic’s will play Athleague. Scorers – Tremane: D Keaveney (0-6), M Kellehan (0-3), M Keaveney (0-2), P Kellehan (0-1), C Mahony (0-1), N Keenan (01); St. Dominic’s: M Miley (0-10), J Murray (1-0), T Doyle (0-1).

Wednesday sees the feature of the week for most race goers with the Tote.com Galway Plate. Note that racing starts at 3.00 pm and the feature is at 5.30 pm. There are 40 entries in the Plate headed by top weight Road To Riches and only 4 raiders from cross channel. Michael O’Leary through Gigginstown Stud has 15 horses entered and JP McManus 6. There will be a maximum of 22 runners permitted on the day and I expect Mark Walsh for JP McManus and Bryan Cooper for Gigginstown to battle it out up the hill. One of the others who stand out is Alelchi Inois, 6th behind Shanahan’s Turn last year and a recent winner over the distance at Punchestown. Thursday is Guinness Day with the Galway Hurdle the feature with 59 entries headed by Eddie P’Grady’s Kitten Rock on 11-10. Racing starts at 1.50pm and the feature at 5.25 pm. Deadlines mean we have very little info on the first 3 days but we will look at the last 4 days in much more detail next week. Thursday is also Ladies Day with a host of great prizes so ladies get out you Sunday best.

Tipp too good for brave Rossies All-Ireland Ladies Football U-16 B Semi-Final

Pete Kellehan…will be in action for Tremane this weekend. Picture: Andrew Fox

This weekend’s club hurling action

TIPPERARY

7-4

ROSCOMMON

2-5

Roscommon put up a brave resistance but were second best to Tipperary in Banagher last week. Heather Payne scored two goals for Roscommon to give their supporters some hope but Tipp were always too strong and they won easily in the end. Roscommon: M Kelly; K Nolan, A Galvin, A Mullins; E Irwin, S Fleming, A Reilly; M McHugh, S Scally; K Colgan (0-1), H Payne (2-0), A O’Connor (0-1); C Corcoran (0-2), L Brady (0-1), A Gavin. Subs: A Walsh for Mullins, S Glennon for Gavin, S Caulfield for Colgan.

Losers Group

Minor girls through to All-Ireland ﬁnal

Padraig Pearses v Tremane on Sunday in Athleague at 6 pm

All-Ireland Ladies Minor B Championship Semi-Final

Pearses will be the strong favourites to advance to the losers group final against a Tremane side who have not won a game in the championship thus far. They could give Pearses a fright but it would be a shock if Pearses don’t progress. Prediction: Padraig Pearses.

Athleague v St. Dominic’s on Sunday in Athleague at 7.30 pm St. Dominic’s played well last weekend against Tremane and Athleague were unlucky not to have got at least a share of the spoils against Oran. Athleague have to be the fancy to advance to the final of this group. Prediction: Athleague.

ROSCOMMON WATERFORD Roscommon will play Meath in the All-Ireland Minor ‘B’ Championship Final on Saturday week (the 30th of July) following this exciting two-point win at Nenagh last Saturday. Roscommon: C Mulhall; R Brady, S Dowd, A Curley; N Brennan, C Beirne,

3-7 1-11 R Wynne; N Feeney, S Connell; N Fleming, R Fitzmaurice (0-4), S Farrell (0-2); M Greene (0-1), N Shanagher (2-0), C Lennon. Subs: R Corcoran for Feeney, H Payne (1-0) for Fleming, E McDermott for Curley, L Brady for Greene.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Dan’s SPORTING WORLD WITH DAN DOONER

The glory days weren’t so glorious! THE LEAD STORY Dan Dooner I was listening to ‘Game On’ on 2FM on the way home from work on Tuesday evening and GAA President Aoghán Ó Fearghail was being asked his opinion on the current state of Gaelic football. There has been a clamour recently for a rule change when it comes to the handpass, but something the current president said really hit the nail on the head. When asked about the “traditional values” of the game and the loss of high-fielding, Mr Ó Fearghail responded “Joe Lennon was probably the greatest exponent of coaching in modern times that I’m aware of – the great legend of County Down

football – he always said the most important thing in Gaelic football was to keep possession and I think he’s correct. What’s the sense of going out and kicking a ball when you don’t know where it’s going to end up?” While the GAA president did admit that it might be exciting to see big kicks from full-backs and high fielding, it isn’t what the modern game is about. I completely agree with him and I found myself nodding to his next comment: “Have a look at old TG4 footage of the golden years of the 70s and 80s and when we look at them they’re not as golden as we thought at that time.” The fact is every sport evolves whether it’s tactics, technique, fitness levels or equipment. Where’s the sense in winning possession only to offer the opposition a 40/60 or even a

50/50 chance of regaining it? Now, I’m not saying that the game hasn’t become slightly more tedious but so too have many other sports including soccer and rugby at times. That’s simply what happens when coaches and players analyse the most efficient ways of winning. There are however two ways of winning, both attractive and ugly, and there are teams across different sports who have shown it’s possible to keep possession while winning in an attractive way. Think New Zealand in rugby, Barcelona in soccer and Dublin in Gaelic football. Possession can be attractive and effective when utilised by players who have been encouraged to be creative and attack-minded. Coaching and confidence are key in order to produce creative, risk-taking football.

Mike Kelly @kellymike87 History made in MacHale Park. Both teams to line out as selected in the programme. When was the last time that happened? #mayogaa #kildaregaa (What’s seldom is wonderful!)

Paddy Power @paddypower Looks like it’s now Steve Bruce v Big Sam. The worst two horse race since Susan Boyle took on Diversity for the Britain’s Got Talent title. (How did they get from Fabio Capello to here?)

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan @lukeming Might leave on @ShannonsideFM death notices after that match. It’d be less depressing. #rosvgal (Usual low-key reaction from the MEP!)

When used in the correct way and mixed with accurate kicking, the hand pass can be an effective and sometimes, devastating tool in modern Gaelic football.

Golf

Rose blossoms to win Ladies’ prize

Pictured is Liam Bruen Secretary Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club (on the right) presenting Martin Carrington with The PGA Tankard which Martin won with 41 points on Sunday July 10th.

Before we start this week’s tour of Roscommon golf courses, I’d like to make one correction to recent notes. Rose Lally was the very popular winner of Brid Connellan’s Captain’s prize in Strokestown recently. Congratulations to Rose on her great win. If the reporting error caused any annoyance we apologise. In Roscommon the Sunday competition was won by Liam Casey with 41 points with Michael Healy in second on 39 points. Cian O’Connor won the junior prize with 41 points and M. Farrell won the ladies’ 9-hole competition with 21 points with F. Thompson and G. Hoban in second and third respectively. Over in Castlerea, Dympna McGarry won the Lady Captain’s prize ahead of Mamie Creaton, Mary Colleary and Angela Rowntree. The men’s prize was won by Paddy Gibbons while the ‘Get Into Golf prize was claimed by Valerie Hough with Hannah O’Connor in second place. This week the attention shifts to Captain Greg Kelly and he kicked off his competitions on Tuesday. In Carrick-on-Shannon, the Di

Vino’s stableford was won by Dolores Mulvey with Elizabeth Muldowney in second and gross going to Ann Keenan. The PGA Tournament stableford for a place in Royal Tara in September was won by Martin Carrington. Meanwhile, at half-time in the AllIreland 4Ball Carrick lead Ballinasloe 4-1 from the first leg with all eyes now on Ballinasloe this Saturday. To Athlone next where the McSharry’s Pharmacy competition was won by Eoin McGrath ahead of Ned Broughall, Colin Kelly and Pat McCormack. The AWGS competition was won by P. McNamara while the ladies’ competition on July 12th was won by Patricia Cleary ahead of Rosemary Rowe. Finally we got to Boyle where Paul Connolly, Michael Gilmartin and Michael Bannon won the Boyle Business Association 3 Ball Rumble with 86 points. Joyce Boles, Mary O’Hara and Annette Bartlett were victorious in the ladies. Meanwhile, Gerry Carty enjoyed a wonderful double last weekend as he won the Thursday 12-hole competition and the Friday scramble.

Darts

Ballinaheglish darters star on international stage

Ronan McDonagh (second from left) represented Ireland along with his teammates in last weekend’s WDF Europe Cup.

Sporting week on Tweet Street

Ballinaheglish darter Ronan McDonagh took home a bronze medal as Team Ireland performed impressively at the WDF Europe Cup in Budapest, Hungary recently. McDonagh was paired with Mayo’s Conor Heneghan in the doubles competition and the duo made the quarter-final stage where they were beaten by the strong Dutch pairing of Fraunfelder and Hurrinbrink. He also reached the quarterfinals in the singles competition where he was once again defeated by Dutch opposition. In the team event Ireland made the last eight where they were beaten 9-8 by Turkey. The performances of the team as a whole earned them third

place which meant a bronze medal for McDonagh and his teammates. Meanwhile in Australia, David Concannon reached the last 16 in the prestigious Perth Darts Masters. Must be something in the water up in Ballinaheglish! Closer to home, Wayne Harries clinched victory as The Hollywood Bar Superleague got under way last Friday. He overcame Gary Concannon in the final 3-1. This week’s Superleague will continue tomorrow (Friday, July 29th) with the draw at 8.45 pm and first darts at 9 pm. Entry confined to 20 registered players. Contact David on 0860823180 for more details.

This weekend in the sporting world Do or die in Banner tie Roscommon senior footballers will need to bounce back this Saturday in Salthill against Clare in the All-Ireland qualifiers. The winner will earn a quarter-final place. The loser will face a bleak footballing winter!

Saintly battle in Lecarrow The Umbro Masters League Final will take place this Saturday at 6 pm in Lecarrow as St. Coman’s take on St. Francis for the title.

Athlone Open Week Athlone Golf Club’s Open Week commences this Saturday (July 24th) with great ladies and gents competitions every day. Book online or contact Kevin 090 6492073 to reserve a tee time. Visitors can enter for €15.

Handball

Coman’s take part in ‘King of the Gym’ It was a brotherly affair in Hospital, Co. Limerick last weekend for the final Onewall tournament of the season, billed as ‘King of the Gym’. The Cusack brothers Oisin and Fionn, the Carthy brothers Rory and Eoghan and Dylan Hanley all represented St. Coman’s with reasonable success. All players played four games each in a group format with the top two in each group going forward to the semifinals. In the U-11 grade the ever-improving Rory Carthy won all his group games impressively against Clare, Cork and Galway opposition. In the semi-finals he had an excellent win against Kilkenny’s highly rated Niall Drennan but in the final his recent nemesis from Armagh, Fiachra O’Duill, was just a step too far. In the same bracket Rory’s younger brother Eoghan was giving away a lot in age, but he gave a very good account of himself, winning one match and losing his other three narrowly. Dylan Hanley won three of his four group games in the U-15 event to qualify as runner-up, but performed belowpar to lose his semi-final to his regular sparring partner Evan O’Diolluin from Inverin, Co. Galway. The Cusack brothers were both competing in the U-17 grade and both qualified as runners-up in their respective groups. However, any hope of an all Strokestown final was dashed when Oisin lost a tough semi to the eventual winner David Walsh from Cork and Fionn was well beaten by Kilkenny’s Eoin Brennan.

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Seamus Duke ON SPORT

Connacht Final predictions were wide of the mark I don’t know how so many people (including me) got it so wrong. I was convinced that Roscommon could not play as bad again in the replay, and that Galway would not have much improvement in them. Well, that was fairly wide of the mark! Roscommon were stuck to the ground, were beaten in almost every position on the field, and Galway were a team transformed. They went back to the old Galway style of direct, fast football – and even though Roscommon could not cope – it was beautiful to watch at times. The interplay between Paul Conroy and Damien Comer was superb and Comer was lord of all he surveyed. He is a superb player. His teamwork and unselfish passing won the game for Galway and when you add in top class displays from Declan Kyne, Gareth Bradshaw, Gary O’Donnell, Tom Flynn, Gary Sice and the deadly accurate Danny Cummins, it was a display from Galway that I certainly did not see coming. They are a team that is improving all the time and they will give a good account of themselves in Croke Park. So what of Roscommon? The season is coming to a shuddering

halt and history suggests that the odds are stacked against Roscommon on Saturday in Salthill. In the 15 years of the qualifiers, only two teams have ever coped with a six-day turnaround after a loss and those two teams are Dublin and Cavan (who beat Carlow recently). It would be a marvellous feat for the management and players to be able to turn last Sunday’s disaster into a quarter-final place. It’s not an impossible task. Maybe it’s that the championship is much tougher and much more intense, but Roscommon were simply not at the races on Sunday last. We were well beaten at midfield and our defence was in trouble from the opening minutes. There will have to be changes to freshen up the team for Saturday. Some of the players who have been so great all year look worn out. Lads on the fringe of the team need to be given their chance to show what they can do with an eye to next year as much as anything else. A 70% fit Diarmuid Murtagh would be on my team an we simply have to do something at midfield, where Clare are strongest. The bottom line in Roscommon football over the past six years is that our championship per-

CHAMPIONSHIP Crystal Ball… All-Ireland SFC Qualiﬁers Clare v Roscommon on Saturday in Pearse Stadium at 3 pm The heart says Roscommon and the head says Clare. It would be a huge win if it were to happen. Our luck has to change soon. Prediction: Roscommon.

Derry v Tipperary on Saturday in Kingspan Breffni Park Derry are on a roll now and they scored an excellent win against Cavan last weekend. They are the sort of a team that play well the longer they stay in the championship. Tipperary are a good side but they may just come up short here. Prediction: Derry.

All-Ireland SHC - Quarter-Finals Limerick v Wexford in Thurles on Sunday Cathal Compton wins possession for Roscommon during Sunday’s Connacht Senior Football Final replay. Picture: Andrew Fox

formances have been poor for the most part. We have got to change that. I don’t blame the management for putting an emphasis on the league, because it was very important to stay in Division One. But we have to find a way of competing in Division One and concentrating on the championship as well. That’s what all the big teams do. Saturday’s game against Clare will be a very difficult one for Roscommon. They are coming in on the back of three good qualifier wins and they would have been hoping to draw Roscommon. Under normal circumstances, Roscommon would fancy their chances of beating Clare, but it will be very hard to

get the players up for this game after last Sunday. But we have Clare at a neutral venue to get into the last eight of the championship. It could have been a lot tougher. I wonder who fixed this game for Salthill…do these people not know what it is like to try and get in and out of Salthill on a Saturday in the middle of summer? It is a total nightmare and obviously the supporters are the last thing on the minds of the fixture-makers in the GAA. The decision to stage this game in Salthill will cost the GAA, because thousands of people will not bother going, as the game is on Sky TV. Finally on the Connacht final replay, the decision of RTE to stream it on the

RTE Player was less than a success. For many people the Player simply did not work and the screens were blank. Elsewhere in the championship, Dublin scored their expected easy win against Westmeath, while Tyrone came from behind to take the Ulster title after a very disappointing game. Tyrone are still the dark horses for the AllIreland title though. Longford’s run came to an end against Cork, which was a pity for the midlanders. Mayo are improving all the time. They blitzed Kildare before half-time to win another qualifier. With a game against Westmeath coming up, they should be in the quarter-finals again this year.

British Open duel a delight

Henrik Stenson pipped Phil Mickelson to the British Open last Sunday.

I taped the highlights of the final day’s play at the British Open and the duel between Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson was one of the greatest in the history of the game. From Friday onwards it was obvious that Mickelson and Stenson were way ahead of the field, but no one was prepared for the fireworks on Sunday. Mickelson played almost a perfect round of golf to record a 65, but incredibly Stenson scored a 63, which broke all sorts of records. It was breathtak-

ing stuff and a spectacular win for Stenson. By the way, in the preview here in last week’s People Sport I tipped Stenson to win. Did I back him?...no! It was also interesting to note that this was the first year that Sky Sports covered the British Open live. Their average viewing figures last week were in the region of 300,000. The BBC showed a highlights programme each night and they averaged two million viewers. Those stats speak for themselves.

Wexford had a great win against Cork and they will be up for this one. Limerick are not the team they were two years ago and as a result this could be a very close game. I have a feeling that Limerick might just have the edge. Prediction: Limerick.

Clare v Galway in Thurles on Sunday This promises to be a cracking match and there will be no love lost between these two. Galway have been mediocre and were well beaten by Kilkenny in the Leinster Final. Clare’s intentions are very clear this year and they intend to be in the semi-final by the back door. The Banner look the better bet to advance. Prediction: Clare.

From the Internet It’s important not to weight too much importance on the quality of one game. It’s also imperative not to overreact, considering the high-scoring nature of the four (including replays) Ulster semi-finals. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that it’s high time for a rule change to save Gaelic football from itself. Tyrone and Donegal played mirror systems last Sunday in the Ulster final, neutralising one another and choking the life out of the game. Both teams conceded the short kick-outs, a blight on the game, and dropped at least 14 players behind their own 45’. Only once the ball reached that point did they start to pressure the man in possession. Both teams were petrified of getting caught too high up the field, being turned over and hit on the break. There was just one goal chance in the game, which Cathal McCarron fluffed, and the high quality of score-taking from distance saved it as a spectacle. The problem is that most teams in the country don’t have players like Sean Cavanagh, Odhran MacNiallais, Peter Harte and Ryan McHugh, players that are capable of kicking long-range scores. So inevitably lower quality opposition produce unwatchable affairs. The teams produced just 14 kick passes each in the firsthalf. Gaelic football has become like basketball without the shot-clock, a game where possession is king. The ball isn’t kicked into the full-forward line anymore. We can’t go on like this. Joe Brolly’s proposed rule-change to cure football makes sense and should be considered. (the 42.ie)

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

TIME ADDED ON… The Good, The Bad and the downright Ugly < DAN DOONER

Salthill-bound! Ciaráin Murtagh scores a penalty against Sligo at Dr. Hyde Park as Roscommon reach the Connacht Final.

It has been a remarkable year for Roscommon football so far with Division One survival secured in spectacular fashion, a league semi-final appearance at Croke Park, a trip to New York and a Connacht Final appearance. Here we take a look back on the highs and lows so far.

The Good Allianz NFL Division 1 Round 2 Kerry 1-10 Roscommon 0-14 Roscommon made history back in February by beating Kerry in the league for the first time on Kerry soil. The Rossies recovered from their opening league defeat to Monaghan to hold off the Kingdom in Killarney.

Allianz NFL Division 1 Round 3 Cork 3-10 Roscommon 4-25 There was no talk about negative handpassing when Roscommon travelled to Pairc Uí Rinn in February. It was a case of ‘Rossies Rout Rebels’ in what was a memorable win.

Allianz NFL Division 1 Round 5 Donegal 0-17 Roscommon 1-19 Arguably Roscommon’s most impressive performance came in March when they travelled to Letterkenny to face Ulster giants Donegal. Despite losing both Enda Smith and Senan Kilbride to injury before the game, Roscommon produced a fantastic performance on their travels once again.

Connacht SFC Semi-Final

Comeback kings! The Smith brothers, Enda and Donie, celebrate following Enda’s wonder goal during the second-half fightback against Sligo in the Connacht SFC Semi-Final in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon 4-16 Sligo 2-13 The much-maligned turf of Dr. Hyde Park was given a fitting send-off in the Connacht SFC semi-final back in June when Roscommon recovered from a 2-8 to 0-6 half-time interval to blow Sligo away and reach the provincial decider against Galway.

National Media View

Rossies ‘blown away’ by Walsh’s heroes Doubts will be cast on the merits of this victory given the tame level of resistance offered by Roscommon, but one need only refer to Galway’s second most recent performance in Castlebar and the ending of Mayo’s provincial reign to realise that Kevin Walsh is building a pretty formidable outfit out west. And for all the chatter surrounding their improved rear-guard structure and the fabric strength of the defensive blanket Walsh has been weaving since his appointment in 2014, it was their movement and decisionmaking in the latter half of the field that had Kevin McStay likening Galway’s first-half performance to that of a hurricane. “They blew us away,” said the Roscommon joint-manager shortly after Gary O’Donnell clasped his hands onto the JJ Nestor Cup to bring the curtain down on the county’s eightyear wait for Connacht glory. The match officials warm up prior to throw in. Picture: Andrew Fox

Galway’s last All-Ireland quarterfinal appearance in 2014 was born out of a comprehensive Connacht final defeat to Mayo and a fourth round qualifier win against a Tipperary side very much in its infancy. On this occasion, though, their place in the last eight has been moulded from back-to-back wins over Division 1 teams; Mayo taken on their home turf, and Roscommon whipped to the tune of 11 points. Content to be in Croke Park two summers ago, Galway will return to Jones Road in a fortnight with far greater ambition. The opposition, too, you suspect, will be far more wary. Where the Tribesmen were cautious last week, they were creative yesterday. Inspired almost, well certainly in the opening half an hour. What had hindered the Tribesmen in the second-half of the drawn fixture was their tendency to slow the

play down when securing possession around midfield. The contrast couldn’t have been starker here; Paul Conroy, time and time again, spraying quick ball into the forward unit before Roscommon had a chance to put up their defensive screen. Such was the flow of scores landed early on that Roscommon were forced to abandon said screen in having to chase the game. Sean Mullooly was left terribly exposed at full-back in attempting to tie down Damien Comer, and while Niall McInerney was the sole Roscommon defender to stick his head above the parapet, Danny Cummins still helped himself to 2-1. Gary Sice was a constant source of trouble down the right wing, with Shane Walsh also effective on the opposite flank. (Examiner.ie)

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

TIME ADDED ON… The Big Match on Tweet Street

Hat’s off! Fergal O’Donnell shows his frustration on the sideline. Pic: Andrew Fox

Colin Ryan @ryancolin1 Shambles by @RTEplayer managing to prevent two counties from watching their team in a provincial final. #GALROS (In hindsight, probably a good thing the RTE player wasn’t working!)

Colm Gannon @ColmGannon Big crowds heading to Castlebar, cars parked well out the Breaffy Road, should have ran a car park in the garden €5 a car!! (Wonder if Mr Gannon has a holiday home in Salthill?)

The Bad

Barry McGonigle @BarryMcGonigle_ Well done Galway. Outfoxed, outfought and outthought, hard to know where we go from there. (Salthill Barry, unfortunately!)

Allianz NFL Division 1 Round 6 Roscommon 1-7 Mayo 1-11 Remembered for the state of the pitch as much as Mayo’s dominance, the NFL game at the end of March will have been purged from the memory, but it was the beginning of a tough couple of months for Roscommon on and off the field.

Allianz NFL Semi-Final Kerry 3-15 Roscommon 0-14 Roscommon travelled to Croke Park with the memory of the historic win in Killarney still fairly fresh in the memory. They left with their tail between their legs following a Kerry blitz.

seamus stenson @seamus119 Scarytale of New York: Roscommon came under severe pressure during their Connacht championship opener in New York. Pic: Andrew Fox

Shane Curran @shanetcurran @RoscommonGAA v @GaaClare in football qualifiers – gr8 chance 2 get back on a positive note after yesterday’s disappointment #keepthefaith (Ok who are you and what have you done with our Cake?)

Connacht SFC Round 1 New York 0-17 Roscommon 1-15 ‘The Scarytale of New York’. It may have been a win but this is one that certainly felt like a loss as Justin O’Halloran’s team almost pulled off a major shock. The Rossies survived, however. Just.

Roscommon GAA @RoscommonGAA We are to play Clare in Salthill on Saturday time to be confirmed (This should go down well…)

Connacht SFC Final Roscommon 1-10 Galway 0-13 A late Donie Smith point brought this year’s Connacht Final to a replay but everything was bad about this match; the venue, the traffic, the weather, the performance from both teams, everything.

Steve O’Boy @Stevo1085 @RoscommonGAA I’m at my wits end with you’s at the minute (Take it from us, Salthill was not a popular choice on Twitter!)

The Ugly

What’s Next?

Connacht SFC Final Replay Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14 Almost every aspect of the Connacht Final improved for the replay. Castlebar was a much better venue, the weather picked up – for the first half at least – and Galway played expansive, high-tempo football. Roscommon on the other hand were poor and were well beaten.

So, is this still john evans fault or…(A distant relative of Seamus’ won the British Open on Sunday, so that should go some way to relieving the pain)

Stuck in the mud: Mayo kept their Division One survival hopes alive with a win in a muddy Dr. Hyde Park back in March. Pic: Andrew Fox

Roscommon face Clare in the qualifiers in Pearse Stadium, Salthill, this coming Saturday. The winners have a place in the quarter-final the following weekend.

THE PEOPLE’S PUNDIT Paul Earley (Former Roscommon player and manager)

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were Lorraine, Finán, Aaron and Barry Miley. Picture: Andrew Fox

“It was very disappointing but I have to say that I was not surprised when Galway won easily. I couldn’t understand the people who were of the opinion that Roscommon were going to make a big improvement from the drawn game. The facts are that Roscommon are struggling at midfield all year and it was bound to tell. If you have a weak midfield then you will be found out and that’s what happened. Galway pushed up on the Roscommon kick-out and they had to go long and Galway

dominated the midfield. “Before the game I was worried about Damien Comer. In the drawn game he didn’t get much ball, but on Sunday last they used him well and he is a fantastic player and he brought the other Galway players into the action and the dry day suited him down to the ground. Roscommon will have to sort out their midfield if they want to progress. I know that they have had injuries, etc. but they will have to sort it out because they have good forwards. A solid midfield pairing could

transform their play. “It will be very difficult for Roscommon to beat Clare on Saturday. Clare will come into the game on a high and remember that they scored 1-13 against Sligo in the second half alone and they will be very confident. I presume that there will be a good few changes on the Roscommon team and some of the lads that came on and did well last Sunday will probably get a chance. I’m sure Roscommon will give it everything but the odds are stacked against them.”

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

‘Roscommon lacked leaders…it’s time to start running at teams again’ Francie Grehan (Former Roscommon player and All Star) The change from the drawn match to the replay was that Roscommon learned absolutely nothing while Galway totally changed their style of play. The game last Sunday was over after 20 minutes, such was the level of dominance that Galway had. Galway looked at Roscommon’s weakness in the middle of the field and they pushed up on the Roscommon kick-outs and when we had to go long they knew that their midfield would dominate. They ran straight at Roscommon and we just couldn’t cope. We have to sort out our midfield.

I know league and championship is totally different, but Roscommon’s style of play has changed completely since the league campaign. Maybe the management were worried that we were conceding too much, but we have stopped running at teams and we have became far more negative. We showed in the second half against Sligo when we were eight points down that our fast-paced running game can pay off – but we didn’t see any of it against Galway. The management are in a tough position

for the game against Clare. Do they stick with the lads who played last weekend and give them a chance to redeem themselves or do they freshen up the team with some of the young lads who came on and did well? History shows that a six-day turnaround is a tough thing to cope with so Roscommon will be up against it on Saturday. This is a chance to get into a quarter-final and either Roscommon want this or they don’t – we will see on Saturday. I would be worried that we lack of leaders on the field and against Galway there

was hardly a decent shoulder struck in either game, and especially last Sunday. The players have a chance to go out and put the train back on the track on Saturday. It’s a huge task but the game against Clare is one that Roscommon are capable of winning. Whether or not the hunger is there after what happened last Sunday is the big question. It is only when the game starts that we will see the answer to that question. Let’s hope there is a big display in the players. * In an interview with Seamus Duke

Quiet car following carnage in Castlebar < DAN DOONER

Roscommon players pictured arriving at the pitch in Castlebar last Sunday are on the road yet again this season…this time, back to Salthill. Picture: Andrew Fox

Anger at decision to play qualiﬁer in Salthill < SEAMUS DUKE

There is much anger amongst members of the public in Roscommon at the choice of Pearse Stadium, Salthill for Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier against Clare (throw-in at 3 pm). The game will be staged on what is probably the busiest weekend of the year in Galway, tourism-wise. There have been no official moves to change the venue from a Roscommon County Board point of view, but several supporters have been complaining about the venue on social media and other platforms. Speaking on Tuesday morning, the Treasurer of the Roscommon County Board Seamus Maher said that the choice of venue showed a total lack of re-

spect for supporters. “I don’t know how they came up with Salthill on one of the busiest Saturdays of the year. The annual Galway (Racing) Festival starts on Saturday and the traffic will be chaotic. Our supporters have had to travel all over the country this year and obviously no thought was put into the choice of venue at all. It’s very unfair on our supporters. “I’m not sure that the venue can be changed at this stage, but Tuam would be a far more suitable venue. It would well able to cope with the expected crowd (four/five thousand) and the people would be able to get in and out of the venue easily” he concluded. Well-known local councillor and GAA fan Domnick Connolly says that he

is shocked at the choice of venue and has called on the County Board to try to get the GAA to make a change. “It’s very unfair to fix this game for Pearse Stadium. Roscommon followers travelled in their thousands to the recent Connacht final and had to cope with the terrible weather and chaotic traffic jams. It’s very unfair to ask them to go back again this weekend. “With Dr. Hyde Park closed this year Roscommon supporters have had to travel even more then they usually would have to and as we know Roscommon supporters are some of the best and most loyal in the country. Tuam Stadium would be an ideal alternative venue and it beggars belief that Roscommon and Clare supporters are being

dragged to Salthill again on one of the busiest weekends of the year” he said. There is deep disappointment in the county following last Sunday’s heavy defeat at the hands on Galway in the Connacht final replay at MacHale Park and Roscommon have one last chance to save their championship season when they face Clare. The odds are stacked against Roscommon as only two teams have been able to cope with a provincial loss and come back to win six days later since the qualifiers were introduced in 2001. Clare have beaten Laois and Sligo in the qualifiers to reach this stage and the winners of Saturday’s game will reach the All-Ireland qualifiers on Sunday, 31st of July in Croke Park.

It’s the hope that kills you. At some stage during the first half in last Sunday’s Connacht final replay, the P.A. announcer informed the crowd that there was a child missing. By half-time I wondered whether a similar announcement would be made regarding the Roscommon footballers. Instead the fire alarm went off and one Roscommon wag offered some humour from the gallows: “That must be Roscommon looking for a way out!” Cue guffaws and knee-slapping. The Roscommon team and supporters certainly didn’t

make their way to Castlebar with the expectation of being mocked or laughed at, but that’s what transpired. At the very end, the presentation of the JJ Nestor Cup began something like this: “They say that a week is a long time in politics, but it’s certainly a long time in Gaelic football. Last week these two teams were inseparable but this week there is no doubting the superiority of one over the other.” The last part was salt deep in a fresh wound, and what’s worse, it was true. Galway buzzed, hunting in packs and smothering any man who dared to wear a primrose jersey. In the stand

it made uncomfortable viewing as Roscommon’s midfield and back-line were torn apart by what Kevin McStay described as “a hurricane”. By half-time it was over as a contest and Roscommon fans were already considering ducking out before the traffic. We had arrived at MacHale Park via Knock and cursed ourselves for not stopping to say a Novena. 35 minutes or so later and the referee ended the misery as the rain began to fall. It was a sombre and quiet journey home with tails firmly between legs. I consoled myself with the thought that at least it wasn’t Salthill…

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last were Ava, Luke, Jack and Evan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

‘Galway hit us like a hurricane’ < SEAMUS DUKE

It was a shell-shocked Roscommon joint manager Kevin McStay that leaned against the dressing room wall moments after he had watched his side being dismantled by Galway. The heady days of the brilliant wins in the league against Kerry, Cork and Donegal were distant memories as championship reality once again came to haunt Roscommon. It was a difficult interview after such a harrowing experience. “It was a really tough day. The game got away from us early and by half-time we were just playing for pride, with half an eye on next weekend as well. It is tough to take and I never thought it would turn out this way, but Galway were the better team by miles. They got off to a flyer and they built on that and we couldn’t cope. “We were beaten in most positions on the field and we didn’t expect that to happen. We have to take a long, hard look at things

now and see if we can turn it around for next weekend. It’s going to be a hard ask and it’s only a six-day turnaround. The players put a big effort into it. This week we rested them up as best we could and spoke about what was required and Galway just hit us with a hurricane and the three goals blew the game wide open. The game was over at half-time. We did our best to rally the players at half-time and there was a big Roscommon following out there today. We had to try to come up with a second-half performance to prepare for next week. “We are not out of the All-Ireland series, we are out of the Connacht Championship and that’s disappointing because it’s not something that we thought we would win in our first 12 months – but the opportunity was there and now it’s gone. “The players have done so much work and they have put their whole lives into this and I feel for them this evening. We will have a look at the panel again this week.

There were three or four lads very unlucky to have missed out today. Diarmuid Murtagh is fit, as is Ian Kilbride, but only 26 players can get on the bus and that’s the way it is. “I said previously that there are two tickets to the last eight. One, we have just torn up and we will definitely be having a big cut this Saturday. We need to catch a bit of form because at the moment we are not playing well enough to win any big match at the moment. “We put a huge effort into the league and to reserve our Division One status was very important in the development of this team. Have we gone over the top? We should be able to rectify it if we have, because we have a very big panel and from numbers 15 to 30 we have players of very even quality and we should be able to freshen it up. Remember this season is not over yet. We will dust ourselves down now and go again. That’s for sure,” he concluded.

‘We have to take a long hard look at everything’ Joint Roscommon manager, Fergal O’Donnell, was at a loss to explain how his charges were beaten so comprehensively by Galway in last Sunday’s Connacht Final replay in Castlebar. “The game was over at a very early stage and that was very disappointing. I don’t know why we were so far off the mark. We thought we had prepared well during the week but from early on when we went three-nil down we were in trouble and in the 50/50 clashes we didn’t seem to be at the races and

then when we were so far down we pushed up and we left more gaps at the back. “We struggled all around the field and we will have to take a long, hard look at everything. We put a huge effort into the league and we will have to look at that. We are not performing as well as we can in the championship. But we are better than we showed out there today. But I have to say that Galway were very slick and they were excellent. They played some brilliant football and hats off to them.”

Galway boss Walsh: ‘We were exceptional today!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

Galway manager, Kevin Walsh, felt his side more than redeemed themselves last Sunday as they swept Roscommon aside to claim the JJ Nestor Cup in Castlebar. Walsh said: “We didn’t push on when we had the chance last week and if you want to become a serious

team you have to press home your advantage when you have it and we did that today. We were exceptional today, in fairness. “We took a lot of positives out of last week. It might have been a hard game to watch but we did a lot of good things in the game and we built on that today. We were expecting a tough game

and we knew once the draw was made that we would have to take out two Division One teams to win a Connacht title, and we have done that, so it’s very satisfying. The standard of the Connacht Championship was very high this year and it is a great achievement to win it and we must kick on now.”

Gary O’Donnell – ‘Best football we’ve played!’ < SEAMUS DUKE

Pictured in MacHale Park on Sunday last at the Connacht Final replay were James and John Mooney. Picture: Andrew Fox

Galway captain, Gary O’Donnell, basked in Connacht Championship glory at the final whistle in Castlebar on Sunday following the end of an eight-year wait for provincial success. He said: “Eight years is a very long time in Galway football. The hunger and motivation was as good as I have ever seen in a Galway dressing room. That’s the best football we have played

in the years since I have been involved. It was a pleasure to have been out there today and to have been a part of that display. We knew last week that we should have seen out the win, but we didn’t panic during the week. We didn’t over-analyse it and we knew the things we needed to improve on. It was evident out on the field there today and we improved in every area where it was required. “We scored three brilliant goals

and we created those chances from our runners coming from deep and with our defence playing well – it was a great team performance. We have had our fair share of critics over the years and in fairness we were our own biggest critics at times. We knew that we had to become more consistent. But we knew that we would get it right eventually and that’s the way it worked out and all the hard work came together today.”

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

CALAMITY IN * Super Galway leave Roscommon on brink * Players must stand up and be counted against Clare

Cathal Cregg and Donie Smith battle to win possession back for Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

THE VERDICT Seamus Duke With 15 minutes to play in last Sunday’s replay at Elvery’s MacHale Park in Castlebar, Galway cornerforward Danny Cummins sped down the field on the stand side of the ground. His angled shot from 15 metres out flew like an exocet missile into the bottom left-hand corner of the Roscommon net for Galway’s third goal of the game. It extended the Galway lead to 14 points. The rain had just begun to fall and the vast majority of Roscommon fans had seen enough, and thousands of them poured towards the exits. It had been another very bad day at MacHale Park, where we have seen many heavy championship defeats over the years. This was another painful encounter to add to the list. In fact this game was over as a contest after 15 minutes. Roscommon’s season, which started so well with some marvellous displays in Division One of the league, is unravelling at an alarming rate and it will take a gargantuan effort to rescue the championship season with a win against Clare next weekend. This hammering will certainly not help the cause and it is hard to know where to start to analyse this game, such was the poverty of the chal-

lenge offered by Roscommon. The free-flowing, possession-based, fast-running game we saw earlier in the season is now gone, and the players are hesitant and unsure since the championship started, with the exception of the second half against Sligo. From the first few minutes, it was clear that Roscommon were in trouble. The defence was all over the place as Galway, inspired by Paul Conroy and the brilliant Damien Comer, drove straight at the Roscommon rearguard. Roscommon defenders were popping up in attack and no one seemed to know who they were marking. Galway took full advantage. Comer, Danny Cummins, Shane Walsh, Gary Sice and Tom Flynn had the freedom of the park as the Galway tally mounted. When Galway scored their first goal, after 19 minutes, you sensed the game was over as a contest, and when Gary Sice scooted around Fintan Cregg to blast home the second goal in the 25th minute, a rout was on the cards. Ciaráin Murtagh flew a lone flag for Roscommon in the first half with a few quality points, but elsewhere Roscommon were beaten in every position. It was painful to watch. The second half was a non-

event – as Galway ambled to the easiest of victories – and although some of the Roscommon subs, like Enda Smith, Fergal Lennon, Thomas Corcoran and Done Shine, did well when they came on, the Nestor Cup was already parcelled up and ready for a trip down the N17 for the winter. In fact the Roscommon subs scored just as much as the players who started, which tells its own story. So, what happened? There are serious questions for the management team to answer after this defeat. Despite the fact that Roscommon were in trouble all over the field in the first half, there were no changes made except for an enforced one when Donie Smith came on for the black-carded David Keenan. Roscommon were getting roasted at midfield and in defence, but it was only when the game was over as a contest that we saw any changes. The midfield sector has been a problem for Roscommon all year and the chickens came home to roost last Sunday. It’s probably time now to give the likes of some of the fringe players starting spots. Certainly the midfield area has got to be more competitive. I don’t go to training and therefore I cannot see what the form of every player is, but the case of Diarmuid Murtagh is a real mystery. Kevin McStay told me after the game last Sunday that Diarmuid Murtagh is fully fit. I know

Rossies in a Comer as Tribesmen Sice them open KEY MOMENTS Seamus Duke Roscommon were in trouble almost from the throw-in. After a period of early possession, which yielded nothing, Roscommon were soon back-pedalling. Eoghan Kerin opened the Tribesmen’s account with a point in the 4th minute and within 90 seconds Gary Sice (free) and Eamon Branagan had added more points. Roscommon were struggling to get their hands on the ball, as Galway swept forward. Ciaráin Murtagh did lift the siege with a fine point in the 14th minute and Shane Walsh and Senan Kilbride swapped points to leave it 0-4 to 0-2 after 15

minutes. But the pressure on the Roscommon defence was relentless and it was only a matter of time before Galway made their dominance pay. In the 17th minute Damien Comer’s fisted ‘goal’ was disallowed by referee Ciaran Branagan. It looked a marginal call, but it wasn’t long before Galway were celebrating their first goal. Goalkeeper Bernard Power ambled downfield and let fly from distance. The ball was deflected into the path of Eamon Branagan, who set up Danny Cummins and he fired low and hard past Darren

O’Malley. Even at this stage you could see the writing was on the wall for Roscommon. The defence was in disarray and the midfield sector was struggling badly. The outstanding Damien Comer and Ciaráin Murtagh exchanged points before further points from Comer and Danny Cummins stretched Galway’s lead to seven by the 25th minute. Roscommon were under serious pressure all over the field – and worse was to come a minute later. Gary Sice gained possession down the righthand side of the field and he scooted around Fintan Cregg before blasting an unstoppable shot into the roof of the Roscommon net for a spectacular goal. Points from Damien Comer and Shane Walsh (free) saw Galway up by 2-9 to 0-3 by the 29th minute and the game was all over as a

contest. The huge Roscommon following was stunned as another MacHale Park nightmare was on the cards. Things got even worse for Roscommon as David Keenan was black-carded in the 29th minute, and while Ciaráin Murtagh kicked two points (one a free) before half-time, the sides went in at the break with Galway leading by 2-9 to 0-5. It was damage limitation for Roscommon in the second half and they made two changes at half-time with Fergal Lennon and Enda Smith coming on for Sean Purcell and Conor Devaney. In fact Fergal Lennon scored a point with his first touch in inter-county football, in the 39th minute, but Galway were in total control and they kicked some super points in that second half. Roscommon kicked two in a row from Enda Smith and

Senan Kilbride to reduce the margin to 11 points by the 55th minute, but Galway were not finished yet. With 19 minutes to play Danny Cummins was released down the stand side of MacHale Park by a brilliant Gary Sice pass, and he carried for 30 metres before crashing home a great goal, low and hard to the corner of the net. When Paul Conroy followed up with a lovely point two minutes later, Roscommon trailed by 14 points. The final quarter was played in almost total silence except for the cheers of the Galway fans as the rain began to fall. Roscommon did score a few points towards the finish to take the mean look off the scoreboard, and Cathal Cregg, Thomas Corcoran, Enda Smith and Ultan Harney were all on target. But with sub Paul Var-

ley and team captain Gary O’Donnell scoring late points, it wrapped up what was a very sweet win for Kevin Walsh and his men. After the previous weekend’s stalemate, Galway’s direct approach had paid dividends and they thoroughly deserved to take their first title since 2008. For Roscommon, it was a desperately disappointing day and a season that started so well runs the risk of petering out in surprisingly low-key fashion. Galway: Bernard Power (0-1, ’45); Eoghan Kerin (0-1), Declan Kyne, David Wynne; Gary O’Donnell (0-1), Liam Silke, Gareth Bradshaw; Paul Conroy (0-1), Thomas Flynn; Gary Sice (1-2, 2 frees), Eamon Brannigan (0-2), Johnny Heaney; Danny Cummins (2-1), Damien Comer (03), Shane Walsh (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: Adrian Varley

for Walsh (52), Padraig Sweeney for Comer (58, black card), Finian Hanley for Kyne (66), Paul Varley (0-1) for Heaney (67), Eddie Hoare for Sice (70), Peter Cooke for Cummins (70). Roscommon: Darren O’Malley; Davy Murray, Sean Mullooly, Niall McInerney; David Keenan, John McManus, Sean Purcell; Niall Daly, Cathal Compton; Fintan Cregg, Cathal Cregg (0-1), Seanie McDermott; Ciaran Murtagh (0-4, 1 free), Senan Kilbride (02), Conor Devaney. Subs: Donie Smith for Keenan (31, black card), Enda Smith (0-2) for Devaney (35), Fergal Lennon (0-1) for Purcell (35), Donie Shine (0-2) for F Cregg (42), Thomas Corcoran (0-1) for Compton (49), Ultan Harney (0-1) for Mullooly (52). Referee: Ciaran Branagan (Down).

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

Connacht SFC Final Replay: Galway 3-16 Roscommon 0-14

CASTLEBAR if I was picking the Roscommon senior football team and I knew that Diarmuid Murtagh was fully fit he would be the first name on the team sheet. In my humble opinion he is the best footballer in the county. If he was playing last Sunday the result would not have been any different, but surely we must put our best team on the field in order to have a chance. What has happened that Diarmuid Murtagh is considered not good enough to even make the match-day 26? At his best he would get on any team in the country, in my view. It has been another desperately disappointing championship for Roscommon. When it comes to next summer, it will be 16 years since we have beaten Galway or Mayo in the championship – and that’s the bottom line. But all is not lost. We have one more throw of the dice – next weekend. The managerial skills of the Roscommon backroom team will be tested to the limit this week in order to lift the players for what will be a very difficult game against Clare. You won’t read any criticism of

players in this report. They are a great bunch of young men who are making huge sacrifices for Roscommon football. It would be great if we could get back on the winning trail again this weekend. But we were seriously out of our depth last Sunday, which is alarming. Going forward, the management team will have to sit down and re-assess what has happened this summer. Maybe too much was put into the league campaign and perhaps many of the players are simply burnt out. However it’s a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ scenario. If Roscommon were relegated from Division One – left to concentrate on the championship – it would have thrown up its own set of problems. Overall, the year has been positive and to have stayed in Division One was a huge achievement. But any team is judged on how it does in the championship and we have a long, long way to go before we make any progress in that regard. Let’s see what happens against Clare first. Where there is life, there is hope. Give it one last lash, lads!

Stat Attack Wides: Galway 9 (5, first half); Roscommon 14 (7, first half) Frees Awarded: Galway 17 (10, first half); Roscommon 9 (4, first half) Yellow Cards: Galway 1 (Eoghan Kerin 63); Roscommon 2 (Donie Smith 36, 63) Black Cards: Galway 1 (Damien Comer 57); Roscommon 2 (David Keenan 29, Sean Mullooly 51) Red Cards: Galway 0; Roscommon 1 (Donie Smith 63) Man of the Match: Damien Comer (Galway) Attendance: 15,960

Ciaráin Murtagh searches around for options. Picture: Andrew Fox

Seanie Purcell moves possession across the field. Picture: Andrew Fox

Niall Daly evades a challenge. Picture: Andrew Fox

Cathal Cregg fails to win back possession with his tackle. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 July 2016

SportsPeople

INSIDE: Roscommon v Clare All-Ireland qualiﬁers preview .... GAA Results Wednesday, July 13th Adult Football Division 4 St. Barry’s 2-12 St. Dominic’s 1-5 Friday, July 15th Adult Football League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) Western Gaels 2-7 Elphin 0-11 Junior A Football Championship (Section B) Castlerea St. Kevin’s 3-12 St. Joseph’s 2-7 Junior B Football Championship (Section A) Michael Glavey’s 1-9 Kilmore 1-7 Junior B Football Championship (Section B) Kilbride W/O v Boyle Roscommon Gaels 4-17 St. Faithleach’s 0-5 Saturday, July 16th Adult Football League Division 2 (O’Gara Cup) Éire Óg 4-16 St. Dominic’s 2-9 Adult Football League Division 4 St. Barry’s 1-11 Pádraig Pearses 1-11

GAA ﬁxtures Friday, July 22nd Adult Football League Division 2 (O’Gara Cup) At Athleague: Fuerty v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 8.30 pm Junior A Football Championship (Section B) At Tulsk: Western Gaels v St Joseph’s. 8 pm Junior B Football Championship (Section A) At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Kilglass Gaels. 8 pm Saturday, July 23rd All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers Round 4A At Pearse Stadium: Roscommon v Clare. 3 pm Adult Football League Division 3 (Tansey Cup) At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Elphin. 7 pm Sunday, July 24th Adult Football League Division 1 (O’Rourke Cup) At Strokestown: Strokestown v Oran. 1 pm Adult Football League Division 4 At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v St. Barry’s. 12 pm Adult Football League Division 5 At Davonna Park: Ballinameen v Kilbride. 12 pm At Kilmore: Kilmore v Fuerty. 12 pm Pick of the best: Kevin McStay talking with Seanie McDermott and Niall McInerney after the drawn Connacht Final against Galway in Salthill. Picture: Andrew Fox

Underage Fixtures

“We only pick the best possible team!” – McStay < SEAMUS DUKE

Nobody said it would be easy. This week will test the resolve, not only of the Roscommon players but of the team management too as they try to defy the stats and produce a win for Roscommon against Clare on Saturday after the chastening experience that was MacHale Park last Sunday. But Kevin McStay remains upbeat and positive and is totally determined to redeem Roscommon’s reputation and to steer them to the quarter-finals. “We can’t ignore what

happened in MacHale Park but we are approaching our training this week in a confident manner and we are determined to turn it around. I know that there has been a bit of controversy about the venue but that doesn’t really matter to us. The bottom line is that if we play as badly as we did last Sunday it won’t matter what venue the game is in because we won’t win. “One thing for certain we will be trying a new approach this weekend because what we tried last Sunday did not work. The facts are that we are one game away from the

quarter-finals and we will do everything we can to get there. At this stage of the week (Tuesday) I can’t say what changes we will make but there is not much point in making changes just for the sake of it but we will be trying something new. “I want to make a very important point about changes. There are many very genuine people who say to me ‘where is this player or that player?’ and ‘why are they not starting or coming on?’ or whatever and my answer is that we have seen every player since we started last

year in training and in their preparation work, and I can honestly say that there are a number of players on our panel who have missed vital parts of our training through injury and we have all the information about every player in terms of their physical shape, conditioning and their form. We pick the team on all that information and what we see in training and I can assure you and the fans out there that we would never pick anything other than what we consider is our best and strongest Roscommon team for every game

and those are the facts. “I know last Sunday was really disappointing and I also know that we are a better team than we showed in that game. The positive thing is that we have no injuries after the game and now it is up to us as a group to stick together and come out fighting on Saturday. I know that the statistics are against us on the six-day turnaround thing but I am confident we will get a response form the lads. We have worked so hard this year and we will give it a serious lash I can guarantee you that.”

Thursday, July 21st U-14 Football Championship Division 1 (7.30 pm) At Mulhern Park: St. Ciarán’s v Pádraig Pearses At Abbey Park: Boyle v Clann na nGael At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v Kilmore/Shannon Gaels U-14 Football Championship Division 2 (7.30 pm) At Strokestown: Strokestown v St. Michael’s At Rockfield: Oran v Roscommon Gaels At St. Dominic’s: St. Dominic’s v St. Aidan’s U-14 Football Championship Division 3 (7.30 pm) At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v St. Faithleach’s At Johnstown: Clann na nGael v Kilglass Gaels/St. Barry’s At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Kilbride U-14 Football Championship Division 4 (7.30 pm) At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Croan’s At Michael Glavey’s: Michael Glavey’s v Pádraig Pearses At Tulsk: Tulsk Lord Edwards v Boyle Saturday, July 23rd U-12 Summer Football League Division 4 At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Éire Óg. 6 pm Monday, July 25th Minor Football Championship Division 2 (7.30 pm) At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v St. Ciarán’s U-14 Football Championship Division 1 (7.30 pm) At Kiltoom, St. Brigid’s v St. Ciarán’s U-14 Football Championship Division 3 (7.30 pm) At Kilbride: Kilbride v Clann na nGael